Thursday, August 31, 2017

Books read Aug 2017












Electronic review copies are available. 

 Review:

The Last Bar in NYC by Brian Michels
Was interested in reading this book because of the main location and the secrets it holds.
From the very beginning we also learn of his relatives history coming from Ireland and how that shapes his younger years and working.
Travel to places and the people he meets, things he hears, places he worked were so real as things are described in detail-author makes you feel like you were there seeing it for yourself.
Loved he was able to watch the World Trade Center being built and also swam under the GWB.
Like hearing of the connections also with baseball and library of books where he lives.
Adult situations are present. Loved learning the different jobs at the bar and what they entailed.
Loved how dedicated his passion is to having his own bar. Sad memories of watching the towers going down on my TV and highly commendable to going towards the turmoil rather than running away from it.
Didn't mind the celebrities much as I don't follow them but liked the stories that evolved form conversations at the bar. Liked philosophical bantering, kinda opened the authors soul and spirit to you to get the different angles of what he was experiencing.
Loved travel even from one block to the next because then you can trace his actual steps. Liked how he knew what patrons wanted to hear and where to be placed-like a sixth sense.
Would love to read more from this author.


I received a review copy and this is my honest review.






Death but No Taxes by Daniel J. Barrett
Have read the other books in this series and this is the one preceding the series.
Joe Traynor has many resources that he can count on to help solve the mysteries. Mark also in the service will work side by side with him.
They know the gang is responsible, it's just proving it and making the killings stop.
Starts out in NY where the snow is falling and Joe Traynor is attending classes there. Luis helps out with the grants and he's being sent out on paid vacation with taxes paid.
Ted the head director knows something isn't quite right and needs to get in touch with Joe to hear what he might know. Ted dies in a crash and Joe knows he has to step up and help out the Coalition.
When Ted is killed Joe notices that Luis is scratching near a tattoo on his leg and he starts to investigate things.
What I like about this story is that you are given information about the past history and how they entwine in the current present day events.
Love how just pertinent information is given, not whole story from the other books in the series.
Learned so much about the process and just little things like Russia names their ships after males, US after females.


It's the little things that together with the bigger things that make this book whole.






The Grandfather Tree: A Tale of Age and Usefulness by Kenneth M Martin
This story is about a man who's worked his whole life and is retired from his job. He gets bored at home and he finds he is useless.
He decides to also get rid of the tree because it's as useless as himself. He realizes on his way to the market many things.
Love the things he's able to share and he finds he does have useful information to those who will listen.
Love gardening and trees and that children keep the tree cutter from cutting the tree-but for how long.
Reminds me so much of my father, a nurseryman among many other jobs he held, thanks for the memories. Other works by the authors who brought this book to publication are highlighted at the end.


Received this review copy by the author and this is my honest review.



Savvy Stories by Dan Alatorre




Savvy Stories: Funny Things I Learned From My Daughter by Dan Alatorre
Have enjoyed the author's other works and know this will be a good read also.
Starts out with details of the birth of Savvy and although it's comical at times things get drastically dangerous shortly after.
Daddy attempts to keep his head on and keeping things positive but he's not sure how long he can hold up. Medical emergencies and the family copes.
Loved hearing how it all works out during the bad times. Such community support and family as well.  What I liked about this book was the honesty although some things the author is bound to made fun of as the circumstances are embarrassing but he's so outgoing with it all. Through the good times and bad times he stays on top of it all as new milestones are achieved. Feel like I got a bonus with all the talk of the vineyard as there is one in town and it answers a lot of questions I had about them.
Especially like the 'when you're a kid' segment at the end, kind of a wrap up of the things discussed.
Extensive author bio and work history at the end of the book.  Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.







