inspirational – Page 7 – Sherida Stewart

#TUESDAYTEA with CROSSROADS author Cathy Bryant–devotional message and giveaway!

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

1 Peter 3:15 KJV

I’m delighted to welcome contemporary Christian romance author Cathy Bryant to our tea time today. Cathy has written a devotional message titled “Does God Really Exist?” to help us be ready to share God’s message with unbelievers and answer their hard questions. She also has some details about her newest book, CROSSROADS, her upcoming Facebook party, and a recipe for crab dip. Please see the link below to RSVP for the Facebook party and join in the fun. Cathy is also offering an ebook copy of CROSSROADS. Please see the Rafflecopter entry form below.

DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE BY CROSSROADS AUTHOR CATHY BRYANT

Does God Really Exist?

Every one of the Miller’s Creek novels (Christian romance and romantic suspense) took root in my head because of a spiritual theme. The latest book CROSSROADS took on even more importance because of its theme of winning back those who have defected from the faith.

We all know someone–maybe a friend, co-worker, or even a family member–who has turned away from the faith in Christ they once professed.

During the course of the story, I tried to examine their objections to the faith as well as the tough questions we’re often asked by unbelievers. This devotional guest post attempts to answer one of the most frequent questions: Does God really exist?

Not at all for the sake of argument, I hope instead that my research on this topic provides each of us with answers we need to “…make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15).

Proof of God – Man’s Innate Moral Code

Within each of us is a universal moral code that exists despite differences in culture, socioeconomic status, and upbringing.

Think about it for a second. Every person, regardless of whether they are ‘good’ or ‘bad’ or where or how they grew up, have a sense of right and wrong behavior. Though we don’t always live by this unwritten code of ethics, we can attest to it. We all have a sense of fairness or justice that’s somehow embedded deep within us.

So where does this ethical or moral code come from? Does it originate with man? Hardly.

The very fact that men are incapable of keeping this code proves that it originates outside of us. Therefore it can only be assumed that Someone or Something bigger than us created the code or at least created us with the code buried deep within the fiber of our being.

To me, this is evidence exhibit number one in the case for God’s existence and superiority to mankind.

Proof of God – Creation

Another proof lies in Creation itself. And no surprise, but this very point is illustrated and confirmed in God’s Word.

The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. -Psalm 19:1-4 (NASB)

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. -Romans 1:20 (NASB)

Notice that the heavens are continuing to express God’s glory and His role as Creator. And across the globe and around the planet, all men have seen it. This leaves us all without excuse.

Proof of God – Arguments and Answers

There will be those who take the position of the big bang theory and evolution as a way of denying God. My answer to either of those theories is that it takes a lot more faith to believe either one than it does to believe in the existence of God. In addition, if they’re right and I’m wrong, then I’m no worse off. However, if I’m right and they’re wrong, for them it means a life of eternal separation from the presence and power of God.

And as stated above, our evidence for God’s existence is two-fold: the moral code within each man and the glory of God’s created universe. May we equip ourselves with this Truth so we might better answer those who have tough questions.

Thank you, Cathy, for sharing your thoughts with us!

About the Book

CROSSROADS-a Miller’s Creek novel and Christian contemporary romance

A former soldier battles for the soul of a prodigal…

After a devastating divorce, a bitter single mom and atheist starts her own real estate company in the nostalgic and picturesque town of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then her young daughter’s disturbing symptoms lead doctors to discover that her leukemia has relapsed. With her new life now turned upside down, Mara Hedwig struggles to keep her business afloat. And her daughter’s worsening condition forces her to rethink her beliefs about Carter Callahan and his God. Will Mara make the return to Christian faith in the face of life’s greatest challenge?

An ex-military operative struggles with the return to civilian life while coping with his rebellious teen-aged daughter. During a house-search, Carter meets Mara, a headstrong Realtor who wants nothing to do with his God. But when Mara’s little girl is diagnosed with leukemia, the clock begins ticking for him to convince Mara to return to a life of faith. Just as he seems to be making headway, circumstances beyond his control throw his efforts into a tailspin. Can Carter learn to rest in the sovereignty of God?

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CROSSROADS Facebook Launch Party & Kindle Fire HD6 Giveaway!

YOU’RE INVITED!

