Thursday, May 31, 2018

Books read May 2018







Castaway Cottage by Joanne DeMaio

Have read the other books in this series so when I got my review copy I cleared my mind and sat down to start in on it. forget dinner, pizza worked and dishes and laundry can wait another day.
Starts out with Kyle and Lauren and they are finding the source of the problem on the walls after removing wallpaper. Kyle is sorting through boxes and finds their marriage certificate from almost 10 years when he discovers his name is spelled wrong.
He then tells himself he is not married at all and goes to the JP and judge to find out the real solution-they can have a redo of the day.
All their friends gather around the pitch in among the other problems they face. Each has their own set of troubles and work things but they are always there for one another.
Love the treasures I found in this book=new words and what they mean, Italian phrases, how the book got it's title, and so much more.
At times I was laughing out loud, tears running down my face, at other times I was whimpering because I knew they pain they were going through as I had been through it myself.
Without friends there they would never make it. Love lessons we learn about the sea and the secrets that have stayed hidden away for decades as they come to light.
Thought this was the best book in this series but you can read it as a stand alone and you are brought up to date with whats going on with everyone and their past-just not a lot of the details.
Can't wait for the next to find out how they mend things to make it right again. Book is just so descriptive I felt as if I was the one there walking the driftline-didn't know that's what it was called.
Beach scenes are described so beautifully and knowing where to find beach bling that is free is just priceless.
Author bio and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.


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




Rebecca's Song by Dawn Kinzer
1905 This story in the Riverton saga follows Rebecca and she's the school teacher.
She has some problem children but for the most part she can get through the day with prayer and patience.
The Graysons son is the culprit, the bully and he's gone in front of the school board and wants her replaced with a man who can control the children.
Ten years she has taught and also taken care of her best friends children so the adults could spend time alone away from them.
Shocking news from the sheriff and the three children no longer have parents.
Uncle Jesse comes to the rescue after the death and she hopes he can ease the children's pains.
He is angry with God for allowing his sister and her husband to die and leave 3 children as orphans.
Over time things change and a decision from Jesse.  Rebecca has helped the family with them moving on...
So depressed, desperate as to what to do they find the answers in praying to God. Love how the book got it's title and what it means.
Love hearing of the breakthroughs they are able to make with the children after the castrophe accident.
Hard book at times as we lost our older brother and he had three children that my parents were able to raise. We would help out when we could but it was a difficult time.
Jesse is not comfortable with his decision until he finishes his work first. Love all the action and adventure and mystery and learning new things to help others.
Q and a discussions questions at the end. Acknowledgements, meet the author, free offer of a ebook
Summary of the books in this series are included.
I received this review copy by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest opinion



Including the first two books reviews 





Free for signing up for author's newsletter: http://www.dawnkinzer.com/p/contact-me_11.html  bottom right hand corner
Maggie's Miracle
Riverton, WI 1918
Memorial Day celebrations and we find Maggie Winters with her friend Louise and she feels like she's going to faint. There are so many there, to hear her sing.
Very descriptive details as to the weather and surroundings to make you feel like you are there with them.
Prayers to the Lord along the way to help her get through it all, she needs a miracle. She is to perform a song she wrote, to commemorate all those who fight for the freedom of citizens of US.
Maggie runs into a man, confesses things to her that make her feel proud of what she's done after talking about his time during the war and it makes him feel brave.
Very short story but you get the gist of how this author writes and what's impoartant. You will like the rest of her works below.
I received this review copy by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest opinion







Sarah's Smile (The Daughters of Riverton, #1) by Dawn Kinzer
Riverton, WI 1902
Book starts out with Sarah and she's working in the store when she meets Peter's child. They had grown up and knew one another since the age of 8 and he left for college and met Lilly and married her. She had died and he decided to move back to town and stay with his sister with his child. He's now a pastor and Sarah's path crosses his often as she also leads groups in the religious learnings.
We learn about Sarah's past and she feels she's living her parents past and looked down on over the years as her mother had left her for her grandmother to raise her.
Lvve hearing the passages from the Bible and how they help to justify the decisions and outcome. She needs to overcome the hurt she's feeling and move on.
Like how she wants to match the music at the service with his sermon.
She has plans to follow other missionaries to Africa very soon... Like the connection Peter's sister Ellie have with Sarah and how he choose Rebecca the school teacher to tend to daily needs of his daughter.
Like that Will is also interested in her besides the pastor and he doesn't want her to leave the area.
What I do like are unpredictable scenes.
Asking for forgiveness-what a great way to make friends.
Easy to keep character straight as there are a handful of them. Like hearing of the everyday life and work they each do and their past-helps to understand why they have strong feelings towards different subjects.
Love how he's able to talk to the blacksmith and hear how he works his problems out.  Love also how Sarah helps others with money by sharing her plants at home.
When her whole world falls apart she continues to listen to God for guidance. She has her faith still. What I like about his section is that it's similar to things that continue to happen today, being bullied and how they overcome it.  Never saw this ending coming as it did.
Discussion q&a at the end.  Author bio included. Other works by the author are highlighted.
I received this review copy by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest opinion




