Thursday, April 30, 2015

Books read April 2015





 

Ten Days in Paradise by  Linda Abbott
Had wanted to read this book for a few reasons: I live in the northeast and we've had about 100 inches of snow this year so the cover appealed to me, A woman on the beach in front of the ocean on a bright sunny day.
Also that this is based on Sanibel Island which I've heard about but didn't get to visit when we were in that state in early 2000s.  Liked the plot.
Starts out with Ellen Bennett and she's at the resort condo without her husband and teen son.
David Blakemore is there with his wife and 3 young kids and he's taken a notice of Ellen. David  and others are getting together with parents that are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Alternating chapters that keep you informed of what's going on in each of their journeys. Feel like I am there as the details are very well described.
Story also follows George and his wife-the grandparents of the rugrats. Other family members and relatives and friends would arrive for the big party Saturday night.
Lots of characters but they are introduced when you have a handle on the previous set of characters.
Kinda like  a Peyton Place at times.....but so much more. Liked the ideas they all come up with for the church and you hope certain things happen...
Reason for the 5 star rating is that it touches me on many levels: mostly the ages and experiences that others are going through due to their ages. Reminds me of Parenthood TV show and Brothers and Sisters as up to date topics are relevant.
Love the new words I had to look up-always like learning things. Loved hearing of the things to do on Sanibel: walking and hiking especially. Their lifes are separate but intertwined with one another. Can't wait to read more from this new author to me.
I received this book from the author  in exchange for my honest review

Near Somewhere by Edward Cuzza
Received this book and the summary seemed interesting. What I am finding the most fascinating is the trip in NYC. I feel like I'm on a guided tour of Central Park-on my list of things to do some day. So detailed and descriptive.
Book is about a man who has many connections in the cities he travels to. He lives in CA and is part of a band that has gigs at bars. He runs into women that he wants to get to know better. He also lives for his dog, Zeke which in turn attracts the women to the man.
Love the dialog between Townes and Milton the bar tender in NYC, so natural and fun. Loved hearing of the actress on the Broadway show and all the places they are able to visit.
His editor can't find anybody to pick the book up to market it and he's down in the dumps over it. Felt his pain over getting the book sold but others don't let him give in....
Love how the book got its title and the time spent at the vineyard. Very wise advice. He's got a few interested females, some on the west coast, one on the east coast and the vineyard trip dawned bright on what he must do the next day.
Lots of characters and most are easy to keep track of. Didn't read the first book and am wondering what the next book will be about as some things are left in the wind in this book.
Good read and liked how at ease Townes is when it comes to talking to others he doesn't even know. So relaxed and himself.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.




childrens books: Animals Silhouette (Animals) Brain developer books (Bedtime story) Activity book (Animals) Ages 4 - 9
Interesting children's book showing a shadow/silhouette of an animal and the next page asks you to guess when you are given a clue about the animal.
18 different shapes and the one I like the best is the deer, so well defined and pretty. Also an offer to sign up for a newsletter and you can get a free copy of his other works.


Healthy Habits: 12 Unique Habits You WISH You Knew to Stay Healthy & Improve Your Quality of Life
Offer to download another of the authors works, superfoods.
First one starts with punching something-great way to relieve stress from your life. Other forms are also discussed and the book encourages you to do one or two new habits. There are 12 in total that are highlighted.
Lots of other ways to reduce stress and handle it. That's what I got out of the book, taking naps is a gimmie for me also.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.


Chicken Recipes: Mouth Watering Chicken Breast Recipes - Quick & Easy Delicious Recipes!
This book starts out with another ebook gift when you go to the link. We use a lot of chicken now that we are on a new lifestyle and always looking for new ways to prepare it.
This book has no pictures and no nutritional information but you should be able to substitute what ingredients you can use for your own needs.
Each recipe has a short blurb about the recipe, then listing of the ingredients, how to prepare the dish and other special instructions, along with serving size.
Tossed grilled vegetables and chicken will be the first one we try.



Drinking Animals By Dan Jackson
Colorful fact filled book about animals and how often some can go without drinking water.
Always tells you why you can go so long. Each page also tells you what the animal is, as some are not native to the USA you may not know.
Free gift is also included if you subscribe.


Healthy Habits: 23 Eating Habits That Help You Feel Good, Stay Healthy & Drop Pounds
After going to a nutritionist after my husband's heart attack this book fits in very well for how we eat now.
More like a Mediterranean diet minus the red wine. Also attend regular webinars via work to gain knowledge on what we should be eating vs not eating.
Each new habit tells you what and how to get more of the goodness from the idea along with an action plan.
We are currently in stable readings with our blood work and have lost pounds, so it really is working.


