An Unexpected Angel

A novel by Janet K. Halling

Publisher's Note: Ella Davies hates Christmas. Every year she spends the holidays working, trying to forget the pain of a childhood tragedy that left her all alone. But this season, Ella's about to learn something only an angel could teach her. This modern twist on a Christmas classic will remind you that the best gifts of all are the loved ones you learn to treasure!

Mandi's Review: Ella Davies has spent her life since her mother and sister's death filled with grief, anger, and guilt, and Christmas is just another painful reminder of what she no longer has. In the traditional spirit of A Christmas Carol, Ella is visited by an unexpected guest on Christmas eve. As she journeys into the events of the past, Ella learns there is always a purpose to the trials in her life. She learns the importance of forgiveness and love.

It was Christmas Eve, and the Empire State Building was lit with red and green. The streets were jammed with traffic, and the fog was rolling in off the Hudson, turning the streetlights into misty orbs.

Ella sighed and turned away from the window and the twinkling lights below, determined not to give in to the painful memories that had been lurking in the back of her mind all day.

 I have to admit, I loved this book. It is a wonderful read that will leave you feeling the tender Christmas spirit that is often hard to find during the busy holiday rush. At first, I didn't like Ella, but as you learn her story, you feel touched and inspired by this "Scrooge-like" character. This is definitely a holiday must-read and is a perfect addition to anyone's holiday collection. You'll want to read it again every year!

Purchase a copy of An Unexpected Angel today! It would make a great Christmas gift for those you love!

Learn more about author, Janet K. Halling .

White Chocolate Almond Divinity

This time of year my very favorite thing to cook is candy cAnDy candy! I lOvE making toffee, fudge, truffles, carmels, and especially divinity! This is one of my favorite recipes. I like to add this-and-thats to my candy to create new recipes. Last year this was a hUgE hit at the family party!

Ingredients:

2 2/3 cups white sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup slivered almonds
6 to 8 oz white chocolate chips

Directions:

Cook sugar, corn syrup, and water in a 2-quart pot over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. (On humid days, use 1 tablespoon less water.) Cook, without stirring, to 260 degrees on candy thermometer (or hard ball stage).

Beat egg whites in 1-1/2-quart bowl until stiff peaks form. Continue to beat while pouring hot syrup in a thin stream into egg whites. Add vanilla; beat until mixture holds its shape and becomes slightly dull. Fold in nuts and chocolate! 

Drop from buttered spoon onto waxed paper. Let stand at room temperature, turning candy over once, until outside of candy is firm--at least 12 hours. Store in airtight container.

Miss. Braithwaite's Secret

A Regency Romance by author G.G. Vandagriff

Publisher's Note: Miss Braithwaite’s Secret is the final novel in the traditional Regency Trilogy: “Three Rogues and Their Ladies.” The Deseret News claims “Vandagriff writes in a style reminiscent of Georgette Heyer. Like Heyer, she centers her novel on witty characters that readers will love.”

In this novel, when Caroline Braithwaite, the Incomparable, leaves her first London Season early, the ton is left wondering why. Home in Wiltshire, she does not confide in her parents or her best friend. However, when the duke of Beverley appears at a house party to which they have both been invited, she is seriously discomposed. So is he. Fresh from a broken engagement, the last thing he wants is to partner a woman he had briefly courted in London – a woman he would have offered for before the fiancée came along. Caro fights her own attraction to the compelling duke. After all, he's already broken her heart once. She is not about to give him a second chance.

As the two slowly learn more about one another, they are surprised to find that first impressions have led them astray. While their feelings are growing progressively more intimate, they are plagued by harrowing circumstances which keep them apart and lead to new misunderstandings. How many times will Caro have to forgive Ned, the Duke of Beverley? And will he, at last, be able to prove his love?

Mandi's Review: Miss Braithwaite's Secret is the third book in GG Vandgriff's Three Rouges and Their Ladies Regency Trilogy. I have to admit, I've loved this series, and I am sorry to see it end. In Miss Braithwaite's Secret, Caroline a.k.a "Caro" and Ned are confronted with a wealth of misunderstandings amidst their growing mutual attraction. The romantic tension makes this novel all the more fun. Vandagriff's characters are perfectly flawed, with all the right distinctive quirks to keep them in your mind long after you've finished the book. The era in which this book is set bring many vivid pictures to mind, and you feel as if you've stepped into the past. This is definitely a series worth cuddling up with on a cold, wintry day.

Book Lovers Holiday Hop

Hi, welcome to the Book Lovers Holiday Giveaway Hop blog hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Today on my blog you can win a $10 Walmart gift card or a free e-copy of my book The Alias (learn more on Amazon.com. Just follow the link) In order to win, just follow the rules listed below. And thanks for stopping by.
1) Follow this blog (Mandatory)
2) Like Tide Ever Rising on Facebook (New book coming Feb. 2013)
3) Follow my author page on Face Book
4) Follow me on Twitter

That's it!