Friday, May 30, 2014

Books read May 30





Heart Shaped Rock by Laura Roppe
Wanted to read this book because of the cover, then I read the summary and knew I really wanted to read it.
Karen has died from cancer and her fight. Left behind are Michael-her husband who tries to hold it all together for the kids. Shaynee is now 16 and just gotten her first part time job and Lennox is just 11.
Karen has left them each a birthday gift and some don't want to open theirs. Michael opens his at the familys dinner the kids prepared and it's a picture album of their life.
They are all musically inclined, as was Karen. The book is told from Shaynee's view point and details not only her healing process but her father and brothers'.
Such heartache reading this as I've just lost my mother and just a few days ago my mother in law. Love the gift Shaynee is given and can totally relate to it. I searched through the cookbook I helped my MIL make with her recipes the day my husband took a day off to regroup and we worked together to create one of her recipes.
Meant so much to both of us. The gift she is given in the book is priceless and tells her how to heal and to help the others in the family. Such sound advice that I will use myself within the next month before we have the MIL celebration of life day.
Author also emailled me the songs that go along with the story-very inspiring as I also learning how to play the guitar.
I received this book from Early Reviewers Library Thing in exchange for my honest review.



 Mediterranean cookbook:The Right Stuff(ing): Quick Slow Cooking-The Full Guide for Delicious Stuffed Dishes (Special cookbook,Unique recipes
Offers of another cookbook as a gift for reading this one is in the book.
This topic always fascinates me as we are basically on a Med meal plan. Always looking for new ideas.
Stuffed beets would be my choice of a really good dish to make. Lots of fresh ingredients and very healthy.
Really good photos of the different steps of preparation. Very detailed steps on how to prepare the dishes. No nutritional information but there doesn't appear to be butter or sugars, but healthy substitutes.
For meats i would use the 93% lean meats/poultry with only 7% fat.
Besides chapters on meat/poultry, there is one called vegetarian/vegan, cheese, another called sweet.



The Taste of Northern India - Where Spirit and Flavors Combine- a culinary journey through recipes and landscapes By Shira Barak
This book by the same author as the Med. cookbook, the right stuffing, concentrates on Indian spices and combinations. Each recipe tells you serving size and preparation time.
Very fresh ingredients, herbs and spices.  Also very colorful photos of the prepared foods. Especially want to try the spinach dish.



Scientists That Changed the World: The Story of Wireless, An Educational Comic Book for Kids (A Historical Science Comic Book for Kids) 
This is book 2 of the series, this one is about wireless communication. It's told in a comic strip type along with the story as well. Colorful older children's book about how wireless came about.
Marconi and his explorations. Back in the day it was called radar and tells how that was used.
Many other books, for children and for adults by the author are highlighted at the end of the book.



French Cuisine Cookbook: 50 Easy and Delicious French Recipes (French Cooking, French Recipes, French Food, Quick & Easy)
Each recipe comes with preparation time, ingredients and calories per serving. No  pictures and no nutritional information.
Recipes sound very easy to make but not quite so healthy although you should be able to substitute a whole egg with egg beaters, etc.
There are also quite a few VERY healthy dishes so there is something for everybody.
Has categories for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and treats and other dishes. Lots of fresh spices, herbs and vegetables.
Love chicken cordon blue-gonna have to try that one!
French fries their way, even sound healthy. Other books by the author are highlighted at the end.



Summer Activities For Kids: Fun Ways To Keep Kids Active - And You Sane: activities for kids 4-8 years old
This book is directed towards parents and how to keep sane during the LONG summer months. Besides safety they suggest following a routine schedule of things to do daily.
Use of a big calendar with blocks to write things to do is a big help.
Lists of places to go that are also educational but fun. Wicked cool!
Such a fun book, can't wait to experience the fun with our grandson this summer.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Love with A Perfect Cowboy book review



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Love with a Perfect Cowboy by Lori Wilde
Have enjoyed the other books in this series and knew I'd love this one.
What I really like about this series/book is the new words I learn. I am continually jumping up to go to my pc and load up the dictionary to find out what the words mean.
I also do not want a book with 3/4 of it is back story. This book is all brand new things with just a touch of the older things that occurred.
Melody a big ad campaign job in NY City has just been fired and her world known famous photographer boyfriend has dumped her. On the way leaving the complex she runs into Luke from her hometown of Cupid, TX. What the heck is he doing in NYC?
They do share a meal and so much more later when he tells her of what's going on with the town and asks her for help. She confides in him what the latest in her life.
Hometown life and there are many secrets. The family feud that has lasted hundreds of years is in force still. You do not cross into enemy territory but stay true to your family.
She devises many projects that might help the town recover from it's financial loss due to lack of rain. Loved hearing of the different festivals they sound like SO much fun.
Luke, the mayor uncovers a secret that holds all the plans together and he confronts her about it. Nothing seems to be going right but their steamy sex scenes which nobody can ever find out about.
You wonder if the feud will ever end.... sad this is the last in the series, but i'm happy to learn it's not going to continue into 20 where 3/4 of each book is the back story-unlike Lori's books.
Also loved the travel, parts I may never see for myself in my lifetime and being able to catch up with the others in the community.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

books read may 27




Plum Island by Nelson DeMille
This novel is about John Corey who's recuperating on the beach and gets a call to help investigate.
The bio chemical animal testing island, Plum Island is the main focus. There are a couple, scientists, that had been murdered who worked there.
Love all the clues he finds that don't add up when touring the island with the officials.
Like how he talks and then tells you what's on his mind. Gives an insight to what's going on. Love the connection between Captain Kidd and the sex scenes and the investigation.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



 Cooking with Apples
Book starts out with not only the history of apples but many other facts, also how healthy they are. Liked the part about the different types and what they are each really good to bake with.
30 recipes of appetizers, dips,  soups and salads, meat toppings and desserts.
No nutritional information and no pictures of the finished dish.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end of the book.



No Bake Recipes for Kids (Cooking with Kids Series
Author believes if you start the child out young helping out in the kitchen they will continue to do so. good believe, everybody should learn their way around the kitchen.
Starts out talking about healthy food groups and how many servings each age group should be eating daily.
Next up is safety around the ktichen.  Few pictures but many recipes with directions easy to follow and easy to prepare.
Some recipes tell you how many it will serve. There is no nutrtional information.
More books in the cooking with kids series are highlighted at the end of the book.


SOUTH MOUTH BBQ RECIPES: Food so good that if you put it on top of your head, your tongue will beat your brains out tryin' to get to it
This book offers a free ebook link.
Basic recipe is about what I use to make Boston baked beans from scratch so I know how nutritious the ingredients are along with the good taste.
Liked the stories that go along with how the recipes came about.
Pictures and no nutritional information. Directions also come with tips on how to make the meal even better.
Love the use of SO many spices. Includes hillbilly wisdom and other works by the author at the end. Loved the black tooth dessert, priceless!

FAVORITE RECIPES: A Collection of Easy & Delicious Recipes from Best Selling Authors Jean LeGrand, R. Scott Frothingham & Cooter Brown
Each recipe has it's own page which includes not only a picture but some come with a paragraph or two about the recipe. Each one comes from another book so this is
a good collection from all over. Loved the ideas of the meal muffins, and things made in a mug and breakfast breads. directions don't seem to be too complicated and can't wait to try a few.
No nutrtional information.



The Lucky Little Labrador Goes to School -- A Chapter Book With Pictures! Ages 6-10 (Little Readers #4)
Children's book where Lucky the Labrador lives with Kevin and his family and they try to train him and discipline him.
Book starts out with the meanings of some of the difficult words used in the story.
Nine chapters that start out with Lucky and his adventures in the backyard that land him in trouble, with not only Kevin but his mother.
Obedience school should cure him of getting into trouble and the next day he starts...
Love how they all have to pitch in to make it all work. More books by the author are highlighted at the end.


