Modern Cast Iron

 

I am not a cook. I have a reputation of not being a chef.  We bought our house in 2018.  The stove/oven is a cook's dream.  It has a double oven with convection.  It does overwhelm me just looking at it!  Everyone in the family had a chuckle when they saw the stove for the first time.

I might not be a cook but I love collecting cookbooks.  I have a collection that ranges from early American cuisine to Mexican food and beyond.  

I received this cookbook because I won a contest.  I entered but I had no thought that I would win.  But lucky me...I won!

I received my cookbook with hot gloves, a Lodge cast iron fry pan and a magazine.  I was thrilled.  This cookbook is more than just a cookbook.  It is a guide to cooking with cast iron.  I was quite impressed.  

I am excited to try out one of the recipes soon.  Let my family be shocked with my cooking!  I will make sure to tell them that Ashley L. Jones was in the kitchen with me guiding  me along the way!!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashley L. Jones is an author, blogger, and teacher, but she prefers the title of Big Sister. A firm believer that we all know something worth sharing, she started the blog Big Sister Knows as a way to encourage and inspire other young women to live with gusto.

In her debut release, "Modern Cast Iron" (August 2020, Red Lightning Books), Ashley continues that mission. Not only does she instruct readers about cast-iron cookware, but she inspires them to cook simple, wholesome foods and to gather with family around the table.

Ashley also has several manuscripts for faith-based children's books and inspirational nonfiction for young women. She looks forward to the day when these books are available for readers.

In everything she does, Ashley hopes to inspire others to live wholesome lives that bring glory to God. Find your encouragement, and follow Ashley’s journey, at www.BigSisterKnows.com.

Faith, Farming, And Family

GOD has a plan for you. I believe that.  I haven't always believed that.  During my low moments, I questioned what was wrong with me?  Why did my marriage fail?  What did I do wrong?  It had to be my fault after two failed marriages. 

I prayed. I suffered.  I hurt.  But I continued on..what choice did I have?  Every day was a struggle until one day I felt a little better and realized that GOD was working in my life. He had a plan.  I was in a hurry.  GOD knew what was in store for me.  

Seven years later I met a man that I totally believe GOD had planned for me.  My soulmate.  The love of my life.  I can look back and see how GOD blessed my life.  I appreciate what I have so much more because of my past.

I was given the chance to read Faith, Farming and Family by Caitlin Henderson. I never heard of this young woman who wrote this beautiful book.  She opened her heart and life to her readers.  It was a wonderful read.  She touched my heart with her writing.  I immediately signed up for her blog.  

I highly recommend this book to my friends and family.  Ms. Henderson has something to say that is valuable for us all.

I received this book from Waterbrook & Multnomah to review for free.

About Author:

I’m an author, speaker, and woman on a mission. I want to impact the Kingdom of God, but I don’t want to do it alone. I’m here to encourage you and speak truth into your life so that we can start a domino effect that goes on for generations of women boldly going where God calls. So friend, I’m going to metaphorically grab your hand and look you in the eyes and ask you a question. Do you believe God wants to use you for His glory? (He does) Then sis, let’s go!

His Wagon Train Sweetheart by Catherine Kennedy

A sweet little story that has the main character in a very unusual occupation.  Georgianna or George was a wagon train driver.  She was confident and self assured as long as she was driving the team of oxens.

It goes to show you that everything is not what it seems.  George had low self esteem.  Was she pretty enough?  Was she good enough?  These are questions that many people ask themselves? 

George's world turned upside down when she met Elijah and his mother.  Elijah and Georgianna were not just on the trail outwest but on the trail of self discovery. 

I received this free from ARC to review.

AUTHOR:

Catherine grew up reading Little House on the Prairie books, then watched it on TV. She doesn't mind admitting she had a HUGE childhood crush on Charles Ingalls :D

She also watched every episode of The Waltons ever made (she didn't count them but is pretty sure she's watched them all!!).

Next came Dr Quinn: Medicine Woman and another leading man to swoon over(!!), and a wonderful strong female leading character.