Hope's Design (The Daughters of Riverton, #2) by Dawn Kinzer
Riverton, WI 1904
What I like from the very start is that Hope is a talented fashion designer and Ben, a secret has some hidden talents as well.
They are thrown together as his brother Jake likes Annie-Hope's cousin who she will be staying with for an extended time.
Like hearing of the Panama construction and the descriptions of what goes on there.
What I also like is connecting with others from the previous book, but you are brought up to date, not left in the dark about them.
I also am a fashion designer so this book is fascinating for me.
Hope has a huge secret that she doesn't want others to learn about-Annie knows and will keep her confidence.
Love how color strikes Hope and Ben also and it's a large part of the things they see in daily life.
Daisies-I also grow them myself and with my blue ktichen they fit perfect.
They find many of the same interests but she has to keep her distance because of her past secrets-she doesn't want to go through them again.
Hope becomes upset when Ben didn't stick up for others fighting...Jake informs her it is up to Ben to tell her....
Love all the discussions of the library and the fashion industry (Butterick and tatting, even memories of playing pinochle) and how Ben knows combinations of colors that go well together...through her tears (happy ones) she finds what he was hiding.
Like how they bring Rebecca into their circle. 
Hope takes it upon herself to promote Ben's work......then her ex fiancée shows up....
Love hearing how the youngest are kept busy along with everyone up to the elders in the community.
Thanksgiving holds special memories for those gathered around the table...
Discussions q&a at the end. Author bio included. Other works by the author are highlighted.
Free offer: Maggie's Miracle.
I received this review copy by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest opinion





SPTH: Choosing a Faith-Filled Adventure by Cheri Swalwell
Like at the very beginning the previous books in this series are highlighted along with summary of what to expect from them.
All the works from the author are then listed, some in series listings.
Dedication and table of contents and a note from the author come next.
What I like about this devotional book is that there are enough to fill a month and that the author uses real life experiences and real time computer when a situation arises.
No matter what age or problem there is an answer even when one is in such dire straits.
Especially like the times she was able to help others just by going about her life-visiting a store or dropping off items at a school and especially when in the presence of others. I think the actions tend to make others want to replicate them, in kind.
Thanks, offer of a free ebook, acknowledgements and contact the author, author bio, and summary of other works you may be interested in with brief summary are included at the end.
I received this review book from the author and this is my honest opinion.





 Journey to Respect by Lyn CoteFirst off I liked hearing about the vaccinations being administered during the 1825's.
Rather confusing at first when the alternating sections are about different main characters.
Ewe is living with her father and a woman relative that she refers to as a dragon. He's gone into politics and now she will stay in St. Louis while he heads further west.
Story also follow Rafe, he's white and part Indian.
He accompanies the Indian tribe and is welcomed by the US troops also. He finds a baby, his parents dead and Rafe been vaccinated he takes the child and gives it to the Osage Indian tribe's wife to nurse and they will care for the child.
Ewe has not found a man that respects her but she knows she will probably end up married and with children.
Love how she shocks them with her dress-she only hopes to accompany them to the Osage tribe so she can find out what's wrong with her father and help administer the vaccine to the tribe members.
Love legends spoken about the tribe, so treasuring a moment.
Lots of action, rich in Indian and American history, adventure, romance, believing in God.  Wouldn't mind reading more from this author.
Ending includes author bio and history around the book and events that took place and other resources.


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





Raise the Titanic! by Clive Cussler
Book starts out in 1900's and it's the night of the sinking Titanic where a man aboard knows the ship hit the iceberg and will sink as he goes to where he's stored the element that was mined that will be needed for future war projects.
Story follows a lot of different groups: one who finds the horn-the horn that was played on the Titantic, Sicilian project, money paid to survivors from miners who died in the past, other private groups that are funded from the government, the President who pursuades others to do things they don't really want to do and a lot more in different countries.
There is so much action and adventure, never mind the mystery surrounding it all. Bit of romance and you have a well rounded book for everybody.
Byzantium is the special mineral that everybody wants a piece of. two month submersible that can stay under water for more than 2 months time might just be the answer they need to get the minerals.
Thing that amazes me is that this book was written before they even located the Titanic so this is quite the story about it all.
Just when things are on an even keel a hurricane is in the area...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Crazy on you by Gibson_ Rachel
Story starts out with a woman who runs her own hair salon, lives next door to her mother and she is raising her 10 year old son.
He's obsessed with playing basketball to get good enough so his father will attend his games.
Story also follows the new police man in town who lives next door to them and he's got his own obsession.
Like how he helps the boy with his game and techniques. He also takes on her showing up in unsuspecting places.
Hot steamy sex scenes for this short story set in TX.
I received this book from National Library Service fo my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Cake Recipe Cookbook: 50+ Delicious Cake Recipes You Can Easily Make At Home in 15 Minutes (Quick and Easy Natural Food Book 28) by Teresa Moore
Book starts out with an offer of a free ebook gift, Table of contents where food recipes are not in any specific order.
Short introduction. Each recipe starts out with a title, list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sugar, low sodium and low fat products.
Directions are given and there are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information.
Still don't know what England considers a piece of egg-it's not like something you can separate into pieces and hold in your hand.
Some of the recipes are written in American terminlogy, others in metric.
Too confusing for me to decipher what they are trying to tell you in how to make these.



