Friday, June 30, 2017

Books read June 2017








The Farm by Charles Anderson
I had read book 4 in this series and loved it so much I went and bought the first 3 books and just now getting to them.
This story starts out with Josiah and his buddy Andy exiting a crashing helicopter but he doesn't make it. Carlson will still continue the mission and does on his own but doesn't find what he was expecting.
Later he's at his night job in the US at the ER and he comes across a few Saudi Arabia princes who have been beat up-they will be returning home now that classes are over for the summer months. Problem is his RN Lindsey will be going with him to the farm for 3 days and they discover something not quite right.
Thing is we hear Lindsey's side to the story also and Andy is clueless, so far but he knows things are not adding up.
Love all the technology, weaponry and discovering the hidden treasures at the farm. Love the history in this book about the area.
Lots of action, travel, adventure and romance and I learn so much about things I don't have a clue about. US and other countries are involved and he is gathering the clues to solve the mysteries





 Nuclear Farm by Charles Anderson
Second book in the farm series and am enjoying this one as much as the first.
Lots of travel, history battles studied to put into effect on their own farm-such strategies, high tech weapons, bit of romance mixed in with a mother who's a nuclear physicist, father who's a ER doc among other talents and a set of twins that at the age of 10 are ready for college.
Love that the same characters are still in place, 10 years from the previous book and this starts up where the other left off so you are brought up to date on the happening around the farm and town of Farmville, VA
Used to play Farmville on facebook and I can say it's nothing like this farm. Love caves and tunnels not to mention the toys and gold. Love hearing of how they are able to track down different components of this story.
I can see this actually taking place in todays world of oil and nuclear weapons.  Can't wait til twins are a bit older-next book coming up! Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.




 Blue Farm by Charles Anderson
Have read #4 and 1 and 2 so going to enjoy this one also.
Starts out with the twins and they are on their way to college, they bring their younger disabled brother Peewee along to get a feel for the campus.
Peewee is kidnapped and they have to call their parents, who call the CIA and FBI. Days later they return home to find things scattered about which lead them to their brother's body.
They talk and realize after seeing the camera pictures who is to blame. The twins are at college now and become friends with twins from Paris. Things become very intimate with both couples as they are learning about sex.
Story goes on following the twins as they experience sex at college and also follows the parents at home as other clues come in to help them understand who is after their family still.
Lots of very technical information about weapons of varying degrees. Lots of action, adventure, romance and travel and mysteries-something for everybody.
Sexual adult actions and discussions.




revised review 6/29/2017

Desperate Farm by Charles C. Anderson
Now that I've read this fourth book in the right order it's not confusing at all as others come to terrorize the family.
Tory and Nate reach out to the Carlsons for help when they discover what could be more warheads. The family gather and canvas the different GPS locations to find any clues.
The twins have gotten back together with the other twins but Ava is playing hard to get-you have to earn the right the talk to her after what was done to her.
Love how she calls the animals and all the travel and new places to explore. Also love the cave system where Precious is taking care of Caleb back home.
Lots of action, adventure, travel, romance and nuclear warhead mysteries and so much more-something for everyone.
Love the ending bittersweet and didn't see the Broken Arrow occurring, what a strategy and love how Ava manipulates others. Sorry to see the series end.
bought the ebook version although I have a signed hardbound from the author.



read this is 2/23/2015

Desperate Farm
Just into this book a few chapters and love it. Sorry I had not read the previous books but the plot is coming together as we are brought up to date. Characters are a bit confusing, feel like they are coming at me in tenfold and I don't know who is even on whose side.
So many mysteries, KGB, hidden warheads, relationships with the twins, nature and the outdoors really appeal to me. So happy to learn of all the new places we've yet to explore and new things: elk and the hunts, etc.
The family is on the trail to find the warheads that are pinpointed with lat/long #'s on Alex's map that the kids have inherited. Like the plot and how the author keeps the book moving along as we go from location to location and it does get linked along the way.
Descriptions of the trails and scenery are so detailed I feel I am right there with them. Love all the indepth things about just every location they travel to. A surprise ending, for me and love the fast paced military based action romantic read.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review










All Because of the Tip of a Needle by Philip Nork
Enjoyed the previous works of the author and this one also. It's about harness horse racing and how Sam Newman is raised around the industry and as he gets older he wants to do more in the field.
He has vets that will travel to the farm to tend to his horses.  He scouts and puts in claims on the horses after the race. M99 scandal and his life is over.
He has a feeling with them and knows just how much time they need to just hang out in the field at his farm before returning to racing.
He gets blackmailed and has to figure out who and why. So many clues to connect. Lots of surprises along the way. Love learning how he is able to rehab and train the horses. Love the connection he has with his grandfather. Glad he was able to get his story out.
The people you meet in your life! Love all the new things I learned.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.



The Coffee Cookbook by Thomas Kelley
Start out with an introduction and then chapters explaining the myths of coffee. Next is the chapter on the five essential tools and the rules to make the perfect cup of coffee.
Love the names of the coffees.  Each recipe includes a color photo servings and total prep time
List of ingredients and directions along with how to serve it. No nutritional information.
Like the different categories of coffee. Other coffee drink recipes are included along with espresso drinks.



Helen Keller For Kids Book: Fun Facts About The Accomplishments & Life Of Helen Keller by Jacob Smith
This book is fascinating as she was not only blind by deaf, She was not born that way but got a high fever as a child.
After her illness there are chapters about how she learned to speak again. She even went to college with so much help from people. She did a lot of world wide traveling as well.
So accomplished, definitely someone to look up to.
There are a lot of family photos along the way showing her story.


BBQ master! 50 exclusive barbecue recipes: Meat, vegetables, marinades, sauces and lots of other tasty thing – all in one!  by Joseph Harvey
This book starts out with an introduction  about the rules of basic bbq and how to care for the meats and things you put on the grill, the right temperature and right oiling.
Table of contents that offer many categories of food to put on the grill.
Each recipe starts out with a color photo, title, list of ingredients and how to make it.
No nutritional information and no servings. You might be able to substitute for your dietary needs.
Measurement conversion charts are included.



A Coffee Lover's Guide to Coffee: All the Must - Know Coffee Methods, Techniques, Equipment, Ingredients and Secrets by Shlomo Stern
This book is very informational but it's hard to read with very light font color.
Contents include an intro, history, how to plant, harvest and the different tastes of coffee. Roasting, grinding and other type of coffee. Brewing methods are varied and even a section on espresso and many other specialty drinks.
Very in depth about the beans and what they will produce in way of flavor.
Many high color photographs included along the way.
Love index at the back that explains about the term used and it's definition.
URL links are included for reference and resources.



