1 3-pound Bottom Round Beef Roast
2 TBS flour
2 tsp salt (Kosher or sea salt works best)
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
2 large onions
6 large carrots
2 lbs. small red potatoes
8 oz baby portabella mushrooms
Salt and pepper all sides of the roast. Rub with flour.
Preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C).
Quarter the onions.
Peel & slice the carrots into 2-inch chunks.
Wash the potatoes. Halve the larger ones, but the smaller ones you can keep whole.
Slice the mushrooms.
In a skillet large enough for the roast, heat the extra virgin olive oil. Place the roast in the oil and brown each side just until browned.
Remove and place in roasting pan. Add about 1/2 cup water.
Surround the roast with the vegetables, letting the onions touch the meat. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350º F (180º C) for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Remove from oven and let cool.
The Dessert:
Simple Fruit and Cheese Plate
Barry is very conscious about his diet. Instead of reaching for sugar as a dessert, he is prone to a simple fruit and cheese plate.
6 ounces Brie Cheese
6 ounces Stilton Cheese
6 ounces Gouda Cheese
1 large bunch purple grapes
1 lb. Ripe organic strawberries
4 Bartlett pears
Half of a ripe honeydew melon, sliced thin
Package of "Entertainment" Crackers (variety)
Slice the melon thin.
Artfully arrange the crackers, fruit, and cheese on different platters. Let guests mix and match to their individual tastes.
READER'S GUIDE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
SUGGESTED group discussion questions for Emerald Fire.
When asking ourselves how important the truth is to our Creator, we can look to the reason Jesus said he was born. In the book of John 18:37, Jesus explains that for this reason He was born and for this reason He came into the world. The reason? To testify to the truth.
In bringing those He ministered to into an understanding of the truth, Our Lord used fiction in the form of parables to illustrate very real truths. In the same way, we can minister to one another by the use of fictional characters and situations to help us to reach logical, valid, cogent, and very sound conclusions about our real lives here on earth.
While the characters and situations in The Jewel Series are fictional, I pray that these extended parables can help readers come to a better understanding of truth. Please prayerfully consider the questions that follow, consult scripture, and pray upon your conclusions. May the Lord of the universe richly bless you.
Maxine goes from a horrible foster home environment to one that is obviously very loving and Christ-centered.
1. Do you believe the church, as a whole, does enough to help the "widows and orphans?"
Barry suffered for many years with an unfaithful wife, determined that he could be holy enough for both of them and that one day she would come to God.
2. When should we, as Christians, give up on those we love. Should we ever?
Maxine disregards her sister's cautions about deepening her relationship with Barry because he was currently suffering a crisis of faith. Maxine disregards the conversation and jumps in with both feet.
3. Do you think we should avoid pursuing relationships with people who aren't spiritually steady?
4. 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns us not to become unequally yoked with non-believers, but Barry wasn't a non-believer. He was just struggling. When one person in the relationship is struggling with God, do you think it will typically have an adverse effect on the other person's relationship with God?
Maxine didn't feel the deep conviction Robin felt about God. She was just "doing church" to please the people in her life whom she loved.
5. Take some time to examine your heart. Are you on fire for God, or do you need an influx of the Holy Spirit?
Maxine moves in with Barry, determined to live with him and love him as a wife loves a husband.
6. What was your reaction when she did this?
7. Why do you think it took Maxine's accident to bring Barry back to God?
THE JEWEL SERIES
More Great Christian Fiction…
The Jewel Anthology
by Hallee Bridgeman
Hallee Bridgeman's critically acclaimed best selling award winning Christian anthology, together in one book for the first time. The complete novel Sapphire Ice. Inspired by The Jewel Series, the all new novella Greater Than Rubies. The second full length novel Emerald Fire, and the final novel Topaz Heat. All works complete, uncut, and unabridged.
Sapphire Ice
Robin's heart is as cold as her deep blue eyes. After a terrifying childhood, she trusts neither God nor men. With kindness and faith, Tony prays for the opportunity to shatter the wall of ice around her heart.
Greater Than Rubies
In this novella, Robin plans a dream-come-true wedding. Anxiety arises when she starts to realize the magnitude of change marriage will involve. Forgotten nightmares resurface reminding Robin of the horrors of her past. She gives in to her insecurities and cancels Boston's "Royal Wedding." With God's guidance, will her bridegroom convince her of her true worth?
Emerald Fire
Inspirational Novel of the Year RONE Award Finalist: Green eyed Maxine fights daily to extinguish the embers of her fiery youth. Barry's faith in God is deeply shaken when he is suddenly widowed. Just as they begin to live the "happily ever after" love story that neither of them ever dreamed could come true, a sudden and nightmarish catastrophe strikes that could wreck everything. Will her husband find peace and strength enough to carry them through the flames?
