The Silver Shadow by Liz Tolsma: Review & Giveaway with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

The Silver Shadow

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense

Release date: May 2021

 

A Shadowy Figure Is Intent on Harming Denver’s Women

Book 11 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

Denver of 1900 is still a dangerous place to be following the silver crash of 1893. And of out of the dark comes a shadow intent on harming women. Ambitious young Denver newspaper reporter Polly Blythe is searching for the big story that’s going to launch her career. On Friday evening, August 24, 1900, she gets her break when two women are cracked over the head within a two-minute walk of each other. But policeman Edwin Timmer thwarts Polly’s ideas of a serial criminal. . .until the shadowy figure strikes again. Will the reporter and the policeman team up to find the culprit before he strikes too close for comfort?

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS.....

Just who was the Silver Shadow? Why were women in Denver attacked, and often killed, with no apparent motive? These are the questions that rookie news reporter Polly Blythe is determined to answer, with the help of Denver policeman Edwin Price. Author Liz Tolsma has created an intriguing fictional story around the true facts of this crime wave that terrorized Denver in 1900-1901, and she imagines the thoughts of Polly, Edwin, and the criminal that she has dubbed The Silver Shadow. The intrigue kept me guessing throughout the story, and I was especially interested in the Shadow's reasons for attacking these innocent women.

Tolsma vividly depicts the extreme fear of Denver citizens, and the frustrations of those who failed to stop this assailant, and she adds even more interest by creating a romantic connection between Polly and Edwin!

Apparently. there's little recorded information about these crimes, and the author's notes explain what is fact and what is fiction. I enjoyed The Silver Shadow and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction and romantic suspense.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Net Galley, and Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

 

More from Liz

One of the most popular questions I’ve gotten from many readers of the True Colors Crime series is how do I come up with the ideas for the books? For the first two, Becky Germany, acquisitions editor at Barbour Publishing, had the ideas. That made my life easy. I just had to fictionalize it, and I had a book. But when I was putting together the proposals for The Gold Digger and The Silver Shadow, it was up to me to find the true crimes I wanted to use.

 

I went online and scoured historical crime blogs and books for ideas. I wanted crimes that I could work easily with, that made for compelling stories. As I was doing this, my husband and two daughters and I were driving home from Georgia. We were somewhere in Indiana. Don’t ask me why I remember this when I can’t remember what I had for dinner last night, but I do.

 

And then on Google Books, I discovered a book about crimes the world had forgotten. The first one in there sounded so good. Not too grisly, something that no one would be able to guess the culprit very easily. It was perfect. Imagine my excitement when Becky told me they would be publishing The Silver Shadow.

 

Then I sat down to research it more. And I could hardly find anything! What? Where was all the information on this? There had to be more. That chapter in the one book couldn’t be all there was. He had to get his information from somewhere.

 

Eventually I did come across some articles from various Colorado newspapers with a few details. Not many at all. None from any of the Denver papers, even though that’s where the crimes were committed.

 

In the end, that’s all the information I discovered. In a way, it was freeing. I could write whatever I wanted, and no one would be the wiser. Even if they did some research and some digging, there wasn’t much to find. I was able to take the facts that I did have, combine that with what I found out about Denver in 1900, and put it together in a story. I tried to use historical details wherever I could, but of my four True Colors Crimes books, this is the most fictional of them all.

Blog Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 25

lakesidelivingsite, May 25

Reviewingbooksplusmore, May 25

For the Love of Literature, May 26

Bigreadersite, May 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 26

Texas Book-aholic, May 27

Genesis 5020, May 27

Christian Bookaholic, May 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 28

Vicky Sluiter, May 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 28

The Write Escape, May 29

Betti Mace, May 29

Inklings and notions, May 29

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 30

Rebecca Tews, May 30

Older & Smarter?, May 31

deb’s Book Review, May 31

Blogging With Carol, May 31

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1

Remembrancy, June 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 2

Pick a Good Book, June 2

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, June 2

Connie’s History Classroom, June 3

Godly Book Reviews, June 3

Mary Hake, June 3

Through the Fire Blogs, June 4

Melissa Wardwells Back Porch Reads, June 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 4

KarenSueHadley, June 5

Amanda Tero, Blog, June 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 6

Grace-Filled Writer, June 6

Pause for Tales, June 6

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 7

Blossoms and Blessings, June 7

Daysong Reflections, June 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of The Silver Shadow!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10c96/the-silver-shadow-celebration-tour-giveaway

Emily Lex Watercolor Package and Classes: Review & Giveaway

I admit that I have no artistic talents at all. but I actually think that I might have some success if I follow the instructions of Emily Lex. Lex creates beautiful art and she tries to help others to do the same, by offering lovely and useful products that teach you, step by step, how to watercolor.