The TERRIBLE Two's: Funny Things I Learned From My Toddler Daughter (Savvy Stories Book 2) by Dan Alatorre
Starts out with summary of author's other works and reviews.
This book starts off where the first book ended. It's about Savvy and her life with her parents. The things they all learn are priceless.
Humor, child rearing, new adventures. Some tragic medical events and funny things along the way. Stay strong.
What I really like about these books are that as a grandparent of some adults and younger we get to do the fun things with them. Blowing bubbles, playing in puddles, making a sand castle,  going down slides with them, playing army guys, dancing the hokey pokey and singing and dancing. Thanks for all the memories.
Excerpt from the next book in the series is included. Other summarized books are highlighted at the very end.

Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.




The Long Cutie By Dan Alatorre
This story is about the diagnosis the authors get when their newborn is brought into the world. There are other stories by others who also suffer from the Long QT disease.
Love learning about new things and how they all work. This book also includes humor to get through the hard difficult times.
A link between the two comes out in this book.
After hearing the stories from the older crowd you realize how severe this disease really is and you wonder how many others you know with epilepsy actually have this. Such heartbreak but rewarding journeys.
Love the health community as they share what works for them and it might work for others, so caring and sharing.
I can relate to this story as I have a rare eye condition and have undergone so many tests over the years, not to help me but maybe to help others who are diagnosed with it. Hope is all you have some days. I do hope my results from the tests have helped others.
Such a compassionate book from everyone involved.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.






The Short Years: 4th book will be out around Christmas







A Groom for Christmas by Anne Greene
Have read the author's other works and know this would be a great read also.
Starts out with Felicity Daniels and she's made it as far as Ft. Laramie when her father had passed away. She promised him she'd marry and continue the journey to Oregon to claim land and start a farm.
Her father's friend Jed was there to help drive one of the wagons and support her. She's determined to wed within 2 days time as that's when the wagon train leaves. She had liked Ben but he shows no interest in her.
She makes a sign and puts it in the general store window asking for a husband. She does has stipulations and she also has some secrets. Many come and leave as they are not Christians or they drink.
It's a surprise who shows up and it's even a bigger surprise who she chooses. Love the descriptions of the trail they take over the months heading west. She knows her her spouse wants to gold mine in CA and he knows she wants to settle down in OR.
He has til the splitting fork in the road to persuade her...Drastic weather and conditions, not including crossing the rivers with animals and wagons. So scary and throughout the book they each pray to God hoping they made the right choices.


I was given this review copy by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review



35 Great Recipes You Wish Your Mother Made
Although this book does not contain pictures nor nutritional information it's a great book.
Love that the authors have experimented after going out to dinner to try to recreate a dish they had gotten at the restaurant.
Part of our family came from the Ohio area so some of the recipes are the same-except for a key ingredient that totally changes the flavor for the better.
Simple thing like cole slaw is transformed with no hard work. Authors have done their research as to the spices and herbs used in recreating things of beauty.
Along with the recipes, there are bonus recipes as well, tucked in between. There are also stories about how the dishes were made and the many experiments that led to the final product.
Trial and error and humor that went along with that. Feels like a family member telling me themselves along with the laughs, it's so down to earth.
For the nutritional information you should be able to substitute for a healthier option due to your dietary needs, in some of the recipes, experiment yourself.
A KEEPER!




Soups, Sandwiches & Wraps
This book sounded interesting as we use more wraps now rather than sandwiches.
Introduction about the book and why it's so healthy to eat these foods.
Each section has a color photo and quote before the recipes.
The recipes themselves include a title, list of ingredients and how to make along with servings.
There are no photos and no nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for a healthier option for your dietary needs.
Don't care that some recipes include canned soups-they contain LOTS of sodium.
Some recipes do not tell you how many servings it will make.
Like veggie wraps the best as they are using fresh produce but I'd have to omit the bacon and use light cream cheese.
Dessert wraps, never thought about these. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Kids' Travel Guide - Italy: The fun way to discover Italy - especially for kids (Kids' Travel Guides Book 4)
Book has a table of contents to make finding things easier and faster.
Note to the parents and then to the kids who will be using the book.
What I really liked about this book are the fun things for kids to do and they aren't going to realize they are learning at the same time.
I even found some things not only interesting but fun to learn about. Has blanks where the children can fill in the answers about their travel and who is going with them.
Helps to prepare for the travel and what to bring. Focuses on many areas and explains a bit about them.
What I liked also was the maps and how the country is shaped.
I really liked the compass rose-had never heard that phrase before. Also loved about the money and fun puzzles to do. Definitely keep the child busy if he gets bored.
Explains what each section is famous for and what you should go visit.
Even goes into history  and famous people. Foods are discussed: pizza, spaghetti and gelato. Love the part about how to speak the language and some important phrases and how to pronounce them.
Restaurant words and shopping words-so useful.  Also has quizes along the way to make sure you are paying attention. .
Journal to fill in about your trip, what you saw, where you went, etc.
Other works with Leonardo are highlighted at the end. I was able to get several more in this series and can't wait to learn about those countries, even some US cities that we've yet to travel to.


