Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Books read July 2018






Sorry if this recap has mistakes in it: I went to the eye doctor and my eyes are not back to normal yet.
Thanks



Fire the Landscaper: How Landscapers, HOAs, and Cultural Norms Are Poisoning Our Properties by Phil M. Williams
Have read other works by this author and he tells you like it is, have loved his works.
This is about how to make a yard that will not depend on crucial items because the plants themselves can produce things your yard will need.
Love the indepth pars of how the lawn companies are telling you their expert advice even when they know your contract with them will be eternal business for them.
Especially like the review at the end of every chapter-the high points. There are also footnotes if you want to do further research.
What a treasure this book is, love also the parts where it tells you what plants to grow for what you hope to alleviate, like certain pests, etc.
Life and living should not be this hard.



The Blacksmith's Heart by Nerys Leigh
Starts with Peter Johnson and he's just lost his wife after birthing their son...
Story picks up ten years later and we find Jessie in a homemade wheelchair as he's disabled.
Melinda and her brother, the new doctor and sister come to town and he rescues them from the wagon breaking.
Their paths cross often and she needs help with heavy furniture and he appreciates she will do cooking chores for him and Jessie.
Doctor has injured his ankle so he's recuperating but still able to see patients. She is one of those types of women who can do most things men can and she lets him know that.
She wants to learn how to blacksmith and she told him she'd bring dinner for after and he can walk her home then. She learns so much and I love listening to how he does his job.
Inspirational and there are parts of religion that only enhance the story.
Heavy rains flood the river banks and Melinda and Jessie were to go fishing there....she's got hold of Jessie but not for much longer...
Love how this ends, twists and turns throughout.
Would enjoy reading more works from this series and the author.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Like how each of the following books are based on Jessie and his friends.






Soccer Shooting & Finishing: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Score (Understand Soccer Book 2) by Dylan Joseph
This book starts with the offer of a free chart showing different strategies of shooting forms and is a super printout to take with you wherever you go.
I had read and loved the previous book in this series and enjoyed it as it taught me so much about soccer. I am not a player just enjoy watching others compete and I like to know how things are done.
This one is more in depth showing how to shoot and the advantages of different positions and parts of your legs to use.
There is a pyramid chart showing  an individual soccer players mindset. Each of the shooting strategies are detailed and explained so anybody can understand them. Also it teaches you how to keep practicing til it's second nature and when to use the strategy.
Many other tips along the way telling you to watch youtube videos of other players and how they have perfected the shot. There are also so many more videos and other tips on the authors webpage: www.understandsoccer.com
Be sure when you visit to sign up for free items and to be one of the first to know of another book and you can vote on what you'd like to see the author write about for his next book. Can't wait to read the next in the series-these can be read as stand alones.
Index of terms used are described in the back of the book.


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


Crochet Animal Rugs Over 20 Crochet Patterns for Fun Floor Mats and Matching Accessories by Ira Rott
What I like about this book right off the bat are the colors, shapes and other added bonuses throughout the book.
Starts with a table of contents where each animal shape has it's own section and added projects to make.
Book then starts with an introduction about how you can use this book to decoate your space.
Color photos along the way.
Skill levels are discussed and many tips are highlighed as the porjects go on.
Size and gauge, patterns, charts, tools, charts of converstions, yarn choice, other equipments, linign for rugs, wall hangings.
Each animal starts with a title along with a summary of the items and what colors were used.
After the title, there is a skill level, color photo of all the items in this section then the technical parts: finished size, hook, yarn weight, strands used, gauge with 3 strands, stitch summary, skills, left hand crochet instructions.
Yarn and amounts you will need ti laid out in a chart. Directions start by telling you how many strands to use and what color and hook size.
Each part of the animals has very easy to follow instructions. Diagrams are shown as you need them with details.
Charted instructions are also shown if you perfer to use that method vs. row by row instructions.
Good charts showing how to assemble the animal. Other projects with the same animal theme area slo given. Some include a pillow, stool cover, security blanket, placemat, toy bag, book bag.
Other technical information is provided: crochet terms, abbrevaiations,  other useful information about working with 3 strands, weaving in ends, etc.
About the author, thanks nad list of suppliers is also provided. Tables of measuements for hook and yarn weights: US, UK, Austr, per 100g.
What I also like are the charts for describing and working the stitches: it shows the abbrevation name, symbol used in charts, description in US terms and some actually show you how to make them with pictures. Such a great resource.
I think my favorite would be the crab because of the bright color and I live in New England.
There are 7 animal shapes but so much more with different accessories for them all.  Everything is so well detailed with pictures, diagrams and instructions anybody should be able to complete all the projects.
Received this review copy from F+W Media via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.


