LuLu’s Cafe Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on July 8, 2019July 1, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

To My Thoughts:

Author T.I. Lowe has created a novel that has a character I wanted to befriend It did not take long to become invested in Leah and feel some of her her emotions. The first part of the book was difficult to read and tore at my heartstrings. Then the book lightened into a more fun, romantic tale. I was captivated by this contemporary fiction early and it kept me interested until the end.

The characters are realistic. I am sure we all have friends like most of the. They are relatable and well described. It was easy to fall in love with Leah and want to be her friend. There are too many characters to mention that I loved.

The author has filled this book with humor, twists and turns, and life lessons. Subjects tackled are relevant and timely. Spousal abuse and rape, fear, terror, forgiveness, new beginnings, friendships, truth, helping others, and hope are just a few of the topics in this novel. I did find it light on the faith and inspirational side, but it wasn’t altogether missing.

One of the things I really enjoyed was how food, healthy and junk, was incorporated into this story. This was done in a nonchalant, easy way that should plant seeds of healthy choices and lifestyles. Loved that!

Because of the abuse, I would not recommend it to everyone. A friend of mine in a somewhat similar situation declined reading the book saying it would bring back too many memories. This is for a very selective reader. I enjoyed it but thankfully have no history of being abused.

There are discussion questions at the end of the book. With the right group of people this would be a great group read. I wanted to discuss it with people. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own opinions. I give this book a 4 star rating.

About the Book:

Book: LuLu’s Cafe

Author: T.I. Lowe

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: June 4, 2019

When a damaged young woman is given a chance to reclaim her life in a small South Carolina town, she must reckon with the dark secrets she left behind in order to accept the love she deserves.

On the run from a violent past, Leah Allen arrived in tiny Rivertown, South Carolina, battered and broken, but ready to reinvent herself. By a stroke of fate, Leah is drawn to the Southern hospitality of a small café, looking for a warm meal but finding so much more. Lulu, the owner, offers her a job, a place to stay and a new lease on life. Through Lulu’s tenacious warmth and generosity, Leah quickly finds herself embraced by the quaint community as she tries to put herself back together. Given she’s accustomed to cruelty, the kindness is overwhelming.

Soon Leah meets Crowley Mason, the most eligible bachelor in town. A lawyer and friend of Lulu’s, Crowley is wary of Leah’s sudden, mysterious arrival. Despite his reserve, something sparks between them that can’t be denied. But after all she’s been through, can Leah allow herself to truly love and be loved, especially when her first urge is to run?

Exploring the resiliency of both the heart and the spirit, Lulu’s Café gorgeously illustrates how old scars can finally heal no matter how deep they seem.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

T. I. Lowe is a native of coastal South Carolina. She attended Coastal Carolina University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she majored in psychology but excelled in creative writing. Go figure. Writing was always a dream, and she finally took a leap of faith in 2014 and independently published her first novel, Lulu’s Café, which quickly became a bestseller. Now the author of ten published novels with hundreds of thousands of copies sold, she knows she’s just getting started and has many more stories to tell. A wife and mother who’s active in her church community, she resides near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with her family.

Read an excerpt of LuLu’s Cafe

The building was a two-story redbrick structure with expansive windows along the first floor’s front and sides. Each set of massive windows was shaded with sprawling royal-blue awnings, which were decorated with vibrantly painted sunflowers and whimsical white letters spelling out Lulu’s Café across the remaining space. It looked inviting from the outside. Peering into the window, Leah could see that the café was bustling with customers. Outside the café, the sidewalk was lined with wrought-iron tables and chairs. Every table was occupied with customers chatting as they sipped steaming mugs of coffee.

The sign for the store hours indicated that, Monday through Saturday, the café opened at six each morning and closed at two each afternoon, and it was closed on Sundays. Leah found the hours a bit odd. Most restaurants served dinner and were open on Sundays too, or so she thought. She reminded herself that she was in a new environment and that the customs from the West Coast probably wouldn’t apply here.

The café had its fall decorations on display as well. Large planter boxes overflowed with giant yellow and orange mums. One had a wooden sign sticking out from the middle declaring, Happy Fall, Y’all.

Leah was beginning to think the place was too happy and, more importantly, too busy for her liking, when she spotted a vacant four-person table right inside the door. She made her way in and slipped into the chair closest to the window. She deliberately faced away from the entrance, hoping not to draw much attention. Once she was situated, she noticed that the back of the café was made up of a large butcher-block counter that housed a bakery case full of treats on the right. The remainder of the counter was lined with half a dozen stools, with customers perched on each one. Leah noted approvingly that the tables and chairs were a variety of mismatched shapes and sizes stained in the same mahogany tint. She liked the relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.

