Sandra Merville Hart's Blog, page 16

Creative Sleepovers For Kids! by Julie Lavender

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Fun Activities, Themes, and Ideas for Overnight Parties

For boys or girls

What a great book!

The author begins with suggestions for preparations before the party. Choosing a theme topped the list. You’ll use it to select the invitations, decorations, and party activities—which are included in the book!

Lavender has suggestions for over 30 themes, such as All Aboard, Big Top Circus Party, Dinosaurs Delight, I Spy, Land Ho, Snakes and Snails and Alligator Critter Party, and Partying Painters Art Party.

Parents, the author has packed this book full of ideas for your child’s sleepover party.

Grandparents, this book has some ideas for you to choose from when hosting your grandchildren for a night or a weekend.

Recommended for parents and grandparents!

Amazon

Announcing the Upcoming Release of Streams of Courage!

by Sandra Merville Hart

I’m thrilled to announce that Streams of Courage, Book 4 of my Spies of the Civil War Series, will release on March 26, 2024!

Books 4 – 6 of the series are set in historic Vicksburg, Mississippi—a city the Union is as determined to capture as the Confederacy is to retain. Much happens here during the Civil War, not the least of which is spying.

Ash fears that his fellow citizens consider him a coward for not mustering into the Confederate army with the other brave men in his city, including his two best buddies. He’s accused of hiding behind his limp.

He can’t fight for the South while supporting the North. Perhaps his spying will hurry the end of the war and save lives on both sides.

That’s his goal. Unfortunately, he must keep his spying a secret from Julia, his girl, to keep her and her family safe.  

Here’s a bit about the book:

In a world turned upside down by war and betrayal…will his role as a spy bring them closer…or tear their future apart?

The war that Julia Dodd prayed to avoid is now reality, and with it, her world has been turned on its head. Her fellow citizens, who stood with her in their support of the union, have crossed firmly to the side of the south. And her mother, lost in her grief over the loss of her husband and children, can think of nothing but protecting Julia’s brother’s inheritance. She insists that her daughter seek a wealthier husband than Ashburn Mitchell.

Ash knows what his fellow citizens think of him when he refuses to fight for the Confederacy. Shouldering the accusation of being a coward and refusing to hide behind his limp, Ash remains in Vicksburg to support his family as a saddler while his two best friends join the fight. Struggling to increase his business so he can marry the woman he loves, Ash becomes a spy in support of the Union. He can’t fight for the South but won’t raise a musket against them.

As tragedy instigates Ash to risk greater danger to speed the end of the war, Julia can only pray it won’t cost them everything. She’s already lost her father and two siblings. Must she lose the man she loves too?

Preorder your copy today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, and Books2Read.

Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Rebecca Lane, a lady’s maid, returns to Swanford after a year’s absence in response to a letter from her brother’s housekeeper. She discovers the situation is dire indeed. John has finished writing a book somehow in between bouts of drinking and he implores Rebecca to deliver it to the very author whole stole his first novel with a request he recommend it to his publisher. She agrees reluctantly.

Sir Frederick is pleased that Rebecca, his childhood friend, is a guest at Swanford Abbey, the same hotel where he and his brother are staying. The widower feels that he’s too old for her, though he wishes it weren’t true.

Rebecca fears the haunted abbey, especially after she spots a ghostly nun, but there is more afoot at the historic abbey turned hotel than meets the eye.

Well-written! Believable characters dealing with difficult circumstances held my attention from the beginning.

This book is a page turner! Not only is there a romance that seems ill-fated from the start, there is also a mystery that readers will try to solve.

Recommended for readers who enjoy historical romances and suspense novels.

Christianbook.com

Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Book written by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt

I love to share about cute picture books with a message when I find them.

This is a rhyming book, which appeals to young children.

The “Whatif” monster keeps the boy in the story too afraid to try anything new.