This House is a Home by Phil Nork
Enriching and heartwarming story!
Last class assignment for the year and Pete has to find out about his ancestors and what better way then to go visit and talk to them.
Family, uncles and grandparents load up the car and lead to southern IL where other parts of the family live. Treasure the history of this one family and how it's portrayed to those of todays age.
Love how the author also explains what mining terms mean and how they were done.
Mining accidents and telling the time by the sun so much to this book.
Loved hearing how they use everything growing on the land.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.


The Sweet & Slim Alternative Ice Cream Recipe Book by Rene Davis
Introduction about what's inside the book that are healthy.
Benefits of low calorie, low sugar, low fat and gluten free diets, each is explained.
Each recipe has a title, summary and the ingredients list of healthy things along with how to make the dish.
There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information but the ingredients are healthy.
Some of these need to use your ice cream maker machine.
Definitely a variety of options.



Air Fryer Made Simple: 33 easy and healthy recipes for everyday cooking. Products from Your nearest store only! by Patrick J. Underwood
Don't have one but know others who do so want to learn about the process.
Introduction talks about the technology of the airfryer.
Has basics and rapid air technology, and all about the parts of the fryer.
Few pictures along the way to show you.
Each recipe starts out with a title, color photo and servings, total time to make.
Ingredient list and how to make it. Also has some nutritional information but doesn't break down fat into good or bad. NO sodium levels and some of the foods are high!
Has recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and desserts. Lot of the recipes sometimes don't give an exact measurement of the ingredient, says about so you have to use your own judgement.
Fish and chips dinner and vegetable balls would be my favorite. Lots of prep time for these recipes.
apple chips sound interesting and could probably be made in an oven.
Some recipes start in American measurements but also some only are using metric-in the same recipe. Some ingredients like caster sugar you might have a hard time finding.
What are 2 pieces of eggs? do they want the white part or yolk even? Free bonus book linkable.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

  


German Cuisine: Authentic German Cooking for the Home Chef by J. R. Stevens
Interested in this book because the company my husband works for live and work in Germany and I have thought of inviting them to dinner when they visit.
Also husband's family is from Germany as well and I think a lot of her dishes made over the years originated from there.
Short introduction then into the recipes broken up into everyday categories.
Each recipe has the American name and then the German name, prep and cooking time and servings.
List of ingredients-I'm not sure where you can get most of them in the US and I don't think all of them are very healthy but you might be able to substitute for your dietary needs.
Directions are also included but there are NO pictures and there is NO nutritional information.
Potato patties are similar to what we today make but we use low sodium products.  Potatoes and dumplings look interesting and I'd be using low sodium low fat broth and skim milk for the cream. Love just the simple recipe for the dumpling and one for potato dumpling, as I can put them in the electric pressure cooker and make them in the chicken soup we make or beef stew.
German spice cookies sound interesting in the fact it uses pepper.
 Like apple pie cake because it servings 2-4, just right size and i can substitute for healthier options.
Blueberry cake also sounds good but i don't think it's going to serve 40 people!
some of the recipes start off in US measurements and then are mixed with metric. not sure why.
German cookies serves 240? that's a ton of cookies for just using  2 1/4 c flour even though they are like 1 inch snakes cut into 1/4 length.
Other works by teh author are highlighted at the end.




The Navigators by Dan Alatorre
Not so sure I'm going to like this being that it's a sci-fic and time travel but will give it a chance.
Starts out where the group decide on the dig they will go to. Once there it's hot and they find themselves in a serious medical emergency because of a machine they found...
Like the adventure and action and bit of romance but the sci fic stuff is not something I totally believe in but makes the story...
Made it til the time travel, swearing present also.  Not my cup of tea.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.



An Evening With Grandpa by Diana Matlin
Treasure the time spent with those who are older because you will learn where your life started and how it's shaped.
This children's middle age book is about Annie and she's home stick from school and can't go to the show. Grandpa has to babysit her so the rest of the family can go.
Few pictures. Grandpa has his own idea and reads her a story first to explain it all.
Great story about how chess is played.




Everybody Gets Angry by Noah Lukeman 
Cute children's colorful story of the times a child gets angry because they can't get what they want.
Very clear easy to read the words in black on a bright background of the page.
Also for every time the child gets angry, happy things occur also. Love the page showing all the angry times and then the collage showing all the happy times.
Other books by the author are highlighted at the end.



The award by Danielle Steel
Enjoy the author's works and know I will enjoy this one.
Starts out Giella and she's about to get the award. Chapters go back to when she was 16.
Rebecca came from Germany, Giella's best friend. The Jews are being forced from their homes.
One day she sees them take Rebecca's family and throw them into a truck and they disappeared. She tracks them down and visits and is able to talk to Rebecca and even gives her a coat with promises to come the next day.
She visits through Christmas and for many months later always bringing foods and clothes for the family.
Story tells what she had to do to survive and she ends up in the fashion industry.
Love hearing of the model world, travel, the art world and the places she visits.  Tragedies and there are happy times also from both sides of the ocean.
Really enjoyed this book and glad she went on with her life but went back to her past endeavors... Didn't like that the author didn't spend as much time devoted to all of her children...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




 Unraveled: A journey of survival in 1954 (Fibers of Love) by Jo Huddleston
What intrigued me about this book was the picture on the front cover. I love everything you can do with yarn, crochet knit etc. I do knit for local charities, the newborn program is one of my favorite.
Love the title and how it's a symbol for the story inside.
This story is about Alice and she's having a hard time recovering from the miscarriage. She's a young child teacher who's not returned to work yet.
Paul, her husband is beside himself trying to help her. With the aid of her best friend who's a nurse they come up with a few suggestions to try.  Some of those backfire.
So many scriptures are quoted to help Alice heal. You never think by the end that she'd get over her guilt of it being her fault or even blaming God for everything.
Really enjoyed this story and learning of all the resources available to others who suffer. Love all the small things that do matter from her husband.
Love the style and ease of explaining what the scriptures mean in plain English.
Can't wait for more from this author.  Author bio at the end along with highlighted other works by the author.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review




Married in Montana by Jane Porter
Like the time period of this book and the simple things that are treasured as they all done by machines today.
Starts out with Johanna's shop and she's so busy sewing for the Easter holiday. Her best friend, Elle visits and she tells her of her ailing father's condition, he won't last much longer. Elle had met Thomas, the night of the engagement reception when Sinclair breaks the engagement to become engaged to another. Thomas was the fireman that watched it all happen.
Thomas approaches her father and they have an agreement. 
Her father wants to see her married by the time his life is ended. He's raised her his whole life. She approaches Thomas and asks him if he will accept her proposal. She really just wants a male figure to do the work on the farm while she is the one managing it, along with protecting her inheritance, along with time to get to know one another, perhaps up to a year. That's not quite the way he hears her though...
What I like about this is not only doing things by hand but all the things I learned along the way, detailed descriptions of the town architecture and other events that have occurred prior.  
They do get married, living in separate rooms in the house on the farm. Story also brings us up to date with Thomas and how and where he was raised.
It's a wonder how things will work out as they are both bull headed, strong set in their own ways. He takes over the managing as she grieves. Love how he takes charge, love the things he does to wake her up.....her hair gets between them....
Steamy sex scenes. Great epilogue!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.