What: CROSSROADS Book Launch Party

Where: Facebook (from the comfort & convenience of your own home)

When: April 30, 2015 ~ 7:00-8:30 p.m. (Central time)

Why: To celebrate the book launch of CROSSROADS (a Miller’s Creek novel and Christian Romance by Cathy Bryant)

LOTS of Fun, Games and Prizes!

Prizes Include: Miller’s Creek pens, tote bags, t-shirts, mugs, digital books, autographed print books, Amazon gift cards, and

an Amazon Kindle Fire HD6!

Click here to RSVP and enter the Kindle Fire drawing.

==========================================================================

About Cathy Bryant

Amazon best-selling author Cathy Bryant writes Christian fiction set in the heart of Texas. Her popular romance and romantic suspense novels take place in the fictional town of Miller’s Creek, where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth’s front porch beckons. All the Miller’s Creek novels have been on the Amazon Best-Seller list and are rated at 4.5 stars or higher on Amazon. Her debut novel, TEXAS ROADS, was a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist. Since then five other stand-alone novels have been added to the series, one of which was a reader-nominated 2013 Grace Award nominee (PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE). Readers have compared her work to that of Karen Kingsbury and Nicholas Sparks. A native Texan, Cathy currently resides in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico with her minister husband of over thirty years. She’s written devotions for The Upper Room devotional magazine, two devotional books in collaboration with other Christian authors, and for online sites. She also has released a Bible study book, THE FRAGRANCE OF CRUSHED VIOLETS. In addition to her writing, she enjoys thrift store shopping, romping in the great outdoors, and mini-farming. To learn more about Cathy and her books, visit her website at http://www.CatBryant.com or make contact with her in these places:

TEA TREAT RECIPE

For our tea treat, I’m serving a recipe Cathy shares with us…..Carter’s Crab Dip, which was inspired by the brawny soldier-turned-policeman and hero of CROSSROADS. He uncovers the heroine’s penchant for seafood and creates this special seafood dip for a picnic lunch the two share. Please have a cup of lemon tea, which goes wonderfully well with the crab tea sandwiches.

INGREDIENTS:

1 8-oz. cream cheese and 1 3-oz. cream cheese, softened

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 T. lemon juice

2 T. mayonnaise

1/2 small finely chopped white onion

1 7-oz. can of crab meat

garlic powder and salt to taste

1/2 bottle of cocktail sauce on top (can substitute Tabasco sauce if you want the heat)

fresh or dried parsley

cocktail crackers

DIRECTIONS:

1. Blend the first seven ingredients together well, and spread on a serving dish.

2. Spread the cocktail sauce on top as a sort of icing.

3. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley.

4. Chill in the refrigerator, and serve with cocktail crackers.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY-

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I hope you enjoyed #TUESDAYTEA with Cathy Bryant! Please join in the fun of her CROSSROADS Facebook party on April 30.

#TUESDAYTEA for Christmas with reviews of some Christmas e-novellas

Please join me for a Christmas tea as I serve Biscochitos with our tea. I’ve decorated our party with this year’s addition to our nativity collection, a gift from my husband. And we’ll chat about a few e-book Christmas novellas–which make quick gifts, if you need a few more ideas. Let’s celebrate!

And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 KJV

Nativities are a passion of mine. Some sets I display throughout the year, but others come out for the Christmas season. This year we added this special treasure made by a Jemez Pueblo artist. A deer is included among the gathered animals since deer are an important animal to the pueblo. Rather than the traditional gifts, the wise men bring corn, a blanket, and a drum.

Biscochitos are the state cookie of New Mexico, traditionally served at Christmas. There are many different recipes for this cookie, which also is made in a variety of shapes. This is my mother-in-law’s recipe. She always made these for our Christmas festivities. They make lovely tea cookies.

Biscochitos Recipe

1/2 cup shortening

2/3 cup sugar

1-1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

1 tbsp orange juice

Cinnamon-sugar mix

Cream sugar and shortening.

Add flour, anise seed, baking powder, and salt.

Combine egg and orange juice, then beat into creamed mixture to make a moist dough.

Form dough into a long roll, about 1-1/4 inch in diameter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm.

Remove from the refrigerator and slice cookies 1/4 inch thick.

Sprinkle one side with cinnamon-sugar mixture, then place on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 12 minutes until lightly browned.

If you’re looking for a last minute e-gift book, I’d recommend some of the faith-filled Christmas novellas available.

