Uncertain Heart: Season of Redemption Book 2

Andrea Boeshaar
ISBN: 978-1-61638-023-6
Publisher: Realms
Source: Glass Roads Blog Tour
*To purchase click the image to the left*

Synopsis:
It is 1866 and Sarah McCabe has accepted a governess position in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, hoping to become independent of her Missouri family. The taste of luxury, culture and social privilege excites Sarah, who has always wanted to live in the city. Upon arrival Sarah meets Richard Navis, who is finishing his indentureship to Captain Sinclair and plans to take over his family farm as soon as he has held up his end of the bargain. Richard and Sarah form a friendship started by the bond of their mutual employer, Captain Brian Sinclair. Soon Richard finds himself falling for Sarah, but does she love him back or is she falling victim to the captains charms? Sarah is left to decide who she loves and what God truly wants for her.

My review:
Uncertain Heart is an impressive historical fiction romance novel. It has all the elements of a romance novel that attracts the reader, keeping them hooked and aching for more. I personally feel there are two types of romance novels, those that are hot, steamy and like kryptonite and those that are full of valor, gentleman ship, courting and all those other romantic bits that keep you excited and aroused without actual sex. Uncertain Heart falls into the latter of these categories. It is a charming, clean cut romantic novel. I easily fell for Richard, finding myself rooting for him throughout the story. The novel had a love triangle, drama, uncertainty and in the end clarity and true love in the deepest sense. The story was as much about Sarah and her quest in finding herself as it was about the romance and history.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is book two of its’ series, which I have not had the pleasure of reading its’ predecessor. I loved that I could read book two without feeling lost due to not having read book one. It is a free standing novel on its’ own even though it continues the McCabe family saga. This was the first novel I have read by author Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar and I will read more. She is a talented author and I really enjoyed reading her novel. It was easy to get attached to the characters and the story line. She does a wonderful job of making the reader want more! Luckily the first couple pages of book three are included at the end to hold you over.

 

It's Friday... Let the Blog Hop Begin!

I created a special page just for Blog Hop Friday!  I would love for you to look over my reviews and my blog but if you want to find my blog hop page (where my answer to this weeks question is safe and sound.....) Click Here.  Don't forget to stop by my giveaways!  There is a convenient link on the top right hand side of my blog above the followers!  Did you miss anything this week?!?  Below are this weeks links to my reviews and post please visit one and leave me a comment so I can visit you back!

Comment on my Post! If I win, one lucky comment will win also!

God and Dog

Green Books Campaign: Love Struck

Chrissies Shell

Author Interview: Pierre Roustan

Remarkable Creatures Book Preview

 Thanks for Hoppin!

Chronicle Books Happy Haul-idays

Chronicle Books is having an amazing contest for bloggers and I have decided to enter! Below is the information about the contest. Make sure to read it! If you comment on my post and I win, you could win too! If you have never been to the Chronicle Book’s website, make sure to take a look! I personally feel they have a great selection of Children’s books and cookbooks along with many other items!!

Post a list of Chronicle Books valued at up to $500 that you’d like to haul in, and you’ll be automatically entered into a drawing to WIN your list of books! And, one of your readers who comments on the post will win the list too!

You can find out more about this contest by visiting http://www.chroniclebooks.com/happyhaulidays/. If you like my list make sure to comment! If I win, you win!!

Books I would like to haul in: 

