by admin | Aug 31, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Book two of Herne’s Double S Ranch series, “Home on the Range” features Stafford brother Nick. With a nod to the parable of the Prodigal Son, Nick is the older brother who stayed at home to help his father run the family ranch while his two brothers left to do their own thing. The reader will even catch him wondering why it is that when he did everything right, his life could go so terribly wrong. Raising his two young daughters on his own after their mother walked out on them, Nick figures there’s not much else that could go wrong until he finds out that without outside help his troubled oldest child will not be promoted. That’s where Dr. Elsa Andreas entered their lives and things began to change for the better – at least it seemed that they did.
“Home on the Range” is a dramatic yet charming book set primarily on a ranch in Washington state. I enjoyed reading about the Stafford family once again and getting to know Nick’s side of the story. His daughters added an extra depth to the tale that made it all the more realistic. The plot is filled with drama, conflict, family values, and romance (of course). A story of hope, forgiveness, and renewed faith, this novel is a heartwarming example of how hurting people can help change the lives of other hurting people.
I very much enjoyed “Home on the Range” and look forward to reading the next installment of this excellent series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can the brother left behind and a woman without hope work together for the good of two precious children?Nick Stafford stayed in central Washington, working his family’s large ranch after his brothers left to pursue other passions—but his toughest job is being a single dad. As a child he watched his father fail at marriage and parenting, so Nick was determined to show him up. He’d be a better husband, father, and ranch manager than Sam Stafford ever was. Despite that commitment, three years after Nick’s wife left him, he has a daughter in trouble at school and both of his girls are facing issues that force him to rethink his stubborn plans.
For Dr. Elsa Andreas, life fell apart when tragedy caused her to abandon her family therapy practice and retreat to the backwoods of Gray’s Glen. Her school principal sister believes Elsa can guide the Stafford girls and that working with kids will draw Elsa out of her protective bubble.
Summer on the Double S teems with life and adventure. Amid the bounty of God and land, will Nick and Elsa find the courage to build futures based on faith rather than fear?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With more than half a million books in print, RUTH LOGAN HERNE is the popular author of fifteen Love Inspired contemporary novels, three self-published novels and contributed to two novella collections. She lives on a farm in upstate New York with her husband and has six adult children.
Save
by admin | Aug 31, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Revell, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have been a Lynette Eason fan since I first read some of her Love Inspired books. I was thrilled when she moved up to full-length novels and I don’t think I’ve missed any of them to date. So far I’m enjoying her Elite Guardians series and fully expect to continue to do so. Like many others, I love the idea of female bodyguards.
In this second book of the series, Katie Singleton is the featured partner of the agency. When it becomes perfectly clear that someone has targeted him, restaurant owner Daniel Matthews reluctantly agrees to allowing the agency to protect him and his niece – but only because he knows he can’t keep an eye on Riley by himself. As the danger escalates, Daniel and Katie suspect the guilty party must be someone close to him but who could it possibly be?
Eason’s characters are well-defined and strong. Katie is tough and confident enough to take on dangerous protective jobs and do it well. Daniel is strong enough to protect himself but humble enough to accept help when he needs it. I particularly liked how much he cared for his niece Riley. The plot moved along at breakneck speeds with enough twists and turns to keep me wondering what would happen next. I had a few suspicions along the way but was mostly surprised at how it all ended.
“Without Warning” is another winner from Lynette Eason and I highly recommend it and the first book in the series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.
Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.
Daniel might be concerned, but he’s not convinced that a bodyguard–and a female one at that–is necessary. A new attack and his niece’s urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who’s behind the intimidation and threats–before a would-be killer strikes again.
Read an excerpt from A”Without Warning” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching and Without Warning in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of an ACFW Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Aug 29, 2016 | Amish, Books, Novella
MY REVIEW:
“Blueberry Cupcake Mystery” is a warm and cozy mystery just right for reading in one sitting. This short novella is sweet in more ways than one and will not only whet your appetite for a bit of mystery but might just tempt your taste buds with its descriptions of The Sweet Shop’s offerings.
No romance in this one, just a short but sweet mystery with interesting characters and an obvious moral lesson. I loved Katie’s reaction when it became obvious to her who had broken into the Sweet Shop…and why. If only more of us could solve problems the same way the world might be a better place.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the small town of Abbott Creek, mystery is as much a part of daily life as The Sweet Shop’s sugar cookies.
Katie Chupp spends her days at The Sweet Shop, taking care of customers and baking delicious treats . . . not exactly a profession where one expects to be thrown into the midst of mysteries and mayhem.
But when the bakery is broken into, someone has to find the thief . . . besides finding another place to do the baking and get the orders to the customers.
Is this a random theft, or is the thief trying to ruin the town’s Independence Day celebration?
Purchase your copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Naomi Miller mixes up a batch of intrigue, sprinkled with Amish, Mennonite, & English characters, adding a pinch of mystery – and a dash of romance!
Naomi’s day is spent focusing on her writing, editing, and blogging about her experiences with writing. When she’s not working diligently to finish the next book in her Sweet Shop Mystery series, Naomi tries to make time for attending workshops and writers conferences. One of her favorites is the four-day event that the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization holds annually.
Naomi also enjoys traveling with her family, singing inspirational/gospel music, taking a daily walk, and witnessing to others of the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.