What a really fun educational, colorful children's book that I can even use if I travel to Italy.








Raising Evangeline (Peace Cottage Book 2) by Lisa Kent
What I like about this story is that it's the continuing saga of the first book. The girls are now settled in college and Lucy has been given the chance to raise another's daughter.
After much thought her and the girls decide it'd be a good thing for her. Her companion also thinks she should do more, if she wants and she looks into having a local paper.
Love the parts about homeschooling and what is taught and how she is able to get so much done every week. Such opportunities for Vangie.
What I didn't like was how the book ended as it's up in the air and the have to deciee what goes on from there as this is the last book in the series. There is another series by this author also due out and I'm not so sure I'd go buy it to read it. This book I did actually buy-I never buy books, the publishers send them to me for free for my reviews and I liked the small community in Maine and how Lucy heals over the deaths of loved ones.
Loved the scenery and very descriptive details-that's why I went out and bought the second book.
Like to be able to follow the characters onward.




Peace Cottage by Lisa Kent
This book starts out with a mother who's lost her spouse and with her two teen daughters they travel from VT to Maine to find themselves. The come across a store that leads them to a cottage that is deplorable but
Lucy is able to clean it up and the family is happy to have found the place. Girls are wrapped up in their life studies and work that gives time to Lucy to find her new self again. With her 51st birthday she is once again able to knit. She hates how they just walked away from everything in VT and reaches out to her family and parents and the sisters visit one Thanksgiving.
Some days are harder than others and she fears the time that both girls will be away at college-just next year. The landlord gave them a break on the rent after she cleaned the place spotless and they don't know much about Jack. Love the travel excursions they go on and the treasures they find that make their home complete.
Teared up a few times reading the words and thinking of myself in her position and that they are in such a healing place.
Love that they have found a church as it's Christmas time and we always grew up with the Advent calendars.
As the story goes on you find out the details of why they had to leave the town in VT and what Jack is hiding from them. Didn't see the ending as written and loved it as is.
Such memories and treasures. beautiful story.

Loved this one so much I bought the second in the series.



Three! by Tia Perkin
This colorful children's story about a little boy who is turning three.
He wakes his mother up and then he wants to play. He gets himself dressed and all the clothes come out of the drawer. He gets his toys out, all of them and then they go to the store
and he continues to be a messy kid. They try to get him to take a nap but he wants no part of that. The parents are exhausted and he might go to sleep at the end of the day...



The Tale of the Clownfish and the Great Shark by Lily Lexington
Colorful rhyming children's book about the Great White Shark who lives down deep in the ocean.
Different fish are shown and a few sentences about each one, things they do or eat or their colors.
They each dared another to go down to see the shark to steal a sharp tooth from him.
What happens when Jasper the clown fish goes down deeper is amazing and they get to really talk to one another.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



My Dad is a Superhero by Lily Lexington
This colorful children's book is about a boy and how he plays with his dad.
His dad can do things  a superhero can: faster than a speeding bullet, stronger than a lion, read minds, xray vision, sonic hearing etc are some  of the things he has.
Each page shows how the dad and son play using his special skills.
Love the ending the most.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.


