WAIT, my One Word for 2022, again proved inspired as we WAITed for the Golden Ticket.
Filled with anticipation, my husband and I headed to Washington in June for our long aWAITed backpacking trip in North Cascades National Park……our second three-generation backcountry adventure.
View from the trail in North Cascades National Park
To obtain a coveted reservation for a remote camping site in North Cascades National Park, an entry in a lottery is required. So we WAITed until March 3 for the registration to open. Four of us signed up for a chance, then WAITed until March 18 to be notified. ONLY ONE of us had won the “Golden Ticket.” Then we WAITed until April 12 for the time window to open allowing us to choose a site.
The WAIT was worth it! We got great sites for three nights on a trail which would be just right for the different ages (5-years to 73-years-old) and abilities of our family group. Then there was the WAIT for June to start our adventure.
Backpacking in North Cascades National Park
On the trail
On the trail.
Our grandsweeties were fabulous hikers….a total of fourteen miles with more than a 1000’ elevation gain. Each grandchild carried their own pack with needed items, even the youngest carrying her water and snacks. Their parents are to be commended for hauling heavy loads with the tent, stove, water purification items, meals and other needed supplies for their family of five. When we reached each day’s campsite, everyone pitched in to set up tents.
Tents in the trees.
Our oldest granddaughter learned to light the Jetboil to heat water for dinner. Our grandson practiced wise bear-country food storage by throwing the rock bag onto a tree limb in order to hang food safely during the nights. Our youngest granddaughter pointed out wildflowers along the way.
Tiger lily .
We dined on yummy dehydrated meals. During downtime, we played a card game, Kings in the Corner, on a tree stump. During a rainy morning breakfast under a tarp, a friendly deer stopped by to visit.
A friendly breakfast visitor
The trail was beautiful, lined with tall trees and offering views of mountain peaks. We crossed many cascading creeks and were thankful for a sturdy bridge over Thunder Creek. The sounds of rushing water alternated with quiet forest sounds as we hiked along the path.
Along the forest trail, heading to one of our campsites.Crossing cascading streams.Fortunately there is a sturdy bridge over Thunder Creek. The turquoise color is because of glacier flour.
SCRIPTURE
Your love, Lord, reaches to the highest heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteous is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! ~~ Psalm 36:5-7 (NIV)
What an amazing experience we had making memories among God’s magnificent creations! Did you need to WAIT for a special activity or gathering this summer? I pray your days are filled with special treasures!
With blessings,
Sherida
*Comments are appreciated and will appear after moderation. I apologize for delays in posting.
For many years, I’ve chosen a single word….My One Word…..to use during the year. Some people look at One Word as an abbreviated resolution. Others like this as single idea to focus on. I’m a to-do list maker, so I write out my resolutions…with some success…but I love the simple concept of One Word to remind me of my focus. I do both. (I probably should use the word “simplify” some day.)
And I should clarify. I don’t choose the word. It’s given to me. Usually in early December I start to consider what word stands out in my thoughts. Then I pray about my musings. This year I struggled with God about the word He chose for me.
ME: “What? WAIT is to be my word? Did I understand You correctly? But WAIT is so passive. WAIT doesn’t move me forward. WAIT isn’t exciting.”
But then He showed me my verse. It turns out the chosen Scripture is one of my favorites.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ~~Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
WAIT is a good word for me this year.
I will be still and WAIT to hear our Savior’s voice.
I will WAIT with patience as God prepares our hearts for this year.
I will WAIT in trust as our Lord reveals his perfect plans for us.
I will WAIT without fear as He leads us through 2022.
Have you heard of One Word? Do you use the One Word concept? What is your One Word?
I pray your year is filled with blessings.
Sherida
*Comments are appreciated and will appear after moderation. I apologize for delays in posting.
Welcome to my #Teatime review of Jill Weatherholt’s latest Love Inspired romance! If you’re looking for an uplifting story to start 2022, this book is a great choice. Isn’t the cover featuring adorable triplets absolutely charming?
