Beach Breeze by Joanne DeMaio
The Taste of Air by Gail Cleare
When the Bough Breaks by Ane Mulligan
The Whispering of the Willows by Tonya Blessing
Second Chance Love by Pamela S. Meyers
Ashes by Steven Manchester
Ashes by Steven Manchester
Have read other works by the author
and know I will enjoy this one also as storyline sounds very
interesting, something I'd like to do one day.
Jason and Tom have one
mission after their father has passed away-to deliver his ashes to a
location in Seattle. They do leave the Boston area and we find them on
the road.
It's a very angry hateful ride but they do find some
insistence they remember from their past years when they were younger,
living at home.
Lessons are cruel. Language is cruel at times but necessary to get you in the frame of mind of the scenes.
Jason
is the guard at the prison and Tom is a professor. Love bantering
between the two as they are able to laugh at one another...
Love travel along the way and the places they stay-learning a bit about them.
End
of the journey was quite a shock to me and they learn so much about
their life. Like also that the story continued on as we see the changes
they each made. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I received this from the author and this is my honest review.
Have read all the authors works and have loved the style of writing she does along the CT shoreline.
This one is part of the series but there are enough references so it can be read as a standalone and you'd not be in the dark.
This story encompasses the night Jason left, after the funeral after they had all lost a friend, brother, son and a fiance.
It doesn't get to some of them til later in the book and as this is a close knit beach community they are there for one another, helping each other out in the time of need.
That is what I really look forward to as they each have problems with things going on in their lives. Some just take off, others are pained for months later.
So many changes to the community as the summer has now ended and things really slow down for some, workwise, but in other areas, they pick up and move forward-renovating houses now that the hammer law is done for the summer season.
Like how this book deals with people from all ages and problems. Love hearing all about the past and how things effected others to this day as the story comes full circle. Love hearing about the direction they are each taking in their lives as time goes on. Never get tired of the author's book, you can rely on them, always a super read
Excerpt from the next book is included-can't wait to read this one.
I received this book from the author and this is my honest review.
The Taste of Air by Gail Cleare
Starts out where Mary-the mother has alternating chapters with her daughters: Nell and Bridget
The girls have been notified their mom is in the hospital but it's nowhere near the retirement center she's been staying at. Nell goes to the VT area to investigate and within a few days, no answers as her mom has a vent tube in, she learns her mother has a cottage
and a has been living there for about 10 years and is friendly with the neighbors. Nell has a family and children and is happy. Bridget has just left her cheating spouse and his daughter and heads to VT also.
Like the travel and the mysteries surrounding why she even choose VT as I am familiar with some of the areas there.
Story goes back to the past, present for each of them as we are brought up to date and then understand what's going on with everybody.
Other mysteries surround the neighbors wife til you realize the whole story and then other secrets come to life.
Lots of twists and turns and just when you think you have it all figured out, you do not.
Author gets a lot done in the amount of pages, so well I feel as if I am there with them. Can't wait to read more from this author.
It's the little things that grab my attention, VT, rose arbor, paths and especially the glider.
Received a copy via the author from Book Review Buzz and this is my honest review.
For Hannah, with love by Margaret Johnson
Book starts out with Jenny and she's with Michael and his teen son Kyle from another marriage. She's getting on in years and wants a child herself but Michael would rather have a motorbike.
He also seems restless and he's never stayed in a relationship for over 4 years. Jen who works also reaches out to her friends to help understand what she needs to do. Her ex mother in law is a treasure and they talk and get together often.
Chapters go back in time to when he was a child and when they had first started dating. Her friend Marsha is going through fertility problems and has been for several years.
Have to remember some of the English slang words used as I rarely read a book from overseas dialogue. Relationships she has come and go through the years but they always all stay in touch.
Jen is very insecure about telling her news to Michael and his past relationships and now her job is in jeopardy and their house is being sold and she's yet to even tell him of their future....
Especially love the travel and descriptions of the locations. Many struggles for Michael in his younger years-watching his mother and he birthing problems and her outcome living in foster homes.
Very descriptive hot steamy sex scenes. With all the turmoil I did not see the ending that happened!
Few characters with others who come and go, easy to keep track of who is who. Predictable but then lots of twists and turns...
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received from the author via Book Review Buzz and this is my honest review.
Romancing Dr. Love by Rebecca Heflin
Sounded like a good story line about chemistry and results..
She's an assistant professor and doing research on chemistry and link with love. Her parents are sex therapy doctors in NY
Ethan is a professional at Sterling College also and his father has recently passed away so he keeps an extra eye out for his mother hoping to get her out of the house, doing anything to keep her busy.
