Nov 25 Book Review: By All Appearances by Dawn Kinzer

By All Appearances by Dawn Kinzer
Starts with dedication page. Story begins with Llana Tate and she is involved with a huge gala event in Seattle that would make childrens' medical needs taken care of.
She walks to the stables where her dad is a good sounding board and he's usually with the horses at night. She finds Brian there-the new hire and she's taken back to his physical appearance, so much pain he's endured from the scars left.
Her dad is a doctor and Brian is one of his patients from the hospital and he needs purpose. Hes also met the new owner of the estate up the road and her dad thinks they can work together as they need a venue for the gala.
Erik and his wife own the building and they meet with them and Bryan to go over some things they'd like them to consider incorporating into their reno job to benefit them and all nearby facilities. Bryan is the clencher!
She has a bit of time and rushes to accept Kevin's request for dinner. things go further and she has to put a halt and she's able to find out more from Bryan's sister about him and the circumstances of his disfigurement.
Things completely change when her sister shows up with her new fiance and conversations are overheard and they hurt.
She finally realizes just who she really loves and why-the inside is all that matters. She's got a lot on her plate and is under stress at times.
Like the location, theme, all hidden treasures (Horses, lodge, reno) devotion to helping others get their medical at all costs, family gifts passed down through the generations for each of them.
Love the reinforcement of hope, it comes in many forms.
Love hearing of Snoqualmie as we've visited a few times and hope to again this coming summer. Such a treat to find it mentioned in a book.
Love that they all have religious callings and follow the good book in their daily lives.
Like all hidden details to what Llana does for work-so busy and coordinated from start to finish.
Love how he learns to lean on God, this is priceless!
Feel like I hit the jackpot following both of their stories, instead of just one.
She needs to prove to others that she is good at her job but Bryan's dog health emergency gets in the way...
Passages from the Bible.  Acknowledgements, about the author, other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Found there were a lot of characters but they are easy to keep track of. Some play a small part and some a large part. Didn't want to exclude a lot of them but they all make the novel what it stands for.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Books read Nov 22

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The Horse I Didn't Want by Hilary Walker
Author had purchased a horse for their neighbor and he is all enthusiastic about it and finds he is not able to jump the horse at all.
He is humiliated when he is tossed before the jumps or over a trench. She takes the horse on and figures out what the horse needs, with time and care.
....
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

How Not to Rescue a Race Horse by Hilary Walker
Life of the new pony and how he is weaned and hurts himself...
Author uses a lot of different means and advice from the vet in how to care for him.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

A Perfect Christmas by Hilary Walker
Loved this story for many reasons: it not only involves horses but the love the father has for his family and work.
Winter scenes are also so perfectly described with so many details, you can picture yourself in them.
The sleigh arrives at church on Christmas eve with all brightly lit windows as they pass by.
Received this review copy from the author and htis is my honest opinion.


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The End of the tail by Hilary Walker
Rules are very specific when ti comes to competitions. One is accused of a whip too long but they had won the competition...
Rules are brought forth showing about the tail section of a horse...
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

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The Horse Who Dined Out by Hilary Walker
Horse has run into a restaurant at the hotel and by the time she finds him after attempting to fix a flat tire he's in the pool.
No way can she afford to pay for damages and she learns of his widespread antics on the computer...
Love how the report saves them from having to pay for damages.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Cracklin' Ginger by Hilary Walker
Story of a horse waiting to be adopted but others find their antics offensive and they don't want the horse.
Nelson has worked with the horse and formed a bond but now he's heading off to another job...
.Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Felicity's Show Flair by Hilary Walker
Reporter is out after her to take pictures of the escapades of the horse.
She meets a man who is there at every turn and she has no idea who he is til the very end.
Horse has a mind of its own...
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

The Horse Who Went to Church by Hilary Walker

Author rode her horse to church as it was a dressage day after and the horse got away and ended up walking into the church.

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

The Horse Who Hated Christmas by Hilary Walker

Like this story because Paula and her friend are able to spend a night n the barn to do some investigations.

The horse is fine except at Christmas. The horse totally hates the holiday and they are able to find out why.

...

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

Wishes on Mistletoe Mountain (Flurries of Christmas Hope Book 1) by Dora Hiers

Book starts out with table of contents, dedication page, praise from reviews and verse from the Bible.

Chase now runs Wishes and his chef is having a baby at the hospital. He had posted an ad for a replacement but no luck so far.

He notices lights on the next door neighbors house, one e has a key for and he goes to check it out. He finds that Camille has come home after she had nailed him in the head with a pan.

They come to an agreement where she will cook for Wishes and he will help fix up her house and help her pack. She's trying to make a decision as to what to do with the rest of her life.

Antonio has asked her to marry him but she's not so sure that's what God wants her to do. She and Chase spend a lot of time together, memories of what they were to one another over the years and how her father sent her away right after graduation. She did get a career in baking and she has no problem fitting it at the center.

