Books read Sept 2019

Mighty Coconuts: Protect, Sustain, Conserve the Environment (Miss Tree Tales Book 1) by Deepa Remesh
This book starts out with acknowledgements and connecting online to the author and her sites.
Story starts when the kids are outside and realize the shade helps keep them cool. They are in the trees and a figure appears and gives them devices after talking to them for a while. They will help preserve the lands and environment.
There are colorful illustrations throughout the book. They are anxious to start the journey and one day they lay down for a nap and they are summoned on their devices that it's time. They have to answer the question right which they do and they follow the directions.
They are able to make choices and decide to go back to 1890 to India to learn all about coconuts. They arrive and are able to detect their helpers there with the green thumb sensor they carry.
They learn so much from the family about not only how to grow but use all parts of the tree and coconut for food, toys, household things and so much more. What a learning experience, glad they have the seed book handy to write it all down.
They then travel to 1990 and they learn the process for different things containing coconut. They find out so much information and notice a few girls that remind them of others but they can't think of who.
Love all the mysteries and the solutions. Love the seeds of thoughts at the end of the chapters with more details about what is being discussed and also how you can help.
Learned so much about coconuts and you will to. What a fun way to learn. Super loved the part about aphids and how lady bugs can help-we tried praying mantis in our garden but think there was not enough bugs for them to stay long. Might try the lady bug for next years crops-love not having to use pesticides.
There is SO much more to find out about, have fun doing it!
About the author finishes up this book and I can't wait to find out more about the different trees and the things they can help us with to preserve and save our planet.
Received this review copy free from Amazon and this is my honest opinion.

MY REVIEW:

Incredible Cacao (Miss Tree Tales Book 2)
by Deepa Remesh and Anjana Prabhu-Paseband
Starts with a dedication page and acknowledgements and the chapter listings.
Love hearing of the analogy between the seed and the start of this series-precious treasure!
Mia and Nik join the Plant Savers Club and their parents teach them about gardening, in their own back yard.
So many educational things they learn just in this exercise.
The illustrations are showing things that are going on in the story, there are a few for each chapter.
They are selected to go to Costa Rica where cacao comes from-it's a chocolate tree.
Once they land and become their full size they join up with a family that raises the trees. They are told all about not only the tree itself but the process of how to make it into chocolate.
They are taught so many cool things that I didn't even know about. So happy I picked up this book today. It's so fun and adventurous and mysterious at the same time.
There is a lot of history and I love the talk about grafting trees. I come from a family of nurserymen and have a green thumb.
Such cool devices they carry with them to record everything they do, see, eat and experiment with. They are able to have fun as kids also.
What I think I like the best are the Q&A at the very end of the book. It asks questions and gives you the answers if you didn't recall them from the story.
There are fun things to do along the way throughout the book.
Seed book shows you how to record the tree and a lot of things about it. so cool! Seed devices are also shown illustrated.
About the author and illustrator are included at the end.
Can't wait to read more from this duo! Love how this book promotes the younger ones to get involved with trees and planting because due to our climate change things will get harder.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

The Road To You by Marilyn Brant
Had read a book  years ago and was happy to get a review copy for this one as the description fascinated me and I knew the author would write an incredible story.
Started out with visiting the author's site where the pictures that go along with the journey are shown. Talk about first hand knowledge of the path they took!
Book starts with table of contents and soundtrack of the story.
A note to the reader is included.
Starts out with Aurora and she's found a journal from her dead brother Gideon. He and his friend Jeremy, Donovan's brother had died two years ago and the families had no understanding as to what happened. Love how Gideon knew his sister so well he could leave her clues that only she'd understand.
Aurora and Donovan head out together to solve some of the hidden meanings.
They start a journey 3 hours away and ask the right questions of other and find out things they didn't even know the boys were interested in.
They then follow it to Chicago where they find a women, Amy Lynn who knew them.
So much danger as they are given so much more information and are able to see them both on film.
Love how the clues lead them to other places. Aurora has a feeling the boys are still alive but everybody has said they are dead and they had funerals for them years ago.
Love how they get tidbits of information from others and just piece them all together, leading to what they don't know what they will find at the end...
Love how the author does her homework on the subject. Love Aurora's choice of study-perfect fit.
WOW a book hasn't touched me like this in a long time. I still have tears in my eyes as I finish this story.
There is so much to it: undercover, FBI, corrupt cops, disappearances, killings, puzzles, travel, love,  fireworks, Rt. 66, high profile crimes, adventure, mystery, bond Aurora and Donovan have as they spend a lot of time together and so much more!
Note from the author and acknowledgements.  Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Soundtrack of the Story there are so many here I've listened to and loved over the years.
Dedication noted also. About the author is enclosed. Excerpt from various books from others are included.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Eighteen Winters by Joanne DeMaio