Searching for Home by Jill Weatherholt
ABOUT SEARCHING FOR HOME
Can three little matchmakers lasso a cowboy father?
When injured professional bull rider Luke Beckett returns to his hometown to recover, he doesn’t expect his B and B host and physical therapist to be his first and only love, Meg Brennan. He’s also unprepared for Meg’s Ada or able triplets to steal his heart. Luke’s past has him doubting he’s good enough for Meg and the children, but they might be just what the doctor ordered to help him heal…..
MY REVIEW
An absolutely enthralling story! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When you pick up Searching for Home, be prepared for a delightful romance as three adorable little matchmakers fill your heart!
“Cowboy Luke” Beckett, a successful rodeo star, returns to his home town of Whispering Slopes to recover from an injury. His physical therapist turns out to be his former girlfriend, Meg Brennan, who recently returned to town to care for her sister’s triplets and a failing bed and breakfast lodge.
With both suffering from past abandonment issues…physical and emotional….the couple truly wants to provide stability for the three hurting children. But issues of trust and understanding cloud Meg and Luke’s perceptions of their future together. With the cute encouragement of the little matchmakers, the romance slowly develops.
I always find small town stories so warm and comforting. Whispering Slopes is this kind of community. “The people in this town were like one big family. They were the most loving and caring folks she’d ever known.” Author Jill Weatherholt creates characters I want to stroll with down the charming main street, stopping at a shop for hot tea, sweet scones and a friendly chat.
And this romance!!! *sigh* Two people disillusioned about family and love, but still filled with compassion toward others who need help. Love and faith shine throughout the pages. I especially liked the ideas the little ones developed to bring the couple together. The bed and breakfast setting…and the plans involving the inn…..are charming. Then there is the PERFECT ending! Page by page, I was absolutely enthralled with this uplifting story!
Favorite quotes:
“Why don’t we just focus on having a good time today and not worry about what the future might bring?”
“Sometimes God has His own plan for our life. We might not always agree or understand, but we have to trust Him and His timing. He always knows what’s best for us.”
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m delighted to offer my honest opinion.
Now for a teatime treat. Wouldn’t triple chocolate cookies be perfect with a book featuring triplets? I’m serving mint tea or perhaps you’d prefer warm cocoa with these chocolate cookies.
Tea (or cocoa) and triple chocolate cookies!
Thank you for stopping by for this review post. I hope your Christmas was filled with joy and the New Year ahead is filled with great books!What are you most anticipating in 2022?
With prayers and blessings, Sherida
*Comments are appreciated and will appear after moderation. I apologize for delays in posting.
For all of us, 2021 has been a year of challenges and adapting to changes. My well-used and appropriate “One Word” for the year was COURAGE. And I was blessed with courage as my husband and I made many changes this year!
During this time, we happily relocated to be closer to family. This move meant downsizing our stuff, buying and selling houses, and learning about living in the desert….warmer temperatures, different plants and unusual creatures….javelinas! When December arrived, we even noted differences in holiday displays. Instead of twinkling lights wrapped around snow-covered fir trees, Santa hats sit atop cacti, and sparkling glass balls cover the tips of agave plants. These changes make me smile!
Hiking is a different experience from the mountains we’re accustomed to. You learn to walk carefully along the paths while enjoying the varieties of desert vegetation.
A desert hiking trail
TIP: Do not get close to Teddy Bear Cholla……they “jump” to attach as you pass by. The stickers hurt going in….and even more when pulled out! I learned from firsthand experience!
Up close to a Teddy Bear Cholla!
Through all the changes this year, we are abundantly grateful to live near our family. With challenges faced in 2021, we rejoice in the constant grace of our Savior. We know He is with us every step of the way!
Christmas 2021
As 2021 winds down, we can anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birthday….an event which brought great changes to the world. Now is a good time to reflect and consider our blessings. You may have conquered challenges you didn’t foresee. You may need strength to continue through difficulties. God is with us always and has planned for our success. Our Savior’s birth gives us courage and hope for the future!
I pray your Christmas is filled with the joy of Christ and you feel surrounded by His love! Happy birthday, Jesus!