Love all the romantic places they visit when they were growing up and now that they are adults. Sounds like a beautiful area.

She knows after a kiss from him what she needs to do and heads back overseas to talk to Antonio. 

She and Catherine-the ex chef have worked together and kept Chase in the dark about some things...

Like how God has a plan for each of them and they pray often to him for guidance.

Love the descriptions, I can just picture this all in my mind. Sounds like a wonderful series.

Excerpt from Christmas on Mistletoe Mountain is included at the end.

About the author and links of where to find her on social media. Other works by the author are highlighted.

Christmas Star Sapphire by Hallee Bridgeman 

Although this is not the first in the series I don't want to spend the time reading the earlier ones.

This one starts out with a table of contents, dedication page, listing of jewel series books than the story.

Madeline arrives at her townhouse and find her parents who are there to unpack her.

She attends meetings for CRU and meets a pastor: Joe. She learns of his background and is able to share some time with him to understand him better.

She also learns of his past, his family's wealth and how he has given it all up to others. Her family is also very wealthy but she doesn't flaunt it and acts normally.

Love time Joe spends with Pastor Larry and the knowledge that he has about relationships and even finds passages in the Bible to share with him.

Love that Joe and Maddy are able to go over his father's estate after his passing. There are many things to learn, as family secrets are revealed.

The time they spend with themselves may be the answer....

Found a bonus recipe during the story for their Thanksgiving meal.

Italian words are translated at the ind along with discussion questions.

Meal plan is also included along with the recipes.

Excerpt for On The Ropes is also included at the end, note from the author, other works by the author.

 and about the author. Sign up for her newsletter link at the end.

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

After The Tide by Lindsay Harrel

Short story about Elizabeth from AZ who's on an island in Scotland for a relative's wedding, that she's helped out with all day til one makes a comment about her getting married.

She leaves the venue and walks across the causeway not realizing hours later that the tide has come in. Callum finds her after his fishing day and invites her to his house where his grandfather is.

She learns over time that he left college to help out his grandfather's fishing business. She's always been a boring routine person and thinks she should take a risk like her relative that left everything she was familiar with.

After spending some time in the fishing cabin by the water, waiting for the rain to stop before he brings her back they learn more about one another. After the rain she wakes up and leaves to find the causeway and thinks again about her decision to head back.

Will she stay or will she go...

Caught by Karen French

Starts with praise of the author's novels and summaries of the books.

Story of Elle and she's saving money enough to now start looking into her own apartment. As she strolls the city  streets looking in shop windows and  imagines things to buy that would fit in her new place she is abducted, drugged and taken away.

When she wakes up she's in a cage and she hears others talking about sex slave and she knows  she is in harm's way.

Sloanne is the man who took her and Martell is the one who wants to buy her. Next time sh e wakes up she's in a room with a bed and not much more.

She is chained to the bed and Sloanne shows up with food. She learns he is there to help her and also more of why she was taken.

Mystery, action, scary, erotic sex, guns and action are all part of this very short story.

Wounded Wings by Shauna Allen 

Dedication and acknowledgements and location included at the start.

Elijah is grieving her being gone...story goes back in time to when he is at a diner and notices Naomi who's dropped off bakery items...

He ends up being the chef there as the last one had just up and left...

Story also follows Michael and he's on assignment and knows who Elijah is....

Beautiful that others come to her aid to help with health emergencies so she stays above water.

Other medical emergencies bring them together and also make them hesitant to one another.

She does not want the benefit to be rescheduled, it must go on.

When he realizes Naomi has gotten under his skin he knows what he has to do...

Like that there are just a handful of characters, easy to keep them straight.

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

Christmas Shorts by Mimi Barbour, Mona Risk
The book out of the collection that I was given to review:
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The Chocolate Box Christmas by Josie Riviera
This short story is about Maise who's relocated from Alaska to CA and she's taken a job being a food/writer reporter.
On this assignment she must judge the chocolate contest at a nearby shelter. She knows many of the contestants as she's been around town.
She is able to meet Ben and she discovers his secret as to why he is there. He also finds out why she doesn't really want to be a judge, especially with anything to do with chocolate.
Fun Christmas read, enjoyed it.
Book ends with a note from the author, recipes, and about the author, other works by the author in series format but all can be read as stand alone.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Wicked by Nikki Duncan (Book 3)
This book starts out with Danica and she's returned to Whispering Cove as a doctor. She likes taking care of those in the community.
She is tending to an elderly man and understands there is a family reunion and she wonders if his grandson will be attending.
She had the hots for Braydon but now he's a jetsetter, taking off in his high class boat and photographing the sights.
They do meet up with one another and there are very erotic sex scenes.
About the author and other works are listed at the end.
Other books have excerpts.

