Black Friday And Review of The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

Hello Friends and Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

I had a wonderful time visiting with friends and today have ordered some goodies online.  A clever code for one item I ordered was GREENFRIDAY.  That came from Dropps.com which has eco-friendly laundry drops.  I thought I would give those a try since they were 40% off today!  I had some Kohl's cash, coupons, and sale price that brought a blender from $150 down to $28!

Some tea-themed items I ordered which you might also enjoy are:
Kimberly Shaw Graphics cards, stickers and book.  Cards are only $2 through Cyber Monday with her code SaveBig2019 AND INCLUDE a Harney and Sons teabag. 

Sample.  Click here for website.

Aren't these stickers the cutest?
CLICK to enlarge the image.

Click here to view book on Amazon,
but it is also on her website.

I also ordered June Chapko's new book.  She is an avid tea lover so her books always reference tea.  Plus she loves and shares Jesus in her stories. 

Click Here to view at Amazon

And now my review for:

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen which comes out next week. Click images to enlarge.

*** REGENCY MYSTERY***

1819, London – Thirty-one-year-old Benjamin Booker is an attorney who has risked everything for a female client he fully believes is innocent.  But, when he loses her case, his whole world comes to a crashing halt.

Distraught and frustrated he meets up with his boss at a local pub to discuss the case and his future. As they head out, they discover a scene at the home of Percival Norris, their retired colleague.  Further investigation leads to a dead body that will eventually take Benjamin on a journey to Belle Island, across the Thames and the village of Riverton where his boss has asked him to investigate.  Benjamin will do his best to remain objective and make his boss proud of him again. 

Thirty-year-old Isabelle Wilder is trapped by fear on the island, but has learned to navigate enough to be mistress of the house, despite much of her funds being tied up in a trust.  She is respected by her employees and does her best to create jobs that will help provide for them.  Everything is fairly routine, except for a beloved niece whose upcoming nuptials pull at Isabelle’s heartstrings since the wedding will be off-island.  When a stranger shows up to share the news of the death, everything changes.

Benjamin and Isabelle will have to work together, but neither fully trusts and both have debilitating issues to deal with.  There is a murderer at large and threats move ever closer to the island as the story twists and turns.

Favorite Quote: Psalms leapt out at her. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though the waters roar and be troubled.

Lovely Tea Moment: Isabelle and Carlota sat side by side on chaise lounges in the boathouse, the double doors thrown wide to reveal the morning sunshine shimmering on the gently rippling water of the Thames. A tray of tea things sat on the small table between them, along with a plate of muffins. Isabelle had tasted them herself and filled the kettle. …A leisurely morning was a rare luxury on Belle Island … and Isabelle and Lotty were determined to enjoy it.

I enjoyed 98% of this book.  I felt the ending suddenly stretched out in an odd way, but that is perhaps my own preference. Overall, this is a very enjoyable book I would be happy to recommend.

Bethany House Publishing

© 12/3/2019

This is a stand-alone novel.  I received an ARC of this book via the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion with no further compensation or expectation.  

Julie Klassen can be found here: https://julieklassen.com/

Wishing you a relaxing weekend and upcoming December filled with all the joys of the Christmas season!

Serving Up Love 4 in 1 Harvey House Brides Collection

Serving Up Love – Four (unrelated) Harvey House Brides Novellas

    

A Flood of Love, Novella by Tracie Peterson •*•Great Ending •*•

[OPENING] August 1929  

Gretchen Gottsacker stepped from the train and looked around at the tiny town of San Marcial, New Mexico. (5 stars)

More Than A Pretty Face, a Patchwork Family Novella by Karen Witemeyer •*• Book 1.5 I loved It!  •*• [OPENING] Gainsesville, TX, 1902

“I’m not going to marry her, Mother.” Caleb Durrington bit the inside of his cheek to keep the rest of the words piling up on his tongue from escaping. (5 stars)

Intrigue al la Mode, a Novella by Regina Jennings •*• Good mystery which is hard to do in a novella •*• [OPENING] Emporia, Kansas, 1898

The breakfast rush had ended, and Willow Kentworth had already reset her station. There was nothing to do now except patrol her table and guard against horseflies dying on the starched tablecloth… (5 stars - Loved the cousin! She needs her own story!)