Have read all the authors other works and know this will be another great read.
Starts out with Harry and he's gone with his buddies after work, taking the work van to attend a ski trip. Problem is it doesn't go as planned.
His father is telling him, you can make this right'. and he does...
Every winter he's back home from his life to help at the family general store during Christmas holidays. He also takes in the mail and discovers cards from friends, family and Sadie-who was actually writing to the people who lived in the house prior to his family owning it.
His mother just puts the card in the drawer and states she will write to her after the holidays. Next year he's back again and we find out what's going on his life, his family's and the card that is delivered. He's learning all about Sadie over the 18 years of cards.
After 18 years things have changed so much....he realizes just how much family means.
Love hearing of all the Christmas decorations and some things from prior books now make sense. Hurt for Derek and love hearing that Gus is running the Holly Trolley.
Sadie, the sender of the Christmas cards is hired to become the new town's event planner and their worlds crash into one another.
He wants to make things right with her but keeps messing it up so he takes a different step...
Story follows her side of things when she finds out....love hearing how the town is saved from things she does at her job.
Phenomenal how everybody comes together. Love hearing about the different stores, shopping and the food. So many emotions come out in this book, just reading it, super treasure!
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with about the author.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Holly's Gift by Josie Riviera
This book starts out with a dedication and about the series.
Holly is a Korean born woman who tries to not only fix things but help others.
Holly Kim teaches piano and realizes there's something wrong with one of the students as she's late and has other excuses but she is able to track her down,at a homeless shelter.
She was there to find them, on a hunch, but runs into obstacles as the center is closing due to a deterioration that the electric is not up to code...
They must evacuate everyone. Story at this point follows the decision he has made as he tries to come to grips with it and the beautiful woman that's wandered into his life.
Never read a book where female is from Korea and I like how determined she is, strong and brave all in one as she goes after what she knows needs to happen.
He invites her to the ice rink and would even hold her up and she learns many things about him. Love what the charm bracelet means to her and why.
Love hearing about all the outside winter activities. Like the passages were the Bible is mentioned and quoted and how it fits in with the story.
Love that her friend has left her money for charity, now she has a reason to use it.
Love hearing from both sides as you get the full picture.
Love how she teaches him about herself and love of God. She understands his position but know she will stick true to her faith and maybe he will slide on her side.
Bonus of a Christmas cookie recipe is included, OH YUM!   Dedication and acknowledgments and about the author are also included with nightlights of her other works.
Excerpt is also included of another holiday book.  Knowing some things about the author I love how they are brought out in this book.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

