Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul Book Review

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball
by:  Donita K. Paul

From the Publisher:

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

 My Review:

This is a very fictional short story.  It is not something I would read aloud to my family.  It had a hint of "magic" that just didn't jive with me.  I couldn't figure out if the characters were "angels" or of a "mystic" nature.  It left me hanging.

 Although, it did show God's mercy and His plan throughout the book.  I just wished that it had either been ALL fiction (thus the mystic nature) or a book that told the story of God's love and not intertwined the two.

 I did appreciate the brother/sister dynamic in the book!  Brothers that have a protective spirit for their sisters - should win a special reward!

 As much as I love Christmas books and love stories combined, this has not been one of my faves!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!!!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

 

The Witness by Josh McDowell Book Review

The Witness 

by Josh McDowell

List Price: 14.99 

ISBN: 978-1-4143-3412-7

From the publisher:

From Monte Carlo to Morocco to Egypt and into Petra, Marwan Accad is pursued by authorities for murders he did not commit. Tracked by advanced intelligence-surveillance technology, his every location is eventually found out, thrusting those he loves into danger. Nurtured by a bitter past that equipped him with what he needed for his company to thrive, Marwan Accad never looks back. Yet the way forward promises only uncertainty, and living each day is a lie in which corruption and greed play in the lives of man. For whose lie is he going through all of this? Even as Marwan races against time to find his pursuers and their motives, he must grapple with what is beyond his life, with what is eternal.

 My Review:

 Have you ever seen the Jason Bourne movies?  This book was so similar but with a Christian twist.  

It had my heart pounding at times with all the excitement of cops gone bad, high speed chases, international conflict and a love story mixed in.

 I loved how the gospel was presented in this book.  It was simple yet for the hardened heart.  I was impressed with how the author had made every detail personable to anyone.

As much as I would want to recommend this book, it had some very disturbing images portrayed i.e. drugs, intimate issues, and violence.  This book is not for young eyes.  However, I wouldn't mind giving this book to a man who loves to read suspense.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

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Yummy Apple Cider…

My sweet friend, Marina from EBMR surprised me last week by dropping off a beautiful stainless steel crock-pot.

She had read on Twitter that mine had cracked.  It is really hard to make things in a cracked-pot. 

We had a lil’ party on Friday and I warmed up some Apple Cider.  It was perfect and a hit with the kids. 

  

I just opened the lid, poured the apple cider in and added sliced apples.  I could have added more but I like easy and simple.

Sooo yummy and made the house smell wonderful for 2 days in a row because we did it again the next day.

Here is another recipe that Musselman’s sent me:

Ingredients
One gallon Musselman’s®
Fresh Pressed Cider
3 cinnamon sticks
1 Tbsp. whole cloves
1 tsp. whole allspice
½ orange, sliced, rind and all
(optional)
Cheesecloth
Musselman’s Hot Mulled Cider

Preparation:

Pour one gallon of Musselman’s apple cider into a large pot on the stove or into a crock-pot/slow cooker. Place the cinnamon sticks in the cider. Wrap the whole cloves and whole allspice in a square of cheesecloth and tie closed. Add to the pot. Add orange slices if desired.
Heat the cider until it just starts to boil, lower the setting to simmer for another 15 minutes to allow for infusion of the spices. Stir occasionally.

Leave the pot uncovered so that you and your family can enjoy the warm, delicious aroma. Remove the spices and oranges from the pot and ladle hot mulled cider into mugs.

Tips:
– If you don’t have cheesecloth on hand, use a tea ball or a coffee filter to hold the spices.
– Add a splash of rum or brandy when serving to make a festive adult beverage.
– If you are leaving the crock-pot out for your guests at a party, you can stud an apple with cloves and
allow that to float in your cider. Or leave the cinnamon sticks and oranges in the cider for decoration.

It kind of reminds me of my Grandma’s Wassail, which I love.

Note:  I was sent complimentary apple cider for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

ilovemy5kids: Beaded Hope – 30 days of giving

ilovemy5kids: Beaded Hope – 30 days of giving

Christmas at Harrington’s by Melody Carlson Book Review

 

Christmas at Harrington’s
by Melody Carlson
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1925-8
Available Oct. 2010; $15.99

From the publisher:

Just in time for the holidays, comes Christmas at Harrington’s, a tender story about fresh starts from Melody Carlson, the bestselling author of The Christmas Bus.

In Carlson’s latest tale that will charm readers, Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life after false accusations landed her in prison, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent.

When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?
Full of redemption and true holiday spirit, Christmas at Harrington's will be readers' newest Christmas tradition.

My Review:

What a simple and delightful Christmas story!  I truly enjoyed this little book. 

It had such sweet lessons in it that made it perfect for the Holiday season.  Full of forgiveness and new hope! 

The characters were very charming.  The author made the little town seem true to life – even with little quirks.

This would be a great book to have when waiting in line buying Christmas presents or waiting in line to pick up children.  Reading Christmas stories – especially about the real meaning of Christmas just leave a smile on my face!

Although, this book is a great Christmas story – I would be hesitant to read it to my children.  It still has adult matter not meant for little ears.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Available November 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Emily’s Chance by Sharon Gillenwater Review

Emily’s Chance by Sharon Gillenwater
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3354-4
Available Oct. 2010; $14.99

From the publisher:

Emily Rose may be in the tiny West Texas town of Callahan Crossing for the moment, but it's just a rung on her ladder to success. Her work at the Callahan Crossing historical society will look good on her ever-growing resume as she attempts to break into the prestigious world of a big city museum curator.
Little does she know cowboy and contractor Chance Callahan has decided that he can convince her to stay—both with the town and with him. As he helps Emily restore the town's history after a devastating fire, he also helps her uncover her own hidden worth and the value of love.
The second book in The Callahans of Texas series, Emily's Chance is a heartwarming story of letting love take the lead.

My Review:

A true love story!   I’m from Texas and this book brought me back home.  I loved the way the author brings the story to life and makes sure that real problems are met head on with a Christian real life stance.

Every time I picked up this book – I was interrupted.  I couldn’t wait to pick it back up and see where the story would lead.

I loved the honest true feelings that Chance Callahan had and he wasn’t shy about them.

This made West Texas even seem inviting.  I loved the scenery and how the author made you feel that you were part of the landscape.

I would definitely recommend this book!  It was clean but dealt with adult issues.

I wouldn’t mind reading more of this author!  This book is staying in my permanent library. 

I want my boys to treat their future brides -“gentlemanly correct.”  I love that – GC!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!!!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

The Vigilante’s Bride by Yvonne Harris Book Review

The Vigilante’s Bride

by:  Yvonne Harris

ISBN: 0764208047

From the publisher:

Luke Sullivan just wants to reclaim the money stolen from his father. One stagecoach heist later, his pockets are full and he's one feisty mail-order bride richer. Only problem is, she was on the way to marry his bitter enemy--and she doesn't take kindly to her "rescue."

Yet crossing this dangerous man is only the beginning of Luke's problems. As he realizes what a true treasure the beautiful--but headstrong--redhead in his care is, how far will he go to prevent her prearranged marriage?

My Review:

This book is a Western.  I could easily see it being performed by Roy Rogers or John Wayne.  It was tame yet could turn feisty.

The characters in the book were easy to picture.  It also made me think of what I would do in certain situations.  Back in the day, where law was scarce – people had to act differently.

I enjoyed going back in time.  It made me think – back in the day – times were not as simple or easy.

I also started thinking about adoption and what family really means.

This book was a very simple read and made it great for a road trip.

Due to some adult content and violence – I would guard young eyes, if they wanted to read it.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.