Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Books read Oct 2017







Is that it by Bob Geldof
My birthday gift 1985, the year they took my license to drive away, I was given a special birthday gift: was the watching nonstop, no chores no meals to make and i was able to watch the whole liveaid and even told others my brother is Bob Geldof.
Like that he's a knight now and nominated for the nobel peace problem but mostly because of the aide he's helped raised.
Story focuses on his childhood and although he had siblings he felt alone.
Very detailed descriptions, adult content but was happy got to hear about the process of setting up bandaid and how others helped.
Trip to Ethiopia was hard to listen to because of what was there.
Loved this book due to all the work involved in making th event a success.
Received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).





Hopewell Culture National Historical Park: Mound City
We had just returned from a visit to Ohio and we were able to walk through the mounds ourselves.
I had told my husband how at peace my whole body was. It's a sacred Hopewell tribe ceremonial mounds and earthworks.
We were able to talk to the clerk inside the visitor's center and he informed us of how perfect the circles were but in 800AD they didn't have measuring tools.
Also told us of other areas that have the mounds and that one location was to go public the holiday weekend for a few hours. That only happens a few times every year.
So interesting to hear about the mounds, their purpose and how they were built.
Love hearing of all the mathematical discussions as they had no tools that we have for measuring and they are just perfect. It's all in the clay at the bottom of the mounds-the structures of the mounds are discussed and taken apart so you know what is in each layer.
Hope to visit more when we travel back to Ohio.



Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant
This book starts out with other offers from the author to get another free book by subscribing to her newsletter.
Starts with Dani, a school teacher and it's the anniversary date of her husband's death. She's financially set just some things you can't buy that are missing.
She's on her way to her aunt's and runs out of gas, starts to rain.  She's headed to Miller's Creek. 
Steve Miller picks her up as they head to town. He tries to cheer her up as she keeps putting her life down.
She got under his skin and misunderstands he's not so forlorn as his appearance comes across as. 
Circumstances bring them together: he's lived at Momma Beth's ranch his whole life.  Dani had called her aunt Beth for a ride...
He is also the mayor but likes to help out with physical labor...I can see the firecrackers blaring from here!
Love how the community welcomes her.... He has his secrets and has sworn off all women. She has sworn off all men due to her past life.
God makes his way into the conversation Dani and her aunt are having and she has the right answers to sooth her often quoting from the scriptures.
Like learning about the history of the town and how Steve answers questions about the town and how to improve it as he hopes to get the backers for the money the town needs...
Dani wants a change, she's tired of living in the city and tells Beth of her plans...
Predictable with twists along the way. Medical emergency brings her back to town and the matchmakers get busy...
Love colorful detailed descriptions, would make a great movie
Excerpt from the next book is included. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Lots of drama and mysteries and secrets. Would enjoy reading more from this author.









SFTH: God's Joy Lasts a Lifetime by Cheri Swalwell
Starts out with works from the author and table of contents.
Love recap of words God has sent to the author as I've read about many of them.
Enjoyed other things God has whispered to her and how she accomplishes them.
Such inspiration and real time stories of how you should not give up and continue with your goals because with support you will reach them.
Especially liked the makeover for the snack drawer, glad it's all coming together.
Love hearing the scriptures quoted and how they are interpreted for real life situations. Love the new word and how it's implemented in daily life.
Acknowledgements at the end of the book. Can't wait to read the next one.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.



SFTH: His Plan, His Purpose by Cheri Swalwell
Starts out with table of contents and other works by the author.
Love how everyday situations are discussed and how solutions are found by following what God has taught us and prayer.
Connections and how each help one another out was a joy to hear about, so blessed as it all comes together for the author and family in times of need and how they help others out in their time of need.


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



A Path Less Traveled by Cathy Bryant
Have read the prior books in this series so I am familiar with the characters but it can be read as a stand alone as you are brought up to date.
Starts out with Trish and her son and she's helping with her brother Steve, the mayor's wedding to Dani. Dani's friend Adam has returned as they were friends from college and he helped set up the money to revitalize the town, using her inherited money.
Like how the previous one is similar to this where things just go so wrong, all the time. Nobody can catch a break. 
Like the last book anything that can go wrong will and then more... events occur that keep her in town and Adam wants to relocate.
Problems at school with Beau has her burning the candle at both ends...
Lots of quotes from the Bible and scriptures that fit into the real life tragedies that keep occuring to help them get over the turmoil.
Predictable but with many twists and turns.
Discussion questions included. 



New Beginnings by Cathy Bryant
This book is just the companion bible study, not reading book with the same name.
Other works by the author are highlighted.
Love hearing about how God makes new things happen every day starting out with a sunrise. Lots of quotes from scriptures about other real life situations.
Like second chances and many are discussed. Like the questions (food for thought) at the end of each days devotion.
Angel armies-cool phrase!  Summaries of other works by the author are included at the end.



The Fragrance of Crushed Violets by Cathy Bryant
This book is just the companion bible study, not reading book with the same name.
Bible studies about forgiveness. There are quotes from the Bible and real life instances of how a community reacts to a shooter walking into a girls school and killing some.
Lots of scriptures are quoted to back up the authors interpretations.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.





Sweet Treats by Jean Orman
This book is actually three books in one.
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Tequila and Candy Hearts
She's started a new job and she's putting together a gala for Valentine's day for the town.
Todd is her best friend but she's pretending to speed date although not interested in anyone but him.
Story ends suddenly as it will be continued in a later book.
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Whiskey and Gumdrop Hearts
Frankie is her boyfriend and he helped give her money for her bakery.
Mandy works so hard lots of hours every day. There is a Valentine speed dating event and she's to cater the sweets for the event.
Blueberry springs is a unique town. She doesn't want to marry him, just yet...
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Vodka and Chocolate Drops
Amber has a boyfriend Russell but he spends a lot of time in the city as he's finishing up his book after his war injury.
She's a data base entry and has a best friend Scott who picks up where Russel leaves off. She has other relatives around and she was hoping to propose to Russel and win the $500 award of the Valentine gala the town put on.
Wish books had talked more about the town and community itself but it's mostly about the three couples to a point-you do have to read the books they came from til the end.
To me this is just a sampler of the three books as they are left with cliff hangers.
Author solicits for you to join her group of beta readers.
Free copy and this is my honest opinion.




Happy is the Bride by Caroline Clemmons
Story is about Beth and she's talked with her cousin who she doesn't feel has the perfect marriage and she hopes hers will turn out different.
She loves Mason and he loves her and she doesn't like it when they have doubts about that.
Story also follows Mason and he knows he is good enough for her and he hopes he measures up as they are to be married.
They worked together and selected furnishings for the house.  Mason had fallen and got a bump on his head and others bet he won't show up to get married.
They say she's jinxed as another didn't wed her last year and 3 years prior to that.
Nothing goes right...adult sex scenes. Other western and other genre books by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this copy from the author for signing up to her newsletter and this is my honest opinion.







Amazon Reviews Exposed: The Truth about Amazon Reviews by Timo Hofstee 
Found this book informative because I've heard of others losing all their book reviews that they had posted.
Makes sense some of the rules, but not sure why on some others. Like especially the parts about how to contact others who will read and post reviews on your books.
And why swapping with another author is not the way to go and if you get caught paying others to write a review. Publishers give me ARC copies and I don't know the authors, I just really like to read.
Math is interesting in how the figure out the logistics of it all.









