DEADLY ENCOUNTER BY DIANN MILLS
This book starts out with Stacy, a vet who volunteers to ride the airport perimeter on the weekends. None of the other volunteers are free that day so she heads out by herself on her horse.
She finds a scene, a man, motorcycle down, a lab and a clearing where a drone is sitting. Alex is the FBI agent who is investigating the scene and he continually asks her the same questions over and over and that riles her as she has other things to do that day at her animal hospital.
They finally get a break when she realizes his accent and what locale he's from and he recognizes hers.
Story also follows Whitt and his dad. Whitt works for Stacy and she holds onto his money for college so he won't give it to his drunk father. Stacy wants to adopt Whitt as he's only 12 and bring him up better than his parents. She also tries to teach him about God but he's too hurt to understand...
Also follows Alex and the leads he gets with the investigations. God is present in all the characters but some to a lesser degree, some to a stronger degree.
More threats to her life and more mysteries arise...
Interesting read as I learned new things: airport ranger and bio terrorism. Love all the charity and volunteer community work involved throughout the book by many.
So many twists to this tale as the story goes on. Like this new series and hope to read more.
I received this book from The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
Everyday Instant Pot®: 115 Delicious, Family Friendly Pressure Cooker Recipes
I have an instant and have bought many of the books out there. Always looking for more things to make and am surprised there are pudding recipes in this one.
Lots of other dishes that are easy to make. No nutritional information but colorful photos. Like chicken variations and fish recipes also.
VERY light print in the book. Has servings and times: prep and cook. Wish there was a yogurt recipe as we can't seem to make it the same twice in a row.
A KEEPER!
Hopscotch by Brian Garfield
Starts with definitions of the word and then we find them in Paris.
FBI, espinoage, spies, revealing secret papers to the public, all kinds of action make this an interesting read.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Miracle in the wilderness_ a Christmas story of Colonial America by Gallico_ Paul
Sounded like a good book to read. Starts out with the author who sits near the fireplace on Christmas eve, a story told by his grandmother.
Indians that lived near colony of Plymouth and the party as they moved along with a family of white people. They reach a circle of deer and the religious meaning of the birth of Christ is upon them.
The man explains about the star and the other aspects of the birth.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Kimberly, finance director decides to attend writers workshop during the holiday as she wants to be a romance writer.
Love hearing all about the writers conference and the people she meets along the way.
HT Cowell will also be there, speaking in public in over 10 years!
Sad that her father could be dying from cancer and so amazed at how things happen!
Zeke is interested in the retreat and to Kim. She spends time with him and tells him of her deepest darkest secrets.
She tries to get him to open up also...such sadness and joy at the same time. Love the travel and the reason for the season.
Can't wait to read the other books by this author.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Christmas Caramel Murder by Joanne Fluke
Love the authors work and treasure recipes throughout each book.
This one starts out with Hannah and Ross-her new husband and after having a meal at the Inn he asks her about last Christmas event where the caramel candy didn't quite work out well.
She then explains to him over the course of the rest of the night what happened. Started out with Lisa and Hannah and Lisa has agreed they will need to make more as the candy company is out of business.
As Lisa informs Hannah of her spouses late night work she worries his new assistant who he had dated in high school was going to be Mrs. Santa Claus this year as Herb was Santa himself. They catch a rehearsal as they are in the neighborhood and just as she feared Gloria is up to her old tricks.
They buckle down and discuss it while they experiment and make treats only to find out later that Phyllis is now dead...
The characters in the book that are always in the books are present here: Norman, Mike, Herb, Lisa and her sisters and mother. Even a guest appearance from her father as a ghost of Christmas helps solve this one.
Recipes are to die for!
I received this book from The Kensington Books in exchange for my honest review
My Playful Kitchen: Activity Cookbook for Kids and Parents with Healthy Recipes: Cook, Connect, Learn
Have read some of the author's other works and enjoy how she is able to get kids involved.
