The Nutcracker and Christmas Anticipation

Christmas is a time of anticipation. The planning and expectations. My favorite Christmas present was a China doll that was dressed in a Scandinavian dress. She had a strawberry blond hair and was peeking out of my Christmas stocking. I was totally overwhelmed with excitement seeing that I had a special doll just waiting for me that morning. 

Christmas is also a time of special once-a-year treats which are as fun making as enjoying on Christmas. Krumkaka, a thin batter that is poured onto a small griddle and then rolled after cooking before it is cooled, it is then filled with a sweet cream filling. Which though totally delicious is not quick or easy to make and unfortunately require special tools to make.

Ruspaballs are a family favorite that is anticipated all year. Not sure what these are? I'll share the recipe which is fairly easy. 

Prepare mash potatoes and cool so that you can handle them without getting burned. 

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil

Add flour to the mash potatoes and mix in. 

Add flour by the half cup, adding more until the dough doesn't stick to your hands. 

You will then form the dough into balls the size of a large orange. 

Place the potato balls into the boiling water. 

Balls will sink down and when they rise to the water surface you will know that they are done. 

Lift from the water and allow to drain.

After the balls have cooled they can be refrigerated for a couple of days (or frozen).

The balls are then sliced about 1/4" thick and fried till lightly browned (or spray with oil and bake in a pan flipping so that they cook evenly on both sides. 

Serve this way or with a little butter.

The Nutcracker is something that many look forward to enjoying each Christmas and this year we have a new Nutcracker to anticipate - The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. And if you are a book lover this has been turned into a book too (which I might add I've checked out from my library and hope to review shortly).

About the Movie:  

All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.

Journey to the Four Realms featurette:

Fall on Me music video:

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS: starring Kiera Knightley, Helen Mirren, Matthew Macfadyen, Morgan Freeman and Mackenzie Foy as “Clara.” 

For more information, please go to:  https://movies.disney.com/the-nutcracker-and-the-four-realms

A Christmas Prayer ~ Review

A Christmas Prayer
By Wanda E. Brunstetter

Cynthia Cooper and her mother Mable find themselves leaving behind the ease of city life when their financial circumstances find them heading West with Cynthia's intended. Walter Prentice is more than ten years older than her and his looks are so-so but he offers a future of security for both Cynthia and her mother. But he is just so bland, especially when compared to the others in their wagon train of three.

Having missed the much larger train that they were to go with Cynthia, Mable, and Walter join with two other wagons that had also arrived a day or two late. One wagon belongs to Jack Simpson, who along with his young children Alan and Amelia, is heading to California to take up cattle ranching. The final wagon is owned by Cole Edwards and his sister Ginny.

As various delays slow their already slow pace reaching California before the weather turns bad is seeming less likely. And when the worst happens and they find themselves stranded a chance discovery finds them able to take shelter in something better than a tent or their wagons. Cynthia is also allowed a chance to truly get to know the man she is about to pledge herself to and Walter is not whom she thought him to be but she made a promise and she'll keep it.

A Christmas Prayer is a sweet story that is a quick read that ends in a most satisfying way. Wanda Brunstetter is known for her Amish fiction which this is not. This is a historical fiction with a dash of romance added along with a pinch of holiday charm. Take a break from your hectic schedule and take a short trip to 1850 from the comfort of your favorite corner.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Will Love Be Found While Trapped 

in the Sierra Nevada Mountains?

       Only the brave-or foolhardy-would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail. 

       Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. 

        When a widowed father heading to California and a gold prospector both show interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?

Shelter of the Most High ~ Review

Shelter of the Most High
Cities of Refuge #2
By Connilyn Cossette

Sofea loves the sea and this very love is what finds her far from the land of her birth and her people. It is this very love that finds her in a distant land with no way to communicate with the people who have taken her into their home. What is she expect? Is she now a slave to be punished at the whim of a cruel master and mistress? All these thoughts fill her very being as she tries to protect and care for her cousin.

When strangers take Sofea and Prezi to the walled city of Kedesh, they little realize that it is a city of refuge - a place of sanctuary for those who are guilty of crimes. Crimes that Sofea's own father would have had them put to death for.

Eitan has called Kedesh home for eleven years, the mistake he made during his childhood has marked him though few know the reason he never leaves the safety of the city. Eitan longs for the day he can leave the city but the threat to his life and the lives of those he holds most dear is ever present, waiting to claim vengeance.

Shelter of the Most High is the second book in the Cities of Refuge series but it can easily be read on its own. It is really quite interesting to learn about the cities of refuge that were established by God. This is a part of the Old Testament that was never dwelt upon in any classes or sermons that I've ever been blessed to hear or take part in. I don't think I ever truly realized that the cities of refuge were to protect someone after they killed another not in anger but by accident.

