Book Review: Christmas on Cape Cod by Nan Rossiter

Christmas on Cape Cod by Nan Rossiter
Cute story of a father and his girlfriend and his young son as they head to the shouse on the cape for the Christmas holiday.
The little boy has lost his first father but has another one now. Love how they celebrate the holiday on the Cape and the surprises that await them under the tree.
Miss having a morning with young kids-it's a lot different than watching them via the internet.  Like how this story continues with other family members in another book by this author.
Received this review copy from Kensington Books via Zebra at Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ChristmasOnCapeCod #NetGalley

Book Review: A Season to Celebrate by Fern Michaels, etc

A Season to Celebrate by Fern Michaels, Kate Pearce, Donna Kauffman, Priscilla Oliveras
Love this there are four different authors with their stories in this collection. Have read many of them and enjoyed the reads.
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A Christmas Homecoming by Fern Michaels
Story about a man who's returning back home from the war-for good. his family runs the tree farm in TX.
Also follows Kate and her daughter Emma and they've returned to the area again after her divorce as she has landed a job as a pediatric orthopedic doctor-her dream job.
It's Christmas and we learn how they celebrate the holiday in Texas.
The adults are attracted to one another but she dosn't know if he's poken for....
Emma has a new friend to play with and Kate learns of her relationship with Keven...
Misunderstandings and misconceptions occur...lots of twists and turns...
Love all the charity work mentioned.
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An Unexpected Gift by Kate Pearce
This story focuses around a man released from prison, Billie who's returned home and is able to get out there and move on with life.
He'd lost his wife and child in a serious accident. A local Bella who runs the bar with her son is also a widow and he's able to pitch in to help her out of bad situations with the help.
Their paths cross often as he helps her out at the bar/diner. What I like about this one is that it's about a couple over 50 and the struggles they have in their lives.
Sexual graphic scenes.  So many obstacles in their way of a chance at second love.
Recipe included.
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Christmas in Blue Hollow Falls by Donna Kauffman
Never heard of one marrying on Christmas Day. After the celebration some go to the bar and drink, problem is there are many different groups of people there from different counteis.
A woman is being shown to the door by a man she doens't know til a man with an Aussie dialect intererupts. He ends up in jail and she comes to his rescue.
Love hearing about her degree and lack of but she's able to help him regardless as she is drawn to him. Her broher had asked him to keep an eye on her while he's on his honeymoon.
Love his location and how he transpires it into a space for her-pricesless!
Predictable story line.
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Holiday Home Run by Priscilla Oliveras
Like this story because it's a bit differenet being it's the holidays and there is baseball, which is a summer sport in the US.
Love the charity work done and how Julia involves the children in all the programs. Like the idea of the parade caloing as we'd do that as a Portugese family.
Also like how the baseball star fits in and how Ben uses his fame for good things.
Liked hearing about Chicago as we've yet to visit there.
.
About the authors are included at the end.
Other books excerpts from authors are included at the end.
Received this review copy from Kensington Books via Zebra at Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ASeasonToCelebrate #NetGalley

Book Review: The Knitter's Dictionary Knitting Know-How from A to Z by Kate Atherley

The Knitter's Dictionary Knitting Know-How from A to Z by Kate Atherley
Book starts out with a table of contents: intro, getting started, a-z, references, acknowledgements and about the author and other works.
Intro talks about this book as a guide to help you understand the language and patterns phrases.
What I like about the getting started are the important parts of knitting: the patterns, size, gauge, tools, knitting fibers-love the yarn band where it shows all the info about the yarn that is highlighted by arrows.
Chart about the item you want to make and what important yarn features are best to use.
The dictionary itself is set up a chapter for each letter of the alphabet and all the phrases used in knitting=some have explanations of how to do the stitches.
Also various diagrams showing stitches on the needle and pointing out other information.
Charts throughout on general symbols used in charted patterns: chart and symbols on yarn bands about fibers and if they can be machine or hand washed-very helpful when deciding what type of fiber to use;
Different neck shapings provide you with instructions on how to do the inc/dec; Charts on needle size in US, UK and metric.
What a KEEPER! So much useful information.
Received this review copy from F+W Media via Interweave and this is my honest opinion.
#TheKnittersDictionary #NetGalley

