Monday, August 24, 2015

Grill It, Braise It, Broil It A Review

Master 12 easy cooking techniques to make 175 heart-healthy recipes for any night, including: slow cooking, grilling, baking, microwaving, blending, stir-frying, steaming, roasting, broiling, poaching, braising, and stewing

Whether you’re craving bright, summery flavors or a rich meal for a cozy night . . .

Whether you have just minutes to cook or a bit of extra time to add some TLC to your dish . . .

Whether you want new ideas for your beloved slow cooker or a chance to try out that wok . . .

American Heart Association Grill It, Braise It, Broil It is the cookbook for you! A primer on each technique helps you make the most of your oven, stovetop, and favorite appliances, while the 175 recipes expand your repertoire of go-to meals with tons of delicious variety. Try:

SLOW COOKING: Madeira Flank Steak • Chicken Cacciatore with Pasta
MICROWAVING: Black Bean Chili • Risotto with Edamame
BLENDING: Minted Pea Soup with Yogurt Swirl • Peanut Butter and Banana “Ice Cream”
GRILLING: Mediterranean Tuna Kebabs • Honey-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
STIR-FRYING: Taco Time Pork • Warm Cinnamon-Raisin Apples
BRAISING: Shrimp and Grits with Greens • Pomegranate Pears
STEWING: Meatless Cassoulet • Chicken in Tomato-Wine Sauce
STEAMING: Thai-Style Chicken Potstickers • Peruvian Quinoa Salad
POACHING: Cheesy Open-Face Egg Sandwiches • Cod in Green Curry Broth
BROILING: Sweet and Tangy Scallops • Sirloin Steak with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
ROASTING: Asparagus with Dijon Vinaigrette • Honeyed Strawberries with Almonds
BAKING: Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes • Easy Peach Crisp

The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Its bestselling library of cookbooks includes Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook; Go Fresh; The Go Red For Women Cookbook; Low-Salt Cookbook, 4th Edition; Eat Less Salt; and The New American Heart Association Cookbook, 8th Edition. americanheart.org

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harmony (June 2, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307888096
ISBN-13: 978-0307888099
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 0.7 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds

MY REVIEW
  This book Grill It, Braise It, Broil It is fantastic. With 175 recipes in every area you can cook in and the best part of these recipes are they are all healthy. The book is put out by the American Heart Association.
  You will find helpful hints on how to prepare and cook you foods at the very best way to make them healthy for you.
  How to cook meals in your crock-pot that turn out succulent and very tasty. Foods from the microwave and oven all incredibly healthy.
  A special section in the back that tells you things that need to be in your pantry that a heart healthy. The kind of equipment and tools you need for basic cooking. Kitchen and food basic safety. So much more. Very good, helpful cookbook with all of the best recipes. Highly recommended.

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Thanks to WaterBrookMultnomah 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


Street God by Dimas Salaberrios with Angela Elwell Hunt A Review

ABOUT STREET GOD

His street name was Daylight. But he was a nightmare. On the streets of New York, darkness and violence reigned. Dimas “Daylight” Salaberrios popped his first pill when he was eleven years old, and just days later, he was selling drugs to his schoolmates. By fifteen, he was facing time at the notorious Rikers Island Prison. It was never safe to turn your back, and Dimas saw only one chance to survive: to become a street god. He would be the richest, most powerful ruler in the hood . . . or die trying.

But in one terrifying moment, with a gun pointed at his head, Dimas had to decide: How far would he go? Was he finished taking reckless chances to rule as a god of the streets? Would he dare to entrust his life to the real God—an even riskier path? Because that God would send Dimas back down the darkest streets he’d ever known on a rescue mission after those still in danger.