A Birmingham Family Christmas by Cheryl Bolen
Book starts out with other works by the author. Story starts with Annabelle and she was brought up with her father and grandfather.
Emma, her cousin has been blessed over the years also.
Annabelle is waiting for the man that hadn't requested to marry her after the Season.
Even though this is a series book you are brought up to date with who is who from the start.
Annabelle will accompany Emma and her husband to Camden Hall for the Christmas holiday.
Story also follows others in the family. Adam is in charge of the bank and hosting the big family event and has invited him to join them.
They had gone to school together. Love catching up with the others in the family as I have followed this series.
Lots of fun and excitement, drama and the holidays. Spencer had learned women were not to be trusted and 11 years ago he had turned her down for marriage.
Love how children put baskets together for those in need-so generous. Adults will help make toys for male children for the baskets.
Loved hearing of the tools used to make the toys and the process of using the hand tools.
Others are matchmaking Spencer and Annabelle but they each hold a secret.
Love hearing how they decorate for the holiday, fresh greens!  Injuries occur and feelings are hurt in the process...
Amabelle feels like an outsider and Spencer is known as fourth Birmingham brother although he's not related.
Misunderstandings from eleven years ago as the truth comes out. There is a lot of joy but their sister and mother may not make it in time for Christmas, they should have arrived by now...
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with summaries of some of them.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.










Home for Christmas by Holly Chamberlin
Have read other works by this author and have found the books enjoyable as I know this one will be.
Nell is decorating for the holidays-love hearing everything that is involved as we would do that at our family house every year as well.
Loved hearing of all the memories of the ornaments.
She thinks this could be the last Christmas holiday she and the girls spend together in Yorktide, Maine. Molly is about to be married and Felicity will be traveling with her father and step mother to England countries.
Her ex Joel had younger female interests. She had once was going to be a poet and marry Eric but she broke it off in college.
She wants to make this year the best the girls ever experienced in Maine and might go to Eric's reading at the store...
Lots of twists and turns for all. Liked all the baking as that's what I do starting in Nov so I can mail them out in time.
Loved hearing of Nell's knitting and other hand made crafts and ornaments for the girls. Love that she will give them each something of importance. I do similar when we visit my daughter and granddaughter. They get a piece of jewelry I am wearing as it will then belong to them. Why hold it til you die and then others may fight over it.
After extensive talks with one another about the important things, doorbell ringing all day, outcome is phenomenal.


Received this review copy via Kensington Books via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.








 Winter Wishes by Fern Michaels, Susan Fox, Jules Bennett, Leah Marie Brown
Christmas Kisses by Fern Michaels
Meredith is on her way to Nashville, KS after having left Las Vegas....
She was a dancer but there was always another younger one waiting to take over, especially after injuries.
She meets Noah who she might be buying his grandmother's house from.
She hopes to get a job and then she'd be able to afford the house. She asks what is next as he found her a house, job was marriage next?
She'll take the temp job. She selects his name for the secret santa gift and everybody goes to the town party.
They spend time together and she discovers what it is she wants to do with her life. Silly children's books, they'd be a hit.
So many misunderstandings...predictable for the rest of the book...

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Blue Moon Harbor Christmas by Susan Fox
Michael, an architect had a baby with Jillian and he sent her support payments as she was going to get an abortion. 8 years later, Ontario and she's a pilot on the island.
He had never seen the baby and 8 years later he wants to learn about him and maybe try to bond. They were just a party couple in college and got caught up with her pregnancy.
Michael arrives and spends the holidays with the family as he stays at the inn nearby. He learns so much about not only his son Cole but his wife and her parents that they live with.
He sees himself and Jillian in the child and hopes to find toys for his interests.  They try to work things out as they still like one another, very much...
He won't be staying long as the new year will bring him back home, to work....

Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett
Ruby has agreed to go on a blind date-she knows him-Knox. She was a nurse in charge of the terminal illness ward and his wife was her patient. She got transferred after her passing.
They agree to go ahead with the date and catch up another up to date.
He wants to make her Christmas a great holiday as she had lost her father last Christmas Eve and he decorates her house for her.
He is a pilot and he had joined the Navy so he's always on the move.
Sex scenes that help her understand how much he cares for her. Predictable ending, bit of a twist.
Plans for new series is included.
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Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown
Grace is an advertisement writer and she also writes romance. Her boss Roberta needs to discipline her as she is using the computer during business hours for personal use. 3 week unpaid leave, now she has time to write her book.
She is persuaded to go to Ireland and meet Colin-the main she is writing about in her book.
Liked the travel and places she gets to visit...
Colin, she does meet him, but there are many with the same name. Travel tips at the end.
.
Author bios at the end along with a featured book by each author.
Received a review copy from Netgalley via Kensington Books and this is my honest opinion.











Design Your Own Crochet Projects by Sara Delaney
Very high quality photos that sometimes take quite some time to load in, be patient they are worth the wait.
Like the Introduction and the story of the author and how she came to be a designer and learn while working. Also a section on the tech side of yarns. Important things that you will take by reading this book that are important for measuring right especially for clothing. Love the yarn weight charts.
Each category has its own chapter with a brief summary at the start. Shows the technical side of how to measure but in simple terms that we can understand.  The blank forms are very handy for keeping your own designs in order along with notes. Mine are in my head or on bits of paper all over the house.
Patterns themselves start with a brief summary along with color photos. Calculations for yardage using the particular pattern, formula used and row by row instructions.   Chapters are for scarves, cowls, hats, fingerless mitts, mittens, gloves, and socks.
Love the names of the scarves. The items made are going to fit like a glove for the intended wearer. My problem is I never know who my items are going to as I crochet and knit for charity for those less fortunate and sold also at bazaars.
Love that the color photo of the items as they are laying down flat on a table and the next page is of a model wearing them, outside-excellent contrast so you can really see the item.
Stitch dictionary along with a swatch is also included and at the end where the row by row instructions are given also.
There are 31 in total-what a resource of knowledge!  Makes it easy to pick out a pattern first then go to the area you want to make.
Stitch abbreviations and definitions are included: Shows step by step color photos of the steps involved along with the words.
Love that they use a white background so you can see the instructions as they move along. I am a published crochet designer myself but I don't go into all this detail to do the hats and mittens for others.
My favorite to try would be the fingerless mitts as most everybody can wear them and they don't have to be a perfect fit.


I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.


Married to the Sea by by Norah Wilder
Book starts with Dr. Bruno Kerrigan and he's just performed a difficult surgery. Next we are years later and the story follow Delsie
who's a painter but usually only on canvas. She's been hired to do a mural at the waiting room in the medical facility. After everyone has left for the day a man approaches thinking she's a vandal til she explains why she is there.
He leaves and she continues on his way. He hopes to find her there again the next day but she's not...
Story follows the both of them as their paths cross.
What I like about this story are the careers and how detailed they are explained to get you not only familiar with with technical terms that you can understand.
Dr. Bruno is arrogant and it takes a bit of time to become familiar with his traits. He's only every lost one patient.
Delsie hopes to one day have enough money to leave her father's house to one of her own. Her mother had died years ago...
Love how her father is a shipbuilder and love hearing of the tools of his trade.
Love mystery behind the flaming arrows...Men's taking cooking classes and the bantering is priceless!
Love sealife interjections throughout the book through the mural and quotes at beginning of the chapters.
Jokes throughout are funny, helps move the story along also. Fun learning new things in this book.
Love that the author was able to accomplish so much in just 170 pages that would've taken other 300 pages to do.
He knows she will be crushed when he tells her but maybe she'll forgive him?