A Grand Encounter, a Novella by Jen Turano •*•All the wonderful shenanigans one has come to expect from a Jen Turano story! •*•

[OPENING] El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon, AZ, 1908

“I know you mentioned you’ve sworn off gentlemen forever, but Mr. Tall, Dark, and – need I say Delicious is here again, and, unsurprisingly, he’s sitting in your section.” (5 stars I would give it 10 stars if I could!)

I don’t often find a novella collection where all the stories are 5 stars, so this was a great surprise!

Bethany House Publishing © 11/5/2019

Click for Karen's Site

Karen Witemeyer kindly sent me a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation. All opinions are mine alone.

Click for Tracie's Site

Click for Regina's Site

  

Click for Jen's Site

& wherever books are sold.
Click Here for Amazon Link

Until next time, Hugs and a Cup of Tea ~
 

A Pursuit of Home - Fantastic New Regency Read

A Pursuit of Home – Haven Manor Book 3 - by Kristi Ann Hunter (one should read the previous Regency Era books in order)

***Fantastic Characters***

French Countryside, 1806 Jessamine Beauchene - wealthy, royal niece to the King of Verbonne, petite at age 15. Her family attacked in the middle of the night. Shoved into a hole in the floorboards with their family’s secrets.

[Absolutely one of my favorite scenes is when a beloved character from Kristi’s very first novel appears.]

The board lifted and the light from a single lantern revealed a pair of grey eyes… “What’s your name?” he asked. “Jess-“ hiccup – “Jess-” sniffle… “Well, Jess,” the man said, “I’m here to rescue you. How do you feel about going to England?”

[He is somewhat of a hero and definitely has amazing wit.  Without revealing too much I was thrilled to have him back!]

Marlborough, England, 1816

Ch. 1 Sometimes despite time, distance, and a significant amount of ignoring it, the past never quite went away. Over the past two days, everything Jess had run from had spilled over the wall of the past and covered her present like gravy. Lumpy, bitter, burnt gravy. Every emotion she’d worked hard to bury had risen to the surface, making her mind a muddled swarm of incomplete thoughts and sharp colors.

… her current situation irritated her … she was going to have to ask a very bothersome man for his assistance. She needed Derek Thornbury’s help. To get, she was going to have to ask him, which required talking to him, which required, which required being in the same room with him without taking her knife from its hidden sheath and stabbing him in the leg. A tall order, as the man was simply too vexing for words.

“I brought you tea.”

“I see that.” He crossed the room and lifted the top of the pot to gaze into the depths of the brown liquid. “Is it poisoned?”

…Derek was a scholar of antiquities. He worked with things created by dead people.  When he was working he might go days without a significant interaction with anyone who drew breath. Living people, quite inconveniently, required him to recall his manners and finish his sentences. Jess wasn’t merely an inconvenience, though. She was a massive complication, a mystery that was constantly changing, frustrating him to no end even as it kept enticing him closer.

Tea Quote: Anyone who insisted on foisting their romantic notions on her could find themselves with ipecac in their tea.

Faith Quote: …how important it was to seek God in the quiet times in order to know what to cling to in the chaos.

KristiAnneHunter.com

Enjoyable story as always!