Especially like the cooking parts as it doesn't matter if the child is female or male.
This one starts out a free activity kit that you can download and also a note from the author as to what skills they will obtain.
Book would not read properly on my pc nor my tablet. I had to keep increasing the size to be able to read it, then enlarge it to turn the page.
Kind of cumbersome. Great section for just the adult. Beautiful pictures of what you will need along with what they are.
Also shows diagrams of how to chop certain foods or remove seeds. Recipes are shown with picture ingredients along with the name of the item, then how to chop and prepare the food to make the dish using pictures so the child can see what to do also.
Cooking tips and cool facts along the way along with parent tips! Very nutritious dishes ( ( can tell from the ingredients) but no nutritional information. My favorite to make would be cornbread. Lot of work went into this cookbook for children-reminds me of the one I helped create for our local Head Start program one year with contributions from the parents-most things had pictures so the children could help even though they couldn't read the words.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and can see the benefits for children to get in the kitchen and start helping.
Recipes from dips to desserts and everything in between. Great selections!
Love learning about new places that we've yet to visit. The author does a great job of describing the area in detail.
Starts out with a guy who drives for the Mellow Yellow taxi company-his friend owns the place. Aspen is a ski area and celebrities flock to the area to spend lots of money.
Like the regular talk he gives them especially about the bars and how much further the drinks effect you due to the high elevation of the town vs. others in CO.
He was there to write a story so he experiences the local businesses for himself.
Uses his resources to house sit and save money. He gets a job writing stories for the local paper.
Loved hearing about the mines, history of them and how they were acquired.
Enjoyed hearing how search and rescue works when one goes down via an avalanche.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Want me Cowboy by Sinclair Jayne
First I've read of this series: This is Marietta, part of the Copper Mountain Rodeo Romance Series.
Starts out with Luke Wilder and he's been around a while over the years and in rodeos.
He doesn't quite want to be in town but once the circuit arrives for the rodeo he's gonna feel better.
Others in town keep thinking he's someone else, happened a few times already..
He wonders if they confuse him with his brother. His mother had told him to keep a low profile. Things just go downhill from there.
Story also follows Tanner McTavish who runs her own bull operation. She breeds them and travels to rodeos for the guys to ride in the competitions.
Enjoy learning all about the bull rider group as I don't follow that association. She has her own troubles, now that she's gotten her education under her belt.
Like bantering between Tanner and Luke, quick comical at times! They are each twins and the commiserate with one another especially when things get even worse for him.
She's so conscious of her looks and know her twin is so much better looking. Steamy red hot fire, sex scenes. Just when things are going well, before the bull ride, her sister comes home...
So many misunderstandings arise when Tucker shows up and you wonder if he can even ride with all the turmoil. Thought some of the language was a bit crude.
Received this book from an author friend in exchange for my honest review.
Sweet Christmas Kisses 3: A Bundle of 17 Wholesome Holiday Romances
My Review:
I was lucky to get a gifted copy from Milou Koenings, The Kampala Peppermint TwistThe Kampala Peppermint Twist from Sweet Christmas Kisses 3
Start out with Amy and she's attending a family friends wedding as the maid of honor. She's lost her job, her boyfriend who was her boss and it's Christmastime and her mother in Africa finds out.
Isabelle invites Amy to come visit and she gets a plane ride-despite getting injured before she even gets on the plane. Love all the plans and how much the author tells you about Amy's past and her parents work in Africa.
So unpredictable for a Christmas holiday as they are in Africa, no snow and no cold. Love how she quickly helps others to only discover the doctor she already knew from the plane-she had gotten the wrong impression of him.
A huge gala party for the holiday and again she meets the doctor who not only dances with her but they get to know one another better. With all the help she's been giving the area she's neglected to explore and he invites her...
Precious gift she is able to give her mother-awesome idea for tinsel! Loved the travel and points of interest-so descriptive and informative!
