teatime – Sherida Stewart

A #TEATIME review of THE COWBOY’S SECRET PAST by Tina Radcliffe…plus Double Chocolate White Chip Cookies and recent views from the trail!

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12

Welcome to teatime and my review of The Cowboy’s Secret Past written by Tina Radcliffe, one of my favorite authors! I’m delighted to introduce you to the third Lazy M Ranch book. I’m serving yummy chocolate cookies with your choice of beverage. Please enjoy!

ABOUT THE BOOK

He’s not the same man he was—

But maybe now he’s ready to be a father.

Since leaving his wild rodeo days behind, rancher Trevor Morgan has sobered up and built a faith-filled life. So he’s shocked when the woman caring for his grandfather intrudes on that solitude. Nurse Hope Burke has hidden motives for coming to the Lazy M Ranch—she believes Trevor is the father of her orphaned nephew. Can a loving aunt and a wary cowboy change a little boy’s life forever?

MY REVIEW

An endearing and entertaining story of grace! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love a book which shows an example of God’s unwavering grace….and this is such a book! The Cowboy’s Secret Past is an enjoyable (LOL at times) story. Author Tina Radcliffe’s writing always touches my heart with a challenging dilemma, then comforting hope as the situation resolves through faith and forgiveness. Her trademark humor and endearing characters give me smiles throughout the pages.

The Morgan brothers of the Lazy M Ranch have enchanted my heart with their compassionate and selfless personalities. Trevor, the cowboy in this third book, has made some mistakes. Reformed and faithful, he now must face past issues. And Hope Burke, his grandfather’s new no-nonsense nurse, is the woman who comes along to make him confront his errors….including recognizing the need to be vulnerable and to be open to love again. And can Trevor convince Hope she and her young nephew belong in Homestead Pass, Oklahoma?

Along with this memorable story, I especially liked the additional characters. Bess Lowder, ranch housekeeper and cook extraordinaire (cinnamon rolls, anyone?) adds charm and humor to the story. Gramps, the Morgan patriarch Gus, is grumpy, but in a funny way, and lovingly offers wisdom to his family. Patch, the puppy, is adorable. And young Cole touches our emotions as he deals with his losses and enthusiastically embraces hard work on the ranch. Cameo appearances by the other Morgan brothers adds to the warmth of real life family ties.

If you like meaningful stories of strong family bonds with engaging characters living their faith every day plus tender happily-ever-after endings, this is the book for you. I highly recommend The Cowboy’s Secret Past …or all the books….by author Tina Radcliffe.

Favorite quotes:

“We’ve all got history.” Hope shrugged. “It’s about how that history makes us or breaks us and dictates our tomorrows.”

“The most important thing is that I’m doing what the Lord put in my heart….. All you have to do is trust that He will equip you for the job He called you to do.”

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Buy The cowboy’s secret past on amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tina Radcliffe is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of contemporary romance. She is an ACFW and Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member and a four-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Tina is the author of twenty inspirational romances for Harlequin HarperCollins, and has co-authored four cozy mysteries.

For more information, social media links and to sign up for a fun newsletter, visit her webpage: https://www.tinaradcliffe.com. The recipe for the featured Double Chocolate White Chip Cookies is found under the blog page and the post “Recipes from The Cowboy’s Secret Past” plus there are other recipes included.

VIEWS FROM THE TRAIL

As many of my readers know, my husband and I are hikers. We just completed a 100-mile trail challenge ending in February. While on our Arizona treks, we saw many of God’s amazing desert creations and enjoyed the stunning landscapes of our region. Below are some of my photos from our recent hikes. I’m sure you can guess why the last one is my favorite!

ROCK MESSAGE-“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~~John 16:33 (NIV)

Thank you for visiting today. Please enjoy another cookie before you go. May you be filled with peace and contentment.
With prayers and blessings, Sherida

*To leave a comment, click on the date below, then scroll down to find the reply form. Comments are appreciated and will appear after moderation. I apologize for delays in posting. Thank you!

You’re invited to my #TeaTime review of Grave Christmas Secrets by Sharee Stover!

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?

Hers is a recipe for kolaches…..easy and a variety of jams can be used.

https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/jam-kolache/a46faf5d-ce56-49c0-8d44-d5e1335fcbf0

ABOUT AUTHOR SHAREE STOVER

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

Thank you for joining me for tea, treats, and my review. May your November be filled with gratitude.

With blessings and prayers,

Sherida

*Comments are appreciated and will appear after moderation. I apologize for delays in posting.

A very special teatime! #TUESDAYTEA

We love our tea celebrations!

Recently we were blessed to take care of our grandsweeties for a few days while our son and daughter-in-law had a weekend away attending a wedding in New York City. Granddaughter and I made blueberry muffins one afternoon for an after nap teatime. Fun!

While in New York City, our daughter-in-law had tea at Alice’s Tea Cup, a very special tea house. (Visit Alice’s Tea Cup.) Knowing our mutual love of tea celebrations, she thoughtfully returned with a gift for me of Alice’s Tea, a delightful floral blend. Then she baked Ginger Scones (as pictured above), so the whole family could enjoy a lovely afternoon tea together. ( Basic scone recipe from All Recipes. Add 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger to dough. )

Tea from Alice's Tea Cup, NYC — Tea from Alice’s Tea Cup, NYC. Thank you, DIL!

BOOKS

One of the many books we read to the grandsweeties while we were visiting was My Very First Tea Party by Michal Sparks. This book is published by Christian book publisher, Harvest House Publishers. I especially liked the thoughtful blessing included as part of teatime.

My review on Goodreads:

My Very First Tea Party by Michal Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a sweet book! This is a cute gift for a toddler (the board book) or preschool child (the hardback version). Adding a tea set would be a perfect combination. My granddaughter and I love to have teatime together, and this rhyming book details all the elements of a tea celebration, complete with invitation, blessing and thank you note. Charming!

ART

Not only are the grandsweeties lovers of books, but art is also a favorite activity. Here is a picture painted by Grandson. He knows what Grammy likes!

"MOOSE" by a favorite artist — “MOOSE” by a favorite artist!

We are thankful for the treasured blessing of our family and the sparkling times we spend together.

May you be blessed with God’s abundant treasures.