Giveaway & Review of “Horse Gentler in Training, Winnie: The Early Years,” by Dandi Daley Mackall

Posted on October 6, 2018 by Becky

Just Horsing Around!

When you were a child, would you have liked to have had a horse to ride?  Eight-year-old Winnie does and she loves it.  But her family’s future at their ranch depends on a horse that is boarded there, and keeping it from leaving.

The horse owner’s son, Austin, is in the same class at school as Winnie.  He takes every opportunity to taunt her that he is trying to convince his dad to take their horse somewhere else.  Winnie often takes the bait, and gets herself into a variety of predicaments.

The author mixes fun times into the story along with situations when Winnie is tempted to do the wrong thing.  Children will be able to identify with Winnie who wants to save her family’s business, but doesn’t always do it the right way.  They will also understand what it is like to have a mean classmate like Austin.

This is a cute tale that shows the consequences of lying, as well as, the importance of thinking things through before trying to change things.  Bible principles are seamlessly included in the story.  The ending proves that:

“What is impossible for people, is possible with God.”

The grade level suggested is Preschool to third grade, but I think children a few years older will still enjoy this book. This is the second installment of the series Winnie: The Early Years, but the story stands on its own.  A handy section in the back of the volume contains horse terms and breeds.  Cute illustrations are sprinkled throughout the tale.  The author, a lifelong horse lover, includes a touching glimpse of the horse she had as a child.  You don’t have to be a fan of horses to like Horse Gentler in Training.  I recommend this 5-star book for any of the children in your life.Enter the Giveaway Here:

Tyndale House is holding a giveaway where you can get a chance to win a copy of each of the Winnie: The Early Years chapter books!  Enter here:  https://wn.nr/J2dQrw

Tyndale House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Horse Gentler in Training, Winnie: The Early Years, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:  www.dandibooks.com

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dandi.mackall?fref=ts

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/dandiMackall

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“Second-Chance Dogs” edited by Callie Smith Grant

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Becky

True Stories of the Dogs We Rescue and the Dogs Who Rescue Us

Have you had a dog touch your life in a way that you will never forget?  Those are the experiences that are shared in this collection of thirty-six reminiscences about dogs and the people who loved them.

I felt a kinship to the story-tellers because many of them write about a dog smiling.  Growing up with dogs, I had often seen a dog do that.  Later, I was unprepared for the blank looks I got from people when I mentioned a dog’s grin.  But in this group of stories, the authors often refer to a dog’s smile.

One of the story’s reference to Gotcha Day reminded me of the time a little girl was adopted by my good friend’s family.  Until then, I hadn’t known “Gotcha Day” is the term used for the actual day the judge grants the adoption, and makes everything legal. Because of its importance that date is often celebrated yearly, just like a birthday.  When I saw one of the stories entitled Gotcha Day, I immediately knew how special, and important, it was to that family to have their dog join them.

Every story in Second-Chance Dogs is clean, and some mention faith.  The tales range from the family dog, to soldiers and their canine comrades, to rescue dogs that help in a variety of situations.  None of them take more than a few minutes to read. Some will make you laugh and others may bring a tear to your eye.  I do wish a larger size font was used for the text, but it doesn’t take away from these heartfelt stories.  Any dog lover, or fan of true stories, will appreciate this book.

Revell Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Second-Chance Dogs, for the purpose of review.  I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Callie Smith Grant has edited a number of animal books including:  The Cat on My Lap, The Cat in the Window, The Dog Next Door, and The Dog at My Feet.

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“Shadows from the Past” by Ashley Dawn

Posted on September 20, 2018 by Becky

About the Book:

Title: Shadows from the Past
Author:  Ashley Dawn
Genre:   Christian Mystery & Suspense
Release Date: November 27, 2016

Synopsis of the Book Cover:

“…It is the price you pay for choosing to be a cop. Your brother’s life…”

Those words haunt her dreams, and her waking moments. LAPD officer, Aurora Kavvan cannot rest until she finds her brother’s killer. Digging into the past always brings back unpleasant things: memories, guilt…the hit man. Now she is in a race against time to find the murderer before he finds her.

“Kill her. I don’t care how, and I don’t care where, but I want her dead now!”

Someone was trying to kill his dead partner’s sister. FBI agent, Jordan Reiley will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves. Even if it means going against her wishes; putting himself between her and the man who murdered her brother.

Will God keep them alive long enough for them to find the truth?

You can purchase it here:  https://amzn.to/2tL10wG

My Review: 

There are two stories happening at the same time in this book.  The first, is the mystery of who shot and killed Aurora’s brother, Lance, and why.  The author creates a lot of suspense in this tale, and does a good job keeping secret the identity of the co-conspirator who set Lance up.

