GIVEAWAY TEA and CHOCOLATE plus a review of The Blizzard Bride

I happened upon a lovely giveaway
on an IG account I follow & thought
some of you might be interested too.

Available 02/01/2020
CLICK HERE for Amazon Link

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS:
A Blizzard Changes Everything

Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter—the man who killed her father.

Agent Dashiell Lassiter doesn’t want his childhood sweetheart Abby on this dangerous job, especially when he learns the counterfeiter is now searching for his son, too, and he’ll destroy anyone in his way. Now Dash must follow Abby to Nebraska to protect her…if she’ll let him within two feet of her. She’s still angry he didn’t fight to marry her six years ago, and he never told her the real reason he left her.

All Dash wants is to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work together to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son—if they survive the storm?

•°o•:*:•.Really Enjoyed Entire Book.•:*:• o°•

This was a pleasant read for me.  Late 1800s – Abigail and Dashiell (great name!) are forced to work together, undercover, to catch a counterfeiter. They haven’t seen each other in years; not since they were about to get engaged, but they harbor a variety of feelings for each other that only time and the good Lord can help them work through. I appreciated the mystery aspect of the story as well as the gentle working of the Lord to help them with forgiveness and trust, particularly Abby. Dash struggles with “word blindness” aka dyslexia, of which very little was known back then.  He’s really hard on himself and lacks confidence. But, he is a strong hero in so many ways and others are able to help him recognize that as the story progresses. Mr. Yates was a very special character.  His side story was exactly what I hoped it would be and knowing where he ended up was a tender moment for me.  I also quite liked the school children and their, er, um, friend Stripey (smile).

The historical notes about the actual blizzard (The Children’s Blizzard or The Schoolchildren’s Blizzard) were both tragic and interesting, particularly the way the storm hit; one moment a nice warm day, and suddenly snow and ice whipping at them and covering everything without warning as referenced in the story. Living in California, I have never experienced the likes of that!

Quotes I enjoyed: *“Say your prayers, men, and keep your wits about you.”

**Hildie poured some of the hot water into her floral teapot before dumping the remaining contents into a pitcher. ***Hildie had a teacup read for her. “Something to invigorate the body and warm our hands.” ****These women had no idea how much their friendship meant to her. God knew, though.

5 stars - recommended!

I received an eCopy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review with no further compensation or expectation.

So far in this series, twelve books have been written by varied authors so they loosely reference each other’s characters in the family tree, and therefore need not be read together or in order. You can read about them at DaughtersOfTheMayflowerDotCom.

Barbour Publishing 02/01/2020

Connect with the author at: http://www.susannedietze.com/

Until Next Time,
Hugs and a Cup of Tea!

Giveaway, Tea Review, Book Review for A Bound Heart

Hello! It's me again!!

•*• Like a fantastic miniseries you can’t wait to watch each night •*•

This story is so authentic and heartfelt. I was swept up in the emotion of it all the way through.

Publisher’s Synopsis: Though Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up on the same castle grounds, Magnus is now laird of the great house and the Isle of Kerrera. Lark is but the keeper of his bees and the woman he is hoping will provide a tincture that might help his ailing wife conceive and bear him an heir. But when his wife dies suddenly, Magnus and Lark find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of accusations, expelled from their beloved island, and sold as indentured servants across the Atlantic. Yet even when all hope seems dashed against the rocky coastline of the Virginia colony, it may be that in this New World the two of them could make a new beginning--together.

My thoughts: This story takes you on an amazing journey beginning in 1752, rich in detail, from the beautiful isle of Kerrara including the castle and its garden, the small cottage homes, the caves where a pirating sea captain offloads his cargo, to the grime and misery of Edinburgh, to the awful ship where indentures and prisoners serve during transport, to the young colonies of America and the slave islands of Jamaica. Lark is a simple and sweet young lady full of never-ending kindness.  Her heart is linked to Magnus whom she cannot have. At times she considers Rory, the pirate captain, who may be her best chance at a future. Later she is drawn to Trevor who might meet her needs in America when her options seem to be running out.  No matter her thoughts, she continually seeks the Lord for wisdom and guidance. This book is so rich in history, faith and love. I truely enjoyed. 5 stars!