The characters are engaging and the story is well-written so that the reader is easily caught up in the story. I like how the perspective is told mainly from Sofea and Eitan's viewpoint as it offers a more rounded story. This is first and foremost Biblical fiction but there is a touch suspense as Eitan and Sofea get caught up in a plot that, if it succeeds, could free all who must stay within the city. This book is one that you could read on your own or would lend itself well to a book club setting.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own. 


About the Book:

The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a city of refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood, yet chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Can they uncover the betrayal in time to save their lives and the lives of those they love?

Seek-and-Circle Bible Battles ~ Review

Seek-and-Circle Bible Battles
By Alyssa Jones

From the BH Kids Editorial Staff

This is an activity book to help teach children about the armor of God and stories taken from the Old Testament. So get a dry erase marker and get ready to have a fun time while learning from the Bible. The Scripture references for this book come from Ephesians 6:10-19 (The Armor of God), Joshua 6 (The Battle of Jericho), Israel vs. the Five Kings (Joshua 10:1-15), Deborah, Barak, and Jael (Judges 4), Gideon vs. the Midianites (Judges 6-8), David and Goliath (1 Samual 17), and Judah Taken Captive (2 Chronicles 36). 

Now the Scripture is just referenced so you will need to have a Bible nearby so that you can read this before the search for the listed objects commences. Each story is pictured on nearly 2 pages with a list of items to look for. One of the items to be searched for is a piece of the Armor of God. There is a Christ Connection for each story showing how the Old Testament past of Israel was a glimpse of what Christ would be for the whole world. 

I'll admit it is fun trying to find all the objects and this would be a really fun family activity, maybe have different colored markers for each person to use and take turns finding the objects. However you decide to use this book it will be an enjoyable and educational time for all involved. Though I will admit some of the objects may be difficult to identify which is why reading the Scripture first is important as it offers descriptions of the people that may be helpful.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Seek, circle, 

and learn!

Maybe you’ve heard about the battle of Jericho and David’s battle against Goliath, but what about the day the sun stood still? Inside this book, explore six of the major battles from the Bible, filled with dozens of items for you to seek and circle! Every battle scene also has something to tell us about God’s plan for His people through His Son, Jesus.

For an added challenge, look for the six pieces of the armor of God as you explore each battle.

Use a wipe-on, wipe-off marker to seek-and-circle over and over again!

This BH Kids book includes a Parent Connection, an easy tool to help moms and dads (or anyone else who loves kids) discuss the book’s message with their child. We’re all about connecting parents and kids to each other and to God’s Word.

The Christmas Remedy ~ Review

The Christmas Remedy
By Cindy Woodsmall
     and Erin Woodsmall

Holly Noelle Zook is determined to prevent any needless Amish deaths, not when they could be prevented with basic medical care and knowledge. The loss of her father has driven her to help out in the nearby English pharmacy for years. And she hopes to further her own education so she can help her friends and neighbors even more.

When an emergency threatens everything she's ever worked and Greene's Pharmacy could be shuttered Holly Noelle has to accept help from Joshua Smucker. Josh is everything an Amish girl could want unless she's Holly Noelle. Working outside the home is not an option for an Amish woman should she marry and Holly is determined not to marry. EVER! So dating is out of the question - though if she and Josh could just be friends...

Brandon Greene is just this close to having his pharmacy license when his dad needs him. Not that his dad would ask but Holly Noelle let him know. And once again his life is on hold thanks to the unexpected. He had been happy to leave Raysburg behind but now it looked as if he was back at least for a short stint.

With time counting down Holly, Josh and Brandon have their work cut out for them if they are going to get to the truth of what happened before everything went wrong. Where was the paperwork they so desperately needed or had Doc Greene done something wrong?

This is a nice Christmas read, one that has the Amish and English life woven together in a mutually caring community that is just starting to break down the barriers and mistrust that have divided them. There are characters that one can connect with almost instantly and see the varying viewpoints from each one's perspective and sympathize accordingly. Maybe everything doesn't work out just how everyone would have hoped but that could be a good thing in the end. If you want a feel-good read, pick this one up, curl up in your favorite corner and while away a few contented hours.

I received this book from the publisher through their book launch program. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of "big box" stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface--and possibly love.

Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene's Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community--a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can't marry and hold onto her professional job. She's Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases--like the one that claimed her father's life.

As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene's Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what's happened and find the "missing" patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?

When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of “big box” stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface–and possibly love.

Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene’s Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community–a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can’t marry and hold onto her professional job. She’s Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases–like the one that claimed her father’s life.

As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene’s Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what’s happened and find the “missing” patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?

When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of “big box” stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface–and possibly love.

Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene’s Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community–a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can’t marry and hold onto her professional job. She’s Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases–like the one that claimed her father’s life.

As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene’s Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what’s happened and find the “missing” patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?

Auschwitz Lullaby ~ Review

Auschwitz Lullaby
By Mario Escobar

Helene Hannemann's life was that of an ordinary German woman until the day came that her husband and children were taken because of their Romani (Gypsy) heritage. Not about to allow them to be taken from her Helene insists on accompanying them little realizing just what her love would cost.