Leah watched a petite lady behind the counter serving up coffee and laughs. Her stomach began to rumble at the fragrant smells whirling around her, so she turned her attention to the menu resting on the table. Turkey sausage, turkey bacon, egg-white omelets, whole grain breads and cereal, fresh fruit . . .

Leah blinked at the odd menu. She gazed around at the customers enjoying their healthy meals. Her heart had been set on a stack of pancakes and greasy bacon. She studied the bakery case but found no donuts hiding.

“Humph.” She went back to studying the menu.

“I didn’t keep you waiting too long, did I?” A Southern drawl interrupted Leah’s thoughts.

Leah looked up to find the petite lady with a perfectly coiffed silver bob smiling at her. She was so short that she was nearly eye level with a seated Leah. Her clear gray eyes seemed to bubble with hospitality. Leah instantly liked the woman and gave her a slight smile, being careful not to stretch her bottom lip.

“Well, you gonna keep giving me that sweet smile or are you gonna order something?” the lady asked in a teasing voice.

Leah pointed at the bright-orange cursive L embroidered thickly on one of the lady’s apron pockets. “Please tell me you’re Lulu.”

“Of course I’m Lulu. Why do you ask?” Lulu smoothed her ruffled apron, which swam in a variety of rich blue swirls.

“You match the happiness of the place perfectly,” Leah said.

“Well, that’s the nicest thing someone has said to me today. What can I get you?”

“Coffee and whatever you recommend.”

Lulu gave her a wink and strolled back to the kitchen.

Blog Stops

Back Porch wwwwwwahhReads, June 29

Godly Book Reviews, June 30

Daysong Reflections, July 1

Inklings and notions, July 1

Retrospective Spines, July 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 2

Quiet Quilter, July 3

For Him and My Family, July 4

The Becca Files, July 4

Maureen’s Musings, July 5

Through the Fire Blogs, July 5

The Becca Files, July 6

Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 7

janicesbookreviews, July 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 8

Remembrancy, July 9

Reader’s Cozy Corner, July 10

A Reader’s Brain, July 10

Pause for Tales, July 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 11

Living Life Free in christ, July 12

Texas Book-aholic, July 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, T.I. Lowe is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of LuLu’s Cafe!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e4f3/lulu-s-cafe-celebration-tour-giveaway

Happy Birthday America! Patriotic Desserts for All!

Posted on July 4, 2019July 3, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Happy 4th of July to you and Happy Birthday to America! This is the 243rd birthday for this country of ours. The United States of America is the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Each year on this day we celebrate by throwing a big birthday party!

What are you giving America this year? Peace, harmony, and respect might be on her list. She deserves all three and much more.

Usually the party ends up being a picnic or pool party. Family and friends gather from near and sometimes far to celebrate living in the extraordinary country. We celebrate freedom, our freedom. Summer is in full swing. The weather is hot with the nights warm. Fireworks light up the skies to celebrate.

When my family gathers to celebrate we usually have a pitch-in. Does yours? We have some favorite dishes and try to make at least one patriotic dessert. What are some that you make? Here are a few from our recipe box:

Recipe for above:

Take any flavor of cookie dough and spread in the Pampered Chef round white stone. Bake according to directions for a big cookie. Let cool. Frost with white icing and decorate with red, white, and blue M&M’s.

Below:

The following is a luscious, light dessert that pleases everyone. It looks gorgeous, too.

Flag Red Velvet Cakes:

These Red Velvet Flag cakes are really a hit at the party. They are easy to make and eat! Kids and adults love them. They work for more than Flag Day.

Today is about much more than red, white and blue desserts, fireworks, and picnics. Far more. It is about freedom, liberty, and justice. Blood was shed so that we might live free. Never take that for granted. Our forefathers planned and organized to make certain this would be the best land for them and their descendants. Their blood was given for it.

While you are celebrating the birthday of this land that I love today, please lift this country, her leaders, and her protectors up in prayer. They need our prayers daily now just like our founding fathers prayed for them. Our country and each one of us needs God. Let’s start with prayer. That would be a precious birthday gift for America.

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky Book Review

Posted on July 3, 2019July 2, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

“No Ocean Too Wide” by Carrie Turansky is a Christian romantic historical fiction based on true events. It is Book One in the McAlister Family Series. This was a compelling novel that I could not put down! There is no way I can do it justice with just a few words.

My emotions took a roller coaster ride with this book. I became enraged, shocked, joyful, elated, saddened, scared, hopeless and then hopeful as the feelings from the characters jumped from the characters into me.