Book Review: Aloha to Love by Josie Riviera

Aloha to Love by Josie Riviera
Really enjoyed this story because it follows a woman-Angelina and she's a writer and some of her script needs correcting before they can make it into a movie.
The scientific expert Caleb is on the cruise also and he conducts classes about his career choice. He knows a lot about volcanoes. She takes his classes and he helps her with the script-he playing the male part.
Love that he tells her, when he stops reading his lines, that a guy wouldn't say that. what was written. They improvise and get through the script and then some.
Story also follows Rachel who's pregnant and on her way to meet  her spouse who's already on the island.
Love hearing of the events that take place away from the ship and all that is learned on the excusions.
Good holiday romance, more from five others.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Books read oct 29

The good fight by Danielle Steel
Story of a girl whose father is a lawyer and is sent to Germany to help with the trails.
Mary is growing up and the family moves there also and she goes to school learning the language. Although only 10 she goes to court with her dad-the war trials, so much has gone wrong.
Mary wants to fight for justice when she gets older, war crimials were brought to jsutice and they are headed back to NY again to join the family law office.
Her grandfather is going to be sworn in at the Supreme Court.
As time goes on she sees the barriers her relatives have put up=prejudice.
Like the history that goes along with this story, events of the years help her decide what she wants to do with her life.
Like her choices, tough ones but necessary for her happiness.
With turmoil at her office she decides she needs to go a different path. Surprised at the ending..
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Fun Family Slippers (Easy To Crochet 2 Hour Slippers Book 3)  by Vicki Becker

Table of contents shows each pattern and how to make them, all crochet.

Very colorful and cute photos of the finished slippers.  Intro talks about other works by the author  with links to buy them.

Intro talks about gauge, sumbols, reading patterns, motif, yarn weights,  and other helpful hints.

Chart shows abbreviations and what they mean.

crochet terms are charted next.

Each pattern starts with a title, large colo photo, instructions include multipe sizes, materials, notions needed,  and gauge. Directions are written so that even a beginner can make them. 

Other ways to contact the author via social media links. 

Lion Brand's New Fall Collection: 15 Free Crochet Scarf Patterns, Afghan Patterns, and More by Editors of AllFreeCrochet 

Starts out with a letter from the editor about the items included, history of the company and table of contents where items are not in any special order.

Each pattern starts with a title, color photo, size, materials needed , gauge and directions in how to make.

After every pattern or in between there is a commercial for the yarn brand. 

Some items are for easy, medium and difficult levels.

Lots of things to make, quite the variety.

13 Free Baby Crochet Patterns 

Book starts out with a letter from the editors, table of contents where each item has it's own chapter under the same categories.

Each pattern starts with a title, desingers name and blog/publication and a bit about the item. A color photo is also included along with abbreviations list of terms used, guage,  materials needed size of item. 

Directions are enlclsoed  but no pictures along the way.

Some items are charted No level mentioned but a beginner should be able to do all these.

Thanks to all the designers is listed at the end with their links/pages.

What I like about this book is many different thicknesses of yarns can be used.

12 Crochet Baby Blanket Patterns 

Starts with offer of other free needlework patterns and projects, letter from the editor. table of contents where each pattern has its own chapter.

Chapter on abbreviations but not how they are done or pictures.

Each pattern starts with a title, author and who the item was made for and a bit about the pattern, skill level, size, guage, materials needed and the pattern itself.

Each instructions and just a small picture of the finished item.

There are some afghans that are shown with a charted pattern, although it also has written instructions.

Resource list of yarn companies listed at the back.

12 Halloween Crafts to Crochet: DIY Home Decor, Halloween Costume Ideas, and More

This book starts with  a short intro from the editors about Halloween.  Categories: Halloween decor, costume, and bag patterns.