The Bath Time Book
Children's colorful story about Alfie and it's time for a bath and he's not even tired to go to bed.
He just wanted to play, no eat or drink or take a bath and the others told him he couldn't play as it was his bath time.
He finally gives in as he knows all his friends are in their beds already. He imagines a lot of things he could be doing...
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



The big Sneeze by Ruth Brown
This is a children's story and I listened to it. Starts at the farm and you hear the sound of the buzz and the farmer sneezes.
The fly then landed on the spider and the story goes on as other animals come to life on the farm. Quite the variety.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Princess in My Teacup by Sally Huss
Have enjoyed other works by this author and this is a great read also.
Very colorful rhyming children's book about being useful and helpful to others.
Starts out when she was visiting with her cousin. She would see a princess in her teacup. She's also see her in other places.  She asked what she could do and the princess said to be useful. She had been doing that by helping others in the family with small things.
Next she saw the princess and she told her to make friends with those who don't have any. She did notice a boy and it was raining out so she offered not only her umbrella but her friendship.
Next she was telling the little girl to do more...love how she realizes at the end who the princess really is.
Cute story.



35 Slow Cooker Christmas Recipes - Happy Holiday Meals for Your Slow Cooker by Jean Pardue
Starts with an introduction about Christmas.
Recipes start with a title and list of ingredients and how to make the dish.
There are no pictures. There is no nutritional information.
Recipes are scattered, they are not in any order, soup then breakfast casserole, french toast, sandwiches, etc
There are no servings but it does tell you how long to put the slower cooker on for.
Chocolate drops then sausage dish.  Might be able to substitute for a healthier option in the ingredients.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Chocolate Cakes: The 20 Best Recipes Ever! by Marjorie Kramer
Starts out with introduction about the family members that started the cooking in the family and about their life.
Recipes start with a title, summary and list of ingredients. Not sure if you could substitute for a healthier option as it would change the batter a bit.
Directions and frosting are also included.
There is no nutritional information and no pictures.
Nothing jumped out at me but the mayonnaise chocolate cake.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Let's Grill: Carolinas' Best BBQ Recipes by David Martin
Starts out with an introduction about equipment and what makes recipes from this area different than other parts of the US.
Chapter on just the barbecue sauces along with the recipes to make them yourself.
Has a title, summary and servings. List of ingredient and how to make the dish. There are no pictures and no nutritional information and you might be able to substitute for a healthier option due to your dietary needs.
The recipes themselves for a meal has a title, summary of the dish and a color photo.Servings and list of ingredients and the dry rubs, bbq sauce and how to make it.
Different sections for different meats used.
Lots of side dish recipes and my favorite would be a hush puppy. never had one but ingredients make it sound healthy for me to try.
There are even desserts. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Quick Bread Cookbook: 50 Delicious Recipes of Savory Quick Breads, Sweet Quick Breads and Classic Bread Recipes by Susan Moure
Glanced through the recipes and found so many I want to try. Some do not use yeast.
Each recipe states with a title, color photo and ingredient list. Instructions on how to make are included. No nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for your dietary healthier needs.
Chapters on different types of bread are: classic, savory, and sweet breads.
There is also a linkable gift and other works by the author.
Found some of the recipes were catering to English methods and the same breads are also catered to American measurements and ingredients.
Not sure what some of the words mean as the dictionary can not help either on the kindle.
Also not sure what 76 r corn flour means. Not familiar with measurements.



Gourmet Recipes: Easy and Tasty Gourmet Recipes for Two by Despina Stojilkovska
This book has recipes that include a title, short summary, color photo, prep and total time along with servings. List of ingredients along with instructions on how to make but there is no nutritional information.
Some of the serving sizes seem to be a bit much, 11oz of chicken breasts. We are not allowed to have but 4 oz.  Also found some recipes include more than 12 ingredients.
Good ideas and I might use a few of these but not with same ingredients.


