Recipes for a Delicious Life Book Review

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Celebrity Chef Zipora Einav has written a delightful book: Recipes for a Delicious Life, Discover The Perfect Blend of Food & Music to Stimulate Your Appetite for Lasting Health, Harmony & Joy! It is a feel good, inspiring book that includes music, recipes, memories, and pearls of wisdom. I really enjoyed it.


Chef Zipora has a resume that includes a wide variety of celebrities. She reminisces about her time with them and shares recipes that were their favorites. This is an endearing story that tells the chef’s early years in Israel, her love of food and music, how she came to America and how she came to be a chef to stars. There are many stories about the clients Chef Zipora cooked for as well as her travels with some of them around the world.


The style of this book is inviting. I felt as if we were sipping tea across from one another at a table, soft music playing, and chatting away. There is so much to glean from this book. The common thread throughout this book is that we need harmony and balance in the kitchen. Music impacts the mood of a chef as she cooks, Zipora believes. She also shares that healthy food, prepared well, will nurture your body as well as your mind. Unless I missed it, I did not read anything about nurturing your soul.

I found many recipes that I am eager to make. They all sound delicious. The recipes she shared were favorites of her former clients, Mariah Carey, Pierce Brosnan, Bob Hope and the Kelly family. At the end of the book there are links for additional information and recipes. It is entitled “Takeaway Time.”


I highly recommend this book. If you have a foodie, music lover, or celebrity follower, this would make a nice book for them. Christmas is just around the corner. This will make a nice addition to your collection, too. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by HigherLife Publishing but these are my own honest words.

Purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/Recipe-Delicious-Life-Discover-Stimulate/dp/0999415611/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1634866174&sr=8-1

About the Author

Chef Zipora Einav has enjoyed a distinguished career as a Private Celebrity Chef preparing exquisite meals to meet each client’s unique tastes, dietary requirements, and nutritional goals. She has extensive knowledge in a wide range of cuisines and cooking techniques, specializing in Mediterranean, Kosher, Vegetarian/Vegan, and Gluten-Free meals.

She has served as the private chef and served meals to celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Pierce Brosnan, Jack Nicholson, Bob Hope, Aaron Spelling, Seal, Scarlet Johansson, and many others. 

Her company, Chef Zipora Enterprise – Comfort Food in Harmony with Your Health™ –is dedicated to improving people’s lives by empowering individuals and families to eat well and embrace a healthy lifestyle.

She has traveled extensively throughout the world and been interviewed on multiple radio and television shows.

Now, Zipora shares her unique zest for life, love, music, and food with you. 

Zipora was raised in Natanya, Israel, served in the Israeli military, and became a U.S Citizen in 1995. She has two grown sons, David and Rani, and  currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.

From the Author

Chef Zipora Einav has enjoyed a distinguished career as a Private Celebrity Chef preparing exquisite meals to meet each client’s unique tastes, dietary requirements, and nutritional goals. She has extensive knowledge in a wide range of cuisines and cooking techniques, specializing in Mediterranean, Kosher, Vegetarian/Vegan, and Gluten-Free meals.

She has served as the private chef and served meals to celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Pierce Brosnan, Jack Nicholson, Bob Hope, Aaron Spelling, Seal, Scarlet Johansson, and many others. 

Her company, Chef Zipora Enterprise – Comfort Food in Harmony with Your Health™ –is dedicated to improving people’s lives by empowering individuals and families to eat well and embrace a healthy lifestyle.

She has traveled extensively throughout the world and been interviewed on multiple radio and television shows.

Now, Zipora shares her unique zest for life, love, music, and food with you. 