Love how the book got its title, so unexpected from traditional Christmas holidays.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
EDEN HILL BY BILL HIGGS
What I liked about this book was before I even got it the summary led me to believe the older established gas station owner would be helping out the new one. I do a lot of charity work and often am asked about a knitting pattern I developed and I post it to share with others.
Whether they use it for personal gain or to make charity items is up to them. Nobody pays me for the patterns and I don't mind sharing.
Book starts out with Virgil, the owner of the gas station/auto repair center and his family: wife and teen son. She's at odds with her upcoming 40th birthday and believes the things in ladies magazines about her love life.
He's worked his whole life to provide for them to learn the lot next door was sold for a new gas station/convenience store to a young couple who put a pink mobile home on the lot while construction is underway. He's up to his head with debt after getting loans for their dreams. She delivers a baby...
Other people in the community are followed as well-really rounding out the whole community. The pastor and all the work he does every everybody, makes sure events run smoothly while writing interesting sermons to keep everybody active and awake.
What I liked about the book was the different ages of everyone and how they each dealt with stressful circumstances and leaned on God to help them through it all. Interesting to find they all related in one way or another.
Not only different ages, different walks of life and different problems than others in the community. Amazing how a fishing trip can change all their minds...Discussion questions at the end.
I received this book from The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
An old-fashioned Thanksgiving by Alcott, Louisa May
When the mother is called away from home to tend to an ailing relative the girls decide they can
make Thanksgiving that year. Lots of traditional old fashioned New England things are described
as children make the decorations and food. They are surprised in many ways. Recipes at the end.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Sounded like a good read. Like the area and how the case develops where they can find clues as to who killed her.
Lots of politics and questioning as they discover the woman was pregnant and by who...lots of twists and turns.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Grandpap Told Me Tales_ Memories of an Appalachian Childhood Adams_ James Taylor - Dean_ Fletcher
Enjoyed listening to the various stories about the area. Especially liked the Johnnycake Boy.
Author makes you feel like you are right there experiencing the stories yourself.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
How to Knit Socks That Fit: Techniques for Toe-Up and Cuff-Down Styles. A Storey BASICS® Title
Lots of up to date choices on how to make a pair of socks. Select from top down or from toe up.
Yarn selection and spin of twist and needles needed.
Like how they explain the difference between the needles and how much yarn it will take to make a child or adult size sock.
Lots of tips on the sections of what you are working on-to make it easier to knit.
Goes into more detail than introductory summary of the different sections.
Basic patterns: child, adult sizes.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
My Review:
Peace with Bees by Nadh PoduriBook starts out introducing the elephant and all his friends so you will become familiar with them if you've not read other books by the author.
Ephan is a blue elephant and he loves to eat his breakfast and then head to the beach with his friends.
Book is a children's book that is very colorful. Typical day at the beach and the bully takes his honey bottle, again.
They discover the bee hive and there is going to be trouble. Watch how Ephan handles it....
More games and activities are on a clickable link at the end.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Forever Fit and Flexible: Feeling Fabulous at Fifty and Beyond
My Review:
Forever Fit and Flexible : Feeling Fabulous at Fifty and Beyond by Cheryl L. IlovWas interested in reading this book because after my husbands heart attach we cracked down and got healthy and am always willing to learn and try new things to keep that way.
Book starts out with the authors own journey to achieving her goals and how at different stages of her life she realized what was happening.
Principles of the plan are discussed in detail and broken up into chapters. There are even exercises that are very well not only thought out but descriptions of how to do them and realize how you feel.
Very useful information and so easy to keep track of in a journal. Balance one I really appreciated the most as I use my trekking poles when we hike as I feel being blind I am at a loss as to balance sometimes.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Precious gifts by Danielle Steel
Have enjoyed this author's writings. This story is about a man who dies but it's the treasures he leaves his wife and three daughters that allow them to pursue their dreams.
Paul Parker married a French art dealers daughter, .
The daughters: Vinny-a social worker in NY, Juliet Bakery owner in NY and Joy the youngest wants to be an actor in CA.