Healthy in a Hurry by Elizabeth Greenway
Introduction is about smoothies and how they are beneficial and easy to make.
Each recipe includes a summary of what vitamins the drink is rich in and the ingredient list which contains very healthy ingredients.
Each section has just one color photo at the start of the new chapter. Some recipes include servings.
Directions on how to make using a blender are included.
No nutritional information but all the foods are fresh produce in their natural state-no enhancements.
Definitely like the different combinations of fruits and vegetables used.
Love the granola sections as we use a bar every day and it's nice to be able to make them ourselves so we control what goes in them, rather than buying them at the store with processed items included.
Bars and cookies section also are appetizing. Wish it had prep and cook time at the start of each recipe.
No bake bars will be one to try as we get whey from the yogurt we make in our pressure cooker.
A KEEPER!


Enjoy Cooking Again Recipes for Kids by Gordon Rock
Book starts out with the author bio and other works along with table of contents.
Doesn't appear to be any order to the recipes.
Introduction talks about what foods should inspire kids to want to eat them as they are most nutritious.
Like that you are given options to make some of the recipes-use whatever you have in the fridge.
Each recipe contains a color photo, summary of the dish, servings, prep time.
Ingredient list for the most part is healthy but you should be able to substitute for your dietary needs.
Directions on how to make are included, NO nutritional information.
Pictures are really up close and personal. you can see all the parts of the recipe.
Lot of adult meals made especially for kid sized appetites.
Free ebook is included. Great for everyday or gatherings.
A KEEPER!


4th of July Jokes for Kids: Independence Day Jokes for Kids by I.P Happy
Cute colorful children's book about jokes for the fourth of July. There are the questions at the top and the answer then the page is separated by a firecracker and then there's another q and a.
Some very silly ones and will bring a smile to your face if not a burst of laughter.
There are 100 of them.




Pressure Cooker Cookbook: 100 Quick, Easy, and Healthy Pressure Cooker Recipes for Nourishing and Delicious Meals  by Vanessa Olsen
Introduction about how healthy it is to cook in the pressure cooker and how much time you will save.
History and science of the cooker is discussed along with health benefits.
How to choose a cooker: shows a picture of the old fashioned ones and the electric ones of today and how to clean and maintain it.
Also a chapter on how to convert recipes to a cooker.
Many other tips along the way the most important being about safety.
Starts out with breakfast dishes. Each recipe has a title and servings and time in minutes along with a summary of what the dish is.
List of ingredients along with directions.
Recipes would work perfect for our electric pressure cooker as it has the same settings as the recipes want.
Nutritional inform per serving includes calories, protein, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, and fiber.
There are no pictures.
I would watch for the fat ingredients and be sure to use low fat also low sodium products.
We also make our hard boiled eggs for 6 days in 6 minutes using the cooker.
Chicken recipes are next, beef entrees, seafood entrees, soups, vegan entrees, side dishes, snack foods, and desserts.
Can't wait to try the 15 minute meat loaf recipes with low sodium, low fat ingredients.
Cornbread sounds good also along with a one serving brownie using peanut butter!
Summary of the whole cookbook is listed at the end, if you want a quick reference as to what you're really looking for.
Charts: conversion on time for products using electric and standard pressure cooker along with setting.
Also has step by step instructions on how to can using the pressure cooker. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Free ebook link included.
A KEEPER!

 Delightful seafood recipes.Cookbook: 25 recipes. by Daniel Hall
Introduction about seafood and it is the time of year you can get it very fresh around here in New England.
Each recipe has a color photo, prep time and servings.
List of ingredients are listed and you should be able to substitute for low sodium and low fat without much flavor loss.
Directions are included and how to serve.
Lots of different methods to baking, steaming, cooking, grilling, frying the fish.
Crispy baked fish or grilled shrimp would be my choice.
Free ebook is included.





Love how all three of us were by a child as she told a story to her father who captured it all in the books.




The Princess and the Dolphin by Dan Alatorre
Cute children's colorful story about a princess that has a favorite stuffed baby dolphin called Hope. 
She dreams all night long and woke up happy.
The dolphin gets lost one day and the child is sad. Her parents help her find the castle.
Story takes you to the places they try to find the dolphin. Pages how you where the King and Queen search for the baby dolphin.
Love the end where the author gives you other directions to keep the book interested: colors, animals in bed, search and find, coloring pages are available at website.
Q&A also for young and older children. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with a summary of the books.
Love how the story came about and how it was produced.
Author bios and illustrator bio are included.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.














Laguna The Lonely Mermaid by Dan Alatorre
Coloful children's story. The mermaid is sad and lonely. She watches a boat capsize in the water and all the pirates go in the water.
The dolphins help them to make it to an island.
Sea creatures help the pirates and Laguna makes new friends.
Love how the story came about and suggestions on how you can use it for educational purposes also. Great for older children also.
Author bios and Illustrator bio are included. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end with summaries of what the books are about.
Q&A is included to get the child to think how things could be different.  Added bonus material at the website.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.




The Adventures Of Pinchy Crab and Ramon D'Escargot by Dan Alatorre
Have read other works by this author and really appreciate the time and devotion with this book.
Colorful children's book about Savvy and her adventures at the seashore. The family visits one day and she makes friends with the treasures of the sea.
After they leave for the day the parents realize she's brought the snails home and they stop to let them out near the sand. Surprises along the way and the outcome.
What I really like about this book as I've lived on an island my whole life is the suggestions about how the parents can use this book: numbers, colors, science experiments (what could they use to float Ramon home).
Not only for very young children but older ones as well. Q&A at the end to get kids to think about what they've read that influence their daily life of having friends around.
List of other works by the author and a summary of each. Linkable coloring pages and more available. Author and illustrator



Dessert cookbook: Best recipes to sweeten up your life! Baking, cookies, puddings and much more! by Mia Syndella
Each recipe has a color photo, country recipe originated, time and servings. Nutritional info includes calories, proteins, fat-not broken up into good and bad, carbs.
Ingredients are listed using US or metric, in the same recipe along with directions.
Not every recipe has a color photo. I do like having the variety of baking, cakes, cookies, puddings, cold desserts from different countries.
Free ebook link available and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.