Fall from grace by Danielle Steel
Starts out with Syndey and she's lost her husband, had to sell/rent her one bedrrom apartment in Paris and on the way back, plane almost crashed. Paul kept her calm and she learns he's in the fashion industry. She gave all that up  when she married her husband and now it's been over 16 years later that she finds she has lost everything, even more than she thought.
Her husband never updated the will so everything went to his daughters from a previous marriage. She and her two daughters got nothing. Less than a month to leave, she rents an apartment in NY and calls Paul and he hires her although her daughters are dead set against her working for him-he just copies his designs from others.
Love fashion industry as I still design my own sweaters and patterns. She gets to travel to find out other things she's never learned about the fashion in todays world of computers and different fabrics.
When she gets to the point where she wants to die-she'd be worth more to her daughters when she was dead, i can see this happening but you have to be strong.
Everything seems to be too well, I feel she's being used-her name in the industry...
Wow so much happens and it's not how you think it will all end.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Seeking Catherine by Josie Riviera
Got this book free on kindle site, enjoyed other works by the author.
This one starts with table of contents, praise and awards and reader reviews.
Start out in London 1544 and the thing I really liked was learning new words and what they meant. I rarely read from this time period.
Catherine is in charge of the books at the brothel and we learn of her past and her relatives. She is only there to protect her younger sister.
Sir Thomas is her man, he owns her. She is trying to figure out why the book numbers are not adding up-there's a lot of money missing.
Stefan has arrived during off hours and he confronts Catherine and she learns he will go after what he wants. He had left her once before and know she knows why.
Sex scenes and we learn of how he took out others standing in her way of freedom.
Enjoyed the read-was a short one-for me.
Other works by the author and excerpt from the next book in the series is included.






The vineyard victims by Crosby_ Ellen
Story follows Lucy's life at the vineyard. Ten years prior she had gotten into an accident when she discussed her boyfriends affair with her brothers fiancee. He ended up in jail and Lucy has issues with walking.
Present day she's heading home and she avoids a candidate for president as he aimed for her car and ends up crashing into the vineyard pillar also, same spot as her accident. She rushes over and talks to him but he doesn't want any help at all.
She knows he was trying to commit suicide and learns more from her best girlfriend Kit later when she finds out she had met with him prior to the crash.
She lives with Quinn who likes to watch the stars at night ...he also works at the vineyard.
Love history of the area and the vineyard. Like how she discovers more clues as to the crash.
Love talk of cairn and war time and how it's revelant to the crash and gifts left.
Story gets super involved with events of the past, cool how it all comes together.
Lucy gets too close to the truth and now she's being shot at...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).









The Right Wrong Number: A Short Story  by Barbara Delinsky
Cute short story about Carly Kelly who runs her own shop for plants. It's in a college town and a huge store wants has given her a chance to incorporate with them.
She arrives home and calls to cancel her plans with her family but dials the phone wrong and ends up talking to Charlie who's an editor and they are getting along just great when she drops her phone in  a bucket of water.
Like how she tries to find out who he is and attempts to misdial a lot more numbers to get him back on the new phone.
Book also includes an excerpt from Sweet Salt Air. Othe works by the author are highlighted at the end.
About the authoris included.




Two Seasons of Romance by Lyn Cote
Like how all four books are different but the same: their each have caring emotional people in them.
What I like are the different locations that are described. Love how some have come back to help with their relatives due to health problems, and to help them out also.
Loved learning about watermelon plug/wedge-never knew this!  Would read more from this author. Stories are short but worth it.



Back to Eden Gardening: The Easy Organic Way to Grow Food (Homesteading Freedom) by Bo Tucker
Table of contents where it has different styles of gardens to choose from along with spices and herbs.
Comparing the Eden method with conventional gardening. Shows the differences between them and why Eden will produce more crops.
Shows different layers needed with pictures.
Like section on pests and good and bad ones and how to spray using non chemicals to get rid of things.
Each vegetable it states when to plant it and what to expect. Fruits are also discussed along with use of chickens and ducks.
Love section on composting as i am still having a problem and now I know why-I had the portions mixed up between green and brown items.
Love all the information in this book.
A KEEPER!



Mini Farming: How to Create a Sustainable Organic Garden in Your Backyard You Can Be Proud Of by Better Gardening Guides
What I like about this book are the choices available and the author goes over everything from selection of seeds to plant to the container and even dirt and other things that are important.
Found a lot of good information about putting several of our crops on trellis, freeing up the ground for lower plants where everything will get sunlight.
X resource book.


Container Gardening Month by Month by Gloria Daniels
Free calender offer, and table of contents is broken up by months of the year.
Intro talks about zone you are in so you make sure you get right things for it, to grow properly.
Starts out talking about planning, seed catalogs, inventory of pots you have.
Love that it not only talks about flower seeds but how to germinate them and also vegetable seeds and bulbs.
Tiny pictures along the way. About the author is included at the end.




Growing up Country:memories of an Iowa Farm Girl by Carol Bodensteiner
What I like about this book are the stories each chpater holds. Everything about daily life on the farm and how to do things, with your hands back then.
How to grow, harvest and preserve garden food along with food from hunting and fishing. So many different methods that are lost to us today using appliances and electricity.
Reminds me so much of our family farm next door where the cows where and watching the machinery as the milk was pasturized-never knew there were that many thngs in place to be sure it was free from bacteria.
Husband also grew up and would visit his grandparents house in Ohio where they raised show pigs and hogs and had a manager for the farm. Still asking him questions as they arise while reading the book to hear how different things were from RI to OH.
Reader discussion guide also included Some pictures throughout the book.



Hugo The Secret to Happiness by Suzy Liebermann
This tablet book needs to be read sideways. Starts out with Hugo and all their friends, very colorful children's book. Find it hard to read dark print on a dark background.
They are sad because he can not find happiness. The others help him out.
Author bio at the end. 