Like climbing a tree or playing with a new friend or playing baseball or eating a new dish. Then the boy realizes that each of those situations could as easily turn out well.

This story could help children who are afraid to try new things. Parents may first want to read the picture book—and any book their child wants to read for the message it conveys.

I liked the book and recommend it for children from 3 – 7.  

Amazon  

January 2024 New Releases

January 2024 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:
The Love Penalty by Carolyn Miller — With her fondness for tattoos and spider jewelry Sylvie Miles is used to being pre-judged and misunderstood. She has friends and connections but she still feels alone, and works several jobs while daydreaming about finding a guy who sees further than skin deep and won’t shy away from her battered heart. So when a hot pro hockey player with a smile as vast as his skills takes a shine to her what’s a poor girl to do but fall in love? Ryan Guillemette sure wasn’t looking for romance in a bookstore in his hometown but quickly becomes intrigued by the sassy Goth-like assistant with a snarky way with words. When an accidental kiss proves dangerously addictive, she soon becomes embedded in his heart. But even as the romance heats up he’s torn as she’s not following God. Can these two opposites make a match or should he call a permanent time out? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Yellow Roses by Suzie Waltner — Mia Mason has always strived to meet others’ expectations. Her adoptive family, her fans, even her friends in the band. She works hard at pleasing everyone because she’s never felt like she truly belongs. After connecting with a cousin through a DNA website, she plans a covert road trip, hoping to find her biological mother and the answers she desires. During a music awards ceremony, Levi Sinclair receives two messages that ruin his night. One is a breakup text from his girlfriend of six weeks. The other is from the father who abandoned his family seventeen years ago and wants to reconnect. Then Levi discovers Mia’s secret mission and insists on going along to keep her safe. As the two friends pass the miles and see the sights, Levi’s true feelings for Mia rise to the surface. And her journey to the past might open the door to their future. Family issues and a shared career are just two of the hurdles they’ll have to jump if they want a shot at love. Could the end of the road lead these friends to a new beginning? (Contemporary Romance from Anaiah Press)

Their Inseparable Bond by Jill Weatherholt — Training service dogs is single dad Jake Beckett’s calling. He’s determined to train rambunctious puppy Callie to help his ailing friend Myrna live independently with her growing blindness. Myrna’s granddaughter, Olivia Hart, isn’t easily convinced, but Jake, his twins and Callie are an incredibly persuasive team. If Olivia agrees to give Callie a chance, will working with Jake risk her lifelong dreams? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

General Contemporary:
Chokecherry Valley Love by Jean Rezab — Ashley Richmond’s goal to become a psychologist becomes derailed by sudden doubts. She questions what direction her new career track should take. In her personal life, her brothers have become strangers, but she’s ready to try to forgive past mistakes and reconnect. While trying to decide on her career and figure out her sibling relationships, life takes another turn when she meets Jason. Their mutual attraction is complicated by his family obligations and her uncertainty over the future. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:
The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch by Mary Connealy, D.J. Gudger, Becca Whitham, Kimberley Woodhouse — Six Decades of History Unfurls on a Wyoming Ranch Journey to untamed Wyoming where four generations of women experience love, loss, grace, adoption, struggles with the law, relationships with natives, and through it all, family bonds. (Historical Romance Novella Collection from Barbour Publishing)