Each idea starts with a title, summary of the item and small color photo, materials used and instructions are included showing other details in color photos.

Cute and easy to make items. 

Granny Square Crochet for Beginners US Version

This book starts  out with a table of contents where each component of the granny square is discussed.

Intro along with pictures talks about the history of this crochet method.

Also another chpater talks about what equipment you will need, what a granny square is  and abbreviations used and how to make them.  There are video links along the way so you can see what's being made and how.

I do not agree with how to hold the hook as I hold it differently and I'm a published crochet designer. Whatever works for you.

How to make a granny square shows step by step words and illustrations/pictures of how it's done.

Next chapters continue with the progress, each round having it's own chapter.  How to join the squares are discussed and how to reach out to the author.

 There are some pages that have a problem downloading.  Changing colors, blocking, each had a problem accessing.

Good primer book for making just granny squares.

New Favorites from Lion Brand: 15 Free Knitting Patterns for Scarves, Afghans and More 

Starts out with a letter from the editor about the items included, history of the company and table of contents where items are not in any special order.

Each pattern starts with a title, color photo, size, materials needed , gauge and directions in how to make.

After every pattern or in between there is a commercial for the yarn brand. 

Some items are for easy, medium and difficult levels.

Lots of things to make, quite the variety.

Welcome to Our Home - Knit and Crochet Ideas from Red Heart 

Starts with letter from the editors and what's included in this book.

Table of contents where each pattern gets it's own chapter.

Each item starts with a title, color photo, and short summary of the item.

Materials and gauge are included along with instructions.

There is no level of experitse and some patterns will take the new beginner a bit of time to become familiar with the instructions.

Some pattersns are easy, some are medium and some are hard.

Accessories: afghans, pillows, wreaths,  rugs,  ottoman cover, coasters, golf club covers, ebook cozy, and phone holder.

Some patterns are for knit, some crochet. Most are quite easy.

Man Crafts: 10 Free Patterns to Crochet for Men 

This book starts out with  other free ebooks and a note from the editors.

Table of contents where each pattern has it's own chapter. 

Each pattern starts with a title, designer name and link to site, summary of the item.

Color photo and equipment needed to make the item, yarn weight and measurements and materials and notes. Abbreviations are also noted and instruction.

What I like about his book are the different weights to use for the items to make.

Very useful items: hats, scarves, mittens, afghans, etc. 

Cycling and Shooting Knickerbocker Stockings How to Knit Them With Plain and Fancy Turnover Tops 

Like this book because it will teach you how to make the items using their method so they will be uniform in size.

Many tips along the way using specialty yarns.

Wish there were pictures of the items. I think they are very old patterns and translated into today terms.

Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Paleo Bread: Healthy Delicious Gluten Free Bread, Biscuits, Muffins, Waffles & Pancakes Cookbook! by Angelina Dylon

This book starts out with  a free ebook as a gift. Table of contents includes recipes: classic, spiced up, muffins,, biscuits, waffles, pancakes.

Intro talks about strategies and steps in making healthy glueten free breads.

Each recipe includes a title, servings, prep and cook time along with list of ingredients and how to make the dish. 

There are no pictures and formatting for recipes are not uniform. 

There is NO nutritional information.

Lots of variety for a breakfast Paleo meal.

Pot pies & Casseroles In One book: A very easy-to-make dish for the whole family by Jennifer Lynn

Starts with a table of contents where each dish has it's own chapter and there is no order to the recipes.

Each recipe has a title, prep, total time and list of ingredients which you  should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat products and fresh rather than canned.

Directions are given. Each recipe does NOT start at the top of a new page.

There is NO nutritional information.

There are NO pictures.