My Stand Mixer Ice Cream Maker Attachment Cookbook by Lily Charles
This book deceived me because I thought I could just use my stand mixer to make ice cream. You really need a lot of other ice cream attachments.
Starts with a table of contents, an intro, how to use a freezing appliance, and a bit about ice cream.
Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish and list of ingredients.
Instructions are included and there are no servings, no pictures and NO nutritiona information.
Love combination of flavors you can create.




Electric pressure cooker cookbook: 115 quick, easy and irristible pressure cooker recipes by Vanessa Olsen
This book starts out with a table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals.
Intro talks about the electric pressure cooker and explains in detail why you should get one. How it works is also included along with what each button does.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings and time to make. Brief summary of the dish.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sugar, low sodium and low fat products.
Directions are also included. Nutritional information and it states what % the servings size is includes: total calories, protein, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs and fiber.
There are NO pictures. Don't understand why you'd want to use a box mix or canned products when you can make it yourself, fresher and cheaper.
Conversion charts are listed at the end. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



On the Rocks Large Print (Spirit Animal Large Print Book 1) by Barbara Neville 
Story starts out on the wrong track for me as it's a lot of swearing.  When I hear about the situation it's understandable but still...
Roxanne Rockerfeller (Annie) is doing a roundup and her partner has gone off to corral other animals. Problems arise from a lot of different sources.
Love hearing about the animals and how they react and the things they do.  There are a lot of colorful characters along the way.



21 Stress Relief Smoothie Recipes by Grace Lawrence
This book starts out with a table of contents and an introduction about how this book can help you.
Has a chapter where it lists the different fruits, vegetables and other things and what good they can do for your system.
Recipes include a title, summary of the smoothie and list of ingredients where you can use low fat milk and other products.
Directions are given how to prepare it.
There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information.


Grandma's Favorites 41 easy as pie recipes by Mary Brown
This book starts out with an offer of other free ebooks.
Table of contents where recipes are not in any specific order.
Intro then the recipes.
Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish, list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your heathlier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar and low fat products.
Directions and sometimes a side note are included.
No servings sizes so you should be able to get at least 8 slices if not more if the slices are thinner sliced.
There are no pictures. There is NO nutrtioanl information.
As with the other recipe book these are old fashioned pie recipes, handed down from generation to generation.
Sugar free pie recipes are included. Differnet recipes for making different types of pie crusts are listed at the end.
Different methods of the edging are included along with baking secrets, about the author, and resources are listed at the end.


Grandma’s Favorites – Over 30 Tasty Time Honored Cookie Recipes by Mary Brown
Book starts out with offer of another free ebook, Table of contents were the recipes are not broken up in any special order.
Intro about how the book got started. Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish, list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar and low fat products.
Directions are given along with servings per recipe.
There are NO pictures.  There is NO nutritional inforatmion.
Old fashioned recipes-the kind I grew up on-it's good to have them all in one place.
Baking tips and tricks are included where it also tells you what to expect depending on the sugars you use, the fat/butter products, eggs, and different flours available.
Conversion charts for oven tmerperatures and how to solve other common problems, about the author and history of the family along with very old pictures of the ovens, resources are also included.



Ten Happy Easter Stories For Children 4-8 Years Old (Perfect for Bedtime And Young Readers) (Happy Stories For Children 4-8 Years Old) by Leslie Garland
Like this children's book because it can be read over the course of a week or more. Very small colorful pictures at the start of each book.
Cute stories about Easter.




Goodnight, Campsite by Loretta Sponsler, Olga Shevchenko
Children's colorful rhyming book about a stay at the campsite. Liked all the things that are depicted on the pages.
Print is a bit small and sometimes hard to read on the background.
Love bingo game at the end.


Natural Homemade Cleaners :The Ultimate Guide by Encore Books, Susan Hewsten
I have read other books similar and found this one very resourceful. Things you buy at the store cost so much money with tax also. Love having things I can make at home that will handle the problem by using things I already have that are in their natural state.
Great resource book to keep on hand.



Giant and Tiny a book of opposites by Hadas Korb and Ortal Zeret
Colorful children's book showing the things are are opposite to one another.
Pictures are on one side of the book and words on other side. Lot of things you could see everyday but don't see them as being opposites.
Inclluded are four pages of opposites shown at the end.  There are other works by the authors highlighted at the end.
Also a clickable link to get a free creative kit.




Mediterranean cookbook: the right stuffing, the full guide for delicious stuffed dishes by shira barak
Offer of a free gift, table of contents and dishes broken up by food categories.
Introduction talks about the Iran/turkey, balkan, greece, spain and other middle east phrases and what it means
The different parts of the stuffing are summarized. Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish,
list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat and low sugar products.
Some items may be hard to find at your regular store: Baharat and Tahini. Directions are given and how to serve them.  Not every recipe has a color photograph.
Other works by the author is highlighted at the end. Index of dishes are listed at the end.
B00IDOHGKW


Dana Dinosaurs great adventures 7 funny rhyming children's picture book collections Volume 1 by Leslie Garland
Starts out with listing of other fun collections surrounding other holidays the author has written.
Each story starts out with a title, color photo.Like the rhyming comparisons that are brought up.
Each page also has color photos of what the story is telling you about.
Very cute children's stories and they are short so you can at least one done if not more.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Dana Dinosaur potty training adventure by Leslie Garland
Cute story about how to potty train a dinosaur. Other works by the author are highlighted at the beginning and end.
Very colorful rhyming children's story.




Dana Dinosaur takes a bath by Leslie Garland
Very colorful rhyming children's story.
Like how she prepares for her bath.
Cute story. Other works by the author are highlighted at the beginning and end.



