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Secrets of the Treasure King, by Terry Ambrose, 2020, Satori

Up to $50 Off Select Kobo (Ends May 14) (Affiliate link. If you click on this link and buy something, at no extra cost to you it helps keep my website running. Thank you 🙂 )

I am pleased to participate in this book blog tour with Great Escapes, from whom I received the e-book to review. I am trying to be as impartial as possible in my review. This is not a genre that I often read. I chose this book because I thought it might be fun to read about a father and daughter running a B & B and to read something different for a change. It seems to me that it was written in a style suited to a younger audience.

Will this map show the location of the sunken treasure?

This cozy mystery is part of a series (Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast), but although I have not read any of the previous books in the series, I didn’t feel that I was missing any background information that was pertinent to the story.

The story centers around Rick and his eleven-year-old daughter, Alex. Rick is the owner of a Bed and Breakfast inn, in the small town of Seaside Cove. Alex’s mother has left them, and Rick is sweet on Marquetta, who helps him run the inn.

Point of view alternates by chapters between Rick and Alex. Alex’s chapters mostly consist of her journal entries and are quite short, although she is the real star of the story. She is a wannabe sleuth and also matchmaker and writer. Because of her centrality, the book has a present-day Nancy Drew feel about it that would appeal to young readers around Alex’s age.

A treasure hunting tour boat docks at the harbor. It becomes apparent to the townsfolk that the captain, crew, and passengers are bickering and unhappy. There is a brawl between them, in a restaurant where Rick and Marquetta are dining with friends, and the next day the captain is found dead.

Rick is a friend of the police chief, who asks him to help solve this crime, and Alex can’t be stopped from getting in there and doing her own detective work. She enlists a couple of friends to help her, but she is the one who oversteps the boundaries, venturing into trespassing and danger.

The story-line has several strands running through it. Besides the who-dunnit theme there is some light romance between Rick and Marquetta as well as between an elderly pair staying at the lodge. Alex is actively encouraging these romances.

Alex also interviews several people to gather information for a newspaper article about the treasure-hunters and their ship.

There are some scares when Alex and others are in danger, but I won’t tell you about those or the results of the mystery or romances here. You’ll just have to read it for yourself!

Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Publisher: Satori (April 29, 2020)
Print Length: 261 pages
Digital ASIN: B085DC4ZVS

Click on this link for a chance to receive a free give-away:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/028877921050/?widget_template=56d5f80dbc544fb30fda66f0

Check out the other stops on the tour for more chances to enter the draw and to read author interviews and more!

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

May 12 – I’m Into Books – SPOTLIGHT

May 12 – PearlAdaPridham.com – REVIEW

May 13 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, RECIPE

May 13 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

May 14 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

May 14 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 15 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

May 15 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

May 16 – Diane Reviews Books -GUEST POST

May 17 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

May 18 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 18 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

May 19 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

May 19 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

May 19 – The Journey Back –  CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 20 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 20 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT

May 21 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 22 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – SPOTLIGHT

May 23 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – REVIEW

May 23 – ebook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT

May 24 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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Tabbouleh (parsley salad)

My version of tabbouleh

Last week someone posted a photo of her tabouli on Facebook and it looked so good that I suddenly wanted to make some too. My version is a bit different from hers, and you can change it up according to what you have on hand. I used Italian parsley, wheat bulgar, chopped yellow and red tomatoes, half a cucumber, and some lemon zatar dressing.

You can use olive oil, squeezed lemon or lime, and salt & pepper for the dressing, and grate some lemon or lime zest into it and a bit of garlic if you like. Try tossing in a few chopped olives too, and scallions and mint leaves if you have any.

First I put a quarter cup of the bulgar into a small bowl and poured boiling water onto it to soften it for 15 minutes. Meanwhile I chopped the other ingredients and put them in a serving bowl. Lastly I poured the water off of the bulgar, mixed it into the salad, and stirred in the dressing.

So fresh, juicy, and flavorful! Parsley is high in zinc, which helps fight viruses, is healing for the skin, and is especially good for men to prevent prostate cancer.

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Old People Can Forget Things; Sid’s anecdotes of Anahim Lake legend, Lester Dorsey

This story was told to me by my husband Sid, that was told to him by Lester’s oldest boy, Dave.