The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman

The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a delightful Christmas story!

This historical romance set in 1887 in Sipsey Creek, Mississippi, is filled with sweet love.

I liked the enthusiastic school teacher, Annabelle Denson, who is determined to fulfill her dream of a white Christmas by traveling over her holiday to visit her cousin in Chicago, Illinois.

Sawmill owner, Samuel Frazier, is my kind of hero, with his gentleness, quiet manner, and sincere desire to make Annabelle happy.

Lovely surprises and touches of a country Christmas make this novella a charming story—a perfect story to feel the warmth of Christmas love!

View all my reviews

There are twelve books in this collection of Christmas Bride novellas, each sold separately for 99 cents.

Hope for the Holidays-both the contemporary and historical collections by best-selling inspirational authors would be good ideas for e-stocking stuffers.

Hope for the Holiday Contemporary Collection by Mary Connealy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a collection of great authors!

I’ve just finished I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, and I smiled through the whole story. Author Tina Radcliffe has a gift for creating heart-touching characters through sparkling dialogue. Matt and Patience discover true understanding of perfect love as they move towards their Happily Ever After. The romantic tension, the interesting plot, and the touches of Christmas make this a great feel-good romance.

I’m excited to read all the other stories in this contemporary collection, as well as the stories in the historical collection, because these are all FAVORITE authors. The HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS collections are just right for enjoying the sparkling spirit of Christmas!

View all my reviews

Thank you for joining me for a Christmas TUESDAY TEA! I wish you a treasured Christmas filled with the blessings of hope, faith, and love!

#TUESDAYTEA: Review of SNOWFLAKE TIARA

Welcome!

Please join me for a #TUESDAYTEA review of Snowflake Tiara, a two-novella collection of inspirational romance by Angela Breidenbach and Valerie Comer. Since Valerie’s book features farm-fresh foods, I’m serving Christmas mini-quiches made with organic sun-dried tomatoes and locally sourced Animas River green chilies. (My recipe is below.) I’ll pour you a cup of Ginger-Cinnamon tea while we discuss Snowflake Tiara, with its two stories-The Debutante Queen by Angela and More Than a Tiara by Valerie.

Christmas mini-quiches (green chile and dried tomato)

About Snowflake Tiara

The Debutante Queen by Angela Breidenbach–1889 (Helena, MT)

Calista Blythe enters the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana statehood to expose the plight of street urchins. But if her hidden indentured orphan is discovered, Calista’s reputation and her budding romance with pageant organizer, Albert Shanahan, could both unravel. Will love or law prevail?

More Than a Tiara by Valerie Comer–2014 (Helena, MT)

Marisa Hiller’s interest in competing in Miss Snowflake Pageant for the city of Helen’s 150th anniversary is at zip zero zilch when she discovers the official photographer is Jase Mackie. Can Jase make amends for past mistakes and offer her, not only a tiara, but a partner in her crusade to help needy children and families?

My review

Snowflake Tiara by Angela Breidenbach

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A glittering duet of holiday romance—set 125 years apart!

Angela Breidenbach and Valerie Comer have paired together to create two different Christmas stories. Both share the setting of Helena, Montana, but Debutante Queen is historical and More Than a Tiara is contemporary. Both involve competing in pageants and providing for needy children. I enjoyed the description of life in historical Helena and the charming first Miss Snowflake Pageant details, as Calista and Albert fall in love. In the contemporary, I liked the way the relationship between Marisa and Jase was repaired and then strengthened.

The caring spirit and warm love shining from both stories, makes the sparkle of Snowflake Tiara glow! 🙂 I recommend this book to those who want to read two delightful Christmas romances.

View all my reviews

…

Recipe: Christmas Mini-Quiches

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Using premade pie crust, cut circles of pastry to place in tart pans or the bottom of muffin tins.

In each tart, put in a tablespoon of grated cheese (Swiss or other white cheese).

Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped green chiles in each tart.

Mix 1 cup of whipping cream with 4 egg yolks. Season with salt and pepper.

Slowly pour spoonfuls of this mixture into the tarts until filled.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes until lightly browned.

Since Angela’s The Debutante Queen features a gingerbread village, I’ll share you with these sweet gingerbread houses.

Thank you for joining me for #TUESDAYTEA! I wish you a sparkling Christmas season filled with God’s treasured blessings of hope, peace, and forgiveness!