Coffee Cake Recipes: The Ultimate Guide by Jennifer Hastings
Each recipe includes a title, prep and cook and ready in time, servings. List of ingredients which you might be able to substitute for a healthier option but it's not going to taste the same as using the butter,
directions on how to make and bake. Come with frosting recipes also.
No pictures and no nutritional information.
Some of the recipes are using US measurement, some are in metrics and US mixed in the same recipe.
Pumpkin coffee cake would be the healthiest, ingredient wise.


Desserts - Delighted and Ready for Dessert by Thomas Elton
Starts out with an introduction about what the book offers for all skill levels. Some healthy ones also!
Each recipe includes a title along with a summary and a color photo.
Servings and list of ingredients (some very healthy) and some hard to find items from your local stores.
Preparation is detailed. What I don't like about this book is each of the recipes does not start on its own page and there is no nutritional information.
A blender is used a lot, something I don't have and some use an ice cream maker.
One recipe has nutritive value: vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free) they copied this from another cookbook as it's not the same format as the other recipes.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Off The Cliff: How The Making of Thelma & Louise Drove Hollywood To The Edge
Warning: swearing
Starts out with Callie and how she grew up in KY, moved to TN and then onto CA over the years she's had many jobs and has met many people.
Also goes into what the movie industry is doing as not many movies staring women are endorsed as much as those with men in them.
Lots of name dropping so you understand who is out there doing their best.
Follows the people at the top of the production as they are selected, along with actors and actresses. Goes into their family life also and what motivated them into their field.
Amazing when it gets to the actual production and the complications they come up against.  Lots of references and quotes listed at the end.
Enjoyed the book mostly because of all the descriptions of the locations that I've yet to visit. Storyline was a bit different than what I'm used to reading.
I received this book from a publicist via Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.


Perennial Gardening by Susan Hollister
Really enjoy this book because it has flowers that I grow every year. Some I was unsure of how to care for so I would just leave them in the ground year round and they do great.
Chop them all down to ground level in the late fall-after the first snow so stems can take nutrients from the soil to be able to come up the following year.
Love how some are spread in the air-that explains how one plant got way over to the other side of the garden.
Also listings of perennial vegetables-which I grow a few of, including lavender. Has a section on flowering bulbs and how to care for them. Herbs and grasses are other chapters.
Great resource book.  Wish there were pictures to accompany the item being discussed. Section on berries also. And a section on design and what to consider when making your template of the area you want to transform.
Section on potted perennials and how to plant them near something that will help pollinate them.
Care and maintenance is also discussed and what the important things about any perennial.  Bonus chapter is about when you bring them indoors.  Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
A KEEPER!








Delicious Summer Desserts (Delicious Recipes
Each recipe includes title, list of ingredients, how to make and bake.
There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information and I'm not sure if you could achieve the same if you substitute for healthier choices due to your dietary needs.
Some tell you the servings. Book works for about 27% done then I can't go any further. Have tried getting it again to no avail, even tried on the tablet.

Next day it goes further but recipes are the same format.




Perfectly Precious Poohlicious by Mary Elizabeth Jackson
Colorful infant story of a child and why they are special and compares it to other things.
They are perfectly made and why they are.  Has songs and lyrics included.



A Beginner’s Guide to Patio and Raised Bed Gardening (Gardening Quick Start Guides Book 6) by Martha Green
Have been gardening for many years and usually find useful information. Starts out with the introduction and why gardening is beneficial.
Free herb bonus book is linkable and why you should grow them.  Starts out with how to accomplish growing them.
Compost, fertilizer, plants, soil, sun and tools among other things to start out.  Has listing of some herbs and tells you how to grow them.
Has a large choice of herbs and how to tend to them, arranged in alphabetical order.
Has a section on mistakes growing and how to fix the problems. These are mostly for container gardening. Next section is on raised bed gardening.
Goes over all the information you'll need to make one and what makes them different but beneficial as well.
Very extensive chapters about what to use for borders and why. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
A KEEPER!


100 Best Berry Smoothies for Fat Loss by Jennifer Lee
Starts out with an introduction and summarizes each of the chapters.
First is blackberries and it states the benefits, storage, preparation, then goes into recipes. Everything is fresh and low fat variety. Has a list of ingredients and how to make the drink. No pictures and NO nutritional information available.
Even though all use the blackberry there are a lot that also use fresh vegetables, making it very nutritious.
Strawberry is the next section with the same concept from chapter 1. You should be able to substitute the yogurt for a low fat content.
Blueberry is next followed by raspberries then cranberries.
 

The Blue Elephant by Jeffrey Quinn
Colorful children's story about a father who goes to Africa to see the animals. There is a legend that if you see a blue elephant you will have beautiful talented daughters.
He meets many animals along the way noticing what makes them different than all the other animals.
Each one tells him of more attributes the daughters will have. He searched high and low and magic happens.
Cute story.


Spoken from the Heart: Parenting 101 
Didn't think I'd like this series because our kids are over 40 now and not living at home but raising their own families.
They still need parenting and their children also so it's been a good source of renewal for me.
Love how this starts out with a letter from the author's grade two class which she states what she wants to do when she grows up.
A mother of children taking care of them all and farm animals. She's there now doing just that many years later with a devotion to God and teaching them.
What I like about this book is that I have gone through a lot of the processes, emotions, and feelings along the way as I sit here and shake my head yes that comes in handy still today.
Chores together-used to set the pile of laundry at each persons table setting so they'd have to put their clothes away first before having dinner til they also helped with the folding.
Like that she asks you a question and I am able to pause the reading to actually thinking and answering it to myself. Love learning about the habits of bison as we enjoy nature and how it all fits into the human cycles.
There's so much to this book, I can see reading one chapter a day for more than a month to devote to each one. Just because is a favored response when I would use it on my mother after presenting her with a gift, something as simple as daisies picked from my garden.
Scriptures are quoted that are relevant to what's being discussed and translated into words we can understand.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.




Spoken from the Heart: Parenting 101 Vol. 2
Like the opening part where the author talks about her connection with God and how he helps her raising the children and caring for those that are in her charge.
Loved the different parts of this book as the child grows older and goes through the phases of becoming a toddler. Comparison of that and how adults handle difficult things.
Love challenges that are presented and how the author strives to get you involved. Love the encouragement to keep going.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.



