Saturday 29 March 2014

Gluten Free Conversion Chart



http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/72/71/e2/7271e2a83aa172da34c997db5477a949.jpg

This Gluten free conversion chart is courtesy of Gygi.com/blog.

I use this with most of my recipes and they turn out fabulous. My subscribers keep asking for the secret behind the success of my baked goods, so here it is.

I keep mine posted on the inside of the pantry door, for quick reference.
Now that the secret is out, go find your favorite Gluten filled recipes and go about converting them to something you can eat!

Enjoy!

Book Review: Love Comes Calling





ISBN# 978 0 7642 1036 5

From the Back:
A girl with the best of intentions. 
A heart set on Hollywood. 
An empty pocketbook.
 

 That's all it takes for Ellis Eton to find herself working as a telephone operator for a look-alike friend. For Ellis, this job will provide not only acting practice but the funds to get her a start in the movies. She's tired of always being a disappointment to her traditional Boston family, and though she can't deny the way he makes her head spin, she knows she's not good enough for Griffin Phillips, either. It's simple: avoid Griff's attentions, work, and get paid. But in typical Ellis fashion, her simple plan spirals out of control when she overhears a menacing phone call...with her very own Griff as the target.

My Reflections: 

"Love Comes Calling" from Siri Mitchell will keep you laughing, and entertained on a slow spring evening.

As I started this book I kind of had the sensation that I was reading a parallel to Junie B Jones, my little ones favorite series right now. The main character is hilarious, she rambles along skipping from one thought to the next. Perhaps she is a tad ADHD? This was not a bad quality for the main character, Ellis to have mind you, it definitely kept things interesting!

Siri Mitchell has masterfully portrayed the era of the Roaring Twenties. A time when Hello girls were busy connecting calls and prohibition was in full swing. Though Ellis is spared the realities of life, she yearns for adventure and fame. She feels as though she is incapable of doing anything right, and is not quite good enough for the one young man who has eyes for her. Can she overcome her insecurities? Will she ever get to Hollywood?

What Ellis does will surprise you and make you groan all at the same time. A somewhat predictable story, but endearing all the same. I was not on the edge of my seat with suspense, but non the less I enjoyed reading this book. The humour and crazy antics of Ellis Eton will keep you flipping the pages, just to find out what happens next! If you are looking for a light fluffy book, filled with sweet romance, history and a tad of mystery this just may be it.


 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"


 

About the Author:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.
But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

Thursday 27 March 2014

Book Review: The Life Fully Lived

The Fully Lived Life: Rescuing Our Souls from All that Holds Us Back
ISBN# 192735550 8

From the Back:

So how does one break free from soul depression? Psychologist Dr. Merry C. Lin believes that only biblical truth can wake a sleeping soul to the full life Jesus promised.

 With her personal experience and powerful therapeutic principles, The Fully Lived Life details the emotional and spiritual steps to finding God beyond, and even in, the chaos of real life.

 My Reflections:

Soul weary,  now that was the grabber right there. This book is insightful, and filled with practical ways in which you can change the path you are following in life. Even as Christians we may have faulty beliefs that are hindering our walk with the Lord. This little book is filled with scriptural reference and personal stories to keep you engaged. It is not filled with psycho speak, and is easy for the lay man to read and apply.

I think my favorite chapter in this book was chapeter14, My Father's beloved. It sure gave me insight into the way I act, how I parent and how to be loved and to love. God is good, and I don't think we can be reminded of this enough, his love is ever so much more than we can imagine. It is a journey that will probably take my whole life to figure out, I am ready. This book was another wonderful tool to remind us and guide us to the one who has us wrapped in the palm of his mighty hand.

I am quite comfortable recommending this book to anyone who wants to live fully, this is a gem that will get you thinking and impart God's word onto your heart! 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and author in exchange for an honest review."



Dr. Merry Lin is a registered clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in counselling individuals, couples, and families on a variety of personal issues. Read more


Ask Dr. Merry

Have a question for Dr. Lin? Send your question here, and be sure to check out the "Ask Dr. Merry" blog when she answers questions from readers.

Monday 24 March 2014

Book Review: In The shadow of Jezebel


Cover Art
ISBN #9780800721701

In a kingdom controlled by cruel and manipulative women, one princess will discover the power of truth and love.
Trained as a priestess in the temple of Baal, Princess Jehosheba strives to please the demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach far beyond the realm of earthly governments.

Forced to marry Yahweh's high priest in order to further Athaliah and Jezebel's power plays, Jehosheba enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's Temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family--and the nation--she loves?

My Reflections:

What an interesting view of this Old Testament inspired novel. My first  thought was that this book may be cumbersome to tackle. I however was pleasantly surprised to find this book captivating, intriguing and highly enlightening.

The old testament is bursting with thrilling stories and drama, so it is no surprise that Andrews was able to masterfully weave a tale that was gripping and engaging. The research that must have gone into this book must have been extensive and it is not lost on the reader, well done Mesu Andrews!

In this fictional story, we are introduced to Jehosheba. Jehosheba who has been trained to be a high priestess for Ba'al is forced to marry the high priest of Yahweh as a ploy to increase political power. As she struggles to adjust to her new life and please those around her, she learns more than she could have imagine about love, and the person she is destined to become.