Secondly, this is the story of the relationship of Aurora and her ex-fiancé, Joe.  A lot of space is devoted to Aurora and Joe mulling through the break-up of their engagement, along with the current state of their relationship.  Less emphasis on the build-up of their trouble, and more development of the solution would strengthen the story.

Using transitions when thoughts change from one character to another would make a smoother, and less complicated tale.  There were times when I was confused about whose thoughts I was reading because the change of characters was so abrupt.

The Message:

I really liked the message in this story.  The author made it clear that although people will let you down, God never will.  When others disappoint, turn to God for comfort and help.  This story’s characters found that problems in their lives were a lot bigger when they turned their backs on God.  Individuals found it was never too late to renew, or start, a relationship with Him. They discovered God is always waiting to be asked to be included in their lives.  As Psalm 94 says, “When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up.” The message of faith, and how it played out in the character’s lives, added a welcome wholesomeness to the tale.

About the Author:

Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent’s office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.

Ashley has been writing professionally for the past twelve years and has three published books. Her Shadows Series include Shadows from The Past, Shadows of Suspicion, Shadows of Pain, and Shadows of Deception. She is currently working on multiple projects including the fifth in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled “Shadows in Black and White,” along with a standalone suspense titled, ‘One of Their Own’. She and her family make their home in Texas.

The Author’s Facebook:  www.facebook.com/authorashleydawn

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/authoradawn

The Author’s Website:  www.ashleydawn-author.com

Celebrate Lit has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Shadows from the Past, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

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Giveaway! Happy Birthday September; Win a DVD plus a Book!!

Posted on September 12, 2018 by Becky

Welcome September!

For me, this month has always meant the promise of cooler weather, the leaves changing colors, the start of football season, and birthdays—lots and lots of birthdays.  My Mom and grandfather both celebrated birthdays this month.   Besides family, I have known more people with September birthdays than all the other months put together.  Even I have a September birthday!

For decades, my Mom was known as “the candy lady” because she gave out sweet treats every Sunday after church. For the first time two years ago, we had to face September 13th, Mom’s birthday, without her.  But we couldn’t let the day pass without celebrating in some way.  In honor of her birthday, my family decided to attend Mom’s church and give candy out after the service.  That September day, many people shared their memories of Mom with us.

Even if you don’t have a birthday this month, the promise of cooler weather is enough to call for a celebration.  In my neck of the woods, we are usually extremely ready to bid the hot, humid temperatures goodbye.  In recognition of September and the start of football, I am giving away a DVD of the great movie, Facing the Giants. This movie can be seen by all ages, and you do not have to be a fan of football to enjoy it.  This story entertains, touches people’s hearts and is not easily forgotten.

Additionally, this giveaway includes the book, Oregon Weddings by Kathleen E. Kovach.  Can Skye rescue a woman who happens to be the mother who abandoned him?   Meranda is on the hunt for family treasure, can she find it without help?  Glenys must face her biggest fear, will anyone be able to get her through it?  These three stories will pull you in, and include faith in the mix.  

Want a chance to win? My blog must be followed to enter this giveaway.   Go to the upper right side of this page and follow my blog.  Then note in the Rafflecopter your email address, and that you have followed me, or you already are a follower.  I will use your email address to contact you if you win, and will not pass it on.  The best of luck to you.  You must be a resident in the continental USA and 18 or older.  No purchase necessary! *

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from Walking with Jesus in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.   Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Giveaways only valid in continental USA.

*See Disclaimer Section in above drop-down heading under picture.

This giveaway is now over.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Parmesan Seasoned Pork Chops, Gluten-Free

Posted on September 8, 2018 by Becky

INGREDIENTS

  • 8 bone-in or boneless Pork chops
  • 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 tbsp gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian Spices*
  • 1 teaspoon dried Basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Olive oil
  • Salt and Pepper (we use a grinder) to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Put pork chops on a large plate or plates.  Salt and pepper them, we use a pepper grinder.  Put aside.

Next, put in a blender the Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, paprika, parsley, garlic powder and Italian spices.  Blend until mixed together and it all looks like bread crumbs.  We use a Vitamix blender, and it takes 20 seconds or less.  Adjust the time according to the blender that is being us.  Next, pour all of it into a large flat bowl.

One at a time, put a pork chop in the mixture.  Using a spoon, coat the top side, making sure the mixture sticks.  Then turn the pork chop over and repeat the same thing on the other side.  Do this to each of the pork chops.   Put the olive oil in a skillet.  Heat the oil over medium heat for about ten minutes.  Add pork chops (the pork chops should sizzle when added). Sear them for 5 minutes on each side.