This is a story set in England in the early 1900’s. It centers around the McAlister Family which has a mother, seven year old Grace, fourteen year old twins Katie and Garth, and twenty year old Laura. As tragedy befalls the family with the mother in the hospital, the children are separated from each other and their mother.

The characters are well described and believable. Each one has a depth that makes him or her come to life on the page. There is even a rich, handsome hero! The conversations sound authentic for the era and location. The descriptions took me to a time and place that I had never been.

Author Turansky did impeccable research. I had never heard of this before in all my reading and studies. I was stunned and livid to learn that children were sent from England to Canada, orphaned or not. In fact, at times I wished this was not based on a true story. However, I could not stop reading this captivating tale.

The writing is exquisite. The book flows at an even pace. It isn’t sluggish or hurried. The author has a style that made this book easy to read and not want to put down. It is quite the page turner. I eagerly await Book Two.

I highly recommend this poignant novel. It has stayed with me long after reading it. I keep thinking of all of the poor children in similar situations. The Christian element is definitely present. Themes of faith, family, God, helping others, and hope are woven throughout this emotional, beautiful story. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own thoughts.

Yours Truly, Thomas by Author Rachel Fordham

Posted on July 2, 2019June 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

This was an absolutely spectacular book. I devoured it from cover to cover in one evening. Yes, I stayed up all night just to finish this beautiful tale of love, intrigue, mystery, family, secrets, and honesty. Author Rachel Fordham has a talent which can only be given by our maker. Her skill is heavenly.

From the beginning I was invested in this book. “One hundred percent, let those dishes pile up, no I don’t want to watch television, sorry I forgot to fix dinner, tell her I will call her back” invested. The book had me mesmerized and I was trapped willingly in Azure Springs. Pages flipped and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. There is mystery, romance, adventure, a lovable rambunctious standard poodle, and a cast of quirky characters. Characters from other Azure Springs books spring up and I was thrilled. I would ask my husband “Oh, guess who just came to visit Penny?” He would good heartedly play along and send his best wishes.

The author has researched her subject well. This is a brilliant idea for a book. I was able to learn something about the Dead Letter Office. There is scripture, prayer, and references to God. I love this, too. If your classification is Christian fiction, put the Christians in the book, please. The big old lovable unruly dog was a very sweet part of the story.

The writing was exemplary. I felt like I was back in Azure Springs among old friends and making new ones. Conversations flowed gently and naturally. They never seemed rushed, but very authentic. The bad guys were very bad and easy to dislike. There are twists and turns to keep you on your toes and your interest piqued until the very last page.

All while reading this sure to be an award winning book, I kept thinking, this would be the best movie. It really would with the unique story, big muddy dog running amok, a quaint town with unique individuals, and mysteries. I kept changing the cast as I continued to read. Faces finally came together with characters and voila, I was ready to rally for a movie. I bet you will be, too. Let me know who your pick would be for some of the celebrities to play people from this book. I would love to hear.

Yes, I highly recommend this book to anyone. I rated this literary jewel 5 out of 5 stars. I was provided a copy from the publisher but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest words.

About the Book:

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people’s mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more–a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn’t expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny’s undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring–perhaps too much–for the one who wrote it.

About the Author:

Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”. Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children’s bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.

“Bipartisan Love” Celebrate Lit Tour & Giveaway

Posted on July 1, 2019July 1, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

This is an older Contemporary or newer historic Christian romance written by author and storyteller extraordinaire, Caryl MacAdoo. The reason I say older is it is set right after the assassination of Bobby Kennedy. While that might not seem historic to me, it actually is.

Bipartisan Love is another delicious serving of God glorifying fiction from author MacAdoo. It is a different type of story and I loved every bit of it. The author’s down home honest style of writing draws me right in from the first page and keeps me until the story is finished. This was filled with emotions, life lessons, faith, humor, and of course romance.

The author has researched her material well. The characters were delightful and very realistic. Each seemed like someone we would know. Conversations were saturated with colloquialisms, making them even more authentic. With the author’s vivid descriptions I felt like I was in the middle of the story myself.

This is the story of Cynthia and Cody, high school sweethearts. It is a tale of forgiveness, trusting God and His timing, starting over again, betrayal, love, and second chances. It is about faith, family, and friends.

I highly recommend this delightfully written novel. It gets a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was not required to write a review. These are my own honest words.

About the Book:

Book: Bipartisan Love

Author: Caryl MacAdoo

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: June 20, 2019

Don’t lean to your own understanding. Acknowledge God in all your ways, and He will direct your path.

Does time truly heal a broken heart?