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



35 Mexican Chicken Recipes by Jean Pardue
Book starts out with table of contents in no specific order and then dedication and other works by the author and an introduction about how she grew up and family traditions.
Recipe starts with a title and list of ingredients which contain canned products with sodium so if you want a healthier dish for your dietary needs use fresh whenever possible and substitute using low fat, low sodium, etc.
Directions are included and there are no pictures. There is no nutritional information.



Meat & Fire: 100 Barbecue Recipes For Delicious Falling-Off The Bone Meat (Rory’s Meat Kitchen) by Rory Botcher
Book starts out with a free gift and then the table of contents which are broken up into recipes which are broken up into ingredient and preparation.
Short introductions and what culinary art of barbecue means.  Recipes include a title prep and cook time and servings.
List of ingredients and rubs and how to make them. There are no pictures and there is no nutritional information.



The Complete Pressure Cooker Cookbook and Guide  by Kristen Carlota
Starts with an intro and chapters on using your pressure cooker. The cover shows an old one, not new up to date electric ones so recipes may not work as far as setting the temperatures and pressures.
Recipes have a title, summary and list of ingredients that you can probably substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, etc.
Some recipes you'd have no problem setting pressure for as many minutes as it states but it doesn't state if it's low, medium or high pressure so a bit of experimentation you'd have to undergo.
There are no pictures and no nutritional information.

Organic Lip Balms: Natural Homemade Lip Balm Recipes -Simple And Easy Guide To Making Your Own Lip Balm by Katrina Payne
Book starts out with a free bonus gift.
Table of contents then introduction. Chapters on how to get started and what things you will need.
A troubleshooting chapter is also included as you practice.
Recipes include a title, ingredient lists and how to make the balm.
Varieties of flavors available. Some color photos. Looks like a LOT of work and expense.




The Real Food Version Cookbook: Over 100 Quick & Easy American Favorite Dishes, Recipes for kids(minimally processed, free of common allergens)Delicious, … & healthy, Tasty, Quickly, Easy Recipes by Efrat Petel
This book starts out with table of contents and I can't figure out what categories are.
Short intro explains about the book itself.
Stock it chapter talks about what to have on hand in your pantry and why.
Utensils and appliances are next. Each recipe includes a title, servings, states if its gluten free or for vegans along with a short summary of the dish.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, etc.
Directions are included along with pictures of the items.
There is no nutritional information. Kale chips would be my choice to try as we have some in the garden still to pick.
Vegetable chips would also be a great choice for us.



Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: Easy and Delicious Mediterranean Diet Recipes to Lose Weight and Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease by Savannah Gibbs
Book starts out with a table of contents with breakfast, lunch , snack, dinner and dessert recipes
An introduction to the Mediterranean lifestyle and how you can adapt it to your living.
Recipes start out with a brief summary of the chapter then individual title, one line summary and servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, etc
Directions are included along with some nutritional information: calories, fat, sat. fat, carbs, fiber, sugar, protein and sodium. Would be nice to have a picture and the measurement of a serving as it's not based on what calorie diet.
Might find it difficult to find some of the ingredients in your local store: cumin seeds, almond flour,  quionoa flour, tapioca flour,, etc
Banana balls look interesting but I'm not sure how many is a serving.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



The Little Blue Digger - A Colorful Construction Site Story for 2-5 Year Olds
This children's colorful book starts out with a free gift.  With so much going on in the pages it might be hard to locate the words sometimes.
This is a story of a digger. it's a machine the town uses to help build a town. Love how it shows different machines being used. The bigger machines think he's too little to help out.
Blue digger kept wishing he was just a bit bigger so he could help.  He may get his wish real soon....
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.




Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: 150 Mediterranean Recipes to Live a Healthy Lifestyle by Jennifer Evans
Books starts with a table of contents broken into  breakfast, soups and stews, side dishes, meat, seafood vegetables, salad and dessert recipes.
Free gift is included.
Short intro about what the diet consists of.
Each recipe starts with a title, short summary of the dish, prep and cook time, servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, etc
Directions are clear but there are no pictures.
Some nutritional information is included: calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, fiber, carbs and protein.
Love use of fresh produce.  Nothing really stood out for me. Pictures and sodium levels would've made this a 5 star rating.




Messy Mason by Yonit Werber
Have read another book by the author and liked how she encourages children in a fun way.
This book includes a free puzzle gift. This book is about Mason and he is messy. Colorful children's book about a messy person and how the parents get to change his mind about cleaning.
Others in the family explain why they like a clean room, mostly so they can find things...
One tries to bribe him with an ice cream if the room is clean the next day.
It only worked for one day...They each had their own reason for keeping their rooms clean. Like parent tip at the end as there are many ways to bring about change.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Love hidden messages inside.




Children's Book: The Witch who was afraid to Fly (funny bedtime story collection)  by Yonit Werber
Free gift is available. Colorful children's book about a witch and she just didn't like being so high in the sky as witches are supposed to fly around.
Others do encourage her to keep trying...something magical happens when she dreams about flying...
Love that it's also a rhyming book. Other works by the author and there are many that would interest anyone to want to read them. Love hidden meanings inside.



Soup Cookbook: Simple and Healthy Homemade Recipes to Warm the Soul by Vesela Tabakova
Starts with table of contents  and short intro. Recipes starts in with a title, servings, ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, etc.
There are a LOT of ingredients. Directions are included.
There are no pictures. There is no nutritional information.
Some are basic everyday dishes, some are a bit fancier. Bonus drink section.


The Big Book of Apps: Your Nerdy BFF's Guide to (Almost) Every App in the Universe by Beth Ziesenis
After returning from a trip I glanced through this to see what and how other apps would've helped us in our journey from RI to OH.
Lots of contributors and a note on how to use this book.
Book can't stay up to date as hundreds of new apps are always being released daily.
You have to kind of know what it is you're in the field to do. Found it very cluttered with all the reviews from others along with summary of the app.
Liked travel ones especially as we use them often to spot delays or accidents on the road.
Like health ones also as we chart our miles walked per day, biking and swimming along with sleep, rem even.
Like section on how to store videos and photos-should be NO reason why after a disaster one loses it all. So many different places an image can be stored off site.
Like index at the end of the book more usable.


Easy Quiche Cookbook: 50 Amazingly Delicious Quiche Recipes by Chef Maggie Chow
Free gift at the end, table of contents, intro from the author.
Recipes include title, ingredients and you might be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs-low sodium, low fat, etc.
Directions are included.  Some nutritional information is included. servings and prep cook total times.
Calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, fiber, protein and sodium. no idea how big a serving is as it's based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Photos would've enhanced this book.  Don't care that some recipes include a baking mix, no control over the nutritional value vs. fresh products you select.
Lots of choices.


