If I'm Found - Book Review

If I'm Found is the second book in the If I Run Series by Terri Blackstock.  I have been waiting for this book to be released since the day I finished the first book, If I Run.  The first book was the best suspense novel I ever read and I have eagerly anticipated If I'm Found.

If I'm Found continues the story of Casey, who is still on the run from the cops.  She is wanted for committing a murder that she didn't commit.  She is trying to collect evidence on the real murderers while on the run.  Dylan is still after her.  He insists that he believes that Casey is innocent and even though he let her escape once already she is leary to trust.

As Casey is fighting for her own self she stumbles upon another injustice.  She wants to help, but would it mean her own capture and paying for a crime that she didn't commit?

This is truly the best series!  The author alternates between characters and gives first hand accounts.  I really like this as it gives more insight to what each character is feeling.  Although this second book was not quite as good as the first, I have a feeling that the third and final book in this series is going to be amazing!  I can't wait to see how the author wraps this story up.  The worst thing about it is that I will have to wait a year before the next release.  More waiting!  UGH!

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Long Time Gone - Book Review

Long Time Gone by Mary Connealy is the second book in the Cimarron Legacy series.  I first became familiar with this Authors novels with her first series The Kincaid Brides.  The Cimarron Legacy series has brought back the delight I had when I read that first series.  It's set in the old west with plenty of laugh-out-loud humor and romance.  It's the perfect balance to make a very enjoyable series.

Another thing I like about Mary Connealy's writing style is that when she writes a series, all the books connect.  I always enjoy seeing how they interweave with each other.  When I read a book that I really like I get "attached" to the characters.  When there is a series like this that connects, you still get glimpses in to the characters lives that you connected with in the previous book(s).

The only negative thing I can say is now I am going to have to wait until October to get the last book in this series!  If you are looking for a good, light hearted read, that is set in the wild west this series is the one for you.  Be sure to start from the beginning with No Way Up!

MORE ABOUT THE STORY:

The Boden clan thought their problems had ended with the death of a dangerous enemy, but have they uncovered the real plot to take their 1880's New Mexico ranch?  Justin Boden is a top rancher and a rugged man, and yet with his brother, Cole, shot and in mortal danger, even a tough man faces doubts.  And it doesn't help that Angie DuPree, the assistant to the doctor trying to save Cole, is as distracting a woman as Justin has ever laid eyes on.

With her and the doc's timely skills, Cole looks to be on the mend.  Now Justin and the rest of the Bodens can turn their attention back to the threats facing them.  It's clear now that everything that's occurred is part of a much bigger plot that could date back to a decades-old secret.  Can they pull together all the pieces before danger closes in on them, or is the risk of losing the ranch even greater than any of them could imagine?

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Acid Watcher Diet - A Book Review

I picked up The Acid Watcher Diet - A 28-Day Reflux Prevention and Healing Program for different reasons than what most people would get it.  I have Interstitial Cystitis.  It is a chronic bladder disease and causes great pain.  A lot of what I ingest plays a big part of where my pain level is.

I have a very acidic body.  There are times that I feel like I am burning from the inside out.  When the acid is up the pain in my bladder is worse.  If I eat bland food it seems to help.  I wanted to check out this book to see if it would help me to understand more of what I battle concerning the acid and hopefully get some new knowledge and recipes.

I was not sorry.  This is a highly informative book.  It does not only tell you the "why" but also gives the solution.  It explains the dangers of why high acid is so bad...it can lead to cancer, inflammation in the body, choking, post nasal drip and more. The diet recommended is a well balanced diet that is definitely attainable.  There are so many great recipes included and also an exercise plan. Following this 28 day program you will be well on your way to feeling better!

Whether you are needing help to lower the acid in your body due to acid reflux or other reasons such as mine, this book is a great resource.  Following the guidelines set within the pages you will be on your way to a much healthier lifestyle.

***Thanks to Blogging For Books for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Chicken Pot Pie

I have been searching for a good Chicken Pot Pie recipe for a while now and I am happy to announce that I have found success!

I've made this yummy recipe a couple times now and it has quickly become a family favorite.

Instead of putting it in a pie pan I make it in a 9x13 glass casserole dish.  This is what I like best.  To each their own!

The last time I made it I made a roast chicken the night before and used the left over chicken for this recipe.   I loved doing it this way.  It made the recipe so much easier and allowed one chicken to stretch for two delicious and very different meals.

This would be a freezer friendly meal if you make it ahead.  Or if you have a smaller family you can eat half when you fix it and freeze half of it for later.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup peeled and diced potatoes
3/4 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/4 cups milk
2 cups cooked and cubed chicken
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 package of refrigerated pie crust (2 rolls)

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Place peeled and diced potatoes and sliced carrots in a large saucepan.  Add water to cover.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook covered about 8-10 minutes until crisp-tender.  Drain.