What Kind Of OWL Are You? (Who Do You Choose To Be?)
Colorful children's book asking about what kind of owl you would be and showing you pictures of jobs of others.
Each page tells of the different job duties. Free gifts are offered in this book.



ABC Come Play With Me: A Picture Alphabet Book for Young Children
Very colorful children's book showing the alphabet. Not only a common item is the picture on each page but silly things that also begin with the same letter that is being highlighted.
A free book by the same is also available.  Love the ending page which shows all the letters along with the item they represent.



Mexican Cookbook: Easy & Delicious Recipes Everyone Will Love
Mexican cooking at its best. Top recipes with instructions on how to make them. There is no nutritional information.
Pictures for each recipe with a little bit about them and then the directions on how to make them along with a serving size.
Loved learning about the scoring system on the hot peppers.
Index at the back of the book not only shows the picture of them and a spice, where applicable, but the heat index as well.


Children's Fish Book+ E-Video: Joey and the Net (Adventure & Education series for ages 3-10) (Animal Habitats & Environment children's books collection) [Kindle Edition]: Educational Book series
Colorful children's book about a fish. The type of fish we learn about the history from long ago to present day, Lake Mead.
The fish carried her young in her mouth but she lost Joey in her travels.  A fishing boat is nearby and she fears they will capture Joey. The mother fish teaches all 29 fishes of the dangers of the lake, even Joey.
She gets caught one day and the baby fish all swim away and Joey has a plan to save his mother with the help of his 29 other brothers and sisters.


The Adventures of Blue the Very Happy Dog; Blue Gets His Magic Collar (Childrens dog books and short bedtime stories for kids) (The Adventures of Blue Series.)
Illustrated colorful children's book about a happy dog, blue. He lives with a family and is so well behaved he is allowed to go outside by himself every day.
He finds many adventures on his trips outside the gate as we learn...The family buys him a new sparkly magic blue collar and he finds out what it can do...
Many other animals are greeted and we find out what they can do. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.


Fruit Infusion: A Collection of Day Spa Inspired, Fruit Infused Waters
Colorful book about healthy drinks. Book starts out with why water is important and what benefits the different fruits and vegetables have mixed in with the drinks.
Directions follow on how to prepare them.
One section specifically for metabolism boost is next.
Another section is called workout with hints on what to put in your bottle while exercising.
A section on remedies will help you feel better also...And bedtime drinks, ice cubes and using carbonated soda.
There are so many combinations but I also loved hearing of what they can help improve your ailments without drugs.



Little Grey Bunny: Children's Picture Book (Bedtime stories for children)
Illustrated very colorful children's book about a box of bunnies and one day people come to the pet store to get a bunny of their own.
Most of them are white but there is one grey bunny who feels very special because of it's color. Nobody takes him and the owner carries him in the box when the store closes.
A storm outside and the man forgets about the box and the bunny is on his own......
Other books by the author are highlighted at the end of the book.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Books read May 26






Turner's Point by Gordon Osmond
I wanted to read this book for many reasons: the travel and the time the mother and son get to spend with one another-to make amends.
Brockways, ex husband and wife find others and the son Kyle has come out. It's easy to keep track of the characters as most of them were in relationships with a family member at one time.
Love the travel but wish more details were described. Love when Eileen takes over the kitchen to make an omelet-priceless!
Journey started in Ohio, then to the west coast for not only a graduation but a marriage. Then mom and son travel back to Ohio-the long way. Love the time they get to spend on the road and realize their dreams out loud.
Adult language. The story also follows Tasha who stars in the soap opera that she and Greg are rehearsing for. Kirk detains them...he's been a fan of theirs for years...
Erin and Dan at the new law firm...and new clients. Didn't find sex scenes with males all that interesting-out of my comfort zone.
Loved how the name of this book relates to the story and how it all came about.
Story also follows Duncan, director of plays in Ohio and he proposes a play to Kyle and Eileen.
Found on many pages a sentence would go longer than a page and I'd lose my train of thought along the way.... enjoyed all the memories of shows and plays mentioned.
Also includes summaries of publishing book club offers, summaries of free ebooks, etc
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.


Dance of the Dandelion
This book takes place in the 1300's. Dandy has grown up in a village and befriends William and Tim. They make a pact and are known as Maid Marian, Little John and Robin Hood.
Dandy cares of Richard and is glad to be his friend. She is considering some dark thoughts and she falls and is saved by a knight. Gus she calls him rescues her and tends to her wounds and brings her to his part of the castle, the tower.
They wed even though her parents don't care for the union. As she becomes friends with those who live in the castle because of her sewing skills she also learns of Gus's past from his poetry in the book and of things others have told her of him.
What I really like about this book is the words, some are in Latin and it's fun to look them up. I did read Latin when I was very young as my older brother was studying it for a semester.
Her path leads her to many different relationships over the years...lots of religion, quotes from the Bible. She seeks guidance from God and gets her answers.
I received this book from a contest.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Books read May 21





Wish by Jake Smith
Wanted to read this book because it's about baseball and I miss the journey and dreams.
This one is about a boy, Aaron who's no longer in remission. His dad, James has grown up playing baseball and is now a coach. Young daughter Lizzie and wife Emily are all surrounding Aaron at the hospital where they are able to live while he goes through his tests, chemo and hopefully more bone marrow transplants.
Aaron immerses himself in baseball, stats-I love stats! To me it's his way of not forgetting his ordeal but coping with it that takes him away from the limelight to lose himself in. He gets a visit from a pro ball player and they get in-depth about the game and stats.
Follows everyday life things that occur, praying to God and how each of them copes with their new routines.
Love gift Aaron is able to give to his dad with the help of the ball player...makes you sad he had to give up his dream long ago..What a treat for me as never having gone to a ballpark. all behind the scenes are now open.
After I learned what the wish really was i had to close the book, put it down and stop crying, so happy for them all...things like this just don't happen to regular people...
X read! Love it when everybody comes together for a good cause.
I received this book from Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.













Hot Shots by Anne March, Lynn LaFleur
I wanted to read this book because it's about firemen and I love learning how they do their job, the location and because there are three different authors, one that I'm familiar with. I usually end up liking and reading the other author's works. I hadn't planned on more such hot steamy sex scenes than the main theme: firefighters.

Fired Up By Anne March
Hannah Green is at her watch tower in the Sequoia National Forest and during a lightening storm she loses the radio. Cole is the Cajun firefighter who comes the next day to replace her radio. They share many a night talking to one another, sexually and playing out roles to get the other to orgasm.
Adult language and scenes.  Are they going to get to play out their fantasies that they've told each other of over the radio on their private channel? Wish there had been more of a storyline, rather than a lot of sex.
.
Sizzle by Lynn LaFleur
Maysen Halliday runs Hot Shots magazine and is the photographer. She's on assignment in a small town in Texas. Clay Spenser is the town's fire chief and he doesn't like the idea of the publicity for his fire department.
The volunteers are to meet Maysen at the station and she can take their beefy photos. She plans to also highlight female firefighters in a special article.
Clay avoids Maysen claiming he's too busy with others to meet for meals. She meets up with the woman firefighters and learns Clay didn't go out of town and gets the directions to his house and she gets the tour along with a change of mind from Clay.
Things really heat up... Now to convince them to pose for the calendar and others would buy it, thus giving them money for the new tanker they need. Hot steamy sex scenes.
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Five-Alarm Masquerade by Stacey Kennedy
Abby Hill watches her bedroom burn where the only family photos left were located. The fireman consoles her and she stays with her friend Sierra.
An invite to a five alarm masquerade arrives with instructions on what you can and can't do-bit on the kinky side and like a 'swinger's get together'.
Gavin Morgan can't get her out of his head and lets her know, both disguised at the event.  Very steamy sex scenes.
Excerpt from Smokin' Hot is included at the end.
 I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review