Topaz Heat
Inspirational Novel of the Year RONE Award Nominee: Honey eyed Sarah remembers absolutely nothing from her bloodcurdling younger years. Derrick fled a young life of crime to become a billionaire's successful protégé. After years of ignoring the heat between them they surrender to love, but must truly live their faith to see them through.
Available in eBook or Paperback wherever fine books are sold.
EXCERPT: SAPPHIRE ICE
IF you missed Sapphire Ice, part 1 of The Jewel Series, buy it now in Paperback or eBook wherever fine books are sold.
TO Robin Bartlett, men were nothing more than violent users. After a hair-raising childhood, Robin and her two younger half sisters battled simply to survive. Determined to give her sisters a very different life from that of their mother; to never have to rely on a man for anything, she worked two jobs and put them both through college, while accepting help from no one. Her heart had turned to ice. She had no use for men or God.
Antonio "Tony" Viscolli grew up on the streets, homeless. At seventeen, he entered a downtown church with the intent of casing it, but found himself on his knees at the altar. Lovingly fostered by the youth minister, Tony learned about God. Striking out on his own, he let God lead him to eventually become a very successful businessman. In a fallen world, Tony was a gem.
When Tony bought the restaurant where Robin bartended, she immediately resented his intrusion into her well ordered, but exhausting, life. She suspected his offering her special attention and constant kindness was merely his way of expecting something from her in return, something she wasn't willing to give.
Tony knew God had led him to Robin. Would she ever allow herself to trust him? Could she ever allow herself to trust God? Or would the winter of their tragic youth rise from the shadows of the past and freeze any chance at happiness?
Enjoy this special excerpt from the critically acclaimed full length novel Sapphire Ice.
ROBIN stopped near him to grab a carafe of coffee. "How did we manage to get the early shift, Clarence?"
He winked and whispered conspiratorially.
"Tell me about it. I have my lunch patrons' whole lives memorized, but I only know half the people out there." He looked over her head to the head table. "Boston's royalty is here."
Robin was too tired to even be intrigued by Clarence's abnormal awe. "Maybe we can get Stanley a jester's hat," she whispered back, then pushed open the door to the dining room and forced a serious expression onto her face. The door swinging shut cut off his choking laughter.
The dining room was packed with people, seated at tables of eight. The restaurant was closed for the meeting, and it surprised her to see so many people there. But then, most of the customers weren't members and wouldn't get many opportunities to dine at Benedict's, especially for free.
She was given the head table to serve, and knew some of them as regular lunch patrons. She addressed those she knew by name, and tried to discretely read the name tags of those she didn't. Methodically, she worked her way down the long table, pausing to chat when it was required, fetching drinks as they were needed.
"Mr. Riley, it's good to see you again. I think it's been several weeks," she said, speaking to the president of the Chamber.
"I've been on vacation, Robin. Have you ever been to Greece?"
She smiled and filled his coffee cup. "Not yet, but I want to go someday."
"Beautiful country, dear. If you ever get the opportunity, don't pass it up."
"If a trip to Greece ever falls into my lap, I'll remember your advice." She moved to the next person while Riley continued to speak.
"Tony, if you've never had Robin here serve you, you've been missing out on the best that Benedict's has to offer."
"Yes. I think I've heard something similar about her before."
The smooth voice seemed familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. She took her attention from the cup and lifted her head, her eyes crashing into a pair of black eyes that seemed to look all the way inside of her, instantly learning all her secrets. "I didn't expect to see you here," he said.
Tony felt deep shock when he'd seen Robin enter the dining room. He'd had time to recover as she worked her way to him, and had nearly gained back enough self control to not show any outward reaction as she leaned in from behind him to pour his coffee. He had already had his normal morning quota of two cups, but allowing her to serve it gave him a chance to have her stop at his shoulder. As she completed her task, he caught her scent, something exotic and spicy, entirely feminine. Then she met his eyes and he thought that his heart would beat itself out of his chest.
When she looked away, it broke the spell, but a tremor in his hand that he neither liked nor appreciated remained. He was better prepared when she looked directly at him again, and concentrated fully on keeping his brain functioning.
"Do I know you?" She asked, her voice soft so as not to carry.
He kept his voice as soft as hers. "Not officially."
"I'm sorry, I don't … " her eyes skimmed his name tag, "I don't recall meeting you, Mr. Viscolli."
His teeth flashed white against his olive skin. "I unofficially met you last night."
Panic skirted up her spine and she looked around the room. Lowering her voice even farther, she leaned closer so that he could hear her. "Please, don't say anything. I … we can't … I mean, another job … "
He placed a hand on her wrist, startling her. His hand felt rough, but warm. Warm enough that it sent heat up her arm, causing her to flush. "So, what you're saying is that your job may be in my hands."
The flush that covered her cheeks was no longer from heat, but from the anger he saw flash in her eyes. "Release me, sir." She bit out.
He didn't think he could. "What would you do to keep your job, I wonder?"
