Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Mom's Bread

One of my favorite memories is coming home from school as a little girl smelling all the good things Mom had cooking. Cookies, food for supper, pies and more would all fill the kitchen with wonderful aromas. One of my favorites of all was (and still is!) her bread. I finally went to her house one day several months ago to make some with her and made her measure all the ingredients. So, here's one of my favorite, treasured recipes:

Mom's Rolls
1 Tbsp. yeast
2/3 cup warm water
3 cups warm milk
1 egg
1 Tbsp. salt
1/3 cup oil
1/4 cup sugar
7 1/2 cups flour
Dissolve yeast in 2/3 cup warm water.
Add yeast mixture, egg, salt, oil and sugar to the milk. Mix and add flour to make thick sticky dough (about 7 1/2 cups). Mix and Knead. Let rise in warm place. After doubled (or more), punch down and knead again. Form into rolls or loaf. Allow to rise and then bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes.
She makes it look so easy, but mine still don't measure up to hers!

A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann


When I requested this book for review, I didn't realize that it was a book I've read before. I have no complaints; it was well worth reading again!
I am a fan of Kristen Heitzmann and loved this book as well.
The story is of Noelle St. Claire who is running, but can't remember why. She comes from a wealthy family and has a fiance', Michael, who works for her father. Memories from her past, keep troubling her, but she can't seem to piece them all together.
Noelle finds peace at a ranch run by Rick Spencer. Trying to avoid being traced, Noelle refuses to use her credit cards and begins painting to raise money. Rick and his brother Morgan begin breaking down the barriers that Noelle hides behind. As conflict between the two brothers ensue, Noelle's life becomes more complicated. Her father's private investigator finds her just as her fiance' has discovered where she is hiding.
The suspence in this novel will keep you reading to the very end. I give it 5 out of 5 stars. Great book.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing Group for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball - Donita K. Paul


Choosing Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita Paul as my first book to review for Waterbrook Multnomah seemed to be a no-brainer since I love everything Christmas. I loved the cover of the book and it drew me in. Unfortunately, I'm not rating this one very high.
In the story, Cora prides herself on shopping for Christmas early and avoiding the holiday shopping rush. She finds an unusual book shop and stops to purchase a book for a gift. She ends up on the receiving end of a matchmaking ploy as the owners of the shop (wizards) give her tickets to a Christmas ball. Co-worker Simon is shopping in the same store and also receives tickets to the ball. Simon loves his family, especially his sister, Sandy, and plans to give her a special treat by taking her to the ball. When driving to the store to get a ticket for Sandy, they can't find this enchanted street; only when walking can they seem to find this magical world. As the three are shopping for dresses for both Cora and Sandy, they meet some charming ladies who help them find the perfect outfit for the special night. The dresses, however, will turn into rags when worn by someone other than the intended customer.
I've not read many fantasy books, and I am very uncomfortable with Donita Paul's use of wizards and magic in this Christian novella. I do understand that it is meant as an allegory but I guess I just didn't get it. It had a lot happening in the story line for such a short book and I loved the characters, especially Sandy and her relationship with Simon. The book was an enjoyable read but just isn't one I would recommend to others. Maybe that is just because I'm new to the fantasy genre.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Press as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Amish in Israel

Wow - I think this is amazing!
Click on the above link to read the article in Israel Today Magazine.