Puppet Theater Books Presents Monkeys Go To Bed, Funny Illustrated Bedtime Picture Values Book for ages 3-8
Colorful children's book showing via puppet monkeys what a regular child should be doing before going to bed.
It also shows that the child gets stars on a board for doing these items every night.
Tips at the end on how to achieve all the chores before bedtime. Free books available at the end of the book.



I Love to Sleep in My Own Bed (Children's book, bedtime story, Beginner readers ): (Bedtime stories children's books collection) (I Love ... stories children's books collection 1)
Jimmy is a bunny and has many siblings. He has a lot of reasons why he doesn't want to sleep in his own bed at night.
His mother assures him the bed is fine and goes about the nightly routine of getting them all in their own beds and giving them a hug.
Sometime in the middle of the night Jimmy is found in mom's bed. The other bunnies noticed what he was doing and they also decided to sleep in the parent's bed.
The bed finally broke and the they went the next day into the forest to get wood for another bed. The children were allowed to paint their beds and they never went into their parents bed again.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Walter Wolf Goes to the Dentist (Children's book for ages 0-5 (Animal Habitats)Preschool( Book for Early & Beginner
Colorful children's book showing how the wolf who's 4 is scared to go visit the dentist. His mom says he doesn't have to go but he won't be able to
eat jaw breakers or candy anymore. He decides to go and he learns what he can do to keep his teeth good and he wasn't scared at all.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with a free gift.



The Unicorn Who Lost Her Horn (Bedtime Stories For Kids)
Colorful children's book about a unicorn, Poppy that has lost her horn. She goes through the forest and asks other animals and they have not seen it either.
She thinks her horn has wisdom, strength and other great attributes but that all comes from inside her body.
She thinks no one will like her anymore but that is not the case.



Knitting: Box Set: The Complete Comprehensive Guide on Knitting
This collection starts with a book for beginners where yarn fiber is discussed, needles, tools of the trade and gauge to name a few important things.
Colorful pictures along the way help to show what is being discussed. Yarn weight Numbers are new and all the symbols on how to care for the knitted item is included.
How to read the yarn labels, patterns, and how to start knitting, the besics shown with diagrams.
Patterns for small projects are included. .
.
Next book in the set is for advanced knitting. More abbreviations and symbol, chart reading is discussed.
Colorful photos and diagrams are also included.
Patterns are included for many different techniques. .
.
Expert knitting is the last set of instructions in the set.
Lot of different methods to doing things that will show a more professional garment.
Other more difficult techniques are shown along with a few patterns. Lace is worked with double knitting.
Very resourceful helpful information book, one I will be keeping on the tablet that I can reference quickly when away from home.


Kids's book: Sleep Tight (picture kids book, ages 2-6) (Bedtime stories children's ebook collection 3)
Colorful children's book about a little boy who doesn't want to go to sleep. He asks his teddy bear to come down the shelf to sleep with him all night.
He got bored and asked another stuffed animal to join them. He gets scared and asks another animal to join them.
It gets a bit crowded on the bed, some sleep under the bed.....other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



The Great Brownie Taste-off (The Yolanda's Yummery Series Book 1)
Yolanda works at an animal shelter but she really wants her own bakery. Just reading about some of the ways she decorates her cupcakes make me very hungry but I think also they would look tooo pretty to eat.
Her friend gets her an interview at a gentleman's club where she ends up typing a letter-for the takeover of the cat shelter. She goes back the next day and makes a deal with the boss, her brownies vs the freeze and bake co. and if she wins the shelter stays.
Love that everybody in the book has a trade, a glassblower, a lotion maker, she bakes and I like how she improvises with healthier choices.
She has dreams that lead her to put in other ingredients to win the contest. Her boyfriend is part of the picture but not exclusively.
Liked how the book came out, not too much drama and easy to keep track of the characters. Happy to learn there are other books in this series. This book came with the brownie recipe!





Easter Brunch - 31 Sweet & Savory Recipes to Share with Family & Friends
Inspirational sayings at the beginning of the categories. Very colorful pictures of the recipes. There is no nutritional information but Easter is a special religious holiday.
Hot cross buns would be my favorite to try. Very detailed instructions and list of ingredients.
 Other works, recipe books are highlighted at the end.