Thank you to Bethany House, the author and NetGalley for a copy. My opinion is my own and given freely. Keep updated on the author’s website, Kristi Ann Hunter dot com

Haven Manor Series:

“The Haven Manor series follows a group of women who take what could have been a life-crushing circumstance and turned it into an opportunity to help desperate women and their children from the same fate. Their pasts may have brought these women here, but God has an amazing future in store for them.” -Author’s Website

Book 0.5 A Search for Refuge (Margaretta’s Story) 03/2018 FREE eNovella (available in print 2019 in the 3 author collection Love At Last)

Book 1 A Defense of Honor (Kit’s Story) 06/05/2018

Book 1.5 Legacy of Love (Sarah’s Story) 10/2018 Novella in The Christmas Heirloom Collection featuring 4 different authors

Book 2 A Return of Devotion – Daphne’s Story - coming Feb. 5, 2019

Book 3 A Pursuit of Home - Jess's Story - 11/5/2019

CLICK HERE

Until next time, Hugs and a Cup of Tea (hopefully without ipecac or poison!)

Teacup PJs - An Autumn Stew - A Flat Tire

Hello friends! It's been a minute, so I thought I would pop in and share (smile).
I found the cutest teacup pajamas at WalMart on Friday. 

 

I am always on the lookout for those and it is quite hard to find non-coffee themed ones! 

I thought some of you might be interested as well (for yourself or a gift).
They come in sizes from S to 3X and are sold in separates. $10 top and $10 bottom.

Last week my sister and nieces were visiting.  We made an autumn soup I recommend. And by we, I mean that I threw a bunch of ingredients at my sister (who is a whiz in the kitchen) and she brought my ideas to life!

We used the other 2/3 can of coconut milk in the cornbread.
You could use regular milk and adjust to your desired thickness.
Pink salt is really good for you, but you can use regular salt to
taste as well. Sprouts also has an autumn soup if
you do not have a Trader Joe's nearby.

I am thankful that I found a screw in my right rear tire. 

Yes, that's an odd one, BUT hang on ;)
I practically never go out front after dark.  Thankfully, Thursday night I did.  

I almost always park the passenger side of my van close to the bushes so I have more room to walk on the driver side.

Thankfully, Thursday I did not, so I randomly walked next to the passenger side of the car AND I noticed the right rear tire was completely flat!

I was able to call AAA (9pm) and schedule an early morning appointment for them to come put my spare tire on. Thankful for AAA & not having to attempt this myself!
This was happening on a Friday.  I never know which days I will need to go pick up my daycare Littles and drop them at school. Friday, I was not needed. Thank you Jesus!
I took the tire to Sam's Club and there was a 3-hour wait.  But the kind senior tech allowed me to leave the tire there and go about my business, He let me know the screw was just on the edge of "maybe ok / maybe not" for patching per regulation guidelines.  If another tech did my tire, he might not patch it and prefer to sell me a new tire, but because this tech had been doing it 30 years, he was confident he could plug it for me. Thankful again!
"How much will it cost?", I asked

"It's free because you bought the tire from us", he said
THANKFUL YET AGAIN! :)
Everything worked out great and I was able to get the patched tire reinstalled that afternoon with very little inconvenience.
God is so good!

I have a ton of fun with my daycare Littles and they continually surprise me. Friday, this little guy (disguised for internet privacy) came up with this:

When I asked him to write his name on the bottom of his paper, he wrote random letters (giggling of course).  I said, That's not how you spell your name.  He countered, Yes it is. More giggles. Then asked what it spelled. I said, Tiormplak. [Totally sounds like a Star Trek name to me, btw.].  So, he told me, My name is Tiormplak. I'm half Swedish (he's not at all, but a good family friend is - hahaha), half Mexican (that is true), and half gummy bears! Well, who isn't? :)

Today in my cup / Pukka Revitalise - 

Abbey

a burst of warming organic cinnamon bark, orange peel, elderflower, cardamom pod, licorice root, ginger root, green tea, spearmint leaf, clove bud, black peppercorn. Made in the U.K.

Bottom of box: Naturally made with care.
This lovely design is printed with vegetable ink on card from renewable sources and is recyclable; the string on each bag is organic; and because we do not staple our bags, they are wildlife-friendly yo compost. Add to that 100% non-GM ingredients, and you have incredible tasting tea that is good for you, as well as the planet.