The Perfect Muffin Cookbook: 25 Heartwarming Muffin Recipes by Robert Pratt
Like muffins especially because we travel a lot and they are easy to eat in the car with no crumbs-if you make them right.
Always on the lookout for more recipes and different combination of flavors.
This book starts out with a table of contents and never tried a few of the ones offered as we mainly stick to tried and true.
Free ebook gift is included. A short intro is included and then onto the recipes.
Each section also has a few intro paragraphs about what to expect from the section.
Each recipe includes a title, color photo, prep time and servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs-low fat, low sodium, etc.
There is no nutritional information or I would've rated this a 5 due to consistency of the recipes.



Happy Desserts. Cookbook 50 recipes: do at home easy: pies, cakes, cheesecake, chocolate, ice cream, candy by Daniel Hall
Starts out with a table of contents and an short introduction.
Recipes include title, color photo, cook and prep times.
List of ingredients and directions. There is no nutritional information but you might be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat...
Has a few recipes for each category, good selection.


Tovi the Penguin goes trick-or-treating  by Janina Rossiter
Have read others in this series and have enjoyed them.
Colorful children's book about a penguin at Halloween time.
Dark colored words in a gray cloud make it difficult to read.
This one starts out when Tovi is searching for their pumpkin this year but spooky things happen.
Relatives are able to scare one another making this very funny and silly at times.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Excerpt from Tovi Goes on a  treasure hunt in Paris is included.



Christmas Feast Cookbook: The Very Best Classic and New Recipes by Sarah Spencer
Starts out with table of contents broken up into different categories of dishes to be served.
A bonus link for another free book is included. Introduction about the book and what it's all about.
Tips for making it perfect-check through your pantry and they'll tell you what to look for.
Traditional menu and other variations you may want to try.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep and cook time.
List of ingredients and how to prepare.
Color photo and there is nutritional information: calories, total fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, dietary fibers, sugars and proteins.
Doesn't really tell you how much a serving really is for most of the recipes.
Really like color photos and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs-low sodium, low fat, etc.
Drinks included and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Be great for a new family gathering if a couple is just starting out.



35 Recipes For Comforting Winter Soups by Pamela Kazmierczak
Table of contents and short intro. Each recipe includes a title, one short summary of the dish.
List of ingredients and some you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs, low sodium, low fat, etc
There are directions and how to serve.
There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
With the substitutions you should be able to make great meals.


Lasting echoes, an oral history of Native American people by Joseph Bruchac
Loved learning about the customs of the Indians and what 13 marks on turtle stood for.
Familiar with Lake George and it's fascinating to learn more about the Indians there.
All tribes are discussed as the stories are from their side and how the white people intervened into their world.
Enjoyed hearing about all the harm done by the white people as I've read just a bit about that in other books.
Like the references and sources listed at the end.
Received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Instant Pot Cookbook: Lose Weight Fast and Easy With the Ultimate Instant Pot Healthy Recipes( Weight Loss recipes, instant pot recipes,low carb diet,pressure cooker cookbook) by Thomas Keller
This book starts out with a table of contents by meals. Section on the pot itself and what could go wrong. A lot of it is just common sense but there are many chapters on how to solve the problem.
Calorie table doesn't really interest me because it doesn't break up fats into good or bad nor does it list sodium which to us is more important.
Recipes themselves start out with a title, servings, calories, prep time and ingredients. You might be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, etc.
There is some nutritional information listed but it doesn't state what a serving size is: fat, not broken up into good or bad, sat. fat, carbs,  protein, and sugars. Instructions are included . There are no pictures.
Some ingredients you will need to find them as they are not common to US households.
Nothing was really outstanding that I've not seen before.



Three wishes by Barbara Delinsky
Have read other works by this author and have loved the books.
This one starts out in Panama, VT and we find Bree Walker leaving the diner she works at, walking home but she's hit.
She wakes up in the hospital with dreams of being given three wishes before she dies for good, out of body experiences that I'm not sure I believe it, interesting to learn about.
Tom Gates is the man who rescues her and he is there to help in any way he can as she recuperates. He's soul searching as he's left his family behind in hopes he can find himself once again...
What I like about this book is the location and what snow covers-typical New England village, so descriptive and detailed. How she knows her job so well-knows what others will order and especially the truckers who visit often. Love hearing of the holiday and seasonal events that the town take joy in participating.
Tom holds his own secrets and he hopes it keep it that way...
They spent a lot of time together while each recuperate although the townsfolk don't know why he spends so much time there...
She holds her own secret after waking up and talking to the doctors that she may never come to terms with...after her third wish things happen fast...
Received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Irish cooking like an adventure. Cookbook: 25 Recipes for every day by Tim Allen
Starts with a free ebook gift and table of contents. Introduction about Irish meals and then the recipes.
Each recipe starts with a title, color photo, cook time, servings.
List of ingredients and I don't know why they mix measurements within the same recipe.
Directions on how to make and some nutritional information.
Doesn't state what a serving size is but has calories, carbs, fat-NOT broken up into good  or bad, cholesterol, sugars, protein and sodium.
You might be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs=low sodium, low fat, etc.



Baking in Your Skillet: A Collection of Skillet Recipes by Dennis Weaver
Table of contents, baking cornbread in your skillet and other dishes.  Other works by the author is highlighted at the front of the book.
Each recipe has a color photo title and summary of the dish. List of ingredients and I do not think you can substitute for your healthier dietary needs-low fat, low sodium as some might need the chemical reaction of shortening or butter. Directions are detailed. There is no nutritional information.



Homemade Bread Recipes: The Top Easy and Delicious Homemade Bread Recipes! by Kim Dewalt
Free bonus ebook is offered. Table of contents about different types of breads.  An introduction and then recipes.
Each recipe includes a title, color photo and summary of the history of the dish.
Ingredients are included and I'm not sure you can substitute for your healthier dietary needs-low sodium, low fat as some breads need real butter or shortening.
Directions are included. There is no nutritional information.
Spiced apple bread would be our favorite to try without as much sugar is called for.
Lot of choices and mostly basic traditional recipes. Great for first time bakers.



Instant Pot Cookbook: Fast and Healthy Recipes for your Electric Pressure Cooker: Insta Pot - Over 100 Recipes by April Stewart
Introduction about the instant pot, chapters on what you need to know and why you should buy one. Soups, dinners, breakfast , lunch and dessert chapters with recipes.
Can't believe some have the problems stated here-they are just common sense to us.
Recipes include a title, servings and list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for healthier dietary needs-low sodium, low fat, etc
Directions are included. There are no pictures and there is no nutritional information.
Regular foods that I've seen in the manual that came with the pot-nothing special.




Halloween Fun Facts: Early Reader Picture Book by C.S. Newton
Colorful children's book about creatures for Halloween. Each monster gets their own page along with other words that are associated with them.
Also a brief paragraph about it is included.


Cute book.





My own Cape Cod by Gladys Bagg Taber
Have been to visit various areas around the Cape and it's always about a good area. Hoping to find more great spots to visit.
Still Cove at Mill Pond Inlet and life on the cape and all it holds.
Stories of a summer resident who now lives there full time. Very like how my parents lived on the island off the coast of RI.
Chapters going through each of the seasons and what changes occur. Very descriptive.
Received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).