• Cake Pops by Bakerella: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for Irresistible Mini Treats By Angie Dudley
• Lullaby Baby: 50 Songs to Read, Sing, and Hear By Audrey Ficociello
• Mini Lunch Notes By Peagreen
• Any Bitter Thing: A Novel By Monica Wood
• Olive, the Other Reindeer: Deluxe Edition By J.otto Seibold, Vivian Walsh
• Very Merry Cookie Party: How to Plan and Host a Christmas Cookie Exchange By Barbara Grunes, Virginia Van Vynckt, France Ruffenach
• Fast Breads: 50 Recipes for Easy, Delicious Bread By Elinor Klivans, Susie Cushner
• Chocolate Cakes: 50 Great Cakes for Every Occasion By Elinor Klivans, Ann Stratton
• Gingerbread: Timeless Recipes for Cakes, Cookies, Desserts, Ice Cream, and Candy By Jennifer Lindner McGlinn, Béatrice Peltre
• Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey Treats for Kids By Jill O'Connor, Leigh Beisch
• Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey: Desserts for the Serious Sweet Tooth By Jill O'Connor, Leigh Beisch
• Baking for All Occasions: A Treasury of Recipes for Every Celebration By Flo Braker, Scott Peterson,Chuck Williams
• Dear Dad By Geoff Blackwell
• Dear Mom By Geoff Blackwell
• Bride & Groom Family Tree Album By Kerry Colburn
• My Baby Record Book By Geoff Blackwell
• Mommy Lotto: Over 100 Scratch-and-Win Lottery Tickets for One Lucky Mom
• Out of Sight By Pittau & Gervais
• Mommy & Daddy Hugs & Kisses Boxed Set By Anne Gutman, Georg Hallensleben
• In My Forest: Finger Puppet Book By Sara Gillingham, Lorena Siminovich
• The Little Books Boxed Set By Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Jen Corace
• What Sisters Do Best/What Brothers Do Best By Laura Numeroff, Lynn Munsinger
• Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee By Chris Van Dusen
• Let's Draw and Doodle Together: Blue Apple Books By Elise Gravel
• Make Me a Cake!: A Delicious Game of Creative Cake-Making By Forrest-Pruzan Creative
• Kitty in Squares: Blue Apple Books By DwellStudio
• Puppy in Circles: Blue Apple Books By DwellStudio
• Christmas Delicious: Blue Apple Books By Lyn Loates, Mark Jones
• Giant Pop-Out Farm: A Pop-Out Surprise Book
• Other Goose: Re-Nurseried and Re-Rhymed Children's Classics By J.otto Seibold
• Just One Bite By Lola M. Schaefer, Geoff Waring
• Julius! All About Me, My World, and My Life (So Far) By Paul Frank Industries
• Shadow By Suzy Lee
• Julius! Note Set
• Julius! Thank-You Note Set

To view any of these books visit Chronicles website at: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/store,books/

Good Luck to all of us!! I would be so thrilled to win!

God and Dog

Author: Wendy Francisco
ISBN: 978-1-59995-379-3
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Source: Publisher for Review
*To purchase this book click the image to the left*

God and Dog first appeared on you Tube and was instantly a very popular video. The animated illustrations and moving son deliver a message of unwavering love and devotion that dogs have for their owners, relating it to the essence of God and his love and devotion for us. Due to this extreme popularity and request for God and Dog in book format, I am able to provide you with a review for God and Dog the book!

God and Dog is a simple, well illustrated inspirational book. Readers of all ages can enjoy this book and its simple message. God is with us always. God is happy when we return to him. God loves us unconditionally. He forgives always. I really enjoyed the simple message and reminders in this book. The illustrations are wonderful. This book stays on my coffee table and everyone has something positive to say when they read it. It is short and that is perfect! It doesn’t need to say more. It was a fun and cute read with an inspirational message of hope.

3.5/5

Green Books Campaign: Love Struck

Chantel Simmons
978-1-55470-258-9
Key Porter Books
Webcom -Green Publishers Gallery
Source: Author as part of Green Books Campaign
*To purchase click the image to the left*

This review is part of the Green Books campaign.Today 200 bloggers take a stand to support books printed in an eco-friendly manner by simultaneously publishing reviews of 200 books printed on recycled or FSC-certified paper. By turning a spotlight on books printed using eco- friendly paper, we hope to raise the awareness of book buyers and encourage everyone to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books.

The campaign is organized for the second time by Eco-Libris, a green company working to make reading more sustainable. We invite you to join the discussion on "green" books and support books printed in an eco-friendly manner! A full list of participating blogs and links to their reviews is available on Eco-Libris website.