Interesting History can be found on Wikipedia re Gylen Castle which recently went through a restoration process thanks to worldwide members of the Clan MacDougall. 

SCOTTISH PROVERB: The devil’s boots don’t creak.

FAITH QUOTE: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.

TEA  QUOTES/MOMENTS: •*• “None could afford salt – or tea – since the Crown taxed both nigh to death.” •*• “Now, shall we have a dish of tea?” No more was said about the past. Lark felt a burden lift like a slate wiped clean. The lovely porcelain tea set appeared, the cozy room suffused with the fragrance of souchong. Though the housekeeper took her tea lain, she remembered Lark liked otherwise. Silver sugar tongs and a small jug of cream sat on the tea table. Truly, tea was the cup that cheered.” •*•“’Twas four o’clock in the afternoon. Lark watched as Mistress Flowerdew poured steaming water into a silver teapot and let the tea leaves steep for the customary three minutes. “I’m growing quite fond of cups with handles,” Theodosia said. “No more burning one’s hands and spilling tea on one’s skirts. I’ve ordered an entire set of Wedgwood from England and expect it any day now.””

I asked her permission to use her
memes which she graciously granted.

DEDICATION: “To my sixth great-grandfather, George Hume of Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland.”

SCOTS GLOSSARY: Can be found at the beginning of the book which was useful and interesting.

I downloaded a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation thanks to NetGalley and Revell Publ.

Connect with the author at
Laura Frantz dot Net

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/285386-a-bound-heart
Goodreads is having a giveaway for 5 copies!
CLICK LINK ABOVE TO ENTER!

Hallmark Countdown to Christmas Tea by The Republic of Tea: Exclusive to Cost Plus World Market. I had a 15% off coupon AND Saturday, Dec. 15 was apparently International Tea Day (you know that’s every day for me!) so I bought and tried this new “tea”. Turns out there are no tea leaves in it, making it caffeine free. The ingredients are cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, carob, chicory, black pepper, Chinese star anise, cloves, and cassia oil.  I found it to be subtle and not as warm as I would hope, but I could detect the black pepper which I do not prefer.  I would not buy it again. But it is a nice caff-free option to serve guests.

I love following  @WorldDayCalendar on
Instagram for fun and interesting days to observe!

My girlfriend in AL sent me
this and I thought it too funny and also true!

Until next time, hugs and cup of cozy Christmas tea!!!
 

GIVEAWAY and Book Review IF ONLY IT WERE YESTERDAY

It's time!  If you saw my September 6th Alice In Wonderland post here, this is the blog tour I mentioned.

Click Here for AMAZON PURCHASE LINK

I LOVE IT SO MUCH – A NEW FAVORITE

I don’t even know where to start.  It will be hard for me to write this review because THERE WERE SO MANY THINGS I LOVED!

This story starts and ends in modern day 2016, in Carroll, TN but travels back in time to 1885 much the way Alice steps into Wonderland.  But, the world and detail is so real and you are right there for the story.  26-year-old Elizabeth (Liz) Cooke and dear friend Scott are regular hangout pals. He is a gentleman in his own right, paying for movies and snacks, holding open doors, observing propriety and tolerating her joy at old movies. But, Liz cannot see any of that.  She is drawn into the old world charm of novels such as Pride and Prejudice whose romantic hero knows how to treat a lady and drink tea. When times were simple without the evils of today.

There are Disney references and movie references from favorites like You’ve Got Mail.  And the tea, oh the tea! So many flavors referenced (English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Orange Spice Herbal, Apple Spice) and moments shared.  Even scones with lemon curd at the Grayson Library where her dear tea drinking, book-loving friend, and librarian Betty works. TEA MOMENT: Ch. 1 It didn’t matter what day or what time of the day, I was always welcome, and I knew there would be a tea party awaiting me.

After Scott helps her lug an old trunk up to her flat above her antique shop, “Curiouser and Curiouser Antiques and Gifts”, she discovers photos and a dress that have the wheels of her mind turning.  Somehow, she is magically transported back to that family and gets to live life with them.  But, we see it through her modern eyes, as she compares and contrasts the things of today; things I can relate to and instantly recognize. She is a woman of faith who has gotten lost in expectation and distraction.  We get to see her grow in a beautiful way and be frustrated beside her at injustice.  I particularly loved how we are enlightened to other points of view when Liz tries to fix problems.  I could see myself reacting in the same way, but when people around her explain why her views are slanted my eyes were opened. 

