Do you have childhood memories of a special Sunday dinner at Grandma's like I do? It was at those Sunday dinners that we finally took a minute to slow down and simply enjoy one another's company. What I wouldn't give for just one more Sunday lunch at Granny's!
Do you long to create a similar tradition or memories for your family but through the hustle and bustle of life, it just hasn't happened? Or do you tire of trying to figure out what vegetables or dessert compliment your pork loin?
Return to Sunday Dinner by Russell Cronkhite (a professional chef himself) is filled with twenty-four managable menus that will bring back the wonderful tradition of those Sunday dinners. None of the recipes have a list of 30 ingredients nor do they contain ingredients you've never heard of and few (if any) spices that you have to buy just for this recipe. Another piece that adds interest to this cookbook is that each recipe has a brief history given. Each menu has a story of the meaning includes easy time-saving and do-ahead tips for tasks you can complete the day before and the morning of the day you plan to serve your special meal. I think you'll also enjoy the personal touch added to the menus when you read the brief stories of the signficance of Sunday dinners in another's life.
If you aren't hungry when you pick up this book, you will be within minutes and it will leave you looking forward to making your next "Sunday dinner". While I originally ordered this book as a gift, I don't think it is going anywhere. Whether for a gift or something for yourself if you love to cook for your family, you can't go wrong with Return to Sunday Dinner.
What should I fix this Sunday? Grandma's Fried Chicken? Sage-rubbed roast pork loin with cranberry-apple cider Glaze? Warm pear strudel with vanilla sauce? Amish potato rolls? Spiced pumpkin mousse cake? Is Sunday dinner more about the food or making memories? You decide.
I did receive this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
His Love Endures Forever
Danielle Kent grew up in an abusive situation and knew little of God and the security of a stable home until she moved in with Martha and Arnold. Living close to the Amish, Danielle was probably the least likely person to fit in with their lifestyle but she fell in love with an Amish boy who wants nothing more than to leave the Amish faith and Canaan. Thinking he loves her, she is frightened but knows Matthew will stand beside her when she finds herself pregnant with his child. However, that isn't the case. Matthew tells her he never loved her and leaves his family to move to Indiana to live with his uncle. Danielle is 18, pregnant, and alone except for her best friend, Levi, also an Amish boy.
Levi is convinced God is telling him to marry Danielle but she has no desire to become Amish nor does she want to ruin Levi's life. Nor does Danielle have a clear picture of the God Levi loves and worships. After all, very little has ever gone well in her life. Where was God in all those times? Can God use their unlikely friendship to help Danielle through the circumstances she finds herself in?
Although His Love Endures Forever is the third book in the Land of Canaan series by Beth Wiseman, you will have no difficulty picking this book up even if you haven't read any of the others. While some of the characters in this book have been introduced in the previous books, the story you find here is complete and Ms. Wiseman does an excellent job of filling in all the holes you might typically find if you begin in the middle of a series. His Love Endures Forever is a beautiful story of friendship, love, and sacrifice. While I expected a typical Amish story, I got much more than that. Rarely does an author mix the worlds of the Englischer and the Amish so skillfully.
I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.
Levi is convinced God is telling him to marry Danielle but she has no desire to become Amish nor does she want to ruin Levi's life. Nor does Danielle have a clear picture of the God Levi loves and worships. After all, very little has ever gone well in her life. Where was God in all those times? Can God use their unlikely friendship to help Danielle through the circumstances she finds herself in?
Although His Love Endures Forever is the third book in the Land of Canaan series by Beth Wiseman, you will have no difficulty picking this book up even if you haven't read any of the others. While some of the characters in this book have been introduced in the previous books, the story you find here is complete and Ms. Wiseman does an excellent job of filling in all the holes you might typically find if you begin in the middle of a series. His Love Endures Forever is a beautiful story of friendship, love, and sacrifice. While I expected a typical Amish story, I got much more than that. Rarely does an author mix the worlds of the Englischer and the Amish so skillfully.
I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.
Monday, September 10, 2012
To Love and Cherish
Melinda Colson was once a young woman of means and ran in the same social circle of the woman, Mrs. Mifflin, she now serves as a lady's maid. Everything changed with the death of her parents, leaving her and her brother almost penniless. Melinda is fortunate to find a job with Mrs. Mifflin rather than having to serve as a house servant but she longs for something more.