My Review:
Imagine for a moment that you’re out on the town with your best friend. As you sit down for your highly anticipated manicure, she gets a phone call from her husband saying she needs to return home. Since you have paid for two manicures and she obviously won’t be getting hers you stay for a pedicure. Why not right? Your feet deserve it. While finishing this pedicure you over hear two girls gossiping about a friend of theirs and her new married boyfriend, only to soon discover that boyfriend is your husband. Certain that you have heard incorrectly, you tap one of the girls on the shoulder, tell her you overheard and confirm his name. When she gives you both his first and last name you are suddenly aware of more than you can handle and flee the shop immediately. In a daze you arrive home to find you’ve left your shoes back at the shop, your door man is asking you if you are okay even though he can clearly tell you are not, and your crushed. After getting into your apartment, your mind running in a million directions, you receive a call from the cheater only to hear a woman’s voice on the other side. The woman is calling to tell you your husband has been in an accident. From here the journey begins, it is the end of the beginning and you cannot be held sanely responsible for what comes next. “Love Struck” is the hilarious heartwarming story of Poppy Ross and her husband Parker, as they journey through their life, discovering that perfect is not reality.

I finished this book with amazement. It is by far the best book I have read on the subject matter of an affair. I quickly identified with Poppy and her mindset. I felt the author understood what a wife would think, feel and react to upon discovering her husband was having an affair. The book had many twists that gave it an extra something. Simmons writes beautifully, making this novel easy to fly through. I honestly feel I wouldn’t’ change anything about this book. The characters were well developed and realistic. The storyline captured my attention from the start. Parkers’ accident is not what most readers expect and definitely made me laugh. The cover design is perfect along with the title. The book resembles the saying “When it rains, it pours”. It is sure to delight readers everywhere, especially if you enjoy women’s fiction.

“Love Struck” was sent to me for review as part of this year’s “Green Books Campaign”. The books are all printed on environmentally friendly paper, which is recycled or FSC-certified paper. “Love Stuck” was printed on recycled paper. The goal of this campaign is to increase awareness of publishers and readers to this way of printing and its availability.  Key Porter Books uses Webcom as it's main printing source for environmentally friendly books. I am proud to support this endeavor. Personally, I love books! I love to hold them, feel the pages, keep them for years, read and re-read them as well as discover a well worn book passed down from generation to generation. I realize that my already growing library houses a lot of paper! I didn’t see a difference in this book compare to other books. If anything, the pages felt more secure. They feel a little thicker and slightly stiffer, which enables them to stay intact easily. While the book was a little heavier, it wasn’t very noticeable. I only knew the book was environmentally friendly due to the campaign. I would definitely recommend “Love Struck” and I am completely thrilled to have found another “must read” author.

Chrissie’s Shell

Author: Brooke Keith Illustrator: Mary Bausman
Publisher: Warner Press Kids
ISBN: 978-15-9317-398-2
Source: Net Galley

To everyone who has ever felt empty

 may God fill you to overflowing.

To everyone who has ever felt less than beautiful

 look again…

God made you spectacular.

Chrissie the turtle felt invisible, she compared herself to others and fell short. Everyone had something she liked, big eyes, pink tails, the ability to turn into a butterfly or hand upside down. Chrissie was slow paced and observant of the world around her, after all she had the time. She often imagined herself as other animals she envied until the day she realized exactly how special and spectacular God made her.

Chrissie’s Shell is a cute story with a good lesson. The inside matters far more than the outward appearance, though we should still maintain a healthy life and a clean personal hygiene. A beautiful person on the inside shines through in their outward appearance. A true and kind friend is far greater than a beautiful mean friend. Chrissie’s shell teaches the value of being a beautiful person from the inside out. It is a fabulous book for children growing up in a world of fake beauty and outward judgment. I would recommend this book specifically for children ages 2-8 years of age.

Interview With Author Pierre Roustan

 

 Will you tell us a little about you? How did you become an author or take up an interest in writing?

My name is Pierre Roustan, and some say I'm from another planet; but the cold, hard truth is I'm actually from Earth. And, yes, I am human. Most of the time (evil glare).

Seriously, I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, father of four children, dedicated movie watcher and fight lover (boxing, UFC fighting, you know, all that burly guy stuff. I even like drinking beer). But more importantly, I'm an author.

I also own four dogs, eight cats and three goldfish, but that's beside the point.