I thought this was good information since there is a bunch of hype right now on the internet about plastics being in teabags.  However, if you are interested, check out what The Tea Maestro has to say:
"Plant-based biodegradable fabric, not plastic, is the industry trend."
Read his full October 9, 2019 post at: https://theteamaestro.blogspot.com/2019/10/is-there-plastic-in-my-tea-bag.html

Tea Maestro Bruce Richardson has served on the advisory board for the Specialty Tea Institute of America and Fresh Cup magazine. He has been active in America's tea culture for 30 years and is a frequent lecturer at tea events around the world. 

Hugs and a Cup of Tea!

Been Under the Weather

Well, I have spent the majority of Labor Day weekend with a head cold so watching movies, reading books, drinking tea and snuggling kitties were the highlights.

I also was very fortunate that I made my Broccoli Soup the day before I started getting sick and with just me, it's good for several servings - perfect when you're sick and don't want to cook. I sauteed some chicken thighs to add to it.  It's quite healthy and without cheese, so it's just warm and comforting.
Here's that recipe if you are interested.

I just finished the following book and highly recommend it!

Available where books are sold 10/1/2019

A Distance Too Grand – American Wonders Collection Book 1 Revell Publishing © Oct 1, 2019

•*• Well Done Story Featuring the Grand Canyon before it was a Natl. Park •*•

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and read late into the night and then woke to finish it.  It is well written and moves along nicely. 

1871 Ft. Wilverton, AZ Territory

Meg Pero, a budding photographer, has just lost her father, Matthew Pero who taught her everything she knows.  She has a government contract, which is technically his, but was written for M. Pero and she intends to fulfill it and make a name for herself in the process. She is 26, talented, opinionated, beautiful and smart. “But you’re a woman. Women aren’t photographers.”, the corporal said.

Cpt. Benjamin Coleridge has a survey job to do and he needs an able-bodied photographer to get it done.  He’d heard Matthew Pero would be that man, even looked forward to seeing him again after several years. But he had no idea his feisty daughter would show up in his place, the woman who’d broken his heart.

This story is full of adventure as a team that includes two young privates, Dot the spunky cook and her cartographer husband, Hank, eager-to-prove-himself Corporal Adams and the grumpy guide, Mr. Pike set out into the Grand Canyon with horses, wagons, and mules. Cpt. Coleridge is hoping to find some evidence as to the whereabouts of his missing father Col. Coleridge.

Adventure, discovery and mayhem wind through the canyon with the group and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Tea Quotes: 1. “Oh sit down,” Dot said with a wave of her free hand. “This is an expedition, not a fancy tea. Meet Meg Pero. She’s our photographer.”

2. Dot had figured out how to turn the most plentiful plant in the area – pine – into a nourishing and refreshing tea.

Faith Moment: Directly in front of her the highest point was a fist of golden white stone, pointing to the heavens as if to remind her there was someone else above all this. Her Creator.

Tear Inducing Moment – I won’t give this away, but it was an incredibly kind and unexpected moment that made me cry. : “I realized I was the closest to you in size. I hope I won’t offend you, but I thought you might find use for these.” She held out the bundle.

History: There are good notations in the back of the book by the author about The Grand Canyon which I enjoyed.  She also shares a bit about her upcoming story which is set Yellowstone – the world’s 1^st Natl. Park. I cannot wait!

Netgalley and the publisher kindly sent me an eBook in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation or expectation. All opinions are my own.

5 Stars

Max

Until next time, hugs and a cup of tea - and if you are lucky, maybe a cuddle from a furry friend ;)
Heather Elizabeth

•*• Jen Turano Wields Comedy Like a Sword! •*•

Diamond in the Rough – American Heiresses Series Book 2 by Jen Turano

This cover is to die for!