Spoken from the Heart: Parenting 101 Vol. 3
What I like about this book is the links inside that lead you to another's post concreting the evidence. Love learning the balance/moderate and how that came into play.
I sometimes also get things out of order in my priorities.
Love the questions that challenge me to answer. Like how each chapter starts out with a scripture passage and the remaining part of the chapter is based around that phrase.
Love the symbol that spaghetti squash represents-so cool!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.



 

Amore & More in Albuquerque by Philip Nork
Book starts out with a 50+ man who's an author and also works at his full time job in a store. He's sent to various locations to boost that stores sales.
He meets many women along the way who help to promote his works and he can't believe that although they are 10+ years older they love his looks.
Many know him from the past or his other works and touch base with him.  Being lonely and alone at his age and he finds memories and feelings that come out to make him feel his normal self again.
What I love about this book is that it's about an older man and has hot steamy sex scenes and how to sell his own books, dress the part, etc.
Love where this leads him and all the excursions are detailed. Can't wait to visit some of the places described. Love the twists and turns and can't believe the people he meets.
This is more my age than the regular romance books I read about 20 year old. Every book I read by this author turns into my best favorite-there are a bunch of them already and can't wait to read the others.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.



Rikki-Tikki-Tavi by Rudyard Kipling
Story of a mongoose and he wants to protect the garden where his friends and their families live.
He is able to go inside the house and by strategy and help from others he's able to kill the snake and then venture out to get his mate.
Once he rids the garden of the snakes they can live in safety.


June 2017 Book Fun Magazine
Beautiful photos of the authors, their families and their books, past and present.
Found the stories enjoyable, was able to catch up with authors I've read and found some new ones that I want to read.
Has a book for everybody.
So much available and you are invited to join in the fun also, check out bookfun.org for yourself.



Kindle for IOS accessibility gestures-quick reference guide
I never realized how difficult it was to listen to a book on your tablet. Kindle wants you to purchase an audio book along with the price of the book itself.
I have some programs that will read certain books to me out loud, just not mobi's because of how they now come to me in a folder.
We attempted to try different IOS devices and got really frustrated-best to just let the tablet do it all.


Living Room Fitness: Home Workout Without Equipment – Learn How to Get in the Best Shape of Your Life by Sue Rose
What I liked about this book is that it not only has examples of exercises you can do in your own living room but also why
you don't need to pay money to exercise in a gym or other setting. This way it's always open and costs nothing. We don't have a couch in our house, we have an elliptical with incumbent bike and it keeps me very busy daily as I watch TV or listen to books on tapes.
It's for everyone, you can start out slow and go at your own pace.



Grill It! by Bonnie Scott
This cookbook is broken up into different kinds of meats/poultry to grill.
Has color photo for each chapter.
Each recipe includes a title,  ingredient list and how to make. Instructions specifically for the grill are included but there are no pictures and no nutritional information.
You might be able to substitute some ingredients for your dietary needs.
There are some pictures scattered about to show an example of a new technique.
Especially like the seafood section and there are some recipes that include servings.
Some dishes have to marinate for a few hours or even overnight so be sure before you start a recipe for that day that it's not required.
Also included is a section on marinades, sauces and salsas. Really like the section on grilled vegetables.
Desserts also on the grill-this is a surprise! Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Books for Kids: There’s a Spider in my Shoes (Children’s Book, Picture Books, Preschool Books, Baby Books, Kids Books, Ages 3-5): Children's Picture Book by Michael Yu
Very colorful children's book about a boy who does not like some things. Each page has a color photo that goes along with what he is saying.
Worse are the spiders and he fins them in his shoe.  he has a solution to the problem, with help from others.





Dinosaur and Monster and The Magic Carpet (Dinosaur and Monster stories Book 1)
Colorful children's book. Was not able to increase the font size on the tablet and it's a bit difficult to read the font style.
This is about Monster and Dino wants to play but Monster needs to go buy a new rug.
He didn't like spending money but he found one to buy and they head back home.
While resting something magical happens....cute story.



34 Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes by Pamela Kazmierczak
Introduction and then the recipes. Each recipe comes with a title, summary of the dis and ingredients and directions.
There are notes at the end in some but there is no nutritional information and No pictures. You might be able to substitute for a healthier option in ingredients.
Has sections on soups and salads, sandwiches and finger foods along with traditional chicken dinners.






Country Baking and Desserts (Delicious Mini Book Book 8)  by June Kessler
This cookbook starts out  with the recipes, ingredient list and how to make. There is no nutritional information and no pictures.
You might be able to substitute some ingredients for a healthier option due to your dietary needs.
No real chapters, just a collection of recipes in random order.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.





Weight Watchers: A Quick-Start Smart Points Cookbook Guide - 31 Days Meal Plan + 25 Healthy Recipes  by Darlene Chambers
Started reading through this book but I'm not sure why the summary of the dish is not capitalized and are not even in sentences, just random thoughts.
The ingredients, are not really English terms so I'm not sure what you can buy at the store.
 There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
what is legitimate or ocean salt?  Not sure what real or ocean salt is either.
asks for 7 ounces spaghetti, damaged into little portions?
1/4 field bird soup, with out fat??? Some recipes actually have nutr. info, not sure why all of them don't, like did they just copy it from somebody elses book?
Poor excuse of a cookbook-the author needs a translator to put this into English.
Will check out her new cookbook for weight watchers smart points and hope I find a better product.
NOTE: Next book is even worse.


Smart Points Cookbook Guide - 31 Days Meal Plan + 25 Healthy Recipes
This book is just like the previous book by the same author.
The recipes are not in a uniform pattern, nutritional information offers many numbers but doesn't associate them properly with what they are.
The recipes do NOT always include the smart points. The ingredient list I am so unsure of: legitimate salt?  chicken bosom?  chook? so many more to list.
Directions are not translated properly from the authors native language. The summary and other introductions are not correct translation into English.
There are no pictures.  Don't waste your time til it's translated properly.





Poggibonsi by Dan Alatorre
Have read a cookbook by the author and his style continues on in this book.
Laid back, down to earth he got awarded the job of going to Italy for his work. He will take his wife and child.
Love all the details of how to pack, landscape and other details of the adventures. When things go wrong the whole day goes wrong in various ways.
Comparisons between different countries accommodations is enlightening.   Family vacation doesn't quite go as planned-he has to remain for business for several months. His secretary is faced with a dilemma and is being blackmailed so she has to lay low-have the flu..
When his associate gets deathly sick he's paired with a female, Julietta who is on his level and helps land the deals. He is able to find more adventures and new pleasures.
Like the male perspective because although there are details they are not girly girl ones. Love male bantering with one another.
Surprised not more chapters of the wife and daughter as they return home. Lots of twists and turns, very surprising how it all goes.
Hot steamy sex scenes and swearing. Reasons I like this book is because it's a romance, there is travel involved and I learned new things. Hilarious at times with words having a double meaning to the conversation.
Received this copy from the author and this is my honest review.