A Summer on Bellevue Avenue by Lorri Dudley — Wealthy heiress Amanda Mae Klein is set to marry the man she loves. Wesley Jansen-the only person she trusts to help ease her anxiety among the social climbers of high society. Until the daughter of a union boss falls down a flight of stairs at Wesley’s office in the middle of the night…and the woman claims Wesley pushed her.
Seeking solace from the growing scandal. Amanda flees to the mansion-dotted seaside of Newport. Wesley follows to disprove the rumors and win back the trust of Amanda and her father. But soon, Amanda finds not only her social status but her life at risk. As dire events pit the two against each other, will their love find a way to survive? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Polly (Apron Series) by Naomi Musch — The Great War has ended, but Polly Holloway’s heart is shattered when her fiancé finally returns home—with a French war bride. Now her future feels desolate, until she fastens onto the idea of using her skills and a special cookbook to turn her grandfather’s Victorian house into a fashionable ladies’ tearoom. Yet, how will she endure the patronage of the woman who stole her sweetheart? Moreover, the suave tavern owner down the block is interfering in her business, personal and otherwise. Heaven only knows what goes on behind his doors. Ross Dalton can no longer sell liquor in his establishment. With prohibition in force, it’s a mixed blessing. Ross met God on the battlefield, and he wants to start fresh, but he must earn a living. Converting his bar into a coffee house offers a partial solution. Still, bootleggers are pressing him to pedal their moonshine, and the girl up the street is convinced his place is a front for a speakeasy. She’s awfully cute when she turns up her pert little nose at his friendly overtures. How can he convince her he isn’t going to tarnish the neighborhood or ruin her business? And will she believe he’s a changed man when the bootleggers double down? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson — Pastor Montgomery Childs has tended his flock in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for two years. While his pews are full every Sunday, he most desires to see a reckoning between God and the kings of industry who recreate on Lake Conemaugh. Like Noah, Monty prays against the evil surrounding him, but he never expects God to send a flood. It takes five days for the Red Cross to respond to the Johnstown flood disaster, but when it does, Annamae Worthington is ready to help. Apprenticing under Clara Barton has prepared her for the job, but nothing can prepare her for the death and destruction that awaits. As if the survivors haven’t suffered enough, typhoid fever ravages the town, resurfacing suppressed emotions regarding her father’s death. Narrowly surviving the flood and the horrifying things he’s witnessed, Monty’s faith is floundering. Then a Red Cross nurse puts him to work helping with the typhoid fever victims arriving at the hospital tents every hour. Monty and Annamae work together distributing disinfectants and supplies, housing orphans, and serving those left behind. Slowly, his faith resurfaces. A kinship forms between them neither can ignore. But when an investigation into the collapsed dam points to the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, secrets emerge that may tear them apart. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Redemption for the Cowboy by Z Peabody — Remington Haylord is a preacher’s son. Instead of running with his biker buddies down in Texas, Remington ran with the horses. He feels a preacher’s life is not for him. Now, after a few years in the corporate arena, he’s found a peaceful life at the Sawyer Ranch. While standing at the head of a church, officiating his best-friend’s wedding, Remington looks down the aisle and in a vision of pastel-yellow, is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Phoebe Washington has never been to Montana, and if it wasn’t for her best friend’s wedding, she wouldn’t be there now. Despite any first impressions, Phoebe has a change of heart about staying on in Montana when she sees the big, handsome cowboy standing next to her best friend’s soon-to-be husband. He’s quiet, withdrawn, and yes, he’s grumpy. Yet on the rare occasions when he does smile, his face lights up like the big Montana sky. But to Phoebe’s chagrin, he avoids her whenever she gets within a few feet of him. How can she make Remington see that here, with him, is where he wants her to be—and where she needs to be? (Western Romance, Independently Published)