#CrochetAnimalRugs #NetGalley






Knitting Ganseys, Revised and Updated Techniques and Patterns for Traditional Sweaters by Beth Brown-Reinsel
Wow what a treasure of information. I design my own Irish Fisherman type sweaters and afghans and really enjoyed reading this book.
Starts out with a table of contents where the chapters are broken up into what the ganseys are to all the construction phases and patterns.
Stunning high quality photos throughout this book, you can see detailed stitching. Loved learning of the history of the gansey and Arans and differences between them.
Loved the tools of the trade as I have some of the curved needles myself, charted variations of stitches and how they are worked.
Every picture tells a story and then some as we learn of the myth behind the fisherman sweater. Love that the ganseys used initials in the bottom section to identify who it was made for.
Also other aspects tell the difference-yarns used and colors of them along with patterns.
Loved seeing the different neck shapings and othervariaions throughtout the book. This is truly a designers resource book as it has it all and then some. Techniques are shown and explained how to do the stitching, or even casting on. That portion explains why you should one method over another and why.
There is a sample small gansey to make to give you an idea of the techniques that are being taught only using 4 oz. of yarn rather than making a full sweater-but that is also included here, the patterns, etc.
Lots of tips along the way.  Tools and step by step instructions how to prepare for your own design are also included.
There are also 9 full size patterns.
Each pattern comes with a title, color photo,  finished sizes, yarn suggested, needles, list of notions, guage, featured techniques and other notes.
Instructions for each of the sections along with charted gussetts.
I like that some are made for men and there is also a woman's section for the same gansey.
Measurements are also done in inches and metric. Resources and supplies list is also included. Abbreviations and also metric onverstions are included.
Dedication, acknowledgement and about the author are included at the end along with an index.
Other resource books from others are also highlighted if you wan to check further into the different techniques.
Loved reading parts and learning all new things along the way along with the designing aspect of this book. Ends with how the gansey tradition continues.
A KEEPER!
What I did not like was showing the patterns in very dark colors. I realize those are the true colors but for showing them in the book I felt they could've used lighter shades.
Received this review copy from the author via F+W Media and Interweave via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#KnittingGanseys,RevisedAndUpdated #NetGalley



A Year Without the Grocery Store: A Step by Step Guide to Acquiring, Organizing, and Cooking Food Storage 
Starts out with the author discussing the items in her basement that will last them a whole year but mostly the piece of mind that she won't have to spend a lot of time planning meals, they are done and stored.
There is a bit of trial and error when it comes to preparing the food that was stored...
I like the concept but don't have the room for it as we have no basement at all. We do use food storage, food saver where you vacuum seal a meal or vegetables. I've kept some squash for over a year and it works out fine for making muffins.
Green beans I can Blanche or just freeze them out of the garden, boil them in the bag when ready to use.
Lots of resources of where to get bulk items, online or co ops delivered to a drop point. Cheaper the more you buy at one time.
Love the section on couponing as we rarely buy boxed or canned items either.
There are even sections on packing an emergency bag for the car and at home as you will need more than just food.
There are assignments to do also to keep you going in the book.
Love mix and dressings combination that you can make at home-no more buying them at the store.
Substitutions for most everything, gravy mixes, etc.  also how to make milk when you don't have any, substitutions for so many things.
Real life events, tornado, riots, etc that the family had to use the storage. 
A KEEPER!