Dump Dinners cookbook: Delicious, Fast and easy Dump Dinners recipes for the busy you
Meals that you combine all the ingredients and bake. Some will take longer than others.
Not many pictures but there is nutritional information for each recipe.  Lots of fat, although we could substitute some of the ingredients for more of a healthier choice it wouldn't taste the same.
Like sounds of apricot and chicken.  Other ebooks are available at the end.


Best Brunches and Breakfasts (Easy Recipes from Scratch Book 3)
Some of the recipes come with a colorful photo and a few sentences about the dish. Prep time, cooking time, servings are included along with how to put the dish together with ingredients.
Although no nutritional information you should be able to substitute a healthier choice without taking away much of the flavor.
Some of the recipes you can easily make the day before so you can sleep in to enjoy brunch.
Sunshine fruit salad would be my favorite. Other books by the authors are highlighted at the end.



BEARS: Fun Facts and Amazing Photos of Animals in Nature (Amazing Animal Kingdom Book 7)
Colorful children's book about bears. Everything about a bear is discussed, where they live, what they eat, their paws, etc
Very informational and colorful pictures. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Garden State by Rick Moody
We have traveled to and spent several days in the garden state and wanted to learn more about it.
NJ Alice is a rhythmic guitarist and works at a diner to make ends meet.  All done with school they each don't have ambition to do something with their lives.
Dennis is an artist. Neil is a night watchman. Her mother is in the hospital after her car drove itself on the garden parkway and crashed.
Drinking, drugs and sex experimentation are described.  Story follows their lives and their troubles and triumphs.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean
She travels to FL when she reads of the arrest of John LaRoche.  He and Seminole tribe members stole orchids from protected state property. Some people are obsessed with these plants. She follows them and learns all about the plants. He had hoped to clone and sell the plants.
When in FL we had visited the world's largest orchid place in Kissimmee so I had wanted to read about this story.
Liked the places the reporter traveled to obtain information about varieties of the orchids. Liked how the process is described on how to mutant and graft the plants.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Reunion 
Her brother Elliott has tried to contact her but being on a plane she's not able to get the call. The message left has stated her father has killed himself.
Kate's going through a divorce and she was on her way to her fathers, she's just not going to make it in time.
CO; Elliott is married with 3 girls, the oldest. CA:Mel is next and highly successful finance person and divorced for 10 years.
She is a screenwriter and her soon to be ex is a therapist.   The three siblings meet in Atlanta and go about making decisions for their fathers burial and go through his 5 marriage hoarding...
Drama occurs when her agent gives her the idea of writing of her father's life for money, the wives show up with all the kids. total madness ensues.
Things for each of them does not go back to normal afterwards...wow a lot of surprises!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


The Gingerbread Man by Karen Schmidt
This audio book is about the gingerbread man.  The old woman bakes a gingerbread man for her boy.
She tells him not to open the oven door and she gardens. The little boy watched the oven and he could smell the gingerbread.
He wants to see if he looks as good as it smells. The gingerbread man hopped out of the oven, out of the house, into the road.
He sings out you can't catch me because I'm the gingerbread man.
The old man and old woman run after him but he's so much faster. He came to some farmers. He tells them who he's run away from and they say they can catch him.
They toss their rakes down and can't catch him. he meets up with a bear and same thing happens.
He then comes to a wolf. He tells the wolf who he's run away from and that he can run away from the wolf also.  The wolf tries to catch him also...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).







Children's Books: ONE HUNDRED EGGS FOR HENRIETTA (Fun, Adorable Bedtime Story/Picture Book About Easter, Being Helpful, and Working Together, for Beginner Readers, With 35 Illustrations, Ages 2-8)
Time for Easter and Henrietta tries to get the chickens to lay more eggs as everyone in town will come to search for the Easter eggs. Colorful children's book.
She gets other animals around the farm to help by laying eggs also... others will color the eggs and other animals will hide the eggs.
Like the part where on Easter once you find an egg you can help another find one as well. 
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.


Books for Kids: Peewee the Playful Puppy: Bedtime Stories For Kids Ages 3-8 (Kids Books - Bedtime Stories For Kids - Children's Books - Free Stories) (Fun Time Series for Beginning Readers)
 Free ebook gift is linkable in the book. This story follows Peewee the puppy who is waiting in the garage in a box. He is to be Lizzie's 7th birthday surprise. Fun activities along the way also ask you questions.
Another day she is outside with Peewee and he gets away from her as he spots a squirrel. The squirrel is frightened thinking the puppy wants to eat him....
Another story is about making gingerbread cookies-what a disaster! First time in the snow is a good one also.
And Peewee meets tiger the family cat.  Other puzzles at the end and cat and dog jokes as well. 