The Nantucket diet murders by Virginia Rich
Book starts out with her returning to the island and she finds her friends very thin and lacking in diet. Also some have died and she's on the trail of what is going on.
You are brought up to date about the womens past and their spouses and children as they all grow up around one another and spent many holidays together.
On their strolls they discuss architecture, widows finances, herbs that Tony is giving to others-it's an individual plan for each...
Like hearing all about the herbs and their combinations.
Recipes included at the end.
Received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Children's Book: The Biggest Halloween Pumpkin [Halloween Bedtime Stories for Kids]  by V Moua
Colorful children's story about a little bird and he gives you clues about where he is and you should try to guess.
Some pages have a dark background with dark words that you might find hard to read.
They search for the biggest pumpkin as they compare the pumpkins in the field.
He tries to move the pumpkin with help from you but he's not getting it done...he figures it out-so cute til it all goes wrong but silly and funny.
Cute Halloween story for the little ones.




The Gooey Butter Cake Collection: 60 Quick and Easy Cake Mix Recipes Your Family Will Love by Jennifer Compliment
Starts out with the table of contents then an intro about what a butter cake is and how to use it in the recipes.
Each recipe includes a title crusts ingredients usually including a boxed cake mix along with other products and the ingredients for a filling again package or canned products.
Doubt you can substitute for a healthier option as butter is key in these directions, you'd not get the same outcome if you do substitute.
There are no pictures and there is no nutritional information.
Basically these are fast desserts to make that will impress those after a dinner has been served, like a special occasion.



Superfoods Cookbook: Over 95 Quick & Easy Gluten Free Low Cholesterol Whole Foods Recipes full of Antioxidants & Phytochemicals (Natural Weight Loss Transformation Book 29) by Don Orwell
This book starts out with a bonus free gift and the table of contents along with an introduction.
Pictures along the way as he tells his story about why they changed to eating with this new lifestyle choice.
Tells you what foods to get rid of and more about superfoods and what it will help you to do, fight diseases and get your hormones under control.
Lists of the foods you should be eating and how it can help you and your body.
Also sections especially for kids. Recipes start with how to make your own condiments by using fresh items. Each recipe has a title, list of healthy ingredients and how to make. Also has allergies and their abbreviations that this item will help you fight against.
A color photo is included but no specific nutritional information.
Broths, pastes recipes and then into meals starting with breakfast.
Each of these recipes has a title, servings, allergies good for and list of healthy ingredients. How to make and a color photo along with a pasted nutritional facts included which includes size, calories, total fat, sat. fat cholesterol, sodium, potassium and carbs and protein. Some items you may have a hard time finding in your own pantry as they aren't used often.
Lots to choose from . References included at the end. Free gift link and other books by the author are highlighted at the end.



A Hummingbird Christmas By Karen Foley
Book starts out with Joy and her daughter Piper who have traveled to Glacier Creek, MT to spend time with her dead husbands family.
Her husband was a smoke jumper jumping from planes to fight fires,  along with his best friend Cole Tanner who she just crashed into on the blizzard road.
He drives them to their destination and eases Piper into seeing all the cookies that were made just for her.
Joy's job here will be getting everyone to help celebrate this holiday, even though they are down in the dumps that Matt isn't there with them...
They also see the hummingbird and Joy says it's a sign from heaven where Matt is. It's winter and they are not known for the cold weather. I have heard the same about cardinals-a sign from heaven.
Cole takes them into town for the festivals and Piper is overjoyed.
Love hearing from others who live and work in the town, such a welcome and warm community. His secrets do come out but is it what she wants to hear about....she has her own problems and wants to keep them to herself.
Like how the parents treat them both and how changes need to come about as they've all been grieving too long.
Kind of a predictable story line but the process was good.
Like hearing of his and her careers and how they are done, also holiday decorating. Sex and romance are indicated by not expressed.
Other works from Tule Publishing are highlighted at the end and an excerpt from Heat by karen Foley is included.


Won this in a book contest and this is my honest opinion.


 
 




 

Rangeela Tales: The Complete Collection by Gita Reddy
Great collection of stories and really enjoyed the adventure and mystery ones.
Fascinated to learn facts about parrots and what special features they have.
Really made a difference in the stories, the talents and how they came into play.
Children help also in solving some of the mysteries as they are also having problems at school but they find solutions with the help of the parrot.
Some scary and frightening events, torturing the parrots, occur but they stay strong and are able to become safe again.
Love that foreign words and phrases are explained after they appear in the chapters.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.





Nine Short Chapter Books by Gita Reddy
THE HOMELESS BIRDS (Fantasy) 
Didn't care for fantasy, magic or sci fic but know kids would enjoy them.
Did read and review others in this book prior:
.
Knife and Fork  
This book starts out with the monkey and he travels to the city where Lily adopts him. She is able to train him to use a fork and knife like humans.
Like comparisons between the monkeys and humans habits. Story also goes beyond that to when he returns to the forest. The other animals want to go to the city also and they don't want to hear what that's a bad idea.
He was not always welcomed there himself. They take his utensils and he goes off to live by himself. Like the ending and didn't see it coming.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
.
Daksha the Medicine Girl 
Story is about a girl who is an orphan and she is able to spend the winter in the Himalaya Mountains where she helps a doctor with medicines all winter long and watches what he does to help others.
The next winter she stays and the old man goes to live with others closer to town. There are a handful of others there and they all huddle together in the houses to keep warm and prepare meals. A military group were thrown out of their jeep and she is the one that can help repair the injured man.
Love how she watches anther animal to see the movements of the arm and how it should move. After the winter thaws they leave and go to the military town. She receives a note about visiting because they want her to go to school to learn how to be a doctor and they will pay for everything.
Love the opportunity that is offered to her. Really enjoyed this story as I had just read a very long book about the area but they were missionaries who taught women in the tribes about health and taking care of their children.
Especially loved hearing of what she used in the wilds that helped others with ailments.
 . 
Dearie by Gita V. Reddy
Story of a deer as they grow up. The mother has taught her things to help her survive in the woods and what to watch out for.
Love that part of the story and as she goes off by herself. There are others around and she knows the signal to get them to help.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Excerpt from a Cinderella story is included.  
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.






Silver Dollar by Alan Trustman
Really enjoyed the first book I read the other day by this author and look forward to more.
Totally out of their minds when they just board the plane and make it a 42 day around the world. Wow what a trip.
Joel is now dying and he wants her to be there for him and they try to make it to day 42 as their trip was.
Story goes back in time to when she had roommates and things aren't going just right and she takes off to find her own place with help from her other friends who she goes back to over the years from time to time.
As she advances at work she's able to afford her own place and takes up with L who travels a lot but they get along great.
Loved all the connections made through meeting others and helping one another out.
Relationships, career choices and life are all so fascinating as the years go by.
Like links to mystery of a disappearance til he's discovered and there's so much involved: skiing, restaurants, cannons and immigration.
Lots of action, adventure, romance and political views.
Love how the book got it's name. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Received a review copy via publicist and this is my honest review.




