 This page contains affiliate links. I'm always on the lookout for historical fiction and fantasy books for my children which are not filled with magic, evolution, or humanism. The Peleg Chronicles: Foundlings, by Matthew Christian Harding, was provided to my family recently for the purpose of reading and writing a review as a member of the TOS Crew. Directly on the back cover of Foundlings are three statements that I noticed right away:
Foundlings is a fictional story that takes place around the time of Peleg, an Old Testament Bible character. Foundlings is written in more of a "Lord of the Rings" style, if your children are interested in those kinds of stories. You can take a look at this chart and see where Peleg comes into the timeline:  The characters whom Mr. Harding has designed for Foundlings remind me of a group of mismatched people, except that this particular crew is full of noble, brave, and honorable characters. McDougal is one of the main characters. Noble but clumsy, he does as much as he can to fight for what is good and true. Fergus is a soldier-protector of McDougal. He faithfully follows wherever McDougal needs him. There are many other minor characters throughout the story. They are all colorful and contribute well to the theme of this book. I liked reading Foundlings. It was really nice to know that the author understands the importance of our children taking for granted that a "young earth" philosophy is not only food for thought, but true and accurate. The story was lively, adventurous, and funny. There was no extreme gore or anything that I would caution parents about. My oldest daughter started reading Foundlings right away after it arrived, but for some reason, after a few pages, she lost interest in the book. (I suspect that this was due to checking out from the library 3-4 books of a series that she was enjoying reading and didn't want to interrupt "her" series.) Over the next two weeks, I read and finished reading Foundlings, so I reminded her that it was her turn to finish reading it. She resisted, but obeyed, and after 20 more minutes of reading, she said to me, "Mom, I don't know why I didn't want to read this a couple of weeks ago. It's a fun and interesting book!" I wouldn't say that this book was the most captivating book I've ever read, but its audience is between ages 10-13. The only thing that I found distracting in this book was that it had a need for some significant editing of punctuation and grammar. However, I don't think that most children would notice this. Now, it will be Brittany's turn to read the book. I suspect that we are going to need to order Paladins sometime very soon!  These stories are designed for children who are age 10 and up.  Disclosure: I received a copy of Foundlings at no charge in exchange for an unbiased opinion and review here for you, my readers. No other compensation was provided.
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 This blog post contains affiliate links. Marc Royce stares out of the helicopter, a sense of foreboding rising with the volcanic cloud. Below, the Rift Valley slashes across Africa like a scar. Decades of conflicts, droughts, and natural disasters have left their mark. Dispatched to audit a relief organization, Royce is thrust into the squalor and chaos of Kenyan refugee camps. But his true mission focuses on the area's reserves of once-obscure minerals now indispensable to high-tech industries. These strategic elements—called rare earth—have inflamed tensions on the world's stage and stoked tribal rivalries. As Royce prepares to report back to Washington, he seizes on a bold and risky venture for restoring justice to this troubled land. But this time, Royce may have gone too far. About the author: |
| Davis Bunn came to faith at age 28, while living in Germany and running an international business advisory group. He started writing two weeks later. Since that moment, writing has remained both a passion and a calling. Davis wrote for nine years and completed seven books before his first was accepted for publication. During that time, he continued to work full time in his business career, travelling to two and sometimes three countries every week. His first published book, The Presence, was released in 1990 and became a national bestseller. Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Warning, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. |  A sought-after speaker in the art of writing, Davis serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University. |
Here's Chapter 1:
Joy In Our Journey's Review:
I really enjoyed reading Davis Bunn's earlier book, Lion of Babylon. Fast paced, adventure, frightening at times, but also with emotion and meaning. So glad that there was a sequel to Lion of Babylon! :)
In Rare Earth, Bunn brings us back to his very likable character, Marc Royce, to again be the main character of the story, and he is better than ever! The plot, storyline, and setting are totally different from the first book, but this one is also a great read. There is a lot of action and suspense, and I learned a lot about the area and about "rare earth", which was a new term to me.