She could never take him on in a game of cards. Every cruel thought in her imagination seared right through her sapphire eyes and bored into his, which he struggled to keep impassive. Still, she maintained her cool façade, something he deeply admired amidst his mirth. Tony carefully bit down on the inside of his lip to keep himself from laughing at her next words. "I don't play those games, Mr. Viscolli. Remove your hand, or else I'll remove it."
He shifted his grip until his fingers encircled her wrist. They overlapped on the thin bones, and this time he did chuckle. "You think you could?"
In a panic, knowing how long she was taking with this customer, she glanced up and spotted Clarence watching her. Baring her teeth, she leaned close to this man's ear and whispered. "I can and I have, on men bigger than you. Are you willing to test me?"
With a grin, he reluctantly let her go. It was that or drag her into his lap, and he didn't think anyone in the room would appreciate that too much. "Perhaps another time I'll take you up on your challenge."
Unable to stand the thought of leaving him with the last word, she leaned forward again, barely speaking above a whisper. "If the thought of seeing you again didn't repulse me, Mr. Viscolli, I'd almost look forward to it."
With that she moved on down the table, ignoring his chuckle that followed her parting shot. She found it especially challenging to keep a polite smile on her face and make inane chatter with the other patrons as she continued to serve while seething inside. How dare he?
She headed back into the kitchen to get more coffee and Clarence immediately intercepted her. "Did you have a problem with that man, Robin?"
Out of earshot of the customers, she was able to slam things around, surprised that she didn't break the glass coffee carafe. "Nothing I couldn't handle," she said, slamming the top back on her serving container.
He gripped her elbow and kept her from reentering the room. "I know that sometimes customers might get a little – well – fresh with some of our girls, but I wouldn't want to think that you might have – albeit unintentionally – insulted one of them."
She bared her teeth at him. "Did he look insulted?"
"No, but you looked insulting, and I'm concerned because I've never seen you act that way before."
She slammed the coffee onto a counter and stepped closer, until she could poke his bony chest with her finger. "I didn't like the way he looked at me, I didn't like the way he touched me, and I didn't like what he implied when he spoke to me." When he flinched, she realized what she was doing and stepped away from him, drawing in a deep breath to calm down. "Now, you've had your little 'chat' with me. Do you intend to speak with him?"
Clarence's face fused with color. "Robin, do you have any idea who that is out there?"
"I don't quite have the approbation for most of our patrons as you do, because I truly don't care." She grabbed the pot of coffee and pushed open the door.
He took insult at her words, as was her intent, though she regretted it the second his face fell. She paused and went back into the kitchen. As she opened her mouth to retract it, he straightened, stiff as a board, and put a regal tone in his voice. "That is Mr. Antonio Viscolli. He is one of the stockholders of this club, and is hosting this morning's breakfast. If you would like to lodge a formal, written complaint, I will entertain reviewing it, but in the meantime, you are here to serve, so I suggest you return to your post." He looked her up and down, his expression hinting that he didn't much care for what he saw. "Unless, of course, you'd like me to have someone else wait the head table. I'm sure that any server out there would be happy to trade places with you."
Oh, what a tempting notion. She considered it, very seriously, for several breaths. Ultimately, she decided that trading tables would most certainly give Viscolli a great deal of satisfaction, a game point. No, she'd serve him, and do a heck of a good job at it. "That won't be necessary, sir. I'm fully capable of performing all of my duties."
His face softened, momentarily. "I know. Now, get back to work."
Not wanting to leave things tense with someone she considered a friend, she paused to make one of her normal parting remarks. "Purple and green," she said. At his confused look, she continued, "with bells. For Stan's hat."
His mouth twitched as he fought the smile and waved her away.
; EXCERPT: GREATER THAN RUBIES
IF you missed the novella Greater Than Rubies, part 1 and a half of The Jewel Series, a story inspired by the first three books, download your FREE eBook today in most supported formats wherever fine books are sold.
ROBIN Bartlett said, "Yes!" Will she say, "I do," when the big day arrives?
Robin never had a chance to dream of a white wedding gown or a prince charming. Instead, her dreams were nightmares -- dark and clouded with fear and desperation. From his cultured handsome looks to his vast fortune, Antonio "Tony" Viscolli is every red-blooded American girl's dream match. Robin comes from a blistering past, struggling for survival in a cold, cruel world. By the time Tony thaws her heart, she has known hunger, poverty, violence, and want.
Tony proposed on a sunny Florida beach. Back in bitter cold Boston, doubts about becoming a billionaire's bride begin to crowd out her hopes for happiness. Robin struggles to cope feeling the pressures of relocating; of unreliable transportation; of the never-ending details of the shower, the ceremony, the reception, the honeymoon; of changing her name; all while dealing with her father's very serious legal problems.
Emerald Fire (Christian Romance) (The Jewel Series) Page 22