Dana Dinosaur's New Brother by Leslie Garland
Very colorful rhyming children's story. This one is about how the family prepares for a new baby.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the beginning and end.




Dana Dinosaur Ties Her Shoes by Leslie Garland
Very colorful rhyming children's story. Our grandson is going through the process of learning this feat also and there are so many ways it can be done.
She asks many of her friends for help. Like the message this one sends to the kids.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the beginning and end.






It Started in June by Susan Kietzman
Starts out with Grace and she's now divorced, 42 and just wants to concentrate on her new position that Paul had given her a new position with the company, a senior VP.
She is used to hard work and gets it done right the first time.
Also follows Bradley who has found Grace on the social media sites so he knows she's single. He will be under her command as they work on the latest assignment, the maritime museum campaign.
At drinks after working late she relaxes and smiles to the things he's saying and they end up in the back seat of a car later.... the boss doesn't condone office romance nor does Grace....
She confides in her girl friend ...she's his supervisor and the condom had broken...
We also learn of her birth and her mothers dating in high school...
Grace knows she has to mend fences with her mother and with the soon to be mother in law she discussed the choices.
Bradley discusses the plans with his parents and they feel they should have a say into what happens and they are both doctors: a pediatrician and a phycharist.
I feel he's 30 he should be able to make up his own mind about the situation.
They combine households as it'll be easier to take care of the baby together and give it a rial run before the event.
Tiring parents and one makes a slight error and they part and you wonder if they will repair the damage done...
Received this review copy from Kensington Books via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.


#ItStartedInJune #NetGalley


The Complete Guide to One-Piece Knits
Essential Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges for Sweaters Knit Top Down, Bottom Up, and Side-Over
by Margaret Hubert
 #TheCompleteGuideToOne-pieceKnits #NetGalley
Was happy to get an early copy of this book. There is so much to it!
Lots of pictures of items that are being made. Appeal of knitting in one piece by using a choice of 4 diffeerent styles: raglan style, yoke style, side to side and from bottom up over the shoulders and down the bottom front.
Charted instructions using the tecniques in multiple sizes, yarn weights and guages. For example one sweater has sizes that range from a child size 2 through man's 2 X and using yarn weights from #3 to #5 yarns. There is also a FAQ about making sweaters in one piece.
There are charts for every size available, charts for yarn weights, gaugest and needle sizes, yarn amounts and tips on how to finish the item.
Abbrecviations used are included. Diagrams of the sweaters showing all the pieces giving you tips about certain sections.
Thing I do not like about this method is that everything is charted due to all the sizes that are available. I think I would rewrite the size I am making so I don't get lost in the charts at any point in time.
Tells you how many stsithces to cast on, how long ribbing is and how to place markers and at what point. After that set of instructions new charts using new yarns are given in their own chart formats.
Bit confusing to me, rather see it spelled out in words and separated by ,'s for each size.
What I do like is at each new section of sweater types the skill level is shown, sizes and yarn to be used and needles and gauages. If you are a new knitter and opened this book you'd probably put it down as all you'd see are the charts and not quite understand what's going on.
I think it would just take me a bit of time to get used to this new format of a pattern.
There are very easy to understand patterns and lots of color photos.
Yoke and some other type sweaters are written out row by row using old format of patterns.
Other emblishments are explained at the end. Author bio included.
Because of the different format that you are used to seeing I hope you give this book a chance-it's an excellent resource because of the yarns, needles, sizes, sweater styles available.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group - Creative Publishing International via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.


9781589239517


Girls burn brighter by Rao_ Shobha
Book starts out with a girl that is born and raised in India and her mother dies. The father over time hires another woman to come and tend to the looms.
Girl is now sent out to get married-her family paid another. Enjoyed learning of the spices involved and how important they are.
Her husband not only abuses her physically but after 2 years as she's not become pregnant they toss hot oil on her face and neck. The father in law gives her a ticket back home.
She uses it to go find her friend-who had refused to marry her father and she is able to track her down. The train tracks are ruined but there's a man who will help her raise money til she has enough to travel again.
It's a brothel and I can't read any more of this book, too brutal and abusive for my likes.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).








SFTH: Parenting 101 Vol. 6 by Cheri Swalwell
This book starts out with summary of each of the prior works in the series, in case you missed any.
Also a listing of the authors works, in series format also.
Dedication page,  table of contents, note from the author, then into the devotions themselves.
Like so many things in this devotional that the author goes into more detail about: smell of love, a touch, family, tool belts for everyone, little things in life to mention a few.
So many real life experiences and memories and the message that is being sent from God. Love how the author interprets the signs for us.
Thanks page is included, along with offer of a free ebook, other works summarized and highlighted at the end of the book. Acknowledgments, contact the author, author bio are also included.
I received this review book from the author and this is my honest opinion.







My nest isn't empty, it just has more closet space_ [the amazing adventures of an ordinary woman]   by Lisa  Scottoline - Serritella_ Francesca Scottoline
This audio book is spoken from mother and her daughter who doesn't live at home anymore. Funny comical chapters about getting old, needing glasses and finding chin hairs.
Daughter knows her mothers quirls and they are funny...
Love take on automatic lights, wicked funny!  Liek tidbits from grandmother also
Q&A at the end. so funny book, just what you need to read for a pick me upper!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Lightning Strikes by Josie Riveira and various author from Prism book group
This book start out with Rachel and she hopes to be promoted to the editors job at the publishing company.
The storm has hit, she's lost power, her story will have to be done in longhand and her phone is dead. Gage, the neighbor upstairs invites her up for dinner, from his grill and she accepts after a bit of hesitation.
They decide after to walk around outside and they discover something under the road and Gage goes to investigate. They also have talked and she learns what he does for a living.
She is light enough to help the stranded animals and he helps. This story doesn't really seem to end as there is a hint there are other adventures for them at the publishing site.
Like that many took part in this short story, seems seamless to me. Enjoyed it but really could've been longer.
Other excerpts from the authors are included at the end.