It is obvious that the author had to do a lot of research for this one, and it really shows. The end result is a book he should be proud of, and is definitely worth reading. Although it is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone, as it is an entirely different story.
In Rare Earth, Bunn brings us back to his very likable character, Marc Royce, to again be the main character of the story, and he is better than ever! The plot, storyline, and setting are totally different from the first book, but this one is also a great read. There is a lot of action and suspense, and I learned a lot about the area and about "rare earth", which was a new term to me.
It is obvious that the author had to do a lot of research for this one, and it really shows. The end result is a book he should be proud of, and is definitely worth reading. Although it is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone, as it is an entirely different story.
In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive a small affiliate commission, although your cost stays at the regular price. I only recommend products I use personally. Your purchases through these links help support Joy In Our Journey. I humbly thank you for your support.
I received one copy of Rare Earth in exchange for my honest review of this book. No other compensation was provided.
I received one copy of Rare Earth in exchange for my honest review of this book. No other compensation was provided.
 | Book #2 in the Cate Kinkaid Files series, "DOLLED UP TO DIE" is available now in both print and e-book form. Summary: When Cate responds to a frantic call about a triple homicide, she finds the victims aren't exactly what she expects. Now she has a new rule to add to those she's learning as an assistant private investigator: always check to find out if the victims actually have human DNA. Because these three do not. Although another victim quickly turns up, and this very dead ex-husband has a full quota of human DNA. And Cate is off on another rollicking adventure involving a beautiful trophy wife, a woman who claims she can reveal your past lives, and hunky Mitch Berenski, who is having serious doubts about Cate as a PI. Oh yes - there's a killer in there too. |
Generally - in my mind - the two words "murder" and "funny" do not fit together.
However, in Lorena McCourtney’s newest book, Dolled Up to Die, they do fit together to make a most interesting book to read. Not that murder is funny; it never is, even in fiction books, but the situations Cate gets into as she tries to solve the mystery and keep herself alive, are amusing.
But really, murdered life size dolls, a deaf cat who can hear the phone ring before a human does, an over-protective boyfriend? Go figure! :)
Kate is an Assistant Investigator. She hopes someday to get her license to become just an investigator, but that is still off in the future. Meanwhile, her uncle is teaching her all she needs to know about the investigator business.
An investigator needs to think. Why would someone be killing the people around Kim? What could Cate do about it? She tries, in between becoming a “Biker Babe,” to solve the murder spree before she no longer has a client. Cate is also a bridesmaid in her boyfriend’s brother’s wedding, and while trying to keep herself safe, she has her work cut out for her.
Oh! Don’t forget there are two tattooed suspects. As I said, this is an amusing book with plenty of twists and turns.
I think that I especially enjoyed Dolled Up to Die, because the setting is in a town I know well. Lorena McCourtney even has her heroine get a mocha at my favorite coffee kiosk! Now, where can I get a copy of book one in the series?
However, in Lorena McCourtney’s newest book, Dolled Up to Die, they do fit together to make a most interesting book to read. Not that murder is funny; it never is, even in fiction books, but the situations Cate gets into as she tries to solve the mystery and keep herself alive, are amusing.
But really, murdered life size dolls, a deaf cat who can hear the phone ring before a human does, an over-protective boyfriend? Go figure! :)
Kate is an Assistant Investigator. She hopes someday to get her license to become just an investigator, but that is still off in the future. Meanwhile, her uncle is teaching her all she needs to know about the investigator business.
An investigator needs to think. Why would someone be killing the people around Kim? What could Cate do about it? She tries, in between becoming a “Biker Babe,” to solve the murder spree before she no longer has a client. Cate is also a bridesmaid in her boyfriend’s brother’s wedding, and while trying to keep herself safe, she has her work cut out for her.