The Shadow of Jezebel, is a unique and drama filled retelling of a world embroiled in passion, deceit and manipulative power plays. I quite enjoyed immersing myself into what it may have been like to live in this era. Mesu Andrew's is a skilled storyteller who brings her readers on a rich and thrilling ride back in time to Ancient Jerusalem, a must read for anyone who loves a good Biblical Fiction.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

About The Author:

  1. Mesu Andrews
    © Nic White Photography

    Mesu Andrews

    Mesu Andrews is the award-winning author of Love Amid the Ashes, Love's Sacred Song, and Love in a Broken Vessel. Winner of the 2012 ECPA Christian Book Award for New Author, she has devoted herself to passionate and intense study of...
    Continue reading about Mesu Andrews 

    A link to Bible study questions:

      http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/book-resources/files/Bible_Study_Questions_In_the_Shadow_of_Jezebel_Andrews_Final.pdf?1382709530

Saturday 15 March 2014

Book Review: A Heart's Rebellion


Cover Art
ISBN # 9780800720902

From the back:

In a world governed by unspoken rules, one young woman is about to break them all . . .
Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she's ready to take fashionable society by storm--and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it.

Can Jessamine trust her heart to lead her to a love that proves true through thick and thin? Or will her rash actions close the door on the life she really desires?

Lose yourself in Ruth Axtell's sumptuous story of discovering one's true self and finding true love.

"Rich and rewarding, A Heart's Rebellion is a regency unmatched, capturing readers with a plot so unique and compelling, pages will fly and sleep will be lost. With grace and mastery, Ruth Axtell has penned a lush regency tale where a heart's rebellion slowly ripens into a love everlasting."--Julie Lessman, award-winning author of the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series

My Reflections: 

I did not have the pleasure of reading Axtell's first book Moonlight Masquerade, but this book is suitable to read as a standalone none the less.
Set in the spring of 1815 in London this story starts as Jessamine Barry is experiencing her first ever Season. Unfortunately with no means, connections or title she wilts on the sidelines as a wallflower.

However upon attracting the attentions of the fine Lancelot Marfleet, things get more interesting. The two don't seem to be a likely pair though, Mr. Marfleet is so not what Jessamine is looking for in a potential suitor. After all, Jessamine is still mending her broken heart, after being jilted by her best friend's brother. Unfortunately Jessamine attracts the attentions of a very unsavory individual, unbeknownst to her, he is not what he seems, and the excitement and adventure she desires soon dissolve to fear.
Will her reputation and innocence be ruined? Will she ever find the love she craves?

Mr. Marfleet is recovering from his experiences in India as a missionary, where he contracted a potentially fatal, debilitating illness. The pressure from his parents to marry and his slow recovery have added stress to his life. To satisfy his parents, he attends social gatherings and repeatedly bumps into the fine Miss. Barry. It seems as though friendship is all these two can handle. Is Mr. Marfleet too similar to Jessamine's father, after all he will be the vicar? Can he keep this spirited girl our of harms way?

I quite enjoyed this book, it did however have it's slow spots. These were soon looked over as the action of the story starts to play out. The overall message of the book is what draws the reader in. Grace and redemption are displayed through this book, such a beautiful reminder of God's mercy and forgiveness to our rebellious and sinful nature.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

 Ruth Axtell

Ruth Axtell

Ruth Axtell is the author of many novels, including Moonlight Masquerade and Wild Rose, one of Booklist's Top Ten in Christian Fiction. Currently a resident of Downeast Maine, Axtell has lived in the Canary Islands, Miami, and the Netherlands....
Continue reading about Ruth Axtell

Monday 10 March 2014

Book Review: Graceful Gabby Finds Love in Blue



Graceful Gabby Finds Love in Blue
Graceful Gabby Finds Love in Blue - African American Children's Book




 

 

 

 

 

About the Book

Graceful Gabby is excited about her new room, but she's disappointed that everything in her new room is not "pinky" perfect. Come along with Graceful Gabby as she learns about the Fruit of the Spirit. With the help of her Grand Ma-Ma, Graceful Gabby learns to recognize and share the special gift of love with others and to appreciate the love of family.

My Reflections:

Who doesn't love a beautifully written children's book with a powerful message?
This book is filled with colorful illustrations and packs a perfect message. I was thrilled to read it to my littlest girl and discuss the fruits of the spirit with her, it opened up a whole dialog on Love and acceptance. The book is a good size for night time reading and is written in a fashion that youngsters will relate to.

Graceful Gabby is a new series out that will inspire children to ponder what the fruits of the spirit really mean in a practical, fun and encouraging manner. I would certainly recommend this book for young children. My daughter loved it and it has been a new favorite bed time story. I can't wait to read the other books in this series!

This book was provided to me free of charge, from Tywebbin Creations LLC in return for my honest review. Thank you Tywebbin!

About the Author
 Crystal Marable

Crystal Marable has had a love for writing since she was a young teenager writing poetry and keeping a daily journal. She also has a heart and a desire to encourage and motivate girls to succeed in their lives. She encourages the development of positive thinking, positive knowing and positive doing. Crystal created the Graceful Girlz children's book series to inspire our next generation of girls to develop in integrity, character and self-esteem. Also, to teach Christian values that will last a lifetime and inspire them to live as girls of grace, continually growing into graceful young ladies. It is her vision that these books will inspire our girls to display in their own lives, as well as share with others, the Fruit of the Spirit that God gives us: love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, patience, goodness, faithfulness and self-control; changing the world by celebrating the gifts within.

 

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com


Visit the author online at:
http://gracefulgirlz.com

View the blog tour schedule at: 
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