And the Angel said unto them, “Fear not : For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 KJ

TUESDAY TEA: A CUP OF GRATEFULNESS and a review of HOLIDAY DEFENDERS!

For this Veterans Day TUESDAY TEA post, I’d like to salute our veterans and all our military members (and their families) with a cup of gratefulness! We are thankful for their sacrifices which have preserved our freedoms. As a country, we have the freedom to hear and accept these words:

“For everyone who asks receives;

he who seeks finds;

and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Matthew 7:8 NIV

Veterans Day is a perfect time to review Holiday Defenders, a collection of three inspirational romance suspense stories featuring military heroes and touched with Christmas warmth.

….

$Holiday Defenders: Mission: Christmas Rescue\Special Ops Christmas\Homefront Holiday Hero$ Holiday Defenders: Mission: Christmas Rescue\Special Ops Christmas\Homefront Holiday Hero by Debby Giusti

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A TRIO OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS

What a Christmas treat-a trio of novellas filled with surprises and holiday romance!

The three stories in Holiday Defenders are exciting suspense-filled romances with touches of Christmas warmth.

Mission: Christmas Rescue, by Debby Giusti, has plenty of page-turning action as an intriguing mystery must be solved in order for soldier Nick Fontaine to protect his former girlfriend, teacher Liz Tate. Criminals who have abducted her brother are also after Liz and the children she is charged to keep safe. Filled with continuous excitement, the story ends with a charming Christmas tradition. A heart-touching romance by one of my favorite authors!

Special Ops Christmas, by Susan Sleeman, is set in Florida where there are harrowing attempts on scientist Claire Reed’s life. Green Beret Travis Chapman must keep her safe, even though this is difficult because of their past relationship. I was kept guessing about the attacker’s identity. Touches of holiday spirit are sprinkled throughout the story.

Homefront Holiday Hero, by Jodie Bailey, finds Kelly Walters busy with Christmas preparations for military families. Soldier Tyler Rainey is determined to find out who is behind the attacks on Kelly. There are unforeseen twists in his investigation as he finds himself attracted to Kelly.

Thank you Debby Giusti, Susan Sleeman, and Jodie Bailey, for your faith-touched stories, each a gift of exciting suspense with touches of Christmas warmth and holiday love. I read these with deepening appreciation for the holiday and year-round sacrifices of our military families. Holiday Defenders would be a perfect Christmas present to give this year!

View all my reviews

God bless all who give to our country through their service and sacrifice. Thank you!

SIP OF TEA-Review of Running on Empty by Ruth Logan Herne

Author Ruth Logan Herne presents a difficult subject in her book Running on Empty. She develops this romance story with compassion and offers loving hope.

Running on Empty by Ruth Logan Herne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heart-touching story of compassion and hope!

Ruth Logan Herne has written a compassionate story about the very serious subject of pedophile crimes. I felt this was a realistic depiction of how a young girl would react after suffering this type of abuse, both physical and mental…..with confusion and the inability to ask for help.

Anne was abused by her running coach when she was thirteen years old. She was conflicted about the situation and was not able tell her family what happened to her. This hidden trauma caused problems in her later life.

The story develops as Anne returns to Forest Hills many years later to care for her mother. Joe, the husband she abandoned when she ran away from her past, is now the chief of police of the small town. Joe must deal with his feelings of pride and rejection. Anne must face her fears of her former coach and of the reaction of the community to her revelation of the truth. The romance between Joe and Anne involves working through past wounds towards forgiveness. Their relationship offers hope through love and forgiveness.

This story reminds us to be alert for symptoms of abuse when watching our children. Running on Empty is a heart-touching, believable story, filled with true compassion by author Ruth Logan Herne.

View all my reviews

TUESDAY TEA: a sip of tea while talking about THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE by Lena Goldfinch!

Welcome to TUESDAY TEA! Today I’m talking about The Unexpected Bride, a new book by Lena Goldfinch. Since the touch of cool weather is in the air, I’m serving Autumn Oolong tea for your sipping pleasure today. Enjoy a cup as you read an excerpt below of this sweet historical romance….and gaze at this beautiful “feels-like-fall” cover! Don’t miss the giveaway at the bottom of this post.

About the Book

What’s a man to do when his father orders him a bride?