Pigtastic (Accept people for who they are!)
Other works by the author are highlighted at the beginning. This is about a pig that understands there are  a lot of
things he has no control over and to do the best you can with what you have. Lots of links for other author's works that are free certain days.


Brain Teasers: 50+ Puzzles for kids (Ages 4-8): Summer Reading
Lots of puzzles that are very eye catching. Brilliant colors for kids to enjoy. Great children's book to keep them busy for hours.


LOL! 101 Clean Jokes
Silly funny hokes for all ages. Not particular theme just a bunch of them that will bring a smile and a chuckle if not out loud laughter.




 Ants In My Pants: Rhyming Bedtime Stories - Rhyming Picture Book (Funny Rhyming Books for Children)
Colorful children's book about Lisa Marie and how she plays with other friends. They like hide and seek and she needs to hides herself so she is not found.
Rhyming story, brilliant colors. The game is going well til she hides on an ant pile. Her mother comes to the rescue.






Eggtastic (Easter fun!)
Children's colorful book about helping making Easter happen. The little bunny explains some things you must know as the Easter Bunny to get the holiday going.
Examples of how to paint the eggs, the magic involved and the day itself. Fun read.
Other works by the author are highlighted.


Between Now and Never by Laura Johnston
Enjoyed this read for many reasons: lots of mysteries, bit of romance and family life.
Starts out with Cody, whose father is in the FBI, his mom is a caterer, and a sister. They lost his brother Jimmy and we get to hear about him during the novel.
The book is also about Julianne. Her brother Vic is into drugs and his mother has gone to prison because of it. Her father dabbles in art, junk that he tries to sell as collages.
With alternating chapters we find out about a drug deal gone bad when Cody has gone with Vic one night. That night leads him to get hit by a car, during a dust storm and he doesn't recall ever meeting Julianna.
We get to follow their separate lifes and a combined one as she tutors him. He follows his career into basketball and she follows her into a beauty pageant-for her mother.
Over time the clues come back to Cody as to what happened the night he got hit. With help from other he remembers more and that leads to her helping him and she didn't even realize it. Other excerpt from the author's next book is included.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review

The Cast Iron Cookbook: 30 Delicious, Quick & Easy Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Cast Iron Skillet Recipes For the busy you
Introduction on why you should be cooking with cast iron pans. Recipes sound really good, but there are no pictures.
The nutritional information is provided in grams and sodium is not listed. Serving size is also included.
Cornbread recipes will be one we do try. Other dishes for lunch and dinner are provided as well as desserts.  Other books by the author are highlighted at the end.



A Holiday Yarn
This seaside harbor book again follows th knitters that meet once a week. It is the fall and the summer visitors have left the area
and snow is in the air.  An old man has passed away, he run the magazine and his whole family is into the publishing field, millionaires. Pam is one that should be in charge but not on the same level as others.
She wants to run a B&B with the old house. Love talk of the charity work the knitters do for local places. The knitters find something amiss at the old house and find hand written letters in the snow. They also have seen lights and shadows in the guest house next door.
The find the body that is still holding a gun. They work together to find out clues that will lead them to the killer. They find so much more.
The local need this year was to the historic building.  More mysteries come to light before they can solve the murder mystery.  Excerpt from the next book is included.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). 




All Right Here by Carre Armstrong Gardner
This book is about a husband and wife, Ivy and Nick, who after months of trying find she is not able to conceive. He doesn't want to adopt but they are on many waiting lists.
His parents want them to have children as their other kids have grandchildren for them to spoil. Ivy feels slighted among them and the sisters never allow her to become one of them.
Ivy works in a bookstore and one day the children next door are still outside when she returns home from work. She takes the colored children in and tend to their needs. The mother is nowhere to be found. Things tend to be a bit difficult, white raising black children but they do put a lot of effort forward.
Child protective services helps them get guardianship and to track down the mother. Nick's not too keen on the kids staying there for an extended length of time but adjusts.
The story also follows not only Ivys's twin sister Laura who is having an affair with her boss, and she's an alcoholic and uses drugs; but her other sisters and their families.
It's easy to keep track of who is who with all the family events. Lots of quotes from not only the Bible but poets. They all tend to pray before eating and call on God for other help along the way as emergencies arise.
Enjoyed the read.
I received this book from a contest I entered from Tynsdale House Publishers.


