Simply Grilling by Jennifer Chandler

About the book:

If your grilling repertoire is limited to burgers and hot dogs, it might be time to reconsider your grill’s true potential. Think beyond that typical backyard menu, and imagine serving up a platter of skewered Caribbean Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa or a Balsamic Beef Tenderloin alongside an Asparagus and Cherry Tomato Salad. Memphis chef Jennifer Chandler has assembled everything a grilling amateur could possibly need to achieve pitmaster caliber results any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking with gas, charcoal, or cast iron, Simply Grilling will eliminate the uncertainty and have you manning the flames with confidence.

In her accessible style, Chandler explains everything—the tools, the heat, and the flavors. If you’ve always found grilling to be a guessing game, you’ll never have to wonder again if the heat is just right or if you flipped your food too soon. From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, Simply Grilling is your guide to delicious meals, hot off the grate.

My Review:

To begin with I have the  e-book copy and did not try it out on my kindle, but was using it on the Kindle app for PC since I wanted to enjoy the color photos. The presentation of this cookbook is beautiful with full color photos for all the recipes. The cookbook breaks things down to help you prepare ahead when you can and does great at giving cooking and prep times as well as serving amount. Also it lets you know which recipes can  be prepared on an inside grill pan. There is also a great section at the beginning called 'Grilling 101' which is very handy for the new or semi-new griller. You will find recipes in many different categories such as: starters, Poultry, Seafood, Sandwiches, Sweet Endings and more. This is a great cookbook for the cook that wants to find more complicated grilling recipes, but for me I am not sure how often I will use it because my family tends to be simple eaters and not into as fancy of food. I am glad I checked out the cookbook and hope to one day find the time to experiment and try something new.

* I received this book from booksneeze.com for the purpose of this review.

The Discovery by Dan Walsh

About the Book:

When aspiring writer Michael Warner inherits his grandfather's venerable Charleston estate, he settles in to write his first novel. But within the confines of the stately home, he discovers an unpublished manuscript that his grandfather, a literary giant whose novels sold in the millions, had kept hidden from everyone--but which he clearly intended Michael to find. As he delves deep into the exciting tale about spies and sabotage, Michael discovers something that has the power to change not only his future but his past as well.

Laced with suspense and intrigue, The Discovery is a richly woven novel that explores the incredible sacrifices that must be made to forge the love of a lifetime. Author Dan Walsh delivers yet another unique and heartfelt story that will stick with you long after you've turned the last page.

My Review:

The Discovery by Dan Walsh is a fantastic book that everyone should read. Dan Walsh did a great job at basically writing two books in one. Most books are either contemporary or historical but this book is both which made it even more fun to read. This was my first book by Dan Walsh and I absolutely loved it and can't believe I have not read him before. This book proves that man are capable of written amazing romance stories and the book kind of reminded me of reading a Nicholas Spark books. I would love this book to be made into a movie, as I was reading it I was able to picture the story being played out and it would make a great movie.  I loved reading the historical part of the book, which was loosely based on real history, and watching the two characters fall in love. If you could only buy one book this month make sure it is this book, you won't be disappointed! Final rating 5.2 stars out of 5 stars! Great job Dan Walsh!

*I received this book through Revell Books for the purpose of this review. My honest opinion was all that was requested.

The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparlulo

About the Book:

Their story didn’t start this year . . . or even this millennium.

It began when Moses was on Mt. Sinai. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment—endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.

This group of immortals became the 13th Tribe, and they’ve been trying to earn their way into heaven ever since—by killing sinners. Though their logic is twisted, their brilliance is undeniable. Their wrath is unstoppable. And the technology they possess is beyond anything mere humans have ever seen.

Jagger Baird knows nothing about the Tribe when he’s hired as head of security for an archaeological dig on Mt. Sinai. The former Army Ranger is still reeling from an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, his arm, and his faith in God.

The Tribe is poised to execute their most ambitious attack ever and the lives of millions hang in the balance. When Jagger’s wife and son are caught in the crossfire, he’ll stop at nothing to save them. But how can one man stand against an entire tribe of immortals?

My Review:

I am not really sure what to say about this book, it is not my usual genre and I wanted to try something different. In the end I just don't think this book is for me. My husband as read many books by this author and has loved them and I would assume he would like this one too. For me, I think I will pass on reading this type of book in the future. I will say the writing was good and the story was put together good. Robert Liparlulo does manage to take you on an adventure with some unexpected twists though I found the beginning to be slow and it took me awhile to really figure out what was going on. I suspect many people out there that like sci fi/thrillers will love this book. 

*I received this book from booksneeze.com for the purpose of this review.

Lilies in Moonlight by Allison Pittman

About the Book:

He’d lost his zest for life. She was just lost. Will they find the healing and love they long for?

After a roaring night on the town, fun-loving flapper Lilly Margolis, dazed and disoriented, twists her ankle and falls into the backyard of a wealthy family where the effects of the Great War—over for more than half a decade—are still endured. Inside the walls of the Burnside mansion, Cullen Burnside, a disillusioned and disfigured veteran, and his widowed mother, Betty Ruth, who daily slips a little further into dementia, lead a lonely existence … until Lilly. Whimsical, lighthearted, and beautiful, she rejuvenates their sad, disconnected lives and blossoms in the light of their attention.