Rebecca Sullivan has been “Becky” all her life, a real hoyden. Her childhood sweetheart taught her to ride bareback and shoot a rifle, but then he chose a “perfect lady” for a wife—a real Southern belle, who’s now expecting a baby. Heartbroken, Becky signs up to be a mail-order bride to a Seattle man, sight unseen. She resolves to squelch her hoydenish ways and become a “perfect lady” for her future husband.

If logging-operation owner Isaac Jessup had wanted a bride, he’d have chosen a sturdy frontier woman, not some fragile lady from back East. Ready to explain the mistake, honorable Isaac takes one look into Rebecca’s vulnerable eyes…and knows he’ll marry her, even though this delicate waif is obviously unsuited for wild Seattle.

Could an unexpected marriage be a match made in heaven?

Book One in The Brides Series Sweet Historical Western Romance / A Mail-Order Bride Novel

Release Date: October 6th, 2014

Available for pre-order in ebook format:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

Author Bio

LENA GOLDFINCH writes romance and fantasy for adults and teens. She’s a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she’s writing historicals or something light and contemporary. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. Visit Lena at www.LenaGoldfinch.blogspot.com.

Excerpt

The lean-to was chilly and not for the first time, Isaac considered boarding it up proper and calling it a barn. He sat on the stool and began milking the goat, all the while mentally preparing for the worship service they planned to go to later that morning. The Scriptures he’d read first thing that morning were fresh in his mind, and his prayers kept returning to the problem of Rebecca. One inner voice urged him to send her back home, but another voice spoke of commitment. He’d said vows before God to love and keep her till death do them part. Those weren’t words he was willing to dismiss lightly.

“What’s her name?” Her voice was suddenly in his ear, quite close.

Isaac jumped. The goat bleated at him.

“Sorry, girl.” He patted her side and resumed milking her with slow, careful hands. He glanced over his shoulder toward the subject of his thoughts.

Rebecca stood watching him, leaning over the rail and peering in at them with curious eyes. He was surprised to see her out this early. She usually left him to his morning chores, and most times he’d get back inside the cabin and find her already up preparing breakfast.

“What’s her name?” she repeated.

“Name? The goat?” He looked at the goat dumbly. It was a goat. He’d never gotten much further than that. She gave them a daily supply of milk, but other than that she was generally a nuisance. She liked to butt down the stall door. And whenever she got loose, she’d eat what few vegetables he was able to grow in the summer. She also liked to nip at his shirts and underthings when he hung them out on the line–if he was lucky. Most times she’d tug the whole line down and drag it through the mud.

“Yes, the goat,” Rebecca said, a pleasant-sounding smile in her voice. “Don’t tell me she hasn’t got a name?”

There was something nice about hearing a woman’s voice in the morning. It reminded him a little of when he was young, and his mother had chatted with him in soft tones while they ate breakfast. As if speaking too loud would jar them too quickly out of whatever dreams they’d had the night before.

Rebecca’s soft voice put him much in mind of those times.

“All right. I won’t.” Isaac focused on his milking.

“She doesn’t have a name?” Rebecca pressed. “How can you have an animal that doesn’t have a name?”

“Never gave it much thought. She’s good for milk, but other than that she’s nothing but trouble, always munching on the laundry.”

“Well, then I think your choice is clear. Either you call her Milky or you call her Trouble.” Her teasing tone brought a reluctant smile to his lips.

“Well, then, if I have to choose, then I guess she’s Trouble.”

The real Trouble was standing behind him, her elbow propped against the top of the rail, her chin cupped in one dainty hand.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Celebrate the upcoming release of Lena Goldfinch’s new historical romance with this sweet giveaway! One winner will receive a book locket necklace from the Lily Pickford Etsy shop, as well as a paperback copy of The Unexpected Bride. Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

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//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.jsPlease have another cup of Autumn Oolong tea from The New Mexico Tea Company before you leave…..a lovely blend for a fall day. Thanks for joining me for a sip of tea!

TUESDAY TEA-Reviewing STRANDED WITH THE RANCHER by Tina Radcliffe

I just finished reading Stranded with the Rancher by Tina Radcliffe and wanted to share my review with you. Yes, a perfect inspirational romance! While reading this book you can feel the Colorado snow and the warmth of the small town community of Paradise, Colorado!