Oh! Don’t forget there are two tattooed suspects. As I said, this is an amusing book with plenty of twists and turns.
I think that I especially enjoyed Dolled Up to Die, because the setting is in a town I know well. Lorena McCourtney even has her heroine get a mocha at my favorite coffee kiosk! Now, where can I get a copy of book one in the series?
 Author Lorena McCourtney | Dying to Read: Book #1 in the Cate Kinkaid Files mystery series, recently hit the New York Times E-Book Bestseller list!  |
My husband and I live in southern Oregon. I traveled a rather unlikely route to becoming a mystery writer. There was no mystery in my earliest, fifth-grade writing. Those stories were always about horses (and quickly rejected by magazine editors, who were not impressed with my youthful “talent.”) The love of horses carried me through a degree in Agriculture from Washington State University, although by then I had a vague idea of combining horses and writing. My first job out of college, however, turned out to be with a big midwestern meat-packing company. I quickly learned that writing about raising hogs and making sausage was not my life’s calling.
Marriage and motherhood intervened, and by the time I got back to writing I knew fiction was what I wanted to write. I started with short stories for children and teenagers, mostly for the Sunday School publications. Then I added women’s short stories and romance novels, all the time promising the Lord I would get back to Christian writing eventually. Finally, after 24 published romance novels, the Lord made plain it was time to make good on that promise. It was time to become a Christian author and write exclusively Christian fiction. I prefer a more lighthearted approach to mystery writing.
Readers seem to like the lighthearted books too. I’ve now done four books in my Ivy Malone Mysteries series, two in the Andi McConnell Mysteries (the lady with a limousine), and there will be three in the new Cate Kinkaid Files series.
Dolled Up to Die is available as of July 15, 2013 at your favorite bookseller - from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I received a copy of this book for review, but was not compensated financially in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based solely on my experiences while reading this book.
Some content includes links to sponsors or affiliates, which give me a small percentage of the sale without costing you any extra. You are not obligated to use these links when you make a purchase, but when you do so it helps to support this site, so thank you!
Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the free printable recipe!
Who doesn't enJOY a bowl of macaroni and cheese now and then? Yummo!
We've always liked eating macaroni and cheese, although I admit that my husband and children have preferred the boxed version instead of the homemade.
What is wrong with them? (I really prefer the homemade version!)
| Unfortunately, many adults, including myself, find that pasta is mostly a "hands off" type of food as we notice that we are growing out instead of up, or are having insulin-resistance problems or blood sugar problems. Since we began eating the Trim Healthy way, we all began to really miss having pasta occasionally. We learned about Dreamfields Pasta, which is specially designed to have a lot fewer digestible carbs than the average pasta on the store shelves. We've found, so far, that if we only cook it for the length of the time stated on the box, and limit ourselves to 1/5th of the cooked pasta, we can eat this without messing with our weight and blood sugar. |  |
We make sure we only plan one meal per week to include pasta...and that's not easy for us because we could easily have pasta several evenings a week. But - we don't.
Here's our delicious, "30 minutes to the table" recipe for Low-Carb Macaroni and Cheese - that's even okay for the grownups!
☺
Low-Carb Mac 'n Cheese for Grownups
(S meal for those following the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle eating plan)
- 13.25 oz. Dreamfields elbow macaroni pasta
- 1-1/2 tsp. salt + 1/2 tsp. additional salt
- 2 large eggs
- 6 oz. cream
- 6 oz. water
- 1 tsp. dry mustard, dissolved in 1 tsp. water
- 1/4 tsp. Tabasco or hot sauce
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 12 oz. (3 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
 | Bring 2 quarts water to boil in a large pot for the macaroni. Stir in 1-1/2 tsp. salt and the macaroni and cook according to package directions (cook no longer than package directs). |
 | Meanwhile, mix together the eggs, 3 oz. of cream, the mustard mixture, Tabasco (or hot sauce), 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Whisk well. |
 | Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Set the pot over low heat and stir in the butter until melted. Stir in the egg mixture and half of the cheddar cheese. Continue to cook over low heat, gradually stirring in the remaining cream, water, and cheddar cheese, until the mixture is hot and creamy, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Here's the full recipe without photos getting in the way: |
Low-Carb Mac 'n Cheese for Grownups (S)
Bring 2 quarts water to boil in a large pot for the macaroni. Stir in 1-1/2 tsp. salt and the macaroni and cook according to package directions (cook no longer than package directs).