Bittersweet Rain
Caroline loves Roscoe, the older man rather than the son who's her age. The step daughter is 5 years younger than her but her mind is that of a child.
Rink, the son, has always stated he'd take care of Laura Jane. She doesn't understand why he doesn't live with them.
The raising of the thoroughbreds is an industry that Roscoe loved. Others now run it for him and Laura Jane shows love interest in the manage, Steve.
She and Rink had been together in their younger days, but Rink got another girl pregnant.
Story goes back in time and we learn just how close they were... Like how all the different confrontations with those involved are handled. Interesting to learn how Roscoe manipulated all their lives. Lots of surprises from all around after the death.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



This Matter of Marriage by Debbie Macomber
Hallie McCathy is now 30 and ready for a family. She has set one year to meet the right man to marry.
Steve Marris lives next door and he has an ex wife. They become friends and she tells him of her mishaps with dates.
Hilarious escapades of the dates and throw in Steve's daughter and son who visits on weekends who wants a mother for her dad...
He wants to reunite with his wife and hopes she will reconsider.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




Passion's Promise by Danielle Steel
Lots of action and different lifestyles. Some are together as just friends, but dedicated friends and they see others. he other males, her other males.
She is a heiress and hides that. She hides her identity with 5 different aliases,  by writing columns and only a handful know who she is. She takes the assignment to interview Lucas-he's out of prison now but the CA dept could put him back.
He's on a goal to fix the prison system and aided those on the inside to form a union of sorts to get their rights. Now that he's on the outside he can do more...
Unthinkable things happen and you wonder if their love for one another will last....
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




The Secret Dinosaur #3: Jurassic Adventure (The Dinotek Adventure) by N.S. Blackman
Illustrated colorful children's book about mechanical working dinosaurs of years past.
Marlin has gone to live with them once they've escaped to the mountain. They learn new things about one another.
What I like about this book in the series is it teaches you to adapt to your surroundings and to use the barter system to survive. Remember the golden rules!
Love how the things that happened in the past fix the present so there is a future.
I received this gift from the author in exchange for my honest review
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Friday, May 16, 2014

Books read May 16





The Runaway Jury by John Grisham
Read one other book by this author and thought I'd try another as I enjoyed the process of the clues to solving the mysteries that arise.
Love how he captures your attention and holds it for the whole book as the plot moves along.
Interesting learning how the tobacco company didn't feel they were to blame for the people who died from smoking.. I know nothing of the jury process so that part was interesting to learn about.
Liked all the statistics and the ongoings of the people during the trial on the jury.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Knitting Yarns by Ann Hood
Loved reading this author's other works and knew I'd like this. It is a compilation of other writers who also knit and why they knit and what knitting has done for them over the years.
Some find it calming, others do it to relieve grief, make gifts for those we love.
Don't think one of the stories really needed the swearing to get the point across....
Love that men authors are also included here in this anthology.
Patterns also included. Especially liked 20 people at the party were going to learn to knit, with their own set of needles and yarn pre assembled=each block will be sewn into an afghan for the new mother.
Enjoyed all the stories. Never realized the common things with these two crafts: writing and knitting.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).





Morning Glory by Sarah Jio
Have read many of the author's other works and really appreciated the feeling that she knows me and what I'm going through.
This story is about Ada who's left NYC and arrived in Seattle. The houseboats we had visited ourselves a few years ago and love the descriptions of not only the floating houses but the calming effect and the sites of the city. We've yet to visit Glass Works but hope to this year with a kite.
Also Penny and Dexter have alternating chapters-they also live on Boat Street. Such a caring community...Bach on the Dock like a block party sounded real fun!
Realize a few chapters in that Penny and Dexter lived in the houseboat Ada is renting many years prior. She finds a trunk and lots of treasure and so many mysteries to solve. Love the legends of the morning glory vines.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Silent Night by Robert B. Parker
Have read other books by this author and nice to learn others pick up his unfinished works after his death.
Love what this story stands for and I've not yet this series yet, but the Jesse Stone ones.
Orphan in the city and land disputes. Love how the PI's get involved, even for high class holiday events.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Angelina's Christmas by Katherine Haliburt
Everyone at her school stayed late to help decorate for the play. Most houses had lights and were decorated for the holiday, except for one house.
She makes cookies in hopes of giving one away to the old man. Her brother Henry wnats to give his to Santa Claus. Next day her mother and her bring holiday food to his house and the dad and Henry cut a tree for him.
He dresses up as Santa as everyone decorates the tree and tells them a story of when he was not able to drive his US Postal truck to deliver the presents...
Nice surprise for what the town does for the old man, Mr. Bell.  Henry participates.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the full love story of Christmas by Ann Voscamp
Quotes from bible are connected to regular questions like what do you want for Christmas.
Traces the link down through generations of what the greatest gift is.
Book has devotional stories beginning with Dec 1 going all the way through Dec 25. Reminds me of the advent calendar we'd hang up on the back of the door and put an ornament on the tree each year when the kids were young.
Love the easy ways you and the whole family can participate in the things that are being described.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



A Quilter's Holiday, by Jennifer Chalverni
Have read most of the other books in this series and enjoy not only the patterns but the friendship others get by coming together to sew for charity.
Love hearing of the occupants of the house and what the latest is with their families.
Thanksgiving tradition by sewing quilt blocks and why they selected that particular one..
Quilting marathon and everyone has brought a leftover dish from the special day to share with all quilters that have assembled. Snow is due and a lot of it.
Loved hearing of how to name a quilt and of the advent calendars-much like the one our kids when younger had.
Loved learning of the importance of the 9 block and how many other things in our lifes correlate to it.
Alternating chapters from those at the celebration talk about what's going on in their lives. So many mysteries and clues throughout.
Auction of their items, proceeds go to food bank, so generous! Hate that the snow brings about a lot of tragedies....love hearing of the winter get together and where the proceeds for that go.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Rana Look by Sandra Brown
This book written under her alias name is a loveswept romance novel.
Ruana has left her modeling career and gone back home to start a new career when pushed too hard by family. She stays at Aunt Ruby's boarding house and Trent arrives.
A nephew ...fun, flirtful scenes and he proposes a pact. Trent and his secrets and tragedy occurs ...steamy sex scenes....
Misunderstandings and money get in the way of their happiness....
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The Stand UP Guy by Stuart Woods
My first book from this author and I'm enjoying it. A man has gotten out of prison after he's served his 25 year sentence for armed robbery. There were 5 in on it and there are only 2 others left. Some of them know where the money is and he's being shot at and gets help from the PI Stone.
He has many ideas for him and follows them to start a new life and lay low.
The president is also trying to help his wife become president and they are a friend of Stone..
Very detailed plots, there are many as the players come together to get back what is theirs. Didn't care for the ending and have a feeling I'll be meeting up with these characters in another book...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Last Juror by John Grisham
In this book we learn about the history of the paper and how putting in controversial obits makes a difference. The new editor also posts a lot of local community news: group meetings, killings, etc.
One has been sent to prison for rape and killing a woman. He tells the jurors he will come after them if they find him guilty. They do and after his time he's released. The author really goes into learning about the people, their lifes and all about them.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Return To The Beach House by Georgia Bockoven
I have not read the first book in this series but will probably get it to read as I like this one so much.
Story starts out in June with Aliison Kirpatrick and she's vacationing on the west coast where her grandson joins her for a month before he heads off to college.
He's into horses and he meets up with Grace-who's cooking for her dad next door who's into surfing and tending the orchid nursery. They trade horse lessons for surfing lessons.
What I love about this is the lessons about riding a horse-what not to do. I can't wait to try it for myself, when I do get to go.  Love that Alison also has a life and love her exploring of the area as the places she's going to, describing were ones we didn't stop at on our trip up the PCH.
This book is broken up into sections where each section is about a different couple that are staying at the beach house at a different time during the year.
So interesting to learn about them all, their careers and what they love about the ocean and surrounding areas.  He learns things about his father and grandfather that help him to stir himself into a new direction after the summer ends.
Alison realizes some truths also....
August story:  Four women who went to college reunite at the beach house and catch up on why they didn't get together at the 5 year mark. So many different problems. Love the secret they've carried with them for years.
Sad to hear of some of their secrets but glad when others are revealed.
January story: Love that this story starts out with an update from the first story! This one is about a photographer who's at the airport to meet his girlfriend.
Love the stories of the photography part. Lindsey is not adjusting to being back in the states and does not want to go back to the war zone.
House seems so different to all the occupants but it makes them feel like they are home with just one item.
They must come to terms about their relationship and work....
End of the book has the author's other works which I'll be checking into myself.
I received this book from Library Thing via the author in exchange for my honest review.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Books read April 2014

64


   

True Blend by Joanne DeMaio
Without even knowing what this book was about when I was approached to read/review/blog tour I jumped at the chance. I have loved the author's other works and knew this would be a good one also.
I was not disappointed. Starts out with Amy who is a widow of just one year and she has a 2 yo daughter, Grace. They lead a routine schedule but one morning Grace is taken by armed robbers who also take an armored truck.
She obeys their final words and not contact the police for over an hour. She is returned and Amy finds it hard even with her mother there to trust people again. She works at the bridal gown shop out of her house.
The story also follows George Carbone and him being the hero for returning Amy to her mother. Problem is he has issues of his own and never wanted to be part of the armed robbery, never mind taking a child away from her mother. He's also finding it hard to not only trust people but carry on under the guise of being a hero when in his mind, he is not.
Love the locale, hearing of the bridal gown accessories/design work and learning about other career choices described.
Therapy helps Amy and what to expect from her flashbacks and Amy's that might help the police... What amazes me is we as kids growing up also put cards held with clothespins on our bike spokes.
Love how the whole story comes together with pieces from the past days and months that all fit in. Such detailed descriptions of the dates and day trips, priceless!
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.



The 6 Steps Plan to e-Publishing by Ally Nathaniel I wanted to read this book to help out an author friend get the word out on his new book. This book is written for one who's never published their book. It will walk you through a lot of the sites available to help publish and promote your book. I even clicked on a few of the links to undertand what was going on and they are spot on. So many ways and very very very time consuming to do it all yourself as the author. So many different places you have to visit to sell yourself along with your work. There are many helpful people along the way, some free, some you need to pay. Not every aspect of this book was revelant to my friend's book as it's not a children's book but the general concepts are very well thought out. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to not only publish their ebook but promote it for others to read. The most important part I felt was the keywords used at Amazon to tag to your book. Book trailer was another part that I felt was very important especially in this day and digital components around us. I received this book from Story Cartel via the author in exchange for my honest review.





 
Castaway Cove by JoAnn Ross
This book in the series, stand alone as well. is about Mac and how he comes home wounded in the war to a wife and toddler. The day he arrives she hands him the key to the house and leaves with her new boyfriend. I can totally see this really happening and it is a book about how he's strong to learn about his daughter and her needs and take care of himself as well.
He ends up moving back to his father's home in Oregon to also help with the care of his grandfather who's in a nursing home and losing more of his memories.
Annie lives in Oregon where she runs a bookstore and runs into Mac often at the nursing home. Mac runs a call in show on the radio at nights and she has called to talk to him a few times that started their relationship.
Love how her girlfriends give her the push she needs to make some moves on him.
Love the tips of how to care for an elder who's losing their memories. Hot steamy sex scenes enhance this book.


I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).







The Secret Dinosaur #2: Hunters Attack! (The Dinotek Adventures by N.S. Blackman
Enjoyed the first book in this series especially because of the exploration and adventure.
Illustrated colorful children's books about the mechanical side of the dinosaur species. Summarizes what happens in the first book of this series.
Marlin Maxton has arrived and things start to change with help from his Uncle Gus and the dinosaurs left at the museum. They have plans and they work together as the army is ready to invade and destroy them.
The part I like the best is not only the dinosaurs for my 8 year old grandson but the descriptions of the machinery and how they are assembled.  Such a boy book but girls would enjoy it as well.
Love their three golden rules and they should apply to those reading the book, in their everyday lives.
The hunters are tracking their trail and they are so close to catching them with a new secret weapon...Another plan for the dinotek's come to light. So fascinating to learn about.
I received this gift from the author in exchange for my honest review




 The Secret Dinosaur #3: Jurassic Adventure (The Dinotek Adventure) by N.S. Blackman
Illustrated colorful children's book about mechanical working dinosaurs of years past.
Marlin has gone to live with them once they've escaped to the mountain. They learn new things about one another.
What I like about this book in the series is it teaches you to adapt to your surroundings and to use the barter system to survive. Remember the golden rules!
Love how the things that happened in the past fix the present so there is a future.
I received this gift from the author in exchange for my honest review




Children's book: Don't Let Rocky Get Away! (Parents Library Collection, Stories about toys, Values and principles, Children's Books Ages 6-8, Moral stories
Illustrated colorful children's book and with a review you can get extra content.
Tommy is not allowed to go out to play til he cleans his room. He tries to blame it on his friends that came over the other day. He can barely even get into his room.
Rocky the spider monkey is on the run and he knows how to get back to Tommy's room. Tommy meets other toys he's tossed aside and they want to go back to his room also. They all chase the monkey, he will tell them if they catch him.
Love how they all pitch in to work together. Love moral of the story.





101 Quick & Easy Cupcake and Muffin Recipes by Victoria  Steele
Always looking for new recipes to try out.
Lots of tips and how to when it comes to frosting the cupcakes and what tools to use and special techniques.
Each recipe comes with suggested frosting a handful of pictures and no nutritional information.
Love the combinations of flavors in the batter.  Like to try carrot cupcakes with substitutions for the oil and I'd use egg beater no yolks for a healthier option.
Muffin section also has many useful tips to get you started. Excellent bran muffin section for the most healthiest of muffins!
Other works by the author is highlighted at the end.




A Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell
Wanted to read this book because I am very local to this town. I've yet to visit this museum of a house, maybe this year.
Love banter between the woman, Emmaline Cross and her brother, Brady and how he finds himself always in a mess and she is always there to pick up the pieces.
He is a playboy and she works for the local paper writing for the society pages and is always invited to the best of the parties. Loved hearing of all of their everyday problems-just like regular people. Controversies of financial ruin, gambling, yachting to name a few of the happenings.
Love that the story follows the same streets and places we visit today in the city.  When the murder occurs she must help solve it to clear her relative. She fancies a man who combine forces to help one another in each of their missions.
So many people but easy to keep track of and there is an excerpt at the end for the next book in the series-can't wait!
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review.






















35 Yummy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes (With Nutritional Information)
Starts out with information and the various slow cookers that can be used.
Even though the recipes do list the nutritional information it's still very high in cholesterol and sodium for our diet.
I'm sure I can find other ingredients to use rather than a package mix=in some cases to make it more healthier.
Some of the recipes don't tell you what a serving size is-very deceiving!  Whole chicken meal would be the best but why not use fresh herbs and spices rather than the sodium filled packet of Lipton soup mix?
Not one of my favorite cookbooks, hope others can find more usefulness out of it. My diet is very strict after the heart attack.
No pictures.