Where There's Smoke by Susan May Warren
Really interested in how the smokejumpers fight forest fires especially because they are all over the west coast states.
Starts out with Jed and Kate and something went wrong while on the front lines of the fire in Alaska. They came out with all kinds of scars and meet up again many years later on the same team fighting fires again.
Jed is in control and gives her the job of training others because he knows her father Jock had trained her well. Like mystery surrounding the drone, the commadrie among the jumpers and how they fire the fires.
Handful of characters but easy to keep track of. Bit of romance, travel and it's well rounded book to read.
Lots of religion and praying to help get them through the really bad times...
Other excerpts from other stories in the series are included at the end.
Scary parts also when they are surrounded by the fire-like tips of digging a hole so you can breathe.




The Icing on the Cake by Rosemarie Naramore
Kristine owns and runs the bakers, it's a family store and her sister hardly ever works there as her mother.
Joe is back in town and he has taken up with Kristine-she was the head cheerleader, he the top football player in high school.
Her sister has a little boy Devon and she tends to him as her sister keeps running off to have long weeks off from work.
Their mother thinks it's best that her sister go out with Joe, marry him so Devon will have a father...
Medical emergency leads Kristine to take care of Joe's dog and now that her business has burned down she had no where to go and something to do.
So many misunderstandings and you wonder if Krissy will just up and leave town, all her troubles behind her...
 



The Pony That Talked by Steve Ellis
Colorful children's story about Olivia and she's always dreamed of having a horse of her own and talking to him.
She sees the other horses from other farms...she likes Silver the best and she has a job tending him but noone hears him talking to her...
Really difficult to read this book because you can not increase the font size. Gave up at 30% through using a hand held magnifer.




The Welcome Home Door by Richard Rouse
Starts with a table of contents where there are ten different stories.
Foreward is enclosed to tell how this book came together.
Especially liked the first story as it is about the door. Such character and memorable it is and even more after the fire.
Enjoyed the other stories as well.



Dump Cake Recipes: 45 Family Favorites Dump Cake Recipes by Maggie Bradley
Starts out with a table of contents and then basics of drump cakes and recipes to follow.
Free bonus offer of more ebooks. Short intro. 
Recipes include title, summary of the dish and list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar and low fat products.
Some of the measurements are in US, some UK, some use both in the recipe. Not sure why they can't just convert them for us.
Directions are given and prep tiem is included.
There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information.
I might try one of these if we have having company over because a cake is just too much for us. cupcakes might work though.







Don't stop the carnival by Wouk_ Herman 
Like this book because it's about a Carribean island where a lot of people visit for various reasons and they find want they were looking for.
One man, has had a heart attack and is recuperating but he knows business and helps others out by expanding their places to allocate more space for more beds, etc and it brings in a lot more money.
Like the descriptions of the area and the culture.
Money is in land deals and they are abundant-using others money to get the land, what a concept and it's working-for some.
Job and workers always need more money and there are diasters every day with help and land.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).





The Years by Nicholas DeLbanco
Starts out and we learn about Lawrence and his younger years and during college, the people he meets.
In his older days, he's suffered a heart attack and doctor recommends he goes on a cruise overseas where he does reunite with an old college friend.
They are both single and unattached and reimnsce of their younger days.
Each of their lives we learn about in detail over the years. Love hearing of the architecture and design of things during the book.
Like how their go their own ways and we learn of their past and the reuniting of their lives once again. Health and other obstacles come to light and family come back.
So many changes over the years as some come and go and health problems. Like how it ends and felt the author knew what a woman was going through even though he's a male. Very perspective. About the author is included at the end.
Free from IHG rewards


Mistletoe man by Albert_ Susan Wittig 
Love the beginning about the history of many mistletoe species and what they are used for.
Thyme and Season is China Bayles's shop. Laurel is her Native American assistant.
Thyme for Tea is her drink shop that she runs with Ruby.
She is married to McQuade ( a TX ranger) and Brian is his son that she loves being a mother to.
He's on leave from his professor job, recovering from his injuries.
Mistletoe delivery didn't show up and it's hand picked locally.
Love hearing of the melodies and themes in the shop, different everyday. 
Love trip to the farm and learning more about mistletoe and other flowers growing nearby that are put into wreaths.
Like also the start of each chapter as it focuses on things and are cool to learn about.
Lots of mystery surrounding a death and a disappearance. Facts are collected and China pieces it all together....
Lots of characters but a good read. Surprises along the way, twists and turns, unpredictable.
Enjoyed this book, first one I've read from this series. Liked indepth history and research on the word mistletoe.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Sonoran Desert summer by Alcock_ John 
Scientific research done in Sonoran desert of insects that thrive and reproduce during the hottest of days
in the summer. Life cycles of many are discussed.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