Leaving Time by Jodi Piccoult
Story of a teen who recalls things that happened when she was an infant, Jenna. Her mother had left them, Alice. Alternating chapters from each over the years.
Jenna recalls many facts about elephants, which Alice also studied about. Different voices for the characters. Jenna decides she has to hire a physic to track down her mother and a PI.
She does a lot of research about them and her moms journals note the interactions her mom had with the elephants over the years.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). 



Wraps, easy recipes for handheld meals by Mary Corporin
We like wraps as they are a healthier choice for us. 50 recipes.
Breakfast lunch dinner and dessert recipes. Listening to this book on tape I am not able to view the pictures.
Trail mix one sounds interesting: book starts out with alpha listing of recipes by letter. Then onto selecting the right ingredients.
Then into the recipes themselves, very descriptive. No nutritional information.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
This novel is about two females who meet while in the 6th grade. Caitlin and Victoria. Vic had never been near the ocean and Cat had asked her to spend the summer with her family.
She is thrown into the life of leisure, everything at your fingertips, the elite. Such a shock as she grew up in the lower class section of town.
Books starts in the present and goes back in time and forward and is broken up into sections.
Catilain's dad marries Abby and she runs the household now. Girls have been introduced to many things growing up, nude beach, lesbian, etc.
Steamy sex scenes as they are introduced to nudity and sex and drugs as teens.  We learn more of each of their families.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Wedding Shawl by Sally Goldenbaugh
Knitting a nice lace shawl, the knitters are going to make this for the bride. Problem is one is found dead. The knitters group take it upon themselves to solve this one.
They find clues and question many others til they find out the truth.  Problem is another murder has occurred, the wedding coordinator. Also the new gardener seems to be familiar to the older women.
The knitters also belong to the book club and they are given a cold case in their town and run with what may have happened.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



My Folks Depression Days
Always find it interesting to hear of how others survived when the stock market crashed.
This surrounds a family in Kansas, farmers and the crops are not producing as much as they have in the past.
Hand me downs are a thing that is common, not only do folks help one another, they help others.
Love egg skin bandages LOL  Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without. Cloth sacks, a thing of the past most useful.
Loved hearing about the CCC, WPA, etc worked and think they may be the solution today. Get people to work and strengthen our infrastructure.
Love stories from all over the US during the hard times. Ah chilviaries! Think I would have done well during this time growing up.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Bazoli
Audio book about a seed. A crocodile imagines what happens when he does swallow the watermelon seed.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar by George Shannon
Audio book about a cookie, how it's made and what goes into it. We just reach in the cookie jar.
How many hands put the cookie in? Talks of all the tasks needed, even for the ingredient.
Includes a recipe for sugar cookies and how to change up the recipe.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Effortless Healing by Joseph Mercola
Natural remedies for weight management.  Using food as medicine.
Learned about inflammation and how to get rid of it. All starts out with the principle of drinking the right kind of water and how to obtain it. Even chill it for better outcome.
Many methods to learn about your body and how to make it last.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).