Book Review: Indivisible by Travis Thrasher

Indivisible by Travis Thrasher
Starts with a woman Heather and she's talking about the first day she met her husband and he's right there with her but not there at all, he has PTSD.
Story goes back in time to the war Darren is listening to a radio broakcast from the president about the war overseas. Darren is a chaplain and is being trained with infantry unit and to head to Iraq soon.
Love hearing of th eimagination the children have while unpacking to their new house.
Army men birthday candles-priceless!   Love charity work she does, photo taking, gathering things for soldiers Christmas stockings, and care packages.
What I really like is you hear how Heather is coping on the home front and helping other in the group to survive and you also hear how he's on in Bagdad helping others with their issues.
Love how Darren uses religion and God to help get his point across to those fighting the war with PTSD and he makes head way with them...
Feared something terrible would happen on one of their missions...
Received this review copy from Thomas Nelson--FICTION via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#Indivisible #NetGalley

Books read Oct 24

The Whistler by John Grisham
Have read the prequel and things just don't add up to how the man is imprisoned-it was like nobody even looked into the case.
What I love about this book is that it is much the same as Longmire, a Netflix series. It starts on Indian lands and a lot of corruption.
Book starts out with Lacey and she's with Hugo heading to St. Augustine, FL. They are to meet Randy and he has a complaint about a judge...
They are both investigators and lawyers... he starts talking about realators and investors and all went down. had jail time but learned of one client only now that he got his license back.
His client wants to use the FL whistler blowers rule to turn evidence... catfish mafia have purchased judges in the past... they are involved also.
Quite a few people involved and I like how they all are taken down. So many clues and pieces of the puzzles that come together in the long run.
Like how it's all told and all the secrets to the story are divulged. Can't wait to read another by this author-keep your mind sharp.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

A fugitive in Walden Woods by  Lock_ Norman

Really enjoyed this book about the Negro who wanders onto Walden woods and especially like the disucssions of th gardening.

Love how he helps others who in turn are famous and they help him also.  Love hearing of the area, locale, nature all around as we've been there before.

I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Holiday Recipes: 150 Easy Recipes and Gifts From Your Kitchen by Bonnie Scott 

This book starts out with recipes by meal categories. Each section has a title page, brief summary and baking tips and how to wrap them up for gifts.

Each recipe has a title list o fingredients which you should be able to substitue for your healtier dietary needs: low sugar, low fat,low sodium products.

Directons are given and servings. Small picture of the packaged product along with a gift tag. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Between you and me by Susan Wiggs

Have read many other works by this author and know this will be a good read also.

Starts out with a young mother having just given birth and she will be giving away her son, it's for the best.

We then find an Amish family and a terrible accident has happened with sharp blades...

As the story goes along you learn new things about the Amish way of things. Jonah is the young boy that is being transported to the hospital, his nephew. Caleb finds the hospital so unfamiliar.

Dr. Reese in the trauma section helps Caleb in the city, get clean clothes, food to eat, place to stay because Jonah will be recuperating a long time.

Like how she helps him around while his nephew is getting better, it's all so foreign to Caleb. Once he returns to his lands the govermnet want to take the kids away...

Story also follows Reese and her new path in specializing in her doctor career...

Amazing how they are brought together...

I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Make Ahead Meals: Easy Freezer Recipes to Make Ahead for Cooking Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Including Crockpot Freezer Meals by Peggy Annear 

This book starts out with a talb eof contents and what you will need to preserve the meals you make. The recipes are n no particular order.

Intro talks about why you should freeze meals and tips for foods along with a chart telling you how long they'd be ok in the freezer. Listing of foods that freeze well and another chapter of ones that do not freeze well.

Tips and guidleines are included. Organizing the freezer and how to thaw food properly. 

Each recipe has a title, small color photo and list of ingredients whic you should be able to subsittute for your healier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat products.

Directions are included and also how to freeze the extra for another week.

Quite a large variety of foods to prepare even international dishes.  Only a few desert recipes.

There is NO nutritonal information. 

B00II6RYAC

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipe Book – Vegetarian Cookbook for Busy Women (Diet Recipe Books – Healthy Cooking for Healthy Living 3) by Julia Cussler 

Starts with a table of contents then meal recipes.