Ethan helps her out with her car and invites Samatha Love for a date. They discuss her ex boyfriend and he wonders why they are together. He had brought her flowers for their date and that is her first time of getting them.
Such an easy thoughtful thing. Love dinner on the water-it's something my husband or I would've cooked up in the middle of Northeast winter day.
Love hearing of the experiments and the links between everything she is researching... Predictable not only does their blood match but the survey they each had filled out...
Events occur that break them up and jobs get in the way, there's no way they will ever be together...or is there?
Cute short story, enjoyed. Excerpt from another story is included.
Received from publisher and this is my honest review.
Sounded like a good story line about chemistry and results..
She's an assistant professor and doing research on chemistry and link with love. Her parents are sex therapy doctors in NY
Ethan is a professional at Sterling College also and his father has recently passed away so he keeps an extra eye out for his mother hoping to get her out of the house, doing anything to keep her busy.
Ethan helps her out with her car and invites Samatha Love for a date. They discuss her ex boyfriend and he wonders why they are together. He had brought her flowers for their date and that is her first time of getting them.
Such an easy thoughtful thing. Love dinner on the water-it's something my husband or I would've cooked up in the middle of Northeast winter day.
Love hearing of the experiments and the links between everything she is researching... Predictable not only does their blood match but the survey they each had filled out...
Events occur that break them up and jobs get in the way, there's no way they will ever be together...or is there?
Cute short story, enjoyed. Excerpt from another story is included.
Received from publisher and this is my honest review.
Spoken from the Heart: Embracing the Adventure by Cheri Swalwell
This book starts out with the Advent wreath on the table. It's just like how my brothers and sister were raised. I can see us sitting around the table, candle lit week after week adding more while mom explained what it all meant to us.
Although she was not Catholic she raised all 5 of us to be Catholic, taking us not only to church but enrolling us into catholic school for 8+ years, going through Holy Communion, confirmation, etc. She'd use pine cones and holly branches and berries from our own trees to adorn the candles and Advent wreath.
I can relate to many of the authors challenges as I've faced them from one time to another. I am a worrier and am trying hard to just let things go and think only of the good parts but it's a difficult challenge to say the least. Learned so much more from the author's point of view I feel like hitting the palm of my hand on my forehead because it was right there in front of me the whole time!
Especially another time when the car breaks down and she knows what it will cost and the good parts as the towing was free. We are trying to lead simpler life's as we age and a lot of the worry is gone because of our changes over the years.
Love the signs God sends in his own way. Was able to correspond with the author with questions I had and was promptly answered. Can't wait to read more of her works.
I was given the book by the author where we met via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review
March 2017 Book Fun Magazine
As always I enjoy this magazine because it informs me in a friendly, at ease way of upcoming books and what they are about.
It not only tells you about the books but also the background of the author and family-lots of nice pictures to also go along with it all.
Always enjoy Gregory Hines chapters as one month I did actually win the coffee he produces and always interesting to see what new adventures are happening in the ministry in Honduras
Another author that I treasure her writings are Cheri Swalwell as I can relate to her stories as they have happened in her life.
Hope I can win a few more that I'm interested in this month at Book Fun chat night. You can also join, it's all free. You sign up to win a book, you get the book, read it, post your reviews. It's that simple at bookfun.org, check it out for yourself.
Cookbook that will help you with appetizers that include salsas, dips, sliders, etc.
Each recipe comes with list of ingredients and how to make them along with servings.
There are few pictures and no nutritional information. Chili would probably be the best bet to using your own food substitutions to suit your dietary needs.
Lots of variety to select from. Desserts and drink ideas also included.
Have read many other books from the author and have enjoyed them all.
This book starts out with Danny and he's been in charge of his mother prior to her dying and through her death and afterwards. His two sisters, Emma and Andie don't live in the same town but do travel in afterwards to help with the estate.
Things get out of hand and with the pressure some things are said that shouldn't have been and puts them on edge. One sister is thinking of returning and maybe living in the house, others want to sell it and divide the proceeds.
Interesting how they all work together at times getting the job done. Others in town really confuse the reader at times as to who they are and how important to the story line.
Chapters also go back in time and that also confused me. Wish this book was broken up into 3 books-each having their say as to what was going on in their lives at the time.
Love that this occurs during the Christmas holiday season and how they all cherish the traditions. Twists and turns make this a good read.
There are divorces, children and all their problems among the catering business, the publishing business and the financial business.. Never a dull moment and you never know how it will end up.
I received this book from The Kensington Books in exchange for my honest review
Starts out with introduction about what a pressure cooker can do for your food. Also has benefits listed as to why to use one.
Recipes start out with a color photo, prep and cooking time and servings. List of ingredients and then directions. Also tip on how to make it faster.
Nutritional information labels are attached that include total fat, broken up into bad fats, sodium and total carbs, dietary fiber and sugars, protein.
Doesn't list good fats. Some of these labels do not expand so you can read them.
For the most part the ingredients are very fresh
Potato beef stew was very similar to what I prepared the other day, even using same spices.
Lots of big dishes servings wise, great for a large gathering. You might find some ingredients you can substitute for your dietary needs.
Like how straight forward the instructions are, good uniform format.
Besides the big meals there are also recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. This is where things go to a different format.
Starts out with color photo and time ready in along with servings.
Nutritional information only includes carbs, fats-not broken up into good or bad, protein and calories.List of ingredients and instructions-that's all this section has.
Some duplicate recipes but they are different, just same names and all different nutritional information.
A KEEPER because I know what items I can substitute for a healthy choice.
Cookbook that includes title, servings, prep and cook time, size in quarts and calories.
Ingredient list and how to make in the slow cooker. Nutritional information has calories, fat-not broken up into good and bad, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium.
There are no pictures of the dishes.
Lot of the recipes have you adding condensed soup and other prebought mixes to speed up the process.
I do like how the chapters are broken up into different types of meats.
Dump Dinners Cookbook: 30 Delicious Dump Dinners Recipes by Daniel Cook
Starts out with introduction on how the author always had dump dinners when she returned home.
Bonus ebook links. Each recipe includes a list of ingredients and directions on how to make the dish in your crockpot.
No pictures and no nutritional information but you might be able to substitute for a healthy option.
This will be one book I won't be keeping because some recipes contain salad dressing mix, gravy mix and other very salts alternatives to ingredients.
I don't even know what some of the ingredients are: hoistin sauce, never mind where to find them.
Didn't see anything earth shattering to even want to try to make.
Very informative details of the different tomato varieties, their nutritional value. Sections on how to choose the spot and till the soil.
Container gardening, how to harvest, prune and fertilize. Everything you could possible need to know about growing tomatoes is in this book.
More works by the author are highlighted at the end.
This book covers everything to do with tomatores. Starts out identifying the parts of the plant and then how to grow and harvest and freeze/can the product. There is so much more to this where it also gives you ideas of what type of soil and location you need depending on the variety of plant you want to grow.
I never heard so many different varieties as what is listed in this book. Very detailed and so easy to understand. So many common pest problems and how to get rid of them, naturally.
A KEEPER!
Book about using and reuseing items that still have some life to them. Like the ideas to also involve the kids to help and how things can be turned into planters
especially with spring and summer planting just around the corner. Also many gift ideas that you can make sure you always have something ready in a hurry.
Few pictures but so many ideas that are broken up into categories.
Recycling do's and don'ts area also included.
From Seed to Table: Growing, Harvesting, Cooking, and Preserving Food by P.C. Zick
Very useful information about a couple that have been raising their own crops for many decades. They start with composting and give you a bit of information about that and what works for them.
Goes through the seasons and even how to deter animals from your garden. Winter months and planning along with recipes, pictures but no nutritional information.
I like the zucchini bread because it does not use butter and has lots of spices.
Spring is mostly about planting the seeds and watching the crops. Recipes for that month also and how to preserve and freeze extra food so you don't have to buy it at the store.
Summer follows again with its own recipes. What a treasure this book is!
A KEEPER!
Happy Animals: A First Rhyming Picture Book About Animals for Children
Very colorful children's book showing happy animals. Rhyming words and easy for a child to help an adult read along.
You can also use things in the pictures to help count-like dots on a horse, petals on flowers, ears, I like the happy monkey best.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Destined by Gail Cleaire
Wasn't sure I was going to like this book but loved the writing style of another of the author's books.
A bit out of my comfort zone as I know nothing about Tarot cards and the fortune tellers but enjoy reading and learning.
What I loved about this book was Emily who is trying to be strong and powerful walks away from a job where they want her to do things she really wasn't hired for. Bravo for just walking out the door.
Which leads her to more job interviews where she comes across a curio shop and is hired on sight. Henry and her seem to have a bond through visions and other events although they've never met.
She's now the manager and in charge of getting the rooms in shape so they can open the shop or rare and antique things to be sold. She goes above and beyond while meeting his other clients and associates.
Love that she is able to help others in need and works with others she doesn't get along with to benefit the shop. Love the festival of sorts as the whole community work together in that feat and many other things to help one another make a success of their businesses.
Like clash of some as they do come together. Especially love the discussions of different kinds of power and are able to implement them and that the discussions are so today concerns of climate changes.
There are so many the book follows, male love interests, shop owners and their families and the spirit world. Didn't care for sex scenes, seemed to be a bit rushed and not that deep of a relationship.
Love how each chapter starts out with a step or symbol and it's described in words that you can use in today's world although they may not have been in the original 1700's tarot card decks (the way I understand it).
Received this book from the author and this is my honest review.
When the Bough Breaks by Ane Mulligan
Book starts out in NY where the state capitol building is a maze of corridors and offices and Sienna O'Shea is starting her first day at work.
A man directs her to go down a floor to the basement where from there you can reach anywhere. She's to testify and she is prepared. Her assistant Christine will be leaving shortly to deliver her new baby so she's trying to introduce her to many around the area that can help her.
She's to do extensive research so bills can be brought up and debated about and then passed on the congressional floor.
Story also follows Matt-who's a an old friend in GA and he's an investigative reporter who gives her advice and leads to stories to help her career along. They grew up next door neighbors and his sister is Sienna's best friend and he is in love with Sienna.
Story also follows Reese who is the governor's right hand man and the party has plans for him and his future which has been premade for him to just step into. Sienna will play a part in all this also as time goes on and he's in love with Sienna.
Love hearing of all the background hallways and hideaways of the building and find it confusing at times with all the alpha codenames that are sometimes not told what they are. Also some of the names, at times there are a lot of time but it's better understood later on as the story goes along.
Loved hearing of all the finer details that can put me physically in the same location as the scene that is taking place-the smells, condition of furniture, atmosphere, etc.
Know absolutely nothing about getting bills sponsored and passed so this is a huge learning experience for me and I'm hungry for the knowledge.
Prayer and asking God for help when she attempts to find her real biological mother. It's a trying time as the bill her bosses want to pass would seal everything completely in adoptions so she has to do everything by herself and not tell many.
The answer she needs first to find out is if God even wants her to find her mother and others remind her to this when they are asked to help. Her family problems get her to go home often and at times is sad to hear about.
Really like that this book can be read by a man or a woman as it has a bit of romance, lots of action and mystery and everyday events and how prayer can help.
Love the part God plays in all his when things get out of hand. Very believable story of how it all comes together. Never read on a weekend but I could not put this book down this weekend. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review
The Ultimate Guide: Recipes of Maine by Encore Books
Love seafood of Maine and we visit at least once a year. Book starts right in with the recipes which included prep and cook time, ready in and servings. List of ingredients, and directions on how to make the dish.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information but you might be able to substitute for a healthier option it just won't taste like it really should.
Blueberry cake would be the healthiest due to the ingredients-one I will be making soon.
Pumpkin pancakes sound so good! Lots of lobster dishes but I don't understand why you need to use things from a can and not freshly cooked as you can get Maine Lobsters year round at your local store.
Same with salmon-why use the stuff in the can, use fresh. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Delicious 200-Calorie Dessert Recipes: Perfect for Your Sweet Tooth and Waistline! Diabetes diet dessert cookbook by Sarah Spencer
I am not one to count calories as I stick to a meal plan but thought I'd see what the book offers.
Like the idea of the introduction telling you how to use fat free items and what to use rather than sugar and fats. Also tips on not to overbake or overmix. Love the list of ingredient substitutions!
Each dish has a title, servings, prep and cooking time along with a color photo.
List of ingredients and how to make the dish and also nutritional information that includes calories, total fat-not broken up into good or bad, carbs, dietary fiber, sugars and protein.
Like the ideas in this book because you can make the portions small and you can make one dish for all the guests that are due to show up. Pumpkin nut bread would be one I'd try.
Special section for chocolate desserts. Hmmm healthy chocolate chip cookies-worth a try as the ingredients are a bit on the healthy side.
Great carrot cake, my favorite and the ingredients are on the healthy side also. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
A KEEPER!
The Avocado Cookbook: Fun and Easy Recipes by Michael Holtby
This book is broken up into chapters for appetizers, salads, salsa, soups, main dishes desserts and drinks. Each recipe has a list of ingredients and directions. There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information but remember avocados contain healthy fat. It's the other items combined that might not make the dish so healthy, especially if you have to deep fry the dish.
Chocolate avocado muffins look to be the healthiest due to the ingredients=-i'd use olive oil or canola, NOT coconut.
Not much else struck my taste buds as I don't want to go out and buy special flours or oils to make one dish.
A Dozen Truths by assorted authors
When I realized who was involved in this compilation of writings I knew it would be a great read.
What I had not expected was to find so many different genres that I don't normally read and was a good change.
Each chapter has a different author where a short summary of their works and their bio are included. At the very end there are more indepth excerpts and more about the authors writings.
Enjoyed a large majority of the stories and lessons learned, some leaving a smile on my face at the end. Some genres I just can't seem to get into-sci fic and horror/thriller.
Had never heard of www.authorsfirst.com site so had to go check it out to understand about it.
Enjoyed many of the stories because I was able to relate to them in my lifetime of things that have happened to me or a family member, brought back a lot of happy memories..
Found a lot of new authors I'll be on the lookout for their works.
Received this book via one of the authors in the anthology via The Story Plant and this is my honest review.
If Not For You by Debbie Macomber
Glad as one of her fan ambassadors I was given this ARC prior to the release of the book.
Have read all the authors other works and love knitting inspired ones.
Beth has finally broken away from her mothers grip and moved from Chicago to Portland, OR where her aunt Sunshine lives.
She was able to get an apartment and job as a music teacher and loves her new life. Her friend Nicole has invited her to dinner with her husband Rocco and son Owen.
Sam is Rocco's friend and feels comfortable with the family. Beth and Sam are set up and can't wait to leave the dinner when they feel things didn't go well. As they each drive home Beth's car is hit and she's in really bad shape.
Sam does all he can to just be with her and even afterwards when she's in the hospital and rehab he's there for her and despite their outside appearances they find they do like one another-the inside persons they are.
Some tender moments and some bringing up events of the past to bring the whole puzzle together.
Found book was rather boring and a bit longer than it needed to be to get the story told but liked the read.
Liked new things I learned and location of OR as we are familiar with areas of it in our travels.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
Chapel Springs Survival by Ane Mulligan
Have read other works by this author and enjoyed the book.
This is about a town where many new things are happening. They are happening so fast that the tourists are staying past the summer and there are no places to stay.
Townsfolk are overworked but love the income and they try to create a balance for the growth changes.
What I really like about this book is that it concentrates on many different age groups and their problems.
Claire is newly married and trying to get her son involved with someone who will bring him much happiness also.
Love all the career choices available and the layout of the town and all it offers. Love the indepth chatter about the careers and how they do their jobs.
So many mysteries with the land deal and struggles among families as older children have their own dreams at all costs.
Praying and going to church help some with the solutions.
ANTI INFLAMMATORY - Recipes, Weight Loss, And Healthy Living by Joanne Howard
Book starts out with an introduction about what diet is the best for inflammatory disease.
Starts out with what foods to eat to avoid become inflamed: vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices, nuts and other important foods.
Each recipe includes servings, list of ingredients and how to make the dish. Nutritional value includes why certain ingredients are best and what they will do for your body.
Because the ingredients are fresh and healthy nobody should have a problem with any of these recipes.
We eat so many of these foods that it's nice to have a different way of using the ingredients. Love the directions for how to make beef sotck.
Smoothie recipes are even included. Gluten free recipes included also.
A KEEPER!
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet by Katherine Wright
Starts out with understanding what makes inflammation in the body.
There are several diet rules to live by to help get rid of inflammation: eat more vegetables and fruits, reduce sat. fats, increase fish consumption, change snacking habits, eliminate transfat and up your fiber intake
Other tips are also provided for the other rules.
Tells you what foods to eat also and why. Tricks also when given options of the kinds of foods to eat.
5 daily meal plans and how to make them. No pictures and no nutritional information but most of the ingredients are fresh and some are healthy.
Also bonus about a sugar detox is included.
Each recipe has a color photo, servings and list of ingredients
Directions on how to make the dish are included.
There is no nutritional information and you may be able to substitute for healthier options on some of the ingredients.
Some of the ingredients I am unfamiliar with as they are from England and I'm not sure what the equivalent is for the USA.
Dishes as prepared are too rich, salty and too much fat content for our diets so the title fits perfectly.
Book starts out with introducing the instant pot and how to use it and its functions. Also has a lot of useful tips and ultra simple recipes to start you off with.
Boiled eggs recipe is very similar to the one I use and nutritional information is a bit different than recipes further into the book. These include calories, daily value % of total fat and sat. fat, cholesterol, sodium and potassium, total carbs, dietary fiber and protein.
Recipes do not have pictures but they do list nutritional information.
One that I find confusing is the yogurt as we make this a lot. Recipes have servings, prep and cook time and ingredients also with how to make the dish.
Nutritional facts are servings size, kilojocules-no idea what this is, calories, protein, carbs, sugar, fat-not broken up into good and bad fats, fiber, sodium.
The recipe does not state how much milk would be needed in the ingredient listing-be sure to read the full recipe all the way through before you even start. You will be able to figure out what you will need.
For the beef stew the numbers don't add up for total fat where total fat is 2.5 g, sat fat is 5.2 g, poly fat is .5 and mono is 5.5g
Chocolate cake one looks good bt again the total fat is 14 and sat fat is 5, where is the other 9g?
Free gift of an ebook is linked.
Colorful children's book about a cat Clio and he's known as trouble around town. The problem with food is that they are always hungry.
There are rhyming words also that help tell this story. The children in one house ask to let the cat come in during the rain and the parents say no way.
He gets along with the other cats and they like him also.
This cookbook has recipes which include the title, some have a color photo and summary of the dish.
Ingredient list and how to make the dish is included. There is no nutritional information.
Some of the recipes take a bit of time to actually prepare.
You might not be able to substitute for a healthy option as chemical reactions might need to take place. I consider the deserts here once a year type as they are rich.
Not sure what some of the ingredients are: kefir or how different it is from USA milk
Really enjoyed this book because it taught me so many new ways to do things with baking soda. Can't wait to try it on weeds in patio and on my hairbrush.
What I had not expected was to find other chapters about tiny house living, frugality, beekeeping, knitting, anti inflammatory diet, quilting, bodybuilding for women, sewing, bushcraft mini farming, top minecraft seeds, how to dry herbs, minecraft combat book and so much more that does not relate to baking soda at all.
I will keep the book handy for the tips but not for the other chapters it offers.
We usually use our bread machine but like to do it fresh also. This book includes many recipes that start out with a summary of the bread, prep time, servings, and list of ingredients.Directions follow along with a nice color photo of the finished product.
Can't wait to try the carrot sweet bread and probably substitute for eggs using liquid ones or just egg whites and cooking oil I'll probably use canola oil to keep the bread healthy for us to eat.
There is NO nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for your dietary needs.
A KEEPER!
The Best Tagine Recipes: 25 Original Moroccan Tagine Recipes for You and Your Family by Amina Elbaz
This cookbook has a nice color photo of the finished product, servings and list of ingredients. You should be able to substitute for healthier options with chicken broth and butter and oils. Directions are included and there are NO nutritional information available.
The dishes sound and look interesting enough to try them.
50 Recipes For Apple Crumble, Apple Trifle, Apple Cupcakes and Apple Cheesecake by Pamela Kazmierczak
Each recipe has a title and short summary of the dish, list of ingredients and how to put it together. There is no nutritional information.
Some of the ingredients you might be able to substitute for a healthy option due to your dietary needs.
No pictures and most as written we'd not be able to have due to high bad fat content and sodium levels.
The Whispering of the Willows by Tonya Blessing
Met the author and her book on the book fun chat and knew I wanted to read this book. It starts out with a large family that live in the holler in the Appalachian Mountains.
Girls are named after gems which I loved right from the start. Boys run the hog farm as their dad came back from the war wounded and in a wheelchair. The girls make sure he is bathed every day and they do the shaving along with planting seeds in the garden, tending to the outhouse and tending to the pigs and piglets.
Only the oldest who are going to leave after the 8th grade to be married do the cooking. The girls all sleep in the same bed cordoned off with an old curtain.
We have visited the Mountains and have been able to see the cabins of the old days in TN and in WVA areas for ourselves.
Love that the aunts work comes through as her love by using her hands to create.
Story is mainly about Emerald who is also in 8th grade and is growing up but her mother doesn't want her to leave as the twin girls will be married in the summer, Emerald to be married later.
They don't get to pick their spouses they only know they are to wed and to produce children and work on farms the rest of their lives.
Husbands grandfather ran a hog farm and I find it interesting to learn how the boys tend to them as we see hogs in their natural habitat and the historic villages we visit throughout the years.
Ernest singing hymns as he does his chores, at the top of his lungs, Lester mixed up with pastor's son making moonshine-what a busy family.
Emie goes through a personal tragedy and her parents want her to be gone, her brother Ernest helps her and she is able to live at her aunts. Others help her and she learns the truth later when one of the people invoked has to leave the area.
Love hearing the folk belief-like a wives tale or farmers almanac entry. Store follows each of the children but more on Emerald.
Twists and turns and God has his own plans for them. Love the hymns singing and how everybody practices. Such a strong and courageous bunch to endure all the hardships.
I was given the book from the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review.
Spoken from the Heart: Digging Deeper by Cheri Swalwell
Love the actual events that take place that she talks about as I can relate to the same ones in my life and how they effected us as a family.
Quiet times shared with spouses is priceless! Love understanding the hugs from God.
Found this book more dedicated to going deeper into solutions using the Bible as a guide in everyday life experiences.