1885, New York, NY –

Art provided by author - used with permission

Now how is that for an opening line?

Poppy has left her family’s Kentucky horse farm to come to New York at the request, or rather insistence of her excessively wealthy grandmother to experience her first “Season”. She tends to say and do the first thing that pops into her head often to the horror of her grandmother and those of the elite NY 400.  Disaster tends to follow her, but since she is quite used to that she simply rolls with it. “Do you know that I once got knocked straight off a horse because a duck flew into me?”

fan art by Susan Gibson Snodgrass ~ co-member of
The Gilded Gals of Turano Street. Used with permission.

The Earl of Lonsdale and his cousin, Reginald Blackburn have traveled from England to find an American heiress to marry, effectively rescuing the Earl from financial ruin.  However, they are determined to find someone of good character.  Something Reginald is certain Miss Garrison certainly is not from the unusual way her dance partner twirled her away, crashing directly into himself and her less than demure commentary to the perturbed host of the ballroom.  Then later, finding her crawling on all fours in search of something. “Reginald was of the firm belief that always maintaining the proprieties was exactly what separated true ladies and gentlemen from the masses.” No, Miss Poppy Garrison was certainly not the type of woman he would approve of for his cousin. But when disaster and mystery follow Poppy around like a bad penny, Reginald finds himself caught up in her world, most unexpectedly.  As does the meek mannered Mr. Middleton whom Poppy quickly befriends.  I really enjoyed the dynamic of her relationship with both men who are distinctly different.  Watching Murray Middleton grow and come into his own as the story progressed was a delight. The “snail scene” was hilarious.  Very “Pretty Woman”.  Just like in real life, the supporting characters take an active role and add so much to the story.

TEA MOMENT:  Ok, so I was so excited by the tea-themed cover of this novel, months before it was even close to release.  So imagine my surprise when Poppy is at the tearoom in Rutherford & Co. and this happens, “They do offer an impressive assortment of teas, but…” She looked up. “Will you find me quite beyond the pale if I admit I don’t actually care for tea, preferring coffee instead?” "You don’t care for tea?” 

“Shocking, I know.” 

“Scandalous more like.”  

But, my little heart attack was quickly diminished by the hilarious scone and clotted cream scene. 

“Adele frowned, “You said you were savoring clotted cream when I first arrived.” 

“Savoring, detesting,” Poppy said with a wave of her hand. … 

FAITH MOMENT: 

MYSTERY NOTE: I genuinely thought I knew who the culprit of the story was, smiling to myself that I had figured it out.  Boy was I wrong! The breadcrumbs that led me to my choice unexpectedly did NOT lead to who I thought they would.  Naturally, that made the story even more exciting. While there is a bit of danger, there is not any gore or undue stress to the reader. 

I am so smitten with this book, I may have to forego my To-Be-Read pile in favor of re-reading older Jen Turano novels again!

American Heiresses Series:

Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019

Diamond in the Rough – book 2 Sept 3, 2019

Storing Up Trouble –  book 3 tba

I received a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation.  All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Bethany House Publishing

5 stars

CONNECT  with the wonderful Jen Turano here – 

Facebook Page    Website

Until next time, hugs and a cup of tea!

Heather Elizabeth

Field of Redemption by Lori Bates Wright

•°o•:*:•. Interesting & Different Civil War Era Story .•:*:• o°•

Macon, GA 1864

Abigail McFadden is a “Yankee” nurse serving in the South. Her priority is people, whether on the battlefield, makeshift hospital ward or living on the edge of society in the shantytown.  She has had to start over, and nearly everyone in Macon has been kind and giving to her.  Save for the power-hungry General Farris who is attempting to convince everyone she is a Union spy.

