“The Quilt Room Secret,” by Lisa Jones Baker

Posted on March 14, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Is it Greener on the Other Side?

Trini is a young adult who is very driven. Despite being single and Amish, she has her own home, and a very successful business, a quilt shop. To achieve her goals, she makes extensive lists about everything. Highly organized Trini has listed every aspect of her life, and she follows each list that she makes, with no deviations.

Currently, her most important list is her secret one, she is leaving the Amish. Her list has everything planned to make her exit. Then a childhood friend, Jacob, comes back into her life, and she is blind-sided.

When they were children, the two of them spent one summer together, and formed a strong bond. In fact, when Jacob left, he made a card for Trini asking her to marry him. Now Jacob is back, clearly wanting to live the Amish life, and he wants a relationship with Trini. She enjoys spending time with him, but she can’t let herself feel too strongly for him.

Trini does not know if she will find a non-Amish man she likes–truthfully loves–as much as she does Jacob. She is confused. All her plans and lists are made; Trini believes she must follow through. Jacob coming back into her life was not on any of her lists. Surely, she must press forward.

This romance didn’t seem like it could work. Trini strongly believes she wants to live as an Englischer, while Jacob feels just as strongly that he wants to live the Amish life. But God will make a way when there is no way:

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 NLT

It is fun to read about what happens to this relationship, along with the entire clean story. Fans of Amish, and those of good stories, will enjoy this tale.

Thank you, Barbour Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Quilt Room Secret,” by Lisa Jones Baker, 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.

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

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lisajonesbaker2

The Author’s Website:  https://www.lisajonesbaker.com/

 

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“Is This…Easter?” by Helen Yoon

Posted on March 12, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

The Great Easter Egg Controversy!

When five dogs find an egg outdoors, they clash about either eating it, or decorating it for Easter.  As they fight back and forth, a large bear wearing bunny ears steps in.  He takes the egg, and shows how both sides can be satisfied.

The dogs are really surprised by what the bear does, and it causes both sides to take another look at what they really want.

The author’s one-of-a-kind humor and illustrations are woven throughout this picture book.  The overriding lesson to be learned is:  some things can be solved so everyone is happy.  Take the time to look for a way that all involved will be satisfied.

Children aged three through seven years old will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Is This…Easter?” by Helen Yoon, 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.

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“Keep Up, Duck,” by Ivan and Rachel Bates

Posted on March 10, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Don’t Give Up!

Little Puck is the youngest duck in his family.  His feathers are still downy, and he has little feet, making it hard to swim fast.  When Mamma Duck sets out for the lily pond with all the other bigger ducklings, Puck ends up swimming at the back, and gets farther and farther behind.

Mamma Duck often turns back and quacks to Puck, “Keep up, Duck!”  Try as he might, Puck falls even further behind.  But Puck doesn’t give up, even though he has a lot of obstacles.  Instead, he comes up with many ideas to catch up.  He is determined to reach his family.

This is a sweet story that will have little ones cheering Puck on, while giggling at the things he does to keep pace.  Children will identify with Puck, and how hard it can be to keep up with the family.  In the end, not giving up saves the day, and results in a surprise.  This tender tale was written and illustrated by a husband-and-wife team, who made this picture book a treat for the eyes and ears.

Two-to-seven-year-olds will enjoy this five-star tale, leaving them with the idea to never give up!

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Keep Up, Duck,” by Ivan and Rachel Bates, 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.

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What to Watch Tonight? “Divine Influencer!”

Posted on February 18, 2024 by Becky

A Girl Just Wants to Have it All–or Does She?

This is a fun movie that has a heart.  See what happens when a spoiled, rich girl who spends her days influencing thousands of followers on social media, and the rest of the time, spending her parent’s money, loses it all.

Olivia ends up in a homeless shelter, where she does actual work for the first time.  Just when it looks like she will be a success and rebuild her life, she is sabotaged by a shelter worker who is jealous of her.

It looks like there is nothing left for her, and no where to go.

Will she turn to her new-found faith, and can it help her?

Enjoy this movie that will leave you with a smile on your face, and a contented sigh that you watched it.  This is a clean movie suitable for the family.

I highly recommend this 5-popcorn (5-star) movie.

Don’t miss this one!

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Blueberry Sauce or Filling, Naturally, Gluten-Free

Posted on February 17, 2024 by Becky

3 Tablespoons Swerve or sweetener of choice, adjust to taste

1 cup Blueberries

2 cups water, divided

3 Tablespoons Cornstarch

2 teaspoons almonds, thinly sliced, if desired

1 teaspoon honey

2 teaspoons lemon juice, if desired

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in remaining 1 cup of water.  Let soften for five minutes.  Stir.