Brother Nathan; I loved his character.  His words dance around like the confusing caterpillar but his wisdom is sent down from heaven.

SOME FAVORITE QUOTES: Ch.1 Seriously? Me? It was like she didn’t know me at all. An e-reader was so cold and distant, while a book was warm and inviting.  A book could very well hug you back if you were to fall asleep reading and it fell on your face, or if you rested it on your arm.  Books were friendly.  And it was more than friendship.  Books were classic. Timeless. E-readers were not.

Ch. 8 "Where you're going says so much more about who you are and the heart that beats within. Sometimes a person's past is just plain hard or out of their control. But your future – the purpose you've set your feet upon – this is all of your own planning.”

Ch.10 “Ugh! I sniffed a book! In front of people? People who weren’t also sniffing books! Scott would have been rolling on the floor, laughing at me, had he seen.”

Descriptions are wonderful in this story: “skin the shade of tea and cream” “deep plum skirt” and several small historical details were educational such as how they heated a bath.

Click to enlarge for back of book description.

I really enjoyed this story and connected to it in so many ways!  I also appreciate how, following the story, the author tells you her inspiration for several of the characters loosely based on the characters from Alice in Wonderland.  It was sort of a lightbulb ah-ha moment for me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to the author who approached me and asked me to review for her and I believe I have a found a new kindred spirit in. I truly did delete things but I had such a hard time condensing this review! BUY THIS ONE! (smile). My opinion is my own without expectation or compensation.

A Season Passed Series
If Only It Were Yesterday - 9/4/2018

Yesterday’s Christmas - coming soon

I may have ordered this
"Who Are You" tea
 from Adagio.com just
for this book review ((smile))

Tea Ingredients

Click each blogger to read her thoughts

Release Day Spotlights:

Sept 4:   Amanda @ With A Joyful Noise  Becky @ Blossoms And Blessings  Alicia  @ A Brighter Destiny

Reviews: Sept. 5: Laura @ Blue Eye Books  Sept. 6: Alicia @ A Brighter Destiny  Sept. 10: Karen @ Karen Sue Hadley  Sept. 11: Becky @ Blossoms and Blessings  Sept. 12: Virginia @ Bigreadersite  Sept. 13: Heather  @ Blue Jeans and Teacups  Sept. 17: Raechel @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae

Author A.M. Heath is having a giveaway!
for her U.S. Fans

Author Bio: 

Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.

Author Links: 

NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

BLOG

FACEBOOK LINK

GoodReads Author Page

Pinterest Author Page

Twitter

CLICK HERE TO ENTER HER GIVEAWAY (Closes 9/17)

Hugs and a cup of tea filled with storybook dreams and happily ever afters!

Vintage Book Sharing Alices Adventures in Wonderland

Hello again, friends!  I have something lovely to share today.  It's my first time joining in a blog tour!
But, I will get to that shortly.
The book I am reviewing on the tour relates to a classic story:  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.  I just so happen to have purchased a gorgeous vintage copy (printed late 1800s) for my daughter a few years ago. Here are the photos, which I hope you enjoy.  Be sure to click on them directly from the blog (if you are an email subscriber so you can enlarge them.)

Fabric Cover

Silver Embossed Spine

Inscription I glued in

Inscriptions before me

Inside

A text and art sampling.

Isn't it fantastic?  My turn on the blog tour will be Sept. 13th, so be sure to come back then because there will be a fun GIVEAWAY that includes the book, tea, and a china cup and saucer!  I recommend subscribing by email so you don't miss out.

Until next time, Hugs and a Cup of Tea

THE WINNER IS

If you are one of the 6 ladies who entered my tea contest, congratulations!  I have decided you ALL WIN!

Regina

Faith

Charissa

Kate

A.M. Heath

Lori

Kindly email me your name and mailing address so I can get your tea out to you by July 9th.

Charissa, after a random drawing, you are my grand-prize-winner and there will be a little something extra for you!

Thanks for participating ladies. I think each of you mentioned at least one tea I enjoy as well.

God bless you and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

FREE TEA – SHARING THE LOVE

Friends, I am not even sure where to start with this post… my brain is all over the place.

