Beauty for Ashes

Carrie Daly is a young woman left widowed by the Civil War. When Griff Rutledge blows into town, she is instantly enamored by the mysterious man even though she is keeping company with another. When things don't turn out as she planned, Carrie is left wondering what the Lord could have in store for her life. It is only through surrender that she finds peace and joy, realizing that the secret to a happy life is to want the one you have.

This book is the second in the Hickory Ridge series, so I would recommend that you read the first book before starting this one. While "Beauty for Ashes" can stand alone, I would imagine reading them in order explains more about some of the secondary characters and even more about Carrie. That said, I still enjoyed the story. It had just enough twists to be interesting and not over done. The story being set in a sort of depression in the 1870's, so it is something that a lot of us can relate to today. Even though times are tough, the message of the story is one of hope, which is a good reminder for us.
Reviewed for booksneeze.com

Cheddar biscuits

Cheddar biscuits
Preheat your oven to 400 F
2 1/2 cups flour
4 t. baking powder
1/2 cup butter
3/4 t salt
Mix the dry ingredients together and then cut the butter into the mixture.
Add
2 cups cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
and stir until combined. Be sure not to over stir.
Cook for 10 minutes, then pull out and brush with
4 T butter
1 t oregano
3/4 t garlic salt
then return to oven for 8 more minutes.

This recipe is suppose to be based off Red Lobster's biscuits. Andrew and I agree that they are even better, since they aren't near as salty.:D The only trouble with this recipe is that you can eat half a batch when they are fresh out of the oven!

Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher

It's the year 1864 and the nation is torn apart by the Civil War. Shannon Adair is a young Southern belle who's minister father feels the Lord calling them to move to Idaho territory to pastor a recently built church in one of the many towns that sprung up due to the gold rush. Even though the South is no longer what it once was, moving to the West is a drastic change to the life of balls and beaus that Shannon lead before the war. When she meets Matthew Dubois, she instantly takes a disliking to him since he hasn't chosen a side with the war. But, Shannon and Matthew soon learn to depend on one another when his sister comes to town ill and Shannon offers to be a nurse for her.

While not incredibly unpredictable, this is a great story of love, judging someone from your first impression, and learning that God really does have our best interest at heart even though that road might be painful at times and takes us out of our comfort zone.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a well written Christian story with sound morals and a good message. I appreciated that the author shares what she went through herself during the writing of the story, which helped bring the book to life. I hope there will be a sequel!