Bread Recipes: The Ultimate Bread Recipe Book by Alexandra Bostinescu, Content Arcade Publishing
This book starts in with an intro then the recipes. Each recipe starts with a short summary and prep and total time and servings.
List of ingredients are included are some are foreign foods, might have a hard time finding them at the local store.
Color photo and instructions are included.
There is no nutritional information and you might be able to substitute for your dietary healthier needs.
What I do like is the fact that many come from other countries and they sound and look so appetizing.
Everything from basic American bread to Mediterranean pita bread. Can't wait to try this one as we tend to use a bit of that more than any breads. I would use whole wheat flour myself.
Sweet dessert type breads are included at the end.


Instant Pot Cookbook for Two: 25 Easy Instant Pot Recipes to Cook in the Pressure Cooker by Shon Brooks
We have one of the these and use it daily if not more often than that.
This book has a lot of choices but I did not think they were healthy as the nutritional information at the end does not break up the fat content nor list sodium.
Also some recipes call for up to 20 ingredients. It's going to take a lot of time to gather it all up, even if you don't have to dice the products required.
Each recipe starts with a sitle and a short summary of the dish.
Prep and cook time along with servings is included. Ingredient list and you should be able to substitute for a healthier option due to your dietary needs (low fat, low sodium).
Directions are numbered in steps. The language is a bit different than American english as they want you to churn the mass. That means to mix the ingredients til a good consistency.
Also it states to close the lid on a saute cook. Also tells you to cook at pressure mode. what temperature or level is that?
The nutritional information at the end does not state if it's for the whole dish or just one of the two servings. It includes calories, fat, not broken up into good or bad, fiber, carbs and protein.
I do like the variety of dishes to make but don't think I will be making any from this book.



35 Chicken Breast Recipes by Jean Pardue
List of other works by the author are listed at the start of this book.
A short into then the recipes.
Each recipe has a title, along with ingredients and directions. Very few have a color photo. Some some prep and total time along with servings-not all.
There is no nutritional information and I suggest for a healthier option substitute for low fat and low sodium. I'd stay away from condensed soups in a can due to very high sodium content.
Not sure why you'd not keep the same format throughout, makes it difficult on the cook.




Diabetic Breakfast Recipes: How to Cook Easy and Delicious Breakfast Recipes for Diabetes Diet (How to Cook Easy and Delicious Recipes for Diabetes Diet Book 1) by Cynthia Michaels
There are many diabetics in the family so I wanted to learn what it is they can eat. Starts out with an intro about being diabetic and how dangerous it can be if you don't pay attention to your diet.
Gives a few tips on what is important with a breakfast meal for a diabetic.
Recipes for type 2 diabetes:  recipes start with a title, summary and list of ingredients and how to make it.
No nutritional information and they are not really set up as a recipe, just a few paragraphs and there is no order as to how they appear.
Each chapter seems to cater to certain foods like whole grain or dairy, protein and fruit.
As the book goes further the recipes take on a new shape: title, servings, ingredient and how to make  and they each will start on a new page.
Author states how many grams of fat one biscuit is and calories so am wondering why it can't be listed as such for all of them?



Breakfast Cookbook: Fast and Easy Breakfast Recipes Inspired by The Mediterranean Diet (Free Gift Inside): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for Busy People on a Budget (Healthy Eating Made Easy Book 1)  Alissa Noel Grey
Starts out with Healthy breakfasts for busy mornings and how to use this Mediterranean cookbook is about and what the health benefits are.
Each recipe has a title and servings and prep time and a list of ingredients with directions.
There are no pictures and no nutritional information and you should be able to substitute for healthier options with some of the ingredients for your dietary needs.
Some of these recipes I'd not associate with having at breakfast. They'd leave me too full and wanting to take a nap.
Salads I also do not associate with a breakfast meal.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.


Easy Crepe Cookbook: 50 Delicious Crepe Recipes (Crepe Recipes, Crepe Cookbook, Breakfast Recipes, Breakfast Cookbook Book 1)  Maggie Chow
Have made some before and enjoyed them.
Starts out with other cookbooks by the author as a gift.  Short bio then abbreviations.
Recipes contain a title, ingredients and directions on how to make.
There are no pictures. Also has per servings: prep and cook time and nutritional information: calories, fat-not broken up into good or bad, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium.
Think as the healthiest I'd like to try the yogurt and jelly filled crepes.
Quite a variety to choose from.


30 Delicious No-Bake Icebox Cookie Recipes by Lori Burke
Starts with an intro about how she was taught to make cookies from her relatives and what ice box cookies are.
Tips about freezing dough is included.
Each recipe has a title, servings. List of ingredients and you might be able to substitute for a healthier option due to your dietary needs.
Directions on how to make and freeze. Also sections on how to prepare for the oven to bake.
No nutritional information and no pictures.
Like the idea that I can mix it, a  5 dozen supply and store in the freezer for several months. It's a lot of butter though so I'd use it for just special occasions where we'd not be eating any ourselves.
Oatmeal coconut would be my choice as it makes 5 1/2 dozen and I like those two flavors.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Princess Faith Encourages Eli (Princess Faith Series) by Kelly Strenge
Offer of a free ebook about Princess Faith is included.  Faith is playing indoors and Eli knocks and they play inside.
Colorful, some pages are dark to read, children's book. Other friends want them to come play in the park but Eli knows he doesn't play well enough to join them.
Faith is able to talk to Eli and they do decide to go to the park. Morel of the story is we are all good at one thing, not always everything.
Be proud of yourself for what you can do.  The stories come from the Bible and they are true stories to believe in. Like the ending.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.








The Truth About Cancer Second Edition: A Child's Guide To Understanding Cancer (The Truth Series) by Kelly Strenge
Had read an earlier version of this and find it to be as useful. Children's colorful story about what it means when someone gets cancer.
It is a scary thing for someone you love to go through but it is not your fault. You can help them in many ways. Book pages show you as you read along how you can comfort those going through the different phases of cancer.
Shows you what might also happen to the loved ones because of different forms of medication and how to be ok with it.
Explains a bit in detail that it won't matter if you are young or old or what race you are or if you're short or tall.
Glossary at the end of the difficult words and their meanings. Lots of encouragement and hope. Free instant access for a limited time to other educational library for parents.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.  


Christmas Crochet: Done in a Day! 7 Quick & Easy Projects to Bring Out the Christmas Spirit by Tara Cousins
Book starts out with an introduction and also abbreviation list of terms used.
Each pattern includes a small color photo, a bit about the finished size and material you will need along with instructions that are very easy to follow along.
Color diagrams along the way help to explain what is going on with the written words.
Cute gifts to make for any occasion. There are only 7 projects.






Why is Jane so Mad?  by Jeffrey Cheatham 
Colorful children's book about why Jane gets mad. She takes it out on her friend and they try to cheer her up.
We do find out in time why she was mad and that she apologizes to her friends.
What I don't like about this book is the print is so tiny you have to enlarge every page and soemtims the color of the text blends right into the background color making it very unreadable.






Bakery Cookbook: 50 Best Cake Recipes For Most Loved Family Recipes (Baking Series Book 2)  by Jane Willan 
Short intro and then the recipes
Each recipe includes a name and ingredient list and how to prepare and decorate.
There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
Measurements are done using metric  Not sure what 1 glass or sugar or 1 glass of sour cream would be.
At times there are also American measurements mixed in.
Cute names for the dishes.
Also has cakes without baking which mostly consist of packaged items.
Lots of choices but none I found that didn't use low sodium or low fat contents.
.






The Fourth Descendant  by Allison Maruska
This book starts out with a man contacting the others whose family also possessed a special key.
They are told to find it and they'd meet as a documentary film is to be created as they open the special vessel.
What I like about this is the action, adventure, travel to various places and just the thought of this book.
It's so believable that this could happen and I enjoyed reading it and following along as other events occur that bring them together, some closer than others.
Wish this concept was as easy to administer in today's world to help others.
Summary of other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.



Avalanche (A Stone Mountain Mystery Book 3) by Kristina Stanley
Was looking forward to finding the easter egg so I'd have more books to read and I was able to find it when I read the book Aug 2017. Three more books from other series to read
Book starts out with Roy and he's on his way to the top of the mountain to go skiing. There is an avalanche and we hear his last thoughts...
Story also follows his sister and brother in law, Kalin and Ben who work at the ski resort. There are others in the company who come into play and it's easy to follow along as other major events occur that disrupt everything.
What I liked about this was not only the house Kalin and Bed had built for themselves but the people and lifestyle they surround themselves with.
Enjoy this as it's blazing hot outside in August and just reading about all the snow makes it bearable. Really like the series from just this one book. Lots of twists and turns...
Love the action, adventure, snow and operations of the resort.
Wish I read the other book sin sequence as some secrets are revealed from the earlier books and I hope to be able to read those for review at some point.
Received this review copy from Imajin Books and this is my honest review.





Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Like how the sections are divided up into chapters.
Each concentrates on its theme and he talks about the surrounding farmers and his beliefs.
We have visited Walden Pond and was able to walk around visiting the garden area and where he stayed-it's just a small shed.
Loved hearing of his crops and how he does accounting for everything he built or planted. 
I recall the railroad also as we hiked to the top of the hill.
Enjoyed this book although it's not written in today's language, have to read into it.











Camino Island by John Grisham
Enjoy Mr. Grishams books for many reasons.
They get me thinking, they take me to new places and I learn new things.
Love this one because it deals with the publishing side of books and how a heist is pulled off quite easily.
It's amazing where the manuscripts end up. Love learning about clamshell and cedar boxes. Lots of twists and turns in this book.
Loved the part about Hemingway and Zelda and Charles Dickens wife as I had just read a book on that subject. 
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).







Hop and Chomp by Gita V. Reddy
This colorful children's book is about a grasshopper who is named Hop. He hops very well.
He sees an egg on a leaf and he watches it wiggle free. It just chomps on leafs all day. As time goes on he changes form and Hop introduces him to his other insect friends.
Chomp just wants to chomp all day as he goes through yet more changes to his body.
What I love about this book is it is not just for young children but for older ones as well as they may not be familiar with what happens to the egg then caterpillar.
Fun and educational along the way.  Love the ending where other characteristics of the insect are discussed. Rangoili the art form of India is also discussed and shown in diagrams. Author bio and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Love this series as it's so easy for a child to follow along and they don't realize they are learning things.
I received this book from the author and this is my honest review.







Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Recipes Cookbook: Easy, Fast, Healthy and Delicious Recipes by Emma Watson
I have one of these and always looking for new foods to try in it. Intro tells about the benefits and ease of using the instant pot.
Each recipe has a title, short summary of the dish and a color photo. Read and prep times and how long to cook and servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to use some healthier choices for your dietary needs.  Directions follow and gives you what else to serve it with.
Nutritional information has the servings size, calories, fat calories, total fat, sat. fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbs, dietary fiber, sugars and protein.
Has sections for soups, garnishes, vegetables, salads, pork recipes, beef, chicken, along with rices,
WHAT A KEEPER!




Healthy Recipes for Picky Eaters: Create Tasty Meals Your Kids Will Love to Eat by Martha Stephenson
Thought I might find some good healthy foods for us adults also and i have.
Each recipe has a color photo and summary of the dish.
Prep and servings are included along with ingredients.
Anytime it calls for a canned product I would substitute with fresh. Also has directions on how to make.No nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for your dietary needs.
Trying out chicken nuggets tonight, think the part about putting it in the fridge might be the secret.
I did not make as many as the recipe called for as it's only the two of us.
Very easy to modify the recipe-leave things out put spices in, etc.
Also comes with free sign up to a newsletter which will in turn give you other cookbooks. There are recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Like cranberry muffins for breakfast and it also uses healthy oils. Think I will be trying these next.
Chicken turnovers look appealing and I know I can use my healthier products. Fish sticks look good too.
A KEEPER!