Christmas Gift for Everyone
5 chapter  the holiday. Monica missed her grandfather and it's Christmas time and her homework is to write a letter.
Hers will be to Jesus and not about gifts she wants. She does wish her grandfather was there to help her.
Her grandmother then tells her the true story of what the holiday means.
She is then able to finish the letter with what she really wishes for: a map for all.
Cute story, few pictures.



Baked Bean Recipes, back to basics: recipes for the savvy shopper by Liz MacGregor
An introductions about how to use a can on your shelf and about the health benefits of having beans.
Recipes are broken up into meals: breakfast, lunch, etc
Each recipe includes a title, servings and a list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for a healthy option due to your dietary needs.
The Method of making is included but no nutritional information and no pictures.
Some recipes include a summary of what the dish is good for.
I think I would use my freshly baked beans rather than from a can so I can control the items that go into it.
Lots of ideas and interesting to find out the flavorings that go together. Treasure was finding a recipe for home made baked beans from scratch. Very flavorful to say the least.




If You Were Me and Lived on...Mars (If You Were Me and Lived in... Book 21) by Carole P. Roman
Thought I'd really enjoy this book and learn new things. and on my tablet I'm not able to increase the font size but just a bit by double tapping on the words.
I was able to listen to the summary as an audiobook.  Kindle app on my desktop works so I can increase the size of the font to read it. Problem is there are added spaces in words.
Starts out with a discussion of what to expect in the time it takes to get there, the time you'd have to spend there and why and the time to get back to earth.
Colorful pictures along the way help to show what's being talked about. Learning a lot about the planet Mars and why things are as they are.
The two planets are compared with one another and you can see the similarities and the differences.
Liked hearing about the discoveries. Like this series because it taught me so much about the planet Mars and was easy to learn with the words the author uses.
There is also a pronunciation guide at the end stating how to say the word and what they mean.
Can't wait to read more from this author.

Lazy Cook’s Guide To Making Good Food by David Duncan
Book starts out with introduction that describes briefly the chanters.
Recipes are very minimal and use only 3-5 ingredients. Basic techniques that you should understand.
Salt, is discussed in many forms and ways. Cooking along with a lot of tips for grilling, using a thermometer.
Chapter 2 starts with the recipes. There are no pictures and no nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for your dietary needs.
Recipe includes ingredient list of a handful of items, how to prep and cook and some notes included.
Like recipe for kale chips as I've tried a few and they've yet to turn out good.
No order to the recipes-not categorized and not alphabetized.
Lot to choose from but don't think I'd refer to this as a lazy cook's book because I know preparing meals is not a lazy thing to do.



Keyhole Gardening:An Introduction To Growing Vegetables In A Keyhole Garden (Gardening Techniques Book 7) by James Paris
Introduction talks about what keyhole gardening is all about.
Descriptive details on how to make your own and why.
Some pictures and diagrams along the way to help explain the process.
What I really like about this book are the sections on composting and how to do it and with what.
Also has signs that something isn't right and how to fix it.
Also really good section on what plants are companions and which to avoid planting near one another and why.
Section near the end talks about 10 different vegetables: an introduction, planting, care and harvesting along with other notes and some include how to store crops.
Also has a Q&A section along with highlighted section of authors other works.
A KEEPER!




The Tourist Trail by John Yunker
Starts out with Angela and she's viewing the penguins as they are going through mating season.
One is waiting for his mate and they know it won't return so he will find another next year. She is taking inventory of the penguins and the species there.
Alternating chapters and Robert is on his way to Buenos Aries. He has many nightmares about the ice and it envelops him til one wakes him on the plane.
He lands at the Argentina far southern parts at the research camp. He's an uncovered investigator and needs to keep under the radar.
Scenes go back in time to the present, alternating so you are brought up to date as to when they all travel together. Learned so much more about oil spill on animals.
Lots of action and adventure, mysteries and a bit of romance.
Like learning about the habits and habitat of the penguins, interesting facts.
Got this review copy via InstaFreebie and this is my honest opinion.



Breakfast Time on the Farm by Jeni Frontera
Colorful children's book that I listened to rather than reading. Starts out with a little boy who's going to spend the day with his grandmother and she has a trip planned.
They head to a farm where the boy will find out what some animals have for breakfast. He is always asking the farmer before they feed the animals if they will like what he eats.
He has to explain why they eat different foods. Like that it's just about 3 animals on the farm but there's other educational points you can use in this book. Counting and colors come to mind.
Got this review copy via InstaFreebie and this is my honest opinion.



Nuts: Every Family is a Little...  by A. J. Cosmo
Family visits the grandparents with their children and it's Christmas. Wally wants to open his gifts right away. Pistachio his sister wants to visit with the birds in the forest.
Few colorful pictures along th eway.
Other relatives arrive with their presents also to share in the celebration.
Wally has to help wherever it's needed while others are doing other things.
After dinner the presents are delivered to who they belong to...Wally does not get one and the grandparents take over after they figure out what happened and talk to him.
Cute story in the long run.



Spoken From The Heart: Parenting 101 Vol 5 by Cheri Swlwell
Have read the other works by the author and have found them inspiring.
Starts out with dedication page and works of the author, then the table of contents.
To me this book is a daily devotional for more than a month. Each day has a different theme and what I really like are the connections between the real life events.
Used to attend classes when the kids were young and it really did help to hear from others and as a group we moved on.
Scripture quotations are noted as they present themselves with the discussions.
So open, honest about her life experiences, even if they are embarrassing. Such a good role model!
Authors work have such a calming effect on my day after reading and thinking about things discussed.
Can't wait for the next installment.  I connect in so many ways with the experiences presented here.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review



Winning Dr. Wentworth by Rebecca Heflin
Have read and enjoyed the first book in this series surrounding Sterling University from the same author.
Book starts out with Shelby and she's working at the university now. She runs into an old friends car as she backs out-Nash who they've known since grade 4. He left to go play for the NFL and has returned to his family home to tend to his ailing father and is the football coach for the university.
They are friends with Sam and Ethan who are planning their wedding and they are thrown into the mix of things as they get to know one another again.
What I like about this book is you hear the story from his and her sides. Love the attention to details, whether it be inside or out. Like stats also and how they get one another to open up about past life events that still effect them.
Sex scenes that enhance the story line.
Excerpts from other books are included.
I received this book from the author and this is my honest review.
 



Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly
Story starts out with Megan and she's in Las Vegas for a friends wedding and the night before she meets up with Connor.
Having many drinks they go off by themselves and next thing she knows it's the next day and she's in the bathroom getting sick, having no recollection of what happened the night before.
He informs her they are married and all the details but they've yet to sleep together. She is not sure she wants to stay married and he knows there's just something about her, he wants to stay married and try to work things out as they've talked for many hours the night before.
There are rules and then she goes along with the three month trial. Love the travel and the descriptions of the places.
She is out to make him want out but he's got a LOT of patience. So funny the things she tries.
Steamy sex scenes and she goes to other countries with him on business.  Their past lives catch up with them.....lots of twists and turns along the way.



Powerboat Racer by Thomas Hollyday
Have read other works by this author and have enjoyed the books.
This one starts out with John Loggerman and he's arrived in the USA in hopes of meeting up with his daughter who he's not seen in ten years.
His ex wife keeps her nearby and she lives in the Tinker community where they walk around with machine guns. John learns Stephanie, his daughter, is on a mission and not able to see him.
She does contact him via phone and tells him she has to do what she's told or her mother's life is in danger.
He just wants his products boarded so he can get out of there, with his daughter. The protestors don't want him to have the products nor leave..
Fond memories of one year's boat race on the water during July, a yearly event. Story follows many different angles and is still full of twists and turns. Lots of action.
Like learning how using codes the Tinkers sends messages about their events.
Like technical talk of how to balance the ship.  Brutal savage attacks-very detailed with descriptions.
Especially like that this book is good for a man or woman. It will hold their interests til the end. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received the book from the author and this is my honest review.


Breakfast Recipes: 50 Quick and Healthy Breakfast Recipes (Quick & Easy Breakfast Recipes, Delicious Breakfast, Everyday Recipes) by Nancy Kelsey
Each recipe starts with a title, color photo, prep and total time, servings. List of healthy ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your dietary needs.
Directions on how to make the dish are included. No nutritional information.
Lots of bonus recipes at the end along with other works by the author. Most of the ingredients are fresh and healthy.
Not liking that you use hash browns out of the freezer to use-they are so processed and have too much sodium for our diets. Gonna try making them from potatoes where I control the spices and herbs used and store them in the fridge for quick useage.



Crazy, Wonderful Science (A Mia Book Book 4)  mary Lee   (Author)
Colorful children's book about a girl who needs to do a science project for school. Her mother encourages her as they think of possibilities.
The end has the recipes to do the projects along with sideline hints as to its success. Love rainbow bowl and plan to do that one with our grandson soon.
Quizzes at the end to see if you were paying attention to the story. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
What I like about this is that the projects can be done with help from an adult by a boy or girl. Give your young one courage to just tackle it.


Celia's Secret Recipes by Pat Martin
Like the categories even though there are just a few in some of them.
Such a list of healthy ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your dietary needs.
Wanted to make the zucchini bread but not all the directions are there.
Recipes include a title, color photo for most, ingredients and how to make. There are several that the recipe is not complete.
Chocolate peanut butter cookies sound good and too easy, good for a snack on the go.
No nutritional information.



Let's Discover Some Casserole Recipes: Chicken Tuna Taco, Rice, and Pasta Casseroles and a Lot More! by Martha Stephenson
Starts out with the introduction and talks about how different countries prepare a casserole.
Recipes include a title, color photo, list of ingredient-you should be able to substitute for your dietary needs,
servings, cook time and how to make the dish along with suggestions in how to serve the dish.
No nutritional information but try a lower sodium or low fat product.
About the author and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Like layout and large size of words.






Children's books - The Gift: Picture Books Bedtime stories for children 4) by Bea Balint
Colorful children's story about a gift a ladybug wants to make for her mother, for mother's day. She had a hard time deciding on what to make but with the help of other animals she is able to do a big present.
She doesn't think her mother will like the gift because she thinks it's not the same.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Cajun Recipes: 101 (for beginners) by Clara Taylor
Introduction starts out this book with history and I especially like the meanings of some of the cajun words and phrases I've heard as to what they really mean.
Has chapters for breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.
Recommended books are listed at the end. There is no nutritional information although if you do substitute for your dietary needs the dish may not taste the same.
There are NO pictures but this is a treasure to have the recipes of the area.


Norbert's Nose by Stephan Schaffrath
Colorful children's book about Norbert and how he grows up with his family and what they are trained to do and how he does it.
He wanders off and finds a friend and they go their own way. Interesting as it tells a child they can do whatever they want despite what they are trained for.
With his training he is still able to make a good profit on the work he does do with the help of others in the business.

Cookbook Boxed Set: THREE GREAT COOKBOOKS!  by Dan Alatorre


 

 My Review:

Cookbook Boxed Set: THREE GREAT COOKBOOKS!  by Dan Alatorre
Had read one of the authors other works and he liked my review and redid the books to add in the suggestions I posted about.
Other works by the author are featured at the beginning of the book.

First book: 35 great recipes you wish your mother made. Lots of categories to choose from.
Each recipe starts out with a title, beautiful color photo, some include servings, and a summary and then the ingredient list. Instructions on how to make and a tip on how to serve is also included.
There's just a handful that do not have a photo. Like tips along the way that make some recipes just special.
Cole Slaw will be one we will make during summer months from fresh garden ingredients, looks similar to our recipe but this one has a bit more zing.
Love all seafood recipes as we live on the coast in the Northeast and can easily obtain them. No nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for your dietary needs.
Pizza dough sounds like a winner also as it's all within our meal plan. Chocolate cake recipe is a winner also but I'd use liquid eggs without frosting and pour into muffin pans as that is the size of a piece we'd be able to eat.
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35 more amazing recipes your mother would be proud of!
Bonus recipes included with the different categories.
Each recipe comes with a title, summary, beautiful color photo and list of ingredients. Some also have servings.
There is NO nutritional information but you might be able to substitute for a healthier option.
Love the Ohio connection as I put together a recipe book for my husband's family who lived there.
Love the variations with the shrimp scampi, similar to one I used to make-it's so easy to put together.
Love tips about different kinds of cookies: crispy, chevy, puffy.
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All American Favorites
Love stories of holidays and what food was available. Similar to how we grew up with relatives as neighbors.
Beautiful color photos, bonus recipes along the way. Even though it might be a basic recipe the author adds his creativity to make it for a special treat at a holiday gathering.
All little notes and tips and how to make it different. No servings or nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for your dietary needs.
Think I'd rather see 'about the author' at the very beginning because then I know who Michelle is, wondering if it's a sister or mother or wife.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
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What I like about the recipes are the stories that go along with them about how they came about or why they love to experiment with new ingredients to make it better.
For the most part there are beautiful color photos only a small amount do not have one. My reviewers like to see a picture of the dish they are going to try to make. There is no nutritional information nor servings size so you will have to experiment but should know how much one pound of lean meat will provide a meal for. Very few repeat recipes.
Some of the ingredients you might be able to substitute for a healthier option  (low fat, low sodium) but it is not going to taste the same as what the recipe calls for.  Grew up making a lot of these recipes and don't have my mothers recipes any longer so these are a godsend although I probably won't make them much as they contain too much sugar or other foods we are not allowed to have any longer.
Great comfort foods for the day once a month you can cheat from your diet. . Like tips along the way that make some recipes just special.   Love the variety of categories-makes it so anybody can find a recipe to try no matter what lifestyle/diet they follow.
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A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.