Sleep Your Way to Good Health: 7 Steps to Make TONIGHT the Best Night of Sleep You Have EVER HAD! (And How Sleep Makes You Live Longer & Happier) by Amy Jenkins
Found this book to be mostly very common sense methods of falling asleep and staying asleep. We now do go to bed earlier to unwind from technology and it helps a lot. Also diet and exercise is discussed.
Many different things you can do to get a good rem sleep night.


10 Things I Learned living on an island by jason Blake
Enjoyed this story for many reasons. It took me to a location I've yet to visit and really gave me a great detailed description of the area, the people and what to expect as a tourist and as an owner of a part of this paradise.
Talks about some of the downfalls and a lot of cool free things to do. love hiking and discovering new things all the time and not too far from the other islands of Hawaii.


A Taste of Fresh: Garden Harvest Cookbook  by Sheryl Flynn
This book starts out with a table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals.
Each recipe contains a title, summary of the dish, servings. List of ingredients is included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar and low fat products.
Direcitons are included. There are NO nutritional information. There are NO pictures.
Reason I like this book though is because I know what products I can substitute for making this a healthy cookbook for us.
I also like the seasoning chapters. Gonna have to try soup bowls that you can eat after.
Desserts even sound good with fresh ingredients.
Will be trying seasonings as we like to experiment with the spices we have already.
Also like section on preserving and the different methods.
KEEPER!



Dirty dancing at Devil's Leap by Long_ Julie Anne
Book starts out with Avalon and she's just discovered her livein boyfriend with the new intern-on their bed. She takes off for Devil's Leap where she was raised and her parents still live.
She's the CEO of a company that came out of nowhere and hit it big. She has enough to buy the mansion that is on the block-where Mac had been raised. She had a crush on him til she left the area.
Story also follows Mac and how he's struggled through family issues and came out with the little house on the estate near the hot springs and watering hole. He finds out she is the one who bought the mansion and makes life miserable for her.
Ava hopes to fix up the place and sell it as a retreat for others. Love hearing how they get on each others nerves and make life miserable to each other.
They do compromise and you wonder how far they will go. Hot steamy sex scenes.
Love hearing of the swimming and hot springs. Few characters so it's easy to keep track of them. Would like to read more from this author-x descriptions.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Always a cowboy by Linda Lael Miller
Have enjoyed the authors other works.  Starts with listing of authors other works and series.
This book starts out with Drake Carson who's in WY runs the family herds and the middle son. He doesn't have the time to figure out why the herd is thinning...
Luce Hale is studying the herds to find a solution to their problem. Steamy sex scenes and few characters and most banter with one another to make the story very interesting.
Like views of what to do with wild animals.  Predictable.
Author answers how it all started at the end of this story.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Typhoon fury by Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison
Starts out in 1945, Philippines island and they must invade the fortress and gain entrance before others do... With the help of Japanese captain they realize Hiroshima could be the next target.
Present day in Vietnam-they take the one with the knowledge of the memory stick with them so he can't notify his buddies.
Back in Phillipines and the order to go full power through the storm...but escort ships have fired on them, killing some.
Like hearing of the chip not detectable by wands implanted into the thigh and of the memory flash that could erase itself if tampered with.
Love hearing of the enhancements to the Oregon=so high tech.
Amazing how all the different stories all lead into one...
So much action, adventure, mystery and war things in one. Would read more from this author as everything is so well described.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Bread Machine Cookbook: Delicious Recipes for Homemade Bread by Jennifer Tate
This book starts out with an offer of a free ebook then table of cotnents where bread is separated by everyday bread, wheat breads, vegetable breads, meat breads and spice breads and sweet breads,, dough recipes.
An introduction with pictures talks about bread making skills. Chapter about the benefits of a bread machine and essentail ingredients. Small color photos along the way.
Chapter on common failures and different settings on your machine.
Each recipe starts with a title, small color phone, prep and cook time. servings, program on the machine, crust and yields.
Short summary and list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium and low sugar products.
Directions on how to make are included. there is NO nutritional information.
NOT all reicpes have a color photo.
Found a few we'll probably try soon as we like experimenting.
Some recipes do contain nutritional information at the end of the recipe including calories, total fat, sat. fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbs, dietary fiber, total sugars and protein.
Not sure why all the recipes don't include all this information.
Cooking measurment converstion is included along with one for liquid volume measurements.
KEEPER!


Health: 50 PROVEN Ways to Boost Your Health, Increase Your Energy & Make You Live Longer! (See Results in 24 Hours)by Kayla Bates
Starts with a table of ocnents about most importnat things that will contribute to your overall health.
Common sense things if you stop and think about it.
Each of the 50 facts are also summarized and explained under their titles. It's a lot of common sense if you are active. Goes along with eating good healthy foods, exercising and getting the right amount of sleep, keeping busy by moving.
Good resource.




Monster Pals: Cute Rhyming Bedtime Story for Kids by Arnie Lightning
Colorful rhyming book for kids. Starts out with a monster by the anme of Blue.
There are good monsters all over this book and each has a spcial job.
Love granny monster the best because those are the things I do.
Author bio at the end and other works by the author are highlighted.