I recently had a chance to review Lex's products and I received a wonderful gift package. This package included 31 Illustrated Scripture Cards for Adults and 31 Illustrated Scripture Cards for Children. Each card has a Bible verse and one of Lex's beautiful watercolor paintings. They are great to display at home but I plan to share some of them with a special friend, and I will give my 7 year-old granddaughter the children's cards. These Truth for Today scripture cards are a special way to read God's Word every day!

Details:

• Original watercolor artwork by Emily Lex

• 31 card set

• 4 inches by 4 inches

• 120lb cotton texture eggshell paper

• Ships in 3-5 business days from Seattle WA

My wonderful review kit also included a beautiful brass card holder to display the Truth for Today cards! A beautiful accessory, but more importantly, an invaluable tool to use daily!

I also received two workbooks, an Animals Watercolor Workbook. and a Flowers Watercolor Workbook. 

These delightful watercolor workbooks are a great way to develop your painting skills. Each workbook has 10 beginner-friendly floral or animal sketches with examples, simple instructions, and sketches ready for you to paint directly on the page. They are perfect for both adults and kids!

Details:

• 42 spiral bound lay flat pages

• Professionally printed on slightly textured paper

• 7″ x 9″

• Original watercolor artwork + sketches by Emily Lex

I was also given the chance to view the classes that Emily Lex offers online. They include Watercolors, Watercolors for Children, and Penmanship, and Lex shares her knowledge in a pleasant, informative manner.  You can learn more about these valuable classes HERE.

More information about Emily Lex and her products can be found by visiting her Website and Instagram 

You can also view her shop HERE  

GIVEAWAY

Here's a chance to win a fantastic gift pack from Emily Lex. 

May Flowers Giveaway

One winner will receive:

• Farmgirl Flowers Bouquet
• Truth for Today Scripture Cards + Brass Card Holder
• Olive & June Nail Polish (3 colors)
• 1 Canoe 2 Zipper Pouch
• Linen Tea Towel
• Rifle Paper for Anthropologie Garden Party Monogram Mug
• $100 Starbucks Gift Card

You can enter HERE today.

DISCLAIMER: I appreciate the opportunity to review these items that were provided in a sample pack from Frontgate Media and Emily Lex. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Hope of Spring (Discovery Sage, #3) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book 3 of an exclusive 6-consecutive-month release Amish serial novel.  In The Hope of Spring, part three of New York Times Bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunsetter’s The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga, Meredith Stoltzfus is trying to piece her life back together, while in a hospital miles away, a young man is fighting for his life and remains in a coma. . . . Weeks away from the baby being born, Meredith has never been so scared. She aches for Luke and knows her baby will need his father. She’s nearly out of money; can she somehow manage to provide for herself and her baby—alone? 

MY THOUGHTS.....

'I've lost Luke, Meredith thought as her eyes drifted shut, and I won't take the chance of losing our baby.'

In the third installment of the Discovery Saga, Meredith realizes that she must take care of herself, to avoid putting her unborn baby at risk. She no longer has her late husband Luke, but she does have a good support system in her parents, her friend Jonah, and many other people in this close-knit Amish community. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, an unnamed patient is being cared for by a caring nurse, but his prognosis seems dismal, to say the least. Will he remember who he is, if he ever comes out of his coma?

This novella is perfect when you're looking for a quick, uncomplicated read. Fans of Amish fiction will enjoy the many references to this hardworking, faithful group of people, and author Wanda E. Brunstetter leaves us eager to learn what happens next! I recommend The Hope of Spring and the Discovery Saga to all who enjoy Christian fiction.