 Home baked bread: Recipes beyond the basic Loaf: Everything You need to Know to Bake 43 Amazing Breads (Home Baked Bread!)
Author from UK goes over the basic step by step instructions on how to make a basic loaf.
The variations of flavors sound appealing. Pictures for each recipe-no nutritional information. Each recipe does include UK/US measurements.
Cornbread mixed with yogurt would be my favorite to try. I have made this before from a different recipe using egg beaters-very healthy.
So much to learn about with the breads introduced and where they originate from.


27 Healthy Muffin Recipes:Homemade Recipes With Nutritional Information
The recipes could be a lot healthier if you cut down on the sodium. By using a prepackaged mix the sodium is included. Why not use just fresh ingredients?
No pictures and most recipes do NOT tell you what a serving size is. I have many different muffin pans from a small to a huge one so that information is crucial to me.
Being on the strict diet we are on sodium and fat and cholesterol are the 3 things we pay attention to.
Eggs - we would use egg beaters with no yolks for a healthy option.
Like the flavor combinations.




You Make Me Proud!  Umesh  Shukla
Illustrated colorful children's book about being proud. The Littleton family puts up a sticky note with important messages to make sure the other knows they are very proud of what the other is doing.
Sharing toys makes the parent proud. The child then writes - you taught me so I am proud of you.
Love little hints all in a day's work. Love the ending, full circle.


Children's Book: Dragon Makes New FRIENDS ( A Gorgeous Illustrated Children's Picture Book for Ages 2-10 )
Illustrated very colorful children's book about making friends. This book also rhymes every sentence with the next one.
The dragon was afraid to make and play with new kids he didn't want to scare them.
When a boy is helped by Drake getting the apple out of the tall tree the others want to get their own apple by climbing the tall tree.
Moral of the story is a good one, it's ok to be different. You can also download a free coloring book-link at the end.

 Canning And Preserving: How To Can, Preserve, And Store Your Food In Jars
I grew up where we always had a huge garden and with the abundance of food we canned and jarred many of it for the winter months.
Very detailed methods of using and sterilizing containers for use=very helpful.
Paragraphs on food poisoning and how to can the right way. Many methods are discussed.
List of utensils and appliances and their cost is discussed.  Besides the list of food that can be preserved it tells you which method to use. Also a listing of food by seasons so you can preserve them as well.
Other components of canning are also talked about along with summary of safety tips.






Temptation by Sherryl Woods
Have read many of the authors later works and know I will enjoy this one as well.
Callie Smith dumped by her husband, her mother is visiting and she's lost her Wall Street job.
Jason Kane, finds her irresistible and plans to make Callie a star. He's director of a soap opera and he wants her full time on his show.
She does not want to go back to the farm to help her mother so her sister sends her mother to her in the city. She feels forced to take the job offer and others resent her being there.
As they spend more time together she learns about what makes him tick: is it all material things or is there a passion collecting the possessions.
The male actor is being threatened by things that are happening at work and she watches for clues at work.
The book also follows her mother and her return to the art world in the city that Callie lives where she is staying. Apartment breakin cause others to take things seriously... Hot steamy sex scenes.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Winners by Danielle Steel
Love this author's book and can't ever seem to read them all. this one is about Lily and she's training to be an Olympic skier. She lives with her father-her mother died when she was the age of 3.
After the accident he takes her on a world wide trip to find a doctor that will tell her there is a cure for her injury. They do not find that though and she goes home to go to rehab where others have broken off their friendship.
The book also follows the doctor, Jessie who operated on her for 11 hours. At the end she learns of her husband's death and she goes home to take care of the kids. Her path and Bill's meet over time as they discuss Lily's progress and he finds out about her life with the kids.
Loved hearing how Lily is at rehab and the pain and progress she has to overcome while doing class work. Others at the center help as they've been through it before.
Paying it forward in the way of a scholarship/school for others who are afflicted with the same type of injury brought tears to my eyes.
What I like the best is the different ages of those who are effected and how they strive to make the world a better place for not only them or their loved ones.
 I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


 Easy, Elegant and Adorable Easter Treats
Love all the ideas to get everybody involved in making Easter a nice family holiday tradition.
Cards, picnics, egg hunts, etc are just a few. Love the detail it goes into about the holiday itself and how other countries celebrate it.
Food comes with pictures and how long to make them. Very colorful and easy to make.
Also tips on what else to put in a  child's Easter basket.
Recipes towards the back of the book will take a few hours to make-some of them. So pretty though!


25 Awesome Bedtime Stories for 1st-4th Graders (Beginner Readers)
Drawings that are sometimes colorful, children's book about Dan who doodles. Many stories with a moral and teaching a child respect and other life lessons.
Love the one where he tells the class what he wants to be when he grows up and proceeds to not only draw the job but tells what is being done.
Everyone Do The Crab Walk is another good one where a child can feel good about themselves because of what they can do. Some stories are just a few pages and some are 6 pages long. Some are totally silly.
Great stories for any child.


30 Delicious Ice Cream Cake Recipes
What I liked about this from the beginning is that you can substitute for a healthier ice cream cake.
The examples are numerous. Step by step instructions and there are many of them for each recipe.
Lots of different combinations. No pictures and no nutritional information.
I'd like to try the oreo cookie one as it's probably the fastest one to make and less steps to prepare it all. Definitely a treat for a special occasion.



Be Thankful for the Little Things Rhymes and Pictures to Teach Children about Gratitude By Louise Folger
Illustrated very colorful children's book that teaches them to appreciate what they have.
Starts out with things as basic as flowers and spring and to be thankful for those along with bird songs.
Other things that bring a smile to their face are also given a colorful page of things they are thankful for. The page states what they are thankful for and then why.
My favorite page is getting a hug from your grandmother, she is shown with an afghan on her lap and a cup of hot tea-this is me!
Little things also do not have to cost money. Other books by the author are highlighted.
Book encourages you the next time you wake up blue to think about little things and know that God's love is true.
I received this book from Library Thing via the author in exchange for my honest review.


All I Have In This World by Michael Parker
What first prompted me to apply to read this book was the title. It's not the material things we have that will live with us forever.
This is a story about many people and I first found it confusing because of the chapters were from a different year and different people til I realized it was the story of the car and the previous owners lives.
Loved learning about the terrain and nature around the various places the books take you to. Marcus has his dream and realizes he's a failure and tries to make his dream happen. Maria is from a mixed up family and they end up buying the car together.
Found it interesting where their path takes them especially when they are out driving, talking and learning about one another and what they want to do.
Loved the lists and charts. Love how the background of the car and its owners connect to the characters who buy it.
I received this book from Library Thing via Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill in exchange for my honest review.


Carnal Innocence  by Nora Roberts
The world class violinist, Carolyn is moving back to her familys home in Innocence, MS.   
Tucker was being accused to killing Emma Lou who she had stated earlier that day she was pregnant with his child.
Investigation continues as others come to his rescue...Lots going on..
Brutal and tortuous at times and scary.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


A Promise In Pieces Quilts of Love by Emily T. Wierenga
This book starts out with a section called War and it's the present day and the grandparents are in the car with the grandkids as they drive around the battlefields in the DC area. Then it talks of the war and hardship and what Clara Wilson and others had done themselves to support the country.
Another section is entitled Peace and again it starts out in the present time then back to the past to help you understand. The bible plays a large part in the story. Forgiveness, faith in God and friendship. This is the section she returns home after delivering a letter to a widow of a dying soldier that was in her care. She also returns to her home.
Love how the quilt comes into play in this book and what it all signifies and the bigger project. Loved hearing of the journey and their lifes along the way. Easy to keep track of the characters.
I received this book from Net Galley via Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest review.