Norma Bonnsteels Christmas Past by Sharon McCrumb
Book follows a few people. In the town the Honeycutt house has sold to summer people but they stayed on for Christmas, problem is there might be a ghost in the house. Nora informs the new residents how the previous owners had decorated the house for the holidays and the big event they'd hold for the whole community.
Also follows the sheriff and how they must track down an old man to arrest him.... it's Christmas.
Also love the setting of this East TN, Smokey Mountain setting.  Love the treasures that are found, hand made precious.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Shhhhh! Everybody's Sleeping
Audio book for children, rhyming words, about how different people from different professions go to sleep at night.
Love all the different careers that are talked about in this book and the characteristics of their life styles.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Hello, Mama Wallaroo
Audio book about a walleroo, all facts, where it lives, cares for the young, what it eats.
Similar to the kangaroo, with big ears and feet and only 3 feet tall.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Mitford Snowmen: A Christmas Story  by Jan Karon
Mitford, the perfect Christmas place. First annual Christmas snow building contest, first ever, with recipe.
Have read many if not all of the series and glad I located this one. Such a nice community, where everybody helps one another. not too much drama, solutions.
In the middle of town business the snow has started and others have said there is a contest and there are prizes: a shovel, donuts, etc as the time goes on more prizes are added.
The mayor is the judge and she has prizes for all and the winners are able to view the lit lampposts when they light up for the night.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Pinkalicious by Elizabeth and Victoria Conn
Audio book. Little girl is obsessed with the color pink. Rainy and too wet to go outside so they make pink cupcakes.
She has her mom add more pink coloring. They also frost them with pink frosting.
I lost track after 6 how many she ate and she wants more. Dad says she's had enough. Problem is when she woke up she had turned pink...
A bath didn't take the pink out of her hair or skin.  The doctor might have the solution....but she doesn't quite do what he says.... and her brother does not either...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Diggy Dan, a room cleaning adventure by Daniel Kamish
Audio book about Dan who takes on different characters as he cleans out the mess in his room.
Love the different roles he takes on with the items he founds along the way.
 I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Lemon Recipes: Delicious, Natural, & Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Like lemons a lot and wanted to see what recipes this book offers. Starts out with what lemons are and their health benefits, how to cook with them and other useful information.
Each recipe comes with a color photo and list of ingredients, very detailed instructions and no nutritional information.
Categories are Breakfast,  lunch,  and dinner.
I can tell from the lack of butter in some of the recipes that these are very healthy.
Roasted potatoes and lemon/cran scones  would be my favorite to try.

Red, White and Blue 
Wanted to read this book with the intent to learn new things. Wyoming is one place we've yet to visit but the subject matter also interested me.
Kinda hard to separate the older generation from the present. Starts out with an explosion in Wyoming and a group claim they did it. A reporter, Jewish from NYC has traveled there to find out the answers.
The group had targeted Jews and she wants to find out why. She does contact them to write the story that will be picked up by many other newspapers for publicity.
There is an agency that is also investigating but there is another explosion and again the group claim they did it.
Listening to this via audio tape made it very confusing for me with all the alternating chapters between the two that are finding clues and at some points not working together to solve the mystery.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



We're Very Good Friends, My Grandma and I (We're Very Good Friends--Family Series Book 1)
Wanted to read this book because I am a grandmother and hope I am a good one. Colorful fun children's book about what a little boy does with his grandmother.
The things I had in common with this book are very many. Walking, doing puzzles, reading are among the favorite ones.
Love that this series has many other relative's books: mom, dad, grandfather, teacher, etc.

Love Baby Animals - Fun Children's Picture Book with Amazing Photos of Baby Animals (Animal Books for Children 1)  by David Chuka
Other works by the author are highlighted.
This colorful children's book is about animals, baby in size.  starts out with the birth of his sibling.
Then onto animals babies.  Guessing game as to what the baby animals name is.  Also facts about birth weight or other fact.



Daisy Chain by Grace McDermott
Couldn't quite get a handle on this one. It's about fairies and the life they lead
til they attend the daisy marriage. That part I liked, so carefree and no rules to follow.
Lots of use of 'f' word which I don't believe need to be in books, lots of abuse and violence if you read between the lines.
Think if I had read the series from book 1 it might've made more sense to me.
I received this book from Library Thing in exchange for my honest review.

The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge 
The making of the Brooklyn Bridge. Interesting story of how this all came about, who was involved and in what capacity.
Liked this book a lot for all that was involved in it and learning of the builders other works.

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


Kids First Cookbook: delicious nutritious treats to make yourself by Am. Cancer Society
This audio tape is amazing. so many different ideas to try to get the child that doesn't have much to choose from, to eat.
drinks, meals and snacks and activities. Not only recipes-not all are real nutritious, but fun activities also.
Tips and other suggestions are included.  Calories and fat grams are included for each recipe.
Love substitutions for butters and what temperature to bake things at so recipe won't fail.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Once and Always by Julia Harper
Blizzard coming, Cooplake, MN and she's gotten pulled over again. Mesa, feels she's been entrapped but she was speeding and had been the other 3 times.
She had spent one night having sex with Sam West.... she ends up at her uncles, the next day Sam shows up and she ends up at his house-her uncles has no electric nor heat.
She gets him to open up about his war days.... she tells him the info about the mob and doesn't tell him she knows of the pink diamonds but she has those still...
Some of the suitcases have the diamond, at least one has a bomb....
Hot steamy sex scenes as they renew their relationship with one another.
Good mystery read mixed in with other aspects that make a book a good one.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Max Makes A Million
Max the dog, a dreamer and he sells his book and he makes money. Enough to go on a trip to Paris.
His dream is to sell his book of poems and to live in Paris. Anybody can achieve what they set their mind to do.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




