“One day, we will receive jewels in our crowns in heaven. But, for now we will work for God’s kingdom, together in our marriages that are to emulate Christ’s relationship with the church. We will continue to fight the good fight and run this race. And the reason we can do it with such love and joy in our hearts is no doubt because we have you sisters by our sides.
“Without you, the three of us would be miserable old men with no joy or laughter in our lives. Because of you we have our children, we have our homes, and we have love.
“There was a time in my life I was as alone as a person could get. It was dark and cold both inside of me and out, and most of you out there would have written me off as no good, as having no hope. No other birthday present could compare in my heart to looking down from this spot at the table filled with my family. The table with those beautiful women and all those beautiful children, and knowing that they will forever keep that dark and that cold at bay, and knowing that the love at that table is real and it is absolute because that love all came from God.”
He paused and smiled at his wife with love in his eyes so strong there wasn’t a person who could see it who doubted him. He raised a glass and softly said, “Grazie.”
TRANSLATION KEY
amico – friend, buddy
Ayudame, por favor. Mi hija! – Help me, please. My daughter!
C’è la venuta di difficoltà – Trouble is coming.
capire che sono orgoglioso di lei – Understand that I am proud of you
calmi giù, il fratello – Calm down, brother
cara – beloved, darling
devo andare adesso – I have to go now.
grazie – thank you
L’ha fatto uccide quest’uomo? – Did you kill this man?
Lei capisce? – Do you understand?
mia sorella – My sister
mio figlio – My son
non ero una madre buona – I was not a good mother.
non ero una madre buona, ma l’ho amato sempre – I was not a good mother but I always loved you
non l’ho mai detto – I never said
non mi importa – It is not important
semplici – simple
si – yes
sono molto orgoglioso di lei – I am very proud of you
teléfono médico – telephone doctor
READER'S GUIDE MENU
SUGGESTED luncheon menu for a group discussion about Topaz Heat.
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, salad, entree and dessert that is sure to please and certain to enhance your discussion and time of friendship and fellowship.
The Appetizer:
Viscolli Hotel Caprese on a Stick
What could be better than a one-bit appetizer that satisfies all of the tastebuds in your mouth. Here is a dish that is offered in Viscolli hotels worldwide.
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt (Kosher or sea salt is best)
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
Fresh mozzarella balls
grape tomatoes
fresh basil leaves
Place a toothpick through a mozzarella ball, grape tomato, and basil leaf (with the cheese on the bottom, tomato in the middle, basil on top). Place in a shallow pan.
Make as many as 3-4 per guest.
Mix the balsamic vinegar with the salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until it emulsifies.
Drizzle over the cheese and tomato bites.
The Soup:
Maxine's Vegetable Soup
While Sarah is recovering from a terrible illness, older half-sister Maxine brings this amazing vegetable soup over to help restore her health.
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 large onion
2 large carrots
2 large celery stalks, with leaves
2 large potatoes
1 large parsnip
1 6-ounce bag frozen peas
1 6-ounce bag frozen organic corn
1 tsp salt (Kosher or sea salt is best)
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
Water to cover
Dice the onion.
Slice the carrot & parsnip.
Slice the celery and finely chop the leaves.
Peel and dice the potatoes.
Place the vegetables and the salt and spices in a large pot. Cover with water. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer.
You can serve and eat it as soon as the vegetables are fork tender, but for the best flavor, let simmer for several hours.
The Sandwich:
Robin's Roast Beef Sandwiches
Derrick lived under Robin's roof from the time he was 18-years-old. Robin learned very quickly how to feed a "growing boy". When he comes home, she knows exactly what to feed him.
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
Onion rolls
1 large sweet onion
1 green bell pepper
2 TBS butter
provolone cheese
Mayonnaise
Salt and pepper all sides of the roast. Rub with flour.
Preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C).
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. Bake at 350º F (180º C) for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Remove from oven and let cool.
Thinly slice the onion and the pepper.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and the pepper. Let cook, slowly, until the vegetables are soft. Remove from pan.
Split each onion roll in half. Slather with mayonnaise. Place cheese on one side of the bread and a generous helping of roast beef on the other. Top the beef with the onion and pepper. Serve with plenty of paper towels for this wonderful, messy sandwich.
The Dessert:
Sarah's Vegan Birthday Cake
Maxine works with the pastry chef at the Viscolli Hotel in Boston to make her baby sister the perfect vegan birthday cake for her 30th birthday. This recipe is so wonderfully delicious, you'll never miss the dairy or eggs.
FOR THE CAKE:
4 cups cake flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp salt (Kosher or sea salt works best)
2 tsp aluminum free baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups water
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup palm shortening
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp lemon juice
FOR THE FROSTING:
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup palm shortening
3 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp coconut milk
Preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C).
Lightly grease two 8" round cake pans with palm shortening. Dust with flour.
FOR THE CAKE:
Sift the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda into a large bowl. Set aside.
In a smaller bowl, combine the in a separate bowl, combine coconut oil, palm shortening, water, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and, using a mixer beat on low until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a knife can be inserted into the middle and come out clean.
Remove from pans and cool on wire cooling rack.
FOR THE FROSTING:
Place the coconut oil and palm shortening in mixing bowl. Beat on high until fluffy. Gradually add in the coconut creamer, vanilla extract and salt. Mix for 3 minutes.
Turn mixer to low and slowly add the confectioner sugar. When it is fully incorporated, turn the mixer to high and beat for 2 minutes or until fluffy.
READER'S GUIDE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
SUGGESTED group discussion questions for Topaz Heat.
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.
Sarah's dislike of Derrick is evident in Topaz Heat.
1. Do you think that dislike ultimately hurt her relationship with God?
Miriam wants to break off an engagement because her fiancé is not a Christian.
2. How would you counsel a young Christian woman in this situation?
Derrick struggles not to give in to despair when facing criminal charges. Read Psalm 42.
3. What example does David give in dealing with times of overwhelming trial in our lives?
Derrick comes from a past scattered with sin. Yet, whether or not we ran with an inner city gang performing thievery and thuggery or dealt drugs for a crime-lord, we are all stained with sin, and that sin is all the same to God. Read Hebrews 10:17.
4. What does the Bible say about our sin when we accept Christ's sacrifice?
5. Do you think it's"fair" that someone with Derrick's past is as forgiven and as washed clean as someone with Sarah's past?
Sarah felt judged and manipulated by her mother; however when the older woman sincerely apologized, Sarah forgave her immediately and let her back into her life.
6. Do you find it easy to forgive? Why or why not?
Derrick and Tony have done things in their past they take no pride in now that they know Jesus Christ. Robin and Sarah demonstrate how we can emulate the love of Christ in wiping the slate clean.
7. Do you find it easy to forgive others, particularly for actions they took before they came to know Christ? Why or why not?
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.
Topaz Heat (Christian Romance) (The Jewel Series) Page 20
