Books read Mar 22

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
Starts out with Georgia Ford and she recalls her parents first meeting. The vineyard she grew up with and she runs home to, only to find things not normal.
She had just learned something about her fiance that will break them up-there are to be married in a weeks time. At her parents she finds her mother there, but not her father...
Love learning what 800 grapes title means. Story also follows her mother, cello player and her lover a famous conductor. She wanders the fields looking for her father who's doing the harvest this year.
All the chores to be done to the grapes are described.  After she talks to her father and brother she learns more new things that she never expected to hear about. There are things she didn't know about her brothers also, as if she had lived under a rock for the past several years.
She's a lawyer and feels comfort in going home, to confront those about the sale. Jacob MacCarthy is the owner of the vineyard, who wants to buy the last straw vineyard.  He tries to calm her down to discuss the contract.
He had studied law but never practiced. He tries to diffuse her temper... Her furniture is on its way to London where she was to live and work at her companys office with her new husband...
Stories arise from the past to help us understand the relationship each of the kids has with one another in the family...
Ben tries methods to get Georgia to marry him still, as he visits the vineyard so they can talk more. With all the turmoil surrounding them it's anybody's guess as to what will happen.
Like the drama of all the people's problems as they strive to fix them while losing the vineyard...
Didn't see the major catastrophe coming.... or secrets that are now being told and who she ends up with...
Brought tears to my eyes! This author writes as if you are there, she puts you there for yourself.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

As I lay dying by William Faulkner
Stories of farmers as they survive with the work they do.
Chapters from various family and friends. Other medical emergencies arise and how they deal with them.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Stranded at Plimoth Plantation by Gary Bowen
Author has done research and worked at Old Sturbridge Village, a sister village, interesting as I have knitted items for both villages using their wool and patterns of the time.
Have always found new things to see and learn that we can adapt to our living today.
1626 Christopher Sears 13 was headed to Jamestown, VA but landed at Plimoth where a family takes him in.
Journal telling of wedding, births, funeral, planting, building houses, etc along with religion. Love hearing how they preserve the foods grown as we've seen it done in Sturbridge.
Loved hearing of the woodcuts and printing processes.
 I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The Dark Lady 
1930's and people socialize and lots of discussions of paintings found in the homes they have parties in.
He had no idea the woman loved him, lots of talk of mistresses and affairs-it's common knowledge and somewhat recognized as being ok to do.
Details of their pasts as teens details bring us up to date and help understand why they do the things they do.
Lawyers and lots of money gives them the right to have who they want, divorces, etc.  Clarksons, Steins, related by marriage: one family is Jewish, one is Irish Catholic and their kids are thrown together at times, never had met them prior over the years.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Emily's Valentine
Children's colorful story about Emily and she wakes up early to prepare Valentine cards for her loved family.
Her cousins arrive and they share gifts with the family and laugh at the card she's made for her grandmother.
She explains what the gift means to her...

The Cell Phone Lot
Story of an architect who owns his own business and he likes the profile of a woman in CA. They exchange emails and talk on the phone and agree to meet.
He heads to the airport that weekend to wait for the plane to land and he meets Bridge, who's at the cell phone lot to meet her sister's plane. They get to know one another
with a few hours to kill and enjoy each other's company. Things from there don't go quite as expected.....