Dig Those Dinosaurs
Audio book that tells of when a scientist digs at a site.  Tools they use: toilet paper, toothbrush and shovels.
Lots of repetitious words but I can't tell what they are doing on the pages.
Fossils including bones and dropping are located at the NY museum.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Birds by Kevin Henkes
Colors, shapes and sounds of the many birds the little girl finds they share something in common.
Starts out with the birds singing, and all different colors.  Shapes are different also.
She wonders what the clouds would look like if they used feathers for clouds in the sky.
As this is an audio book they also describe what they see.  Like how it ends.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Children's Books: CHILDREN OF THE WORLD (Fun, Zany, Rhyming Bedtime Story/Picture Book for Beginner Readers About Multicultural Children and Numbers, Ages 2-8
Children's Book: If I met a lion (funny bedtime story collection)
Dump Cake: Gourmet 25 Outrageously Delicious Dump Cake Recipes
What Do Monsters Eat?: A Rhyming Children's Picture Book




Lola Goes To Work by Marsha Goldman
This audio book is about Lola, a therapy dog who has to go to school so she can learn how to take care of others.
Obey rules, even though she was very small but she wanted to be a special dog.
Talks of who she is able to visit while she is working, comforting them.
Explanation of what therapy dogs do is included.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Guitar Notes by  Mary Amato
Was interested in reading this as I am a very beginner player of the guitar. His mom takes his guitar away for the beginning of school til he can get out of his room where he plays only the guitar all day. she wants him to make friends.
At the same time we get to follow Lila and how she is preparing for the first day of school.
Funny how Tripp takes his moms most important things away in hopes he will get his guitar back...
Lila shares the practice room. She plays the cello on odd days. Tripp plays his guitar on even numbered days.
She starts leaving him messages urging him to write songs....he writes back and they carry on this tradition every time they use the room.
Lots of drama as only teens can achieve. Love that his mom signs him up for tutoring during lunch-she has no idea he's practicing guitar at that time and he in turn signs her up for a committee.
Laughed out loud : freeze the account!  They dare and encourage each other to produce new works with their instruments.  Then a catastrophe occurs when her father finds out about their playing at a gig...songs with chords and lyrics are included.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).








The Shore by Sara Taylor
Wanted to read this book because it's about islands off the eastern coast-similar to a place where I grew up.
Major differences are evident right from the start. The community does not help one another out.
Although this is an ARC there are missing pieces: the family tree. That would explain why the book seems to be random chapters of things
happening to people that live on the island. Also the dates on the chapters go from the 1800's to the 1900's. Book follows a family that lives
on the islands generations ago and in the future.  Where the island I grew up on I'd be able to rely on others the islands in this book are
brutal. Some are lucky to have left once they've been abused enough. The men tend to think they hold the power in their hands and they are GOD.
The women, even though some stand up to the abusive men, get caught up in the island and the way things are done, taken for granted.
It's a game of survival, only the strongest will survive. Did enjoy the talk of the black magic and island natural habitats and untouched places.
Thought a few scenes didn't have to be so graphic and have dreams of them still at night after reading the book. Felt like I was there observing the rape
as it happened and found myself helpless. Author does an excellent job of allowing you to be there but not physically-very detailed scenes.
 The drugs, drinking, making of liquor, bullying and how the families were raised are a big part of this book.
When fighting for guardianship of our niece I was with my parents and at times told them 'you raised us too good' as we had never seen half of what
was brought before the judges in the court room. This book took me out of my comfort zone and am glad I was able to get through the whole book.
Family tree at the beginning will help you understand that you are reading about one extended family through the years.
I received this book from Library Thing in exchange for my honest review.

One Kiss by Martha Gross
Nell was leaving her job to start her own company, leaving her husband and redoing her self.
She was tired of the abuse of her husband, the work she did at work others claimed they had done it.
Since she's left, gotten divorced and started her own life her daughters come back into her life and her mother and they are able to share a lot of good times.
Girls are lost in the ocean.....her husband wants to get back with her. the asst at the co. she had worked for is calling clients and telling them she had stolen the client list and not to book their appts with Nell.
Nell is able to not only start up new relationships but people they know will help find the girls in the ocean. Lots of others come into play but the most important thing I like
about this book are the different ages and work experiences people have had at makes it appealing as a good read. Steamy sex scenes and just downright romantic times.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Brazen Virtue by Nora Roberts
She teaches at the local religious school and works at night as a sex operator. She's gone through a divorce and her husband has the child.
She hopes to fight to get the child but that takes money, lots of it. Her sister comes to stay after her novel is released.
Story also follows the cop who lives next door, he's a detective and is on many local murder cases. They all lead back to the sex hotline the women work at.
One invasion the woman is able to fight off the man.  Also story follows the senator who is running his campaign and his family and how they are involved.
Really got caught up with this one, can't listen to it fast enough. Easy to keep track of the characters even though there are more than a handful.
Like how the characters are connected and how they involve themselves into finding who murdered the women.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