Preheat the oven to 350°.   Line a large baking pan with aluminum foil and place pork chops on top of the foil.  Bake for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature on a cooking thermometer is 160°.  It is important to watch the temperature so they are done, but not overdone.

We have tried this with both boneless and bone-in pork chops.  They are good both ways, but we like our pork chops bone-in.  Serve and enjoy!

*We get the Italian Spice Blend from Planters of Kansas City.

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“Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids” by Sandy Silverthorne

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Becky

What’s so Funny?

When was the last time you had a good laugh? Or heard a joke that didn’t make you cringe?  Look no further than this little volume, it will supply you with jokes that can be heard by anyone.  For years, the author, Sandy Silverthorne, has entertained us with books that range from jokes to one-minute mysteries.  He does it again with this, his latest work.  For instance:

Teacher:  What’s another word for a bunch of bees?      David:  A great report card!

Q:  What did the duck say when he bought the lip balm?          A:  Just put it on my bill.

Some jokes are so corny that you just might groan, but they will make you giggle, too.  Take a break from all the electronics and noise that vie for attention in today’s society, and enjoy an old school activity—a clean joke book.   It is easy to read because it is geared towards children.  But teens, along with adults, will get a smile on their faces as well.  

If you want a book of jokes that children through grandparents can hear, then Crack Yourself Up, is for you. I highly recommend this 5-star book to anyone who likes to laugh.  I double-dog dare you not to smile.  You might just laugh yourself into feeling better.  As Proverbs says,  “a cheerful heart is good medicine….”  

Spire, Revell and Baker Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SandySilverthornesPage

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/sandsilver

Author’s Website:   http://www.sandysilverthornebooks.com/book-table/

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“More Than Meets the Eye” by Karen Witemeyer

Posted on August 25, 2018 by Becky

Do You See Both Sides Now?

Zach, Seth, and Evangeline were just children when they decided to band together.  The three unrelated and unwanted orphans decided to call themselves the Hamilton family.  Tough is not a strong enough word for the situation they found themselves in while trying to eke out a life.  The western town of Pecan Gap, Texas, in 1879, offered little comfort for children on their own.

As the years passed, the little Hamilton family struggled, but eventually came to own a small farm.  The two older boys became men, and were very close and protective of each other—especially towards the youngest member, Evangeline.  Despite growing into a beauty, she still has the physical characteristic that kept her from being adopted, and has made her an outcast among everyone but her “brothers”.

Then Logan Fowler moved into the area, keeping his identity secret, intent on getting revenge.  He has every intention of exacting retribution for the loss his mother and he experienced after his father committed suicide.  Not only was his dad gone, but their only home was forfeited as payment for the card game that his dad lost.  Logan was sure that his dad was a victim of a card shark, and that person was Zach.

Logan spent years honing his skills as a card player so he could challenge Zach to a game.  Logan planned to beat him and take back his family’s farm.

Plans have a way of changing.  Logan had barely arrived when he found himself smitten by a beautiful girl; that was not part of his plan.  He also stopped a murder attempt, and began looking for the perpetrator.  Will he ever be able to admit his true identity to the woman he loves?   Must he join forces with the Hamilton family to find the guilty person?  Is there any way that both the Hamilton family, and Logan could have a happy outcome?This clean story has adventure, mystery, drama and a bit of fun.  Family values are a big part of this tale.  They are evident in the way the Hamilton family members band together to protect each other.  The story also tries to answer a big question:  does the end justify the means?  Can forgiveness take place when an action changes the course of someone’s life, in a bad way?  These are big questions that this tale attempts to answer.  You’ll enjoy the outcome as you read this 5-star book.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of More Than Meets the Eye, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website: http://www.karenwitemeyer.com

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KarenWitemeyersAuthorPage

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“Me and Jake” by Boo Riley

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Becky

A Modern-Day Monster!

Ty and Cameron are twins ready to start ninth grade and are just like all kids, except for one thing.  That one thing is what sets them apart.  They are being horribly neglected and beaten by their father.

The boys live on a remote farm far from any potential witnesses to the horror they experience daily.  Their father makes Ty and Cameron work from sunup to sundown taking care of work in the fields, the farm animals, kitchen clean-up and anything else he can think of.

In return, they are lucky to get one egg for breakfast, and supper is often a lone chicken leg with a small dab of mashed potatoes.  While they have that in the kitchen, their father eats like a king in another room.  Whenever the boys do the least little thing wrong, or even if they don’t, they are beaten.

