Grace Book Review and Recipes from the Book

I was excited that my next book came off reserve but it took me so long to get to the library to get it that there actually two so I had to figure out which one to start with.  I picked Grace: A Christmas Sisters of the Heart Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray which was the holiday book that went with the Sisters of the Heart Novel series that I had already read.  I was trying to read a book that I found on my bookshelf at the house and I was having a horrible time getting through it so I was excited to get to read another really fast moving and interested book in this series.

It's Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holidays. But when two unexpected visitors appear seeking shelter, the family's commitment to hospitality is tested. First Levi arrives, sullen and angry . . . but insisting on staying for five days. Next Melody shows up. She's almost nine months pregnant, but won't say a word about why she traveled all the way from Kentucky by herself. As the two strangers settle in, the Brennemans try to make the best of the situation, except for Katie, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets. She is determined to learn the truth about these two strangers . . . all while keeping her own secret safely hidden away. The guests become part of the family through the week and there are many reveals of surprising secrets from the guests and the Brenneman family.

I really enjoyed the holiday cheer in the book that made you stop and look at all the things that you are grateful in your life.  The visitors at the bed and breakfast were going through tough times and trying to avoid the holidays by going away to enjoy the rest and relaxation of not being with family. While on the other hand, the Brenneman family was looking forward to a quiet holiday at home.  Nobody got what they expected and reading all the twists and turns with reveals makes for a good book.  As you learn the secrets about each person, more of the character is revealed and you get to like them even more.  I hope that you pick up this book and find out all of the secrets that it holds.  Get it the next time you are at your local library or bookstore and see what interesting reading this Amish fiction has that makes you grateful for your blessings in life.

In case you have never read one of the Amish fiction books, they sometimes have recipes in the back of them.  This book had two that looked really good (both sweets of course).  

Molasses Cookies

1 c butter
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1 c molasses
1 c sour milk
4 c flour
2 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda

Cream together butter, sugar, eggs and molasses and 1 tsp of baking soda.  Add dry ingredients with remaining 1 tsp of baking soda in sour milk.  Bake 375 degree until golden brown.

Best Cinnamon Rolls 

2 packets yeast
2 1/2 c water
1 box yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1/3 c oil
6 c flour
1 tsp salt

Melt margarine, brown sugar and cinnamon mix just enough to coat the tops of rolls (no measurements listed).

Dissolve yeast in warm water,  Add cake mix, eggs, oil, 1 cup flour and salt.  Beat until bubbles appear.  Slowly add remaining flour or enough to make soft dough that you can knead.  Let rise until doubled.

Roll dough 1/4 inch thick, spread with margarine, sugar and cinnamon mixed.  Roll up and slice.  Place slices in greased pans and let rise until doubled.  Bake at 350 degrees, 20 to 30 minutes.  Top with powdered sugar to glaze when cooled.