With blessings and prayers,
Sherida
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.~~Psalm 31:24 (KJV)
*Comments are appreciated and will appear after moderation. I apologize for delays in posting.
A few years ago, my husband and I were traveling on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief. As the train passed through Las Vegas, New Mexico, a dilapidated building moved past the window. Only catching a fleeting glimpse, I was intrigued. What was the history of this place? Why was this impressive structure next to the railroad station? What had the building been used for? Delving into the history of this area, I was delighted to discover the Castaneda Hotel was built by the Fred Harvey Company. The famous Harvey Girls had served customers in the dining room. While looking at old photographs, my writer’s heart created the story of one young woman who worked at the Castaneda Hotel. This idea became a romantic mystery I titled Turquoise Remembrance. My story was the winner in the Tony Hillerman Mystery Short Story contest in 2011……my first contest entry and thus became my first publication in the February 2012 issue of New Mexico Magazine.
During my research, I learned the hotel was basically vacant since 1948, only occupied by a lady who continued to run a small bar from the lower level. According to the hotel website, in “2014 it was purchased by Allan Affeldt and Tina Mion, the owners of La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona. In 2018 Allan and Tina transferred title to their public-benefit 501-c3 corporation – the Winslow Arts Trust – though they remain responsible for the restoration, operation and financing.” Renovations began in January of 2018, with hotel guests welcomed in April of 2019.
MY WISH COMES TRUE!
Ever since I’d glimpsed this historic building from the train, I wished to slip back in time and spend a night in Fred Harvey’s first trackside hotel. In November of this year, my wish came true!
The entrance to the Castaneda Hotel. My story was published in the magazine I’m holding. The lobby staircase
The experience of standing on the actual staircase I included in my story was amazing! My famous actress, Sylvia Cliffton, descended these stairs while she screamed about her stolen turquoise necklace. (Note Judy Garland, who played a Harvey Girl in the movie, is nearby. I’m wearing a mask as required in public areas in New Mexico.)
The Southwest Chief stopping at the Las Vegas, New Mexico, train station.
The view from our room included the Las Vegas Amtrak station where we saw the two daily Southwest Chief trains pass by. Perfect timing!
Our room was charming with a view of the tracks below.
The Castaneda Hotel is beautifully restored. Our room, on the second floor, was a delight. Unfortunately the restaurant was temporarily closed because of the New Mexico lockdown, but someday we’ll return to have dinner in the exact room where Harvey Girls served the traveling customers.
Sitting at the small writing desk seemed the perfect place to reflect on the experience of staying at this grand hotel. Who else had gazed out this window watching the trains go by? What special moments in history had been viewed? My father passed by this exact place while traveling on a World War II troop train in the 1940’s. With the anxiety of leaving home and heading off to war, he didn’t remember much of the travel experience. He did know he had been on the tracks between Kansas and California.
It is special to know the tin ceiling and the wooden floors are original. With the Christmas decorations sparkling in the lobby and snow falling softly outside, it was a perfect time to fulfill my wish of staying at the historic Castaneda Hotel.
Thank you for joining me for my tour of the Castaneda Hotel…..and my wish come true. Have you stayed at a historic hotel?
May your celebration of our Lord’s birth be filled with faith, hope, and love……. and wishes come true! With many blessings,
Sherida
*Comments are appreciated and will appear after moderation. I apologize for delays in posting.
I’m so pleased you’ve joined me for tea, treats, and chatting about Northern Protector, the second book in the “Heroes of the Tundra” series by Laurie Wood. Especially interesting is the name of the victim in this story….Sherida Stewart! Yes, I won the opportunity to have my name used as a character in this book! Fun!
While reading Laurie’s series, I was intrigued by how the folks of Churchill adjust to living with polar bears wandering through their town. My husband and I encountered a grizzly while backpacking in the mountains of Wyoming a few years ago. Fortunately, the bear was snacking on berries, so wasn’t interested in us as we quietly backed down the trail. Since we have seen bison, elk, and moose on our hiking adventures, we do have a healthy respect for wildlife. I can’t imagine living with huge white bears walking through my neighborhood day and night. The book research Laurie did on her visit to Churchill is fascinating.