Street God is the true story of one man’s against-all-odds journey from the streets to the altar and back again. A modern-day The Cross and the Switchblade for a new generation, it reveals that we’re never too far gone for God to change us—and shows how a single spark can illuminate even the darkest existence.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As a worldwide missionary, teacher, and speaker, Pastor Dimas Salaberrios has shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ on every continent but Antarctica. He aided pastors in Kenya and smuggled Bibles to the persecuted church in China. In 2010, Dimas and his team provided over 50,000 tons of food, water, and supplies to Haiti after a massive earthquake and in 2012 he worked as a first responder to provide aid and deliver nearly $500,000 worth of supplies to super storm Sandy victims across NYC.
           Partnering with Tim Keller and Redeemer City to City, Dimas founded Infinity NY Church, planted at the Bronx River Housing Projects in 2006. Infinity Bible Church targets at-risk, gang-ridden youth and has spearheaded numerous outreach events, discipleship groups, and weekly prayer walks, which have been a factor in virtually eliminating homicides and other violent crimes at Bronx River. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly credits Pastor Dimas and Infinity for the notable drop in crime.
         Additionally, the Billy Graham Evangelical Association (BGEA) appointed Dimas to co-chair the Youth Committee in 2004, and serve on the budget and finance committee for their 2005 Greater New York Crusade. He coordinated the BGEA Prayer Breakfast, and during the Saturday evening service of the crusade he spoke to an audience of 100,000.
In 2012, Dimas played a central role in the New York City "Right-To-Worship" movement, which ignited cross-congregational prayer gatherings throughout the city and sought to protect over 17,000 church congregants from unwarranted eviction from rental spaces owned by the city of New York.
          In October of 2013, Concerts of Prayer Greater NY (COPGNY) unanimously chose Pastor Dimas Salaberrios as its new president. He has served on the COPGNY Board of Directors for several years.
On weekdays, watch The Dynamic Life with Pastor Dimas on the Word Network and tune into his national radio broadcasts on Salem Communications. To find broadcast schedules, log onto www.pastordimas.com.
                       Dimas holds a Master of Divinity degree from Alliance Theological Seminary and resides in the Bronx with his wife Tiffany. They are blessed with three beautiful daughters: Shirley Ann, Dallas, and Skylar.



ABOUT
Angela Hunt has authored more than 100 works and sold nearly four million copies of her books worldwide.  Her books have won awards such as the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine's Book of the Year Award.  In 2008, Angela earned her doctorate in Biblical Studies.  Angela and her husband live in Florida with their two mastiffs.


File Size: 868 KB
Print Length: 304 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1496402782
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum (August 20, 2015)
Publication Date: August 20, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00UCEP8NS

MY REVIEW
  This is the explanation of the book, “The Explosive True Story of a Former Drug Boss on the Run from the Hood--and the Courageous Mission That Drove Him Back.”  It is as interesting and exciting as it sounds. Anything that is about a person’s life that is the true retelling of it is very appealing to me.
   You will read how Dimas-Daylight gets started into the drug world. It isn’t how you would think. Dimas was raised in a good home, not in the hood, but he wanted power and money. Dimas thinks the quickest way to do that is sell drugs. He knows to be a good drug dealer you have to stay clean and just sell them, no using.
  To me it’s amazing how God kept him from so much evil and saved his life numerous times. How God intervened on many occasions.  God had/has special plans for Dimas.
  Really weird and strange things happened to Dimas before he knew he had to get away from the drugs and that world, before he was killed or worse.
  His life as a Christian is amazing. How he has compassion for all people, from all walks of life. How God protected him with miracles and many other things that happened in his life.
  Street God isn’t a sad or morose kind of book. It is full of light, life, forgiveness and love. God doesn’t give up on us easily. He wants all to be saved and forgiven. An excellent book. Highly recommended.


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Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers 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

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon A Review

ABOUT COME RAIN OR COME SHINE
 Over the course of ten Mitford novels, fans have kept a special place in their hearts for Dooley Kavanagh, first seen in At Home in Mitford as a barefoot, freckle-faced boy in filthy overalls.

Now, Father Tim Kavanagh’s adopted son has graduated from vet school and opened his own animal clinic. Since money will be tight for a while, maybe he and Lace Harper, his once and future soul mate, should keep their wedding simple.

So the plan is to eliminate the cost of catering and do potluck. Ought to be fun.

An old friend offers to bring his well-known country band. Gratis.

And once mucked out, the barn works as a perfect venue for seating family and friends.

Piece of cake, right?

In Come Rain or Come Shine, Jan Karon delivers the wedding that millions of Mitford fans have waited for. It’s a June day in the mountains, with more than a few creatures great and small, and you’re invited—because you’re family.

By the way, it’s a pretty casual affair, so come as you are and remember to bring a tissue or two. After all, what’s a good wedding without a good cry?