Melinda travels each winter to Bridal Veil Island, off the Georgia coast, with the Mifflins. Over the years, she had fallen in love with the assistant gamekeeper, Evan. This year, she planned a different ending to the season. She thought Evan would propose and ask her to stay at Bridal Veil but that didn't happen in spite of the obvious hints she gave him when she was forced to make an early departure for the season. Assured of Evan's love in the letters that passed between the two of them, Melinda resigns her job and is determined to travel back to Bridal Veil and discover if Evan is even still alive after a devastating hurricane hits the island and the death of a young man is reported. Finding Evan alive, Melinda finds a job on the island but still has no offer of marriage. Was it a mistake to come back to Bridal Veil? Will Evan ever be willing to ask Melinda to be his bride?
Neither Melinda or Even react to each other as the typical love story portrays. Melinda's attempts to manipulate her circumstances to turn out the way she thinks they should only result in frustration for her. Could there be a lesson in that for each of us? How many time do I forge on ahead without asking God what He wants for my life or do I tire of waiting for His timing?
I have read a number of books by both Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller. I must admit that To Love and Cherish didn't grab me as I expected it to. While it is number two in a series, I didn't have any difficulty understanding the entire story even though I hadn't read the first in the series. However, I thought the plot moved a bit slow. The setting and time period are quite charming and take the reader back to the late 19th century when social classes were a big deal and the wealthy had little get away cottages on lovely islands. That part I did enjoy. And, the storyline did pick up a bit in the second half of the book. I'm not saying that I didn't enjoy the story but I have read better by both authors.
I did receive this book free from Bethany House Publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a postitive review.
Melinda travels each winter to Bridal Veil Island, off the Georgia coast, with the Mifflins. Over the years, she had fallen in love with the assistant gamekeeper, Evan. This year, she planned a different ending to the season. She thought Evan would propose and ask her to stay at Bridal Veil but that didn't happen in spite of the obvious hints she gave him when she was forced to make an early departure for the season. Assured of Evan's love in the letters that passed between the two of them, Melinda resigns her job and is determined to travel back to Bridal Veil and discover if Evan is even still alive after a devastating hurricane hits the island and the death of a young man is reported. Finding Evan alive, Melinda finds a job on the island but still has no offer of marriage. Was it a mistake to come back to Bridal Veil? Will Evan ever be willing to ask Melinda to be his bride?
Neither Melinda or Even react to each other as the typical love story portrays. Melinda's attempts to manipulate her circumstances to turn out the way she thinks they should only result in frustration for her. Could there be a lesson in that for each of us? How many time do I forge on ahead without asking God what He wants for my life or do I tire of waiting for His timing?
I have read a number of books by both Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller. I must admit that To Love and Cherish didn't grab me as I expected it to. While it is number two in a series, I didn't have any difficulty understanding the entire story even though I hadn't read the first in the series. However, I thought the plot moved a bit slow. The setting and time period are quite charming and take the reader back to the late 19th century when social classes were a big deal and the wealthy had little get away cottages on lovely islands. That part I did enjoy. And, the storyline did pick up a bit in the second half of the book. I'm not saying that I didn't enjoy the story but I have read better by both authors.
I did receive this book free from Bethany House Publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a postitive review.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
A Christmas Journey
Two journeys, two continents, one grieving couple.
It has been a year since Amanda and Chris Vance lost their child and the same amount of time since Amanda has been able to perform her job as an Ob-gyn nurse. When her neighbor, Emily, unexpectedly suggests Amanda join her on a trip to Israel, Amanda agrees in spite of her reservations.
Left at home, Chris Vance is dealing with life. He misses the girl he married since Amanda has changed so much in the last year as she tries to deal with her grief. His job is on the line since the company he works for is hanging by a thread. And, he is helping his neighbor, Emily's husband. In Amanda's absence, Chris' life takes on some pretty big changes.
Little did Amanda dream that the true beginning of her healing would take place in the land of her Savior's birth. Through reaching out to help another in need, Amanda begins the journey of mending both her heart and her marriage. Could the prayer of a stranger she met at the Wailing Wall be the answer to her prayers?
Prayers of a Stranger by Davis Bunn is a sweet, simple story that captures the spirit of Christmas. It did take me a bit of time to get into the story but, by the middle, I couldn't wait to see how the relationships would resolve themselves, or if they would. I would recommend Prayers of a Stranger for a Christmas read this season. Make certain you check out Davis Bunn's other work as well.
I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to leave a postitive review.
It has been a year since Amanda and Chris Vance lost their child and the same amount of time since Amanda has been able to perform her job as an Ob-gyn nurse. When her neighbor, Emily, unexpectedly suggests Amanda join her on a trip to Israel, Amanda agrees in spite of her reservations.