Laurie Wood standing by a polar bear displayed at the Churchill airport. (Photo courtesy of Paul Wood.)
FROM AUTHOR LAURIE WOOD
In September 2019, Sherida won my “Name the Villain or Victim” Contest and she is one of the victim’s in my new release, Northern Protector (Heroes of the Tundra Book 2). Like the rest of the series, it takes place in the actual town of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.
Churchill sits on the southern shore of Hudson Bay, on the border of the sub-arctic and arctic wilderness. The population is about 900 people and they have learned to live with the migration of polar bears through their town in the spring and fall every year.
Churchill is called “The Polar Bear Capital of the World” because Canada is home to about 15,000 polar bears. They have an extremely keen sense of smell and can detect seals a mile away and buried under three feet of sea ice and snow. Their hearing is as acute as a human’s and their eyesight is good up to distances of two miles. They are the apex predator of the arctic and have no other rival besides humans.
In the first book, Northern Deception, Constable Ben Koper is attacked and mauled by a polar bear in town during polar bear season. Northern Protector opens during the summer right after, when he’s come back to Churchill and finished his recovery. In July 2019, I went up to Churchill for a week to research the town and area to give my readers the best reading experience I could. I hope you enjoy it!
Northern Protector (Heroes of the Tundra) by Laurie Wood
ABOUT NORTHERN PROTECTOR
Constable Ben Koper is still healing from the polar bear attack that almost killed him. Nine months after it happened, he returns to Churchill, Manitoba, a changed man—scarred more than just physically. PTSD is his new shadow, haunting his every step, and he can’t seem to kick the pain meds he shouldn’t need anymore. He’s determined to prove, to himself and his colleagues, that he’s still up to his job. Failure isn’t an option.
ER nurse Joy Gallagher spent the entire last winter texting with a healing Constable Koper. What started as friendly concern from this single mother has grown into full-fledged romantic feelings, and she’s eager to level up their friendship and introduce him to the idyllic comfort of small-town life. Until a teenager is murdered at a summer party. The crime is strikingly similar to the cold case murder of Joy’s foster sister, stirring old trauma Joy has never fully dealt with.
When another victim is snatched in town, Ben and Joy must confront their own demons, and join forces to track down an elusive killer. The race to rescue the next victim before it’s too late will test Ben and Joy to their limits. Can they survive their encounter with this heinous killer, or will the past destroy them?
Laurie Wood lives in Central Canada and writes inspirational romantic suspense with an edge of danger. She’s also a military wife who’s raised two wonderful special needs children to adulthood. They’ve lived all over Canada and are still on that journey. When she’s not writing she can be found at her spinning wheel, knitting, or hanging out with her dogs in the garden. She loves to hear from readers and always replies so feel free to get in touch with her.
Laurie is having a giveaway during the launch of Northern Protector for the three ebooks in the Heroes of the Tundra series. The details can be found on her blog ……Announcing the Blog Tour for Northern Protector.
In Northern Protector, the newest book in the Heroes of the Tundra series, author Laurie Wood puts you right into the middle of the intense action. ER nurse and single mom Joy Gallagher is attracted to Ben Koper, the law officer she care for after he was severely injured during a polar bear attack. When the body of a young woman is discovered out on the tundra, they work together to find the murderer.
I enjoyed the characters, especially hero Ben as he struggles with his disfigurement and issues of PTSD. He is protective and kind, wanting the best for Joy and her little girl, Emberlyn. Though this book is a stand alone, it was fun to revisit to Churchill and the various townspeople. The beautiful epilogue is Christmas perfection!
The suspenseful writing in this romance is captivating. This book is hard to put down! Author Laurie Wood traveled to Churchill, Manitoba, for her research, and she is a former policewoman. Her background is evident in the realistic polar bear encounters and in the authentic crime scene descriptions she includes in the book. If you like suspense stories which keep you guessing, plus romantic law enforcement heroes and virtual travel locations, you definitely won’t be disappointed in Laurie Wood’s Northern Protector!