The Ultimate Guide: Recipes of Louisiana by Encore Books
Book starts out with offer of free ebook every week for signing up to their site.
Table of contents where recipes are broken up into food groups.
Each recipe starts with a title along with LA name, servings, prep and cook time and ready in. Short summary of the dish.
List of ingredients and you might not be able to substitute some ingredients for your healthier dietary needs: low sugar, low sodium and low fat products.
Directions are given. There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information.
I love the tradtiional foods of this area. Some of the recipes tell you how many servings the dish supplies.



50 Shades of Chicken: Quick, Easy and Unique Recipes by J.R. Stevens
Book starts out with offer of a free book, other works by the author: J. R. Stevens
Table of contents where dishes are broken up into groups of how the chicken is cooked: baked, grilled, etc.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook time and servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to subsittute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar and low fat products.
Directions are given. There is NO nutritional information. There are NO pictures.
Good ideas if you have right spices to make the dish.
Besided the pot pies there are also salads using chicken.






Instant Pot Whole 30 Cookbook: Quick and Easy Instant Pot Whole 30 Recipes for Your Family by James Houck
Book starts out with an intro about whole 30 foods and the instant one pot. Table of contents where recipes are broken up into meat food groups.
Free gift offer is included. Benefits of eating whole 30 method and foods to avoid. Symptoms to watch out for as you detox from certain foods.
Each recipe starts with a title, serving size, serving per recipe, calories, prep and cook time.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, and low fat products.
Some nutritional information: total fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, fiber, sugar and protein.
Directions are included. There are NO pictures.
Enjoyed learning about seafood recipes and spcies.




Dear Mr. Jefferson: letters from a Nantucket gardener by Laura Simon
Really enjoyed listeining to how the gardener wrote notes to the president after he left the White House.
Every month there was something related, reminds me of the Farmer's Almanac and a lot of clues to how things were done back then.
Sad to learn of the Monticello estate and it became run down, especially the gardens-I remember my mom visited and there was nothing there at all in the 90's.
Not only vegetables in the garden but flower gardens as well.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Top 500 Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Recipes: The Complete Instant Pot Cookbook by Billie Dean
Starts with a table of contents where the recipes are broken up into meals then same food groups.
Intro talks about the instant one pot and how nutritious the meals will be from this unit.
I also do not have a 'chicken' mode on my instant one pot. Some of the instructions-ingredient list and measurements are varied-not same format throughout this book.
Each recipe starts with a title, time and servings. List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar and low fat products.
Directions are given but they are confusing. Setting for cooking: 15 minutes on pressure cooking mode, hmmm which button-is it high pressure or low? There is also another that is called slow mode-not sure what that one is either.






Soccer Training: A Step-by-Step Guide on 14 Topics for Intelligent Soccer Players, Coaches, and Parents by Dylan Joseph
Have an interest in this game as I like to know how games are played, the rules and other information that is important.  I didn't participate in school.
Offer of free spreadsheet and more.  Comes with warnings to get checked out and given the ok by a doctor before you start the regiman that will turn into good habits. 
Book is geared more towards an individual  training and that makes it easier to be a team player.
So many different positions and uses for the parts of your body that I hadn't even realized. A lot of strategy is explained with detailed information about how to do the move from beginning to end.
Lots of coach and parent tips. The author's site also shows pictures and video's of the moves and positions. Nutrition, sleep, yoga and exercises etc are also discussed and why doing different things on a daily basis will improve your body to be able to play the sport.
What I liked about this book was the down to earth easy to understand and words are showing the encouragement the coach uses in a loving way.
Examples of things that happened are also detailed.
Favorite part was realizing the sandwich method of praise while at the same time tweeking the position of the outcome to be achieved. Doesn't then feel like you are getting yelled at or cut down.
Glossary of words are explained at the end. Next book in the series is highlighted at the end but you have a vote in the matter.



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







1-800-Cupid by Josie Riviera

First time reading this author and loved all the details. Love learning about different locations in the book, felt as if I was there also!
Story starts out with Candee (works at the local hardware store) and she lives with her sister, Desiree (works at country club) and she's into real estate. She bids on the mansion at the end of the street and noone has lived in it for many years.
She  hopes no one else wants to buy it-it's in Roses, NC.   Story also follows Teddy and his friend (Rob) in FL and they are into helping his nephew who needs medical surgeries.   Teddy meets her and expects a woman over 50 as the real estate business has been operating for over 30 years.
Candee shows other places in the area to Teddy and he shows an interest in her mansion-she thinks it's hers already. She plans to redo the place for disadvantaged children.
He and his friend hope to flip a house for a living. She is heavily into beagle dogs and volunteers also at no kill shelter.  Misunderstanding and you wonder if they will ever be together again...
Lots of surprises in this book and like how they change plans and just go with things.
Love ending did NOT see that coming. Recipe at the end-another surprise!
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Can't wait to read more from this author.