After the Storm by Maya Banks
Donovan works with his brothers who all cater to the needs of a few. The government calls on them to retrieve kidnapped people where they can't go.
Rusty Barnes Kelley has been adopted by the Kelley's and she' s grateful for being part of a large safe family.
The company would right another wrong. getting a woman out of an abused situation or relocating them to a safe place.
Rusty has hired the boy, Travis who lives with his sister, Eve and her daughter, Cammie. Van notices how thin and starving they are when he and Rusty go to visit. The house is deplorable and he tries to help them.
Love bantering with the Kelley family at gatherings.  Kind of confusing to take all 6 of the brothers in with their spouses and kids but after a while you get used to them all.
Eve has her secrets and keeps them to herself to protect her brother and sister from harm.
After the tornado the brothers move in to help them out. What I like is that excitement and action knowing the father is going to find the family and want them back. We learn why they are on the run...
Love the total family connection throughout also, steamy sex scenes. Telepathic abilities enhance this book.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Robert B. Parker's Damned if You Do (A Jesse Stone Novel)
A jesse stone novel-love these crime stories especially the movies on TV starring Tom Selleck. Paradise is a country town, beach tourist town where life is slow.
His friend, an accountant is being abused at the nursing home. Love what he discovers about this and what he does, in his own way...
Jesse Stone is also gathering clues as to why a prostitute is found dead and 2 pimps have some answers.
Glad this series is continuing on although the author has passed away but Michael  is the one who collaborated with him on the screen plays.
Story doesn't quite go as I thought it would, so many twists that really add to the plot!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Mind Tryst
This is a story of a woman, Jackie who leaves the big city and makes her new home in a small town, Coleman in Colorado. She works at the local lawyers office as she has training in that field.
Upon returning one weekend from the city she realizes someone has been in her house and she alerts not only the police but others. She takes precautions against another invasion.
Jason Valian, the handyman she had also asked her friend in the big city to check out and she confronts him as to why he had changed his name upon relocating to CO. He had prison time...
There are others she discards as being the intruder but she doesn't know them well but they are helpful around the property.
Jason also is a self taught carpenter. Love how her best friend who's married her ex husband has sent him to help her out-he's also a cop.
Brutal and so deceiving as they all learn  new clues as to who is doing the killings...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Sycamore Row by John Grisham
Attorney has been hired. Seth is dying and has left a hand written will then hangs himself from the tree.
 There were other wills over the years and the children and other family members have been written out of the will. There will be a huge trial as a judge and jury decide
what to do with the man's estate. They are finding out he was very wealthy.
Interesting to learn how things are dictated from the grave and what the court system does with it all....and all the testimony they are able to obtain...Loved hearing about the old times and what constitutes a 'row'.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Looking for Trouble by Trice Hickman
John Small is a small town boy that works at Wall Street job and wants to go back home to open a bank there. He sees his girl friend of a few months in a new light as he introduces her to the family in his hometown.
Alexandria is a spoken word artist and she wants a new life.  She gets little clues via her mind as to what her path is to be.
John receives a lot of wisdom from his grandmother-she also can see into the future.
Alex's mom also can see things ahead of time and she confides in her to help solve what is happening to the clues she's getting from her grandmother..
Hate it when I read of a woman taking advantage of a man using her body to get what she wants-the ring that will lead to her having a fortune of money that she didn't earn. Will be interesting to learn how she gets her just due..
Interesting to learn how the two stories intertwine. Hot steamy sex scenes.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



How to Retire Happy: The 12 Most Important Decisions You Must Make Before You Retire by Stan Hinden
Interesting to learn all the facts and things you should be doing before you retire. Some things such as long term health care and
the different part supplement programs to Medicare and even when to retire and start taking the SSI funds is very confusing but something we all have to go through.
Lots of resources are quoted for further reading and this book is updated about every 2 years because of all the new things that have come into play.
Also examples of what could happen with/without a plan.
Received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Journey by John Heldt
This story is about Michelle and her friends who are at a class reunion and they go to explore the old house up on the hill.
Michelle has gone off by herself and found a room with a stairway that leads down to a wine cellar. On her way back up the door closes and when she comes out she's in a different year, back in her hometown.
She uses her head and pawns her wedding ring, gets a job at the high school and rents an apartment. She has ventured back to her old neighborhood where she spies on herself and her friends of her childhood.
What I like about this is the locale as I am familiar with Eugene Oregon area. Travels to Mt. St. Helens was memorable and will be revisited here.
Thought the book would be confusing going back and forth in time but it's not at all.  Not sure what my feelings are to her telling others of the future and them doing things differently with the knowledge...
Love finding out more details as to the numerous disappearances and the number aspect of this...it helps you understand why she does some things...
Amazed at who she meets next that also knows her and what she's up to....terrified to hear of what she gave up for others...
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.



The Mirror by John Heldt
This time travel book starts out with two sisters who are given tickets to the local fair. They spend 8 hours there and even get a reading from a physic who tells them they should go straight home and leave the fair grounds.
The girls wander around a little bit more and investigate the house of mirrors which is from the 1960's originally when it was closed down. Katie goes through a mirror into a different time and Ginny replicates her steps. They do end up in the 1960's and they discuss what their parents had always told them about time travel. They had done it also several times...
This book also mentions the other books in the time travel series that I recall the people and who they are related to.
The women gets jobs in Seattle at a grocery store and as it's May the fair won't come til Sept, for one week. That will be their chance to get back to their time. They do start dating and I love the descriptions of the area as we visit there often.
Like them I sit back and take it all in, music, movies, TV shows, etc.  The link to their family and past they find....
Love the assignment she's given as a photographer-we travel there just about every 2 years now for the past 6 years.  Story follows each of the girls love interests mixed in with racial adjustments going on in the nation that effect them all.
Travel to other places in the area that I've yet to visit are very descriptive and love the falls spot the best.. Liked hearing of the connection between the generations-at times it just doesn't seem possible.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.




Children's Book: The Tale of East - A Little Elephant with a Very Long Trunk (Ages 4-8) (Bedtime Animal Stories)
Illustrated colorful pages children's book about an elephant who has been told to treasure his trunk as it is a special gift. He seen learns why when he followed the tigers and he realized a baby monkey was stuck up in a tree.
The other elephants rally with their animal friends to find the parents of the baby monkey. East is then shown why he has the gift he does have..



Assault of the Mountain Man by William Johnstone
This book in the saga/series is about how Sally gets shot by bank robbers when she's at the bank to get money to give to her friend to start up her restaurant.
When Smoke finds out and is told the robbers died he takes care to make sure Sally recovers. He leaves her in good hands and he proceeds to follow up leads that get him thinking the robbers did not die at all.
In the trial others concur the men were the same ones that had robbed another bank. Story follows the robbers as well-the path their lives lead them to.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


















Betty Crocker's Low Fat Low Cholesterol Cookbook
Love discussions on the different types of fat, how to read labels, etc
Tells you how to substitute your favorite with better healthier ingredients. Although this book was written in 1990 I think the charts are a bit off as to the limits of intake as that has changed over the years. What was once a good number for total cholesterol is now considered to be high.
185 recipes from many different categories. Excellent source of exactly what is in each recipe: sodium, fat, sugars, cholesterol, etc.
Love the tips along the way about what can not be substituted.  This book tells you that you can have everything you are used to eating, just a smaller amount. This goes against what our nutritionist told us-we no longer eat processed meats especially hot dogs.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).