The weather has turned balmy, from 40 below to 20 below. Lester is fully dressed as he leaves the house to feed the cattle. Warm toque, woolen coat, woolen mitts. After the first stack yard, off comes the toque. After the second yard, off comes the mitts. After the third yard, off comes the coat. So after the cattle are all fed, he’s back home. Next day, same thing all over again, new hat, new coat, new mitts. End of the day, back to the house; next day he knows he’s gonna have to go through all that again, but now there’s an additional problem: where’s my teeth? Lester always kept his teeth in a glass beside his bed. So Dave tells me, when Lester got riled, you didn’t want to be around. So, as Steve and Mike were looking for Lester’s teeth, Dave walks out on the porch, and there’s the dog–munching away on Lester’s top plate! So Dave says to himself, “Yeah, I mean, I think I’ll go shoot some squirrels!”

Sid has related lots of Lester Dorsey anecdotes to me, and he says there may be more to come, if only he can remember them! He says, “They don’t come any tougher than Lester! He could take a boiling pot of coffee off of the stove and drink it right down!”

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The River Queen, by Stephenia H. McGee, 2023, The Vine Press, Ebook

The River Queen plunges readers into the scenario of American rivers a hundred years ago, when travelling theatres on luxurious boats brought entertainment to cities and towns along their routes. It sounds so fun!

The story features pirates, smuggling, and amusing and dastardly characters of all sorts. Marijuana, then called muggles, was starting to come to the States from Mexico.

Stephenia McGee keeps it light, amusing, and mysterious, with romance in the forefront. Click here to view my comments on other books by her: https://pearladapridham.com/?s=Stephenia+McGee

I read The River Queen as an E-book, but I must admit I much prefer paperbacks. To hold a book in my hands, smell the paper, and look again and again at the beautiful cover really contributes to my enjoyment. So, here is the Amazon link to the paperback: https://www.amazon.com/River-Queen-Christian-Historical-Romances/dp/1635640687/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PDFURGZMTS7W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.D66bsqaE7tOf1MlDhdD61wlwibee7pcRMnb4uwrpaL0UO4ZsSEhnzZ0ehZXxQZKlTokhxF8Lm7k9K-b3GlHwzXmd8DRq479WgdQlxunsKAo.1442iwEo4iUQQnn5jGwnjyzVvUgFscVko8sh-bki9wE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+river+queen+stephanie+mcgee&qid=1713464899&sprefix=The+River+Queen%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1#detailBullets_feature_div.

Or, download the E-book and read from your cell phone whenever you have a few minutes of down time. Though it may not be as satisfying, it’s definitely more convenient. Personally, I find it not as easy to keep track of characters that way. With a paperback in hand, it’s easy to flip back to where they first came on the scene and refresh your memory. Pros and cons…

I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did.

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Ed’s Hopeful Journey, by Pearl Ada Pridham, 2024, Winged Publications

Ed’s Hopeful Journey, Book One of the Love Shines Through series. Prequel to Something I Haven’t Told You.https://www.amazon.ca/Hopeful-Journey-Love-Shines-Through-ebook/dp/B0CW1H26G6/ref=sr_1_1?

Ed’s Hopeful Journey is a short novel, prequel to Something I Haven’t Told You, and takes place five years earlier.

Do you like a grumpy man trope? Like in A Man Called Ove? If so, you might like this.

If you read Something I Haven’t Told You, you probably noticed the self-centered, sour nature of Alison’s father, Ed. Especially at the beginning of the story. But underneath, deep in his heart, there’s another side to him.

In this story, he receives an emergency call that sends him on a journey, hoping to restore lost relations. But Canada is a big country, mostly rural. Travel can present crazy inconveniences. Frustrations come in many forms. Will Ed find grace to overcome?

Ed’s Hopeful Journey works as a stand-alone, but also has connections to Something I Haven’t Told You. The two books don’t have to be read in order. It’s only 34 pages on Kindle. Unfortunately that means it will not be published in paperback. I hope you’ll enjoy it! Spoiler Alert: It can be a tear-jerker. There is tragedy. But “Love Shines Through”, hence the name of the series.