Left at home, Chris Vance is dealing with life. He misses the girl he married since Amanda has changed so much in the last year as she tries to deal with her grief. His job is on the line since the company he works for is hanging by a thread. And, he is helping his neighbor, Emily's husband. In Amanda's absence, Chris' life takes on some pretty big changes.
Little did Amanda dream that the true beginning of her healing would take place in the land of her Savior's birth. Through reaching out to help another in need, Amanda begins the journey of mending both her heart and her marriage. Could the prayer of a stranger she met at the Wailing Wall be the answer to her prayers?
Prayers of a Stranger by Davis Bunn is a sweet, simple story that captures the spirit of Christmas. It did take me a bit of time to get into the story but, by the middle, I couldn't wait to see how the relationships would resolve themselves, or if they would. I would recommend Prayers of a Stranger for a Christmas read this season. Make certain you check out Davis Bunn's other work as well.
I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to leave a postitive review.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Be Still My Soul
Musician Gideon O' Riley is a ladies' man. Every time he is seen, it is with another girl. One evening after a community gathering, Gideon chooses Lonnie Sawyer to walk home. Her abusive father watches through the window as Gideon kisses Lonnie goodnight and assumes much more has happened than a kiss. When he forces Gideon to marry Lonnie, Lonnie has only her faith to hold on to. She doesn't love Gideon nor does he love her. Polite strangers is how they might be described. What will it take for them to open their heart to the other?
The story is set in the early 1900's Appalacia which is what first drew me to the book, having grown up there myself. However, debut author, Joanne Bischof did an excellent job making me love Lonnie from the beginning. Lonnie has always felt that her "Pa" was a harsh uncaring man and she looks forward to turning 18 so she can go live with her Aunt Sarah and learn to make soap. Her aunt is her escape place when her father is abusive and what a wonderful place to go--a home where she is loved, reminded of her Father's love (even on the day of her unwanted wedding), and God's word is read. In spite of her upbringing, Lonnie is tender and loves her siblings and mother even though she failed to protect her from her father.
And Gideon.....not the kind of man anyone would want their daughter to marry and hard to like from the start. By the end of the book though, you will find something that will endear him to you.
Be Still My Soul is the first book in the Cadence of Grace series and will be released in October 2012. I typically shy away from reading a series until they are all released but this is one I am going to be anxious to read any books that follow. Also included is a Reader's Guide series of questions ready for a book club setting.
I received this title free from the pubisher in exchange for an honest review.
The story is set in the early 1900's Appalacia which is what first drew me to the book, having grown up there myself. However, debut author, Joanne Bischof did an excellent job making me love Lonnie from the beginning. Lonnie has always felt that her "Pa" was a harsh uncaring man and she looks forward to turning 18 so she can go live with her Aunt Sarah and learn to make soap. Her aunt is her escape place when her father is abusive and what a wonderful place to go--a home where she is loved, reminded of her Father's love (even on the day of her unwanted wedding), and God's word is read. In spite of her upbringing, Lonnie is tender and loves her siblings and mother even though she failed to protect her from her father.
And Gideon.....not the kind of man anyone would want their daughter to marry and hard to like from the start. By the end of the book though, you will find something that will endear him to you.
Be Still My Soul is the first book in the Cadence of Grace series and will be released in October 2012. I typically shy away from reading a series until they are all released but this is one I am going to be anxious to read any books that follow. Also included is a Reader's Guide series of questions ready for a book club setting.
I received this title free from the pubisher in exchange for an honest review.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Perfect legal thriller
Several weeks after her father's death, Erin Larson finds a deposit slip in his safety deposit box which had been dated three years before. Not just an ordinary deposit slip but one for over 10 million dollars. Erin only wants the truth. Where did the money come from? Was it her father's? Why was her father threatened with foreclosure until the month of the deposit? If it isn't hers, why was the deposit slip in the box with her mother's death certificate, her report cards, the deed to the farm, and other items her father treasured?
Finding the truth proves quite difficult. The bank denies that the bank account existed and that the deposit was made. Newspapers are reporting that, if the bank has to turn over the money, the small town of Ashley Minnesota will be destroyed. Erin also finds it difficult to find a lawyer to represent her and suspects each one she approaches is being threatened in some way. Or could it be that no one wants to go against the powerful well-known law firm representing the bank? Erin is also being threatened. She receives threatening notes and phone calls, her tires are being slashed and her windshield smashed. Who is behind all this?