2.  In a large skillet heat butter over medium-high heat.  Add chopped onion and cook until tender.  Stir in flour and seasonings until well blended.  Gradually stir in broth and milk.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until sauce is thickened.  Stir in chicken, peas, corn and potato and carrot mixture.  Remove from heat.

3.  Unroll on of the pie crusts into a 9 inch pie plate.  Trim even with rims.  Add chicken mixture.  Unroll remaining pastry.  place over filling.  Trim, seal and flute edges.  Poke with a fork on top.

4.  Bake 30 minutes or until crust is lightly brown.  Let stand 10-15 minutes before cutting.

An Uncommon Protector - A Book Review

Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I have always enjoyed reading books from the Civil War Era.  For these reasons alone I was excited to read An Uncommon Protector.  Not to mention the fact that I always enjoy Author Shelly Shepard Gray's books.  This is the second book in A Lone Star Hero's Love Story series.  I did not read the first book in the series and it is definitely not needed to enjoy this one, but if the first book is half as good as this one it will be worth the read.

The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey.  Both her  brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise.  Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can. 

When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner for the local jail.  If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.  

Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he's in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn't pay a few fines.  Laurel's offer might be his only ticket out.  Though she's everything he ever dreamed of in a woman, he's determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he's free again.  

But when the cattle start dying and Laurel's life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line.  Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property.   It isn't long before Laurel realizes that Tomas Balker is fare more than just s former soldier,  He's a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom.  He needs her love and care too.

From the first chapter I was hooked on this book.  The chemistry between Laurel and Thomas jumped from the book. Thomas seemed to have a "bad boy" demeanor about him and watching him soften around the edges was heartwarming.  Laurel is determined to keep her land and is a character that is easy to relate to.  

If you are needing a good book before the last few weeks of winter are over, this would be a great one to curl up on the couch with a blanket and a cup of coffee!

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Be Bold - An Adult Coloring Book Review

If you still haven't tried adult coloring you really should.  It is so relaxing and the perfect way to end a stressful day.

My newest coloring book that I want to tell you about is Be Bold - A Coloring Devotional by Ellen Elliott.  It is definitely my new favorite. Another past time of mine is doodling and the images in this coloring book reminds me of images that I would doodle.

On each page there is a short devotion that includes a Bible verse and a story that can be applied to your life. On the opposite page is a big bold picture for you to color. What's even better is that each coloring page features a Bible verse.  While you are coloring you can reflect on the Word of God!

If scheduling a daily quiet time with God has become challenging, it is time for you to Be Bold!  This coloring book was created for people just like you.  Your quiet time will quickly become something that you will look forward to.

***Thanks to Tyndall Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Spy of Richmond - A Book Review

My favorite genre is historical fiction and the Civil War Era is one of my favorite time eras to read about.  The Spy of Richmond is by Jocelyn Green and is the fourth book in the Heroines Behind the Lines series.  You don't necessarily need to read the books in order.  I have read a couple other books from this series and this one by far has been the best.  

It is a perfect mix of fact and fiction.  I felt transported in time to a time period that we can only read about in history books.  

Trust none. Risk all.

Richmond, Virginia, 1863. Compelled to atone for the sins of her slaveholding father, Union loyalist Sophie Kent risks everything to help end the war from within the Confederate capital and abolish slavery forever. But she can't do it alone.

Former slave Bella Jamison sacrifices her freedom to come to Richmond, where her Union soldier husband is imprisoned, and her twin sister still lives in bondage in Sophie's home. Though it may cost them their lives, they work with Sophie to betray Rebel authorities. Harrison Caldwell, a Northern freelance journalist who escorts Bella to Richmond, infiltrates the War Department as a clerk-but is conscripted to defend the city's fortifications.

As Sophie's spy network grows, she walks a tightrope of deception, using her father's position as newspaper editor and a suitor's position in the ordnance bureau for the advantage of the Union. One misstep could land her in prison, or worse. Suspicion hounds her until she barely even trusts herself. When her espionage endangers the people she loves, she makes a life-and-death gamble.

Will she follow her convictions even though it costs her everything-and everyone-she holds dear?

Sophie's courage to do what's right is inspirational.  The character's in the novel are well developed and easy to relate to.  You won't want to put this book down until the last page!

***Thanks to Moody Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

An Amish Home - Book Review

An Amish Home is four novellas in one book.  The stories are from some of my favorite Amish authors like Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller and Ruth Reid. There is so much I like about this book.  Sometimes I need a break from larger novels and a book with shorter stories is perfect for quick reads.  Each of these are as enjoyable as a full novel and I really love how they all focused on "home".