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All Her Dreams of Love, by Mary Lou Cheatham, 2023, Amazon Plus Publishing

All Her Dreams of Love


All Her Dreams of Love

Nancy’s dreams of love are threatened as she wonders day after day what has become of her husband. It’s rural Mississippi after the civil war. The virgin woods hold dangers of outlaws and wild animals. Days stretch into weeks and months. Without him there, her only protection is her gun. What will become of her and their young son, and the child inside her growing belly? How can she harvest their crops and care for their animals alone?

Some people appear to be friendly and helpful, but who can she trust? Surely someone must have some idea what happened to her husband.

Mary Lou Cheatham grew up in Mississippi and draws from the experiences of her great grandmother for this story.

Although dangers and threats were real and scary, neighbors and church people pitched in to help one another.

I recommend this heartwarming story by an author I met online through American Christian Fiction Writers. Mary Lou Cheatham was one of my critique partners. We continue to keep in touch through our newsletters, and encourage one another. I appreciate her historical fiction and Biblical fiction stories, which are based on real events. Readers can experience life in other times and places.

Download the book on your Kindle at All Her Dreams of Love eBook : Cheatham, Mary Lou: Amazon.ca: Books, or buy the paperback at All Her Dreams of Love: Cheatham, Mary Lou: 9798858411437: Books – Amazon.cahttps://www.amazon.ca/All-Dreams-Love-Mary-Cheatham/dp/B0CG82CZZG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CX697NJFJGPJ&keywords=Mary+Lou+Cheatham+All+Her+Dreams+of+Love&qid=1704927059&s=books&sprefix=mary+lou+cheatham+all+her+dreams+of+love%2Cstripbooks%2C128&sr=1-1.

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Summer in the Spotlight, by Liz Johnson, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Summer in the Spotlight
Summer in the Spotlight

Summer in the Spotlight is book 3 in the Prince Edward Island Shores series, by Liz Johnson. Although it works to read as a stand-alone, I felt it would have been best to start with book 1. Even though I had read book 2, at times I was missing bits of backstory.

This book features Levi Ross, the youngest brother in the Ross family. The previous two books feature other family members. Their stories carry on in this one as secondary characters.

I’m not sure if it was just me and the things going on in my life right now, but it took me a long time to get through this book. Normally I like to linger on details, but I found it hard to make sense of them, so I skimmed. Even at that, it wasn’t until the last few chapters where Levi and Kelsey’s romance finally picked up, that the story carried me better. But the wedding at the end featured characters from previous books in the series. Somewhat distracting from the main story.

You might like this book if you are drawn to a painfully shy character matched with an accomplished extrovert. And again, I’d recommend reading the series in order.

My thanks to Revell for sending me this paperback at my request.

Meet the author at LizJohnsonBooks.com.

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Something I Haven’t Told You, by Pearl Ada Pridham, October 12, 2023, Winged Publications

Something I Haven’t Told You

Something I Haven’t Told You is a repeated theme in Alison’s story.

As an adult, she looks back over her teen years, from the time she falls in love for the first time and finds herself pregnant at the age of fourteen. She faces shame, her father’s rage, and life-altering decisions. But she finds support in her sister, mother, and others. Despite being jerked into adulthood, life is good.

I started writing this novel nine years ago, after some years of volunteering at a pregnancy centre. Alison is a purely fictional character. My aim was to show the various repercussions that affect not only the young girl but also her family and entire community. The reactions of family members, counselors, school, doctors, the church. What can be supportive, and what is the opposite of supportive. God’s grace and forgiveness.

I hope readers will not only enjoy the story but also learn how to best support someone in a similar situation.

Many thanks to Cynthia Hickey of Winged Publications and Diane Tatum, editor. Also, to my many supporters who have encouraged me on this writing journey.

Available now on Amazon.com or Amazon.ca to download. Free to Kindle subscribers. Click here to download the book or order in paperback.

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New Books Published

Here’s a list of new books published by American Christian Fiction Writers authors.