The Choice by Anne Greene
This book starts with a few quotes from the Bible, dedication page and then the story begins.
1850's  We find Felicity in Ft. Laramie and she was on her way to Oregon to claim land along with her father. He's passed away and his best friend is looking after her til she comes up with a plan to get a spouse to claim all 640 acres of land.
She posts an ad in the window and gets a stampede of men and then she lists some things she requires: must be Christian, can't drink, etc
She had a liking to Ben and at last he's joined the line-he had lost everything but clothes he wore-he found work in town before the wagon train was to leave. His hopes are to preach to the miners in CA at the gold rush. He also wants to pay his mothers medical debts.
Her father insisted she marry and get her name changed-mystery surrounding that ....
Life on the trail is hard and she watches him and falls more in love with the things he does for them along the way.
After getting married she had to confess she only wanted him in name and not in bed. He's promised to win her over and hopes to persuade her to come with him, for a little while before they head to claim the land.
Plans change as she realizes what she's got with Ben... Excerpt from Hatteras is included at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Hatteras Island Mystery by Anne Greene
This book starts with dedication page.
Story starts out with Misty Gordons and she's a photographer, weddings at the lighthouse at Cape Hatteras are her specialty.
She notices one man and she thinks he walked off the cover of GQ but he stays away from the wedding party but she's able to capture him...
Short time later we find she's walking along the shore and sees a body has washed up on shore and she hurries to turn him over and get the ambulance to arrive.
He has no idea who he is but she knows she's seen him...going through her camera she finds he's the man in the pictures.
They team up after hearing his story and try to find out just who is trying to kill Quin. He reveals family secrets to her making the story believable.
Love the location and the mention of Newport as I am nearby. Love the photography aspect of this book and how they go about solving this one.
Her only goal this whole year with the 3 other girlfriends was to get married. It's December and no man in sight for her-the other 3 have had their weddings...
About the author and her other works are included at the end.
Excerpt from another of the author's other works is included at the end, Mystery at Dead Broke Ranch.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion, .

Shadow of The Dagger by Anne Greene
This book starts with endorsements from reviewers, dedication page and acknowledgements and then the story begins.
Like this book as it's a bit longer than the author's other works I've read, lot more detailed and lots of action and adventure.
Ian, deaf has been taken from the archaeological site. The captors know he has the map but they can't decode it.
He had called his sister before he was taken to tell her the interpreter had left and she was on her way. She teams up with Josh an agent and assassins are after them.
So very detailed you can feel what each of them are going through-Ian with his eyes covered and he can't hear, they aren't giving him food or drink but drugging him.
Nicole is attracted to Josh as he is her-they get to talk a LOT during the ride to get to Ian's position...
Crazy how information is contained til the very end. Like hearing of the mysteries surrounding the maps and what the all entail.
Amazing part for me was Josh is Jewish and Nicole is Christian and she is able to find passages where the two are discussed-like they are allies.
He is against marrying out of his faith-was raised that way.
Note from the author is also included.
An excerpt from Holly Garden, P, Red is for Rookie is also enclosed at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

The Sisters of Summit Avenue by Lynn Cullen
Story of women growing up in the 1930's. Different choices of spouses and family situations.
Liked hearing about Betty Crocker, learned some things I did not know.
Book goes forward in time then back to when they were teens growing up.
Lots of family secrets come to light and some of them left me with my mouth wide open, like hit with a ton of bricks.
Didn't really care for the story but did like the words the author used and the detailed descriptions.
Acknowledgements are listed at the end.
Received this review copy from Gallery, Pocket Books Gallery Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
 #NetGalley

His Lady Deceived by Cheryl Bolen
What I like about this book is how men are competing for Sarah's affection as she's been single for years but has had many proposals.
She has been invited to Emily's family house during the Christmas holidays where she tries to match make her brother Alfred to her friend Sarah.
He's a man who foolishly gambles, sword fights with no helmet and is known to be attached to actresses-that's how the story is being told but you learn otherwise during the book.
Like when they are able to just walk around outside and we learn that it's time for Emily to deliver the baby. The others who were to help with that are at another location because nobody saw the blizzard coming.
Love how they decorate for the holidays and how they are able to go outside to actually get the items. Alfred and Sarah are set to play whist together and are a perfect team as they are so intelligent about the game.
Surprised on whom she selects to be her spouse because she and they have to love one another....
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Fallen by Rebecca Zanetti
Starts with an excerpt and the authors other series works and table of contents and acknowledgements.
Hope by reading this I won't be left in the dark as I've not read the other two Deep Ops books. Can be read as a stand alone also!
They were able to get Brigid out of the prison to help them with her expertise on the computer. Others are keeping secrets from her about how they think her father, Irish mob affiliates may also be caught...
Lots of tactical moves and I also was able to learn a bit about the others in the group-from previous books in the series that I have not read.
Raider is under cover as her fiancee and they are to meet her father...
Story line reminds me a lot of the Enemy Within on NBC, it's such a cool show...
Brigid knows they can send her back to her solitary cell at any time so she works hard at what they want from her.
Love this kind of book because there is so much to it: romance/sex, mystery, high crime, locations, action and adventure, technology, tactics used.
Like that you hear from each of them so you can get the two sides of the circumstances.
Hilarious moments also and an excerpt  Broken is enclosed.
Received this review copy from Kensington Books Zebra via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#Fallen #NetGalley