Favorite quote: “Just because we’re believers doesn’t mean we don’t suffer from the same problems as anyone else.”
*I received a copy of this book with no requirement to write a positive review. I’m offering my honest opinion.
TEA AND TREATS
Cute little visitor with White Chocolate scones!
Appropriate for the Canadian setting of this book, I’m serving White Chocolate scones with peppermint tea.
Thank you so much for joining me for tea, treats, and my review of Northern Protector. I hope you enjoyed learning about the polar bears of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada! Have you ever encountered bears in the wilderness……or visited Canada?
May your Christmas season be blessed with comfort and joy…..and no polar bears walking through your village!
With blessings and prayers,
Sherida
*Comments are appreciated and will appear after moderation. I apologize for delays in posting.
I’m delighted you’ve join me for tea and chatting about TWO books by Tina Radcliffe, one of my favorite authors. His Holiday Prayer is a December release by Harlequin’s Love Inspired contemporary romance line. Just look at the festive cover which sparkles with holiday charm! The Deeds of The Deceitful is a cozy mystery, co-authored with Ellery Adams. With our tea, I’m serving Chocolate Spice Balls, one of the recipes included with the mystery book.
His Holiday Prayer by Tina Radcliffe
MY REVIEWS
His Holiday Prayer What a sparkling Christmas romance….a “just friends” to a perfect happily-ever-after story!
Widower and father of darling twin daughters, Tucker Rainbolt has been friends with compassionate Jena Harper for a long time. They went to college together, then partnered to establish a veterinary practice in Rebel, Oklahoma. Thinking he needs a change, Tucker decides to relocate to Texas and accept a university faculty position. However, sometimes making different plans allows us to see our current situation more clearly. With Jena and Tucker, it’s fun to watch their friendship evolve through self-awareness and tender feelings, finally realizing where their hearts truly belong.
Beyond the romance, I especially loved the realistic family dynamics. Strong bonds highlight the camaraderie of family relationships….established families, beginning families, and discovered families. The Rainbolt siblings tease and joke, but unconditional love for each other provides strength through difficult times, shared joy during celebrations, and encouragement to meet the challenges of life. I’m already anticipating the next Rainbolt book featuring sister Kate!
Author Tina Radcliffe writes with humor and touches of faith as she gives readers a warm-the-heart story, filled with Christmas delights (Jingle Paws fundraiser!) and festive treats (pumpkin roll, cherry tarts, peppermint bark, anyone?). If you want to read a feel-good holiday romance, I highly recommend His Holiday Prayer!
Favorite quotes: “We accept His forgiveness and move on. Isn’t God’s grace sufficient? He forgave you. When are you going to forgive yourself?”
“We all need a Mrs. Stewart in our life.” 🙂
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m pleased to offer my honest opinion.
The Deeds of The Deceitful by Ellery Adams and Tina Radcliffe
The Deeds of The Deceitful An engaging cozy mystery!
Deeds of the Deceitful is such fun to read. Not only is there an intriguing crime to solve, but there is a hint of romance and a virtual trip to the charming Atwood Inn near Richmond, Virginia.
I completely enjoyed the assortment of amateur sleuths who meet as the Sunrise Bible Study group, but also get involved in solving local mysteries. With a suspicious death, a missing painting, and a cast of possible suspects, I was fascinated with trying to figure out this “who done it.” Since I’m a foodie, the details involving a couple of chefs and a baker….plus all the goodies from Magnolia’s Marvels….were a delight. (Recipes included!)
This is the first time I’ve read a selection from the Hope Street Church Mysteries series, so I can definitely say this book is a stand alone…and I want to read the others. With great details and an interesting investigation, I highly recommend Deeds of the Deceitful to all cozy mystery genre enthusiasts!
Favorite quotes: “This is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle when the dog ate a few pieces.” “My grandmother always says that the only thing bigger than our problems is the Lord.”