I received a copy of this book. A favorable review was never required.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website  Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

ABOUT THIS SERIES

The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga

Book 1 - Goodbye to Yesterday

Book 2 - The Silence of Winter

Book 3 - The Hope of Spring

Book 4 - The Pieces of Summer

Book 5 - A Revelation in Autumn

Book 6 - A Vow for Always

View all my reviews

Autumn's Harmony by Donna Wyland: Review & Giveaway with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Autumn’s Harmony

Author: Donna Wyland

Genre: Contemporary women’s fiction

Release date: October 20, 2020

 

For every woman who has ever desired

to make sense of her past, find joy in

the present, and discover God’s purpose

for her future.

Anna Bentley needs a new life. Struggling in a long-term marriage with two children and carrying a secret that stole her joy many years ago, she begins to search for the key to happiness in marriage and in life. When peach martinis, lacy lingerie and Nicholas Sparks novels fail to quell her discontent and spice up her failing marriage, she finds what she was looking for in the most unlikely place.

Autumn’s Harmony is a poignant and witty tale about the healing power of forgiveness, reconciliation and new beginnings.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS.....

'All I want is a meaningful life. A loving marriage and days filled with happiness instead of regret. Is that too much to ask?'

This is a touching story of one woman's search for joy and contentment, as she struggles with feelings of guilt, inferiority, and loss. Anna Bentley has carried a secret for twenty-four years, and her husband and two children no longer supply the fulfillment that she needs. Author Donna Wyland offers a realistic portrayal of Anna's battle to stay afloat, as she deals with a domineering husband obsessed with his career and her daughter's desire for freedom from the family. Anna's life is nothing like she hoped it would be, and her needs seem unanswered, until.... a special person shows her an answer.

Autumn's Harmony is intriguing contemporary fiction, and it does contain a faith message, but be aware that there are curse words sprinkled throughout the book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

About the Author
 

Donna Wyland is an award-winning author whose personal essays and poetry have appeared in numerous publications. Her published work includes picture books, Your Home in Heaven and If I Could Ask Jesus, and a gift book titled Surrender. Donna is a mother and grandmother, and she lives in the Midwest with her husband surrounded by quilts, crafts, and oodles of books. To learn more, visit www.freetobe.faith or connect with Donna on LinkedIn, Instagram and Pinterest.

 

More from Donna

Anna Bentley needs a new beginning. Most women have felt the same way at one time or another. When life is routine and marriage & family are a struggle, where can you find true happiness? Anna discovers her new beginning in an unlikely place – the same place I found mine when I was thirty-three. Join Anna on her journey to reignite the happiness in you.

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, May 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 20

Genesis 5020, May 20

Texas Book-aholic, May 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 23

Spoken from the Heart, May 23

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 24

deb’s Book Review, May 25

HappyWhenReading, May 25

Inklings and notions, May 26

Batya’s Bits, May 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 27

For Him and My Family, May 28

Older & Smarter?, May 29

Pause for Tales, May 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of Autumn’s Harmony and a $25 Magnolia Market E-Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10bbe/autumn-s-harmony-celebration-tour-giveaway

View all my reviews

The Jam and Jelly Nook (Amish Marketplace #4) by Amy Clipston

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the final installment of Amy Clipston’s bestselling Amish Marketplace series, a young widow struggling to raise her son dreams of one more chance at love.

Since her husband died seven years ago, Leanna Wengerd has done her best—tending to her son, Chester, and running her Jam and Jelly Nook at the Amish market. Though she enjoys seeing her cousins and customers at the marketplace, she wishes she could find more time for her rebellious teenage boy.

When Chester gets into trouble for trespassing, he winds up at the police station with his friend Maggie, who was riding with him to a youth group gathering. Leanna comes to the police station to fetch Chester and happens to meet Emory, Maggie’s father. Emory is also a widower, raising Maggie alone—and both he and Leanna have similar burdens and problems.

Over time Emory and Leanna become closer friends, discovering how much they have in common. As single parents, they struggle with the limits of what they can provide for their children and feel somewhat responsible for what happened to their respective spouses. The two eventually realize they have feelings for each other—but when they try to date, their children resist. Will God pave a way for them to build a family together, or will hurdles block the path to a second chance at happiness? 

MY THOUGHTS.....

Raising a teenager is hard enough when you have a partner to help, but what would happen if your spouse was deceased and you had to travel this journey alone? This is an issue facing both Leanna Wengerd and Emory Speicher, and author Amy Clipston successfully shares their trials and their triumphs in this wonderful, heartwarming story. She also offers Leanna and Emory a second chance at happiness, but will their respective teenagers willingly accept a new Mamm or Dat?