MY BOOK REVIEW:

My Christmas Darling by Vivien Mayfair
Book starts out with works by the author and where to buy them from.  Preface and dedication start this book off.
Like this book for many reasons: Lucy has a job reading books all day and gets paid to do that-my dream job!
She blames herself for her mother's health problems because she had come to the police station one night to get her and got hit by a drunk driver.
Lucy finishes her holiday book and submits it to over 75 agencies and they all reject it. When prompted for the best reads for the month with her boss she gives him her book with a different name at the bottom.
He's troubled ever since his mother died at Christmas and since then the family never celebrated the holiday again-til this year. He's agreed for some decorations at work. He runs the publishing company but his father owns one of the big 5 in the city.
He just needs that one break to top his father's success and the holiday read he's given is it. He  continues via email Bibi and gets to know her better and he can get a movie deal for her and lots of proceeds prior.
It's just what Lucy's mother would need. Lucy is not happy that her best friend has to pose as the author and it's wearing on her and she thinks she will confess to the boss....
William is enjoying the company of Lucy and I love hearing about the collection of publications he has in his library-precious.
Things get out of hand and there are many misunderstandings.
Love the ending didn't see it coming....the town sounds a bit unbelievable to me but was a good read.
Can't wait to read more from this author. There are little snips of cheer at the start of every chapter.
Other notes at the end include: Literary works referenced, authors name, excerpt for A Sleepy Hollow Kiss, summary of her other works:  Wedding at Walden Pond, Dreams of Mistletoe, Once Upon a Thanksgiving.  A note and about the author are also included at the end.
Like how the character got her name but after the first several chapters I had heard enough of the cliches.
Received this review copy from the author via Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion.


Collection of mystery books I started to read because I thought my 13 year old grandson would be interested and I got wrapped up reading them all. They are fun, about 1950's in England and the kids are at Smuggler's cove for the summer and other holidays and they are able to put clues together to find the bad guys and help the cops out. Can't imagine being able to ride my bike along the road during the 1950's and not getting into trouble. Parents were ok to let the kids explore the area.  Must not be like where I grew up in the US. Fun reads and I can't wait to read more from this author. He's got a way to telling a story. Some books are short, some a lot longer.

The Mystery of the Strange Notebook (The Mystery Series Short Story Book 4) by Paul Moxham 
The kids take off for an island and find some things tossed about. a notebook but it's in a foreign language that none of them understand.
They are soon in the middle of another mystery when a mother and her child are found and then others are out to get them.
The foursome help the cops again...

Mystery of the Burning Plane by Paul Moxham
In this mystery the children at home see a plane and it crashed into the ground. They watch a few men leave the scene and try to follow them to find out why they crashed it.
They soon learn there is more to the story as they are now avoiding the men.
They are able to put the clues together to help the cops solve this one.

Mystery of the Russian Spy by Paul Moxham
In this one the cops have told them of a Russian that is on the loose. The kids follow who they think might be who the cops are talking about.
Clues add up to help solve this one. Kids are kidnapped and taken to Heron Island where they gather more clues to help solve the mystery.

Mystery of the Perfect Thief by Paul Moxham
This one the kids accidentally figure out who is taking shiny jewelry from people around town.
They never see a person and the clue that helps Amy solve this one happens when they are having a picnic.
Good eyes!  Not familiar myself with the culprit as this was written in England but wow what a story. Kept my interest til the end.