Ever since I was, well, maybe 7 years old, I had this itching need to write the thoughts in my head. And let me tell you, at 7 years old, my thoughts were pretty wild. So wild they begged to be on paper. As I grew up, that itching need evolved into a passion to express myself in a thoughtful manner. In ways that resonated with the human soul. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a B.A. in Creative Writing and thus began my mission to write a novel that I would then query to agent/editors for publication. In April 2008, I finished my novel THE CAIN LETTERS. An exact year later, I got the attention of an editor for the publishing house known as Eirelander Publishing. The rest, as they say, is history.

 What is THE CAIN LETTERS about?

What a trick question. They always say that if you can describe what your novel is 'about' in an easy fashion, then your book basically sucks. I have mixed feelings about that adage. Because the truth is I LOVE to try and describe to you what it's about. And most of the time I at least think I'm successful. The honest truth is I may come to terms with the fact that I am NOT successful. But, hey, the truth is--it's worth a shot.


THE CAIN LETTERS is a story about Alexandra Glade, a female vampire hunter with angst and vengeance issues, who learns about an ancient text (The "Cain Letters") that describes in detail the origin of vampirism. The shocking truth of the text (as derived by the name of it) is that the original vampire ever born in history is none other than Cain of the book of Genesis. Brother of Abel.


The book known as the "Cain Letters" isn't just any book. In the wrong hands, it can prove deadly. Two master vampires search for it in the hopes that they can find Cain (who hides in a vampiric sleep for an eternity) and release him into the world. It's Alexandra Glade's mission to stop these two vampires from doing that; or, in a nutshell, the world essentially goes to Hell. Little does she know, her REAL mission terrifies her even more--as an ancient truth in the Bible itself actually challenges her to the core when she faces an impossible choice.

In order to save the world, she actually has to do the unthinkable: she has to let Cain live.


We'll let that thought simmer. Pretty tough choice. And a lot of questions linger, but guess what: you'll have to read the book to get the answers.

Did you have any specific inspiration that contributed to writing "THE CAIN LETTERS"?

Ever since THE DA VINCI CODE by Dan Brown, I had a fascination for religious thrillers. For being an avid religious theology fanatic and philosophy addict, such stories appealed to me. However, urban fantasies and horror and all those things that go bump in the night aroused my imagination as well. Vampires specifically. To this day, I'll always have a love for Bram Stoker's DRACULA.

Anyway, I was watching a documentary on Vlad the Impaler on the History Channel one night. The original, historical "Dracula". The man who was said to be modeled after the fictional Dracula Stoker portrayed. I was enamored with Kostova's THE HISTORIAN, too, as it twisted the classic tale of the most famous vampire ever known. Watching Wes Craven's "Dracula 2000" in theaters gave me a novel idea in creating something fresh, and making the mythology of vampirism my own while merging my love for theology with it. The first word that popped into my head was the name "Cain". He was the brother of the Abel, the world's first murderer.

And I thought, what a wonderful idea for a story!  And so THE CAIN LETTERS was born.

Who was your main support system when writing this book? Did you have anyone who specifically gave you strength, courage or advice while writing "THE CAIN LETTERS"?

God. And Facebook, too, when I was running low on imagination juices.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

That you can read something super entertaining and still have it touch you deeply and spiritually. In essence, I wanted THE CAIN LETTERS to be about forgiveness. Second chances. It's a story about how it's never too late to rise up into the light, even when everything around you is darker than death. There's always a way to make your path straight.

Do you ever see yourself writing a sequel or series?

As a matter of fact, on December 3, 2010, the sequel will be released! My second book, CHIMERA FALLS, is the continuation of Alexandra Glade's terrifying story. Learn more about it on my web site at http://pierreroustan.spaces.live.com/ and view the book cover. My book cover for THE CAIN LETTERS is also there. The story won't end there, though. This IS actually a series entitled the "Revenants of Anarchy", and will be concluded in book 4, yet to be written (although I'll give you a guilty pleasure and let you in on the title, which is B'RITHANAN: THE FINAL COVENANT). I'm currently writing book 3, entitled MALUMUNUS. After I'm done with the series, look for many, many, many, many, many more stories to come. I'll be writing epic sagas until my last breath, friends.

