Finger Foods

Taste your way to deliciousness, one little bite at a time. These scrumptious and sensational finger foods are the perfect way to impress your guests for parties, receptions, and more. Try the Coconut Butterflied Shrimp, Orange and Honey Meatballs, and Lemon Tassies. Packed with recipes and tips from an expert caterer, this book is sure to make your next party a giant hit from the first little bite.

I love how the author has taken a lot of common (and uncommon) dishes in this recipe and made them into finger foods! If you do much entertaining, then this is a book that you need to have in your kitchen. Guests will be wowed with the appetizers that come out of your kitchen, from the everyday to elegant. The book is well laid out and has easy to follow instructions, so that even those of us who aren't superb cooks can throw a party with tasty treats.
I received this book from Cedar fort in exchange for my honest review.

Rise of the Fallen

A six thousand year war rages and now the demonic Fallen are coming for him—the one man shrouded in mystery. Only Validus stands in their way.

Validus is the last and least of God’s angels, but he’s seen much across the millennia since his creation. Empires have risen and fallen as angelic and demonic forces battle in a raging war that will determine humanity's fate – and the fate of his defeated brothers.


Eventually called to be an earth-bound warrior, Validus rises to a position of power and respect, commanding legions of angels through impossible battles and overwhelming odds. But when orders arrive from the Creator's most elite Messenger, he finds himself suddenly demoted to a task of apparent insignificance considering the fierce war they are waging against the demonic Fallen – the covert protection of one unbelieving man.


Validus soon finds himself on a mission that will push him beyond his abilities as he battles to protect Drew Carter, for the Fallen are coming for him. Legions of them.

As Validus races against time to discover why Drew is so important to humanity's survival, can he stand between Drew and all who would destroy him?

My thoughts: In some ways, I was kind of surprised by this story, since it didn't pick right up where the first book left off. It starts out telling Validus' story, so readers can catch a few on the history behind this Spiritual battle that wrecks havoc all around us. While I was anxious to get back to Drew's story, it is fun to read more about the authors view on Spiritual warfare. I love that each chapter has scripture verses to back them up, giving the reader a lot to ponder. This book is fiction at it's best, since it gets the reader to think and motivates Christians out of their apathetic stupor. While I don't know that I agree 100% with the authors views, it has encouraged me to do some research of my own. It has also reminded me that we do not wrestle against flesh and bones, but against principalities and rulers of darkness who want to consign humanity to endless torment with them.
I highly recommend this book!
I received "Rise of the Fallen" from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Take Ten

This week's Top Ten subject is the top ten best books I have read in the last 3 years, which was surprisingly easy, since I have discovered a lot of amazing authors in the last few years!
1. Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

I know I have mentioned this one before, but it is one of the best books I have read this year!
2. Paper Hearts by Courtney Walsh

This is the orher incredible book I read this year. It's such a cute story, and I totally related to the main character.
3. Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Such a beautiful, flawed heroine. I loved her!
4. Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

This one is an incredible, gothic style novel
5. Cast of Stones by Patrick Carr

I almost didn't stick with this one, since Errol is, well.... a drunk. But, it gets better! The series is an amazing fantasy style journey!
6. Prophet by R. J Larson

Another amazing, fantasy style series. I thoughtvthe creatures quite imaginative.;)
7.In Between by Jenny B Jones

I obviously like stories about orphans. I think it stems from childhood snd thinking I was adopted. lol.
8. Right Where I Belong by Krista McGee

Krista McGee writes such heartwarming young adult fiction!
9. The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

This is my favorite of the Regency stories I havevread!
10 The Safe Lands series
My list is rather eclectic, since I am ending with a dystopian series.;) I hope you all will find some new books on here to add to your TBR list.;) What are your top favorites?

Betting on Hope

Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it’s beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable. Maggie’s bosses know this is the opportunity she's been looking for to launch her career—and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.

Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he’d like, but he knows it's the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru’s fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do—for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart’s desires.

My thoughts: This is the first time I have read any of Debra Clopton's stories, so I was quite pleased with just how much I enjoyed it! Her characters were well developed and I love that she brought the small town to life. Some of her characters were, well, real characters! I love the ministry that makes it's appearance in the small town. I also could relate to one of the characters dealing with a grandparent who has Alzheimer, since my family is going through something like that.
This book is a fun, light hearted read with some surprising depth to it.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Letters to My Future Husband

As a child, Sophia Stark is given a journal by her dad, who encourages her to write letter to her future husband in it. As the years pass, the tone of her letters begins to mature from telling him to go away to actually putting some thought into the qualities she would like him to have. When her grandma provides her with a trip to Italy during college, more than just Sophie's traveling dreams come true, since she reconnects with an old crush. Her letters written over the years just might come in handy when it comes to figuring out who to spend the rest of her life with.
My thoughts: I enjoyed Sophie's story! She is funny and quirky. As the story progresses, the other characters are well developed and easy to love. Well, for the most part. I do wish that she had reconciled with one of the characters, since their relationship didn't come to an understanding like I thought it would, after all her soul searching about parent/child relationships. It just kind of ended at her thinking about it, and not actually doing anything to change things, if that makes sense. But, over all, this book is an interesting, quirky read with some fun characters!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Fallen

After more than a decade as a victim of the commercial sex industry, Annie Lobert shares not only her redemption story but those of others involved in sex trafficking.
Annie Lobert was not so different from most girls. She grew up in a small town and had common struggles with friends, school, and boys. Her home was filled with turmoil, and, as happens far too often, she was sexually abused by a family friend. She knew heartache, but she didn’t know love. Sadly, Annie’s story is not uncommon. Young people are stumbling into the arms of the waiting world of the sex industry. Human sex trafficking and involvement in the sex industry – whether by choice, force, or coercion – is a sad world full of broken dreams.
Hookers for Jesus , a non-profit ministry, was founded by Annie to address the harmful effects of prostitution and sex trafficking. Its mission is to Hook, Give Hope, Heal, and Help those who have been negatively affected by sex trafficking and the adult entertainment industry.
- See more
My thoughts: What a heartbreaking story! But, it is also a beautiful one, since it shows the redeeming power of God's love, even when we hit rock bottom and think there is no where else to go. I really admire Annie's honesty as she shares her story of getting caught up in the world of sex trafficking. My heart broke for her, as she fell for a man who she later comes to realize is a pimp, causing her to become his slave. She is very open and honest about what her life was like, and for that reason, I would recommend this book for older teens and above, due to some of the subject matter. I think it is a powerful story though.
If you are interested in learning more about Annie's ministry, visit her site
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Remember the Lilies

Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.

Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.

When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

My thoughts: I think is my favorite out of Liz Tolsma's stories! There is a lot going on, between Irene, Rand, Mercedes, and their families.  I found the history of the Japanese pridon camps on Manila interesting, especially since I haven't read a whole lot (in comparison ) of how Workd War II affected the Pacific. I fell in love with the characters as they struggle with living in a camp for so long. I'm sure that it was hard to get past that experience and learn to forgive those who put you in that situation,  but this story has a beautiful part about that process.

Two thumbs up! 

I received this book from Lit fuse in exchange for my honest review.