But Lilly, like Cullen, is hiding from a painful past. And when Cullen insists on returning her to her faraway home, their budding attraction seems destined to die on the vine. The resulting road trip becomes a journey of self-discovery—but what will Cullen and Lilly find at journey’s end?

My Review:

I have come to the determinations that I love books set in the 1920's which tends to be a time period that is not written is as much. I also love anything by Allison Pittman, this is my 6th book I have read from her and have loved them all. She is a very talented writer that manages to pull of different time periods and settings very well.

Lilies in Moonlight is a great book that pulled me in from page one and I had a hard time putting it down. The story flowed very well and I loved the character of Lilly, she is fun and lively but not perfect and has had her issues to deal with. She brings joy to the Burnside family and sparks healing and so much more. This book is an adventure with unexpected turns and surprises along the way.  I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves historical fiction, 1920's or just a great book. Final rating 4.8 out of 5 stars.

* I received this book from Blogging for books for the purpose of this review, an honest opinion was all that was expected.

An Uncommon Grace by Serena B. Miller

About the Book:

Grace Connor, a military nurse formerly stationed in Afghanistan, hopes that moving to a farm in rural Ohio will help her recover from the ravages of war.

Levi Troyer finds his pacifist beliefs challenged when he discovers his stepfather has been killed and his mother wounded by an unknown intruder. Levi and Grace are thrown together when she comes to his family’s rescue and saves his mother’s life. A deep attraction develops—even though a relationship between them is strictly forbidden.

Levi belongs to the most conservative and isolated of all Amish sects—the Swartzentruber Amish. Even before meeting Grace, Levi had begun to question some of their teachings. He has considered leaving, but knows he will be banned forever from contact with his younger siblings and widowed mother—who need him to survive. He is torn between his love for Grace and his responsibility to his family.

Grace considers leaving her beloved farm and reenlisting rather than continuing to live near the man she loves but cannot have. Levi must confront the Bann if he pursues Grace. And a murderer must be caught. When lifelong allegiances are tested, can love and justice prevail?

My Review:

Not your typical Amish story! An Uncommon Grace by Serena B. Miller is such a unique and great book set in the most conservative of all Amish sects, the Swartzentruber's. Right there that made for an interesting story, but tie in some great and love able Englisch characters, a murder and a sense to protect your family and now you have an unforgettable story. 

This is Serena's third book, but the first I have read and I loved every page of it and know I will be reading more from Serena in the future. She crafted a great story and threw in multiple twists that I was not expecting. I loved the murder part of the story because I had no idea who had done it till the end! I can't forget about Grace, I loved her! Her spirit, her hard work, wanting to do what is right even when its hard and so much more. Great job Serena! Final rating 4.5 stars!

*I received this book through Howard books for the purpose of this review, and honest opinion was all that was requested. Thank you Howard! 

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert

About the Book:

A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa. Determined to pay her respects while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.

Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.

For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace she’s not even sure exists?

My Review:

Wow! What a powerful story, I do not think I even know how to describe how much I loved this book. This book hooked me from the sentence and I could not put book the down. That must be why I finished it within a day. This is a contemporary Christian fiction book that so many people could relate to and personally it is my favorite genre to read in. Between the raw emotions describe in the book and the descriptive writing style of Katie, you can not help but think you are right there in Peaks, Iowa alongside the incredible characters. It is hard to believe that Wildflowers from Winter is Katie Ganshert's debut novel, the quality of the writing and detailed story would make you think that she is a seasoned author. 

I really loved both Bethany and Robin in this story and in ways could relate to them and really felt the emotions they were dealing with. Throughout the book I kept going back and forth on who I liked more and to be honest I am still not sure. This is a book that I recommend to anyone wanting a good solid, deep book full of emotion, issues, and learning how to leave the past in the past and move forward. 

I will definitely be reading more of her in the future and was a little bummed to find out I have to wait a whole year to read her next book! Way to go Katie on a great novel! Final rating 5 out of 5 stars!!!!

Click Here to download the first chapter!

* With thanks to Blogging for Books for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer

About the Book:

Amelia Gladstone's hopes are tied up in the Titanic--hopes for a reunion with her sister and an introduction to an admirer. But when she offers a spare ticket to a down-and-out young man, her fate is about to change.

Quentin Walpole is stunned when a sweet lady secures his passage to America--and even more surprised to find his wealthy father and older brother on board the ship. Suddenly Amelia finds herself caught between the attentions of two men, but who should she entrust her heart to? As the fateful night arrives, will Amelia lose everything to the icy waters?

My Review:

There is something about the Titanic that draws many of us back to that time and that fateful night. For many back then the Titanic held dreams and hopes for its many travelers. While this story is fictional the story still portrays the what it must have been like to be on the Titanic. Tricia Goyer does a fantastic job at making you feel like you are walking the halls of such a beautiful ship. I loved Amelia Gladston, her caring and tender heart sets her apart. She would much rather help others than help herself and that is demonstrated through out the book. Quentin is another great character who has a lot of growing to do. I loved how Tricia Goyer weaves in faith and re tales a popular bible story also.

I would recommend this book to everyone who loves a good romance, the Titanic, unforgettable characters and so much more. I know I loved it and will be reading more from Tricia Goyer in the future. Final rating 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Book Trailer: