The Secret Path of Destiny

Overview

In The Secret Path of Destiny, a young, disabled, German-American girl, named Isolde, and her destitute mother reach out for a lifeline being offered by a widower in the German town of Fredericksburg, Texas. The year is 1865, and the two travel from New York City through the aftermath of the Civil War. But another war is brewing, this time with Native Americans. And Isolde and her mother are heading right into the heart of Comancheria, the homeland of the Comanche.

It is not the Comanche Isolde fears, but her mother’s new employer, who becomes her stepfather. Isolde realizes he is a cunning man who is not who he pretends to be. As the situation worsens, Isolde is forced to make a life-changing decision to escape; desperate, she seeks refuge with a Comanche Indian, who befriends her at first, but later joins a warring band of Comanche. Her malevolent stepfather pursues her across Texas, turning her life upside down. In the midst of her troubles, Isolde’s faith sustains her, and she unexpectedly finds the love that has always eluded her. Eventually, Isolde accepts the difficult circumstances of her life and realizes that a person’s destiny is often hidden from view because the path is sometimes rocky.

About the Author

M.B. TOSI has been an editor of non-fiction books and a weekly newspaper. She teaches piano and has a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in education. Born in Pierre, South Dakota, she has lived in Alexandria, Virginia; Bucks County, Pennsylvania; and Toledo, Ohio. She has three children and three grandchildren. She currently has two books that you can purchase on Amazon by clicking on the links- The Sacred Path of Tears and The Secret Path of Destiny.

My Opinion

I had never had the pleasure of reading a book written by M.B. Tosi until I read The Secret Path of Destiny.  Believe me when I say it was a pleasure I plan on continuing in the very near future, I'm heading over to download The Sacred Path of Tears to my Kindle just as soon as I finish writing this blog post.  I do love that you can now download most books that are on Amazon to your Kindle but back to The Secret Path of Destiny book.  This book was such a great read, I read it in the tub and stayed up super late (3am) trying to finish it and that's a good book in my opinion.  M.B. Tosi has a way with words that just entrances you and makes you feel like you are right there in the story watching it unfold almost like a movie.  Yes, she's that great of a writer!  I plan on adding her to my list of favorite authors.  The only caution I have for this book is to make sure you read The Sacred Path of Tears first. I didn't do that and didn't realize The Secret Path of Destiny was actually the 2nd book in The Indian Path Series. 
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars since I've lived in New Mexico, Colorado, Texas and now Oklahoma it was so easy for me to imagine all of the places that were talked about in this book and all of the rich Native America history.  Tosi has really done her homework on the Native American history and paints a fascinating picture that leaves me wanting more!

Thanks for reading,

Simply Grilling Cookbook

Book Description

If your grilling repertoire is limited to burgers and hot dogs, it might be time to reconsider your grill’s true potential. Think beyond that typical backyard menu, and imagine serving up a platter of skewered Caribbean Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa or a Balsamic Beef Tenderloin alongside an Asparagus and Cherry Tomato Salad. Memphis chef Jennifer Chandler has assembled everything a grilling amateur could possibly need to achieve pitmaster caliber results any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking with gas, charcoal, or cast iron, Simply Grilling will eliminate the uncertainty and have you manning the flames with confidence.
In her accessible style, Chandler explains everything—the tools, the heat, and the flavors. If you’ve always found grilling to be a guessing game, you’ll never have to wonder again if the heat is just right or if you flipped your food too soon. From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, Simply Grilling is your guide to delicious meals, hot off the grate.

My Opinion

I really liked this cookbook it was a an easy read and has some very simple grilling recipes as well as some yummy desserts for on and off the grill.  Our air conditioner isn't working right now and we've had 90 degree temps in our area so grilling is a great alternative to heating up our house with the stove/oven.  The cookbook offers a handy Grilling 101 for those that aren't used to grilling, we grill quite often so this wasn't  applicable to us.  Each recipe has mouth watering pictures, they make you want to try every recipe in the book!  I give this cookbook 5 out of 5 stars for ease of use, great pictures and tasty recipes.

About the Author

When asked why she got into the food business, Jennifer Chandler always quickly responds "because I love to eat!"

Jennifer's love of good food has led her down an interesting …and tasty…road the past 15 years.

In 1993, Jennifer surprised everyone when she told them that she was giving up a career in International Finance to move to Paris to learn to cook. Jennifer enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, took a crash course in French and, a year later, graduated at the top of her class with Le Grand Diplome and a Mention Tres Bien in Pastry.

After a life changing year in Paris, she cut her teeth in the food biz with a stint at a Washington, D.C. restaurant group as well as working in the pastry shop at one of the East Coast's top caterers.

After moving back home to Memphis, Tennessee, Jennifer briefly considered getting a 9 to 5 career but soon found herself dreaming of the kitchen.

For several years, Jennifer owned a prepared foods market and bakery market in Memphis called Cheffie's Market and More. Voted best new restaurant in Memphis, Cheffie's received much acclaim and many awards.

With the birth of her second child though, she decided to turn her food career into a more family-friendly one and…because she couldn't leave the biz altogether… started food writing.

A contributing writer to several magazines such as Prevention Magazine, All You, MidSouth Magazine, Nashville Home & Garden, Memphis Magazine, Edible Memphis, Real Food, Pilates Style and Delta Magazine, Jennifer is also been a contributing food columnist for The Commercial Appeal (Memphis’ newspaper).

Jennifer has appeared on numerous broadcast cooking segments including Food Network’s “Dinner Impossible”, Better TV (Meredith Corp., syndicated in 84 markets in the U.S.) and has also been a guest on Martha Stewart Radio on Sirius/XM.

For two years, she also served as national spokesperson for French’s. In this role, she made appearances across the country on TV, satellite media tours, radio, and at special events sharing recipes that highlighted how pantry staples like mustards and French fried onions can easily add lots of flavor to a dish.

In 2011, she jumped back into the restaurant business as a consultant and designed the concept, menu, and recipes for Cheffie’s Café in Memphis, TN. Nominated as best new restaurant in both the Memphis Magazine and Memphis Flyer’s annual reader polls, Cheffie’s Café is a gourmet “build-your-own” sandwich and salad shop.

Jennifer’s motto is: Good Food Simply. Dinnertime can be stress-free and an enjoyable experience for all, even the home chef!

Her cookbooks, Simply Salads, Simply Suppers, and Simply Grilling are available wherever fine books are sold or on  This book is on sale for only $16.65 on Amazon!

Thanks for reading,

 

Simple Secrets to a Happy Life

By Luci Swindoll
Published by Thomas Nelson

Is it possible to stay full of life, laughter, love, and the Lord through eight decades in this crazy world? Is that even realistic? Yes! There is hope, and Luci Swindoll is living proof.

With heart and humor, this best-selling author and beloved speaker lays out the truths that can help us all become a little more creative, organized, healthy, and happy. This is not a complex prescription for how to become superwoman. These are simple secrets, the wisdom produced by years of walking with God and living well.

We don’t need more tips for “having it all,” but we could all use insight on “having what matters,” and there is no better guide than Luci Swindoll.

Luci has spent eight decades accumulating the stories, memories, verses, and practical tips that make up Simple Secrets to a Happy Life. Whether traveling the world or building life-long friendships, singing in the opera or working for Mobil Oil, every step has taught her a little more about how to love God, love her neighbor, and love herself.

The result is both personal and universal. Organized into fifty short chapters, her reflections form a simple and profound outline for making the most of the lives God has given us.

We could all use a little more joy in our lives, which means we could all use a little more Luci. Visit her through these snapshots of wisdom. You’ll find yourself drawn back again and again.

My Opinion

 Luci Swindoll, the sister of famous Chuck Swindoll, was the author of this christian book.  I was a little surprised that it was actually considered a christian book because it's really more common sense and very similar to reading an advice column.  If you are a very new housewife or mom then this might be a good book for you but I already knew everything in the book and wasn't really impressed.  I feel that you should keep your $15.99 and use it for something else.  I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.

Thanks for reading,

Heaven is for Real for Kids-book review

By Todd & Sonja Burpo
Published by Thomas Nelson

This book can be purchase at christian bookstores 

online and of course at Amazon

Heaven is for real, and you are going to like it!

Colton Burpo came back from his trip to heaven with a very important message: Jesus really, really loves children. In effort to reach even more families with this eternally significant story, this runaway bestseller is now told from Colton—kid to kids! Children will receive the same comfort and assurance that so many adults have received from the trade book.

Beautifully illustrated, under Colton's direction, this book is uniquely written from a child for a child. Colton tells of his experiences in first person and comments on things that will be important to kids. A letter to parents is included to guide them in talking to their children about heaven. Scripture along with Q&A section with answers from the Bible are also included in the book.