I previously mentioned being IN LOVE with the Gaither Promise Tea gifted to me by a friend and wanting to search it out and order some, but to no avail.

Well, the internet led me to Scripture Tea who was the original manufacturer.  However, their website did not show the tea I was searching for (“these are not the droids you’re searching for”).  In fact, their website is quite dated.

It did reference a possible likely tea also featuring apple called “American Hero Tea”.  But, there was NO sales information for it… only pictures.  I was excited about this with July 4^th being right around the corner and the description boasting “quotes from founding fathers, military and social heroes of yesterday and today” and even featuring 5 different examples on the photo. Wouldn’t that be fun to share?

Click to enlarge

I checked Amazon, and a seller called “God’s Outlet” in FL had some listed for only $5.30 +$3.98 shipping.  I figured that was reasonable for a box of tea I was in love with and I naturally expected to receive a standard box of about 20 teabags (no amount was listed on the amazon page).

An additional clue from the Scripture Tea website was that 100 teabags in other flavors = $22.00.

Well, my tea arrived today and it was in a rather large box.  Much to my surprise, I received a ziplocked back of ONE HUNDRED TEABAGS!  Holy cow!!!  

That would be great for this price IF it was the tea I was looking for. But, alas “these are not the droids you’re searching for”.

I now suspect the actual tea I may have wanted was Apple Cobbler –

Note this random internet picture says Ltd. Ed.

also not on the website or for sale anywhere I can find.  The American Hero tea is pleasant enough but didn’t wow me as much as the Gaither Promise Tea.

Ingredients: Black tea, cinnamon, natural flavor,
hibiscus, rosehips, roasted chicory,
blackberry leaves. Scripture John 14:2

Additionally, I love scripture as much as the next Jesus lovin’ girl, but these bags claim to be American Heroes as I mentioned.  So far, I have opened 3 and each has a scripture on it.  Time will tell if any tags read as promised.

Also, the seller claims this tea is decaffeinated, but I see nothing on the bag or photos I’ve found to confirm that.

I’m quite happy with the price naturally and it is a pleasant enough blend that I am happy to share.  So if you would like to receive 10 teabags and live in the continental U.S.A, please follow these rules to enter my giveaway.

Drumroll Please

1.      Follow my blog via one of the sources to the right of this post (if signing up for emails, mention that in a comment below)

2.      Comment below with your favorite tea & you will be *entered 

3.      *Must live in continental U.S.A. due to shipping

4.      *Enter by noon P.S.T. (pacific standard time – west coast) July 4^th

5.      (optional) If you win, would you kindly come back and let me know how your tags read?

Winner will be announced here later in the week at which time I will request your mailing information.

If you don't follow, you won't see my next post to know you have won. (*If no response by July 9th, a new name will be drawn to replace yours).

I reserve the right to withdraw or discontinue this contest for any reason.

I would love if you would share this post/giveaway with your tea-loving friends!

You may also enjoy a very special RED, WHITE AND BLUE tea I did back in 2015. Click here

Have a very blessed Independence Day friends.

Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea!

Link up party: Have a Daily Cup #296

GIVEAWAY, Birthday, and Book Review

Amazon Link

Wonder at the Window

A Meaningful Book to Grow Your Prayer Life 

Let me start by saying that Sharon Riddle is a friend of mine, that I have known for many years as a strong woman of integrity, through our former church and Christian school.  Today, July 18, is her birthday and so I thought a review of her book I recently finished would be a lovely birthday gift to her.  Happy birthday Sharon.

Long ago, at a tea party, Sharon shared with me and my sister her prayer journaling system.  She showed how she would write requests, and later highlight and mark God’s answers to those prayers.  If the requests were not highlighted she would keep praying.  I know I have been included in those journals, and am most grateful.  I have seen her walk the campus of our church/school praying over it and everyone inside.  She is a true prayer warrior.  When she and her husband, Ike, my beloved Pastor moved away to TX a number of years ago, it was a sad day indeed, but I knew it was God’s best for them.

I ordered this book as a birthday gift for a friend last year and was able to borrow it back; I absolutely loved it!