A Cherished Betrothal by Denise Weimer — Alexander Morris bears the childhood scars of the Long Canes massacre that killed his brother and father. Forced by his dark past into the lonely life of Georgia Ranger, Alexander joins the bordering South Carolina Rangers in their revolt against the Crown. When he’s posted to the fort erected to defend the community once decimated by the massacre, duty demands he court the loyalty of his sworn enemies, the fierce Cherokee warriors. Elspeth Lawrence never forgot the boy who sacrificed himself for her at Long Canes-any more than she forgot the younger sister taken captive. She’s learned not only to forgive, but also to help minister to the Cherokees at her father’s mission. When Alex Morris arrives at nearby Fort Charlotte, Elspeth finds her memories-and her emotions-stirred. When Alex uncovers a long-held secret and a plot to sabotage patriot talks with the Cherokees, he must choose between his desire for revenge and his love for the girl he rescued long ago. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Independence Trail by Betty Woods — To escape an arranged marriage, Heidi Schultz runs to the ranch owned by her sister, Lily, and brother-in-law, Toby. No one will ever run or ruin her life again. Jethro Bannister likes his life as foreman for Toby Grimes. Memories of the way his Georgia family turned on him don’t plague him while living on a secluded Texas ranch. Until Heidi interrupts his carefully arranged, placid world of quiet. The too talkative woman could worry the horns off an entire herd of longhorns. Plus, her family problems remind him too much of what he left behind. Despite their misgivings, Heidi and Jethro form a tenuous friendship based on their common wish to be left alone. Confiding in one another deepens their friendship more than either intends. Will Heidi and Jethro’s past wounds bond them together in an unexpected love or push them apart? (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Romantic Suspense:

Offshore Ambush by Sherri Wilson Johnson — Gretchen Overton’s world is shattered when someone murders her brother on a remote offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico. As medicolegal death investigator for Baldwin County, Alabama, she vows to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice. But little does she know, her path to finding answers requires the help of Everett Forrester, the rig’s Drilling Foreman and her ex-boyfriend.
(Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:
Rescuing You by Robin Patchen — CIA agent Michael Wright’s world crumbles when his girlfriend, Leila, is snatched off the street and later seen in the grasp of a terrorist he’s been tracking, Michael blames himself. Keeping his identity secret from her clearly didn’t protect her. Now he must defy the Agency and fly to Iraq to rescue her. Leila Amato escaped Iraq a decade earlier, only returning in her worst nightmares. But those nightmares have come true when she finds herself captive and all alone, or so she thought until she sees her identical twin sister. Michael tracks Leila to a desert compound, but his rescue mission goes awry when he discovers her sister needs to escape as well. His detailed strategy can only ensure one woman’s safety. Now they’re on the run, trying to get out of the country before their enemies track them down. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Smoking Flax by Jennifer Hallmark — Who Is He–Really?
Almost nineteen-year-old Reed Anderson wants to belong in a world where he hasn’t always fit. Three days after graduation, he decides to ride a bus back to Louisiana and deal with the events of his thirteenth summer once and for all. Back then, he’d stood up to his abusive Pa, protecting Momma and his sister, taking control of his life. But who was the faded image of the child he saw that day? Aunt Lula predicted his life would shift and change. Something about space-time-continuum and the fourth dimension? He tucks her words into his heart. If he survives the shift, this could be his chance to start over. But the ghost child haunts his dreams. Even though six years have passed, does he want to confront the lies he’s always believed? (Romantic Suspense from Elk Lake Publishing)

The Samaritan’s Patient by Chevron Ross — Teenager Paige Abernathy awakens after a severe beating to find that she suffers from amnesia, and that everyone seems to hate her. She has only flashes of memory until the night a grieving parent attacks her in her hospital room. Paige then remembers her role as creator of an online group where members talk about ways to commit suicide. After recovering from the beating, Paige embarks on a journey of penance to atone for a disaster born of good intentions. Her odyssey launches her on a mission of mercy and into new danger. (Romantic Suspense, AIA Publishing)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Welcome to Bellechester by Margaret A. Blenkush – As Dr. Mary Elizabeth Senty and DCI William Donnelly adjust to life in Bellechester, they find themselves used as bait to catch jewel thieves. (General Historical)

Sundancer’s Star by Elsie Davis – “Sundancer’s Star” is a tale of resilience, love, and the transformative power of second chances. (Contemporary Romance)

Kate by the Book by Susan Page Davis – Charlie’s attracted to children’s librarian, Kate, but his job and his family situation make him keep his feelings in check. But a mystery keeps taking him back to the library, where Kate may be in danger. (Contemporary Romance)