Mystery of the Mysterious Man by Paul Moxham
The kids are out and about and Will wants to meet up with his other friend but he's visiting his uncle but he discovers things aren't right.
The kids follow the clues to see the dad going to the island and then coming home and then noticing others who visit the island.
Will doesn't think his friend is at the uncle's at all and they all combine clues to find out what is going on.
Great read!

Mystery of Adventure Island by Paul Moxham
This longer story is about the kids and how they are given instructions on how to sail a boat and are given one for themselves to use.
They sail to an island and don't expect to be gone long but things happen that prevent them from getting off the island.
Their boat gets damaged on rocks, they find caves, the find a house and are able to put a few clues together to realize they are in big trouble.
A woman officer comes to the island impersonating herself so the kids help her out.
They are able to put a raft together and the men chase them and the raft falls apart but they are saved from that disaster.
They put more clues together as the cops swarm the island.

The Mystery of the Golden Elephant by Paul Moxham
In this story the kids are involved with the theft of a golden elephant figurine. The old woman cherishes this from her now dead husband.
The kids listen and figure out a few things that something isn't right with her story and help the police solve the case...

The Mystery of the Red Balloon by Paul Moxham
This story is about the kids and they find a balloon with writing and three words written in white.
They figure out what it means and then go find the location. They are a bit late and find another balloon and they figure out that location after a few missteps....
Interesting how the balloon is used.

The Mystery of the Howling Dog by Paul Moxham
This detailed story is about why the dog is howling and nobody can figure out who the dog belongs to.
They do figure it out by the clues and they are held but are able to piece together more clues to solve the mystery.

The Mystery of the Hidden Suitcase by Paul Moxham
This story I found scary as it involves a man who is out of prison.
He had once stolen money and is out to go find it the kids figure out by the clues.
They find it before the man and run all over town and with the snow they are able to follow his footsteps into town and
the meeting he has planned just in time for the cops to capture him again....

and set in series format:

The Mystery Series Short Storeis 9 - 12 by Paul Moxham
Mystery of the Burning Plane by Paul Moxham
In this mystery the children at home see a plane and it crashed into the ground. They watch a few men leave the scene and try to follow them to find out why they crashed it.
They soon learn there is more to the story as they are now avoiding the men.
They are able to put the clues together to help the cops solve this one.
..
Mystery of the Russian Spy by Paul Moxham
In this one the cops have told them of a Russian that is on the loose. The kids follow who they think might be who the cops are talking about.
Clues add up to help solve this one. Kids are kidnapped and taken to Heron Island where they gather more clues to help solve the mystery.
..
Mystery of the Perfect Thief by Paul Moxham
This one the kids accidentally figure out who is taking shiny jewelry from people around town.
They never see a person and the clue that helps Amy solve this one happens when they are having a picnic.
Good eyes! Not familiar myself with the culprit as this was written in England but wow what a story. Kept my interest til the end.
..
Mystery of the Underwater Car by Paul Moxham
The kids are just biking around when they see a van and hear noises inside. They are able to discover a man with handcuffs in a car in the back of the van.
Will was able to get the men out of the way by leading them away from the scene on his way to notify the cops.
The other 3 kids get into the van and talk to the inventor of the car to find out it's features. They are all brought to a house and locked in.
They soon discover things to help in getting away and they are chased.
Didn't see this ending happening in the way it did. They are top notch solvers.