Intro about your slow cooker, benefits of using one and how to use it.

Main page of recipe meals start with a color photo and the meal and what you can do with them. 

Individual recipe starts with a title, medium size color photo servings, list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh instead of canned items.

Directions are given with suggestion of serving. No nutritional information.

Some of the recipes have about 20 ingredients, lots of spices and herbs. Like the international section.

Like the idea of making a cake inside the pot. Tips and tricks are also included as a chapter.

Conclusion and about the author are included at the end.  Other works are highlighted by the author at the end.

The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry

Story starts out with events that happen in the past, then another chapter brings you to the present.

Don't care for the order of the story and gets confusing at times with the characters beceause you are a bit unsure what timeframe you are in.

Two girls grew up and spent summers together and enjoyed their time at the local library/bookstore. Thirty years later they go back again to the location and recall the events and the reason why they had left the area.

Choices made as their life progresses and the paths they choose.  A young boy runs away, and the whole town arrives to help search for him, along the river...

Like hearing from the different people on the circumstances, different angles what's going through others mind at the times.

Truth comes out about the night the girls mother had just left-to keep them safe...

Felt the book had too much goiing on-the get together, the kids problems, divorce, job loss and mother missing still..

Lots of swearing, drugs, sexual behavior and just bad choices but then there are good choices as well...

I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Instant Pot Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide Plus 101 Delicious Recipes by Monet Chapin

Starts with a thank you for getting this book, table of contents where food is broken up into meal categories.

Starts out with intro about instant pot, features, how to use, along with tips.

Measurment conversion chart is included. 

Each recipe starts with a title, servings, total time 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 given and some nutritional infiormation: Serving size, calories, total fat-NOT broekn up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, total carbs, protein.

There are no pictures. Lots of variety to the dishes.

FAQ's are listed at the end.

A KEEPER!

Eat fat to lsoe fat, ketogenic diet by Monet Chapin

Enjoyed instant pot cookbook from the atuhor and thought i'd check out this other free cookbbok because I like how things are explained and the format.

Starts with a table of contents where ketogenic diet is explained.

Recipe are broken up into meal categories.  Introduction is all about the history and how to use this book as a guide to losing weight with nutrition in mind.

Be careful with this change of lifestyle, talk to your doctor first as you will be eilimitating some food groups.

Meals plans are included for a week.

Recipes start with a title, servings prep and cook time. List of ingredients are included along with directions. Nutritional information included: calories. total fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbs, dietary fiber, protein, potassium and sugar.

There are NO pictures. I'll be trying the cranberry muffins to start.

Such a variety to choose from, like recipe that sounds like chicken cordon bleu.

Ketogenic diet cookbook by Monet Chapin

Table of contents where recipes are broken up into meal cateogires.

Intro talks about the diet and what it is, benefits and risks. 

Each recipe includes a title, servings, total time. List of ingredients and directions along with some nutritional information: (no size included) calories, total fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, total carbs, cholesterol, protein.

There are NO pictures.

Chili recipe sounds good i'd substitute fresh for canned tomatoes. 

Meal plans are included. 

The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Betty Barnden

The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden  The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Betty Barnden
First time author for me. I am a self taught published corchet designer of baby afghans so am excited to be able to find out more about crochet. I also knit and have many reference books on hand.
This book fascinates me because it's primarily set up in the same way as my knitting reference books-so detailed and orderly.
Lots of colorful pictures of patterns in swatches throughout the book that I love.
Table of contents where stitches and patterns are categorized for ease of finding what you are looking for.
Has so many resources including how to use the book, equipment and charts of sizes available and which to use and which yarns.
Diagrams show you how to do the stitches while words explain also how to do the stitch.
I only know about 6 different stitches but always willing to learn and use more of them. Stitch selector for me is the best part of this book.
Each swatch is shown with it's name and if you select one it will show you how to do the stitch pattern.
Love how the categories are color coorindated also. Like chevrons and can imagine them in infant charity afghans I make.
Each swatch is also shown in chart format if you are more familiar with working the stitches that way.
Some stitches seem challenging to me and I can't wait to give them a try especially because the directions are so straight forward.
What a treasure, A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group - Chartwell Books via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
 #TheCrochetStitchHandbook #NetGalley