Zipora was raised in Natanya, Israel, served in the Israeli military, and became a U.S Citizen in 1995. She has two grown sons, David and Rani, and  currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Penelope’s Pursuit Book Tour by Celebrate Lit

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Penelope’s Pursuit is a Christian historical fiction by talented author Chautona Havig. It is part of the Home and Hearts Westward Mail-Order Brides Series. This is not a cookie cutter mail order bride book. Part romance, mystery, and adventure Penelope’s Pursuit was a page-turner for me. Author Havig takes a somewhat realistic look at what might have happened to a few of the mail-order brides that traveled west. Charming yet poignant this lovely book is a delight.

This is the tale of Penelope and her travels to Kansas in search of her older sister, Priscilla. Ten years ago, Priscilla secretly left to become a mail-order bride. That was the last her family heard from her. The characters are unique, realistic, and timely. They were well defined and described. I could feel their anguish, disappointment, and joy. Some many emotions were contained within these pages,

It was easy to become invested in the story as well as the lives of both of both sisters. With her skilled pen, the author whisked me away on a journey to locate Penelope. Conversations were smooth, authentic, and some of my favorite parts.

I appreciated the life and spiritual lessons included in this tale. Whenever a novel teaches about trusting in God, forgiving, redemption, and hope, it does a great service besides entertaining. Penelope’s Pursuit did all of those.

I highly recommend this touching book. It is more than a regular mail-order romance. I give it a 5 star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book:  Penelope’s Pursuit

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 29, 2021

Are mail-order-brides changing their minds or is something sinister going on in Kansas?

Ten years ago, Penelope’s sister ran away as a mail-order bride, and it was the last their family ever heard from her.  Now, with their parents dead and Penelope all alone, the young woman has one goal. Find her sister.

It took enough grit for Henry to write to Miss Mildred Crenshaw about finding him a wife in the first place, but when the stage arrives and no bride steps off, the whole thing feels like a confidence scheme. Investigation, however, sends chills down his spine as he realizes women are leaving the east for the west but many never arrive at their destinations.

Is it any wonder that Penelope doesn’t trust the man who abducts her from the clutches of her new friends and rides off into the sunset? Is his explanation reasonable?  Can she convince him to help her find her sister?

And is she about to fall in love with a homesteader on the untamed prairies of Kansas?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

Mail Order Brides: Do We Romanticize the Past?

Although I recall reading about mail-order brides in school… somewhere… Patricia MacLachlan’s Sarah, Plain and Tall was my first introduction to the idea of advertising for or requesting the services of a matchmaker to find a wife. The book and the subsequent movie showed the difficulties of such a marriage and left us all with a satisfactory ending.

Some years later, while doing a bit of research, I discovered another side of the coin—a horrifying picture of what happened to some gullible young women and the unscrupulous people who used such matchmaking schemes as a means for human trafficking. It sickened me, as it should anyone.

All my ideas for mail order bride novels ended up as wadded up balls of mental paper and in the wastepaper basket of my mind. A few years passed, and I came up with a twist on mail order brides, one that will see the light of day if I ever have time to write it. A few more years passed, and a series of books featuring a matchmaking service for mail-order brides and the Homestead Act resurrected those ideas. I smoothed a couple out, reconsidered, and decided against writing them.

I’d have to miss the opportunity to join the series.

My mind never does follow orders well. Within minutes of that decision, I had a story. What would happen if there was some funny business going on with girls going west? How could I combine a satisfactory ending where two people came to a meeting of the minds and hearts in the midst of fighting something that ugly?

Penelope’s Pursuit was born.

Is my story idealized? Probably. I’ll be frank with you. I’m okay with that, too. See, sometimes all we need is a reminder that mankind is sinful and in need of a Savior before the story turns into how things should have been. After all, fiction mirrors reality, but it is also an escape.