Put 1 cup water and blueberries, Swerve, and honey.  Add lemon juice and/or almonds, if wanted.  Stir well.  Taste test for sweetness level.

Bring to a boil, then lower and simmer for five minutes.  Watching and stirring.

After blueberries have simmered for five minutes, reduce heat to low.   Mixing well, stir in cornstarch mixture, and heat and stir until thickened, it should take no more than 1 minutes.

This sauce can be served over pancakes, crepes, pound cakes, angel food cake, cheese cake, or as a filling for a blueberry torte, etc.

Double this to make a pie filling.

This is easy-to-make, and its uses are only limited by your imagination.  Other fruits may be substituted for blueberries.

Enjoy!

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“Up from Dust: Martha’s Story,” by Heather Kaufman

Posted on February 17, 2024 by Becky

Life-Altering!

The is the story of Jesus’ friends, siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, with the focus on Martha–and the things that shaped their lives.

When the three grew up, their harsh father, along with a tragic event, effected all their lives. Martha’s life is changed even more when she meets Uri. He works as a lowly shepherd, a despised job, while she is a member of a prosperous family.

Are they doomed from the start?

The two sisters adore their brother, Lazarus, but Martha is often frustrated by her little sister, Mary, who is wild as a weed. Daily, Martha must try to keep Mary out of trouble.

There is much talk about a man called, Jesus, rumors and gossip fly. When they finally meet him, nothing is the same. Their association with him brings them both the best and the worst experiences.

The author weaves the story of Jesus into the many things happening in Mary, Martha, and Lazarus’ lives–friendship loss, slanderous lies, and danger. The result is an awesome chain of events that gives a fresh way of looking at the Biblical accounts.  You will be drawn into this marvelous story, and feel like you are there, too.

I loved seeing Jesus and his miracles through the eyes of people who were hearing it for the first time. Because this is fictionalized history, some of the things or people in this account are real, while other things are the author’s idea of what might have to been.

This five-star book will be enjoyed by fans of great stories, and wonderful writing.

Thank you, Bethany House Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Up from the Dust,” by Heather Kaufman 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.

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

The Author’s Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/hmkstories/

The Author’s Website:  https://www.hmkstories.com/

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“Up from Dust: Martha’s Story,” by Heather Kaufman

Posted on February 15, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Life-Altering!

The is the story of Jesus’ friends, siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, with the focus on Martha–and the things that shaped their lives.

When the three grew up, their harsh father, along with a tragic event, effected all their lives. Martha’s life is changed even more when she meets Uri. He works as a lowly shepherd, a despised job, while she is a member of a prosperous family.

Are they doomed from the start?

The two sisters adore their brother, Lazarus, but Martha is often frustrated by her little sister, Mary, who is wild as a weed. Daily, Martha must try to keep Mary out of trouble.

There is much talk about a man called, Jesus, rumors and gossip fly. When they finally meet him, nothing is the same. Their association with him brings them both the best and the worst experiences.

The author weaves the story of Jesus into the many things happening in Mary, Martha, and Lazarus’ lives–friendship loss, slanderous lies, and danger. The result is an awesome chain of events that gives a fresh way of looking at the Biblical accounts.  You will be drawn into this marvelous story, and feel like you are there, too.

I loved seeing Jesus and his miracles through the eyes of people who were hearing it for the first time. Because this is fictionalized history, some of the things or people in this account are real, while other things are the author’s idea of what might have to been.

This five-star book will be enjoyed by fans of great stories, and wonderful writing.

Thank you, Bethany House Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Up from the Dust,” by Heather Kaufman 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.

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

The Author’s Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/hmkstories/

The Author’s Website:  https://www.hmkstories.com/

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Random Ramblings: What are the Chances?

Posted on February 14, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

One recent evening, my dear husband (mdh) was sitting behind a large, double cab pickup truck at a stoplight.  Suddenly, a car ran the light, and crashed into the truck in front of mdh.  The car turned out to be a hit-and-runner, and in his hurry to get away, he slammed into the road sign.

He hit it with such force, that the sign fell over onto mdh’s windshield cracking it, and  denting the car.  After that, the sign rolled over and sheared off the driver’s side mirror, leaving it dangling by the wires.