His son from a previous marriage has tried to fit in. His ex wife is also left a gift.....after the reading of the will all of their lives will change...
She is now on a quest to find out the validity of the painting and to consider her choices. Story follows the mother and the children-3 girls and one boy as they are adults now and also a surprise person...
Felt like I've been on a sight seeing tour with the characters as there is a lot of travel involved to places I'll probably never get to visit.
Liked the differences between the two men that she's able to meet with as she explores her options...
Love how strong she is and how she loves to give things to others.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Children's colorful book about Halloween. Words ore difficult for me to see on the background.
Guessing game at the end of the book. A little girl imagines how her Halloween will go this year...
The Snow Walker by Farley Mowat
Stories of survival of those who live upper northern tundra.
Such a strong bred of people in that they are able to adapt to the surroundings they are raised in.
Loved hearing of the fifth element and how the people used it everyday.
Snow mansions, I can just imagine a village, all connecting houses, so cool!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
September 2016 Book Fun Magazine
Have enjoyed other months of this magazine and look up to it as to what books I want to read next.
It lists not only a summary of the book but other fun things that make it appealing to want to read the book.
Being a member of The Book Club Network has the benefit of getting books for free when you agree to read and post your reviews online. It's all free so be sure to check out their site.
This months issue I really enjoyed indepth interview of the authors and other fun things they divulge.
Numerous ways to contact the authors, websites, social media, etc. also enjoy the authors other works at the ends of the articles.
Things that make me want to read the book: sometimes it's the pictures, sometimes a summary and sometimes an excerpt of the book, added feature bonus items included are all parts of how I select a book to read and this magazine has all that in one place.
Few insistence on my side due to eye problems with the pictures that have words on top of them.
Discovered a few more books I want to sign up for to read, Thanks
I received this book from Amazon via The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
Red Sox Rhymes: verses and curses
Am a long time sox fan and thought this would be a fun book to listen to.
Love the summer beards!! Red flops song, too funny!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Acadia National Park : Eye of the Whale
The Parker family is now on their way to Acadia in Maine. We have visited and loved it.
Have read their other books and have totally enjoyed them.
So many notable trails to discover-I recall a few places as they are being described.
Loved learning new areas of the park and the school of fresh sea life-some which I've never heard of.
Love ending how the whole book is summarized so you don't miss a stop. The whale is adoptable!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Wishes for Christmas by Fern Michaels
Have enjoyed other works by this author. Combination of the sisterhood and godmother series.
Three Christmases
Starts out with the women gathering at Halloween time and they break the rules-talking business with eating.
The money from Maggie's husbands insurance upon his death she wants to give away to others so they can hear the angels sing. She wants to right a wrong from years gone by.
Loved hearing of past holidays and ornaments made. Love how they get clues to help find the schoolteacher that had been attacked when Maggie was 10.
Loved hearing of what wishes were and how others can make it all happen...
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Naughty or Nice
Concentrates on the Christmas holiday and the Hopes for Heroes parlor will open to the public.
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A Golden Tree
Nancy is hiring a new male assistant and it's the busy time of the year... She has no time for dating...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Mediterranean Diet: A 14-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan
We use this type of meal plan everyday now since my husband's heart attack. Looking for new ways to make things is always a challenge.
Starts out with what the diet is all about then moves onto daily meals for two weeks.
Next section concentrates on the recipes. Each has a servings, calories and ingredient list, and how to prepare the dish. There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
There are lots of choices. Books ends with a clickable link that takes you to Amazon for more of the same recipes-for money.
Cooking Made Simple
Starts out with quick tips of things to add to enhance flavors. Also a list of planning ahead and then right into things you will need to have on hand.
List of food terms to understand. Section on salads and it's not always green.
Recipe starts out the ingredient list and how to make it. No servings and no nutritional information and no pictures.
A lot of tips along the way that are useful.