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman - Sara Lants always dreamed of the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect family.  When she married Abram, she knew she was on her way to securing her perfect life. All of that changes in one moment when an accident leaves her unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair, dashing all her dreams.  As Abram starts to transform their home, Sarah begins a transformation in her spirit, and she begins one again to see her cup as half full.

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston - Down on their luck and desperate after they are evicted from their small apartment, Chace and Mia O'Conner reluctantly take Chace's Amish boss up on his offer to rent them the daadihaus located on his property.  They are certain they will never feel at home in the rustic cabin without any modern conveniences, and they start to blame each other for their seemingly hopeless situation.  But with the help of their new Amish friends, Chance and Mia begin to enjoy their cozy cabin and realize that home really is where the heart is.

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller - Faith Miller knows that carpentry is an unlikely hobby for a young Amish woman, but she loves the work and it keeps the memory of her grandfather alive.  So when her cousin asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new home, Faith is only too happy to take on the job, even if it is the most ambitious project she has ever taken on.  The only catch is that she has to work with her ex-fiance, Silas.  As they work to build Martha's kitchen, can they put the past behind them and start to build faith in one another again?  

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid - Fifteen years ago, Thomas and Noreen King were blissful newlyweds. Young, naive, and in love, life was rosy..for a while.  Then trials and tribulations rocked their foundation, shattering them emotionally, and soon, their marriage was in shards.  All hope for restoring their previously unshakable union seems lost.  When a fire destroys their home, Thomas and Noreen are left to sift through the rubble.  As uncovered items from the remains of the house shake loose memories of the past.  Thomas and Noreen begin to draw closer and a flicker of hope and love is reignited.

I would definitely recommend this book.  It is uplifting and will remind the reader of the real meaning of home.  Each of the novellas have a lesson to be learned that will encourage the reader.

***Thanks to booklookbloggers for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Still Life - A Book Review

Still Life by Dani Pettrey is the second book in the Chesapeake Valor Series.  I would recommend reading the books in order.  You could still understand and enjoy it as a stand alone book, but I think it would be more enjoyable read in series as there are many return characters and it's better to connect with them and to keep them all straight.

After Avery Tate was  blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, she answered an ad for a crime scene photographer.  She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright and changed her life, but six months ago, when her feeling for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot.  Worse, her friend can't be found.  She immediately calls Parker for help.  As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig in to the mystery, they find themselves face to face with a relentless and deadly threat.

I just love a good suspense novel and this book is perfect.  It was fast paced and a little edgy.  I found myself thinking about it long after I would stop reading.  It made me a little on edge as I get "scared" easy so if you are like me I would not read it at night.  It was like being a part of a real crime scene investigation and was very interesting to see how several people worked together to solve the mystery.  It kept me guessing until the end!

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

Grace and the Preacher - A Book Review

When Theo Garrison was 15 years old his outlaw cousins tried to get him to help them with a train robbery.  Instead, Theo fled the scene and because of him his cousins were caught and thrown in jail.  Ten years have passed and his cousins are getting out early for good behavior.  The last words his cousin spoke to him were words of revenge.  Now Theo is on the run and looking for a way to hide from his cousins.  A chance encounter opens up an opportunity for him to hide.

Grace Cristler is twenty-four and has all but given up on finding a husband.  Living in an area where there are no eligible men has not helped her situation.  Grace's uncle has decided to retire as preacher of the small town of Fairland, Kansas.  Grace has been writing letters to Reverend Rufus Dille, the man who will be taking her uncles place.  Grace cannot deny her growing feelings for him, even though she has never seen him.

Will Theo's dishonesty come with a price?  Will Grace be able to forgive Theo of his deceit?  More importantly will Theo allow God to save him from his past and give him a brighter future?

This is such a beautiful written story.  I have come to expect nothing less from one of Kim Vogel Sawyer's Novels.  She is my absolute favorite author and with each book I read written by her I am reminded why. There is always a rich faith and in this book it is Theo's memories of his grandma that helps him come to the Lord.  What a great reminder that if we plant seeds along the way, God can use them to help a person in the future.  We may never see the fruits of our labor, but Gods can use the words we say and the example we live to reach others even after we are gone.

I am a big history buff and I love the historical setting.  I loved the fact that Theo was from Bowling Green, Missouri.  Being a Missouri girl myself, I always love reading a book that is set in my home state. With just a few weeks of winter left, what better time to grab a book and spend a couple days reading!

***Thanks to blogging for books for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.