What is your favourite memory in regards to writing "THE CAIN LETTERS"?

Finishing the book and then querying for it, and then getting an immediate response from an agent asking for the full manuscript (unfortunately, I never heard back from the agent after sending my work in. Sad shame).

THE CAIN LETTERS is your first novel. What is it like to see your debut novel, a dream for most, in print and on the book store shelves?

What was it like? Like every essence of my soul crystallizing into some magnificent, malleable dream of mammoth proportions, dreamlike, yes, but every bit as real as flesh, or stone, like in a building rising high and majestic into Heaven. A piece of my heart actually in my hands made it existential for me in a way that can only make Buddha, Brahman, and even the Tooth Fairy blush with envy. I can safely say that Jesus himself, though, didn't blush with envy. Only with pride. As this is the product of God-given gifts. Seeing creations come to fruition such as this is the reason why I believe. And it's all because of Him.

Do you have any other novels in the works? Should be expect to see more from you?

As I said before, CHIMERA FALLS will be released soon. I'm currently working on MALUMUNUS. B'RITHANAN: THE FINAL COVENANT will be the conclusion to the series. I have a werewolf thriller/romance entitled KILL THE ENVIOUS MOON that I will be writing. A sci-fi thriller I call THE VERMILION will be my next project, most likely. One book that I have in my mind that I'm looking forward to working on is a historical horror novel entitled BARONS OF BLOOD. I have a really awesome idea for a ghost story, which I'll be calling CRESCENT CROWELL. I do have a young adult fantasy series in my mind that I'm aching to write, which will be called STYX AND STONE. The first book of that series will be called "A Tale of Two Thieves". The series will be comedic and light, you know, for the younger crowd.


I could go on and on. Like I said--expect to see more of me. I'm not going anywhere.


Thank you very much Pierre for taking the time to answer my questions!  I have enjoyed our interview and I hope many of my readers have also!  Good luck with your upcoming book!  To God be the glory...

For more information on Pierre and his novels please visit:  http://pierreroustan.spaces.live.com/

It's Friday... Let's Blog Hop

I decided to change this week's post up due to the question posed by Crazy-For-Books!  This weeks questions is "What are your feelings on losing followers? Have you ever stopped following a blog?"



I am going to answer this questions honestly and directly.  Hopefully it will all come out right... I currently have a big headache!   I hate losing followers.  It is not that it hurts my feelings or anything, it is that I generally appreciate each and every follower I have.  Everytime I log into my blog and find I have a new follower I smile and get so excited!  I feel that by having a new follower, I hopefully made someones day, gave them a slice of enjoyment, a good reading suggestion, or maybe they just enjoyed the look of my blog.  Regardless I love my followers!  I love the comments even more!  I understand time restraints so I am not under any illusions that someone will have time to read my blog everyday.  I certainly do not have that kind of time to give to others, so I don't expect it in return.  I do however go through my dashboard with the handy updates of postings and click on the post that interest me.  Again, not all of my followers will be interested in all my post.  My blog is very versatile and mixed.  I try to make sure and include something for everyone. In short, I think about my followers when accepting review material.  If I am unable to review a book for any reason I attempt to get a guest reviewer, interview the author, offer a giveaway or any other post that will enhance my blog for my followers and also help the author promote his or her book.  I am who I am.  Just as in life, you will like me or you won't.  Its fine.  Not all personalities or writings styles mesh.  They weren't meant too!  I hope you follow my blog or any blog because something about it sparked your interest.  I welcome any visits even if you can't visit every day or even every week.  Generally I just appreciate my followers and the time they can give my blog.

I do feel that there are also issues with publishers- not all, but some who are only interested in blogs that have high followings before allowing you to review their book.  It has nothing to do with your reviews or how many people actually take your review advice, its just a number because they feel more people will see it.  I don't feel that is necessarily true.  Chances are if you have a HIGH number of followers you have either 1) major giveaways and rare content or 2) Been blogging for awhile and gaining each follower one at a time with lots of hours and hard work.  I rarely see anything in the middle.  This makes avid readers and reviewers want a higher following so that they can review books they LOVE.  Do I want a ton of followers just for these books? No.  I don't feel that would serve my purpose, but I sure wish they wouldn't look at a statistic I cant' do anything about....