The Mystery Series 1-4) by Paul Moxham

The Mystery of the Missing Money (FREE BOOKS FOR KIDS CHILDREN MIDDLE GRADE MYSTERY ADVENTURE) (The Mystery Series, Short Story Book 1) by Paul Moxham
This book starts out with listing of other works by the author-in series format but each can be read as a stand alone. I am reading them in order so I am familiar with the children in the story.
Love the part about being bored and just relaxing it's summer and the girls are lying back looking at the clouds making shapes out of them. I remember doing that when it was in the 60's also, but from RI, they are in the UK.
Joe and Will bring up the bank robbery and how the money was never seen as they head towards the Blacknesh Castle and learn that the twins are still alive and think that's where the money is. They slowly investigate and know they are on target when they hear their voices.
Interesting how short this story is and it gets the job done with all the clues and investigating..
Can't wait for the next mystery.
...
The Mystery of the Missing Gnomes (The Mystery Series Short Story Book 2) by Paul Moxham
This story starts out when the kids meet the new police sheriff and he's asking for their help in solving the mystery of the missing gnomes out of others gardens. He has more important cases to attend to I think.
Children gather their friend Will and they put the clues together-times all were committed, the locations and form a stake out the next day. Love that they meet at the ice cream store to compare notes as Will's father is a famous writer and he always has money from his father.
They put the list of suspects together and figure out which one couldn't have done it til they are playing ball in Will's back yard and he sees things in the old man's house next door that he can't believe. He tells the others and they know they have to notify the police ....
There are circumstances that only the police can handle and this one they take over and come to a decision....
Can't wait to see what trouble the kids get into next....
...
Mystery of the Mysterious Man by Paul Moxham
The kids are out and about and Will wants to meet up with his other friend but he's visiting his uncle but he discovers things aren't right.
The kids follow the clues to see the dad going to the island and then coming home and then noticing others who visit the island.
Will doesn't think his friend is at the uncle's at all and they all combine clues to find out what is going on.
Great read!
...

he Mystery of the Strange Notebook (The Mystery Series Short Story Book 4) by Paul Moxham
The kids take off for an island and find some things tossed about. a notebook but it's in a foreign language that none of them understand.
They are soon in the middle of another mystery when a mother and her child are found and then others are out to get them.
The foursome help the cops again...

Brittle Diamonds by Hilary Walker
Starts with why author wrote this book. Such a subject that is still news today.
Priest in the seminary and the young boys that are abused.
Like English as they stick with one another and gossip about the neighbors. So much so that the priest knows what vehicles the others drive.
He had met a man on the train that opened up to him and they meet again after Matt had almost hit the horse and his tenant. He's lost his job and needs to confront his wife about it.
The priest won't be leading church after Sunday's mass because of the 30 year old abuse charges. The church will investigate.
There are quite a few characters but they all come together when least expected with their problems.
Love that it's Easter time and spring flowers are coming up. Love how they look forward to confessing to the priest.
Like all the secrets others are hiding but will come out soon, over time...
Especially love the different ages and how everything that is going on effects them all.
About the author is included at the end. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Re ceived this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Mystery of the Underwater Car by Paul Moxham
The kids are just biking around when they see a van and hear noises inside. They are able to discover a man with handcuffs in a car in the back of the van.
Will was able to get the men out of the way by leading them away from the scene on his way to notify the cops.
The other 3 kids get into the van and talk to the inventor of the car to find out it's features. They are all brought to a house and locked in.
They soon discover things to help in getting away and they are chased.
Didn't see this ending happening in the way it did. They are top notch solvers.

The Mystery of the Missing Money (FREE BOOKS FOR KIDS CHILDREN MIDDLE GRADE MYSTERY ADVENTURE) (The Mystery Series, Short Story Book 1)  by Paul Moxham
This book starts out with listing of other works by the author-in series format but each can be read as a stand alone. I am reading them in order so I am familiar with the children in the story.
Love the part about being bored and just relaxing it's summer and the girls are lying back looking at the clouds making shapes out of them. I remember doing that when it was in the 60's also, but from RI, they are in the UK.
Joe and Will bring up the bank robbery and how the money was never seen as they head towards the Blacknesh Castle and learn that the twins are still alive and think that's where the money is.   They slowly investigate and know they are on target when they hear their voices.
Interesting how short this story is and it gets the job done with all the clues and investigating..
Can't wait for the next mystery.