The Darkest Hour, released on September 7, 2010.
Ethan's wife Rachel had died, been over a year and he receives a packet showing what could be her with some militants.
He shows the others in KGI and they also agree to help him go get her-if it is her.  The story follows them in the jungle as they go to find Rachel.
Rachel is so out of it she just remembers her guardian angel will come get her and she's in so much pain...she doesn't remember them when they come to get her out of there.
Back at home their parents, Marlene and Frank come across an intruder, Rusty who appears to be a teen and starving....
Hallucinations when she is returned and others are there for support.  Story also follows Rusty and her past life.  Ethan still wants to learn why they kept her for over a year . Hot steamy sex scenes.
In the middle of the town learning of her return the group has a recon mission=to get a child out of harms way. Glimpses of their past married life come to light and there are threats to end her life, again...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




No Place to Run, released on December 7, 2010.
This book is mostly about Sophia and Sam. There are many others in the family  and there are missions they go on to help protect women and children.
She was on the run and got caught. They find out she's pregnant and she's unconscious and shot.
Upon waking she tells Sam her father's men will come find her...the guys rally together to protect the whole family.
Hot steamy sex. Lots of adventure and action, kidnappings and twisted plots as the story follows many who are involved in the upheaval.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Hidden Away, released on March 1, 2011.
This book is about Garrett Kelly and the CIA wants him to get close to Sarah. Her half brother wants to find her and he's had a run in with Garrett.
Another KGI book, action, adventure military style.  She's in hiding and it's for her life-she has seen too much...Sophie is about to give birth, she loves family time and cooking.
Garrett is recovering from stepping in front of the bullet meant for Sofie.  Hot steamy sex scenes.
Story follows Sarah as she's on the run...Love catching up with the others in the family and what's going on with them. When she has no choice and runs Garrett uses his resources to find her and convince her they need to go elsewhere to stay safe. Love that location also!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




Whispers in the Dark, released on January 2012.
Love this series. This book picks up where the last one left off. Nathan didn't get away and he's being tortured. Shea Petersen connects with him through his mind. She feels what he feels and he's about to just give up. She keeps him strong.
Her sister Grace has abilities also and she fears they will capture her and draw Shea out. As she runs for her life she also tries to help him, encourage him that he wants to live.
Back at the family compound we are able to catch up with the others lives.  He is able to talk to Rachel who survived a year in Columbia as a prisoner. Nathan leaves to find her and learns of her past...
Swanney, Nathan's war buddy who also went through being a prisoner hooks up with the Kelly gang and proceed to help Nathan and Shea. They tell her of a family secret and it relieves her and then leaves her with many more questions.
Recovery involves the woman of the family and I'm glad they have the answer. Hot steamy sex scenes.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




Echoes at Dawn, released on July 3, 2012.
This book in the saga is about Grace Peterson, Shea's sister is kidnapped for her abilities. Rio rescues her and others want her for her abilities.
She had escaped and then went over the edge of the cliff, she had enough and wanted to just end things. Rio and his men tracked her to CO and he plans to bring her back home.
Rio has heard her thoughts and tried talking to her the same way, not knowing if it worked.
When things get too intense Rio takes her to where he goes.... beautiful! Love catching up with some of the family..
Love all the action, adventure and travel to new places as they are being described.
Sad about the sickness of the child and all she goes through, weddings and many more plans of action occur...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



VINTAGE EASTER FOR CHILDREN: Easter Cards, Customs, Games, Poems (Vintage Memories)
This book starts out with how other countries celebrate the holiday. Pictures are few but beautiful and could be used for a card front. Each picture is described and sometimes there is a guessing game as to how many eggs are in the basket.
Lots of rhyming describing the season and holiday.  Can imagine the kids all lined up doing the egg and spoon race.
Good luck with a new Easter bonnet-I never knew this legend.
So many things to learn about this from countries all over the world. Now it makes sense as to why some are adapted to the US.










More Than Things: A Children's Book about Gifts
This book for children with hand drawn pictures is about a dream one boy has and it appears he gets everything he ever wanted. Then he wakes up and learns he does not have any of them. 
The birthday party where gifts are given feels better to him-normal. Some words are highlighted during the book to help the child sound them out for themselves.
He did not get the material things on his birthday wish list but other more meaningful presents instead.
Also has a section for parents on gift giving with many considerations taken into account.
Other things are printable that will help you.



50 Homemade Frozen Desserts - Frozen Pies, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Pops, Pudding Pops, Granita, Frozen Souffles, and Ice Cream Floats (The Summer Dessert ... And The Best Dessert Recipes Collection)
Summer desserts are featured in this book. There are 8 other books the author has created.
No pictures and no nutritional information but does come with suggestions on how to serve this dessert. Some are very rich and some could be made with healthier options.
Granita recipes are something new to me that I'd like to try.




 Chicago Cooks: 25 Years of Chicago Culinary History and Great Recipes from Les Dames d'Escoffier
No pictures and no nutritional information. Book starts out with who 'Les Dames' are and the food they are known for and brought to the table. As time goes on and others are added they bring their own recipes.
There's a LOT of history to this book but it goes along with the recipes.
16 black and white pictures.  Lot of different fonts and font sizes that make this book, via a kindle hard to read.







Easy Family Meals: 50 recipes for everyday cooking (Menu Planning Series)
Pictures but not for every recipe and no nutritional information. Each recipe includes a paragraph about the food being prepared and time to make it.
Baked Fish is one I had just seen today on a cooking show and am going to try it this week. Does state it's high in omega3 and protein and minerals.
Lots of different foods to choose from.




The Camping Cookbook: Delicious and Mostly Easy Recipes the Family Will Love (Camping Guides)
Like that there are 4 different methods of cooking outside in this one book. Gives you options when choosing a barbecue method.
Recipes come with not only ingredient list but which grilling method to use and serving size.
Like foil wrapped meals as they can be made for everybody, each selecting their favorites to add.
Love bonus dessert part and the combination of flavors.
Author's other works are highlighted at the end.


EZ as 1-2-3 Come Learn About BUGS A-Z by Kathryn L Novak
Wanted to read this one especially because it's everything my grandson would love.
Illustrated colorful children's book that not only tells you what each letter stands for which bug but also fun facts about them to make the learning process more fun.
My favorite is June bug. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.



The Very Best You by Kathryn L Novak
Illustrated very colorful rhyming children's book about being proud of what you are and what you can do.
Like how the picture shows what the words are saying.
Especially like the pages where ti shows different parts of the body and makes a rhyme with them.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Moral: to just be yourself.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.



Cooking for Dads
Wondered what this book would be about because the dads I know not only love to cook but do it well. Yes time is of the essence.
This is not a typical cookbook at all. The author explains about that, conversions from different counties, measurements, etc.
The recipe, some contain a picture, have ingredients and some have a lot of discussion about the recipe itself and sometimes the process of preparing it or the ingredients.
Especially like the chili con carne and the process of different things going on while making it.
Other works by the author at highlighted.


The Last Summer of the Camperdowns: A Novel by Elizabeth Kelly
The summer of 1971 and lot of events I also recall being a teen that year. Tragic events occur and
lots of secrets from many are shed but not right away. Love the sections of the horses and learning about them.
If only one didn't have to witness things that would change their course in life.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Don't Mind the Monsters by E.N. Huffman
Colorful illustrated children's book about monsters. The book tells you where the monsters hide in your house but not to be afraid
of their big teeth...and they tell you what they really like and they do not want to harm you.


Slow-Cook Yourself Skinny (Low Fat, Low Calorie Slow Cooker Meals)
Colorful with pictures and nutritional information. What I really liked also is that you just throw the ingredients all into the cooker, no fuss!
shrimp and rice would be my favorite to try.
Information at the very beginning tells you how to make the meals more healthier and by substituting some of the ingredients.
Gets right into the recipes and doesn't waste your time by telling you all the differences between the slow cookers and pressure cookers.