Perfect Match by Fern Michaels
Story starts out with Beth and talk about her brother Jake who's been in a wheelchair and she's made so much money she is going to pay him to get his surgery done.
She heads to Nashville to start her singing career with her boyfriend John. Beth's business partner Grace is being set up to work with Jake who Beth has turned the business over to now to run.
They run the match maker service-especially for those over 60 and they have set up companies in various cities around the US. They've been trained to backup by paper and pen along with thumb drives every night.
One man had done work for them and he was trying to sabotage the company, even posing as a client at one time. Beth has an ulterior motive when it comes to Jake and Grace. She also knows Grace can take care of the company but she's a phone call away.
Gizmo is Grace's dog that is especially trained and is a  big help. An intruder has broken into their company and taken the clients personal information. Bit scary with the stalker around. Funny she has to ask the dog if the male is flirting with her-and she gets an answer. Happy to see improvements with them working together. Bonus recipe included.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Gilded,  How Newport became America's richest resort by Deborah Davis
Starts out with 1913 and the summer events of Newport. Very high social class and what was expected in the way of events, clothes where nothing was worn more than once, for the summer.
History as far back as the 1600's and the Indians who came to the island to summer in the cool breezes.
Low morals of the summer crowd and battles of the cottages were prevalent. Information about those who frequented the island and how they got there...
Dancing with pedometers on, TOO funny!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Tumbledown Manor by Helen Brown
Book starts out with Lisa and it's her birthday, one of the big ones and she being surprised by family and friends.
When the roses arrive with a note-not meant for her but her spouses mistress she knows she has to act and do something.
After everyone has left to go in their separate directions she meets with the publishing company and she informs them she's heading to her sisters house in Australia.
Her son also lives nearby. Once there she looks for a place for herself and is almost ready to sign for a townhouse when she realizes the manor her grandfather was raised in was for sale.
It's very run down but with the help of others she's able to live in it, write her book and get things fixed up, all be the stables. She's heard rumors of a scandal that happened and ghosts are haunting the stables.
She does hear her share of things that she can't explain but is overall happy with the purchase and her surroundings.
There are a handful of other characters that add their drama to the mix making this at times a good funny read.
Lots of twists and turns at the end. Love that this book is actually two books in one-the one that she's writing and the one that she's living.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review

Dutch Oven Cooking: Easy One-Pot Meal Recipes
Starts out with the history of the Dutch Oven over the years and how Americans adopted it for their own use.
Basically it's a meal made in one pot in the oven for a short time.
How to choose one and how to use them outside and how to care for the pot.
Each recipe comes with servings, prep and cook time. List of ingredients along with detailed directions on how to make the dish.
No picture but has some nutritional information: fat is listed but not which of the 4 kids.
Some recipes you should be able to substitute for healthier choices.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Sea Turtles: Amazing Pictures & Fun Facts on Animals in Nature (Our Amazing World Series Book 4)
Very colorful book showing facts all about different sea turtles.
Have always found the egg laying the fascinating part of these creatures.
Contest to win 4 book series from the author of other nature stories featuring different animals.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Butter Recipes
Hoping to find a healthy make it yourself butter.
Each recipe comes with times: prep, cook, ready. Servings, ingredient list and directions.
No pictures and no nutritional information. Interesting combination of flavors.

Anti Inflammatory Diet: The Simple Plan - Proven To Fight Pain & Disease With Whole Foods & Natural Remedies (Autoimmune, IBS, Pain Management, Mediterranean ... Food, Essential Oils, Clean Eating Book 1)
Book starts out with what could be causing you pain and what you need to stop eating from your diet.
Includes many recipes to help with inflammation diseases.
Listing of not only useful herbs and spices along with fruits and vegetables and why certain ones are most helpful.
Meals and recipes are included along with Q&A.  Free bonus book along with other works by the author at the end.

Amish Baking Recipes: Traditional Amish Baking and Dessert Recipes You Can Easily Make At Home
Book starts out with traditional Amish cooking and flavors they produce.
Recipes start with servings, ingredient list and detailed directions on how to make the dish.
No pictures and no nutritional information and some of the ingredients are not very healthy-lard/shortening, you might be able to substitute for a healthier option.
Most of the recipes here are also in another cookbook I recently read:  Amish Dessert Recipes: Delicious And Authentic Amish Dessert Recipes (Amish Cookbook)

Amish Dessert Recipes: Delicious And Authentic Amish Dessert Recipes (Amish Cookbook)
Starts out with a link to another free book:lose 10 pounds.
Old fashioned cake recipes. Each come with yield, ingredient list and how to make them, time to bake and how to frost them.
No pictures and no nutritional information. Most either use shortening or butter-might be able to substitute for a healthier choice.
Sponge cake sounds really good and easy and I know it's low in fat and sodium.
Also has recipes for muffins and yeast breads and a chapter for pies-most are for just fillings.  Dump cake recipes also a bonus where most start out with fillings from a can.
Bonus recipes included but not all recipes have full instructions or servings. NOT all recipes are from the Amish.