Be sure to take a few oatmeal cinnamon raisin cookies from Patti Jo’s Café and Bakery! Mmmmm! I’m serving Colorado-based Celestial Seasonings’ Country Peach Passion Tea. Appropriate! 🙂

Here is a picture I took of the Colorado mountains covered with SNOW!

The cover blurb from Stranded with the Rancher:

THE DOCTOR AND THE COWBOY

Stranded at single father Dan Gallagher’s ranch during a Colorado Blizzard, Dr. Beth Rogers is counting the days till the roads are clear. She can’t wait to leave for her new life in New York. But suddenly the big-city doctor is delivering babies in log cabins, helping to fee newborn calves and teaching Dan’s little girl to play hymns on the piano. No-nonsense Beth even throws a snowball or two at the handsome, love-sky cowboy. She thought she had her heart set on leaving, so why does she dream of Dan asking her to stay forever?

Stranded with the Rancher by Tina Radcliffe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A perfect inspirational romance story!
Paradise, Colorado, is a place I like to visit….a charming little community filled with heart-warming folks I like getting acquainted with through their stories of faith and love. Hero Dan and heroine Beth are both strong, self-sacrificing people who each have trust issues. The development of their attraction felt so real as they learned how to trust their feelings, trust God, and make second chances possible. All the entertaining secondary characters touch the book with humor and smiles. Author Radcliffe infuses her writing with just the right amount of detail so that you feel like you are stranded in a Colorado blizzard or sitting in the popular town café munching on an oatmeal cinnamon raisin cookie. My favorite quote: “This has all the earmarks of being a God thing.” Yes, perfect!

View all my reviews

Tina Radcliffe is a finalist for the 2014 ACFW Carol award for her romance Mending the Doctor’s Heart. Your can reach her at www.TinaRadcilffe.com or www.Seekerville.net.

Thank you for joining me for TUESDAY TEA. Please have another cup of tea before you go. And maybe a couple of salted caramels…Dan’s favorite candy!

Celestial Seasonings-Country Peach Passion Tea

TUESDAY TEA-just a sip of tea…..

Just a quick sip of tea…..

to announce that ANNA is the winner of The Warrior’s Vow by Christina Rich!

Thanks to all participated, and a BIG thank you to Christina for providing a copy of her book!

TUESDAY TEA-The Warrior’s Vow by Christina Rich with a giveaway!

Please join me in my garden to discuss The Warrior’s Vow by Christina Rich. I’m serving Raisin Cake and your choice of chamomile or mint tea. Christina has generously offered to giveaway one copy of The Warrior’s Vow to one commenter! Please see the information about the giveaway at the end of this post. The cover is absolutely stunning!

The Warrior's Vow by Christina Rich. Please enjoy some Raisin Cake! — The Warrior’s Vow by Christina Rich. Please enjoy some Raisin Cake!

About The Warrior’s Vow:

He Was Hers to Command

Swept away from her home and into the desert, Abigail is as much a prisoner as she is a princess. A ruthlessly ambitious captain of the palace guard intends to force her into marriage and rule Judah through her. Yet the badly beaten soldier Abigail rescues offers another choice—if she dares trust him.

She is royalty, yet Jesse is surprised by the gentle compassion Abigail shows him as he heals. In return, he will help her escape to Jerusalem, protecting her life with his own. But Abigail’s rank and Jesse’s deadly past makes any future impossible, unless forgiveness forged by love can triumph over all.

MY THOUGHTS:

What an enjoyable book! It was interesting to see these delightful characters develop in their journeys toward truth and understanding.

Though romance is my favorite genre, this is the first time I’ve read a romance novel set during the historical times of the Bible. The Warrior’s Vow, by Christina Rich, brought the people of that period alive for me. It is interesting to get a sense of life during those times through the well-chosen words used by the author.

This is a well-developed story, emphasizing that the choices people make defines their characters. I enjoyed the progression of Abigail’s evolving strength, belief in God, and commitment to Jesse. Jesse is such an honorable man…my kind of hero. A great story!

After reading this book, sunrises will be even more meaningful to me. I’ll definitely be reading more books by Christina Rich. Her debut novel, The Guardian’s Promise, is on my to-be-read stack, and I will be reading it soon! I don’t think this reverse order will detracted from the stories, though characters from the first book are mentioned in the second.

My favorite quote from The Warrior’s Vow: “I cannot see the plans God has for me. All I can do is seek His guidance and trust that He is faithful in all things.”