Spring jaunts, some walks, excursions, & personal explorations of town country & seashore  
Lots of places to just get out of the car and take walks. Loved the seashore ones especially becuase they are like being at home.
There are many that are based overseas which are interesting tot hear about as well.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Kayaking the full moon, a journey down the Yellowstone River to the soul of Montana by Steve Chapple
What I liked about this book was not only the descriptions of what was being experienced but words and phrases of achieving the kayaking.
The terms were explained so you can picture the author actually doing them on the river downward.
Lots of animals they came across. 
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Illicit Intuitions (Sensory Ops #3) by Nikki Duncan
Story follows Ava and she's on a new team and hopes to complete it satisfactorily.
Story also follows Dr. H. and he's had a past he hopes to overcome. She is in a study and she needs to keep him safe.
His business partner is now dead and they want to know what he knows about it and the contac lenses with special powers....
Lots of technology, sexual situations and discussions, mystery and much attraction between them.
Shots from a gun leave her unconscious and he carries her back to his house where he uses his special sensory ability to wake her up...
He also read about what happened in her life-it was not planned...
Very explicit sexual scenes. Love how the story goes and many things are revealed, what a shock!
This book contains mysteries, science things, technology and mysteries, along with romance and sex=something for everybody to enjoy.
Other works are highlighted at the end along with an excerpt from the next book in the series.
  


101 Things NOT to Do Before You Die 
Like the concept of this book as they each have a title. At the end there are fun activities to do along with fascinating facts about the topic being discussed.
Some things are just common sense and you shake your head at why you'd want to do them anyways, LOL
Love topic of running of the bulls in Pamploma and the discussion on this topic.



Rosco The Rascal Visits The Pumpkin Patch by by Shana Gorian, Josh Addessi, Ros Webb
Silly children's colorful book about a dog that gets into trouble at the pumpkin patch. They family goes to pick out their annual pumpkin and the dog gets loose.
What I really like about this book are all the activities one can do on the farm. We have the events here in our town but they are all scattered about town, NOT in one location.
Super like the ending how the dog Rosco comes to the rescue...




Kitten & Butterfly: A story that helps you teach your child how to be a good friend. Perfect for ages 2-8. Full color illustrations. (Kitten and Friends Book 1) 
Cute colorful children's story about a butterfly trying to get a kitty to fly...
Colorful pictures but sometimes the words are hard to see with background.
Like how they become friends even though they are not the same.
Other works by the authors are highlighted at the end.



Delicious And Nutritious Lunch Box Recipes; Healthy, Quick And Easy Recipes That Children Loves 
Starts with a table of contents where the recipes are not in any specific order.
Short intro about nutrition for the kids meals, tips follow that.
Each recipe starts with a title, list of ingredients and directions on how to make
There are NO pictures, there is NO nutritional information.
Some recipes use US measurements, some England measurements, some use a combination of both.




Italian Ice :The Ultimate Recipe Guide by Encore Books, Jacob Palmar
Offer of free ebooks. Table of contents and they are not in any special order.
Each recipe includes a title, prep and cook time, ready in, and servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and canned/prepackaged products.
Directions are included. There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Like the different combinations of flavors.


Stir Fry :The Ultimate Recipe Guide - Over 30 Delicious & Best Selling Recipes 
Starts with offer of a free ebook. Table of contents where dish are no in any speific order.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep, cook and ready in minutes. Servings and list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, and low fat and canned/prepackaged products.
Directions are included. NO nutritional information
NO pictures. Most look like the same recipe just a few different ingredients. wasn't imprssed with this one.