Colonel Ian Saberton is a strong, confident leader. However, he is rather unprepared for a town full of women who demand to be heard and useful in this war.  They have strong ideas, but over time he discovers one in particular needs his help to avoid an unjust hanging. The more involved he becomes, the more he learns about who Abby is and how strong her faith is.  Faith is something he’s put on the shelf since the war started, leading him down a path of destruction. Favorite Quote: Ch. 9 “Abby McFadden was a most peculiar female. Whatever circumstance she got herself into, she acted with all of her heart.”

Young Hickory has returned from book 1 and takes an active role in the story.  He is a wonderful character who is clever, cautious but still happy to be a kid when there is an opportunity despite hardship and loss.

The evil side of men is shown throughout the story, so if you enjoy a strong sense of danger without too much gory detail, this book offers it.  It is countered with Ian’s conviction to serve, protect and conquer injustice at every turn.

The more personal details of what people are worried about and dealing with in wartime were interesting, particularly since this book is told primarily from the southern point of view, and I did enjoy it.

The scene with the Georgia peaches was a particular favorite.

Click for
 Amazon Page

Connect with the author: www.LoriBatesWright.com

About the Author in Her Own Words:

My favorite childhood memories involve sitting around my grandmother's kitchen table listening in while my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles told amazing stories of times gone by. Sometimes I laughed until I'd lose my breath. Sometimes I sat quietly, on the verge of tears, hearing of the bravery and perseverance shown by those who'd gone before me.  What I wouldn't give to have known them. History has been a passion ever since. Couple that with an insatiable love for story and there you have the heart of what inspires me to write books with a timeless message of love and hope. In many ways, I've come full circle. The legacy torch carried by my parents and grandparents has now been passed to me. I pray my novels convey all the charm, romance, wit and wisdom of the past to enlighten and fascinate a whole new generation. I am a child of the Southwest. Raised in New Mexico, I now live in Texas with my husband of 35 years. I have two wonderful grown kids and four grandboys that can leap tall buildings in a single bound! My family is truly the heart of who I am. The only thing I love more than my family (and books) is Jesus. My sincerest hope is that you sense that in my writing. Happy reading! Lori

Sierra Vista Books – 07/23/2019

The author sent me a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review.  I was not paid for my opinions which are entirely mine.

4 stars

The Saberton Legacy:

1.     TrueNobility, Nicholas Saberton and Victoria’s story

2.     Field of Redemption, Ian Saberton and Abigail’s story

3.     Book 3, Zachary Saberton and Aurora’s story, coming soon

I pray that you are well dear reader.

May your bookshelf & teacup

be filled, and the Spirit of

the Lord guide your path 

in righteousness. 

MY PERSONALI-TEA

Good morning! I just took a "personali-tea" quiz through Harney & Sons for a contest they are having.  It was kind of fun, but the animal choices were odd.  It's a quick one so give it a go and then come back and paste your own in the comments below.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE QUIZ

***MY RESULTS***
Your Personali-tea is Herbal!

You like variety in your life and you enjoy switching up your hobbies, favorite foods and routines often. Though it may be hard for your friends to predict your next move, you also have a calm and therapeutic nature that makes you a pleasure to be around.

Like you, herbal teas like to mix it up. Herbal teas, also known as herbal infusions, are typically a blend of herbs, flowers, spices and dried fruit. This blend of ingredients is then brewed in the same way as your favorite traditional tea, either loose or in tea sachets or bags. By combining quality ingredients, blends can be created that calm, invigorate or treat minor ailments. Colors and flavors range from light and fruity to vibrant and spicy to match your mood. We offer over 40 different kinds of blends, many of which are caffeine-free and just as chill as you are.

(Answer 5 simple questions to discover the tea type that best suits you! 5 lucky quiz-takers will win a $50 Harney & Sons gift card. Contest ends August 7, 2019)

CLICK HERE TAKE THE QUIZ

(Note: I am not in any way affiliated with this quiz/contest/prizes. Just sharing it for fun!)

I am hoping I correctly shared the link, but if not it is on the Harney dot com blog :)

Until Next Time ~ Hugs and a Cup of Tea,
Heather Elizabeth