It's no wonder that Catherine chose to write Christian historical romances set in the 1860s. Join her in the fictional community of Walton Valley to follow the lives, and loves, of the settlers.

All That We Carried

I first picked this to read due to the location.  I am a Michigander.  I love the Upper Peninsula.  We have camped there a few times.  Porcupine Mountains are beautiful to see.  I highly recommend that you go.  But I prefer driving and sleeping in our trailer.  Sisters, Melanie and Olivia decided to hike there for a few days.  Neither would be called great hikers.

A cute title for the book.  At first, you would think it was referring to the heavy backpack they carried.  But as you get into the book, you discover the loads of emotions and feelings that they each carried day to day..for years.

This trip could be the opportunity to unload the heavy burden that they carried.

I enjoyed the location as well as the storyline.  

I received this book for free from Revell Books to review.

Matthew 11:28-30

New International Version

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Author Bio

Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, a 2020 Michigan Notable Book and a finalist for the 2019 Christy Award and the 2020 Star Award from the Women's Fiction Writers Association (WFWA), and The Words between Us, a finalist for the 2015 Rising Star Award from WFWA. Her short story, "This Elegant Ruin," was a finalist in the Saturday Evening Post Great American Fiction Contest in 2014, and her poetry has been published by The Lyric. A publishing professional for 18 years, she is the director of WFWA's annual writers retreat in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.

Endless Mercy

 Two great authors get together to write a series about Nome, Alaska in the 1900's.  I anticipated a great story and was not disappointed.  There are three books in this series and this was Book Two.  I didn't need to read the first book as this can stand alone.  But I know for sure I WILL read the next one.

The Powell Family has suffered from loss and catastrophic circumstances.  They are no different than any other family suffering the same.  We all have situations in our lives that we struggle to deal with and overcome.  The key to survival is turning it over to GOD.  GOD is there and wants to provide comfort and strength.  We need to open our hearts and with prayer GOD will provide.

The sisters are Whitney, Havyn and Madysen. Beautiful names.  Three sisters who love with all they have.  Three sisters who love GOD and their family.  

I enjoyed this book and recommend the whole series.

I received this book from Bethany House to review.

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

 I visited Jamestown many years ago.  I loved the history and the beautiful scenery.  I would love to go back and visit once again.  I had a mini vacation there without leaving the comfort of my home.  Ms. Frantz wrote this wonderful book based in the 1600s.

I loved the main characters.  Selah was beautiful inside and out.   She had a strength that was much needed to survive during this time.  Xander.   What a strong name for a man who is also warm and tender when he needs to be.  They may be a match but first they must survive through the circumstances before them.

I enjoyed reading about the other family members as well as Selah and Xander.  I liked Xander's Aunt and the ways she loved Xander like no one else could. 

Great story.  Five stars.  

Maybe I'll get to Virginia this year!!!!!

Jody Hedlund's A Cowboy For Keeps

 I have always been a fan of westerns. So I have watched a lot of the old tv shows as they don't make them like they used to.  I sound like my elderly relatives.  So when I have a chance to read a book based on the old west.....I am in heaven.

This book is the newest one from Jody Hedlund. It is going to be part of a series...hooray!  The series is called Colorado Cowboys.

I received this free to review from the author.  I was so excited as I have read many books by this author.  I have never been disappointed.  Her books are wonderful to read and not filled with any vulgarity.  I appreciate that.

This story is about Greta and her sister, Astrid.  There is much love between the sisters.  Astrid is a delight.  She reminds me of my granddaughter.  Astrid loves life!!!

Greta must make a decision quickly that will change their lives drastically.  Wyatt gets an offer that is hard to refuse.  

The supporting characters were strongly written and I hope they will be in the future books of the series.  Judd is quiet but when he talks it is a must listen.  A good friend to have.  

“You can walk away every time the flies start bitin’. Or you can swat ’em until they’re gone.”  This is one quote of Judd's that I loved.  This is so true.  Anytime things are difficult or not going as planned, what can you do?  You have a choice of giving up or put up a fight.  GOD is with you throughout the good and bad times.  He listens to your prayers.  He will take on your burdens.  

I highly recommend this book.  I loved it!!!!!