Cody thought it had until she walked into the diner like she owned the world and back into his life as if she owned him.

Can betrayal ever be completely forgiven?

Cindy thought it could until she saw him with the bleached blonde. Her Cody!

Separated eighteen years, Cody Wayne Buckmeyer and Cindy think they can put the past behind them and work toward a common goal, a congressional seat . . . but is that possible?

About the Author:

Praying her story gives God glory, award-winning, best-selling author Caryl McAdoo loves revisiting beloved characters in her novels. And her readers are glad she does! She’s blessed that her titles earned over fifty-percent 5-Star ratings and eighty-five to ninety percent 4 & 5-Stars! With forty-four novels (thirty-four in the last four-and-a-half years), it’s obvious she loves writing, but singing the new songs the Lord gives her also rates high. (Listen to a few at YouTube.)

Married to Ron, her high school sweetheart, she counts their four children and eighteen grandsugars life’s best blessings. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl:

I totally enjoy revisiting characters from previous stories! That’s one reason I love writing ‘Family Sagas” like the Texas Romances that has ten full length novels and Cross Timbers Romances with two books and counting! The third launches this coming September.

In BIPARTISAN LOVE, we get to spend time again with the Buckmeyers—Travis and Emma Lee from Texas Romance Book Ten CHIEF OF SINNERS. My heart could barely leave these dear people after book ten, so I’ve written a few “Companion Books” (five and counting 😊) that go with the Texas Romance series—either going back to meet ancestors or forward for their descendants or just more stories with the characters you already love.

Readers first met Cody Buckmeyer and his kissing cousin (by marriage) best friend Cynthia Kramer as pre-teens in SON OF PROMISE. In that story, Emma Lee, so longing to be a mom, gets her heart’s desire in Cody, her husband’s son she’s never known about. The two youngsters became fast friends, but Cindy went overseas when LBJ gave her father an ambassadorship.

It’s been eighteen years, and Cody’s engaged to another. After her letters stopped, he gave up all hope. A liberal Democrat, Cynthia comes home after working in Hubert Humphries’ losing bid for the presidency, and wants Cody, a conservative Republican, to run for a Congressional seat with her as his campaign manager!

How’s this supposed to work?

Blog Stops:

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

Godly Book Reviews, June 25

Simple Harvest Reads, June 26 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, June 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 28

Connect in Fiction, June 29

Power of Words, June 30 (Spotlight)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 1

Just the Write Escape, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Artistic Nobody, July 4 (Spotlight)

janicesbookreviews, July 5

A Reader’s Brain, July 6

Inklings and notions, July 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away

Grand Prize – $50 Gift Amazon Card

1st Prize – Signed, Paperback copy of CHOICE of all my books

2nd Prize – Signed copy of Bipartisan Love

3rd Prize – eBook copy of Bipartisan Love

and

4th Prize – eBook copy of CHOICE of all my books!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e4f6/bipartisan-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Andrew by Author Jennifer Beckstrand Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on June 30, 2019May 15, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Hello! Today is my stop on Celebrate Lit’s book tour and giveaway for Jennifer Beckstrand’s new Amish book “Andrew, A Lesson in Love”. It is Book One in her new series the Petersheim Brothers. Not only will you learn about the book, the author, her thoughts, the tour stops, and the giveaway, but the author has included a recipe for you. It sounds yummy! Let’s begin…

My Thoughts

I always enjoy a nice Amish fiction especially when it has an inspirational message. Book one, Andrew, in author Beckstrand’s new series is an absolute delight! This contemporary Amish novel is heavily laced with inspiration and life lessons. It has light romance, humor, a bit of intrigue, and is so well written it is hard to put down.

Author Beckstrand is a storyteller deluxe. The Petersheim Family was filled with older boys (men) and a pair of rambunctious eight year old twins. Paternal grandparents had just moved in adding to the frenzy with an ever “helpful” mother-in-law.

I enjoyed the writer’s style. The pace was great, not rush or sluggish. The conversations sounded authentic. There was plenty of dialog which I like. The characters were so well described I felt like I knew them. My heart went out to Mary and then to Andrew. I could imagine them easily and feel their emotions.

The secondary characters were, well characters! I could see a book being written about many of them. Mammi was a typical mother-in-law wanting to help by setting things up her way. Jerry was a fireman that has a secret, Aunt Bitsy has a bunch of cats and blue hair, and so many others.

This is very entertaining but it is also an inspiration book with life lessons. It deals with choices, hypocrisy, judging, family issues, illness, love, trust, even abortion. Scripture is heavily quoted and mention of what would Jesus do. In fact, a lot of the book discusses the difference in helping someone verses judging them. To say this was a thought provoking read is and understatement. It has stayed with me weeks later.