Camping Cookbook: Foil Packet Recipes by Louise Davidson
We often make packets for our grill, so easy to mix it all up.
Love the different combinations of food and the author gives you tips on how to prepare the packets before you leave home.
Table of contents which is broken up by meals.
Each recipe has a title, servings, ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sugar, low sodium, low fat and canned products.
Directions on how to cook and also a prep tip included.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Free book offer and about the author are included at the end.
Other works by the author are highlighted.
Cooking converstion charts and oven temperatures.


Make Your Own Essential Oils from Raw Plants by Amber Richards
Starts with a table of contents in chornicalogical order, than an introduction about doing things that are healthy.
Essences, oils and the history are discussed in detail.
There are pictures along the way, small color ones.
Like how they mention the herb or spice and what powers it has and how it combines with things in your system.
Other suses are also described.
There are recipes but not written out as such. very detailed and descriptive.
Love glossary part. Also the part where the spice is mentioned and what is will help cure.
Make your own section tells you what you'll need in the way of equipment and other ingredients and how to make the item.
Also beauty treatments are also explained. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.


Gotta Have S'mores: Go Crackers with the Best 40 Campfire-free Recipes - So much S'more than just another Cookbook! by Gordon Rock
Other works by the author are highlighted at the start but the link to his author page at amazon goes to a different person.
Table of contents where recipes are in alpha order by their title, Food and Drinks.
Short intro about the history of these desserts. Each recipe has a title, medium color photo, summary of the dish, servings, total time and list of ingredients along with directions on how to make.
Lots to choose from. About the author is included at the end but when you go to click on the link to his amazon page and offer of a free bonus cookbook.
it's not his page that comes up. 


101 Quick & Easy Italian Recipes by Victoria Steele
Table of contents where recipes are broekn up into meals.
Introdcution about ITalian cooking and the different regions. Pasta, sauces and pizza and side dishes are discussed in more detail.
Each recipe starts with a title, ingedients which you might be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and canned products.
Directions are given along with servings.
NO nutritional info and there are NO pictures.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.


How to Make Delicious Meat Jerky by Tony James Miller
Table of contents where there is no order to the recipes. Introduction and how to preapre jerky is discussed.
Each recipe includes a title, list of ingredients and how to prep and cook in the oven or dehydrator.
There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information.
Like the fact that you can cook it in your own oven. Quck beef jerky recipe sould be my choice to try, natural spices and flavorings.






Oh Danny Boy by Josie Riviera
This book starts out with praise for the author's writings.
Book starts out in Ireland and her brother Seammus is on the bridge, about to jump and probably drunk as he's griefing still over the death of his wife.
A man will go with her to stop him as they climb the rusty bridge.
Clara tries to console him, the guitarist behind her supports her...
Danny Brady is the one that helps them down off the bridge as the news reporters are there to film it, their whole lives on the screen...
Over tea they talk about his coffee shop and finds out about the scones she bakes-thinking he could make a profit at his shops selling them...he needs to buy her recipe, they are that good!
They start seeing one another and Danny actually hires her brother to work for him. Some things are missing, along with money, a cyber crime upon Danny and her new jewelry from her birthday party.
She starts putting things together and just knows her brother is to blame for it all, or could it be her ex boyfriend who's out of jail now and has been harassing her...
Fear and scary situations but also loving, caring ones also. Love the locale and travel
Especially love his other gift that he gives her, what a true sign of love.
Note and scone recipe from the author are included at the end.
Other works from the author and about the author are highlighted at the end
Excerpt from Maeve is included.


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


A Snowy White Christmas by Josie Riviera
Starts out with Margaret and she's back in town where she grew up hoping to buy the mobile home she was raised in. She gets a part time job being an elf at Christmas at the store with others in hopes to save the money for the sale.
Story also follows Fernando, her love from high school. She had left shortly after school ended to the west coast to model but she has other secrets she keeps from him.
He is into real estate and he has secrets he hides from her. Some things just don't make it into their conversations.
They do get together for meals and visits with his family but she has her own life. Part of his secret comes out at the sale. She is devastated.
Felt story was a bit rushed at the end when secrets are revealed as to who Emmy's father is.
Like this book because of how hard each of them is struggling-her with taking care of her daughter who has disabilities. He has given his brother (who has disabilities) a kidney and they are recovering still.
Glad she realizes over time what's really important as things are revealed.
Love hearing of the holiday festivities, how children handle being disabled and fit into society, charity and caring for others in this story set in Upstate New York.