When school finally starts, it is somewhat of a reprieve because the starving boys get to eat the school lunch. But they are also made fun of at school for a variety of things including having body odor—since they do not know what deodorant is.  Often at home, they have been given a bar of soap and told to stand in the rain and clean themselves.  Despite attending public school in a small town, no one seems to be paying attention to the obvious suffering the brothers are going through.This tale is told through the eyes of Ty.  Except for his twin brother, Ty has no other friend in the world besides his dog Jake.  He often thinks Jake has a spiritual quality, that he might be an angel.  Even though he has never been exposed to Christianity, he believes in God.

Be warned, this is a disturbing story of child cruelty and neglect. It is very troubling.  Since the author is a master story-teller, he describes incidents so well you will clearly see what the boys endure in your mind’s eye.  There is a Christian message towards the end, and that is when the tale becomes uplifting.  I would not call this a children’s book.  As a writer, the author does five-star work, but be prepared to brace yourself while reading this.Pelican Book Group has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of the e-book, Me and Jake, for purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

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“Thief of Corinth” by Tessa Afshar

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Becky

Will the Secret be Discovered?

In Ariadne’s case, her name should be another word for adventure, sometimes, too much adventure.  She is swept into danger when her cold and aloof mother joins forces with her stern grandfather to push Ariadne into an arranged marriage.   The man is a brute, but if she refuses to marry him, they have threatened to savagely beat her foster brother, Theo.

Left with no choice, Theo and Ariadne decide to run away to her father’s home in Corinth.  They do not know what kind of welcome they will receive.  But because they know what will happen if they stay, they take a chance and go.  It is a hard decision because it means Ariadne will leave behind Dionysius, her much-loved older brother. 

After a perilous trip, Ariadne finds her father is living a risky secret life.  Worse yet, Ariadne is pulled into it herself.  There are also plenty of family issues such as her parent’s hostile divorce, Dionysius’ refusal to speak to any of them, along with the possible loss of home, money, and position.  On top of all that, a man named Paul enters their life and talks persuasively about a dead man named Jesus.  Will her Dad’s secret come to light, ruin their lives and destroy her chance to someday get married by choice?  Would a sane person become a follower of Jesus, a man who has died?

This fast-paced story will immediately pull you into the action.  From having bitterly divorced parents to trying to fit into a new town, Ariadne has modern problems that we can identify with.  The mystery and danger that surrounds her father’s secret life will keep you on the edge of your seat.  The apostle Paul is introduced into the story as just another guest.  That makes it easy to imagine what meeting Paul would have been like for someone who had never heard of him or Jesus.  This tale has something for everyone, adventure, mystery, along with drama all wrapped up in a clean story.  I highly recommend this 5+star book to everyone.

Tyndale House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Thief of Corinth, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessaAfshar/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/tessaafshar

The Author’s Website:   www.tessaafshar

 

 

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GIVEAWAY! Win a Grown-up Coloring Book with Tote!!

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Becky

Hit the Road!

My parents loved to go on trips—day trips, car trips, road trips—all kinds of trips.  The Midwestern city I grew up in placed us just a few hours from lots of places that caught my parent’s eye.  There was an Amish community a couple of hours north that we would visit.  Or heading a few hours the other direction would put us in the area that contained the family farm my dad grew up on.  We loved to explore the countryside there. Sometimes we headed south to the Ozarks where we would explore an old grist mill and view beautiful leaves in the fall.  During the apple harvest, we prowled through the orchards a short drive from us, choosing a basketful to bring home.

We did lots of road trips that might not sound very exciting (we did do some sparkly family vacations, too, making it to Disney World, the ocean, and so on.).  Sometimes the things we went to see turned out to be a real bust.  But the thing about those trips was this:  we spent time with each other, hanging out together talking and bonding.  And the things that didn’t turn out to be too exciting provided lots of laughs and reminiscing later on.  Both my parents are gone now, and I am thrilled to have great memories from the times we went out on adventures together. There is still enough summer left to fit in at least one road trip, maybe more.  Give it a try with friends, family, or on your own.  You will make lasting memories!  In honor of road trips, I am giving away a wonderful, inspirational grown-up coloring book called, A Walk in the Garden, by Jeanette Meidal–along with a tote to take your book along with you.  This full-size book has lots to catch your interest.  I love the pictures it contains, as well as, the uplifting Bible verses.

Want a chance to win?  Go to the upper right side of this page and follow my blog.  Then note in the Rafflecopter your email address and that you have followed me or you already are a follower.  Blog must be followed to enter giveaway.  I will use your email address to contact you if you win, and will not pass it on.  The best of luck to you.  You must be a resident in the continental USA and 18 or older.  No purchase necessary! *

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from Walking with Jesus in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.   Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”  

Giveaways only valid in continental USA.

*See Disclaimer Section in above drop-down heading under picture.

This giveaway is now over.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

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