Sweet and Savory: 25 Late-Night Healthy Snacks Recipes Under 150 Calories by Tina B.Baker
Introduction about the book and snacks made for one person.
Each recipe has a summary of the dish, color photo and servings.
Has nutritional information: calories, carbs, fiber, fat NOT broken up into good and bad,
sodium and protein. List of healthy ingredients,  and how to make the item.
Pumpkin spice mug muffins sound great, I'd substitute the sugar with honey and low fat yogurt for their Greek yogurt.
Kale chips sound great also.
A KEEPER!


Brownies The Favorites Collection by Cheryl Leonard
Introduction about brownies and how they can be made and how much of a variety is available.
Starts out with a bunch of sauces that you can make for toppings or fillings.
Recipes for the brownies themselves are next. The recipes contain a title, list of ingredients and how to make and bake them along with servings.
There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information and you might be able to substitute some of the ingredients for a healthier option.
Chocolate Morsel Delicacies would be one of the most healthiest if you use liquid eggs.



51 recipes for apple crisp by Pamela Kazmierczak
Each recipe includes a summary of the dish, ingredients, how to make and usually a tip on how to serve.
There are NO pictures, There is NO nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for healthier options.
I like the basic first recipe as I can control the amount of butter and sugars.



Homemade Southern Biscuits: The Ultimate Guide by Kimberly Hansan
Each recipe includes a title, prep, cook and ready in time, servings, list of ingredients,
and how to make the dish.
There are no pictures. There is NO nutritional information.
You might be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs.
Old cornbread with biscuit dressing would be a good one to try and substitute the one stick of butter for spray maybe.
There's nothing else we could even consider having with our lifestyle.



Ten Wiggly Worms: A Number And Color Recognition Book by Otto Scamfer
Colorful very dark with black words on dark background.
Like the fact that the numbers are listed under the snakes so kids can get used to seeing them.
Love color of the worms. Not so sure introducing a robin looking for worms is the right way to go, kind of frightening for a child.




DAREDEVILS by Anne Greene
Wanted to read this book about the dare devils once I saw the cover of the book.
It reminds me of the 1930/40's on the Waltons when they had wing walkers stop by their house for weeks on end.
This story starts out with Gloria and she's on her own. She has her dog, Daisy and relies on God. She's out of a job because as a wing walker she has no work when the pilot crashed his plane.
She didn't get paid and he left a wife with twin girls. She's able to at least share a meal with them while helping them.
Story also follows Rand Maitland and he's a pilot. She has to suck up to him to get a job although the first day was a bust. She tries the next day after he offers her coffee and explains she can fix plane engines also.
Without giving away the story the reasons I liked this book are for the fear she faces every time she does acrobatics on the wings, things I learned, the area and the surprises that await them and clambake on the sand-priceless!
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review


The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller
This book starts out with Lavinia and she lives with her father the pastor and her aunt Patience.
Story also follows the Earl Nicholas who has come to their town. He's making sure the one in charge is keeping the town buildings up to date and everything is in order.
Lavinia has a sharp tongue and is not like the other young females who take a fancy to Nicholas. She even points out his lack of concern in keeping the buildings up to date.
She has a lot of talents and enjoys some of them. He's smitten with her and she finds herself liking him but always with a bitter tongue.
Sermons in church and ones they all share in. During meals they are able to learn more about Nick's battle background and he learns of Lavinia's teachings during mass to the children, teaching them letters and numbers along with the teachings of God.
Misunderstandings, illness, emergencies and disappearances, twists and turns til they realize what is important to each other. So many mysteries! Love all the travel and descriptions!
Quotes from the Bible help them lean on each other and God for guidance.  Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Free Kindle book




How to Bake a Pie: 37 Delicious Pie Recipes: Baking, Home Cooking, Pie Cookbook  by Nicholas Brown
Book starts out with how the chapters are laid out: fruit, chocolate, pot and pies for any occasions.
Each pie has a title, time to make/bake, servings. List of ingredients and how to make the pie.There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
You might be able to substitute for a healthier option with some of the ingredients.
Some of the recipes the ingredients are given in American and English measurements.
Cornbread chicken pot pie might be the healthiest recipe in here as it doesn't require a stick of butter and you use low sodium products.









Winter Is My Middle Name by DW Rayner
Story of a boy who loves winter and everything about it. Goes through the various months of the year and also follows a few of his friends and the things they do.
He can't wait to leave and go to Canada. 
Like the ending and how nothing happens that they expect.




 

My Review:

Katie's Quest by Lee Carver
Starts out with Katie and she's just landed in the Amazon to help the doctors tending to the residents.
She's a nurse and is able to do a lot of work on a daily basis as she picks up on what's wrong with the patients. She's lost her loved one and vows never to date a pilot again.
The story also follows Matt who's a pilot and also helps relocate the team to other areas every several days.
Like this book because of the help others are lending to those in need, the detailed descriptions of the location.
We learn more about Matt's loved one and Katie's past loved one as they help the communities with medical help.
Katie learns about who the people pray to and more about their religion.
So much is taught about the area, the illnesses and what to watch out for. Love how they are able to stay just a few days in the same area as they travel to others who need their help.
Much praying is done along the way, sometimes it's everyday devotional scripture reading. Other days it's silent prayers to yourself.  Medical emergencies and being kidnapped was not in the plan.
Like how each trip is with different doctors and different locations but same theme: teach others how to take care of themselves, love fishing expedition.
Love how much of an impact they have to the river dwellers.  Excerpt from the next book is included.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review

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