Garden Table
Starts out with a list of things you can use if you should run out of an item. Measurement and temperature conversions are also listed.
Lots of categories and stories about growing up around a garden where everything is grown.
No nutritional information but with all the herbs and spices and fresh food it should be real healthy.
Love bits from a farmer's almanac as to when to plant according to the moon phases.
Funny stories as to when to plant by sitting your bare butt in the ground...
Loved seafood feast as described just like what we experience here in the northeast.


 Waffles Chronicles: The Hamster that Lives in my Closet
Children's colorful book about a hamster named Waffles. He is not allowed to stay any longer and the girl hides him in her closet.
She wonders what he does all day because he is so big and chubby. She thinks of things the hamster might do all day but they all sound so boring.


Mediterranean Diet: 1200-1800 Calorie Mediterranean Diet Plan To Lose Weight, Boost Your Energy Level And Live Longer Life-7 Day Meal Plan Packed With ... Diet Recipes, Mediterranean Cuisine)
 Starts out talking about the Mediterranean way and why it's so healthy for one to be eating this way.
Meal plan gives examples of what to eat but only tells you the calories.  Our diet is more catered around low fat low sodium with 1600 calories per day.
Like new combinations to try and easy step by step instructions.
There is also another book in the series that you can get from the author, listed at the back.



LA BELLA LASAGNA - Variety of recipes for lasagna
Colorful cookbook all about lasagna made with fresh items. No nutritional information but calories are included.
Really like the use of herbs, spices and olive oil and we can substitute our lean hamburger and low fat cheeses so most of these recipes can be useful to those on low fat diets.
Lasagna Neptune would be my choice to try. Like the directions because they include all the ingredients on how to prepare them and layer them, etc in easy to follow step by step instructions.
Oh wow, chocolate lasagna for dessert. sounds very rich!
Other cookbooks are recommended at the end of this one-by the same author.




The Easter Egg Square (Easter & Lent, Humorous Stories)
This children's illustrated colorful book is about eggs. They are mostly all the same shape and are bunched in a basket on their way to the kings table in hopes of being selected. All but one square looking egg, Kuebly.
He feels sad to have been left out. After being decorated for Easter the other eggs are bumped out of the back of the tractor. Maybe Kuebly can save the day...



 Children's Book: "Stars in the Pool and Other Stories" (Kids Books Ages 5-10) Short Stories Collections and bedtime story books for kids by all ages, folklore ... Stories for Children Series (Volume 1))
 Children's book about different topcics that we can put into everyday life. Each comes with a moral to follow and anybody at any age can do these, don't believe everything you hear.
Be sure of the facts before jumping to conclusions, bad habits can always be changed and my favorite: 
Nothing can replace hard work. Most problems can be solved by thinking in new ways.
Such words of wisdom.


Beauty's Kiss (Taming of the Sheenans)  by Jane Porter
This family saga book is about Troy, eligible bachelor voted by the Copper Mountain Courier. Taylor, the new librarian that will take over in June is staying at a house nearby while her brother is in a rehab house for a few months more.
Jane, her friend talks her into going to the Ball with Troy who she's not met. She does meet him and he comes to her rescue. Troy is back in town because his father is dying and his twin is in jail because of a fight that wasn't his fault.
He owns the hotel that used to be grand and he hopes to restore it to that and host the annual wedding giveaway event. A lot of others in town are part of the whole picture, a photographer whose child is Trey's, a chocolatier, a florist, etc.
Even though I read the first book in this series I find there are too many people talked about to really know them.  Taylor has decided not to go to the ball and lets Troy know but then after a meeting they agree to have dinner at the local diner and get to talk and know one another and what changes they want to see happen in the small town.
She gives in after finding out they can be friends and still go to the ball and he's not in love with Jane and they will always be just friends. He needs to find out if they have that spark upon their first kiss...
Not sure if I can keep the Shennans straight as there are so many of them.
Thought the story was a bit typical but then the twists and turns start and it really gets into the underlying truth. I can see this ongoing for many more stories to come.
Hmm a missing chapter 10?  When family comes first and a problem arises she's not able to go to the ball after all...
Light romance and wish the book was longer, learn more about them, quick read. Lots of other books in the series are highlighted at the end.



Smitten Book Club By Coleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck,  Diman Heart and Denise Hunter
Anthology, 4 stores based on the same theme from 4 different authors. Community helping one another..
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Love By The Book by Colleen Coble
Town of Smitten as in prior books in this saga. The Gentleman's Guide to Love and Courtship, this book is the basis of this anthology.
Molly has lost her fireman husband, Curtis in a fire and the others try to raise money to help her. The book club sells books and Heather finds  an old book guiding one how to attract the opposite looks appealing and a letter drops out that promises clues to the gold mine are in the book. Paul comes to aid to help in the book sale.
Advice is given at the beginning of each chapter and discussed during the chapter as the women go through Pearl's old photo albums to find more clues to the mine. Paul has returned and he's working on an organic farm project and Heather can help him-she's not gotten over him since they split. Lots of secrets.
Although there are other books that build the characters and town, you can get a good idea from the current events in this book. Authors don't leave you in the dark about the past.
Heather is afraid that she still cares for Paul but then she sees him kissing Isabella....
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Shelved Under Romance by Kristin Billerback
This story in the continuing saga is mostly about Abby, librarian, another book club member. Wyatt really likes books also and has volunteered his time to catalog the whole library into digital format, keeping paper trail.
The saga continues about the gold mine and the others in the club intervene to take Abby out to update her...
Heather has given the book to Abby and she's able to uncover a few more clues... Love how Wyatt's mixng up business with pleasure...liked hearing of how his app can help others who are medically challenged.
He also has a letter from her father and she's agreed to use the tickets... Loved hearing of this adventure! Sad misconceptions about the letter occur-you're so sure they will find one another..
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A New Chapter by Diann Hunt
This one is about Lia and on Thanksgiving Day she bites into a walnut shell and cracks a tooth. Her mother and others talk her into getting it fixed that day as the dentist owes them a favor. Joey is the dentist when she arrives and they agree to have a coffee after...
They meet for coffee later and catch up with one another. He's lost his wife and has a child and is living at his relatives house til his house can be built. Lia's mother talks him into renting Lia's apartment upstairs and that way she can watch the child when needed.
Lia is also given the book from Abby in hopes they can find the gold for Molly.  Lia is a school teacher.
Grace has a problem communicating with others since her mother died but Lia knows sign language. Joey wants to take Grace away for the holidays because he thinks it's too much of a reminder of her mother. Love hearing of Lia's mother and her knitting.
Reading her bible and the guide help her to see things in a new light and she tells Joey he needs to forgive the man who ran into his wife's car.
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Happily Ever After by Denise Hunter
This part of the book concentrates on Molly and her son Noah and she knows the business is failing. She does get an offer for help from a competitor and she learns to accept his help.
She needs to learn the business of giving tours from Gage Turner. Love all the talk of getting ready, right equipment, etc.
The girls give the book to her in hopes she can find more clues to solve the mystery of where the gold mine is, that could save her life.
God will get her through the hard times.
Won this book along with 9 other copies in a Facebook contest. I have read the other Smitten books and liked them.




Bubba the Bulldog Tries to Smile
Ryan tries to get his dog to smile but to no avail. After he breaks his leg he just lies around in bed and Bubba tries to think of ways to make his face into a smile.
He tries many silly things and it's amazing what does work. He does get Ryan to smile and that makes him smile- wait'll you see how it is done.