Series: A Mitford Novel (Book 13)
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons (September 22, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399167455
ISBN-13: 978-0399167454
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jan Karon is the author of the bestselling series of twelve Mitford novels featuring Episcopal priest Father Timothy Kavanagh and the fictional village of Mitford, the most recent of which, Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good, has spent more than two months on the New York Times bestseller list. She is also the author of eleven other books, including a cookbook and several books for children. Karon lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.


MY REVIEW
  I just love books by Jan Karon and I look forward to each and every one of them. The only thing bad about them is I read them to fast and wish I could read a book like this all year. What a treat are books written by Jan Karon.
  In Come Rain or Come Shine we get to witness the life and marriage of Dooley and Lace. One we have waited for, for a very long time.
   Many surprises await you in this fabulous book. You will reacquaint yourself with old friends and make a couple of new ones. You will read about animals old and new.
  See if a wedding can be pulled off and be simple.
Come Rain or Come Shine will give you laughs, hugs and even get you through some tough places.
   It was so wonderful hearing how Dooley and Lace feel about things and get their thoughts and feelings out. They are so likable and loveable. Don’t worry you will still hear from all of your old favorites especially Father Tim and Cynthia. It’s just a beautiful, beautiful story full of so much love and happiness. This book will stay with me and be reread. Love Jan Karon’s series of Father Tim. Excellent read. If you have never read her books treat yourself with this series. Highly recommended.


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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products  mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Find a Way DVD A Review


ABOUT FIND A WAY
Finding faith can be difficult for many people on any given day. Imagine an ordinary Sunday morning. It's time to get ready for church and you go to wake your talented, loving. bright, beautiful son. Only, he won't wake up....ever again.

This is how tragedy began for a Burlington, North Carolina family. Their son, Harry Cohen, was a high school senior-a genuinely inspirational young man, star football player, friend to all and a strong Christian. One morning he didn't wake up. The untimely death of an outstanding young person naturally brings up questions about faith and God's presence. How can God allow such a thing to happen? The event obviously has an immense effect on family, friends and the community at large.

Things that previously seamed to be so important are put into perspective and we can gain an understanding as to what is truly important in life. Harry is gone from us, but he continues to inspire actions, words and deeds with a message of faith and hope. Find a Way will stand as a tribute to Harry Cohen and be a beacon of hope to anyone who has ever death with pain and heartache.





Actors: Cranston Johnson, Cornelius Muller
Format: Multiple Formats, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Word Films
DVD Release Date: August 11, 2015
ASIN: B00ZGJ84LW












MY REVIEW
  There are a few Christian movies that just aren’t very good, but Find A Way sure isn’t one of them. This is a very powerful, thought-provoking DVD.  I was riveted to my seat wondering how everything would turn out. Inspired by a true story.
   You will really like Smiley {Harry}  he is such a kind, sweet, gentle but strong Christian. Everyone he meets becomes his instant friend. He will help anyone and everyone.
  Then the unthinkable happens Smiley a high school Senior suddenly dies.
This DVD shows us how one life can affect so many people. How Smiley makes a difference in so many lives.
  Find a Way is such a touching, heart-rending show. It gives you such hope and compassion. It will make you think and bring a tear to your eye.
   In this movie we see how his death helps and affects so many people and families. Some on the edge of life changes and horrible mistakes.
  I believe this should be the movie of the year. Really, really good and I highly recommend it.

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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products  mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

The Plain Choice by Sherry Gore A Review


ABOUT THE PLAIN CHOICE
Raised in a broken family and emotionally overlooked, Sherry Gore grew up without a solid foundation, a prisoner of her own poor choices, and at times without hope.  A series of terrible mistakes left her feeling wrecked and alone and a sudden tragedy threw Sherry into an emotional tailspin too powerful to escape.


Sherry hangs by a thread, unable to see how she can go on living, until it happens: on a morning of no particular significance, she walks into a church and BAM the truth of Jesus’ forgiving love shatters her world and cleaves her life in two:  She goes to bed stunned; she wakes up a Christian.


Unwilling to return to the darkness of her former life, Sherry attacks her faith head on.  Soon the life Sherry Gore remakes for herself and her children as she seeks to follow the teachings of the Bible features head coverings, simple dress, and a focus on Jesus Christ.  Only then does she realize, in a fit of excitement, that there are others like her.  They are called Amish and Mennonite, and she realizes she has found her people.