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



Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow
Liliana had found some old letters behind the book shelves when she returned from asking others to help with the robbery at her home. The
letters didn't make sense to her but it reminded her of her father's dying words. Given the only clue was the wax seal on the
bundle of letters that'd be a good place to start her search for the answer to who murdered her father. It was just by chance she and her aunt and cousin
got an invite to go to the place where the seal came from.
His mother was at it again, setting him up for marriage by throwing a party, using his seal to send the invites out, and hope he would find a suitable partner.
She attends the ball at his house and finds herself going through the library looking for a spot in the shelves the same as what's at her library-the hidden
shelf. But something happens and she ends up in his arms. They start courting...
Sword fighting tournaments are just the thing to show off in front of the women.
Her gunsman won the bet because of her knowledge of chemical reactions and the right things to add to the gun powder.
Fascinating explanation of the plants they find and what they can do for the sick.
He is in agreement with her as to the location of a new village after hearing all about the chemical reactions of things that could relate to illness in the new village.
Was thinking with just 2 pages left I hope she gets to use her chemistry magic again to solve the mystery.
Adult language and sexual scenes only enhance the reading of this book.
Received this review copy via audible from the author and this is my honest review.





A Christmas to Cherish by Josie Riviera
Always enjoy reading a Christmas story, and it's just July here. Book starts out with a few words from the author and list of her other works.
Started with Emmanuelle, a professional harpist and she's on her way to Dorothy's store. She's starting her new life after years of troubles.
Loved hearing about all the Christmas decorations.
She prays to God to help her get through the transition and to let things lay in the past.
Her ex took everything from her...
Story also follows Nicholas who's a deputy and is free from his ex girlfriend after she left him at the altar on their wedding day.
Dorothy hopes to get Emmanuelle to stay and work at her music studio. She knows her and Nicholas have spent many an hour over the year and they have many common interests.
This book is filled with holiday events, mystery and danger and twists and turns and love and believing in God.
Like the location and hope to read more from this locale.  A note from the author about the book is included at the end, bonus recipe! acknowledgements, about the author, and other works by the author.
Excerpt from The Love Song to Cherish is included.


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



Horse Hunts: A Desert Manhunt (Smoke Tree Mystery Series Book 2)  by Gary J. George
Free from Kindle and I thought I'd enjoy this read but I loved it.
Am not familiar with the area but my husband spent time there so I'd question him about some things, brings us closer as we age.
Starts out with Horse-the sheriff and he's learned of one of his men being shot while one was drving through the center. He and his deputy Andy head out to the area and he finds out all kinds of clues from things he sees and he knows what direction he walked off in.
They also learn Harvey had killed his wife and put her in the back of the trunk. As the book goes on we hear from Harvey's side and why he did things and where he's heading and why.
We also learn of not only the terrain-very good descriptions, detailed and you can picture them in your mind, but we learn of Horse and how he got that name and his life after retuning from the war and before then when he had met his wife while they attended high school.
Love how the local Indian plays a big part in all this and he knows the court system will never be able to dole out the punishment the man deserves so he takes matters into his own hands.
Love that Horse has a wife waiting for him at home and how she takes care of him. Would love to read more from this series and am noting this is one of my favorite for this month. Would love to read more from this series.



Inland Intrigue by Michael Hughes 
Was offered this review copy and thought it might be one I'd enjoy reading. New author to me also.
What I like from the very start are the selections of words I've never heard as I tap on them to find out what they mean.
There is not much diaglog but enough so you get to learn more of the family and their views on many subjects.
Very detailed hour by hour at times of Tyler and what he does all day while passing the summer months away. Like the travel and learning different and new things about the campaign.
Love mystery surrounding the envelopes...consequences, betrayals, it's got it all and then some.
Received this review copy from the author via Goodreads connection and this is my honest opinion.