I was astonished by how forthright the author was in taking on hypocrites. It is a topic everyone should read about and address. This book will give readers a lot to ponder. It might even change some attitudes.

This gets a glowing recommendation from me. Everyone should read this book. I am eagerly awaiting book two and the issues it will tackle. This book gets a 5 out of 5 stars for the lessons it teaches. We should all take them to heart. An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review.

About the Book

Book: Andrew

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Genre: Amish Romance

Release Date: June 25, 2019

Andrew, Abraham, and Austin Petersheim’s family business has earned them the nickname The Peanut Butter Brothers. But if their matchmaking younger siblings have their way, all three may soon bear another title: husband . . .

Handsome, hardworking, and godly, Andrew Petersheim has always been sure of his place in his Wisconsin Amish community. He’ll be a welcome catch for the local girl who finally captures his heart. Mary Coblenz certainly isn’t that girl. Two years after “jumping the fence” for the Englischer world, she’s returned, unmarried and pregnant. Yet instead of hiding in shame as others in the community expect, she’s working at the Honeybee Farm, ignoring the gossips—and winning over Andrew’s eight-year-old twin brothers . . .

For all Andrew’s certainty about right and wrong, it seems he has a lot to learn from Mary’s courage, grace, and resilience. She’s changing his notions about forgiveness and love, but will she in turn accept the challenge of starting over and choose to stay—with him?

Link to purchase book: https://amzn.to/3029xel

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the two-time RITA-nominated, #1 Amazon bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries, The Honeybee Sisters series, and The Petersheim Brothers series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer and Home on Huckleberry Hill were both nominated for the coveted RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. Jennifer has written twenty-one Amish romances, a historical Western, Jessie and James, and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. She and her husband have been married for thirty-four years, and she has six children and seven adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

More from Jennifer

If you enjoyed The Honeybee Sisters, you’re going to love The Petersheim Brothers, or the Peanut Butter Brothers as they’re known in their small Amish community of Bienenstock, Wisconsin. The Petersheim brothers work their small farm and make peanut butter. The idea for The Petersheim Brothers series came when two of my friends and I were creating The Honeybee Sisters Cookbook. My friend Alicia suggested I write a book about Peanut Butter Brothers, and the idea stuck.

One of my favorite characters in my Amish romances is Aunt Bitsy, the irrepressible, unconventional woman who raised the Honeybee Sisters, tried to chase off all their suitors, and then lit fireworks at their triple wedding. In Andrew, the first book in the Petersheim Brothers series, Aunt Bitsy takes in a girl who has jumped the fence and wants to come back to the Amish community to have her baby. Aunt Bitsy is still protecting her dandelions and her bees, still dyeing her hair all sorts of bright colors, and still praying to Gotte right out loud.

Andrew is about forgiveness, second chances, and learning to love. It will have you laughing and crying, and you might just fall in love with two of the most mischievous little boys in Wisconsin. Enjoy.

In honor of the Peanut Butter Brothers, I want to share one of our favorite family recipes. These bars are perfect for picnics, parties, and potlucks. They’re easy and delicious!

Peanut Butter Bars

Cream together:

1 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup sugar

Blend In:

2 unbeaten eggs

1 tsp. baking soda

2/3 cup peanut butter

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

Stir In:

2 cups flour

2 cups quick oats

Spread mixture in greased jelly-roll pan or large cookie sheet.

Bake: 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Do not overbake. Remove from oven.

Sprinkle on:

1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Let stand five minutes.

For peanut butter mixture on top, combine:

½ cup sifted powdered sugar

¼ cup peanut butter

2 to 4 Tbs. evaporated milk

Mix well.

The chocolate chips will melt on the bars. Spread melted chocolate evenly. Drizzle peanut butter mixture on top. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, June 26

The Avid Reader, June 26

Moments, June 26

Lighthouse Academy, June 27

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 27

Blossoms and Blessings, June 28

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, June 28

Reading Is My SuperPower, June 29

Bigreadersite, June 29

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30

Genesis 5020, July 1

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, July 1

Inklings and notions , July 1

Maureen’s Musings, July 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 2

Christian Bookaholic, July 3

Pause for Tales, July 3

Southern Gal Loves to Read, July 4

For Him and my family, July 4

A Reader’s Brain, July 4

Mary Hake, July 5

Splashesofjoy, July 5

Vicky Sluiter, July 5

Texas Book-aholic, July 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 7

janicesbookreviews, July 7

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 8

Older & Smarter?, July 8

Quiet Quilter, July 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e57a/andrew-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Brides of the Big Valley Book Review

Posted on June 29, 2019June 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Brides of The Big Valley is a compilation of three Christian contemporary Amish romance stories penned by the three Brunstetter ladies. Matriarch Wanda is joined by daughter-in-law Jean and granddaughter Richelle to produce a delightful fiction book that is unique and engaging. I have never read any Amish stories such as these.