The plain choice that Sherry makes is not easy – and life still brings unexpected pain and heartache - but it changes everything for her, as she becomes one of the few people on earth to have successfully joined the Amish from the outside.


She has found her place. And her story proves that one can return from the darkest depths to the purest light with the power of God.

File Size: 953 KB
Print Length: 179 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
Publisher: Zondervan (August 25, 2015)
Publication Date: August 25, 2015
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
Language: English
ASIN: B00P5W5FXA

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherry Gore is former editor-in-chief of Cooking & Such magazine, the author of "Simply Delicious Amish Cooking", "Me, Myself and Pie" and a weekly scribe for the national edition of the Amish newspaper, The Budget, established in 1890. The National Geographic Channel featured Sherry prominently their documentary series, Amish: Out of Order. Sherry's culinary adventures have been seen on NBC Daytime; the Today Show; Mr. Food Test Kitchen and more. Sherry is a year-round resident of beautiful, sun-kissed Sarasota, Florida, the vacation paradise of the Plain People. She has three children and is a member of a Beachy Amish Mennonite church. When not spending time with her family, writing, or eating, Sherry is a cooking show host, and an official pie contest judge.

MY REVIEW
  The Plain Choice by Sherry Gore is a really interesting book. I’ve followed her on face book for a while and have enjoyed her outlook on things. So when I got the chance to read and review this book I was very glad.
   I admire Sherry for the things she has been through and how she made her life better and didn’t keep making horrible choices in life. So many people get in a cycle of living one way and never try or don’t think they can improve or change.
  Sherry has done one thing that I don’t agree with in her life, but that isn’t my life or my conviction. After she became a Christian and her second husband wasn’t a Christian she felt she should leave her husband. I think that’s wrong, but it’s her choice.  I admire women who become Christians and stay with their unChristian husbands.
   Sherry has a great love for her Lord, family, friends and life. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to you.

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I received my free copy from Net Galley for my 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

When Calls the Heart-Heart of the Family DVD review

WHEN CALLS THE HEART-HEART OF THE FAMILY
From celebrated author Janette Oke (The Love Comes Softly series) comes a rigorous and romantic adventure as epic as the wide frontier. Erin Krakow (Army Wives), Daniel Lissing (Eye Candy) and Lori Loughlin (Full House, 90210) star in When Calls The Heart, "a beautiful story with roots in relationships, self-empowerment, and the enduring power of love", (Common Sense Media).

Elizabeth returns to Hope Valley and immediately volunteers to look after a neighbor’s rural homestead… and his two children, an undertaking which proves to be a bigger chore than she’d imagined. But when Jack lends a hand, and they wind up chatting by the fire, all seems right in Hope Valley and the world. Meanwhile, in Hamilton, Bill Avery sets about busting a counterfeiting ring wide open, an endeavor which surprisingly leads him to Hope Valley, where he mysteriously declines Jack’s help. But Bill isn’t the only big-town visitor: Elizabeth is even more surprised to see her former suitor, Charles Kensington, standing right in the middle of her schoolhouse!





Actors: Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing
Directors: Neill Fearnley
Format: Multiple Formats, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: August 4, 2015
Run Time: 88 minutes
ASIN: B00X8RONBO








MY REVIEW
   The Hallmark T.V. series of When Calls the Heart just gets better and better. In this episode called Heart of the Family Elizabeth finally gets back to Hope Valley and reunites with Jack. They make such a great couple, don’t they?!
   What I like about these shows are they have funny, touching and very serious topics included in each episode.
   When city/country girl Elizabeth helps a local farmer with his children and farm while he is gone the laughs begin. Of course Jack comes to help and lends a hand, which is greatly needed.
   Bill Avery is after a counterfeiting ring, but is very mysterious, which makes a person wonder is he a good guy or bad guy.
  Also low and behold Charles Kensington shows up and upsets things. He claims he is just there on business. I just don’t care for Charles to me he seems like trouble.
  Very interesting, entertaining DVD. Love the When Calls the Heart series and I highly recommend it. If you haven’t seen any of the shows buy them on DVDs to catch up, because Season three is coming soon.
 

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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products  mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”