GUEST POST FROM NAOMI MILLER:
Naomi Miller mixes up a batch of intrigue, sprinkled with Amish, Mennonite, & English characters, adding a pinch of mystery – and a dash of romance!
Naomi’s day is spent focusing on her writing, editing, and blogging about her experiences with writing. When she’s not working diligently to finish the next book in her Sweet Shop Mystery series, Naomi tries to make time for attending workshops and writers conferences. One of her favorites is the four-day event that the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization holds annually.
Naomi also enjoys traveling with her family, singing inspirational/gospel music, taking a daily walk, and witnessing to others of the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.
BLOG STOPS:
August 23: A Baker’s Perspective
August 23: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
August 23: Blogging With Carol
August 24: cherylbbookblog
August 24: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
August 24: Running Through The Storms
August 25: A Greater Yes
August 25: A Holland Reads
August 25: Mary Hake
August 26: Gypsy Road
August 26: D’s Quilts & Books
August 26: Cassandra M’s Place
August 27: Bigreadersite
August 27: Bibliophile Reviews
August 27: Christian Bookaholic
August 28: Lighthouse Academy
August 28: Book Babble
August 29: Karilyn Putt
August 30: Karen’s Krayons
August 30: Daysong Reflections
August 31: Quiet Quilter
August 31: Blossoms and Blessings
September 1: Lights in a Dark World
September 1: Just Commonly
September 2: Singing Librarian Books
September 2: His Grace is Sufficient
September 3: Bukwurmzzz
September 4: Ashley’s Bookshelf
September 4: just the write escape
September 5: Reading Is My SuperPower
September 5: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away a gift bag full of treats and an advanced copy of her new book Christmas Cookie Mystery! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a20c
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Aug 27, 2016 | Books, England, Revell, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
One of the hazards of reviewing books is the frequent addition of new authors to my must read list that continuously increases. At this rate I will never read all the books I want to read. And yes, you guessed that I’ve added Janine Mendenhall to my list. I absolutely adored “Starving Hearts”!
Annette and Peter were both unforgettable characters. Despite her serious health problems that embarrass her mother so, Annette is actually a strong and intelligent young woman who is determined to make a difference to others. No way is she planning to let her mother force her into an unwanted marriage, especially to the man who assaulted her. Peter is one of those men with outstanding character who are often overlooked by those whose aim to to succeed at all costs. I thoroughly enjoyed watching as the relationship between him and Annette became stronger despite all the odds stacked against them.
What a story “Starving Hearts” is! Not only is it a delightful regency romance but it is also suspense filled mystery of the very best kind. It is one of those tales where just when everything looks to be going in the right direction, another complications appears out of nowhere to send everything off course once again. Annette and Peter are caught up in the malevolent plans of a deranged man who will stop at nothing to achieve his revenge. Death and danger lurk around each corner and hope seems lost more than once. This story has more twists than a mountain road and I held my breath at times in fear of what could happen. I so appreciated the way the tables were turned on the villain at the end. They say that “all’s well that ends well” but what a suspenseful journey to get to that end!
I am so looking forward to the next book in this series “Never Past Hope”.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage.
She yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .
Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.
Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter’s faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28OtflH
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janine Mendenhall teaches teens English, of all things! Sometimes she sleeps, but most nights she reads, writes, or watches movies like “Pride and Prejudice” and claims she’s researching her next book. “Splickety Love” and “Splickety Prime” have published her flash fiction. She and her husband, Tom, live in North Carolina where they and their two golden retrievers help gratify the needs of their five children and two cats.
Find out more about Janine at http://www.janinemendenhall.com.
Save
Save
Janine Mendenhall’s ‘Starving Hearts’ Prize Pack Giveaway
Will Annette’s search for love and acceptance replace the loss and hurt in her heart? Find out in Janine Mendenhall’s book one, Starving Hearts, of the Triangular Trade Trilogy. Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .
Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine’s blog.
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Aug 26, 2016 | Cooking, Country Life
Our garden has been quite prolific when it comes to our pepper crop. We have several varieties that include mild banana peppers, cayenne peppers, poblanos, two varieties of jalapenos, and habaneros. We also have two or three varieties of bell peppers that are not producing quite as well. There is one ghost pepper plant that has survived but so far no peppers.
I have canned enough sweet & spicy pepper relish for the next year and about nine jars of my husband’s favorite “Cowboy Candy” aka pickled hot/sweet jalapeno pepper slices. I have roasted and peeled quite a few poblano peppers for the freezer and halved and deseeded multiple poblano, jalapeno, and banana peppers for the freezer also. We have given away quite a few and the peppers keep coming.
Earlier this year I bought a dehydrator from a friend for $5. My son asked if it would work to dry peppers to make our own cayenne seasoning and maybe even habanero. I told him to give it a try so he took the dehydrator and enough peppers to fill it home with him (he lives next door).
Today he brought the dried peppers back and pulverized them in my Blendtec. It worked wonderfully! We now have freshly ground dried cayenne and habanero pepper. I haven’t tasted it but my son says it tastes very good – different from what we buy, probably because it is so fresh and has no additives. He already has another batch going in the dehydrator. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone on his Christmas list receives some home grown dried hot pepper this year.
Cayenne Pepper on Left ~ Habanero Pepper on Right