The Amish lifestyle fascinates me and by reading these three books I was able to learn even more about it. Opening this paperback is an Introduction section that describes The Big Valley and Amish there. The three different buggy colors intrigued me. Their language and cooking do, too. The Brunstetter ladies have done their research well and really know the Amish culture. It is evidenced in their well written books.

Each story has believable characters that are true to life. They struggle with life issues such as strife, forgiveness, coveting, and not wanting to accept help from others. Through their tale solutions are given on how to deal with these unfortunate and stressful topics. God is frontmost in each of the three books.

All three novellas are set in an area in Pennsylvania known as Big Valley. There are many Amish here but they aren’t all alike in their beliefs and rules. The three separate districts here range from Conservative to Liberal. Each one has their own color of buggy to distinguish themselves.

Wanda has written the first book, Deanna’s Determination. In this story Deanna is a widow with a young son who has Down’s Syndrome. It is a heart wrenching story that has stayed with me long after I finished reading it. I was a bit bothered by switching between Dad and Daed throughout the book, but it could be a Big Valley practice. I loved the little boy, Abner. There are so many life lessons to be learned in this poignant tale.

Jean took on Book Two, Rose Mary’s Resolve. The common thread between these two books is Elmer. He works for her father. In this tale, Mary Rose is deliberating on her faith and finding a man to help her in her walk. She has been considering jumping the fence over into the Englischer World. It is a wonderful story and filled with faith, decisions, consequences, and inspiration. Jean has a very nice style of writing and knows her Amish, also.

Richelle wraps up the book with Leila’s Longing. Leila has been helping her mother and has done so without complaining. Secretly she yearns for a house and family of her own. Her friends are all married or getting married. She is goes to a singing where young people gather and mingle. Her dilemma is can a strict yellow topper be interested in beginning a relationship and family with someone from a different group?

I would highly recommend this to anyone. If you aren’t certain if you like Amish books, this is a sampling from three excellent authors. Each of the stories is equally entertaining and inspiring. After the novella each author has included a recipe from her story. There are no Discussion Questions at the end, but these would be great book club choices for many reasons. There is heartache, disabilities, and making choices involved in these captivating tales.

After reading these three novella, I am ready for a real trip to Amish Country. This gave me a taste for the real thing! I gladly rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Each individual story would get a 5, also. A copy was provided by the publisher but these were my own, honest thoughts.

About the Book:

In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which three distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

About the Authors:

Wanda Brunstetter

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Jean Brunstetter

Jean Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish when she first went to Pennsylvania to visit her father-in-law’s family. Since that time, Jean has become friends with several Amish families and enjoys writing about their way of life. She also likes to put some of the simple practices followed by the Amish into her daily routine. Jean lives in Washington State with her husband, Richard Jr. and their three children, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish communities in several states. In addition to writing, Jean enjoys boating, gardening, and spending time on the beach.

Richelle Brunstetter

Richelle Brunstetter lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took creative writing in high school. After enrolling in college classes, her overall experience enticed her to become a writer, and she wants to implement what she’s learned into her stories. Just starting her writing career, her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt beside her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and her mother, Jean. Richelle enjoys traveling to different places, her favorite being Kauai, Hawaii.

The Medallion Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on June 28, 2019June 27, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

The Medallion was set in 1939 Poland. It is a poignant, haunting tale of World War II and just how evil and unsafe Hitler had made the World. It was a difficult book for me to read. The author brought emotions, stories, and descriptions to people that lived during this nightmare.

Author Gohlke has done an exceptional job researching for her novel. Everything sounded realistic. Her characters are well done and heart-wrenching. It is hard to imagine anyone going through the atrocities that accompanied WWII. Just reading about it made me cry and I can’t stop thinking about the horrors.

This is a book about hope and trust. It is about knowing God is always there. Forgiveness, grace, and mercy are touched on. One of the main inspirational lessons is to prayer continually. After reading this, I was thankful that it was not anything I had to experience or endure.

There were sweet, touching moments in the book, too. They were overshadowed by the emotionally gut wrenching ones unfortunately. The Medallion is based on a true story, but I can definitely imagine everything happening.