My Opinion

I loved it and give it 5 out of 5 stars!  I had already read Heaven is for Real in just one day and thought it was an amazing book.  My 11 year old daughter had read it also and loved it and I really wanted my 10 year old to read it but he's very sensitive and has some special needs so I didn't think that one would be ideal book for him but this Kids version is PERFECT!  He was amazed and awed by what happened to Colton on his journey to heaven and back.  Kylan had a lot of questions about heaven, some were answered in this book and some were not.

This is the perfect book for children, it's thoughtfully written with a child in mind and has beautiful illustrations that children love and even has a guide in the back to help stimulate conversation between you and your child.  The main message behind this book is that Jesus really, really LOVES children.  I feel it would be great for very young children up to 10 or 11 year olds and when they are old enough they will probably want to move on and read Heaven is for Real.  This would even make a wonderful gift for expecting parents and will be cherished and loved by all that read about Colton Burpo and his AMAZING experience with life and death and HEAVEN!

Thanks for reading,

 

Heart of Gold-book review

Author Robin Lee Hatcher

Retail price $15.99

Can be purchased at most christian bookstores

 and online at Amazon

Book Description

Against Shannon's wishes, love stakes its claim in her heart. Will she discover treasure or treachery?

When Shannon Adair accompanies her minister father to the western gold rush town of Grand Coeur, she's certain she'll never be happy away from her beloved Virginia, even though the South is still gripped in civil war.

Wells Fargo driver Matthew Dubois isn't sure the lovely Shannon belongs in Idaho Territory either, but he is a desperate man. His widowed sister is dying and leaving her young son, Todd, in his care. Matthew wants to return to driving coach for the express company soon—so he'll have to find a wife to look after the boy when he's away.

Shannon is determined not to lose her heart to a man who is neither a Southerner nor a gentleman. But love stakes its claim. Now, will her heart survive learning the truth behind the courtship?

Heart of Gold swept me up in a fantastic story that involves the mine fields of Idaho, a Southern bell, the Civil War, death and love all woven together perfectly.  I just couldn't read this book quick enough to take it all in and it only took me 2 days to read the entire book.  I love historical fiction and romance and this was perfect because it was also a christian book.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars because it is just a tad bit slow in the beginning but definitely picks up!  Shannon's attitude in the beginning of the book was horrid especially for a young, christian woman but I enjoyed watching her mature in her walk with the Lord through the book and at the end she had changed her heart and life, very satisfying read!

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Thanks for reading,

 

Bittersweet Surrender-book review

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1595541969

ISBN-13: 978-1595541963

 

By Diann Hunt

 

Can be found at most christian bookstores and online at stores like Amazon

Available in paperback or e-book

Book Description



Carly Westlake is living the dream. She spends her days at a spa (okay, so she owns the place), she's dating a hunk, and she's surrounded by chocolate—milk chocolate, her favorite—that she uses for the chocolate facials that made her spa famous.

But when long buried secrets threaten Carley's business and her friendship with business-partner Tom, she fights like crazy to keep the dream—and the illusions—afloat.

It takes a miracle of grace to get Carley to finally make that bittersweet surrender to love and real life.

My opinion

I really enjoyed this book and give it 4 out of 5 stars, it's light reading for pure enjoyment.  Doesn't take a lot of thought to read it and is easy to follow all of the characters.  It's well written and I love that it's based at a Chocolate Spa, this was fun to read about.  The main character is lovable and seems like she could be one of my BFF's in real life.  It covers gambling addiction, breast cancer, divorce and several other real problems that people deal with on a daily basis and isn't overly preachy or predictable.  I would recommend it to anyone that's look for some light reading.

Thanks for reading,

 

The House on the Corner-book review

The House On the Corner

By Michael Rains

Published:

10/17/2011

Format:

E-Book (available as PDF, ePub, and Mobi files) 

Pages:

112

ISBN:

978-1-44970-199-4

Print Type:

B/W

I'm really don't know what to say about this book because it  has no meaning at all, it was just a bunch of very random thoughts scattered through out the whole book.  I would not recommend this book.  I only give it 1 star and that's being very generous.   There's really no plot, not to mention it's hard to keep up with all of the random people that just keep showing up every now and then and then suddenly it just ends and you are left feeling bewildered by what you just read.  Don't waste your time on this one.  I've tried and tried to come up with something nice to say about it but I just can't find anything.

 I was given this book for free by Book Sneeze in exchange

 for an honest review!

Thanks for reading,

 

The Ride Of A Lifetime-a book review

By Kitty McGregor
Published by WestBow Press

This book can be purchased at most christian bookstores and of course at this link to Amazon and is available to download as an E-book.