I hope Penelope’s escape to the west and her pursuit of her sister encourages you to turn to the Lord for every decision, in every trouble, and with every praise possible in between.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 9

Blogging With Carol, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 11

Inklings and notions, October 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 12

Lots of Helpers, October 13

For Him and My Family, October 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 14

deb’s Book Review, October 15

Joanne Markey, October 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 17

Mary Hake, October 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 18 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 18

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 19

Vicky Sluiter, October 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 20

Connie’s History Classroom, October 21

Blossoms and Blessings, October 21

Splashes of Joy, October 22

Giveaway

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

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/11fe1/penelope-s-pursuit-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Postman’s Lantern Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Postman’s Lantern by author J.C. Comerfield is a Christian children’s Christmas book. This was a hard one for me to review. The blue cover was inviting with its snowy church scene. The message is very nice.

It is the story of a father’s great love for his children, like how our Heavenly Father, Who loves us even more. It emphasizes the importance of helping others and working together. Keeping our eyes on the light and let it guide us (Jesus). Just like the postman delivers messages, we too must deliver the good news of Jesus to our friends.

The story is heartwarming and will hold children’s interest. It is a very nice story that leaves room for deeper discussion and teaching. If corrected, it would make a nice Sunday School or Junior Church book.

What bothered me was I noticed some errors that slipped by editing. Even more than that was the author’s use of “Lord” and “God” in vain. As a Christian this is so offensive to me. I have family members – adults and children both – that I constantly remind that they should not do this. In today’s world it is acceptable to many, but it wounds my soul. I can only hope that the author changes that in the next printing along with the other errors.

The story gets a 4 star rating, but the overall review is that as it is I cannot recommend this book in good faith. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, and these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book:  The Postman’s Lantern

Author: J.C. Comerford

Genre: Christian Children’s Fiction, Christmas

Release date: January 8, 2020

IMG_7377

During a devastating Christmas Eve snowstorm, John the postman arrives at his last stop, at the steps of the Frost family. Here, he rediscovers a stowaway letter in his mailbag, not for his route. It’s a letter from a hospitalized grandfather, to a very special grandson. John feels obligated to make the delivery. His unselfish act of kindness leads him, and then the Frost family, on an unforgettable journey across a seemingly endless track of farmland. Little does John know what he’s actually carrying. The lantern he carries becomes a mystery that guides their way through astonishing events. They finally arrive at the Evans house, where they find themselves before an extremely sick boy, a mother’s pain, and the mystical workings of God.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

IMG_7376

John Charles Comerford grew up playing hard, on the streets and fields of Washington Township, New Jersey. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Grammar School through 8th grade. He then jumped across the street to attend Westwood High School, where he soon began playing guitar and composing songs at the age of sixteen. Writing short musical stories would soon turn into a more involved field of composition, as he later attended Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ. Here, he developed a desire to become a paperback writer. While attending college, he took a job with the US Postal Service as a mail carrier and is still delivering, thirty years later. He is still a performing musician and a recording artist on itunes. He now resides in Pawling, New York with his wife Bridget and his son Jack.

More from John Charles

I was just a little kid at the time. The temperature outside was 93 degrees.  I had awakened earlier that day, because it was a Saturday. I wanted to catch some early morning cartoons, instead of lying in bed, waiting for my dad to give out chores for the day. I knew it was going to be a hot one, and I dreaded going outside.

Before long, there I was slapping paint on the side of my house. Soon after, I was weeding and watering the front lawn before it reached into the 90’s. At about 12:00, I went inside to cool off. I ate some lunch and relaxed a bit, listening to the “Boston Pops” my dad had put on.

From a calm and collective state of mind, I was suddenly burdened by the noise of my barking dog, at the front window. I went to the front door and opened it wide. As I looked up, the mailman was looking down. His face was dripping sweat, and his uniform was soaked. He had a big smile and said, “Too hot to play today.” He laughed a bit and handed me the mail. I heard my mom and dad yell out “Thank you, do you need a cold drink at all?” He said “I’m all set but thank you.” He moved on, while adjusting that full bag of mail that he was carrying around his shoulders.

It was then that I decided I would never become a mailman. God, no, not this kid. That was no easy job.