A Daddy for Christmas by MaryAnn Diorio PhD, MFA – Young widow Julie Melitto’s ten-year-old daughter Laney needs a daddy. When Nick Carbone unexpectedly throws a monkey wrench into Julie’s well-ordered life, she must choose between following her head or following her heart. (Contemporary Romance)

Letters of Understanding by Christopher J. Mooney – Inspired by a true story, this is the sole surviving record of the paths of three generations involved in the growth of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, Russia’s KGB, and the Franciscan’s Ordo Fratum Minorum, and the deadly consequences of their decisions. (General Historical)

The King’s Ransom by Patti Jo Moore – Kindergarten teacher Tina Ransom never imagined that her dream vacation to Italy would include an emergency landing on a small tropical island that would change her life forever. (Contemporary Romance)

The Cyrenian, Crossroads and a Cross by Donovan Peterkin – Two men, on two separate roads, betrayed and pursued by the same enemies, destined to carry one Cross. (Biblical)

No Romancing the Passengers by Lee Wimmer – God uses DR, even as he runs from faith and family, accomplishing great things, and a great life, with great love that he often overlooks—as he battles a demon, a dark secret from his youth. (Romantic Suspe

A Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Heroines of WWII Series

American Journalist Nellie Wilkerson has been in London during the daily bombings, just waiting for a chance to get to France where the fighting is intense. She seizes the opportunity to disguise her identity to get there with her camera. The Allies are there now so she should be able to convince one of the units to take her along to the front lines. She doesn’t intend to accept no as an answer. She’ll snap photos to back up the story of what’s really happening.

Jean-Paul Breslau is determined to find his comrades but stumbles upon Nellie, alone in the French countryside with a dead soldier. He can’t turn his back on her any more than he can walk away from Claire, the little girl they find in a village, who is the sole survivor of terrible fire set by the Germans. Claire has Down Syndrome and the Germans will kill her.

Their paths cross with others who resist the German soldiers. Danger escalates with each chapter.

This book is a page turner! Readers will find themselves pulling for the children in this story to reach safety. The characters are likeable, strong, and determined—though the heroine’s insistence on having her own way frustrated me as a reader. She placed herself and her companions in more danger through her choices.

Recommended for readers who enjoy World War II stories.

Christianbook.com

Broccoli Casserole Recipe

by Sandra Merville Hart

A restaurant near my home recently added broccoli casserole to their listing of side dishes. It’s delicious! I’ve ordered it three or four times before deciding to create my own version. It’s been a few years since I’ve made one because my husband doesn’t like broccoli. I can’t believe how well this new recipe turned out! It’s so easy! The longest part of the preparation was chopping the fresh broccoli florets and steaming them. It requires about twenty minutes to prepare, not including baking.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

INGREDIENTS

6 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets (3 heads)

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese

2-3 slices Colby or American cheese

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Ritz crackers, about 15

In a medium saucepan, heat about ½ cup of water (should be enough water so that the water level is about an inch) to simmering boil. Add fresh broccoli, cover, and reduce heat to low and cook until almost tender or about 7 minutes.

(If using frozen broccoli, reduce the cook time to 4-5 minutes.)

Remove broccoli from heat. Drain.

Prepare a medium-sized casserole dish with cooking spray. Add the broccoli to the dish. Next, layer the Colby or American cheese (I used Colby) on top of the broccoli. It won’t completely cover the vegetable—it adds to the melted goodness of the other cheeses.

Next, sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese. Then sprinkle on the cheddar cheese. (You may not need the whole ½ cup, depending on the dish you use.)

Crumble the Ritz crackers over the top. Then drizzle the melted butter on top.

Bake in a 350 oven for about 20 minutes or until the crackers on top are lightly browned.

Delicious! The blend of the three cheeses absolutely melts in my mouth. It gives the casserole a bit of the creaminess that other recipes add with creamy soups or mayonnaise mixtures.