The Jam and Jelly Nook is the fourth book in the Amish Marketplace series and I believe that it is my favorite. I enjoyed watching Leanna and Emory's realistic interactions with her son Chester and his daughter Maggie, and I absolutely loved the special connection that these middle-aged adults began to feel with each other. There were heartwarming moments of discovery, thrilling instances as they recognized the possibilities, and heartbreaking times when they doubted that their feelings were reciprocated.

Clipston's novels often include romance, but this book celebrates love in a refreshing way! Romantic love is a special gift, and finding it again makes it even more wondrous to receive. The Jam and Jelly Nook shows us that love is possible the second time around, and finding it in later years makes it even more special.

This is an uplifting tale of hope, learning to let go, and accepting the new blessings that God freely offers. It also allowed me to reconnect with some characters from the first three Amish Marketplace novels. I recommend The Jam and Jelly Nook to all who enjoy Amish romance fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Clipston is an author of Amish and Christian fiction with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Most of her books focus on the Amish community, faith, and love but she also writes romance novels and young adult inspirational stories.

For more information, visit Amy's     Website                                            Facebook               Twitter            Instagram

Hope you'll check out my reviews of the other books in this series!

AMISH MARKETPLACE NOVELS

The Bake Shop

The Farm Stand

The Coffee Corner

The Jam and Jelly Nook

View all my reviews

The Nature of a Lady (The Secrets of the Isles, #1) by Roseanna M. White

ABOUT THE BOOK

1906
Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.

MY THOUGHTS.....

What if there were two young women named Elizabeth --- Beth, who is missing, and Libby, who wants to help find her? Throw in an island, pirates, treasure, and secrets... how could this not be a great story? So many questions waiting to be answered, and so many clues to uncover! The Nature of a Lady is the first book in The Secret of the Isles series and author Roseanna M. White once again proves why she is such a popular author. Her characters are both quirky and loveable, and their thoughts and actions kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. Where was Oliver's sister Beth, and what was he going to do about his attraction for Libby?

The Nature of a Lady has mystery and suspense, and a tantalizing romance between Lady Elizabeth Sinclair and clergyman Oliver Tremaine. Libby, who loves plants and science, but is uncertain about God, and Oliver, who believes that God is the true Author! This nature-loving young woman and clergyman are fantastic together, and their romance is swoon-worthy! I also loved learning about the Isles of Scilly as they may
have been in 1906.

Fans of Roseanna M. White will love this book, and newbies will add her to their "must read list" of authors. I highly recommend The Nature of a Lady and I can't wait to see what's next in this series!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review, and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at her Website  Facebook  Twitter   Instagram

View all my reviews

Shielding the Amish Witness by Mary Alford: Review & Giveaway with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

 

Shielding the Amish Witness

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: Amish Romantic Suspense

Release date: April 1, 2021

Seeking refuge in Amish country puts everyone she loves in danger.

On the run after discovering her brother-in-law was behind her husband’s murder, Faith Cooper can think of only one safe place—her Amish grandmother’s home. But when danger follows Faith to the quiet Amish community, her childhood friend Eli Shetler is her only protection. And their survival depends on outlasting a relentless killer…one who has nothing left to lose.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS.....

Faith Cooper just witnessed her best friend being killed by the same man who killed her husband a year ago. Now, she is on the run, back to the Amish community that was once her home, and the person who steps in to help is her childhood friend Eli Shetler. How will this Amish man, who shies away from violence, hope to protect Faith from a crazed and evil criminal who is intent on silencing her forever!

Shielding the Amish Witness is a fast-paced suspense story that begins with a terrifying car chase, and the danger and action never let up. Author Mary Alford excels in writing nail-biting scenes that take you to the edge, and leave you wondering how much more the "good guys" can endure. Faith, Eli, and Victor possess the best and worst qualities in human nature, but Alford never fails to include a chance for forgiveness and redemption for the characters in her stories. Both Faith and Eli have deep hurts from their pasts. Is it possible for them to find love and peace in West Kootenai, Montana?

If you're looking for exciting romantic suspense that keeps you turning the pages, you will want to read Shielding the Amish Witness. I enjoyed catching up with Aaron and Victoria Shetler, from a previous book, and I look forward to learning more about the Shetler family!

