An Invitation to Murder by A.G. Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As I’ve said before, I’m tired of witches, magical cats, dogs that solve crimes, baking sleuths and crafting ones, etc. So this mystery was WONDERFULLY FREE OF THESE! The protagonist, an aging Brit TV star is invited home to her family’s estate for a murder mystery party–of all things. Her brother and friend have set this up to take her mind off losing her longtime TV crime series show. The beginning was a bit slower than I like. Mary Blake wallowed a bit longer than I thought necessary but I perservered and was not disappointed! An interesting setting, outrageous but believable characters and a good plot! I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more. I hope Inspector Corrigan will be appearing again!
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A baby girl’s future hangs in the balance and sparks a heart-rending mystery~Why Cash’s only sister willed guardianship of her baby girl to her best friend instead of him.
New Year Question: Are you familiar with this scripture? (I bet you are!)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 New King James Version
I think the key here to the peace we all crave is “with thanksgiving.” So let’s start the new year by expressing what we are thankful for.
I know that that list would begin with the free gift of salvation through Christ and every good gift comes from God. So please what are the top three gifts God has given you? Don’t be afraid to be honest! Here’s one of the great gifts in my life. God has blessed me with several furry companions over the years who have been a true blessing.
I know that that list could go on and on. So please share the top three blessings in your life. Leave a comment and be entered into a drawing for a free ebook.
Let’s all start our year with gratitude and in spite of all the bad news around us claim our peace in Christ.
2020 was a rough year and 2021 has given us much to worry about. So let’s prepare our minds and hearts for 2022 with gratitude for what is good in our lives.–Lyn
The Case of the Gilded Lily by Erle Stanley Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m really enjoying these vintage mysteries about a courtroom expert Perry Mason written by a lawyer Erle Stanley Gardner. I’m happy that they are releasing these as ebooks now. I’ve long been a fan of Perry Mason and am happy to say this continues. In this case, I had to skim past the first few chapters because I just can’t put up with people (like the “future” defendant in this case) who lets himself get in over his head in a situation.
This continues even after his loyal secretary drags him to Perry Mason’s office. A few times–I along with Perry–was ready to “bean” the guy over the head (whatever that means!) Anyway as usual Perry outsmarts not only the DA but also the culprit AND his own client and solves it all and brings it off with flair. Perry in his summation to Della smooths over one character’s motives which I clearly saw from early chapters, but that’s okay. Perry is always a gentleman!
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PS: My holiday novella BENEATH NORTHERN LIGHTS is on sale for 99 cents for a limited time. Click here for more info.-Happy Holiday Season!–Lyn
What’s your favorite holiday taste?
Please share your choice and how you like to imbibe or nibble that flavor. Do so and be entered into a random drawing to receive all three Christmas novellas. This prize will go to one commenter. Drawing will be November 30, 2021!–Lyn
I LOVE MAKING SOUP in the fall and winter. It’s a real time saver for me. I make a huge pot and then I serve it for one supper (with extra cheese and crackers or bread) and then for as many lunches as it will last. My husband is not a man who enjoy cold sandwiches for lunch.?
Here is the recipe I started with but of course I can’t just follow a recipe. So read my “adjustments” in parentheses.
Ingredients
Original recipe yields 4 servings
2 tablespoons butter 1 small onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
2 medium potatoes, cubed (I deleted this since we’re low carb people)
1 medium butternut squash – peeled, seeded, and cubed (I avoided all this work but roasting it in the over for about an hour at 350 F so I only had to scoop out the MUCH MORE FLAVORFUL squash for the soup.)
1 32 fluid ounce container chicken stock
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
(I added half and half just before serving and warmed it slightly–avoid high heat to avoid curdling OR use whole cream and no problem. I also added cinnamon and nutmeg to taste.)
Directions
Step 1
Melt the butter in a large pot, and cook the onion, celery, carrot, potatoes, and squash 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Pour in enough of the chicken stock to cover vegetables. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer 40 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
Step 2
Transfer the soup to a blender, and blend until smooth. Return to pot, and mix in any remaining stock to attain desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
The soup got rave reviews and I of course, doubled the recipe. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE FALL RECIPE??–Lyn
Luther and Katharina: A Novel of Love and Rebellion by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve been curious about the marriage of Martin Luther, a former monk, and Katarina, a former nun so when I saw this book and written by Jody, I downloaded it!
The story did not disappoint as far as getting the straight history about this unusual couple. The characterization of both spouses was excellent–strengths, flaws and fascinating people. I’ve always been impressed by a lowly monk taking on the most powerful man in the world at the time, the pope. And yet Luther’s strength come from his faith in God and the power of his own spirit. He suffered from many ailments that might have sidelined a less faith-filled or intense character. The history of the time was portrayed in all its horror. I think that most 21st century people have no idea what life was like 500+ years ago. Yet the same struggles such as trying to figure out who to marry and why and reconciling with parents who don’t understand the path a child has taken are the same. Well done, Ms. Hedlund.
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