Check Out by Debra Parmley
Betsy is a naive librarian in a small town near Memphis, TN.
Nash is a Marine Vet who wanders into the library one day and she talks him into getting audio tapes rather than books.
They do date but her sister is full of drama and interferes causing their dates to end earlier than usual.
He's only got one eye and has PTSD that he talks to her about-found this interesting as I know others who also suffer.
Betsy has romantic daydreams about him, that's how much he's effected her.
The girls are out and a man attaches himself to her sister who's had too much to drink and Nash and his friends break them apart.
Malcolm is out to get Leann. She returns to college in KY.
High terror as she spots him stalking her but Nash has ideas and tells her how to be safe.
Love when Nash also went into the house and made sure it was safe for her to stay there. He's so protective. Nash has a lot of good techniques to keeping the women safe...
Misunderstandings and you wonder will it ever end.
Great short story. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.


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






Knit Mitts Your Hand-y Guide to Knitting Mittens & Gloves by Kate Atherley
What struck me first off was the wreath of mittens-so cool and I can do this!
I found this book to be very math oriented as you do need to do the numbers to get the right fit, everything from infants to adult sizes are included so charts are large.
Starts out with all the measurements you would ever need for any member of your family. It's going to fit like a second skin.
Adjustments can be made along the way. Special notes included.
I love seeing some of the patterns on the mittens and know they'd be good for even charity afghans. Other chapters include how to pick the right yarns for warmth.
Other strategies can be used to gain more warmth. Love color knitting patterns as they will go with any coat and outfit.
There's even a chart to estimate the yardage needed. I have done production work myself so understand about the ounces needed to make a project. So much math is used on the technical side to getting the perfect fit
Love the diagrams and pictures of the work as it's being done, really helps to explain what is going on.
Basic patterns are included along with variations for casting on, working cuff, thumb gusset and all other parts of the mitts.
Some of the photos are very dark in color making it difficult to see the stitches and patterns used.
So many charts to help you make the right size for the pattern you chose.
Especially like the section where they show a swatch of different rib patterns and how to make them-good part of a resource book for future projects also.
Patterns include not only charted instructions but everything is spelled out for you.
Like the abbreviation section because it tell you in various ways how to inc or dec and other knitting techniques.
Love twisted cables pattern the best and the other works by this author are highlighted at the end.
Everything you'd ever need to know about making hand coverings is covered in this book.
A KEEPER!


I received this review book from F+W Media via Net Galley and this is my honest review.


The Pursuit of Happiness by Alan Trustman
Was interested in reading this story because of the gang affiliation around Boston area. Have known many over the years and have heard a lot of stories of their life.
Find them interesting, I'm not sure why. This one starts out with a man just enjoying his drink and food when a Dominican gang hold up the joint but the man does not let them get away with it.
Not any of the 7. Then we find Dick Berton in KY various different routes and means of transportation. Love learning about his next assignment where he's explaining to the women who's father owns the yacht about the Boston gangs and familiar names to me.
This mission involves a shark, in a tank in the Pacific ocean. They teach him about sharks for several weeks as they all go out into the cages themselves. This also gives me time to understand and learn. Love hearing of the math involved in everything and easy explanations of what some of the terms mean.
I never knew what scuba meant either. Liked hearing of all the poisonous sea life.
Sort of reminds me of Frank, the transporter as he has to make up his own mind with what he has when things don't go according to plan...
Love all the action and adventure, travel and learning new things and adult romance and sex scenes. Love that the author doesn't take 500 pages to tell this story as others would've done. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Received a review copy via publicist and this is my honest review.






Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber
This Christmas themed book starts out with Merry and we learn all she does for the family-her mom who has MS, her brother who has Down's Syndrome and her job that ends that night.
She tries to skimp and save so she can have a meal out and her mother is trying to get her to use a dating site.
Story also follows her boss, the VP, Mr. Bright and he's anything but. He makes her working life miserable.
Love the surprise Merry is given for her birthday, I'm laughing out loud as to what they did!
Chapters alternate between Merrys' life and Jason Bright's life.
Jayson and his cousin Cooper have grown up together and made a pact not to marry before 40 but Jayson is being asked to be his best man, in Australia...
Cute holiday story. Predictable. 
Love hearing of the Christmas scenes that are decorated and described. 
Excerpt from The Twelve Days of Christmas (12/2016) is included.


I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.







A rebel spy by Anne Greene
Was glad I won a copy of this because I like the way the author writes. I don't even know what the book is about and know it will be a good read.
Starts out with Sophia and she's been detained and she's now in front of the general and he's agreed to send her home but next time she's caught she will be hung.
He thinks she's a spy so she'll have to be more careful with all the military in town.
Major Brent escorts her home to her family house. He is so taken with her dimples as she smiles, holding her arm in his.
She is able to hide her gun in her crocheted purse and the maid keeps it hidden out of sight.
Love that this 1860 story is focused around the Shenandoah Valley, which we have visited.
Story also follows the major and how he survives the war and living in town, laundering and eating. She is helping at the hotel, serving meals to the troops.
On her travels you are also learning not only of the locations but the history of the events during the war.
Women were strong as they were the ones doing the house/farm chores as the men were fighting.
She is not sure who helped save her as they were cloaked in black-her angel but she doesn't know who it was.
So scared for her but she is so strong.  Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.


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




A Christmas Belle by Anne Greene
Have read other works by the author and have enjoyed the reads. This one is also another enjoyable one.
Love cover with snow covered pinecones. Book starts out with Amanda and she's answered an ad to travel west and marry a man there.
Angel Vale is looking for many women to come and marry the men available there. There are some stipulations and some require you be Christian.
As the story goes along it follows Amanda and we learn how it came to be that she's decided to go there.
Story also follows Frank and he's a sheriff, building his own house and he has staked a gold claim.  His circumstances change a bit as a baby is left at his steps claiming the male child is his.
He pays a Chinese laundry man to tend to the child so he can work with the many jobs he has. He hopes the women he has sent for will agree to marry him and tend to the baby.
Like learning of the way others live in the west and how much a part religion has. Can't believe the outcome of this book because there was problems with Amanda's first betrothed and she keeps comparing Frank and his origins.


Received this review copy from the author via Bookfun.org and this is my honest review. Love holiday reads.




Snuggle and Play Crochet 40 Amigurumi Patterns for Lovey Security Blankets and Matching Toys by Carolina Guzman Benitez
Just looked at the cover and knew I wanted to read and explore this one. I am a published crochet designer myself and always enjoy looking at others creations.
This book I thought was just about the cutest of shaped items to make for kids-I was wrong, there is so much more included- I had NOT read the title.
Book starts out with a table of contents and an introduction about what's inside this book. 30 adorable doll type figures to make and afghans. I can just imagine using these dolls to create imagery places as a child plays with them.
Next section is material and equipment. Great project for using up left over yarns.
Never heard of the phrase a lovey but love finding out it's a comfort blanket. There are 5 blanket patters and 20 for cute characters. Love they give you the directions to sew part of the lovey to the blanket, what an awesome idea!
Explains also how to use the patterns and read the charts.
Each pattern contains: Skill level, materials needed, stitches used, finish size, color photo and pattern in row by row instructions and also charts if you work the pattern that way and other tips included as well.
Very easy to understand, not a lot of clutter, clean, precise.
Love texture blanket and think it'd look great for adult size for charities I crochet for.
Next major section are the toys: doll characters,  each part of the doll is given row by row instructions, or in the round and a chart before it moves onto the next section. Also shows where to sew it onto the lovey if you are making one of those as well.
Summary of the animal shape to something they like to do. Many clear pictures, from different angles, along the way to make sure you are doing it right. Love how they match the colors of the toy doll to the lovey, just perfect. Also can use childs favorite colors. Closeup clearn pictures of the features on the faces.
Love the selection of toys because you can create all kinds of scenes for the child to play.
Basic techniques are also shown in detail using color photos and explanations of what is happeneing with the aitches.
Abbreviations follow, chart symbols and stitches for US and UK along with color photos of stitches on the hook. Finishing techniques are also shown in the same manner. Author bio and acknowledgement page finish up this book.
Has so many things to do that are easy for everybody. So much detail and it's all so easy with clear instructions.


I received this book from F+W Media via Net Galley and this is my honest review.




Aboard the Wishing Star by Debra Parmley
This book starts out with Kara and Viv and they have landed in Fl on their way to the cruise after the Christmas holiday and hope to have a great New Year celebration.
Kara has lost her luggage and Viv finds others who are going on the cruise as well.
I've never been on a cruise but this is so detailed I feel like I am there.
They meet Nat and his cousin Adam while in the hot tub after the drills on board. We learn a bit about them and also Kara's husband who had passed away.
Kara has dreams of her dead husband and finds it hard to sleep and now she's having arguments with her friend-so much turmoil. Like all the wishes she makes...
Twists and turns as others show up along the journey...
Like romantic/sexual gifts she receives but she thinks they are from Nat but they are not!
Love hearing of all the activities all hours of the day and night on board and so many excursions on shore.
So diversified and so much to learn and no attachments.
Like how he calms her fear of swimming in deep ocean...love the exquisite things they view under the water. Love all the memories she treasures once she's back in snowy, icy Ohio. She's fearful of her boss and things turn very scary.
Love the mystery, action and adventure  as I thought this was just a romance novel, what a surprise!
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with an author bio.

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








 

My Review:

Winter Warning by Jerome Charyn
First book I've read in this series and it's the final one. Wish I had read from the very first book. A lot to me didn't make sense til towards the end.
Characters were introduced by the bundles as things were being brought into the plot.
Reminds me a lot of the Last Survivor a story on TV where a man was pushed to take over for the president who died in a white house bombing.
So much, as in that show were brought forth in this book and took it to the next level as we learn about other things in the past and present and future that will make a difference to the country.
Love the travel and all mercenary and wild things, super natural beings but they are explained. Nicknames for some were hilarious but they fit the picture in your mind.
Love hearing of the razzia and can't wait to teach my grandson about it as we play army guys.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.









The Holiday Truce by Felicia Rogers
Lena and Frank are riding together from FL to CO. It's near Christmas so the boss didn't want her to pick a married man with kids.
She really tries to get along with him but...he really tries to get along with her.
When they become stranded and not dressed for the weather they find a cabin with cans of food. He takes charge and makes a fire to keep them warm.
Outhouse is another story. They nag at one another and decide to call a truce to get through the ordeal of being lost.
What I like about this is how different the two are but they are thrown together for very long road trip around the holidays.
Love the cabin and only cans of beans to survive on. Outhouse has much traffic.
Because they spend so much time together they talk to one another...
Short but tragic and funny all at the same time.





Up Chit Creek Series: Kira Callahan Mystery By Catherine Astolfo
Kira works at the retirement center where most everybody has a memory issue and are old.
She finds a dead man with a woman sitting nearby, knife sticking out of the man's back.
Her older sister owns and run the center. Sheriff and deputies come out but it's hard to question those who don't respond due to their illnesses.
Love hearing about the rooms available in the mansion for the residents to use. Liked learning about others past and the history of the town.
It's a bit confusing to keep track of them all.
Kira is involved in finding clues, by listening or asking questions of others...
She confides in George, her boyfriend and he has more suggestions as more pass away...
Adult sex scenes. Loved the Leonard Cohen lyrics, priceless!  Author bio at the end along with other works.
Free from Smashwords





The Dump Cake Gourmet: 25 Outrageously Delicious Dump Cake Recipes by Grace Minello 
There are many books in this collection:
Book starts out with table of contents  and an introduction.
Each recipe has a title, servings and ingredients. Not sure if you can substitute for healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat and low sugar.
Directions  are included. There are no photos.
Some nutritional information is provided: calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, protein, sugar and sodium levels are no divulged.
For faster cakes you can use cake mix and pie fillings.
.
Dump Cake diet by Jen Trivaalli
Starts with an introduction about dump cakes.
Each recipe starts with a title and has some nutritional information listed: servings, calories, cholesterol, fiber, sodium, carbs, fat-NOT broken up into good and bad, protein.
List of ingredients and I'm not sure if you can substitute for butter for your healthier dietary needs.
directions are included. There are no pictures.
.
The Paleo Gourmet wraps by Jen Trivalli and Danyale Lebon
Foreword is given and an introduction about a wrap.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep time. List of ingredients is included and I'm not sure if you can substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat.
Directions but no pictures. Some nutritional information si given: calories, carbs, fat-NOT broken u pinto good and bad, protein and sodium.
.
Dump dinners diet by Danyale Lebon
Intro and chapters on benefits of organic food.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings and cook time.
List of ingredients and some included packaged or canned items. Not sure if you can substitute for healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar items.
Directions are given. There are no pictures. There is no nutritional information.
.
Mason Jar Meals by Danyale Lebon
Benefits are discussed. Recipe start with a title, summary and prep and cook times. Ingredients and servings.
Directions are included. There are no pictures. Some nutritional information is provided: calories, fat-NOT broken up into good and bad, carbs, protein.
.
Nutribullet recipe book by Danyale Lebon
Introduction and all about the nutribullet blender. Each recipe includes a title, servings, calories per serving. List of ingredients and directions. There are no pictures. There is no nutritional information.
.
Fruit Fusion by Danyale Lebon
Talks about why you need to drink more water and the benefits of doing so.
How to make your own flavored water and infused ice cubs and teas.
Each recipe includes a title, summary list of ingredients and direction. Nutritional information includes vitamins and minerals: vit a, beta carotene, flavonaids, copper, vit K, iron, manganese, low calories, fiber, antioxidants and more.
.
Furit Fusion smoothies
Intro talks about the history of smoothies and typical ingredients.
Each ingredient is known for medicinal uses or for reducing inflammation, etc.
Each recipe includes a title short summary. Servings. Nutr info per serving has calories, fat-NOT broken up into good and bad, carbs, protein, fiber, sodium and sugar. List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar.
Also has directions. . There are no pictures.
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Clean eating: lose weight for life
Intro and what clean eating is.
Has meal plans along with recipes.
Has a grocery list for the recipes also and how much you'd need to buy.
Each recipe starts with a title summary and servings. Calories, fat=NOT broken up into good or bad, protein and carbs. There is no sodium or sugar mentioned.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar.
Directions are included but no pictures.
.
Clean eating: how to look and feel younger through the art of mindful eating
Intro and importance of clean eating for your skin  and other body  parts, and the nutrients associated with it.
Best foods to help you achieve better body and what each fruit or vegetable will do for you.
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Adrenal reset
Intro and about the diet plan.
Has listings of food to eat and those to avoid.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings per recipe, calories, protein and carbs. Ingredient listings and directions.
No pics and you should be able to sub for healthier dietary needs.
.
Antiflamatory Diet
Intro about this disease and what you should eat and not eat.
Exercises can help and she tells you the different ones. Each recipe starts with a title servings and calories per serving.
Ingredients and directions. There is no other nutritional information and there are no pictures.
Has a week of meal plans.
.
Leptin resistance diet secrets
Intro and discusses how to suppress appetites and cravings.
Has many rules: only 3 meals a day, nothing after dinner, etc.
Meal plans are included.
Recipes include a title, summary and list of ingredients
 and directions. No servings, no pictures and no nutritional information.
Should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar, etc
.
Hormone Reset Diet
Intro and how hormones play a big part in losing weight.
Gives examples of good food selections in each food group.
Each recipe includes a title summary,  and list of ingredients along wtih direction. There are no pictures. There is no nutritional information.
.
Ketogenic diet weight loss for woman
Intro and benefits of this diet.
Has a chart of vegetables, amount and net carbs.
Also a chart of what foods to avoid and why.
Each recipe includes a title, net carbs, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, protein. List of ingredients and directions.
There are no pictures.
.
The Ultimate honey cure
Intro and why honey is good for us.  Varieties and how honey is made is discussed.
Discussions on why honey is good for internal and external parts of your body.
.
Growing organic berries
Intro and then Q&A on how to grow the berries.
Goes through many berries and talks about how to grow them with considerations to planting, harvesting, sun, water, etc..
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DIY Household hacks
Intro and talks about each room in the house of how to clean and organize things.
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Essential oils
Intro and history of essential oil use from different countries. .
Basics of extraction and distillation, etc are summarized.
Love the parts about potential dangers.
Uses and benefits are discussed.
Large listing of oils, where the source came from and a summary of things it's useful for.
Recipes include a title, summary and list of ingredients along with directions.
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Mindfulness
Intro and understanding stress, anxiety and depression, especially in the work place.
Main causes and how to use natural therapies.
How meditation can help.
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Journaling: mastery in minutes
Intro and everything you need to know about journaling, Q&A style.
Importance and goals and options available.
Samples included.