Then in his frenzy to leave, the hit-and-runner gunned his car, slammed it into reverse, and sped off into the evening.  His vehicle was in such bad shape that car pieces flew off as he made his getaway.

Everything happened so fast that neither mdh, or the truck driver, got a good look at the hit-and-runner, or his car.

When the police came to report the accident, they picked up several of the car pieces strewn about for evidence.  As far as we know, they have yet to find the culprit.

We were grateful that mdh came home unhurt, with damages confined to our vehicle.  If he had arrived at the stoplight a little earlier, he might have avoided the accident, or if he had been a little later, he might have been hit by the car instead of the sign.  We believe God’s hand was on mdh that evening.Ironically, that same week, mdh had been helping our daughter because her side mirror was sheared off as she attempted to back out from the garage of the new-to-her home.  It, too, was left dangling by the wires on the driver’s side.

What are the chances of having that same thing happen to them both within days of each other?

On that same note, what are the chances you may get another opportunity to consider the words of Jesus? He said if you follow Him, your future will be secure in a place so wonderful words cannot describe it.  In the meantime, He will give you peace in this world unlike anything you have ever known.  All you have to do is ask Him.  Great news for times like these. Make the decision now while you have the chance.

By the way, if at all possible, avoid getting your side mirror replaced.  It is no longer just a mirror on the side of your car.  Many of them have all kinds of other features that make repairing them cost a fortune, I speak from experience!

If you need help with what to say, repeat these words supplied by our friends at: https://higheraim.org/

Here are places that would be glad to give you help. 

https://peacewithgod.net/steps/

https://www.daystar.com/prayer/know-jesus/

 

 

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“Where’s the Bunny,” by Ingela P. Arrhenius

Posted on February 9, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Hopping Down the Bunny Trail along with Lifting Flaps!

Join the hunt for the bunny along with other cute friends such as a duckling, and a puppy. Each animal has a double page spread devoted to it that asks where the friend is, including a flap to look under.

The flaps are great because children love interactive books.  They are also amazing because they are made of a heavy-duty type of material that is strongly attached to this board book.  These are ready to stand up to strong little fingers wanting to find the missing friend.

The bright colors and illustrations are inviting, and sure to draw children’s attention.

The last double page spread asks, “where are you?”  When that flap is lifted, there is a safety mirror so the little one can see themselves.  Have you seen a small child look at themself in a mirror, be ready for a treat!

This is an adorable book that you do not want to miss.  My grandchild loves it, and the flaps have held up well despite getting some hard “love.”  The mirror has been a source of lots of fun.

This book can be enjoyed year-round, but during the springtime, it would be a nice addition to an Easter basket.  While reading this book, if you make animal sounds, you can expect giggles—your child might try to make some, too.

My grandchild and I both highly recommend this five-star book.  It will be enjoyed by children through three-years-old.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Where’s the Bunny,” by Ingela P. Arrhenius, 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.

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“Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise,” by Anne Blackburne

Posted on February 5, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Love the Second Time Around!

Ruth, a thirty-three-year-old Amish widow, has kept her life running smoothly on her own.  She raises goats, making cheese, soap, and fibers from them, and the profits support her.

Jonas, a widower with an adorable four-year-old daughter, has a basket business near Ruth.  Since these two have circumstances that bring them together, a relationship between the two should naturally flow.  But outside forces constantly work against them.

Her bishop thinks Ruth should give up her family farm.  He wants her to sell it to a man who would make better use of it than a woman!  He will not take no for an answer, and continues to bring buyers to her home to see if they want to purchase it.

He also has just the person he thinks Ruth should marry.

The bishop’s conniving granddaughter, Evelyn, also won’t take no for an answer.  She wants Jonas for herself.  Evelyn creates a trap for him, that if successful, will force him to marry her.

To make things worse, Jonas botches it when he speaks to Ruth, leaving her thinking he is only interested in her because of the work she can do.  This causes Ruth to believe Jonas does not have feelings for her.

There are some funny parts to the story, especially concerning cats, and the normal Amish practice of not keeping one indoors.  Also, Ruth and Jonas are devoted to their faith, and five delicious Amish recipes are included.

This five-star book will keep you cheering for these two, but wondering if they will ever get together.  Often the course of true love does not run smoothly.  It certainly does not in this case, making this bumpy road of romance a great clean tale.  This will be enjoyed by fans of Amish books, and well-written stories. 

Thank you, Barbour Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise,” by Anne Blackburne, 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.

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

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.anneblackburne.com/

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