The Mystery of the Missing Gnomes (The Mystery Series Short Story Book 2)  by Paul Moxham
This story starts out when the kids meet the new police sheriff and he's asking for their help in solving the mystery of the missing gnomes out of others gardens. He has more important cases to attend to I think.
Children gather their friend Will and they put the clues together-times all were committed, the locations and form a stake out the next day. Love that they meet at the ice cream store to compare notes as Will's father is a famous writer and he always has money from his father.
They put the list of suspects together and figure out which one couldn't have done it til they are playing ball in Will's back yard and he sees things in the old man's house next door that he can't believe. He tells the others and they know they have to notify the police ....
There are circumstances that only the police can handle and this one they take over and come to a decision....
Can't wait to see what trouble the kids get into next....

Christmas Time: It’s All About Jesus! by Sue M. Barksdale
Too difficult to read the words as they are not typed onto the page, some are on same background.
Looks like a cute story for very young children.

MEDITERRANEAN DIET: A complete guide with recipes and meal plan for weight loss by Alessio Franni
Starts with a table of contents where chapters are broken up into meals for a whole day/week. Main meals, shopping list and kitchen staples are included.
Intro talks about the Mediterranean diet and what it includes, health benefits and how to lose weight.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and total time.
Nutritional info per servings given, calories, carbs, fiber, protein and fat-NOT broken up into good or bad,
List of ingredients and directions are given.
There are NO pictures.
Another cookbook included: Mediterranean diet cookbook: healthy and tasty recipes to get you started.
This TOC has daily meal plans with recipes also.
Intro talks about the diet  and benefits.
Ideas for different varieties are given for meals, use your imagination.
Some recipe that start with a title, servings and list of ingredients and direction. Prep and cook times.
NO pics, NO nutr info.

20 Easy Recipes for Cast Iron Cooking by Adele Cliff
Starts out with TOC where recipes are broken up into meal categories.
Intro and tips about how to  cook with cast iron pans.
Each recipe starts with a title and list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, and low sugar, fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given on how to make.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 600 Easy & Healthy Recipes - 21-Day Diet Meal Plan - 8 Grocery Shopping Tips by Emily Wagner
Starts with TOC where recipes are broken up into meals.
Intro talks about basic things you need to know about the diet plan.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep time and list of ingredients. You should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar, fresh vs canned items.
There are NO pictures and no nutritional information
Directions are given. Includes 4 weeks meal plan chart.
Has a handful of recipes per category and there are a LOT of categories.

90 Easy Instant Pot Recipes: Your Healthy Food Options for Losing Weight by Olivia Mason
Starts with TOC where recipes are broken up into meals.
Intro talks about instant pot, how it works, functions, the parts, and tips.
Each recipe starts with a medium size color photo, title, servings, cook time, and list of ingredients.
You should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar, fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information.
There are a lot of ingredients listed for each recipe, be sure to have everything you need.

Superfood Cookbook: Delicious Vegetarian Superfood Salads for Easy Weight Loss and Detox: Healthy Clean Eating Recipes on a Budget (Superfood Kitchen Book 1) by Alissa Noel Grey
Starts with TOC where recipes are not in any specific order.
Intro about vegetarian salads and how you can incorporate healthier choices into a salad to make it taste good.
Each recipe has a title, servings, prep time.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sugar, low sodium, low fat, fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Bonus of smoothie recipes at the end.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
About the author section.

The Ultimate Renal Diet Guide And Cookbook: Effective Way To Improve Kidney Function While Enjoying Delicious Renal Diet Meals by Jonathan Baker
Didn't realize there would be actual cookbooks for the kidneys.
Starts with TOC where the recipes are broken up into food categories.
Free bonus ebook offer. Into talks about what the renal diet is and how to follow it.
Also about kidney disease and the connection between the diet.
Recipe start with a title, short summary of the dish, cook time, servings and list of ingredients.
Directions are given on how to make and there is NO nutritional information.
There are NO pictures..
Lots of great, tasteful recipes.
Like soup and seasonings that you can make at home.
Shopping guide is included.
Free bonus ebooks listed at the end.
References noted also.