Book Review: A Williamsburg Christmas by Anne Greene

A Williamsburg Christmas by Anne Greene
Love how this story plays out.  Starts in Dec 1955, the year I was born and it's located in Williamsburg, a place I've yet to visit but it's on my list.
Love hearing of the shops in town and all the decorations.
Holly is a single mom, widowed of two young boys. She works as a waitress with her friend Shriley who's set her up for a date with Bob one of the muscial group playing at dinner.
Her ex friend Trent is also there playing the French Horn-she had tried to find him after school but he had moved on, without her.
She has faith in God but has all but given up on love til she sees the deliveries the next day: flowers, candy and a letter....
Like how she accepts the gift card and thinks it's from her girl friend...  Like how she has many choices of men to select from-different backgrounds.
Love batering and how life was back then.  Like how they find they have mutual religious beliefs. Love hearing of the food choices available.
Qutie a surprise to find out what his real job is-after college.   Recipes included-what a treat!
Love hearing of the displays available, can't wait to go soon, very similar to one in MA I donate my time to knitting for their outfits..
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end and about the author. Love this novella!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Oct 16 Book Review: Christmas at the Chalet by Anita Hughes

Christmas at the Chalet by Anita Hughes
This book starts out with Felicity a wedding dress designer and how she's in St. Maritz, Switzerland for the runway event her and her business partner, Raj have scheduled.
One of the models takes sick due to high altitude and Felicity puts the wedding dress on-the one she had designed so the photographer could take the necessary photos.
She and Adam plan to get married but just not yet...love hearing of her design work as I'd often be found sketching a sweater design at 3am myself. Always keep paper on my nighttable.
She had left hastily for work this Christmas, brunch with her in laws to be...
Love donation to charity, from their proceeds. She injures herself while getting a gift for Adam and a doctor takes over her care.
Very descriptive details, not only of the gowns but surrounding areas and things to do. Like drama of all the models and how things work out in the end.
Lots of turmoil but the events and scenery are heavenly to hear about. Breakups and forgivenesses and makeup sex play a big part in the scheme of things. Ending was unexpected...
Other works by the author are highlighte dat the end.
Received this review copy via St. Martin's Press from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ChristmasAtTheChalet #NetGalley

Book Review: Rebirth by Galatea Georgiou

Rebirth by Galatea Georgiou
Not my regular genre but need a break from romance and mystery novels.
Subject interested me a bit to want to know more.
Many of the poems also include beautiful photos. What struck me after reading a few was the such emotional thoughts brought to you in written words.
The poems I can see as a play, as the thoughts come to life.  Enjoyed this read, would like to read more from this author.
Receive this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Soccer Dribbling & Foot Skills: A Step-by-Step Guide by Dylan Joseph

Soccer Dribbling & Foot Skills: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Dribble Past the Other Team (Understand Soccer Book 3) by Dylan Joseph
Have read other books in the series and always find things fascinating when I can understand them. Enjoy this series greatly and enjoy learning how it is all done.
Starts with a bonus gift of a guide that you can bring to practice with you. Table of contents where the moves are broken up into tiers and other categories.
About the author is included along with his other works in the soccer series.
Dedication page. Colorful individual soccer player's pyramid showing what they should learn how to do on the field.
Color photos throughout that show you what is being talked about so you can follow more closely.
Like hearing about all the important components outside the field: support, coaches, food, sleep, etc.
Directions on how to do the moves are very well detailed. Bonus informational sheet and signup at author's site.
Glossary of words and how to do the kicks, etc are included.  Like different perspectives and angles discussed.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Easy Peasy Tasty Salads: A Salad Cookbook of Fast and Easy Homemade Salad Recipes by Emily Brown