I was given the book from the author and this is my honest review
Spoken from the Heart: Taking it to the Next Level by Cheri Swalwell
Love hearing of the compromises each makes in a family.
Love the ironing, doing laundry and especially the lawn. I even go to the extreme and make our salads an hours before he's due home so we will get to spend more time together and talk, if he wants to.
Was able to take so much from this book that relates to my life. Love the paying it forward, in a way. I not only do a lot of charity knitting for others but just finishing up a set of afghans for a father-who is a friend of my husband, and his 4 children who had lost their mom/wife. An afghan will symbolize a hug from their mom or from God but I don't know them well enough but will suggest it to them upon giving them the items.
I was given the book from the author and this is my honest review
The Drifter by Christine Lennon
Book starts out in 1980's where the girls are attending college in FL.
Much detailed encounters as they go through the years, the parties they attend and where they work and how to come to meet one another at the sorority.
Time the three lived together and melded and then at times grew apart but still friends. Story follows them further as they age... quite tragic.
Many secrets and mysteries from their college years that come to light near the end. Also includes discussion questions, author's reason for writing this book, playlist and her favorite books to read.
I received this book via LibraryThing: Early Reviewers from the February 2017 batch.
Wintr's Homecoming by Jen A. Durand
Bit out of my comfort zone but like to change things up a bit. Right off the bat I'm reminded of the wolves in Forks, WA from Twilight that we visited a few times. Book starts out with books in the series, a summary of their plot.
Book starts out where Jinx and Livia have arrived to visit and attend the wedding of their best friend Nicole. Jinx is really against the whole thing as Nicole has only just met the man, and a few months later she wants to marry him.
Like that the book explains about some terminology at the very beginning so you are not left in the dark. Lots of characters in this book but easy to keep track of as they are associated with different groups of people.
Love reading about this genre from time and time. Love the telepathic powers and other things new to me and how they work in the book.
Lots of action, travel and understanding about the Weres and Bois. It's a whole new world out there!
Excerpt from the next is included.
I received this book from the author and this is my honest review
Romana Martin has agreed to be the boyfriend for the summer. She's Christian and her heart is more interested in another family member, not Andre DuDay.
She's an athlete and involved in teaching. Love the scenery as described and how secrets come out meant for really another person...
Like hearing of the camp and all the procedures and crafts being taught. Like twists and turns in this one.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Grandma Drives a Motor Bed by Diane
Audio book but available in paperback.
Describes a child, Josh visiting his grandmother and she stays on a motor bed and helps by bringing her food and drinks.
Very detailed story of daily life in tending to the ailing grandmother.
They wish they lived closer so they could visit. Love that the boy gets to try out the bed...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Nature's living lights, fireflies and other biolumenescent creatures by Silverstein_ Alvin - Silverstein_ Virginia B
Audio book but available in paperback.
Always fascinated with fireflies as I often do not see them myself, same with stars due to my poor vision.
Cool that the fireflies are NOT hot to touch. Talks of the 4 chemicals needed for these special lighted creatures in order to work.
Interesting facts about the fireflies in the world and how different they really are.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
A blue moon in Poorwater by Hankla_ Cathryn
I enjoy the Appalachian mountain tales and I'm not sure why. I find mining interesting and love hearing stories from the production.
Church and current affairs for them at the time, JFK dying, those who were charged and the snake as it was crawling along the church tent the day her brother was jailed.
Dorie tries to help around the house, and wants to go with her father to tell of the death in the mine but she has to tell her dad of her brother being jailed...
In the 5th grade and a girl convulses and she is able to calm them and others have noticed ....
So similar to the things we did here in northeast, playing ball with neighbor kids, going on adventures to see frogs, vaccinated sugar cubes, Dark Shadows....
Really enjoyed what was involved in getting things changed to make it safer, in the mines.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Lasting Kind of Love by Jen A. Durand
Luca is back in town from serving in the military because his father is dying. He brings him to doctor and hospital appointments for chemo and helps him around the house.
The neighbors were helping, even Olisa and her young son who come to visit. She and Lucas were going to be married til he left to join the military. They had dated and she went off the deep end after he left and ended up pregnant with another man's baby.
The story goes back in time to when they were dating and then forward to the present. Great to understand their relationship over the years as they chat on the computer often.
Struggles Luca and his dad Peter have as they never really agree on much and Luca is still trying to get his approval at everything he does.
Olisa is a strong woman and has had a hard life also but due to the color of their skin. Other twists and turns as other secrets are revealed.
Love Olisa's career choice and the fact she rasies her son by herself and helps whoever needs her.
Hot spicy sex scenes. Love the romance in this book. Excerpt from Two Millionaires is also included. Listing of author's works by series are cataloged at the beginning of this story. Some have a synopsis listed.
