Christmas Diamond, a Novella: Inspired by The Jewel series and the Virtues and Valor series (8 page)
Authors: Hallee Bridgeman
Tags: #the jewel series, #virtues in valor, #world war ii, #viscolli family, #key west, #christmas, #christmas story, #christmas novella, #free read, #bridgeman, #christian, #christian fiction, #christian romance, #Contemporary, #contemporary christian fiction, #contemporary christian romance, #contemporary inspirational fiction, #contemporary inspirational romance, #debi warford, #edgy christian fiction, #edgy christian romance, #edgy inspirational fiction, #edgy inspirational romance, #fiction, #hailey bridgeman, #haley bridgeman, #halle bridgeman, #hallee bridgeman, #inspirational, #inspirational christian fiction, #inspirational fiction, #inspirational romance, #love, #olivia kimbrell press, #romance, #traditional romance, #the jewel trilogy, #sapphire ice, #greater than rubies, #emerald fire, #topaz heat
When Faith collides with another aircraft, she remembers to pray. In the story, God heard her prayer and sent guardian angels to protect her and all the spectators from harm. It is also clear that her prayer helped to center and focus her in the moments that followed when others might have resorted to panic.
6. Even if we aren't pilots, how do you think the "inspired by a real life event" collision described in this story apply to our own everyday life?
7. Can you imagine yourself in some kind of extreme circumstances and then see yourself praying and trusting God to see you through?
In times of crisis, people often default to prayer. After this crisis was averted in the story, TJ immediately thanked God for answering Faith's prayer for strength that helped her safely land.
8. Do you remember to thank God daily for answered prayers?
SUGGESTED
luncheon menu for a group discussion about
Christmas Diamond
.
Those who follow my
Hallee the Homemaker
website know that one thing I am passionate about in life is selecting, cooking, and savoring good whole real food. A special luncheon just goes hand in hand with hospitality and ministry.
In case you're planning a discussion group surrounding this book, I offer some humble suggestions to help your special luncheon talk come off as a success. Quick as you like, you can whip up an appetizer, entree, side, and dessert that is sure to please and certain to enhance your discussion and time of friendship and fellowship.
The Appetizer:
with Florida Grapefruit Juice
What kind of appetizer would the Viscolli Hotel Key West's "pretty amazing chef" serve? This parfait is a wonderful and delicious mix of fresh avocado and Ahi tuna lent a sweetness by Florida orange juice, and topped with local contrasting tartness by Florida grapefruit juice. The citrus adds the perfect amount of acid to the flavorful tuna and nutrient dense avocado. The combination of these simple ingredients will create a surprisingly rich and complex flavor you won't soon forget.
6 ounces Ahi tuna, minced
1 avocado
1
/
2
cup Florida grapefruit juice
2 TBS Florida orange juice
1 TBS Spanish onion, minced
1 TBS cilantro, minced
1 tsp sweet soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Pour grapefruit juice in thin layer no more than
1
/
2
-inch thick in freezer-safe pan; place in freezer.
Mash avocado.
Mince tuna.
Mince onion.
Mince cilantro.
Mix mashed avocado with orange juice, onion, cilantro, soy sauce and sesame oil.
Divide half of the tuna among 6 2-ounce serving dishes.
Layer half of the avocado over the tuna.
Repeat with the remaining tuna and avocado.
Top with the frozen grapefruit juice.
Serve immediately.
The Entrée:
This delicious fish is spiced up then baked in key lime and orange juices. It has a wonderful citrus flavor that is the perfect compliment to any Key West dinner table.
4 8-ounce grouper fillets
1
/
2
cup softened butter
12 slices of key lime
8 slices of orange
1
/
4
cup key lime juice
1
/
4
cup fresh orange juice
1 TBS lemon pepper
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt (Kosher or sea salt is best)
Preheat oven to 325º degrees F (165º degrees C).
Slice the limes and the oranges.
Lightly butter a 9x13-inch glass baking dish and set aside.