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





The Portrait of Lady Wycliff by Cheryl Bolen
Louisa Phillips has lost her husband and she finds out she has very little money, clothes and jewelry and no home at all. She learns of her living situation and her late husbands relationships with others that she doesn't know their names.
Lord Harry Wycliff just wants to buy back the house he had grown up with but nobody will divulge the information as to who really owns it.  He wants to get everything back that his family had lost: paintings and other articles.
Louisa and her sister Elle have been out walking with the lord and his cousin, Edward.
The Lord and her speak of writings that she mentioned and they discuss them. Lot of politic views then private matters.
The Lord wants to get the information and is willing to pay her.  She has been writing secretly for money about the rights of others.
Harry wants to not only find the benefactor and set Louisa up in a small house as her husband had swindled her out of everything and take his fathers seat in Parliament.
They come up with a list of Lords and set out traveling to visit each til they find the benefactor.
Some of their secrets are divulged as they travel. Mishap down a cliff and infection as time goes on...loved hearing of the Cornwall landscape.
Love castle detailed descriptions. They are from different classes and will never be together.
It's amazing how the women help.  They are full of surprises!
Love the action, adventure, mystery and clues that lead them all to get the answers they seek. Travel and a bit of romance are also welcome.
Love that the three men series will continue in the next book. An excerpt is enclosed.  Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
#ThePortraitOfLadyWycliff #NetGalley  






How to Walk Away: A Novel by Katherine Center
Story starts out with Margaret and she's excited about her date with Chip.
Things are going really well for her-a new job prospect and she thinks he's going to pop the question on the date.
The day starts out well, even the date til they arrive at the airplane hanger=he's a pilot, just gotten his hours in and he wants to share it all with her.
She's skeptical and terrified of going in the pane but she goes anyways and things don't all go according to plan. He takes her near the beach where he's done some prior work down there and then head back and is told a surprise is in the glove box-the family ring-for her!
Problem is bad weather plays a bad trick on them. The story follows what happens after the accident and how she struggles everyday to do everything. She's got a determined PT and she does succeed. She is also brought back in touch with her sister Kitty and she even comes to visit and she learns so many secrets from the past.
Troubling times are still arising from others around her circle and she's taken on a vacation to the cabin and Ian the PT comes to her resuce and things get out of hand.
She has a solution but he heads back to Europe without her. Kit has a plan and the girls and their mom head overseas to the wedding of Chip. She remembers him visitng her at the hosptial...
Loved reading this story, all the medical terms made easy for us to understand and it all falls into place. Twists and turns along the way and a lot of surprises.
Love the locations and so descriptive details. Didn't see this ending, very surprising! Would like to read other works by this new author to me.
Received this review copy via St. Martins Press via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#HowToWalkAway #NetGalley





A Portuguese Christmas by Josie Riveira
Wanted to read this book because I am also Portuguese.
Starts out with Krystal and she lives in Newport, RI (on the same island as where I live) and she's in a surfing competition in Portugal and her cousin and her family are there with her.
The surfer cutting into her space causes her to go under the wave and get banged in the head from the surfboard-her angel. No more surfing til her concussion reside and she will be in Portugal for Christmas.
Love hearing of the traditional food as it was also served at our house in RI. My father and his family were Portuguese and lived within a hands throw from one another-like our own community, living on ancestiral lands.
Story also follows Adolfo who attended the surf competition and found himself tending to Krystal. He was just a farmer growing olive trees and her cousin had told him he needed a break from his work.
She also designs swimsuits and hopes that some day it will earn her money.
Love hearing of the sightseeing around the town, designs of the structures, food and decorations of the holiday season. Bull fight really intrigued me as I've yet to see one in person.
While she is stuck there she calls her brother Julio and hopes he will not put their father in a nursing facility til she gets back, she thinks he'd like to live with her, taking care of him. She just needs to win this competition.
She is still grieving the loss of her husband, a surfer himself. Adolfo is very senstiive to others needs and he is passionate.
Just recall an 80 foot wave that a man had surfed, off the coast of Portugal just a few weeks ago-the largest ever anyone had surfed.
Francisco is out of jail now and he will be hired on to help at the olive vineyard. He is very amorous and he takes it upon himself to bring her to practice surfing at the ocean.
She knows it will go against what Adolfo has to say about it as he knows she is not recovered from the injury. Same work ethics we were raised with.
Love hearing of the salted cod fish as I have one wooden container that the cover slides off. Misunderstandings and you wonder how things will turn out.
Concussions recently in the news also is brought up. Love the snowmen out of sand with the twins Descriptions are so very detailed you feel as if you are there.
Note from the author, a recipe! acknowledgements, about the author, and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.



Off the Grid Gourmet by Danny Gansneder, Duel City Books
Great book for camping out meals. Table of contents where it gives different methods of using things to make fresh water,  MRE's and equipment.
Pictures along the way in the introduction.
Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish and list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar and low fat products but most are using fresh vegetables.
Directions are included but there is NO nutritional information. NO pictures of the recipes themselves.
Home canning and other preserving methods are included.
Going to try the granola bars, but cooking inside the house.
So many meals we ate as kids, love it!
KEEPER!





The Ultimate Guide: Recipes of Massachusetts by encore books
This book starts out with an offer of a free ebook. Table of ocntents where recipes are broken up into meals.
Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish, prep, cook and ready times, servings.
List of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar and low fat products.
Directions are included. There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information.
Like recipe for brown bread but we no longer use tin cans for coffee, not sure if it'd work in a regular loaf pan. Love reminiscing about lobster rolls, clam boils and other favorites we still make and eat.



Instant Pot Cookbook: Tasty and Easy Recipes to...by Adam Cook
Table of contents and recipes are in no speicfic order but I found they went by meals.
Introduction about the instant one pot.
Each recipe has a title and list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar and low fat products.
Directions are included some with tips on how to serve it with and what dish.
There are NO pictures. 
There is NO nutritional information.
Lots of choices to select from.