I received this from the author via Goodreads and this is my honest review.
Have read many of the authors other works and have enjoyed them. This is another great one!
Start out with Trish and she's a show dancer in Las Vegas. A man in the audience offers her a thousand dollars to have a drink with him. She declines and others have found she's sick with the flu and get her out the door to go home.
The story also follows Malik who has attended college along with his best friend and they meet so many good guys through the years. He takes care of Trish til she's better and gets a call that he must return home to Dubai at once.
Rather predictable for a bit then the twists and turns appear. Story also follows Malik's sister and her husband in Dubai and also follows Trish and her sister Claire who's recently divorced and living in poverty due to her ex husband.
Love how this story got it's name and didn't realize it til near the end. Sad to hear of the law and how the government worked in Dubai after five years of marriage...love the travel to different places and most especially to NJ where Claire is furnishing a house.
So many surprises and easy to follow as there are just a handful of characters.
I received this book from The Kensington Books in exchange for my honest review
The Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Easy & Healthy Mediterranean Pressure Cooker Recipes - Quick, Delicious, and Time-Saving Recipes for Electric Pressure Cookers (incl. Detox Smoothies) by Julia Garcia
Always fun to find new things to put into our pressure cooker that are healthy.
Book starts in with the advantages of electric pressure cooking and how to clean it naturally.
Recipe chapters include: soups, vegetarian, fish and seafood, poultry, meat, desserts, detox smoothies and meal plan with shopping list.
Also conversion tables and abbreviations explained. We are eating more healthier these days since my husband's heart attack and find the pressure cooker is so much easier and faster to use for a most healthy option of eating.
What we look for in recipes is fat content-have to know the good and bad parts, sodium and sometimes sugar. We also like to see the picture and to find the ingredients are fresh and healthy ones-not pre packaged salty items.
Very useful information in the first chapters of the book about nutrition and don't give up on recipes are crucial. Love very high quality color photos throughout the book, not just for the recipes. Love the ideas of cleaning the inner pot-will give them a try!
Each recipe comes with a color photo and a bit about the dish and what allergies the dish is made for: gluten free, soy free, nut free, etc.
Tells you how long to prepare the dish and cooking time, servings also.
Useful tips along the way.
List of ingredients but feel free to substitute for your dietary needs, especially using low sodium varieties.
Directions are given along with nutritional information that includes calories, proteins, carbs, dietary fibers, sugars, fat and sat. fats, no sodium levels are noted.
Like the suggestions on how to make the dish a bit different.
Chocolate cake will be one to try when we have company as fat content is a bit high for us to eat the cake on our own-we could have a sliver. Ground beef omelet sounds really good and quick to make.
Smoothie recipes do not use the pressure cooker but go along with a high nutrient based cookbook in a liquid form.
Found quite a few recipes I will try in the next few weeks. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I received this book from the author and this is my honest review
A KEEPER!
Second Chance Love By Pamela S. Meyers
Book starts out with Sydney and she's a lawyer now at her late father's firm. She's yet to handle a court case but she hopes soon.
Harry is the one in charge and he's sent her a few off the record things to do. One is dealing with his nephew who's in trouble again this year. She almost married him two years ago.
Now he says he's changed he is Christian and observes it. He runs his bull contracting business in TX but travels around a lot with the bulls for rodeos. She's the city girl and loves it and her friends.
She couldn't persuade him to negotiate the contract he has that he is walking away from but he says with God in his life he cant' continue the contract. There are other financial concerns at home also...
She's now on her way to go visit him while he's on the road at a rodeo to give him one more shot to talk to her about the contract...
Jace has secrets from his mother and everybod else. He's trying to make Syd fall in love with him again...
Twists and turns that mean she has to do something first then maybe he'll negotiate, family problems get in the way from all angles.
Enjoyed the locations mentioned as we've yet to travel to that area of the US. Enjoyed story and careers of lawyer and rodeo/bull riding/raising and how they use their expertise to help the younger crowd.
Love how religion is interjected into the story and all the obstacles that come up where they rely on God.
Can't wait to read more from this author.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.
Knitting ephemera, a compendium of articles, useful and otherwise, for the edification and amusement of the handknitter by Sulcoski_ Carol
Loved learning about knitting, the fun facts. So many things to read about that are fun.
Sad to learn there is no patron saint for knitters. Facts about longest knitting needles and crochet hooks
Before coverings of today there is discussion of what was worn and their names. I've knit many of the older things and still do today: muffattees.
Wow lit knitting needles during first world war and 2nd. Put yarn through needle gauge to determine the size needles-great tip!
Silly jokes LOL
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
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