In short.  I have loved and lost.  I try not to leave others but if there is no content, just ads or stuff that doesn't pertain to  me, then sometimes I have to cut the cord.  In general I only follow if I intend to keep following!

 Thanks for Hoppin!

Remarkable Creatures Book Preview

Remarkable Creatures
A Novel
By Tracy Chevalier
Published by Plume
October 26, 2010
$15.00 US/$17.50 CAN
978-0-452-29672-5
Remarkable Creatures Video Trailer

From the moment she's struck by lightning as a baby, it is clear Mary Anning is different. Though poor and uneducated, she learns on the windswept, fossil-strewn beaches of the English coast that she has a unique gift: "the eye" to spot fossils no one else can see. When she uncovers an unusual fossilized skeleton in the cliffs near her home, she sets the religious community on edge, the townspeople to gossip -- and the scientific world alight with both admiration and controversy. Prickly Elizabeth Philpot, a middle-class spinster and also a fossil hunter, becomes Mary Anning's unlikely champion and friend, and together they forge a path to some of the most important discoveries of the nineteenth century.

Author Bio

Tracy Chevalier is the New York Times bestselling author of five previous novels, including Girl with a Pearl Earring, which was translated into thirty-nine languages and made into an Oscar-nominated film. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., she lives in London with her husband and son.

For more information please www.tchevalier.com visit and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter.

Reviews
"A stunning story, compassionately reimagined. . . . Chevalier turns a warming spotlight on a friendship cemented by shared obsession and mutual respect."
--Ruth Padel, The Guardian (London)

"Engrossing . . . [an] illuminating story of women finding fulfillment is shared passions and the bounds of friendship."
--Los Angeles Times

"So vivid you can feel the sea breeze on your face."
--More

"Riveting . . . With this intriguing story, Chevalier convincingly creates a past time and place and gives a nod to two forgotten women."
--Chicago Sun-Times

"Delightful . . . a rich and appealing portrait."
--Minneapolis Star Tribune

"[Chevalier] admirably weaves historical figures and actual events into a compelling narrative. We care for these two headstrong women as they defy, sometimes unwittingly by just being themselves, the conventions of their day. It is a remarkable story about two very remarkable women."
-- San Francisco Chronicle

"As with her earlier work, [Remarkable Creatures] gives us the minutiae of everyday life and evocative, almost visceral response to the visual world."
--The Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Chevalier excavates her two main characters with great confidence and wit. . . . Like a fossil hunter herself, she has again combed the beaches of history for subject matter and created an egging story for the modern reader."
--Financial Times

My review to come soon!

Call Me Mrs. Miracle

Author: Debbie Macomber
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2819-3
Publisher: Mira Books
Source: Reviewed for BookPleasures
*To purchase click the image to the left*




Emily Merkle, also known as Mrs. Miracle has taken her most recent assignment and relocated to 34th street. Mrs. Miracle is working the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season in the toy department at Finley’s. Her boss, Jake Finley, has taken a major risk and bet on the “hot” toy of the year. This has brought negative attention on Jake by his father and CEO, Mr. Finley Sr. For both Jake and his father, Christmas has not existed since a tragic accident claimed the lives of his mother and sister years before. These two need a Christmas miracle to keep the business afloat and their lives happy.

Holly Larson is trying to save her money to buy this year’s “hot” toy, an electronic robot, for her nephew Gabe, whom she has temporary custody of. Gabe’s father, a widower, was sent overseas and will not be home for Christmas. Desperate to see Gabe happy, Holly needs a miracle to afford the toy now that her boss had decided not to give her a Christmas bonus! It is Mrs. Miracles chance to show them what she is made of and throw a little match making romance into the loop. This is a Christmas no one will forget.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle was a wonderfully uplifting novel. I breezed through this book, addicted to the story and in love with the characters. Debbie does a wonderful job of bringing her reader into the story and connecting them to the characters. The story was very realistic in a human life way, but also had the charms of a Hallmark channel Christmas movie. The story defines the spirit of Christmas and was very satisfying to read.