Jarred Neaton is a young lawyer who has taken one case too many that he didn't win, leaving him on the edge of bankruptcy. Bills are piling up and some of his smaller cases are being ignored. When his mentor asks him to take Erin's case, Jarred knows that, to win this case, many of his financial problems would disappear. He is given very little evidence--a deposit slip and no witnesses who will speak up. Jarrod must also return to his hometown of Ashley and face his father who he has yet to forgive. As the case begins to unfold, Jarrod must determine if the cost is too high.
The Deposit Slip is Todd Johnson's first novel but I don't think it will be his last. The story is suspenseful and intriguing, provides enough detail without bogging you down with legalese, clean, and refreshing that it isn't all about romance. If you are a fan of legal thrillers, check out The Deposit Slip!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.
Finding the truth proves quite difficult. The bank denies that the bank account existed and that the deposit was made. Newspapers are reporting that, if the bank has to turn over the money, the small town of Ashley Minnesota will be destroyed. Erin also finds it difficult to find a lawyer to represent her and suspects each one she approaches is being threatened in some way. Or could it be that no one wants to go against the powerful well-known law firm representing the bank? Erin is also being threatened. She receives threatening notes and phone calls, her tires are being slashed and her windshield smashed. Who is behind all this?
Jarred Neaton is a young lawyer who has taken one case too many that he didn't win, leaving him on the edge of bankruptcy. Bills are piling up and some of his smaller cases are being ignored. When his mentor asks him to take Erin's case, Jarred knows that, to win this case, many of his financial problems would disappear. He is given very little evidence--a deposit slip and no witnesses who will speak up. Jarrod must also return to his hometown of Ashley and face his father who he has yet to forgive. As the case begins to unfold, Jarrod must determine if the cost is too high.
The Deposit Slip is Todd Johnson's first novel but I don't think it will be his last. The story is suspenseful and intriguing, provides enough detail without bogging you down with legalese, clean, and refreshing that it isn't all about romance. If you are a fan of legal thrillers, check out The Deposit Slip!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.
Short-straw Bride
Twelve years ago Travis Archer came into ten year old Meredith's life for just a day when she was being bullied and daringly stepped onto Archer land and was captured in an animal trap. She saw something in him that has stayed with her and she has compared every male to him since. The problem is, she hasn't seen him since that day and well-to-do Roy Mitchell has proposed. Marrying him would please her family and strengthen the family business but she has nothing in common with him and feels nothing for him.
When Meredith overhears a conversation that reveals Roy's true nature, she sets out to make certain harm doesn't come to the Archer family. Riding out to warn them, Meredith risks her reputation and her home. When her reputation does come into question, there is only one solution. One of the Archer brothers must marry her. Travis draws the short straw.
I was taken in with Meredith and Travis in the prologue. Meredith is a feisty girl who desires to know God's will for her and is willing to risk all she has to do what is right. Travis is a strong yet tender man whose love for his family guides everything he does. What's not to love about them both? I also enjoyed watching how their relationship begins to develop and grow into something very special and desirable.
Five stars for Short-Straw Bride! I have never read any other Karen Witemeyer books but hope to do so. She does an excellent job developing her characters, adds a lot of humor (some laugh out loud), and develops a plot that is fast-paced which makes you not want to put the book down. Travis isn't the only interesting Archer brother in the story so it makes the reader wonder if there will be additional stories about the other three. I will definitely be placing this book in the church library to share with other readers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B15ATNlSxI8
I did receive this book free from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.
When Meredith overhears a conversation that reveals Roy's true nature, she sets out to make certain harm doesn't come to the Archer family. Riding out to warn them, Meredith risks her reputation and her home. When her reputation does come into question, there is only one solution. One of the Archer brothers must marry her. Travis draws the short straw.
I was taken in with Meredith and Travis in the prologue. Meredith is a feisty girl who desires to know God's will for her and is willing to risk all she has to do what is right. Travis is a strong yet tender man whose love for his family guides everything he does. What's not to love about them both? I also enjoyed watching how their relationship begins to develop and grow into something very special and desirable.
Five stars for Short-Straw Bride! I have never read any other Karen Witemeyer books but hope to do so. She does an excellent job developing her characters, adds a lot of humor (some laugh out loud), and develops a plot that is fast-paced which makes you not want to put the book down. Travis isn't the only interesting Archer brother in the story so it makes the reader wonder if there will be additional stories about the other three. I will definitely be placing this book in the church library to share with other readers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B15ATNlSxI8
I did receive this book free from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.
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