October 2023 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

 

Children’s:


Road Trip Rescue by Becca Wierwille — After spotting a photo of her lost dog, twelve-year-old Kimmy embarks on a wild road trip to bring him home with her pink-haired, adventure-hungry aunt who makes some unexpected detours. (Children’s/Middle Grade/Chapter Books from Beloved Chronicles LLC)

Contemporary Romance:



A Christmas Romance by Annette M. Irby — A wannabe novelist with writer’s block. A best-selling children’s book author with a knack for story. And the romance they brainstorm together. Can they deny their attraction, or will they live their own Christmas romance? (Romance Novella from Prism Effect Publishing)

A Country Christmas by Lisa Carter — The rancher and the city girl have nothing in common…except the wedding that brings them together (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

A Deeper Love by Heidi Gray McGill — There’s no such thing as going “too deep” where spiritual things are concerned. But I’ll stay at the surface and snorkel rather than dive into the depths when it comes to relationships. (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

A Horseman’s Mission by Sandra Ardoin — A guilt-ridden horseman works to establish an equine therapy center for veterans with PTSD while attempting to ease the fears of an overprotective widow whose son suffers panic attacks. (Contemporary Romance from Corner Room Books)

Fields of Glass by Alyssa Schwarz — A rancher facing bankruptcy and a corporate sales rep who wants to buy his family land. Sparks fly when they are forced to work together toward a common goal, and discover what they’re willing to sacrifice to save those they care for most. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Mama Dated Santa by Amy R. Anguish — Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa. Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivening’s Press)

Their Holiday Secret by Betsy St Amant — Preston Green will do anything for a fake girlfriend—even bid on one at a charity auction. Sweet and quirky baker Lulu Boyd is the perfect choice to stop his mother’s constant matchmaking. And it’s just for one holiday family dinner—until his father’s failing health makes ending their ruse impossible. Soon it feels all too real…but another secret might make this their last Christmas together. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

General Contemporary:


Secret Mercy by Lynn Waite Chapman — Talk to Liberty Cassell and you will hear her extoll all the advantages of living in her hometown of Twin Fawn. Little traffic. Easy parking. However, in this little town, when Harley Ottenweller failed to show up for dinner one day, most residents failed to notice. Those who did take note seemed grateful not to meet up with him on the street. His wife Willow and son Johnnie went on with life. No questions. No search. Does the tiny woman with wispy white hair and wild imagination know more about her husband’s disappearance than she’s telling? (General Contemporary from Winged Publications)

General Historical:


Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee — A young pregnant woman bonds with the midwives who take her into their Appalachian home. Decades later, a famous country singer heads to the Appalachian Mountains to search for the midwife who holds the truth about his past. (General Historical from Tyndale House)

The Kidnapped Groom by Susan Page Davis — Riding through the Flint Hills on his way to Dodge City, cowboy Sam Cayford finds himself the kidnapping victim of two children. When he meets their lovely mother, Maggie Piner—whom the kids insist he should marry—Sam starts to question God’s plans versus his own. (General Historical, Tea Tin Press)

Historical Romance:


Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart — Poland’s looming defeat forces an American teacher to escape with children wanted by the Nazis. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot — When a female doctor-in-training saves a handsome stranger’s life, little does she know that he’ll bring both love and danger into her life. (Historical Romance from Revell)

Angelina’s Resolve by Cindy Ervin Huff — Architect Angelina DuBois isn’t looking for love as she builds a town run by businesswomen. Carpenter and Civil War veteran Edward Pritchard’s dream of building homes for Chicago’s elite must be put on hold until he gains references. Serving as a contractor under Angelina’s well-known DuBois name provides that opportunity. But can Angelina trust her handsome new carpenter to respect her as his boss? Will the project take Edward one step closer to his goals, or will it make him a laughingstock? Can these two strong-willed people find love amid such an unconventional experiment? (Historical Romance from Iron Stream Media)

Chiseled on the Heart by Kelly Goshorn, Elaine Marie Cooper, Cynthia Roemer, and Candace West — Four generations carve out a journey of faith. The Gift of a Lamb by Elaine Cooper; A Lasting Legacy by Cynthia Roemer; Healing within the Pieces by Candace West; The Christmas Carving by Kelly Goshorn (Historical Romance from Revell)
The Case of the Missing Detective by Rebecca Hemlock — A spin off series of The Granton House Mysteries. We follow sixteen-year-old Dorothy Corbin as the family secrets are passed to her. She’s ready to discover her grandfather’s past, but nothing could have prepared her for what she’d find there. (Historical Romance from Bluecap Publishing)

Military Suspense:


Havoc by Ronie Kendig — Former Special Forces operator Sergeant Crew Gatlin is putting his life back together after a career-ending incident that separated him from the Army, half a leg, and his beloved working dog, Havoc K027. When he takes a job and is unexpectedly reunited with Havoc, it’s too good to be true. Their first assignment is to work as a K-9 team for a TV drama. Being a stunt double allows Vienna Foxcroft to fulfill her acting dream—with a side of MMA—and stay out of the limelight. Then in walks Mr. Mountain-of-Muscle and his tough-as-nails dog, and Vienna has a bad feeling her life is about to turn upside down as they head overseas for a location shoot in Turkey. When an attack sends the cast fleeing into the streets of Turkey, Vienna must face the demons of her past or be devoured by them. And Crew and Havoc are tested like never before. (Military Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:


Crime Scene Conspiracy by Jessica R. Patch — A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily’s questioning makes her the serial killer’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do. (Romantic Suspense from Loved Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)


Christmas in the Crosshairs by Kate Angelo, Kelly Underwood, Sami A. Abrams — Christmas is about to get dangerous! Get ready for three brand new Elite Guardians romantic suspense stories from Sunrise Publishing in this exciting anthology. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Grave Secrets by Elle E. Kay — In the historic city of Philadelphia, a mystery begins to unfold that will lead to the tranquil beauty of Ricketts Glen State Park and the dark secrets hidden just beyond the park’s borders. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Holiday Menace by Jerusha Agen, Mary Alford, Lori Altebaumer, Danielle Grandinetti, Sarah Hamaker, Kendall Hoxsey, Karen Kirst, Pat O’Brien, Hope Welborn, and Terri Weldon — Will Christmas be merry and bright? Lives are in danger when menacing pressures threaten to derail Christmas in this heart-pounding suspense—plus a little romance—collection of 10 brand-new novellas from some of the genre’s most popular Christian romantic suspense authors! (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Running to You by Robin Patchen — She dumped him, ghosted him for five years…and then showed up on his doorstep with bruises and a head injury she can’t explain. She has no memory of the years since she left him–or their breakup. She also has no idea why men are chasing her. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard — A missing person. A murder victim. And two hurting people seeking justice, connected in ways they could never imagine. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)

Skye Fall by Paige Edwards — The dirty cop who left her for dead now lies in wait to silence her once and for all. (Romantic Suspense from Covenant Communications)

Snowbound Escape by Dana Mentink — After months tracking a colleague falsely accused of a double homicide, officer Tanner Ford and his K-9 partner finally locate crime tech Mara Gilmore—but the real murderer is closing in. Now they must run into a frozen wilderness to survive. Evading the killer is the only way for Mara to clear her name. But will the harsh winter conditions cover their tracks…or bury them forever? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)

Western:


Another Christmas Story by Susan Page Davis — Beryl’s father is badly injured, and the wagon train leaves her and her little brother behind and at the trading post. They are at the mercy of the trading post manager, his wife, and their adult son, James. Grieving after her father’s death, Beryl sees that James loves her young brother. Soon she comes to care for James too. Come spring, Beryl will have to decide whether she and her brother will continue on to Oregon or go back East. (Western from Tea Tin Press)

Young Adult:


Royal & Ancient by Amanda Lauer — When a lightning strike transports a high school senior from modern-day America to 1600s Scotland, she must learn the ways of the Scots before a battle between England and Scotland decimates the land her true love is destined to rule. (Young Adult from Chrism Press/WhiteFire Publishing)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

April’s Promise by Terrie Todd — As a world war wages across the globe, the Kimball family faces a different kind of conflict at home. Will their personal battles drag them down and tear their family apart? (General Historical)

Center Point by Nancy J. Farrier — Her husband is married to someone else — or is he? (Contemporary Romance)
 
Heart Restoration by Regina Rudd Merrick — A renovations expert and a contractor come across a corpse on the job site, along with a series of tunnels beneath the property. (Romantic Suspense)
 
Malia’s Courage by Pamela Harstad , A Native Hawaiian interior designer and her architect co-worker encounter murder and threats after a company plans to build illegally on Hawaiian sacred land. How will they uphold their relationship and others’ rights, while trying to survive? (Romantic Suspense)
 
Speaking Through the Silence by Linda Sammaritan , Will Debbie continue to keep quiet under the Mean Queen’s snarky abuse, or will she screw up the courage to speak through her self-imposed silence? (Young Adult)
 
Tipsy in Love by Anne Greene, A hilarious tale of love almost lost. (Contemporary Romance)
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The All American, by Susie Finkbeiner, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

The All American
The All American

The All American features two sisters growing up in the 1950s. I love this story, as I can relate to a lot of it, having also grown up in that era. The home economics classes for girls. The etiquette and expectations around ladylike dress and behavior. The books we read. The dread of encroaching communism like it was the devil himself. The ultimate enemy.