14 years later, I was working for the post office, with a packed satchel around my neck, and a can of pepper spray, to boot. I was now walking that mile, in my old mailman’s boots. Many times I’ve prayed to God for help and to keep me from dozing off in trucks that reached 120 degrees inside. I prayed for help from dog attacks that would occur five times a day at least. I prayed for help from the pain you feel when it’s 30 degrees to 20 below and you’re soaked from rain. Your fingers are ready to fall off after being soaked from the rain or as they burn to the bone.

So I wrote my book, seeking the world’s attention to the mail carrier’s integrity, and a forever caring attitude to those who patiently await their arrival.

Blog Stops

Christian Bookaholic, October 7

Pause for Tales, October 8

For the Love of Literature, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 10

lakesidelivingsite, October 10

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 11 (Guest Post from Marilyn Ridgway)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 12

Mary Hake, October 12

Girls in White Dresses, October 13

Texas Book-aholic, October 13

Inklings and notions, October 14

Vicky Sluiter, October 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 16

To Everything There Is A Season, October 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 17

deb’s Book Review, October 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 18

Cats in the Cradle Blog, October 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 19

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 20

For Him and My Family, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, John Charles is giving away the grand prize package for a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/11fdd/the-postman-s-lantern-celebration-tour-giveaway

Is Sorry Too Easy to Say?

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Sorry. How often do you use this word? Some people use it regularly whenever a request is made. Others might even laughingly say, “sorry, not sorry” to make a joke. This simply word that contains so much heartfelt meaning has been overused, diluted, and sadly misused. Yes, it is one of my pet peeves.


I hear it often. “Sorry.” When someone pushes into me in a restaurant or store, they just use that one word. If someone declines an invitation, I hear “sorry, I can’t.” Sometimes I need assistance with something and hear “sorry, I wish I could.” Mostly I hear this when people learn that my husband is no longer living. People are so sorry. Pun intended.


The word sorry comes from the Old English word sarig, meaning pained or distressed. Our current dictionary defines sorry as:

1 feeling distress especially through sympathy with someone else’s misfortune

2 feeling regret or penitence

It can also mean:

1 in a poor or pitiful state 

2 unpleasant or regrettable on account of incompetence or misbehavior


Now, let me ask, when you tell someone you are sorry, are you pained, distressed, or penitent? Not many are. Don’t get me wrong, of course there are times we say the word with accuracy. However, how many times have we flippantly tossed out a “sorry” without a second thought?

My point is, we need to apologize and seek forgiveness. Scripture says: “If you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go  —first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering”(Matthew 5:23-24). It is hard to make amends without using the word sorry, and that is why we must be careful to properly use it. We need to preserve that word’s integrity.

Choose your words carefully. Be sincere. Don’t overuse a word or phrase until its meaning is just a whisper of what it was. The good news is that this is just my opinion. I would love to hear yours.

Let’s Talk about Prayer

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

How is your prayer life? Do you have one? Recently someone messaged me that she wanted to pray but did not know how to go about doing it. Surely we have all felt like that a time or two.

Basically, praying is talking to God. There are not any rules, except I would say it should be done respectfully. Don’t concern yourself with the shortness or length, just pray. For me, I like to go someplace quiet and without distractions. Then I start talking to God. Out loud or silently are both fine. Sometimes you hurt so much all you can do is cry out His name and let the Holy Spirit pray for you.

What prayer is not is magic, a way to get people to notice you, or a wish list. Prayer is asking for God’s help, healing, guidance, or provision. It is not asking for things you want but rather things you need. We pray for everything according to His Will. Not ours…His.

For those that are seasoned praying people, how do you pray? Do you have a prayer partner? Do you use scriptures in your prayers or maybe the Names of God? Do you fast and pray? Personally, I have like to do all of those things. Every morning that we can, my prayer partner and I pray via telephone. She’s up in Michigan and I am in Southern Indiana. We use scripture and some of God’s names in our prayers. For us it is a way of showing our love for Him and His Word.