Jane Helps the Easter Bunny: An Easter Picture Book for Kids (Ages 4-6) (Jane and Her Friends 1)
Have read some of the other works by the author and have enjoyed the hidden messages for children to learn.
Colorful children's book. Jane helps out the bunny with eggs. She knows just where to go. She also has other plans to help.
Other activity pages are included: search for hidden eggs,  and recipe. Other works by the author are highlighted. Sign up for newsletter and get a free ebook.

Point Watcher Dessert Recipes: Healthy And Delicious Point Watcher Dessert Recipes For Weight Loss (Point Watcher Diet Recipes)
Although we don't use a point system we do eat healthy so interested to find out what this dessert cookbook has to offer.
Ingredient listings are using fat free and reduced fat content items-good to see.
Each recipe has point value, ingredient list along with how to make the dish. Some have servings size at the end, no nutritional information and no picture.
Bonus meal recipes at the end.

Children's Books: EASTER IS CANCELLED! (Adorable Bedtime Story/Picture Book About Easter, Being Responsible, and Appreciating the Efforts of Others, for Beginner Readers, 30 Illustrations, Ages 2-8)
Colorful children's book about the bunny who this year has cancelled Easter. All the other animals are preparing for the holiday but the bunny is swinging in the hammock.
He simply lost heart no one ever thanks him for all the work he does. 
A little boy comes to the rescue and explains what is most appreciated and how it is shown.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Herbs & Spices: The Amazing Health Benefits Of Herbs & Spices And How To Implement Them In Your Diet
Book starts out explaining why herbs and spices are a healthy choice and they come with no side effects as pills and drugs do.
Recipes for meals are included. Differences between herbs and spices are explained along with tips on how to use them fresh.
Also highlights a list of some that have health benefits.  Each recipe states servings, ingredients, what health benefit the meal will have and detailed descriptions of how to make it. No nutritional information but most of the ingredients you can find a healthier choice.
Also has a guide as to what will go with what herb/spice. What a valuable source of information.
Other chapters concentrate on other health benefits for losing weight, enhancing memory
Excerpt from other works by the author are higlighted at the end.
A KEEPER

Crochet For Beginners (2nd Edition): Learn To Crochet Quickly & Easily Along With 15 Step-By-Step Patterns
Starts out with the tools you will need. Basic stitches are explained, using diagrams and detailed words.
Basic patterns for useful items.  What I do not like about this book is the pictures are stored elsewhere with popups.
Patterns themselves are well defined with all the information you need: gauge, size, tools needed and detailed directions.
Other free craft books are avilable.  15 projects, great for beginners.

Homemade Meals Fast: Quick and Easy Electric Pressure Cooker Recipes
Recently got an electric pressure cooker and still learning how to use it. The recipes aren't cast in stone so there's a bit of play to getting them to come out just right.
Free cookbook is included. This book starts out with the benefits of using a pressure cooker.   Also about the parts of the cooker and what each does.
Each recipe comes with times for prep, cooking time also servings. List of ingredients, mostly fresh, and details on how to make it
At the end is list of nutritional information although it has fat listed it doesn't break it down into the normal 4 parts.
Book is broken up into recipes : poultry/meats, fish, and desserts. Didn't find many that we could eat, we have very low fat, no saturated and very low sodium in our diets.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
A KEEPER!