Meanwhile, mix together the eggs, 3 oz. of the cream, the mustard mixture, Tabasco (or hot sauce), 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Whisk well.
Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Set the pot over low heat and stir in the butter until melted.
Stir in the egg mixture and half of the cheddar cheese. Continue to cook over low heat, gradually stirring in the remaining cream, water, and cheddar cheese, until the mixture is hot and creamy, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 13.25 oz. Dreamfields elbow macaroni pasta
- 1-1/2 tsp. salt + 1/2 tsp. additional salt
- 2 large eggs
- 6 oz. cream
- 6 oz. water
- 1 tsp. dry mustard, dissolved in 1 tsp. water
- 1/4 tsp. Tabasco or hot sauce
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 12 oz. (3 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
Bring 2 quarts water to boil in a large pot for the macaroni. Stir in 1-1/2 tsp. salt and the macaroni and cook according to package directions (cook no longer than package directs).
Meanwhile, mix together the eggs, 3 oz. of the cream, the mustard mixture, Tabasco (or hot sauce), 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Whisk well.
Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Set the pot over low heat and stir in the butter until melted.
Stir in the egg mixture and half of the cheddar cheese. Continue to cook over low heat, gradually stirring in the remaining cream, water, and cheddar cheese, until the mixture is hot and creamy, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
 | Dreamfields Pasta recommends that if their cooked pasta is reheated, it should be heated over low heat to maintain the integrity of the low-carb components in the pasta. It is also recommended to not store acidic pasta sauces with this cooked pasta in the refrigerator or freezer. Notice the higher amount of carbs? Well, this is negligible after cooking; you'll find each serving only having 5 grams of digestible carbs.  |
Click on the image, below, to print out my FREE printable recipe for your own recipe binder:
Have you used Dreamfields pasta before? If you are someone who needs to monitor your glucose levels, have you found that Dreamfields pasta, when used correctly, keeps your blood sugars within acceptable limits?
This Low-Carb Mac 'n Cheese recipe is a link-up to Trim Healthy Tuesday found on Gwen's Nest. Check out her site for many more Trim Healthy Mama-style recipes and ideas!
Also, feel free to take a look at my Trim Healthy VISUAL SHOPPING LIST to get a better idea of some of the quicker food options available in your stores!
This Low-Carb Mac 'n Cheese recipe is a link-up to Trim Healthy Tuesday found on Gwen's Nest. Check out her site for many more Trim Healthy Mama-style recipes and ideas!
Also, feel free to take a look at my Trim Healthy VISUAL SHOPPING LIST to get a better idea of some of the quicker food options available in your stores!
 | Have you had the opportunity to take a look at my Trim Healthy Visual Shopping Guide and FREE printable Trim Healthy Shopping List yet? Check them out! |
 | |
This isn't a sponsored review, nor is it a review, per se. Our family enjoys being able to eat pasta in healthy serving sizes thanks to Dreamfields Pasta, and thought we'd pass along to you one of our favorite recipes! In our small town, we're able to find Dreamfields Pasta at Safeway, Fred Meyer, another large local grocery store, and Walmart, though each store carries only certain varieties of the Dreamfields line of pasta.
About "Small Town Girl":
In the autumn of 1941, rumors of war whisper through Rosey Corner. The town practically vibrates in anticipation, as if it is holding its breath. But for Kate Merritt, it seems life is letting out a prolonged sigh. As Kate watches her sister marry the man Kate has loved since she was fifteen, her heart is silently breaking. And even the attentions of Jay Tanner, the handsome best man, can’t draw her interest.