What do we pray about everyday? Everything! Our children, family, parents, jobs, the nation, our friends that have requests, even our animals. God cares about every area of our lives so we seek His guidance in all things. We praise Him for His power, omnipotence, and might. Thanks are given for what He has done and answered prayers.

However you pray, just do it. If you are a parent, think how happy you are when your child contacts you. God is our Heavenly Father and wants to hear from us. Good things happen when you pray. Try it today.

Season with Love not Obligation

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I come from a family of wonderful cooks. Not only is my sweet mother one of the best cooks I have known, but my grandmothers, aunts, cousins (male and female), and an uncle or two were gifted in the kitchen. One of my cousins even has her own catering business. This family knows its way around a kitchen.

Both of my grandmothers were phenomenal cooks. I had the privilege of learning this craft in each of their kitchens. One was precise and measured ingredients with a steady, knife to level everything off to a perfect cup. The other taught me to cook many things by sight. At a young age I was taught how to fry chicken and make a meringue pie with swirly peaks.


A memorable lesson was to measure out a teaspoon of salt in my hand. What?! Why wouldn’t I just grab a measuring spoon? My grandmother instructed me to attempt the task. Afterwards, I was given a bowl and measuring teaspoon to check how accurate I was. It seems I had enough salt for almost four recipes. we switched places. Grandmother was within grains of measuring a level teaspoon by pouring salt into her cupped hand.

Mammaw was a farm wife and could make anything taste like a gourmet meal. Many of her recipes were made out of ingredients on hand. The piece of advice she gave me that I have cherished the most is to always season your food with love. She said that means to cook because you love the people you are feeding and not because it is an obligation. After having a husband and family of my own, I fully understood what she meant.

Scripture instructs us to love and serve others. In fact, it says to serve others in love. Cooking is a great way to do both. Food tastes better when someone else prepares it. Maybe you have a friend or family member that is ill, depressed, extremely busy, or had a baby. Making a meal or tray of cookies seasoned with love could change the trajectory of their gloomy day.

If you don’t cook, there is a plethora of other ways to help. Run an errand, take them groceries, sweep their walk, rake their leaves, or find some other way to bless them. Scripture tells us we will be accountable for our actions here on Earth. It also says when we help anyone it is like helping the Lord.

How about you? Do you cook for your family? I hope you prepare and season your food with love. Do you serve others in different ways? Share with us.

Today is National Pecan Cookie Day. The recipe below is one my mother, grandmother, and aunts baked. It is especially good with a cup of coffee or tea and shared with a loved one.

Dig Deeper with Verse Mapping

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you have a Bible collection? I certainly do. My dear late husband once told me I was a Bible junkie or at the very least had an issue with collecting them. He agreed that was in reality not a problem because I used them. Depending on the situation, a unique Bible type or version might be needed.

Have you ever heard of verse mapping scripture? Recently a friend invited me to new group she had started just for that. I baffled. What is this new to me study method? My mind jumped to cross-referencing and the Scofield Reference Bible. Wrong! Verse mapping is nothing close to that.

It is a method to really jump into a scripture and dig deep into its meaning. Discovering not only the author and year it was written, but how and to whom. Defining some of the English words back to the original Greek or Hebrew is eye opening. That is one of my favorite parts of the verse study.

There is a plethora of help on-line for beginnings. Many sites have free downloadable forms. The above is from outuponthewaters.com. I have found some instructions, templates, and other resources. Basically, all you really need is a journal or notebook, set of colored pens, and Bibles. If you only have one Bible, the Internet provides other translations.

Using Colossians 3:23, above is a comparison of just a few different translations. They are very similar yet slightly different. Verse mapping makes note of that.

If you are drawn to scripture and learning like I am, this might be for you. Everything I read said to pray first for guidance. Shouldn’t we do that anyway? Then choose your scripture. From here you will need a template or blank page to begin.