DASH Diet, younger you, shed 10 lbs  by Margaret Heller
Wanted to find out what all the talk is about. We eat a Mediterranean diet and I loved listening to this audio book as it's very similar.
The book concentrates a lot on studies done and what exactly the fruit and vegetables will do for your specific parts of the body.
Very useful information.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Eating Chinese Food Naked 
Was hoping this audio book will include some Chinese recipes.
Ruby is back from college, to her mothers house and is not ready to move into her boyfriends apartment.
She gets a job because she's not sure what she wants to do after graduating from college.
Longer she stays
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Vacationers by Emma Straub
Sylvia a is done with high school and now she wants to do something for the summer and is thinking of going on the family vacation. She can practice her Spanish there.
Book also follows James and their parents in Spain.  Jim has lost his editorial job, something to do with a younger female, his new assistant. They accepted his resignation with the magazine and now he has nothing to do.
Frannie-his wife will give them 2 weeks time in Spain to decide what to do with him...It's their 35th wedding anniversary also...
Frannie's gay friends are also there with them...liked the book for the travel and all the people involved, from different age groups and with different set of problems.
Lots of secrets, Sylvia makes a list of things to do before college...lots of infidelity...
Love the travel descriptions.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Ladybug Girl  and the Big Snow
Audio book for children. LuLu plays in the magic snow. She puts her ladybug costume on after she has on winter under clothes.
Descriptive descriptions are included as to what is on the page. Hard to move around and she decides to make a snow castle.
She is even having a hard time making snowballs. Her mind changes as things happen to her first thoughts when she tries to make them.
Snow animals might be something she can do.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Broccoli Makes You Fart
Colorful rhyming book about farting. Each page has a picture of the vegetable and it tells you what
characteristic your farts will smell like, or how long they will be, etc. So silly!
other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Great book to bust out laughing about as you explain it to others.

Emily Alone by Stewart ONan
All she has left is her friend and neither of them drive well but they do go out once a week.
Emily's friend, Arlene has an emergency with her medical illness and is hospitalized....they are soon back to their normal schedules upon her release,
She hires others to help deep clean the house for the Christmas holidays as the kids will come....
Nothing goes as planned and we hear how she survives all that.....liked this book a lot as it's about a woman
roughly my age and I know I'll be dealing with some of the things she is dealing with soon. Liked how she handled not getting
thank you letters from grandkids when she'd send money. I've dealt with that myself.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Angora Alibi by Sally Goldenbaum
Like this knitting mystery series and hope it continues.  Seaside, MA and Izzy is pregnant, the owner of the local knitting shop and she was a lawyer but had left the big city to make her dreams come true.
Others are worried about her pregnancy but toss it off as just being busy with work and the classes she teaches at the knitting shop.
Series also catches up on others that live in town.....Birdie's jewelry donated to the auction has been taken before the winning bid can get it...
Justin shows up dead and many others have heard Jamie say she wishes he was dead, or she'd strangle him. He did die in a scuba diving accident but it's more than that...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



A Fatal Fleece a seaside knitters mystery
Like this knitting mystery series and glad there are a few more I've yet to read.
The town wants the old man's property, the man has lost his license to drive, his daughter died of cancer and the townsfolk just want the prime lot of land.
Birdie's granddaughter comes to town and she's a terror, young teen but set in her ways and she takes a liking to Finn who has started to clean up his place...
Finn is killed and there's a body buried on his land also. The will sheds some light....love the connection between the death and the fleece vest.
People are not whom they seem and have been portraying to be....
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Happy Lion's Vacation
Audio book about a lion, summer in France and the zookeepers son wants to go to the shore with his friend, the happy lion.
There is no rule to say the lion can't go by bus or train but .....they do find a way to get there.
They do find themselves in trouble, in jail and then more problems....great WORLD adventures!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).