Real Food for Healthy People: A recipe and resource guide by Carol D'Anca 
This book starts out with what real food means and how she discovered her pills were not the way to go.
Table of contents is next  then preparing for the successful outcome. Talks about the equipment you will need in the kitchen and why.
using very little oils and grilling is one way and baking.  pictures along the way show cupboards filled with healthy spices and herbs.
Different categorizes of food and what is included in each category is listed. Basic spices are listed and why they are beneficial.
Recipes starts with a title, summary, prep and servings. List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for healthier dietary needs-low sodium, low fat, low sugar, etc although it's going to be hard to find those products as ingredients.
Directions are given along with some recipes that have a color photo but no nutritional information.
Some of the ingredients you might find hard to get at your local grocery store as they are nutritious healthy items.
Don't care for stock used as we found even lower sodium content. 
Lots of categories to choose from along with recipes.
Index included at the end



Christmas with the Millionaire by Heather Spade
Cute short romantic story about a girl who goes to the party alone as her brother is busy elsewhere and she has broken up with her boyfriend.
She's to be auctioned off for a dance at the party for charity. After the masks are removed she notices the man that's been staring at her all night and finds out who he is.
The man arrives and asks who the woman was ahead of him in line and finds out details about her job and that she's the one to be auctioned off for a dance later...
Predictable but festive.






25 Ways to Improve your website by Vinny O'Hare
Starts out with an introduction about the history of how it all started and how it ended up.
Has some really good ideas and the details on how to do the things described. Like it has the tools mentioned and how to use them to evaluate the website.
Shows exact examples of what the author is trying to get across to you about.
Tags, colors and so much to pay attention to and targeting others with similar likes.
So much more to this book and it is a short read, you should read it all and implement the suggestions to have a successful website.
Love the social media sites mentioned at the end brining it to 29 ways to improve your website.
Also a link to more helpful suggestions is mentioned at the end. 





Authentic Fajitas & Burritos: How to make Mexican Traditional Tortilla & many others
This book starts with a lot of history about Mexican cooking and what ingredients are involved.
Explains in detail about tortillas showing pictures of the different types and how you make them using old recipes.
Shows pictures of the process along the way.
Then onto tortilla wheat variety showing a color photo, cooking time, servings and list of ingredients. Directions are included.
There are even low calorie tortillas but I am not familiar with some of the ingredients-masa harina. 
Some include nutritional information: calories, fat-not broken up into good or bad, fiber, carbs and protein. I'd be more interested in sodium and bad fat components.
There are many categories to choose from. 



Unique and healthy pressure cooker recipe cookbook by Clara Grey 
I love my electric pressure cooker but this book is not for me for many reasons.
A free gift at the start of the book-ice cream recipes. Each recipe includes a title, summary of the dish, time and servings along with some nutritional information: calories, proteins, fats-NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs. List of ingredient and how to make.
Problem with ingredients is some are listed in cups, others in grams-a lot of conversions to be made before you can even attempt making the recipes.
Keep it American measurements or English metric but not both in a recipe.
For the direction it states to assemble the food in a bowl and then transfer to the instant pot. This is the electric pressure cooker I have and this book does not tell you which of the 10 buttons to press to get the pressure, nor if it's low, medium or high.
Big guessing game. There are only a handful of color photos.
You might be able to substitute for a your healthier dietary needs after you figure out the conversions with weight of measuring the ingredients.
At the end the free ice cream recipes are linked again along with other works by the author.


The Premium Collection 200 healthy recipes  by Jennifer Wittman
Table of contents and then an introduction to the book and what air frying is all about. I do not have an air fryer and we'd probably not get one as our pressure cooker does the job of 7 other appliances.
There are lots of pictures through but not even recipe has a picture.
Each recipe has a title and list of ingredients. Not sure if you can substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, etc.
Directions are given and there is no nutritional information.
For the desserts they start off using biscuit dough in a package-too much sodium for us and also strawberry pie filling-way too much sugar and 1/4 c butter. I do like it tells you how many minutes to cook at at what temperature.
Doesn't give servings either.  Wish start of the title had 'air fryer' in it or I wouldn't have gotten this book.




My First Reading Book by Amber Richards
Introduction about this book and how it uses 3 letter words then increases more letters. The goal is for the child to sound out the words by memorizing a few similar words used frequently.
That is not the way our school system works nor the leapfrog activity games for young children but I can follow along.
Other works by the author, not related to children's reading books are highlighted at the end.



My Invisible Monster a space flight by Alex G. King
Starts out with a free gift ebook. Goes right into the story about Billy in his bedroom and it's time for bed. He wear a spacesuit
Colorful children's story. He jumps and takes off into space. He sees things that others have talked about and he's so amazed.
He meets other creatures and they walk around wobbly as green sand is moving under them.  Billy next lands on a crater filled with green crackers and candy. Wow what an adventure they are on!
Then Billy's mom is calling and that means it's time for bed.  Best part was finding a gift on his night table.