This is a new journey for me, and I have found it exciting. There are a few verses in the Bible that I do not fully grasp. Those scriptures will be on the top of my list to map. What verse would you like to really learn?

I would love to hear from you. Are you a verse mapper? Would you share any tips with us? Tell us how it has increased your faith or changed your walk.

The Wrangler’s Ready Made Family Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Wrangler’s Ready Made Family by author Lacy Williams is a Christian historical romance and Book 15 in the Wyoming Hearts Series. Even though it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. It is a rather short book which can be read quickly.

This is the story of Susie, Gil, and their marriage of convenience. They met on a stagecoach and are thrown together through an unfortunate situation. Susie has little money, a toddler, a defensive heart, and is very pregnant. Gil is a wealthy, handsome, very ill man. Put those two together and you have a recipe for a marriage of convenience. I was immediately invested in their story.

The characters are believable and realistic. I enjoyed the banter between Susie and Gil. The author has a nice writing style, but I would have liked more depth or details. She included some twists, surprises, and lessons that we all need to remember on forgiveness, love, truthfulness, trust, opening our hearts, redemption, and open communication. There were family and marital issues that were resolved in an inspirational manner.

While it was a good story that held my interest, it left me confused and wanting more. The story flowed along at a nice pace until the end where it felt rushed. The closing chapter was a totally different storyline than the other ones. It was like a preview to the next book. I wanted to finish reading about Gil and Susie, but their story was totally dropped in the last chapter.

I would recommend this book to historical fiction readers. Go into it knowing the last chapter is not really part of Susie and Gil’s story and you will not be disappointed. With some changes this could be a great book. Right now it gets a rating of 3.5 out of 5. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book:  The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family

Author: Lacy Williams

Genre: ChristianHistorical Romance

Release date: August 10, 2021

lacy-williams-ready-made-family-2021

Susie is a desperate young mother with another baby on the way. Her late husband left her nothing but his bad reputation. She has no money and is too ashamed to return home to her family. When she is trapped alone during a snowstorm with a stranger and the baby coming, her only choice is to rely on him.

Boone came west to find healing for his tuberculosis. He never expected to find himself trapped with a lost young widow. Or how fast he could fall for her and her two little ones. But it doesn’t take long for his secrets to come to light.

After everything she’s suffered in the past, can Susie ever trust another gambler?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

lacy-williams-author-headshot

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at http://www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

More from Lacy

The Kindness of a Stranger

I don’t know about you, but I love watching videos where something is going wrong and a stranger steps in to save the day. Dog caught in the Thames and can’t get out? Stranger wades into the water to save him. Someone in line at the grocery store and doesn’t quite have enough money for their needed groceries? Stranger steps in and pays the difference.

I have a story like that of my own. My children like to play at our neighborhood park after school pick-up. Everything seemed normal until it was just about time to go and my eight-year-old daughter walks up with a nosebleed. I haven’t carried a diaper bag in two years and I have no tissues in my purse. I’m trying to keep tabs on my four-year-old because she’s running around, oblivious to anything else going on. My two older kids are off with friends and I can’t see them but I can hear their voices nearby.

And several moms who were also watching their kids play at the park rushed over to help me. One mom had gauze in her daughter’s backpack because her daughter sometimes gets nosebleeds at school. Another mom had baby wipes so I could wipe off my daughter’s hands. Another mom rounded up my four-year-old so I didn’t have to worry about her while I was taking care of the older one. I left the park *not* in a complete panic because these moms that I don’t know took care of me. They didn’t have to. But they stepped in simply because I needed help.

That’s what happens in The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family. After experiencing a stagecoach crash and being snowed in and stranded together, hero Gil Hart shows his true colors by helping Susie, a young mother with a baby on the way. Susie’s been burned before and this is maybe the *only* situation that would’ve allowed her to open up and see Gil for who he really is. Of course, that’s only the beginning of the story. If you’d like to give it a try, you can use Amazon’s Look Inside feature to sample the book.