In May 1943 the Romani population under Nazi control is taken away to "special" internment camps and when her husband, Johann and their children are included in this rounding up Helene goes with them, though her German heritage would exempt her from such a sentence. Auschwitz is a living hell that tries to steal away the humanity and dignity of all who enter its gates. Helene though separated from Johann is determined to do everything in her power to keep her children safe.

When Helene's skills, as a trained nurse, are discovered her life and that of her children becomes somewhat better. But operating a day nursery under Dr. Mengele's direction allows her to see the utter depths of depravity a human can sink to and all in the name research.

This book covers approximately 15 months in the life of a woman who was determined to protect the innocent. Though there is much referenced as occurring within the camp most of the graphic violence is not described. There is one scene in which the after-effects of one of Mengele's experiments is portrayed and it is quite horrific. The hate shown against those who are of differing heritage is a warning that all should take to heart.

This book is one that is hard to read just because of the subject matter. The presentation and writing style are excellent. Those who have read Irma Joubert or Corban Addison's work will likely appreciate this book which is based on the true story of Helene Hannemann. 

I was provided a complimentary of this book by the publisher Thomas Nelson with no expectations except that I offer my honest opinion. All opinions offer are my own.


About the Book:

Auschwitz Lullaby brings to life the story of Helene Hannemann—a woman who sacrificed everything for family and fought furiously for the children she hoped to save.

On an otherwise ordinary morning in 1943, Helene Hannemann is preparing her five children for the day when the German police arrive at her home. Helene’s worst fears come true when the police, under strict orders from the SS, demand that her children and husband, all of Romani heritage, be taken into custody. Though Helene is German and safe from the forces invading her home, she refuses to leave her family—sealing her fate in a way she never could have imagined.

After a terrifying trek across the continent, Helene and her family arrive at Auschwitz and are thrown into the chaos of the camp. Her husband, Johann, is separated from them, but Helene remains fiercely protective of her children and those around her. When the powers-that-be discover that Helene is not only a German but also a trained nurse, she is forced into service at the camp hospital, which is overseen by the notorious Dr. Mengele himself.

Helene is under no illusions in terms of Dr. Mengele’s intentions, but she agrees to cooperate when he asks her to organize a day care and school for the Romani children in the camp. Though physically and emotionally brutalized by the conditions at Auschwitz, Helene musters the strength to protect the children in her care at any cost. Through sheer force of will, Helene provides a haven for the children of Auschwitz—an act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history.

Based on a true story, Mario Escobar’s Auschwitz Lullaby demonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignity—even when all hope seems lost.

Lady of a Thousand Treasures ~ Review with Giveaway

Lady of a Thousand Treasures
The Victorian Ladies Series #1
By Sandra Byrd

Miss Eleanor Sheffield has been tasked with determining to whom Baron Lydney's collection of treasures will be given. The collection is vast and grand and highly sought after. But Eleanor must keep her personal feelings out of her decision making. And she does have personal feelings - she not too long ago thought that she and the late Baron's son would be wed. But when Harry tarried overlong on the Continent with no word Eleanor's hopes faded.

As Eleanor works through the estate's inventory she must determine who is worthy of the treasures her late father help Baron Lydney amass. Does it belong in the South Kensington Museum where all might enjoy it or does it belong with Harry and Watchfield House? With rumors that Harry is not worthy of holding such treasures, Eleanor must observe and test.

But more than the final ownership of the late Baron's possessions is at stake - Eleanor is also trying to keep her family's antiquities business going which following the death of her father and the decline of her Uncle Lewis is a nearly insurmountable task for a single woman in 1860s England. As business declines, Eleanor feels that her final decision will determine the fate of Sheffield Brothers. But can her business survive until a decision is reached or will she find her future in lies in debtor's prison?

This is a delightful and intriguing glimpse into a seldom-explored aspect of English history. Who knew that the upper class had such an interest in collecting rare pieces and antiquities that it could support a whole industry. I found the need for procurers and evaluators of pieces to be wholly unexpected. Also that even at that time the ability of those to produce forgeries was a real concern is something I did not expect. Get ready to enter a world of prejudice and betrayal with the ultimate treasure at stake.

The author's notes about the historical elements and real people that she included to bring this book together are well worth reading. Some of these facts a person may have heard briefly in history class but most likely never made it into the books - I know they didn't mine (I have the books on the shelf to look through). The efforts that Sandra Byrd goes to in added historic detail to her books is evident in the past that she brings to life.  I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical Victorian era fiction - this is not dry or tired and will leave you with a better understanding of this world.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations except that I offer my honest opinion. - All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.

The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry—the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.

Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her lingering hope for a future with Harry dims.

With the threat of debtor’s prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron’s collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving Sheffield Brothers. But the more time she spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Might Harry be worthy of his inheritance, and her heart, after all? As pressures mount and time runs out, Eleanor must decide whom she can trust—who in her life is false or true, brass or gold—and what is meant to be treasured.

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