Lunch Box Recipes: 100 easy recipes and ideas for kids (Family Cooking Series Book 5) by Debbie Madson
Table of contents where recipes are broken into different categories.
Intro talks about reducing junk food.
Tips for packing lunches and how to add more vegetables to the lunch.
Each recipe includes a title, summary of the dish, ingredients which are healthy.
Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information and NO pictures.
There are some color photos scattered in the book.
Good selections to get a kid to eat more healthier foods.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Complete Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Easy Instant Pot Guide with 53 Healthy Electric Pressure Cooker Recipes for Smart People by Katy Adam
Start with Table of Contents where recipes are broken up into meals. Intro talks about using electric pressure cookers, their parts and benefits.
Each recipe has a small color photo, title, prep and cook time and servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for her healthier diet: low sodium, low fat, low sugar, fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and not every dish is using the pressure cooker, some go into an oven or micro.
Good collection of basic foods to make in the pressure cooker.
Cooking measurement conversion charts are listed at the end
Other works by the author are listed at the end.
There is NO nutritional information.

Weight Winners Instant Pot Cookbook: 7 DAY TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH “SET AND FORGET” WEIGHT LOSS RECIPES And Keep It Off (Weight Loss Cookbook Book 1) by Michael Collin
Starts with TOC where recipes are broken up into food categories.
Intro talks about your weight and what your body needs and then instat pot.
Each section has a color photo.
Each recipe includes a title listing point values, cook time, servings, freestyle points and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar, fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given and some dishes do not use the instant pot at all.
Nutritional info *no size given* : calories, sat fat, fiber, sugar, protein
Some recipes have different listing-no consistency.
Some food items I am unfamiliar with, make sure you can get them at your store.
Not all may be familiar with the brand name so be sure you know what it is they want in the recipe.
one pound of Yukon Gold, I am pretty sure is for potatoes as it's a chowder recipe.
Some recipes mix English and American terms so be sure to measure the right amount.

Let's Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali! (Maya & Neel's India Adventure Series, Book 1) by Ajanta Chakraborty
Have no idea what Diwali is and interested to learn all about it.
Children's color book about this celebration.
Some pages are hard to read as the print is small and not of same height at times.
Love hearing of the traditions of this feast. Very bright colors and dress.
Very cool map at the end depicting what the holiday is all about.
About the authors is included at the end.

When You Feel Better: A Get Well Soon Gift that Lasts Longer than Flowers but is just as Beautiful (With Love Book Series 1) by Misty Black

Colorful children's book that rhymes and tells the recipient all the things they will do when they are better.

They are there for them. Dedication page and fun fact about finding a ladybug. About the author and illustrator pages.

My Little Crocheted Christmas Festive Projects to Make the Season Bright by Doerthe Eisterlehner
The cover is the first thing that attracted me to wanting to review this book.
So pretty, cute, small for ornaments even as  as we have a very small tree during the holidays.
Patterns are broken up into 3 sections: sweets, gift ideas and decorations. There are also instructions in many forms.
Note from the author about the time of year and what it means to her.
Each section has a beginning page showing all the items made and then we get into the patterns themselves.
Each pattern has a large color photograph and in the instructions there are notes about difficulty level size of item when finished and size of items to put on for decorations.
Materials are broken up into the main design and if needed: adornments and the color # and name, crochet hook, other items along with a festive paragraph.
Pattern has row by row instructions and for me it's very clear and easy to understand.
Animal Santas grabbed my attention-easy and fast project for the younger crowd you need to get gifts for-pencil or pen toppers.
Finger puppets are another great idea-I make them for local hospital for when a child is in ER and a bit nervous.
Love the fruit shapes they can be used year round and garlanded around the room.
The How To section is next not only showing via diagrams of how to do stitches, abbreviations and words row by row to make the stitch or technique.
About the author is included and her acknowledgements of thanks to others who helped make this book.
What a fun book, can't wait to get started on these, I want to make one of everything.
Received this review copy from Dover Publications via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#MyLittleCrochetedChristmas #NetGalley