Summer gloves by Sarah Gilbert
Story of a grown woman who had grown up living her mother's life-a beauty queen even though she didn't want to do the shows but she had to please her mother.
She realizes that her husband has found another that he's more suited to but she doesn't want to rock the boat so stays together and finds one who will love her.
Daughter grows up and speaks her mind and her mother listens and will not force her to compete in beauty pageants any longer.
Lots of breakthroughs in this book.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




how to make a great jar soy candle
Introudction about candle making and then safety instructions about canldes.
Shows photos of how low to cut the wick before burning and it shows you why.
Different utensils are mentioned and what their purpose is.
Tells you how to prepare a few days in advance so everything is ready to go. Process itself in steps is explained in detail.
Listing of suppliers is also included along with other works by the author. 



The it girls by Karen Harper 
Like how the girls have found different careers: fashion designer and one a novelist.
Starts out as young girls and they are moved to Canada from England. Because of their fathers health problem they end up back in England as they are growing into young ladies, attending balls and coming out parties.
Like hearing of the differences between the two and mostly the historic events that occur during their lifetimes and how that changes things.
Paying off a boat owner as they rescue you from the sinking of the Titanic but it's not as it seems. Betrayal and how it effects each of them.
Loved hearing of all the travel, the fashion design and writing businesses over the years. Good read
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
  



A Husband's Survival Guide to the Crunchy Life by Brian Michael Stegner
Like this book because it is silly but there are questionionares inside that you can answer to find out just what kind you really are.
Things to look out for to let you know it's happening right under your nose.




So You've Retired: A Practical Guide For Your Happy Retirement by Olivia Greenwell
Several years left to go and want to find out what's really going to happen.
Love lists of what you can do to get away from one another, too much time together with your spouse is going to wear on both of you.
Love chapter on downsizing, i'm today going through some old bills and health papers we no longer need and we went through a kitchen utensil drawer the other day while it was too hot outside. 
Like sections on travel and exercise and food consumption, it's what we are doing now when my spouse gets time away from work. Love just 2-3 day excursions to new places with friends.
Keeping your mind active along with your bucket list are great suggestions. Resource listings are available at the end but was surprised there was no advice on money matters.
Other works by the author are listed at the end.



Whole 30 Crockpot Cookbook: Quick and Easy Whole 30 Crockpot Cookbook by Leslie Yothers
Book starts out with intro and table of contents where the first chapters talk about the diet plan and the recipes are broken up into food categories,
Free gift is linkable. Like that each of the food groups is discussed and it also tells you which you should be eating and which to avoid. This diet isn't for everybody and check the advantages and disadvantages.
Each recipe starts with a title, serving size and servings per recipe, calories and prep time.
Ingredients is included and you should be able to substitute foryour healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar products.
Some recipes have up to 20 herbs and spices, be sure to check first.
Nutritional information is included: fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, fiber, carbs, protein and cholesterol, NO sodium levels.
Directions are given for your crock pot.
There are NO pictures.








The Easy 5-Ingredient Crock Pot Cookbook: Quick, Easy & Delicious Crock Pot Express Recipes for Fast & Healthy Meals (Crock Pot Cookbook) by Willie Rogers 
Starts out with a table of contents where meals are broken up into meal categories.
Introduction about being so busy that you can't cook all the time every night and how easy the crockpot will make your life.
Benefits of having one are explained in the next chapter and how to use it.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep and cook time.
List of ingredients and most are already prebought or canned.
Direction are included and some nutritional information: calories, carbs, protein, fats, NOT broken up into good or bad, and fiber. NO sodium is mentioned.
There are NO pictures.



101 Quick & Easy Italian Recipes by Victoria Steele
Starts with table of contents where chapters are broken up by meal categories after intro and about Italian foods.
Each Recipe starts with a title, list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthie dietary needs: low sodium, low fat and low sugar products.
Directions are given to prepare the dish along with servings.
There is NO nutrtional information and there are NO pictures.
Hate they use canned tomato products as our Italian friends always used fresh.
A few recipes under the title actually tell you what Italian title means. There is one color photo in the book.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.