This book drew me in from the very first moment and I was literally hanging on each word.  I didn't want to get up and go to church this morning (but I did) because I had stayed up so late reading it.  As soon as lunch was over I went right in and finished the book today and I had just downloaded onto my iPhone last night.  Kitty McGregor is very descriptive and her words leap off the pages (or screen in my case) almost like you are watching a movie, it was one of the VERY best books I've read in a long time and I read a LOT of books.  I LOVED it and recommend it, I don't know if it's because I live in Oklahoma and can imagine in vivid detail everything she's describing or what but I just can't say enough about this book!  The only thing that I didn't like was a couple curse words(which I don't think were necessary especially in a christian book) but besides that it was phenomenal.    Here is a description of the book

When Lucas McCade retired from the PRCA rodeo circuit, he was an internationally famous rodeo star. In a life of conquering hard bulls and harder men, he had rarely known defeat and never given into fear. Little could he have known that as he left the arena of wild-eyed bulls and slashing hooves, he was stepping into a life filled with real danger. Once he rode for gold-buckle dreams, now ride with Lucas McCade as he scouts the back trails over the rolling hills of Oklahoma and encounters the paths of the powers of darkness. In a culture where a man’s word is still his bond and a handshake seals a deal, McCade leads his family in a walk with Christ that causes outrage in the spiritual realm. Once again, ancient battle lines are drawn between the powers of the Prince of Darkness and the Heavenly forces of Jesus Christ. It promises to be the ride of a lifetime!

Thanks for reading,

 

Moments of Truth-a book review

Unleashing God's Word One Day at a Time

By John MacArthur 

Published by Thomas Nelson

Suggested Retail Price- $16.99

Can be purchased at most christian bookstores and also at this Amazon link.

Book Description

Devotions that offer biblical teaching, scripture, and prayer to match the annual happenings of the calendar and give daily truths from a foremost biblical scholar and author.

Christianity starts with a life-changing encounter with Christ. But then what? From the beautiful moment of salvation to the dying breath, a powerful life in Christ depends on one thing: being in continual relationship with the Father. But does that relationship deliver only encouragement? Or does it offer instruction, reshaping, and revitalization?

In this unique daily devotional, renowned teacher and Bible scholar John MacArthur offers readers truths that will not only inspire them day-by-day but also will give them digestible nuggets of biblical wisdom.

Moments of Truth is designed to meet readers right where they are each day. Entries are intentionally arranged to match the highlights of the calendar year, such as Christmas, Easter, Tax Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Back-to-School, and everything in between. This book recasts the role of faith in readers' lives by matching God’s truth with the daily realities we all face. It is only by seeing life through our relationship with the Father that we will access and experience the spiritual depths he designed us for.

My Thoughts 

  

  The devotional is intentionally arranged so that when it's Christmas or Easter you are discovering a unique nugget of truth devoted specifically to those special days.  If you are looking for a devotional that's just a little different from the norm then you have found it.  It's great for a baby christian or someone that has been a christian their whole life.  MacArthur gives you a lot to ponder in only a short one page devotional that is a compilation of some of his previously published books .  

I give it 5 stars out of 5 stars!

Thanks for reading,

 

John MacArthur is a renowned teacher and Bible scholar so it's been interesting to get his perspectives on different subjects like praying for our leaders, a husband's role, a wife's role, sharing the gospel with your children among many other things.

The Encounter-a book review

The Encounter-Sometimes God has to intervene

By Stephen Arterburn 

This book can be purchased at most christian bookstores and at many places online including Amazon.

The suggested retail price is $15.99

As soon as I receive a book I always turn it over and read the back cover or the inside flap to get a feel for what the book will be about, this one caught my eye and attention right away because it talked about adoption and birthmoms.  As most of my readers know, both of my sweet children are adopted from South Korea and as they are starting to get older we have had lots of questions about their birth parents and why my children were placed in an orphanage.  I'm sure it's frustrating and confusing to wonder why you were given up for adoption.  I just tell my children it was the very best "gift" their birth parents could ever give to them and to us.  God had a perfect plan for their lives and for ours and it was to bring us together as a family. 

 This books let me look into the mind of a child that had been orphaned and eventually placed into an adoptive home.  It's about his search for his birth mom and all of the bitterness, heartache and pain that he is carrying inside of himself and finally some answers that he is looking for and the power of forgiveness.  The Encounter is an easy read (I read it in one night) and it is sure to touch your heart!

I received this book for free from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks for reading,