I immediately loved how big the font was, and the size of the book was fairly small so I don’t believe anyone would find it intimidating.  It’s packed with meaty scripture, as well as personal stories.

courtesy of pinterest

These are the chapter titles:

Wonder of His Power

Wonder of His Plan

Wonder of His Promises

Wonder of His Preparation

Wonder of His Processes

Wonder of His Purposes

Wonder of His Priorities

Wonder of His Prophetic Word

Wonder of His Path

Pg.20 “When you need to hear the voice of God, the place to hear it is in His Word and His presence. If you are coming regularly to His feet and asking Him for wisdom and guidance, He WILL provide the necessary direction.”

Sharon shares times of long waiting on the Lord that she has done.  She encourages you (me) to stay in prayer, and nurture your faith on a regular basis.  She also shares some of the blessings God has provided to her, her family and her friends, like after many years of praying for an atheist friend, he finally began walking with God. “Prayer is insisting upon Jesus’ victory and the retreat of the enemy on each particular spot and heart problem concerned. – S.D. Gordon Pg. 98

“All the powers of evil seek to hinder our prayer life because prayer, by nature, involves conflict with opposing forces.  May God give us grace to strive in prayer until we prevail.” – Andrew Murray Pg. 98

Ch. 11 was special for me, because the book was complete at Ch. 10, but God told Sharon to add this next chapter.  I recently finished reading the first five books of the bible (a first for me!), and so I could better appreciate the scripture references from Deuteronomy.

"Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. -Deu 8:11-14 NASB - - - Rather poignant words for these times we are living in today.

"In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end. - Deu 8:16 NASB

Sharon says, “We must experience a humbling season so we will learn to live by His Word.  The Lord uses the word ‘discipline’ in this passage. His discipline comes not because you have been bad, but so that you can experience good.  You are the child raised to know how to live better.” Pg. 102

I definitely recommend this book. (5 stars)

© 2015

I purchased this copy and am providing my own opinions for no compensation.

Read: July 2016

I also own her children’s book The King’s Silverware, and highly recommend it.

About the Author

Sharon (Newland) Riddle, her husband Ike and daughters Beth and Mary live in New Braunfels, TX.  She is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University and attended both Western Evangelical Seminary and Azusa Pacific University's Graduate School of Theology.  She teaches God's Word to women and children at Oakwood Baptist Church in New Braunfels, TX, writes lessons for the interactive white board and loves spending her days getting and passing out fresh manna.

 Link to Author's Blog

GIVEAWAY!! GIVEAWAY!! GIVEAWAY!!

CLICK HERE FOR CHANCE TO WIN

I am offering a chance to win ONE copy of Sharon's book, to 1 lucky U.S. reader. {sorry, Amazon only allows for U.S.}

To enter, kindly follow my blog by any of the selections in the right column, and once you are linked to Amazon, you will be asked to follow the author's page as well (where you can watch a sweet video of her sharing about herself... I notice she has picked up a teeny Texas twang...hee!).  Also, please comment below that you entered & how your Amazon experience was... I'm super curious how this will go, as it is my first time both running a giveaway, and trying it through Amazon!

>>> THE FINE PRINT: "Enter for a chance to win" / "NO PURCHASE OF THE BOOK IS NECESSARY, Blue Jeans And Teacups blog has paid for all prizes, sales tax, and shipping. Entry requires an Amazon.com account. Amazon will ship prizes to winners. Winners' names may be made public. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Every eligible entry has 1 in 2,000 chance to win, up to 1 winners. This giveaway started July 18, 2016 2:48 PM PDT and ends the earlier of July 25, 2016 11:59 PM PDT OR WHEN all prizes have been awarded. See Official Rules. " The official rules for Amazon Giveaway can be found at https://giveaway.amazon.com/rules Giveaways are only open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. or D.C., 18 or older.

Purchasing Information:

Autographed copies may be purchased at: Sharon's Shop Link

along with her other books, and her handcrafted quilts.
Additionally, you may order from Amazon by clicking here

This book is currently $0.00 if you have Kindle Unlimited.

Be blessed & be a blessing.

Hugs and a cup of tea, 

Ps: kind of excited because I bought this prize through Amazon Smile, so a donation will go to Samaritan's Purse / Operation Christmas Child - Bam! Double blessing :)

Linking up with: Sandi @ Rose Chintz Cottage Blog Party