Building a Portrait
Have read other books in the series and know I will learn a few more new things about photography.
Bonus book of taking sunset pictures is clickable. Photos throughout the book showing what the author wants you to concentrate on. Some of the information is repetitive from other works by the author.
Good refresher course though. Different aspects of a photo are discussed. Talks about how to fix problem areas on the subject.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I wish I could live "in the sea'
This sounds and looks like a great book for kids who have not experienced the sea.
Rhyming very brilliant color children's story about life in the sea and all the creatures you might come across.
Things to do on the beach also are listed. Other books in the series "I wish I lived' are highlighted at the end.
My T-Rex Gets a Bath
This book sounded so silly I just wanted to read it because I know it will have me laughing.
Children's rhyming colorful story of what happens after the toys have been picked up and it's time for the boys bath...with his T-Rex.
They decide on a game to play while getting scrubbed clean.
Some of the pages are very dark with dark lettering it's difficult to see.
Cute story and a free gift.
35 easy Weeknight Dinners
Each recipe has a list of ingredients and directions. Has serving suggestion but not how many servings it will yield. No nutritional information and no pictures.
Variations on chicken dishes. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Homemade Candles by Emily Thomas
I remember watching my mother make seashell candles by burying them in the sand of a mold. She had many tall column type ones.
Starts out with the basics of candle making and the equipment you will need.
I recall also unpeeling crayons labels to use as coloring for her candles.
And we'd go in the backyard to pick gallons of bayberries to melt down for scents. Very detailed instructions along with a few pictures.
Very useful information for the types described.
The Roll-Away Pumpkin
Children's colorful book about autumn things. Words scroll up and down as the pages turn with fun things the family does during fall weather.
The come across a lot of different people as the pumpkin rolls down the street.
The daughters by Celt_ Adrienne
Story follows one of the daughters, Greta and her musical career in Chicago and over in Poland where the family originated from.
The sisters all seem to have a curse placed on their daughters from birth.
Like how the story goes back in time to when the curse originated.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Perfect Pirogi Recipes
Have loved eating these and have discovered the company has other flavors available.
Starts out with what pirogi are and their history, summary of how to make them yourself, how to cut stuff and seal them, and different methods of how to cook them.
Then it has chapters on how to do each of the above in more detail. There is no nutritional information and no pictures.
Very detailed directions on how to make them suing various methods.
Love the idea of not only cheese, potato but also fruit fillings and toppings. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Have several large gardens during the summer and use a lot of different spices and herbs so thought I'd learn a bit more about how to make one.
Everything is included, what to plant-the most popular, where in the garden,
Lots of things to consider, room, light, drainage, soil, etc.
Free gift online also works by the author are at the end.
Grandma's Meat Pies
Starts out with a lot of information about making the meat pie. Chapters on how to make different types of pies with different ingredients.
Recipes have ingredient list, how to make them and how to cook them. No nutritional information and no pictures. Different types of pies: chicken, meats, lamb, etc.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Also a clickable free gift.
Mug Cakes
Fun and easy way to make gifts for your friends and family.
Microwave a cake in a mug with ingredients you have on hand.
No pictures and no nutritional information. Carrot cake and raisins would be my selection.
Lots of flavors to choose from and with price of dollar store mug it's a perfect gift.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
On high steel, the education of an ironworker by Cherry_ Mike
Listened to this on audio tape. Always like to learn about other careers and how they do their jobs.
Hand signals help them do their jobs, a language only they understand.
Interesting day at work and the secrets depending on what floor you are working on. So fascinating.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Bluebonnet at Dinosaur Valley State Park by -Casad_ Mary Brooke
I listened to this book on tape but it states it's a colorful children's book.
Thought this might be about a local state park in CT that we've traveled to.
Bluebonnet is an armadillo and they travel to the state park and he finds Spike-the last known dinosaur. She follows the tracks left.
She discovers many other creatures...
Lots of Texas history is divulged and the author makes it easy for children to understand.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