A Book of Dog Breeds For Children:: They're All Dogs by Amber Richards
Colorful children's book all about different breeds of dogs.
Each breed get it's own page showing a color photo, title and some fun facts about the breed.  21 different breeds are shown.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



The World is My Drum by amber richards
Colorful children's book about a little boy Hudson and he loves his drums.
He finds other things he can drum on....he puts a concert on for his parents. 
Find out if they like what he performed.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Summer Drinks (2nd Edition): 16 Quick & Easy Drink Recipes That Will Cool You Down In The Summer by Olivia Rogers 
Table of contents where recipes are not in any specific order.
Introduction about the recipes. Each one starts with a title, color photo and summary of the drink.
List of ingredients is included but don't think they need to take up 2 full pages for a listing of 10 items. Directions are given along with notes.
No nutritional information  and a lot of them contain alcohol.  Bonus book is offered at the end.





Books for Kids: Lilly Ice Cream (Children's Books, Kids Books, Bedtime Stories Books for Kids age 2-6, Beginner Readers by Iris Lin 
Intro and links to authors other works. Starts out with Lilly and they are a blueberry ice cream and she lives with her family.
On her way to kindergarten she looks for her friends but can't find them behind a tree. An angel helped her make friends with others. There are drawings, some mesh into color background so you don't even notice them.
One page shows different kinds of ice creams.
Doesn't seem to be a young child book to me that she's out wandering alone to school? 





Books read July 31




Where There's Smoke by Susan May Warren
Really interested in how the smokejumpers fight forest fires especially because they are all over the west coast states.
Starts out with Jed and Kate and something went wrong while on the front lines of the fire in Alaska. They came out with all kinds of scars and meet up again many years later on the same team fighting fires again.
Jed is in control and gives her the job of training others because he knows her father Jock had trained her well. Like mystery surrounding the drone, the commadrie among the jumpers and how they fire the fires.
Handful of characters but easy to keep track of. Bit of romance, travel and it's well rounded book to read.
Lots of religion and praying to help get them through the really bad times...
Other excerpts from other stories in the series are included at the end.
Scary parts also when they are surrounded by the fire-like tips of digging a hole so you can breathe.




The Icing on the Cake by Rosemarie Naramore
Kristine owns and runs the bakers, it's a family store and her sister hardly ever works there as her mother.
Joe is back in town and he has taken up with Kristine-she was the head cheerleader, he the top football player in high school.
Her sister has a little boy Devon and she tends to him as her sister keeps running off to have long weeks off from work.
Their mother thinks it's best that her sister go out with Joe, marry him so Devon will have a father...
Medical emergency leads Kristine to take care of Joe's dog and now that her business has burned down she had no where to go and something to do.
So many misunderstandings and you wonder if Krissy will just up and leave town, all her troubles behind her...
   



The Pony That Talked by Steve Ellis
Colorful children's story about Olivia and she's always dreamed of having a horse of her own and talking to him.
She sees the other horses from other farms...she likes Silver the best and she has a job tending him but noone hears him talking to her...
Really difficult to read this book because you can not increase the font size. Gave up at 30% through using a hand held magnifer.




The Welcome Home Door by Richard Rouse
Starts with a table of contents where there are ten different stories.
Foreward is enclosed to tell how this book came together.
Especially liked the first story as it is about the door. Such character and memorable it is and even more after the fire.
Enjoyed the other stories as well.



Dump Cake Recipes: 45 Family Favorites Dump Cake Recipes by Maggie Bradley
Starts out with a table of contents and then basics of drump cakes and recipes to follow.
Free bonus offer of more ebooks. Short intro. 
Recipes include title, summary of the dish and list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar and low fat products.
Some of the measurements are in US, some UK, some use both in the recipe. Not sure why they can't just convert them for us.
Directions are given and prep tiem is included.
There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information.
I might try one of these if we have having company over because a cake is just too much for us. cupcakes might work though.