If you didn’t read this book for any other reason than the Mrs. Miracle quotes at the beginning of each chapter, it would still be worth the money spent. I absolutely enjoyed reaching the end of a chapter just to start a new one and read Mrs. Miracles next line of advice, quote or humorous thought. The author also includes a couple recipes mixed within the pages of the story which was very exciting to me. Call Me Mrs. Miracle is the must read romance novel of the season. Readers of all ages will be able to enjoy this clean, uplifting novel. I certainly did.

Part 2! It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year....Recipes

If you missed yesterday's post click here!  Today I am able to share another recipe from Kim Hendrickson!  Today's recipe comes from her Savory Bites cookbook!  I hope you enjoy it!!

Wild Mushroom Rugelach

By Kim Hendrickson,
Author of Savory Bites: Easy, Sophisticated Hors d'Oeuvres for Every Occasion

For years I've been making classic sweet rugelach for winter holidays. When my friend Alan gave me a large supply of wild mushrooms, I was thinking about unusual ways I could use this delicious gift. Then it hit me! A savory rugelach. The tart, flaky dough pairs well with non-dessert ingredients. Use your favorite type of mushroom or mix several varieties together. You'll be wild about them, too.

Yield: 24 to 30 rugelach
⅔ cup flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 egg yolk
1½ teaspoons sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ cup finely chopped shallots
1½ cups mushrooms, finely chopped
⅔ cup sweet Italian sausage
1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary or ½ teaspoon dried

Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder together in a medium bowl. In another bowl, using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese and softened butter until light, about 2 minutes. Add egg yolk, sour cream, and vanilla and beat at medium speed until smooth. At low speed, add dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Divide dough into 2 pieces and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours or up to overnight.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat, and sauté shallots until translucent and tender, about 2 minutes. Remove half and set aside. Add mushrooms, sausage, and rosemary. Cook until sausage is cooked through and moisture from the mushrooms has evaporated, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Roll half of the cold pastry dough out onto a floured surface 1/8 inch thick to create a 6 × 14-inch rectangle. Sprinkle half of the mushroom/sausage filling over the surface and roll up the long end, jelly-roll style, to create a 14-inch roll. If dough has become too soft, refrigerate it until it holds its shape. Cut roll into fourteen 1-inch pieces. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Place rugelach seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet 2 inches apart. Sprinkle reserved shallots on top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.

Modify
Omit mushrooms; spread garlic butter lightly over the dough and sprinkle with assorted fresh herbs, shallots, and sunflower seeds as a tasty meatless variation.

Magnify
Double ingredients. Roll the dough out ¼ inch thick and cut into 4-inch circles. Spoon filling onto one side of each pastry disc, fold over, and press edges down with a fork to make mushroom/sausage pastries. Serve 2 per person for lunch or as a meal starter. Serves 4.

The above is an excerpt from the book Savory Bites: Easy, Sophisticated Hors d'Oeuvres for Every Occasion by Kim Hendrickson. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.
Copyright © 2010 Kim Hendrickson, author of Savory Bites: Easy, Sophisticated Hors d'Oeuvres for Every Occasion

Author Bio

Kim Hendrickson, is the author of the Tastefully Small™cookbook series, and the winner of two Florida Publishers Association gold medals. She has catered for the New York Metropolitan Opera, and the Penguin Rep Theatre, the Bizarre Food show and Slangman's World. She is a regular presenter at the World Tea Expo, the John C. Campbell Folk School, and at culinary events throughout the New York are. Kim teaches that good food is more than good taste; it's the fun and joy of creating something beautiful and sharing it with others.
For more information please visit www.salviapress.com.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.... Recipes!

There is nothing better than the warmth of the oven on a crisp fall day!  I absolutely love the holiday season!  There is never a better time to find a new recipe to wow your family and friends with!  Since it is the season of being thankful and giving, I am very thankful that I have been given permission to share this recipe from  Dessert Canapés: Bite-Sized Sweets for Easy Entertaining by Kim Hendrickson.