This is the second book I’ve read by Susie Finkbeiner. The other one was The Nature of Small Birds. Both are post WWII historical fiction. They encapsulate glimpses into that period, exposing its blind innocence and charm. Zealous Christian Americans staving off the evil commies. Finkbeiner uses fiction to bring to light the blunders that caused hurt and sadness. The hypocrisy of the scared self-righteous. Which, in the end, is not different or better than the opposite political pole of Communism carried too far.

Because it’s not about whether you adhere to right or left-wing politics. It’s about adhering to God our Creator, who made and loves us all, and loving our neighbors, including our enemies. And trusting God as we endure and learn from tragedy. Quote from page 322: “I can’t change the pain, but I can fight to remember the good in everything.

Thanks to Revell for sending me this book at my request. This is my honest review.

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This Is Where It Ends, by Cindy K. Sproles, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

This Is Where It Ends

This is where it ends. Minerva Jenkins has lead a lonely existence atop her beautiful mountain since her husband, Stately, died, some 30 years ago. Were it not for the secret she’d promised to keep for him, she might not have spent all this time fending for herself. In fact, she has never even known what the secret was.

Told from Minerva’s Point of View, the story gradually comes to light. Something she’d never wanted to realize is forced to the surface. It starts when a young reporter arrives asking questions about her past. He needs a place to stay, and she has prayed not to die alone. He’s just what she needs–someone to care for her as her health fails, who even banters with her and enjoys her company. But then there’s his friend, a nefarious character.

Their questions send her into reverie, and she must settle matters in her mind. “Things that were pushed clear to the back of my soul wiggled their way to the front.”

She’d married at fourteen, told that the two shall become one, and not wanting to become a a burden to her parents. “It would have been a disgrace to marry after sixteen and have my folks be the parents of a spinster.” That was the last time she saw them.

Stately took her away to a lovely place on a mountain. “I took in a breath, and the scent of pine filled my senses. The birds set on the branches of the oak trees, and their song was like a choir singin in harmony. Through the trees, I could see the sun slowly restin itself on the summit. There was hardly anything prettier than the yellow hue that glistened over the mountain at dusk. I rubbed my eyes, dreadin the day my sight would leave me altogether.”

The book is full of beautiful scene descriptions. Minerva loves this place, but has been ever so lonely. She loved Stately and remained faithful to him, but as the story unfolds she comes face to face with reality. As she deals with it, she forgives for her own freedom, and finds that in the end she has a circle of loving friends after all.

Sproles paints lovely word pictures, and gets the reader into the mind of Minerva. A mix of loving her home, and realizing her time is drawing nigh, guarding her territory and letting go to this stranger who has entered her life . Choosing forgiveness over resentment.

It’s a lovely story. However, it took me a long time to get through it, although only 259 pages. Minerva seemed to take forever to die as she sorted out her past.

You may like this book if you enjoy reading descriptive, slow-paced, reflective stories about the elderly. I did enjoy it myself, but have been distracted lately by several things going on in my life that made it hard to concentrate.

Get to know the author by clicking here: CindySproles.com, where you can read her blog and sign up for her newsletter.

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Her Only Wish, by Shelley Shepard Gray, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Her Only Wish
Her Only Wish

Her Only Wish is a slightly confusing title to me, as Betsy actually has a list of wishes–her ‘Life List‘. Not to mention she wishes to experience the things on her Life List during one summer month while she is visiting a friend in Pinecraft, Florida.

Betsy’s health condition (asthma) has held her back until now. Her parents have sheltered her and prevented her from doing normal childhood activities like riding a bike and swimming. While she’s away from her parents for this month, she seizes the opportunity to experience this list of things she’s always wanted to do.

She starts by enrolling in golf lessons, where she meets August Troyer. August has also been emerging from controlling parents. He wrestles with life decisions. Should he become a missionary, following in the footsteps of his parents, or continue to manage the golf course for his aunt and uncle? To tell you the result would be a spoiler, but I can say that, like August, missions was a ‘calling’ that I also struggled with in my younger years. This story would have been helpful to me back then.

The story also features two sisters who offer swimming lessons to Betsy. Betsy and her Life List are an inspiration to them and to everyone she meets.

This is the second in the series, ‘A Season in Pinecraft‘. I haven’t read the first book, ‘Her Heart’s Desire‘. Her Only Wish stood alone fine without it. There is enough backstory for me to know that in the first book Betsy met the friend she’s staying with.

Her Only Wish is a sweet story, paced a bit on the slow side. As an older reader I like that, but it seemed to take me a long time to finish. Perhaps because I had distractions this month with company from out of town.

To learn more about the author and her other books, go to shelleyshepardgray.com.

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with every memory, by Janine Rosche, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

with every memory

with every memory

With every memory that emerges as her brain slowly heals from the accident, earthshaking consequences are triggered.

The accident erased the past eight years of her life. Now back home after nearly a year in a rehab center, random memories keep emerging. She must solve the personal mysteries of her own life. But can she trust her own mind? Or her husband? Or her mother? Friends?

And then there’s her teenage daughter, going through her own sorrows and struggles.

This is the first book I’ve read by Janine Rosche. I found it a bit of a roller coaster ride. Points of View alternate between mother and daughter, who are each coping in their own way with the loss of a family member.

It was interesting to learn something about the way memories can work after a traumatic brain injury, and how the brain can fill in with vivid, sometimes false memories. To be sabotaged by one’s own mind is tragic, not only for oneself but for family members and others who may be affected by your actions.

Issues touched on in the story include grief, faithfulness in love relationships, commitment, betrayal, and exploring what’s really important in life and values and family. It could trigger some great discussions for a book club.

Thank you to Revell for sending me this book at my request. This is my honest review.

To learn more about the author, go to www.janinerosche.com.

To find out more about the book or to order it, go to https://amzn.to/3q1N4zA. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

To compare my review with others on Goodreads, click here: Pearl Fredericksen’s review of With Every Memory | Goodreads.

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Back on Blossom Street, by Debbie Macomber, 2007, MIRA (Harlequin)

Back on Blossom Street
Back on Blossom Street

Another heart-warming story about Lydia and the friends she makes in her knitting classes. This time they are knitting prayer shawls. Each person is participating for a different reason and plans to use the shawl for a different purpose.

As they knit together, bonds form between them. Gradually their stories emerge and develop. They support one another in their struggles.

Chapters alternate between three Points of View: Lydia, Alix, and Colette. I met Lydia and Alix in the first book of the series. Although I haven’t read books 2 and 3, I didn’t notice anything missing as I picked up on their lives. This may be partly because of Macomber’s writing style. She ensures each story stands alone by subtly filling in bits of backstory. Colette is going through a complex period in her life, lending some intrigue to the story.

Macomber expertly integrates spiritual life lessons into the raw events of life like they happen, without glossing over actions, thoughts, feelings, and words. This is what I love about her writing. Plus, Blossom Street is in Seattle, not too far south of Western Canada where I live, so I can relate to the west-coast climate and culture she describes. Women of all ages are included among the characters, as well as the men in their lives. Themes are secrets, pregnancy, weddings, accidents, forgiving, bonding, death, and trust, interspersed with joys of life such as tea, seafood, and ocean breezes.

To learn more about Debbie Macomber and her novels, visit www.DebbieMacomber.com.

To learn more about the book or to order, tap on this link: https://amzn.to/3pa8F8D. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

To read other reviews on Goodreads, click here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5630440775.

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Dancing in the Rain; Stories to Shelter the Soul, 2023. ISBN: 978-1-7361780-6-5

Dancing in the Rain is an anthology of five stories.

Dancing in the Rain
Dancing in the Rain

Each story in Dancing in the Rain features an experience of cleansing rain that renews the soul. Candace West writes ‘McDonald’s Farm’. Eleanor Bertin writes ‘Who Sends the Rain?’. Angela D. Meyer writes ‘Rekindling Her Dream’. Deb Elkink writes ‘Clanging Symbols’, and Sara Davison writes ‘The Poppy’.