Easy Peasy Tasty Salads: A Salad Cookbook of Fast and Easy Homemade Salad Recipes by Emily Brown
Beautiful cover showing color of salads, starts with a note from the author and table of contents showing recipe names.
Introduction about the food in the book and how it came to be.
Each recipe includes a title, servings, list of ingredients where some recipes have measurements for American and Metric.
Directions and tips on how to make this dish are included.  Color photo is at the end of the recipe.
Some recipes have a mixture of metric and American measuremtns in the same recipe. Although there is no nutrtional information the ingredients are on the healthy side.
Like that there are recipes from around the world, can't wait to try so many of them!
Some recipes call for homemade mayonnaise and that is included at the end-what a bonus!  Ends with a summary from the author stating this is not a specific diet book.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

A KEEPER!

Book review: Law and Murder by Rusty Ellis

Law and Murder by Rusty Ellis
Have enjoyed the others in this series and know this will be ampped up a bit more because of the mob Ransom and Leesa are up against.
Am familiar with the characters but would be good as a standalone book also.
This book starts with a woman being killed and the investigators Ransom and Leesa are collecting details of the clues left behind.
Years later the young girl who witnessed the murder goes to visit the killer in prison to find out who paid him to kill her mother. Her father gets a call and they tell him to keep his daughter clsoe.
The man in prison knows the mob is watching him and knows who visits him as he had the investigators come for a talk and they were given a tip, almost a needle in the haystack.
Sarah's father, Averett is a lawyer but she has no idea who he has as clients...the plot thickens as we learn.
Like hearing how they solve this one-so deatiled and it'd make a great movie because there's so much action and adventure.
About the author is included at the end along with other works.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Oct 9 Book Review: Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
Starts out where all are stateside based. There are many and they don't appear to be connected til you read further.
Wish there was a list of characters at the start-feel lost.
Love the details, very descriptive of the island and the culture...
Like how everyone is connected and you learn over time just how close they are. Liked being on island time and how the tourists adjust.
Love hearing of the different jobs on the island.
Interesting how the two brothers are in love with the same woman-all kinds of love are shown in this story.
Like the mystery of the invisible man-so cool and the pirate-it just fits perfectly.
Petroglifics and trails are treasures and conch shell holds a special place in my heart also as my grandmother gave me one.
Like where the future will find them...love that this is a trilogy, can't wait to uncover more mysteries and secrets.
Received this review copy from Little, Brown and Company via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Inherit the Wool A Yarn Retreat Mystery, #6 by Betty Hechtman

Inherit the Wool A Yarn Retreat Mystery, #6 by Betty Hechtman
Excited to be reading a new author to me and the subject contains knitting.
She calls her friend Frank and he fears there's another murder as many have occurred since she moved to Cadbury by the Sea in CA.
Feldstein is putting on a yarn retreat reunion. The sorority from college will be coming, all people she knows, The Ballerinas.
She had tried a lot of different jobs and really liked it but there was no money to run the company.
Her aunt Joan had died and left everything with her.... Love how each get to introduce themselves to one another again and especially love the routine with the balls they do.
A murder attempt happens and Carrie is the one who collects the clues and tries to solve the mystery.
After the attempts and the women know they want to leave the area but Carrie has some ideas on how to keep them there-because one of them could be the culprit.
When pigs fly, LOL. I have seen them in TN. love how it fits into this book. Like how the local cop is also investigating from his angle, not his normal at all!
Love that she's a baker!   Wow I missed so many clues in the story, had no clue who the culprit was.
Like hearing of the magic tricks, so cool! Love knit patterns for the scarf attached at the end.
And recipe for muffins!   Other works and about the author are included at the end.
Really enjoyed this book can't wait to read more.
Received this review copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Oct 9 Book Review: Not Just Lovely Laura by Jessica Spencer