A link to The Warrior’s Vow on Amazon

*The author generously gave me a copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.

Now for the recipe……I did top the cake with a cream cheese frosting (mixed with a touch of honey, because that seemed fitting with Biblical foods). I put the walnuts on top rather than mixing them in with the batter. Click below to see the recipe.

Raisin Cake

My husband is great help with finding recipes for me. He is my taste tester, and he gives this cake a “thumbs up.” He found this recipe at www.cookingwiththeBible.com, a site that has many interesting recipes and information about foods mentioned in the Bible. Though I picture the Raisin Cake mentioned many times in the Bible to be raisins pressed together to allow for storage, this Raisin Cake from Cooking With The Bible seems more appropriate for serving at our tea celebration.

THANK YOU for celebrating Christina Rich’s newest novel, The Warrior’s Vow, with me today on #TUESDAYTEA! Hope you try both the book and the Raisin Cake!

GIVEAWAY: To enter this giveaway for one copy of The Warrior’s Vow, please include your email address in your comment so that I can contact you about where to send the book if your name is drawn. The winning name will be drawn from the submitted names from a tea cup. The giveaway is open from July 8, 2014, until midnight on Sunday, July 13, 2014. Please check the Legal Page of this blog for the legal requirements.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, CHRISTINA! You can read more about Christina on her blog/website.
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TUESDAY TEA-Love’s Promises with Sandra Leesmith and hiking near Lake Tahoe…

Usually when I invite you to have TUESDAY TEA with me, we’ll share a pot of tea and a tea time treat. Today our treat is a bit different. I’ll explain. After attending the sunrise service at our church on Easter Sunday, my husband and I went hiking in the desert to refresh in God’s amazing creation of wilderness. The area of our hike, shown below, seems like an interesting contrast to the setting of the book I’m featuring today on TUESDAY TEA, Sandra Leesmith’s LOVE’S PROMISES. Sandra’s novel is filled with scenic mountains, sparkling water, glistening snow, and the scent of Ponderosa pine forests. Beautiful Lake Tahoe is where this love story unfolds as Monica and Greg experience the outdoor adventures the Lake Tahoe area offers. Therefore, I’m serving trail food, water and energy bars, as Sandra discusses the active environment of her inspirational romance, Love’s Promises. Please be sure to enter the giveaway (at the bottom of this post), featuring Lake Tahoe and Sandra’s favorite coffee.

Tuesday Tea-Hiking! — Tuesday Tea-Hiking-This isn’t Lake Tahoe!

First, enjoy the beautiful cover of this book! When Sandra revealed the cover a few weeks ago, I was thrilled to learn there was a tea house on tiny Fannette Island, or as the locals call it, the Tea House Island. You can see the island on the cover. However, the Tea House is not a place to drop in for afternoon tea, as Sandra will explain below.

Love's Promises by Sandra Leesmith — Love’s Promises by Sandra Leesmith

About the Book:

For Monica Scott, building her late father’s house at Lake Tahoe isn’t an option—it’s a necessary distraction from confusing memories and an uncertain future. But a handsome planner working for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is keeping Monica from moving forward with the project. Never mind that he’s young and charming with a great sense of humor. No one is going to stop Monica from making her father’s dream—and her own—a reality. All Greg Linsey wants is for his work to mean something. His job at TRPA gives him the opportunity to fight for the environment he loves and make a difference in his small corner of the world. But with the sophisticated Monica Scott’s arrival, his dedication is tested as never before, especially when Monica turns to his unscrupulous nemesis for assistance. As Greg and Monica’s animosity turns into something far sweeter, can they learn to accept each other’s promises and avoid the growing danger to their lives and hearts?

Purchase the Kindle ebook on Amazon

Paperback coming soon!

Now to chat with Sandra about the beautiful Lake Tahoe setting of Love’s Promises!

SHERIDA: What glimmer of an idea started your thoughts for Love’s Promises?

SANDRA: Two glimmers happened for me. My husband and I bought a house at Lake Tahoe, and it needed a lot of work done on it. The work needed permits, and that is when we ran into the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. My husband is a biologist and we both have deep concern and love of nature, so we were very impressed with the Agency’s plan to protect the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe in spite of the extensive use. The research was very rewarding.