Each of the stories in Dancing in the Rain could be a separate book, and the e-book took me longer than expected to read through. I had been expecting shorter novellas. The authors are a group of writers who have published several anthologies together in the past.

Five writers, Five unique styles

Each author has her own distinct writing style. Although all the stories feature rain as a cleansing, renewing experience, there isn’t a lot of further commonality. Settings range from Vancouver Canada to places in the States, to Japan. Writing styles range from light and easy to follow to relatively heavy and more serious. Forgiveness, hope, and second chances are threads that link the stories.

As a Canadian writer myself, I was interested in the fact that there are Canadian authors and settings included in the anthology. I was already Facebook friends with Deb Elkink. Her story particularly stood out to me because it is based in Japan in the 1970s and is centered around cross-cultural experiences. As a traveler, ESL instructor and international homestay host, I could relate to the interesting differences in cultural thinking and symbolism. Whereas that story occurs in Japan, the others are all in North America.

Anthologies provide an opportunity to get to know new authors. I found each story appealing in its own unique way.

To see more information or to order, click on this link: https://amzn.to/43rCdNY. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

To read more reviews on Goodreads click here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5607578317

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Buttermilk Chicken

Buttermilk Chicken
Buttermilk Chicken

I like the buttermilk chicken at Montana’s so much I decided to try making some at home. No buttermilk in the fridge, no problem.

Pour a half inch of milk in a flat baking dish and add a tablespoon or so of vinegar. Stir it up a bit.

Spread out boneless thighs to soak in the buttermilk for an hour or two, turning them over once or twice.

Pour some flour into a plastic bag and add barbecue chicken spices. If you don’t have a spice mix, try cayenne pepper (depending how hot you like it) or paprika and salt.

Shake the chicken pieces one at a time in the bag, holding the top tightly closed.

Meanwhile, preheat a half inch of olive or other cooking oil in a pan on medium. Add the chicken and cook for a half hour or so on med-low, turning several times until cooked through and the coating is crunchy.

Mine turned out tender and tasty 😋. Hope yours does too.

Instead of wasting the chicken-soaked buttermilk and flavourful flour mixture, once the chicken has been fried and removed from the pan, on low heat, stirring constantly, gradually add to the residual oil together with potato water. Mmm, delicious gravy.

Okay, so now you know why I’m fat 😏.

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In the SHADOW of the RIVER, by Ann H. Gabhart, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

In the shadow of the river, the mystery of Jacci’s life plays out.

In the Shadow of the River
In the Shadow of the River

The mystery of Jacci Reed’s life plays out in the shadow of the river. Who is she, and where did she come from? Her true identity is really a mystery, to be revealed gradually in the shadow of the river.

Gabe Kingston becomes her protector from the first time they meet, under scary circumstances, when he is 13 and she’s one brave five-year-old.

I love this intriguing tale set in the late 1800s on the rivers of southern states. Before the time of roads and automobiles, paddlewheel boats transported people and goods and even entertainment from one town to another along rivers and tributaries.

Families, such as they were, worked and lived on these boats. Not a fancy life, though in some respects romantic and adventurous.

Characters come to life in the shadow of the river.

Ann Gabhart brings characters alive so readers can experience riverboat life and its dangers and joys in the shadow of the river. Not everyone is cut out for such a lifestyle, unmoored from a land address. But the people running the boats become family, some for the season, others for a lifetime. And you know how families are. Some members likeable, some not always, and some with a mysterious past. Who to trust?

As in previous books by Ann Gabhart, she excels in writing characters and setting, and intriguing plots keep you reading. I find the pacing comfortable, easy to follow, and not confusing. In the dark shadows, characters find strength in turning to God and trusting their lives to Him.

Thanks to Revell for sending me this beautiful paperback for my honest review.

Learn more about Ann Gabhart and her writing at www.annhgabhart.com.

Click on this link to see further information and reviews or to purchase: https://amzn.to/3OL1aiN As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

One more link; click on this one to see what your reader friends on Goodreads say: Pearl Fredericksen’s review of In the Shadow of the River | Goodreads