Not Just Lovely Laura by Jessica Spencer
Starts out with Laura and her brother Garrett are young and she finds out her mother left to live with another and that she's not in the sky as a sky-because she's not dead.
Move forward then to her older teens and her brother is betrothed to be married to Maria. Laura meets her mother and is happy about it but very nervous. She attends her first ball and is comfortable with the events.
Astonished she has so many bouquets of flowers the next day from men who are thanking her for her time dancing with them.
Like discussions of hair and that she is able to spend time with Maria and she has a dream also. Love hearing of Maria's and how it's accomplished. Laura wants to help orphans who never had caring adults.
Garrrett's friend Duke Anthony is trying to spend time with her-she recalls when he spent time with them as young children.
Laura hopes to keep her secret to herself but others have noticed how different she's acting...
Loved how she stepped up to the child touching a gown for sale...We also learn about Laura's mother when she had first left her spouse. wow so misunderstood.
So many twists and turns, unpredictable events. great read!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber

Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber
Alternating chapters of each of the main characters, book is located at Ponder, Alaska.
Josie had been hired at the lodge and her time was up-the lodge was shutting down and she was heading back to Seattle.
Love the events for no special reason why the community gets together.
Story also follows Palmer who is a worker and the lodge and he favors Josie and wants her to stay but he can't express himself in words. He knows her suitcases are packed.
His sister Alicia and she's asking if he's going to propose to Josie. Love hearing how they were raised near the Arctic Circle.
Like all the food combinations and Palmer's career, priceless being able to use her hands to make a living. Like hearing about his work.
Love hearing of the salmon ping pong game LOL lots of fun travel described. He finishes his project and wants to deliver it before Christmas. He and Jack make plans and things don't go according to plan.
She is so innovative and creative. Great holiday read when things are so unpredictable. 
Inclues an excerpt from another book by the author. About the author is listed at the end.
Received this review copy from andom House Publishing Group - Ballantine via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#AlaskanHoliday #NetGalley

Book Reviewer Q and A

http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2018/09/interview-with-book-reviewer-julie.html

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Interview with book reviewer Julie Barrett

1.      How did you become a book reviewer? For how long have you been doing this?

Because I am blind I needed a place to keep track of what books I was reading, not realizing that the NLS was doing that for me-books on tape.  2008 at my blog, some just the titles and authors name, later reviews and star ratings Goodreads:  started tracking my books in 2011, They listed me as #16 top reviewer. At Amazon I’m in the top 100 top reviewers. In 2010 I had double cataract surgeries where they implanted lenses and I was able to read a paperback book for the first time. Still prefer pdf or epub as my tablet can read them to me. Also get a large majority of free kindle books from amazon daily and from NLS I can put them on my BARD player so that device can read the books to me.

2.      Which genres do you favor? Why?

Romance, because they take me to new locations that I might never visit in my lifetime. There’s a bit of romance and some I even learn something new-like those who work with their hands, especially if they tell you how a career is done.

3.      How did you have the time to read and review 800 books last year?

Just looked at my stats -- only 809 -- but also I have lengths of books/pages listed as well. I make the time while doing chores around the house-quiet ones, and also on my elliptical/recumbent bike=I get a lot of miles in. or while I’m knitting for charity-have tens of thousands of hours logged in many different ones.

4.      What is the key to writing a powerful book review?

The synopsis tells the real story, a hint of it. I try to focus on things I liked in the book: detail, location, etc.

5.      What is the key to writing a good review?

Getting out what make it a good read for you.

6.      Are most of your book reviews favorable or negative? 

Favorable, but for cookbooks I’m very critical as to our healthier dietary needs.

7.      What advice do you have for authors seeking to get more book reviews?

I and many others are listed in book buzz reviews-updated yearly and it lists what we want to read and where we post, etc. just send us a short note about your book-we can read the synopsis at the book retailers. I like that I meet new authors to me on facebook, goodreads and through email via netgalley or bookbuzz.

For more info, please see: http://jbarrett5.blogspot.com