I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

  

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Mary Alford, loves giving her readers the un-expected, whether it be in a rugged mountain setting or a peaceful Amish community.

Her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestselling List, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling List, and have been finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.

Mary lives in Texas with her husband, two very spoiled cats, and a sweet rescue dog name Cody. Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Face-book and Twitter or any social platforms listed at www.maryalford.net.

 

More from Mary

As a reader, I love books that are part of a series. There’s something comforting about being able to revisit characters that are special to me and meet new ones along the way. You get to go back to your favorite place and hang out with the people who make you smile.

It’s like coming home.

When I set out to write a series about five Amish brothers, I knew exactly where I wanted to set the series. The West Kootenai Amish community in Montana. West Kootenai is a remote community with sweeping mountain views surrounded by vast wilderness spaces. The perfect setting for suspense, along with a chance at redemption and a second chance for the hero and heroine. I love that.

In November, I introduced Covert Amish Christmas, the first book in the series that featured Aaron Shetler, the oldest of the five brothers.

In Shielding the Amish Witness, we meet Eli Shetler, a widower who has returned to West Kootenai to try to start over after his wife’s death two years earlier.

Eli is reunited with his childhood friend, Faith Cooper, who is running from a relentless killer who was once part of her family.

The book takes the reader through the breathtaking countryside of West Kootenai and into the homes of the Shelter family. We get to catch up on what Aaron and Victoria have been up since last we met and are introduced to some new family members. That’s the wonderful thing about series.

So, come with me on a trip to the beautiful community of West Kootenai, Montana where I hope my characters will make you feel right at home.

In writing about the Amish, I’ve come to love preparing their dishes. I’ve tried many recipes, from Amish Pizza to Friendship soup. But one of my all-time favorites is Amish Fry Pies. They are SO good!

Today, I thought I’d share the recipe for Amish Apple Fry Pies. I love this delicious desert and I hope you will as well.

Blessings always,

Mary Alford

 

AMISH APPLE FRY PIES

(recipe curtosy neighborfoodblog.com and a favorite of mine)

yields: 6

INGREDIENTS

For the filling:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons cider
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the dough:

• 2 cups flour, sifted
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup HOT milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the glaze:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 Tablespoons milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make the filling, combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Cook on medium heat until juices start to form, about 3 minutes. Make a slurry by whisking together the cider and cornstarch. Stir this into the pan, turn the heat up to high, and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened, about 3 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. For the dough, cut the butter into cubes then use a pastry cutter to work it into the flour. Continue to cut in the butter until it’s in small pea-sized lumps. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and salt together. Slowly pour in hot milk, stirring constantly. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir together until a dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto parchment or wax paper, and knead it until it smooths out, about 1 minute.
3. Divide the dough into 6 equal sized pieces and roll them each into a ball. Use a rolling pin to roll them out to about 6-inch circles. Fill each circle with 2 Tablespoons of apple mixture. Fold the dough in half over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal. You can flute the edges or use a fork to crimp them. If the edges aren’t sealing properly, wet them with a little water.
4. Heat the oil in a deep saucepan to 350 degrees. You can test to see if the oil is ready by sticking a wooden spoon into the center of the pot. If small bubbles form around the handle, you’re ready to go.
5. Place the pies in the hot oil one at a time and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to dry.
6. Repeat with remaining pies.
7. While the pies fry, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. It’s best to glaze the pies while they’re still warm. I use a pastry brush to brush the glaze on one side then let it dry, flip them over, and glaze the other side. You can put two coats of glaze on for extra sweetness if you like but wait for the glaze to harden in between coats.
8. Pies can be stored uncovered for 2-3 days. If you want the glaze to remain hard, do not place the pies in a plastic bag or sealed container. Just leave them on a wire rack or pan.

Blog Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 17

Genesis 5020, May 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 18

For the Love of Literature, May 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 19

The Avid Reader, May 19

Texas Book-aholic, May 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 21

Blogging with Carol, May 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 23

For Him and My Family, May 24

Hallie Reads, May 24

Inklings and notions, May 25

Blossoms and Blessings, May 25

Older & Smarter?, May 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 27

deb’s Book Review, May 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 28

Maureen’s Musings, May 28

Simple Harvest Reads, May 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

She Lives To Read, May 30

KarenSueHadley, May 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10bbd/shielding-the-amish-witness-celebration-tour-giveaway

View all my reviews