The other thing that happened at that time is that I was involved in a class for women offered at church that pointed out God’s plan for women and their role as godly wives. Becoming an adult in the era when women’s lib started, I thought the precepts presented in my Bible class were refreshing, and I wanted to show those in my writing as well.

SHERIDA: Both of your inspirational experiences are developed so well in the book, the concern of preserving natural beauty and the reflections on God’s plan for being a wife.

As I mentioned, I love tea houses, but the Tea House mentioned in your book is not what I was thinking it would be. Please tell us a bit about the Tea House you describe in Love’s Promises.

SANDRA: No, the tea house located on Fannette Island in Emerald Bay is very unconventional, isn’t it? It was built by Lora Josephine Knight, who purchased the property on shore and the island in 1928 and built the house and teahouse according to Scandinavian architecture. She would take her lady friends out to the island for tea. The small structure included a fireplace and a table and chairs. I think she built it to protect them from the wind and cold that can come up while on the lake.

SHERIDA: I do hope to visit this tea house! My husband and I love travel. We have plans to see Lake Tahoe this summer for the first time. What would you suggest to add sparkle to our visit? (We like camping, hiking, and food. Any place for tea or coffee you enjoy?)

SANDRA: My recommendation would be to go to the tourist information centers. They are located in the major towns and also in the state parks and national monuments. You need to make reservations early as they book up fast for camping. Any of the campgrounds are fabulous. Take your bicycles, as you can ride to interesting places from all of the campgrounds. Hiking trails abound in the forest around the lake. There is also access to the Desolation Wilderness Area on the west side of the lake.

Every town has fabulous restaurants for coffee and tea. Just ask the campground hosts where you camp. I particularly love to have coffee on the deck at Sunnyside along the west shore. (Here is their website: http://www.sunnysidetahoe.com) Btw, they received a “best ambiance” award in 2014.

SHERIDA: Thank you for your trip-planning suggestions, Sandra. And thank you for your blog tour events and the giveaway featuring Lake Tahoe. I love Love’s Promises!

SANDRA: Thank you, Sherida. I am looking forward to the blog tour. I am delighted that you love the book.

Follow the Love’s Promises blog tour set up by Amber Stokes by clicking on the pretty button below. Visit with the other bloggers who present fun information about LOVE’S PROMISES!

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT LOVE’S PROMISES:

This is a story about Monica Scott’s determination to build a house, designed by her father, on an environmental sensitive plot of land in the Tahoe Basin area of California in the 1980’s. Her plans are thwarted by Greg Linsey, an agent with the organization charged with protecting the quality of life in the area. Well-motivated characters and the different ways love is expressed, fill this story with thoughtful inspiration. I enjoyed the sense of hiking and exploring the beautiful scenery of Lake Tahoe, so lovingly described by Sandra Leesmith.

Favorite quotes:

A slight breeze rushed through the trees. The cool air refreshed his exerted body. Birds sang. Squirrels scattered in front of him. Pleasure coursed through Greg as the stirrings of spring transferred from nature to him. He looked around and thanked God again for His wonderful creation, and thanked his forefathers for the wisdom to preserve it. For the first time in months, peace settled in his heart.

“That’s called love. It’s the way love works. You put someone else before yourself. In appreciation, that person does the same.”

About author Sandra Leesmith:

Sandra Leesmith loves to travel in her RV and explore all of nature’s beauty, discover America’s history, and fellowship with the wonderful people she meets while on the road. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, swimming, and pickleball. Learn more about Sandra and her books at www.sandraleesmith.com.

You can connect with Sandra on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. You can also find her and her talented writing buddies at the Seekerville blog.

GIVEAWAY

Sandra is offering one reader a taste of Lake Tahoe with a sweet prize pack: a signed paperback copy of Love’s Promises, a journal, a Lake Tahoe coffee mug, a pound of Millstone Velvet Chocolate coffee, and a Hulet Glass chocolate drop! This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. You can enter to win via the Rafflecopter form below:
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Thanks to Sandra Leesmith and my readers for stopping by for TUESDAY TEA, even if we just had water and trail bars today, but so fitting for the beautiful hiking to be experience in Sandra Leesmith’s Love’s Promises! Be sure to enter the giveaway. Hope you enjoy Love’s Promises, as I did! May you always be blessed by the gift of our Savior’s love as celebrated at Easter! Blessings to you!