I would recommend these to anyone that enjoys WWII fiction. My spirit is a bit too soft for all of the evil and vileness of the Nazis. However, the writing has been done beautifully and will touch the very core of your being. It does have Discussion Questions so if you are in a book club that enjoys this type of fiction, it would be perfect.

This book gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me. I received a readers’ copy from Celebrate Lit but was under not obligation to write a review. This is my own, honest opinion.

About the Book:

Book: The Medallion

Author: Cathy Gohlke

Genre: Historical Fiction (World War II)

Release date: June 4, 2019

For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler’s mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.

Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen—Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city’s library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.

Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter’s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war—if any of them survive—is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.

Inspired by true events of Poland’s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Three-time Christy and two-time Carol and INSPY Award–winning and bestselling author Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children’s and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks.

More from Cathy

Every story begins with a journey. Sharing that journey is twice the joy.

The Medallion was inspired by two true stories—the first was the WWII account of Itzhak Dugin and his Jewish family, persecuted in Lithuania. Their heart-wrenching story made world news when the tunnel from which Itzhak escaped the Nazis was discovered using modern technology.

The second was the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker within Żegota (an underground Polish Council to Aid Jews), who developed a network to rescue children. Despite terrible risks, they smuggled 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto and certain death at the hands of the Nazis, then hid them in Polish homes, convents, churches and hospitals until the enud of the war. Approximately 2,000 of those children were found after the war. Theories abound regarding the whereabouts of those missing. I couldn’t help but wonder, and imagine: What became of those 400 to 500 missing children? What became of one?

Set in WWII Poland and post-war England, The Medallion is a story of courage, sacrifice, love, forgiveness and redemption.

Blog Stops

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, June 22

Christian Bookaholic, June 22

Carla Loves To Read, June 22

The Power of Words, June 23

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, June 23

Mary Hake, June 23

janicesbookreviews, June 23

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 24

By The Book, June 24

For Him and My Family, June 24

A Reader’s Brain, June 24

All-of-a-kind Mom, June 25

Through the Fire Blogs, June 25

Retrospective Spines, June 25

Inklings and notions, June 25

Remembrancy, June 26

Lis Loves Reading , June 26

The Becca Files, June 26

Genesis 5020, June 27

Reader’s Cozy Corner, June 27

Connect in Fiction, June 27

Bigreadersite, June 28

Maureen’s Musings, June 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 28

Blossoms and Blessings, June 29

For the Love of Literature, June 29

Spoken from the Heart, June 29

Inspired by fiction, June 30

Have A Wonderful Day, June 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30

Inspiration Clothesline, July 1

Connie’s History Classroom, July 1

Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Just the Write Escape, July 2

Seasons of Opportunities, July 2

Pause for Tales, July 2

As He Leads is Joy, July 3

To Everything A Season, July 3

Hallie Reads, July 3

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 4

For The Love of Books, July 4

Emily Yager, July 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 5

Texas Book-aholic, July 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e50c/the-medallion-celebration-tour-giveaway

This Healing Journey Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on June 25, 2019June 19, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

This Healing Journey by author Misty M. Beiler is a Christian historical romance. This is the series finale, Book 7, in her Heart of the Mountain Series. It can easily be read by itself but the others are so good you will want to read them, too.

This is the story of Hannah Graces is a determined, strong, caring woman that has a desire to be with family. It is also about Nathaniel, a strong, dedicated, handsome man. Their chemistry is undeniable and beautiful.

Set in the rugged mountains, this Christian historical romance captured my attention and gave me a glimpse of life without modern conveniences. The author had done her research well. At times I felt like I was in danger, in the perilous terrain. My heart and emotions went out to this couple. I loved reading their love story. It left me smiling.

It was refreshing how they trusted in God. They learned to listen to His leading and trust in His plan for their lives. Don’t we all need to do that?

The story had some twists and turns, surprises, and was so interesting from start to finish. The author has a wonderful way with words. She weaves them together into a smooth story. Conversations are realistic and do not sound forced. Her characters are well developed and seem like friends. It is a pleasant writing style.

I highly recommend this book for anyone that likes historical, adventure, Christian romance. It is thought provoking and provides many life lessons. I rated it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was not required to write a review. These are my honest opinions.

About the Book

Book: This Healing Journey

Author: Misty M Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: July 18, 2019

The mountain wilderness of her family’s home in the Canadian Rockies is all Hannah Grant has ever known. Now at the age of twenty-four, she’s on a journey to help her father to find the son he gave up for adoption three decades before. This is Hannah’s chance to discover the life she’s missed out on so far—and hopefully find a husband along the way. But she certainly doesn’t plan to fall for the first man she meets.