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, August 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Books and Everyday Life, August 11

Inklings and notions, August 12

Texas Book-aholic, August 13

deb’s Book Review, August 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 15

For Him and My Family, August 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 17

Simple Harvest Reads, August 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Connie’s History Classroom, August 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 20

Pause for Tales, August 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 21

Labor Not in Vain, August 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lacy is giving away the grand prize of 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/111b8/the-wrangler-s-ready-made-family-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Prayer Warriors Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Prayer Warrior by authors by Traci Wooden-Carlisle and D. Tina Batten is a phenomenal story and should not be missed! It is a powerfully moving contemporary tale of spiritual warfare based on real-life circumstances. Anyone who reads this fabulous book will glean greater insight into prayers as well as spiritual warfare.


This mesmerizing story is a powerful Christian tale of spiritual warfare among everyday life. Set in a Christian school with struggling teens, their wonderful counselor, Ms. V., provides sage advice and effective prayer support. The situations are presented from her point of view. The characters are believable and relatable. I loved the inspirational message that was woven throughout the story beginning on the first page. I was invested in the book and prayer warrior immediately. This was a true page turner.


The authors did an excellent with their melded writing style. The story flowed smoothly. I could imagine it being played out like a movie. It was so interesting and followed what I have been taught about spiritual warfare. In some ways it reminded me of The Prayer Room because it talks about a powerful subject that can change a person’s life.


This novel will definitely stick with you long after you finish reading it. Give yourself time to process its powerful, mighty message. The authors have included dual endings that are both engaging. I highly recommend this novel. It would make a great movie and will surely end up on the big screen soon. I gladly rate it 5 out of 5 stars.


I recommend this for everyone. Small church groups or reading groups will benefit by discussing this in a cozy setting. I can think of many people that would like to see this under their Christmas tree. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own, honest ones.6

About the Book

Book:  The Prayer Warrior

Author: D. Tina Batten and Traci Wooden-Carlisle

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Release date: March 25, 2021

There is a thin line between the natural and the spiritual realm.

Ms. V., a humble servant of the Lord, has been placed on assignment at Center of Hope Christian Academy.

By day, she serves as a trusted counselor for students, giving them a safe haven to pour out their innermost feelings while providing professional and honest truth wrapped in a firm kindness and love that inevitably draws them closer to Jesus. Not to be outdone, the faculty also bends her ear from time to time.

By night, Ms. V. enters the spiritual realm and takes her place on the battlefield as one of God’s faithful prayer warriors. She wields her whispering sword, slicing through the enemy’s plans to bind the precious hearts under her charge.
Her assignment’s burden on her physical body is taxing, but can she withstand the strain and remain victorious?
Saving souls is her true mission, but at what cost?

Readers are in for a journey of spiritual intrigue and biblical insight as they experience the ramifications of each character’s life-altering decision.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

“Tina” Batten is a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter and Mima to her grandchildren. She is a gifted visual storyteller who is passionate about bringing encouraging messages of inspiration and hope to the world.

Tina Batten, a writer for over eighteen years of various dramatic works of performing art via stage, and film, encompasses unique ways of creating fascinating story concepts that touch the heart of most who view or read her work. She is both honored and thrilled to have teamed up with long-time friend, sister in the gospel and co-author Tracy on this phenomenal collaborative book project. With such a humble heart and desire to bring people together in love and unity, Tina Batten will continue her work as a visual storyteller spreading the good news of Jesus Christ one project after the other.

As Always, D. “Tina” Batten gives God All the Glory!

New Traci Wooden-Carlisle pic

Traci Wooden-Carlisle began writing to publish in 2011 and enjoys writing stories that provoke thought and evoke emotions. Her desire is to draw readers into the lives of her characters and share messages of God’s love, His faithfulness and peace. The messages in her books speak to her way before they speak to her readers.