The Breakfast Cookbook: Breakfast Recipes from the Comfort Food Cook Book (Comfort Food Cookbooks 1)  by June Harold
This book contains a lot of family recipes where the author is not concerned about the nutrition or photos of the items made.
There are no photos and no nutritional information.
Each recipe incldues a summary of the dish, sometimes who made it and what country it originated from. Sometimes servings are mentioned.
Ingredient list at times in the same recipe starts out in metric then goes to US measurements. Also detailed instructions in how to make and bake.
16 recipes in total for comfort foods.


Candle Making: For Beginners! – Easy Step-By-Step Guide To Making Beautiful, Scented And Non-Toxic Homemade Candles! by Sharon Bell
I remember when I was younger and helping my mother pick the bayberries in our yard so she could put scent in the candles she made. She had books that taught her how to do the different candles but I wasn't paying close attention.
She'd make them in metal casts and also in sand. Those I liked the best as it contained shells from our local shores.
This book starts out with introduction and comparing them to todays candles.
Gives a list of things you will need to make your own and the basics of doing that.  Has photos along the way. History of candle making takes up another chapter.
Candle types has it's own chapter along with others on material and equipment.
I like this book because it so informative, good for beginner as well as one who's been making them a long time.
Like this guide a lot. Excellent resource guide.





Best Backyard BBQ Recipes from Around the World: 100 Quick and Easy Grilling Recipes by Sarah Spencer 
Each recipes has a title and a short summary. Servings and list of ingredients and directions on how to make. For the most part the ingredients are healthy and you might be able to use your substitutions for your dietary needs.
Has charts on internal temperature of port, chicken and beefs along with tips for cooking. Lots of tips along with food safety.
There are no pictures and no nutritional information. Enjoy seeing how other countries use the BBQ grill. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Favorite would be classic grilled vegetable skewers which we just had yesterday but with different veges.




15 Slow Cooker Valentine Recipes by Jean Pardue
Each recipe includes a list of ingredients and directions on how to make. There are no sservings, no nutrtional information and no pictures.
Some of the dishes are basically putting things from cans together.


Easy Breakfast Recipes by Jackie Swansen
Each recipe starts with a title, prep cook and ready in time along with servings.
List of ingredient and mostly healthy and there are directions on how to make. There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
Breakfast bars look appealing to want to try but you will have to first find out what soft boil stage is so you don't ruin the recipe.
Lots of categories to choose from some not typical breakfast dishes.




Muffin Recipes by Jackie Swansen
Looked through this and didn't find anything I'd want to try.
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This book is broken up into vegetarian, baby, unusual and meaty and fruity muffins.
Each recipes starts with a title, prep, cook, ready in time and servings.
List of ingredients and how to make them. For the most part the ingredients are healthy and you should have no problem substituting for your dietary needs.


There are no pictures and there is no nutritional information.

Books read Aug 31





Christmas Crochet: Done in a Day! 7 Quick & Easy Projects to Bring Out the Christmas Spirit by Tara Cousins
Book starts out with an introduction and also abbreviation list of terms used.
Each pattern includes a small color photo, a bit about the finished size and material you will need along with instructions that are very easy to follow along.
Color diagrams along the way help to explain what is going on with the written words.
Cute gifts to make for any occasion. There are only 7 projects.






Why is Jane so Mad?  by Jeffrey Cheatham 
Colorful children's book about why Jane gets mad. She takes it out on her friend and they try to cheer her up.
We do find out in time why she was mad and that she apologizes to her friends.
What I don't like about this book is the print is so tiny you have to enlarge every page and soemtims the color of the text blends right into the background color making it very unreadable.




Bakery Cookbook: 50 Best Cake Recipes For Most Loved Family Recipes (Baking Series Book 2)  by Jane Willan 
Short intro and then the recipes
Each recipe includes a name and ingredient list and how to prepare and decorate.
There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
Measurements are done using metric  Not sure what 1 glass or sugar or 1 glass of sour cream would be.
At times there are also American measurements mixed in.
Cute names for the dishes.
Also has cakes without baking which mostly consist of packaged items.
Lots of choices but none I found that didn't use low sodium or low fat contents.
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