Years in the Calvary provided Nathaniel Peak with more than his share of violence and adventure. That life behind him, he wants nothing more than to settle down in the beautiful Montana mountains and raise his own stock—in peace. The last thing he expects is the savagely wounded child who shows up in his barn. Nor the woman he comes to rely on for the girl’s care.

Hannah can’t help but fall in love with the brave Indian child who so desperately needs her, but no matter what, she can’t let herself fall for the man whose past choices go against everything she believes in. As the situation grows worse, Hannah and Nathaniel are forced to make a heart-rending decision to save the girl’s life. Little do they imagine, the choice they make could spell disaster for them all.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

More from Misty

Occasionally I hear readers debate about whether they prefer to read a series of books from an author, or only standalone novels. Personally, I love series—both reading and writing them. There’s something about seeing characters I know and love from past books that makes me warm and happy inside. Can you relate?

One of the first series I wrote, the Mountain Dreams Series, included five books that told the stories of several families intertwined through marriage and God’s connections. Those characters are still so dear to my heart! When book 5 ended, I had so many readers ask for more in the series, I began dreaming of a spin-off series with a very special connection to the hero in book 5. Enter: the Heart of the Mountains Series.

I’ve LOVED every story in this 7-book collection, taking each journey with the characters as I laughed and cried and uncovered their secrets. For the final 7^th book, I’m thrilled to announce that I’m reuniting many of the characters from BOTH series! Simeon Grant (from Heart of the Mountains, book 1) goes on a journey to find the son he gave up for adoption as an infant (the hero in Mountain Dreams, book 5).

This Healing Journey has its own leading lady, Hannah Grant (the baby born at the end of This Treacherous Journey, all grown up and as tough as any lady raised in the Canadian mountain wilderness). And a new character, Nathaniel Peak, who stars as the hero (and who I fell in love with IMMEDIATELY!).

Even if you’ve never read any of my stories, I think you’ll enjoy this one. Especially if you love adventurous mountain stories as much as I do!

Blog Stops

Inspiration clothesline, June 18

Reading Is My SuperPower, June 18

Among the Reads, June 19

Connect in Fiction, June 19

Simple Harvest Reads, June 20

Wishful Endings, June 20

Blessed & Bookish, June 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 21

Blossoms and Blessings, June 22

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 22

janicesbookreviews, June 22

CarpeDiem, June 23

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, June 23

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 24

Through the Fire Blogs, June 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 25

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 25

Bigreadersite, June 26

Spoken from the Heart, June 26

A Reader’s Brain, June 26

A Baker’s Perspective, June 27

Splashes of Joy, June 27

For Him and My Family, June 28

Mary Hake, June 28

Real World Bible Study, June 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 29

Inklings and notions, June 29

Pause for Tales, June 30

For the Love of Books, June 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 1

Texas Book-aholic, July 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e50e/this-healing-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sometimes I Wake Up Grumpy….

Posted on June 22, 2019June 21, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Are you a morning person? When the sun lights up your bedroom do you stretch and declare it a glorious day? Perhaps not and grumble while burrowing under your pillow. Some people need just 5 more minutes, which often turn into 45 minutes and they are still cranky.

My husband and I are totally different morning people. The old joke “Sometimes I wake up grumpy and other times I let him sleep” was written for us. He loves his sleep and can get a bit irritable if it is interrupted. After decades of awakening at 6:00 a.m. to go to work, he delights in sleeping “until he’s finished” as he puts it. Being in the Army has something to do with it, too.

Me? When the light shines and a wet nosed fur-baby greets me, I am ready to pray and get up. Thanking God for the new day and safety of the night, I begin my morning prayer before my feet hit the floor. The older I get the less sleep I seem to need. Are you at this age yet?

What is your relationship with mornings? Are you thrilled with the endless possibilities of the new day? Scripture tells us in Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” No time like the present. Get out of that bed and enjoy this gift from Abba.

The trajectory or path your day will take depends a lot on how you wake up or get up. Have you ever encountered someone so crabby you asked if he “got up on the wrong side of the bed today?” Your and my day begins when we first open our eyes, stretch our arms or legs, and (hopefully) pray. Then when we hop out (do you hop out or like I do gingerly get out) of bed, we are ready to tackle the day with strength from our Father.

Just because the day started grumpy, doesn’t mean it needs to stay there. You are able to shake off that bad mood that began earlier. You have the power. Use it. Trade in the frowns for smiles.

I hope you start your days happy and give smiles away generously. If a cantankerous one slides in, exchange it for a happier one. There will always be time for napping later. Use today to bring glory to God.