Brinkman Adventures is unlike any other radio drama we have experienced. Over the years, we have truly come to love the stories they share. Each story is different, but the stories are centered around the Brinkman Family, who’s characters are easy to fall in love with.

These are stories of history and intrigue. True stories of the experiences of others who have walked in battle, who have experienced terror, dread, love and kindness. Stories of missionaries, or fighters, of faith. And each story is unique and educational, all in the same.

Underground Rising begins with Dutch Underground which shares the story of Jack Brinkman’s (Ian Bultman’s) grandparents. The story is set during World War II when the Nazi’s had control of much of the World. There is some funny moments but overall this was a very serious time period which is well depicted in this episode of the Brinkman Adventures season.

There is also a funny, but reflective story of a fly, that leads to a more thought-provoking reason for life. And the story of Samantha (Sam) and her family, who are missionaries serving at an orphanage in India. You learn about their experiences there, there unfortunate exposure to the Rove Beetle that gave them blister beetle dermatitis and how their love for people has helped so many who needed it most.

And finally we meet Dave Eubanks, who grew up the son of Missionaries and has continued his course by developing the Free Burma Rangers, a group of private soldiers who help others in the areas of Burma, Iraq and Sudan. Dave and his amazing wife and children face the darkest areas to bring peace and love to others where it’s needed. Their fight is shared in Episode 59 and 60: Free Burma Rangers Pt 1 and 2.

The stories recounted through Brinkman Adventures help to bring you closer to history that isn’t often easily covered in textbook lessons or storybooks. These stories are real and raw but still fun and captivating. The creative way that they are told makes it easy to understand and want to listen to hear what happens next.

Brinkman Adventures seasons are now a bit shorter in length. In the beginning, these episodes were around 5 hours long but now are around 2 and a half hours. The stories are still just as interesting and easy to listen to in the car, or at devotional time, added into a day’s lesson or just for fun.

Another new thing is that you can find the “Real Stories” of these episodes shared right on their website. This is something I really loved. You can click on the real stories, choose the Season you are following, and read all about the stories behind them. You can click to read about a particular episode as well. There are additional links shared that lead you to learn even more about the subjects and characters used in the stories. It’s really just an amazing addition that helps to bring these stories to life even more.

We just simply LOVE Brinkman Adventures. You can order a physical copy of these audio dramas or a digital copy to burn yourself or listen to on your own device. Price vary per season but for Season 6: Underground Rising the price range is $19.99 to $23.99 depending on the format you choose.

As an added bonus, Brinkman Adventures is offering a coupon code for 10% off for readers until October 31st. Use the code FALL10 to receive a discount!

You can also find Brinkman Adventures online at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brinkman-Adventures-152895116079/

I wasn’t the only one on this review. You can read what others had to say by clicking on the banner below!

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About the Book

Book Title: The 12 Gifts of Christmas

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Romance/ Christmas

Release date: September 4, 2018

Malcolm MacGregor is a descendant of Scotland’s Clan MacGregor and a successful young businessman in Fort Worth, Texas. Alanza Cantalamessa works at a gourmet pizzeria owned by her Brazilian artist mother and her Italian Poppa. Both of them are smitten with each other but Malcolm is too reserved to do much more than make small talk—until a promotion at work that will send him away to Australia for six months. It’s December and he has to do something—fast.

Praying about the situation, Malcolm decides to give her twelve gifts leading up to Christmas. Their families and friends think they are moving too fast. And a gold-digger who tossed Malcolm aside in the past has now decided he’s the man of her dreams.

Can Malcolm and Alanza overcome their obstacles before he has to go abroad? Or is it really not meant to be?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, her local chapter in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the Christian Authors’ Network, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. Her forty-plus books have sold more than 875,000 copies. Lena’s books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publisher Weekly bestseller lists, as well as some Amazon bestseller lists. She also writes a popular blog, A Christian Writer’s World, that features other authors’ books. The blog received the Readers’ Choice Blog of the Year Award from the Book Club Network.
Lena is a three-time finalist in the Carol Awards ACFW contest. Her 2010 release, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western Fiction. Her next series, McKenna’s Daughters: Maggie’s Journey appeared on a reviewers’ Top Ten Books of 2011 list. It also won the 2012 Selah award for Historical Novel. The second, Mary’s Blessing, was a Selah Award finalist for Romance novel. Catherine’s Pursuit, released in 2013, was the winner of the NTRWA Carolyn Reader’s Choice contest, took second place in the CAN Golden Scroll Novel of the Year award, and won the Will Rogers Medallion bronze medallion. Her book, A Heart’s Gift, won RWA’s Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award in July 2017.

Lena is also the host of The Lena Nelson Dooley Show on the Along Came a Writer blogtalk radio network. She has experience in screenwriting, acting, directing, and voice-overs, and currently serves on the board of directors of Higher Ground Films. She has been featured in Christian Fiction Online Magazine, ACFW Journal, Book Fun Magazine, Charisma Magazine, and Christian Retailing.

Guest Post from Lena

She took the pan off the burner, dropped tiny marshmal-lows into the waiting over-sized mugs, and filled them with the fragrant hot chocolate. “Do you want to drink it here, or would you rather go in the living room? The sofa is more comfortable.”

“Whatever you want to do.” His honeyed tone wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

She handed a mug to him, picked up her own, along with coasters and two napkins, and headed into the living room. He followed.

Alanza’s Best Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

4 cups milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup good quality cocoa powder

3 tbls. honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 dark chocolate bar

1 can real whipped cream

Maraschino cherries

Instructions:

Heat milk over medium to low heat, stirring constantly until milk starts to bubble slightly (about 10 minutes). Meanwhile, mix sugar and cocoa together until well blended. When milk is ready, gradually add in sugar, cocoa, and honey, stirring constantly. Put heat on low and add shavings of chocolate bar and vanilla. Continue stirring until chocolate has melted. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries on top, as desired.

Blog Stops

Blog Stops
The Power of Words, October 9

A Baker’s Perspective, October 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbuck’s Gift Card and a surprise Christmas gift!!

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/d5c9/the-12-gifts-of-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book Title: A Tale of two Cities

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: September 1, 2018

Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life. She saves every penny to attend a finishing school, dreaming of the day she’ll become a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn.

William is a gentleman’s son, a charming rogue but penniless. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his puritanical cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit.

William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t as she comes to love the old man. And when the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost.

Can two hearts survive such a deception?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Guest Post from Michelle

Victorian Christmas Foods

So, it’s September, and you know what that means? It’s back to school. Pumpkin spiced everything is just around the corner. And it’s nearly time for cardigans and colored leaves. But besides all these autumn staples, it’s also time to start thinking about Christmas, because it will be here before you know it. How about this year you plan ahead to serve some traditional Victorian food?

In my newest release, A Tale of Two Hearts, the heroine’s father is known for his annual oyster stew that he serves on Christmas Eve. Here’s a bit of the background on that tasty soup.

Victorian Oyster Stew

Oysters have been savored in Britain since the days of the Romans. By Victorian times, industrialization cheapened oysters to the point of them becoming a staple of the poor man’s diet and were a frequent fare served in public houses. This, however, depleted their abundance, and by the mid 1800’s, the natural oyster beds became exhausted, making it harder to find good oysters. While other foods were served as well on Christmas Eve, oyster stew was as common as goose or turkey.

Another Victorian favorite that goes great on a crisp evening is good ol’ hot chocolate, though in Dickens’ England, it would’ve been called something else.

Drinking Chocolate

What we now call cocoa or hot chocolate was called drinking chocolate in the mid 1800s. This beverage was a favorite among Victorian ladies. You can find recipes for it even from the Regency era (early 1800s) and here is one for you to make at home.

And last, but not least, who hasn’t heard of Christmas pudding? To our American ears, that sounds like a tasty dish that you’d eat with a spoon and slap a little whipped cream on top. Actually, it’s more like a fruit cake.

Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding is quite a production, one that begins well before Christmas Day. In fact, it begins on Stir-Up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent (which is five weeks before Christmas). This is why when Mina, the heroine in A Tale of Two Hearts, returns home from dinner at Uncle Barlow’s, and though it’s not yet Christmas, she sees the pudding moulds on the kitchen table.

If these tastes and the accompanying smells still aren’t quite enough to get you in the Christmas spirit, then snatch yourself up a copy of the second book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. A Tale of Two Hearts is sure to get you in the mood.

Blog Stops

Blog Stops
Kat’s Corner Books, October 2

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Barnes & Noble 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/d4ef/a-tale-of-two-hearts-celebration-tour-giveaway

For this review, we were gifted specialized codes to try out CashCrunch Careers, a career pathway quiz that is said to give insight to your future from CashCrunch Games. This insightful quiz was interesting and insightful in the end. It’s a great way to help find a better career path.

CashCrunch Games is a fun little site that focuses on helping you learn about money in a fun way. The site features several games like CashCrunch Junior and CashCrunch 101. There are teacher resources, things for kids, an encouraging blog and so much more available to view on the website. There’s even a gazette available that shares great tips on finance. Videos are available as well.

We were given four codes to use with the CashCrunch Careers quiz. This quiz is designed to help you discover the best career path possible for your future. Now, it’s generally used for those who are still in high school and who are looking to find their future at the stage of life that people generally don’t know what’s next. As a teen, the possibilities are endless and the future is wide open. Teens are typically ready to conquer the huge world and not afraid to step out in finding themselves.

I thought this quiz would be a great experience for my two teens, my husband and I to give a try. It never hurts to see what career might work great for you and see where your future will lead you or what you can change so that you can have a better future, even as an adult. Learning new things can happen at any age, right?!

As I mentioned, we were gifted 4 codes which I began setting up over the review period. The first thing I noticed when I began to sign us up is that we each needed a separate email for each log-in and code. Generally, my kids and I use the same email so this was a bit inconvenient but since I have 3 emails of my own and my husband has his own, I made it work. Still it would have been nice to have been able to use the same log-in and just had 4 accounts within that one log-in to view.

As we each logged in, we were prompted to immediately complete the quiz. It was a long list of traits, basically. I lost count at how many but around 75 or so. You simply chose the trait that fit you best. I found that not all of the traits fit me well, or my children as we worked on completing the quiz for them, or even my husband. The great things about us as humans is that we all have different traits but still we did our best to choose what we each thought represented our selves the best.

The quiz was really easy. You simply click one word or the other and followed the prompts going through it page. Then at the end of the quiz you hit submit.

The end results come after the final submit. Here you will find out what all those choices you made show about you and what choices to make for a better future to help give you a better direction for your career choices. There is some fairly helpful information provided.

The set up is the same for all results. It begins Hello (Your Name here) and tells you that you’ve completed the quiz. Then it shares a bit about Career Work Styles, the things your responses show about you like mine said I work well with others and enjoy team efforts (I do and I don’t). Emma’s said she was friendly and helpful. Win’s said he was skilled at bringing others together. Don’s said he has an intuitive understanding of others.

Following this section comes the Motivators and De-motivators section which summarizes more about your responses. Mine said that I am easy to get along with and enjoy associating with other members of the organization. Emma’s said she was friendly and non-confrontational. Win’s said he enjoys routine. Don’s said that he doesn’t take criticism well but enjoys putting forth effort to complete a project.

The next section of the quiz shares attributes found through your answers. Each of ours were similar but the ends varied. Mine showed that I was dependable and trustworthy, while Emma’s showed she was charming and team-oriented. Both are fairly accurate.

The last section matches you to jobs by ranking which best fit to your personality. There are 20 various choices suggested. I was matched to a General and Operations Manager position. Emma was matched to a Advertising and Promotions manager. Win was matched with a Gaming Manager. Don was matched with Administrative Service Manager.

What did we learn? We found that we have a lot in common through the profiles. We also learned that we’d all do well in management positions, just differing types.

If you’d like to find out your own career path, simply visit CashCrunch Games to try one of their choices or go directly to CashCrunch Careers to find a career path that fits you!

Find CashCrunch Games online at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/721791248014409/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CashCrunchGames @cashcrunchgames
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cashcrunchgames/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cashcrunchgames/ @cashcrunchgames
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FortuneAndVenture

I wasn’t the only one to give this review a try. Stop by the and read the other reviews by clicking the banner below!

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