Since my husband doesn’t eat this vegetable, this side dish is sometimes my main meal for lunch. I love it and hope you will too.   

Enjoy!

Clean Fiction’s Review of A Not So Convenient Marriage

Reviewed by Kelli Barr, Clean Fiction Magazine

I’m thrilled to receive this review from Clean Fiction Magazine, https://www.sunsetvalleycreations.com/cleanfictionmagazine.

A Not So Convenient Marriage is Book 1 in my Second Chances series. You’re invited to read the whole series!

Thanks to Kelli Barr for this lovely review!

A Christmas Tradition: Epiphany

by Sandra Merville Hart

Epiphany is a word that Christians use to describe the day that the Magi from the East found Jesus. The meaning of epiphany is a sudden, striking realization.

The Twelve Days of Christmas begin on December 25th with a celebration of the Jesus’ birth and end on January 6th, which is traditionally celebrated as the day the Magi’s visit.

In the Middle Ages, Epiphany was also known as Twelfth Night or King’s Day.

Prince Albert and Queen Victoria of England turned this celebration into a family celebration in middle of the nineteenth century. It celebrated the Magi’s revelation at finding the Christ child.

The holiday season was celebrated from Christmas Eve to the Eve of Epiphany, when families sang songs and took down decorations. They attended church services on the Eve of Epiphany. Aromas from baked or simmered herbs reminded Christians of the Magi’s gifts.

Children left food for the wise men and hay for their camels that night. The food was usually gone the next morning, replaced by gold coins. This gift-giving was gradually replaced by Santa Claus in the United States and Father Christmas in England late in the 1800s.

Children in Germany dress up as Magi on January 6th and follow a child holding a star to find baby Jesus.

Epiphany is called “King’s Day” in parts of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Argentina. Wise men leave presents on the Eve of Epiphany. “King’s cake” is often served as part of the next day’s celebration.

Children fill shoes with barley for the Magi’s livestock in Italy and Spain.

A ship sails into many Spanish seaports on the morning of Epiphany with the Magi on board. These wise men give candy to children lining the sidewalks.

It’s fun to discover some of the different traditions associated with the 12 Days of Christmas.

 

Sources

Collins, Ace. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, Zondervan, 2003.

Kennedy, Lesley. “How 25 Christmas Traditions Got Their Start,” History, 2020/11/12

https://www.history.com/news/christmas-traditions-history.

The First Christmas

by Sandra Merville Hart

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee to a virgin pledged to be married to man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Matthew 1:26-28 (NIV)

Joseph paced back and forth in his carpenter’s shop, hardly knowing what was best to do. Mary had promised herself to him … yet she had returned with child from a visit at her aunt’s home.

She had been gone three months. Did it take so little time for her to forget her promise to marry him? To be true to him?

He had no union with her. They had waited for their wedding vows. And now her betrayal tore his very heart from his chest.

Never had he considered this possibility, that his sweet Mary would return as a pregnant woman. He raked his fingers through his dark hair. How he loved her.

Did she really expect him to believe that an angel had visited her? She said the child she carried was the son of the Most High and that He was to be called Jesus. Really? They had long awaited a Savior, and to blame her indiscretion on the Lord when she had obviously fallen in love with another man was more cruel than the act itself.

Yet Joseph loved her, even though she had betrayed him. He would not bring public disgrace upon her. He’d divorce her quietly.

With a heavy heart, he lay down on his mat expecting sleep to be a long time in coming. He fell asleep and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.

“Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”*

Joseph awoke with a sense of wonder, as if a heavy burden tumbled from his back. Mary had been telling the truth … the angel confirmed it.

His head spun to marvel that he, a poor carpenter, was being entrusted to raise Jesus along with Mary. God’s own Son.

Highly favored, indeed. Just as the angel told Mary.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)

 

*Matthew 1:21b-22 (NIV)