Suddenly, Pearl Harbor changes everything. Kate's friends are rushing to get married before the boys go off to war. The newspapers talk of women making airplanes and bombs. Everyone in town begins to do whatever they can to support the war effort. When Jay decides to stick around Rosey Corner, Kate finds herself drawn to him in surprising ways. Could she truly be in love with him? But even if she is, can she trust him? And can she keep her heart from breaking after he enlists and she wonders if she will ever see him again?
Small Town Girl is a timeless story of love, sacrifice, and longing that will grip the heart and stir the spirit. Fans of Angel Sister will be thrilled to see Kate Merritt all grown up. New readers will love getting to know Rosey Corner and the Merritt family.
Suddenly, Pearl Harbor changes everything. Kate's friends are rushing to get married before the boys go off to war. The newspapers talk of women making airplanes and bombs. Everyone in town begins to do whatever they can to support the war effort. When Jay decides to stick around Rosey Corner, Kate finds herself drawn to him in surprising ways. Could she truly be in love with him? But even if she is, can she trust him? And can she keep her heart from breaking after he enlists and she wonders if she will ever see him again?
Small Town Girl is a timeless story of love, sacrifice, and longing that will grip the heart and stir the spirit. Fans of Angel Sister will be thrilled to see Kate Merritt all grown up. New readers will love getting to know Rosey Corner and the Merritt family.
| 
|
Joy In Our Journey's review:
Ann Gabhart has written a delightful new book, Small Town Girl. The time is autumn of 1941. The world in Rosey Corner is all that it should be: peaceful, friendly, and a great place to live. There are, however, a few problems in this early autumn paradise. Kate’s long time heart’s desire, Mike, is getting married not to her, but to her big sister Evie! Then, Mike has chosen a most unsuitable man, Jay, to be his best man. In Kate’s eyes, things are completely out of control.
Sad to say, there is also a shadow over this small southern town: WAR! But surely it will not affect Rosey Corner, right? The war is far over the ocean in Europe, and after all, our president promised that the last war was the war to end all wars.
Kate is the sister who bears all the burdens of the family. She worries about Lorena, her little adopted sister, who was introduced in Angel Sister, Ms. Gabhart’s first book in this series. Kate also worries about Jay, who has seemed to take a real liking to her little town. What is this all about? All in all, this was a fun book to read, taking the reader to a gentler, kinder world where each person is accepted regardless of their personality quirks.
I strongly recommend this book for the descriptive language, the fascinating story, and for a book that leaves you wanting to read more about the town and its citizens - even Graham, a crusty old bachelor, who seems to be somewhat of a matchmaker. Ann Gabhart has written a winner of a book in Small Town Girl.
Sad to say, there is also a shadow over this small southern town: WAR! But surely it will not affect Rosey Corner, right? The war is far over the ocean in Europe, and after all, our president promised that the last war was the war to end all wars.
Kate is the sister who bears all the burdens of the family. She worries about Lorena, her little adopted sister, who was introduced in Angel Sister, Ms. Gabhart’s first book in this series. Kate also worries about Jay, who has seemed to take a real liking to her little town. What is this all about? All in all, this was a fun book to read, taking the reader to a gentler, kinder world where each person is accepted regardless of their personality quirks.
I strongly recommend this book for the descriptive language, the fascinating story, and for a book that leaves you wanting to read more about the town and its citizens - even Graham, a crusty old bachelor, who seems to be somewhat of a matchmaker. Ann Gabhart has written a winner of a book in Small Town Girl.
Small Town Girl is available July 2013 at your favorite bookseller - from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. You can also find it available for the Kindle!
Hi! I'm Julieanne!
You'll find me in the kitchen
trying new Trim Healthy Mama recipes, loving God, and carrying out that love as I bless my husband and teen daughters.
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