Traci lives in San Diego with her husband, David. When she isn’t writing she does some light traveling or assists people with their physical fitness, creates graphics, designs pretty things for her jewelry business and swag for authors.

More from Traci

The Backstory of the Prayer Warrior: Two authors, Two Thousand Miles Apart, One Supernatural Story

I used to believe writing wasn’t a team sport. With a few Christian fiction titles in my backlist, I believed there was truly only enough room for God’s message and my writing style in a book. From January 2019 to March of 2021 I was proven wrong.

Tina Batten and I, Traci Wooden-Carlisle met in 2004 at a performance and praise showcase Sister Batten produced. As a liturgical praise dancer, I performed in her showcase and we became fast friends.

Over the years we would support each other on goals reached, such as Sister Batten’s film success and my books, even when Sister Batten moved to the other side of the country.

At the end of 2018 the Lord prompted me to give Sister Batten a call. It felt like more than a greeting to see how she and her family were doing and by the time we finished talking we had committed to seeking God for an idea for a story we could write together and what message He wanted us to share.

When we came back together at the beginning of the next year, we merged our storytelling, fiction writing skills and desire to share God’s message of encouragement and perseverance. We spoke on the phone every Sunday afternoon for months, discussing the previous week’s writing, before a family emergency on my side forced us to take a short break. When we resumed our calls, it was as if no time had passed.

A year later, amidst a few tears and a great deal of praise to God, we completed The Prayer Warrior and I was more than proud of what we were able to accomplish.

The Prayer Warrior is the story of a Christian School student counselor who allows the Holy Spirit to guide her when listening and discussing issues with the students, and sometimes staff, she counsels. At night in her dreams, she is led to war in the spirit and finds that some of the battles she wages against demonic forces affect her waking world and the people she interacts with daily.

There are a lot of twists and turns with a few big surprises, especially after one strenuous battle.

One of our hopes is that readers come away from reading this book with a greater sense of encouragement, empowerment and understanding that the line between the spiritual and natural realm is thinner than most of us realize. Prayer is powerful and it truly changes our lives and the lives of those around us.

Blog Stops

Cats in the Cradle Blog, August 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 5

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 8

Mary Hake, August 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 9

Inklings and notions, August 10

Aryn The Libraryan 📚, August 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 12

deb’s Book Review, August 13

Texas Book-aholic, August 14

Blogging With Carol, August 14

For Him and My Family, August 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 16

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Traci are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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/111b1/the-prayer-warrior-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Walnut Creek Wish by Wanda Brunstetter

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Review

The Walnut Creek Wish by award winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is a Christian Amish contemporary, romance, fiction. This is the first book in the Creektown Discoveries series. In it we meet Amish antique store owners Orley and Lois Troyer and struggling married English couple Jeff and Rhonda Davis.


The author takes on real life issues in this novel. Her characters will face personal and marital issues that most all of us have faced. If we have not, we know some family or friends who have. True to her unique style of writing, Brunstetter weaves life and inspirational messages throughout her story. I became invested in the characters and what was happening in their life. I rejoiced when they were happy and became sad when they were. The faith messages of turning to God, trusting Him, and the power of prayer were encouraging.


Two of my favorite things are that after her tale concludes, the author treats readers to recipes we have read about previously and a list of questions for group or individual study. This book would make a nice choice for a reading group. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was received from the Publisher but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book 1 in the Creektown Discoveries Series from NYT Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter

An Antique Store Becomes a Place of Healing for Broken Hearts

Welcome to Walnut Creek, Ohio, where Orley and Lois Troyer own an antique store they call “Memory Keepers.” Though knowledgeable in antiques and their repair, their real talent is in mentoring folks who are hurting and don’t even know it. Enter Jeff, a restaurateur, and Rhonda, a hotel manager, who recently moved to Amish country for the slow pace, but the change of scenery puts even more stress on their already strained marriage. Will an antique sled be the last straw, or will it lead to unexpected revelations and the fulfillment of dreams?

About the Author

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.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.