Lady Apple Crisp

By Kim Hendrickson,
Author of Dessert Canapés: Bite-Sized Sweets for Easy Entertaining
To me, apple crisp means Sunday dinner desserts at my grandmother's when I was a child. I still use her recipe, written in her handwriting on a faded index card. This little version of my favorite dessert results in a much crunchier topping than in the original, but the wonderful honey taste is still there. I hope it helps bring back a favorite memory for you.

Yield: 24 lady apples
24 lady apples or small round apples about 2-inches in diameter
¾ cup oats (not quick style)
¾ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
½ cup flour
8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons brown sugar
4 cups peeled, coarsely chopped (½ -to ¾-inch) firm apples (McCouns, Fuji, Gala)
Melon baller

Using a sharp knife, cut the top quarter off each apple and just enough off each base so that apples stand upright. Using a melon baller, scrape out the interior, leaving ¼ inch on the sides and ½ inch on the base (it is important to leave enough walls so the sides remains firm when steamed). Scraps can be used for applesauce.

In a steamer bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Add apples, open side down, 4 or 5 at a time, and steam for no more than 1½ to 2 minutes. You want apples to soften a bit but not collapse. Cool.

Preheat oven to 350°F. To prepare the topping, place oats, brown sugar, and flour in a food processor and pulse several times to combine. Add butter chunks and process until butter is in pea-sized pieces. Add vanilla and pulse once more, making sure the mix remains rough and bumpy. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally until topping is lightly browned and resembles granola, about 15 to 18 minutes. Break up any large clusters and set aside to cool.

Melt remaining butter and sugar in a small frying pan. Add apples and sauté until slightly softened, about 6-8 minutes. They should still be a light golden color, not brown.

Mix 1/3 of the topping into the sautéed apples and fill hollowed apples to just below the rim. Sprinkle remaining topping on top and serve at room temperature.

Filled apples can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature and add topping before serving.

Tips
If lady apples are not available, check with your local farm. Most people don't want small apples, so they'll be glad you do.

Twists
For raw, healthy version, brush carved apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Mix chopped apple with thick yogurt, almonds or sunflower seeds and honey.

The above is an excerpt from the book Dessert Canapés: Bite-Sized Sweets for Easy Entertaining by Kim Hendrickson. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.
Copyright © 2010 Kim Hendrickson, author of Dessert Canapés: Bite-Sized Sweets for Easy Entertaining

Author Bio

Kim Hendrickson, is the author of the Tastefully Small™cookbook series, and the winner of two Florida Publishers Association gold medals. She has catered for the New York Metropolitan Opera, and the Penguin Rep Theatre, the Bizarre Food show and Slangman's World. She is a regular presenter at the World Tea Expo, the John C. Campbell Folk School, and at culinary events throughout the New York are. Kim teaches that good food is more than good taste; it's the fun and joy of creating something beautiful and sharing it with others.
For more information please visit http://www.salviapress.com/.

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for another wonderful recipie by Kim Hendrickson!

Helloooo Blog! Nice New Design.....

I have a new design!  I have been looking to change my blog and find something that looks more "Cozy".  Since I am unable to pay for a blog design it is hard to find free or inexpensive designs that fit and are not in wide use.  My dream of a new design was solved when I hopped across Bloggy Designz.  Here I found Amy, who I already follow via her book blog, and a bunch of free designs.  I commented on one of her designs letting her know what I was trying to find and true to her word she helped me!  This blog design is her creation and I am very excited!  I'd love to know what you think! Leave a comment and head on over to Bloggy Designz in support!

Thanks Amy!!

Giveaway Winners! Spooktacular Blog Hop

Thank you to all 267 entries for the Spooktacular Blog Hop Giveaway!  I really enjoyed everyone's answers to my just for fun question!  As I was getting all the entries together I found myself wishing I had more to give!  Make sure to keep your eye out for my part in the upcoming Gratitude Giveaway.  This giveaway will host many different books/swag for my wonderful followers as a thank you!!  Thanks again to all the wonderful people who entered and have started following my blog.  Stay tuned for more!

The winners are.........

Milan (entry #74) wins Dreams by Brittany Glynn

and

Jessica (entry #219) wins Forgive Yourself by Allie Sager!  

The winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to reply with an address or I'll pick another winner!  Hope you all had a great Halloween!