Christmas tea with Chocolate Spice Balls
TEA AND TREATS
This time of year, it’s fun to being out my Christmas dinnerware, given to me many years ago by a dear friend. I’m serving Chocolate Spice Balls with your choice of Constant Comment tea or a peppermint herbal blend, both varieties go well with the cookies. The recipe is included at the end of The Deeds of The Deceitful.
ABOUT TINA RADCLIFFE
Tina Radcliffe has been dreaming and scribbling for years. Originally from Western NY, she left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her past careers include Certified Oncology R.N. and library cataloger.
Tina is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist and a four-time Carol Award finalist and three-time ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist. A 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner and a 2018 ACFW Mentor of the Year winner, Tina is also on the RWA and ACFW Honor Roll of Best-Selling Authors. In 2019 she won the Holt Medallion for Christmas with the Cowboy. A short story writer, she has sold over three dozen short stories to Woman’s World Magazine.
You can sign up for Tina’s newsletter and learn more about her books at http://www.tinaradcliffe.com (And she posts recipes on her blog!)
I’m delighted to share this review of my friend’s newest Love Inspired Suspense book. Sharee Stover has written another thrilling and romantic story! Please join me for tea and raspberry kolaches as we discuss this fascinating book.
Treats: raspberry kolaches as featured in Grave Christmas Secrets
MY REVIEW
Page-turning excitement! I suggest you read Grave Christmas Secrets with bright lights turned on!
Author Sharee Stover has written another amazing romantic suspense! The pages fly, the excitement builds, and the romance entices. The heart-hammering action starts right at the beginning…..and DOES NOT STOP until the end!
Right from the opening scene, forensic anthropologist Dr. Taya McGill’s life is threatened. She’s alone at a remote site when she uncovers evidence of a crime. Undercover ATF agent Keegan Stryker is trying to hide his identity from ruthless criminals, but feels compelled to help this intriguing woman escape from these desperate killers.
I liked the intensifying chase scenes, the escalating danger, and the constant threats hidden everywhere. Those surprising moments gave me chills. Trying to figure out the true villains kept me guessing. And Keegan! What a hero! A brave, compassionate man who is called to protect others. Sigh
Did I mention I’m now hungry for kolaches? Raspberry, anyone? Every story needs a good bakery. 🙂
Author Sharee Stover is a favorite author. I’m delighted she has written another thrilling romantic suspense. If you like non-stop action with sweet falling-in-love moments, you won’t be disappointed in Grave Christmas Secrets…..a heart-pounding, exciting novel!
Favorite quote: “Your comment coincides with something I recently read in my Bible study about thinking on good, worthy things.” “Philippians 4:8?”
*I received a copy of this book with no requirement to write a positive review. I’m offering my honest opinion.
TEA AND TREATS
Sharee recently mentioned she likes to include food items in her writings. In this story, the Taya and Keegan visit a small bakery and sample raspberry and prune kolaches. Well, of course I developed a craving for these treats. Most recipes are based on a yeast dough, but I found this very easy version with the pastry made from cream cheese, butter, and flour. I hope you enjoy this simple delight as much as Keegan and Taya did in the story. And wouldn’t these be pretty for Christmas?
Easy Jam Kolaches
Hers is a recipe for kolaches…..easy and a variety of jams can be used.
Colorado native, Sharee Stover, lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and a ridiculously spoiled dog. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to ignite, transform, and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. Sharee is a three-time Daphne du Maurier finalist, winner of the 2017 Wisconsin Fabulous Five Silver Quill Award, and winner of the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards for Best First Book. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd. Visit her at www.shareestover.com. You can sign up for her newsletter and order all her books from her website.
BIBLE VERSE
For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.
~~2 Samuel 22:29
Grave Christmas Secrets by Sharee Stover
Thank you for joining me for tea, treats, and my review. May your November be filled withgratitude.
With blessings and prayers,
Sherida
*Comments are appreciated and will appear after moderation. I apologize for delays in posting.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~~John 3:16 (KJV)
Sherida Stewart 