Burned Book 4 by Nikki Duncan
This story is about Vic who's been teamed up with Hauk to work on the festival displays.
She runs the hair salon and hears all the gossip. He runs the bar and has a daughter that he cares very much for.
The mother is no longer in the picture and we learn how and why. Erotic sex scenes.
Love what the daughter, Sophie wishes for every festival.
About the author and her other works are highlighted at the end.
Excerpt from the next book in the series is excerpted.

Get Me Skinny by Tony Arreola
Starts with table of contents then the story.
Aubrey is on the chunky side and is surrounded by skinny girls and wants to know the secret.
She learns from the trainer that she has a long road and she starts. Love the idea of the journal and makes so much sense to write everything down.
We had gone to a nutritionist but she never emphasized the importance of calorie intake. As long as we were eating 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables a day they were called free food, eat as much as we wanted.
It's just been recently my spouse started making that portion of his daily intake of food a bit smaller as we are both gaining a bit of weight now...
She has days that don't go so well and falls back to her old habits til she starts to see a difference.
I can see where the information would 100% help anybody.  Love movement program in summary and exercise vs food ratios. Testimonials are included along with about the author.
Connect with the author links and other information about fitness seminars and how to make a booking with him.

Book Review: The Truth: Salvatore's Revenge (Caselli Family Series Book 5)

The Truth: Salvatore's Revenge (Caselli Family Series Book 5) by Ta'Mara Hanscom
What an awesome end to this series. So much up in the air and all your questions will be answered.
This book starts out with a dedication page and quote from the bible.
Without giving out any spoilers the things that bring tears to my eyes in this whole series:
Religion that holds them all together, large family gatherings, action, adventure, killings, births romance, mystery, mob, FBI and other agencies, travel.
Love that this book puts all the missing pieces in the puzzle for me. Love how all the loose ends are tied in nice bows by the end.
So many secrets you had not heard about are revealed.
List of characters are highlighted at the beginning to refresh your memory. At times this series/book felt like I was a member of the story as it unfolded.
After this story there is an epilogue and special message for the reader.
Other books by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion. Going to miss this author's works terribly.
#mobster
#clean
#ChristianFiction
#Suspense
#kindle
#paperbacks
#mystery
#series

Book Review: Marriage Matters: True stories of encouragement from couples who believe in the sanctity of marriage by Cheri Swalwell

Marriage Matters: True stories of encouragement from couples who believe in the sanctity of marriage by Cheri Swalwell
Book starts with other works by the author and scripture quotes.
So much to this story, really enjoyed the references noted, other books on certain subjects and especially the age groups and obstacles they have gone through.
Like that so many different types of marriages are in this book. Each couple brings something new and old to the table that you can live by..
Through thick and thin, health and sickness relates so much just like our own lives together.
Love the moments of finding a hand written note in your lunch and I do go out of my way to do those and other small things that make a difference in our days.
Some hard tragic moments others have experienced and how they cope and pray for guidance.
Love the summary and how it is reinforced into the couples lives.
After acknowledgements the author brings us up to date on all the people and their stories that are in the book.
Free ebook offer from the author when you sign up for her newsletter.
Peace During the Pain is highlighted at the end along with her other works.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Leading Hearts: First Books in Series by Josie Riviera

Leading Hearts: First Books in Seriesby Josie Riviera
Collection of three first in the series books in this bundle:
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A Love Song to Cherish by Josie Riviera
Starts out with Dorothy and she had not wanted to come back home ever again. Nothing worked out-her boyfriend found another and she was once alone again.
She is in withdrawal from opiods and the symptoms could last a few years...
She's heavily into music, especially at churches. Health issues kept her from playing her musical instruemnt.
She's only back in her hometown for her brother...his wedding to Alice and they wanted her to play. Ryan (a nerd) will be the singer...she'd not seen him for years when she left to find fame and fortune.
Ryan is accomplished worldwide. He's not found a reason to go back to church but recalls the feeling it left him with.
What I like about his book are the unpredictable scenes, caring and such inspirational support. Love how their secrets came out with no judgment.
Note from the author, recipe and other works from the author and about the author are highlighted at the end and acknowledgements.
Excerpt from A Christmas to Cherish is also included.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

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Seeking Fortune by Josie Riviera
Starts with praise and awards. This story also follows a gypsy and I'm learning a lot about that-things I didn't appreciate before.
England 1811 and we find Valentina near her dying mother...she is a fortune teller and she was not able to save her mother.
Love learning of the customs of the gypsies so informative. Love how they travel to Ipswich to help get special medicine for her sister. Luca is leading them. Each chapter also starts with a Romany saying translated into English.
They are caught on James Colchester lands.
James has an ailing son and nothing is helping-he learns of the fortune teller and wonders if it's the same one that told of his wifes future...
She doesn't trust the English but she needs to sway them over to her culture-they like the medicinal things they are taught for daily ailments...
Story also follows James who seeks her out for help. Super love how others use their hands to survive: woman with sheeps' wool, blacksmith, etc.
She explains all the customs of her tribe and they can't marry outside the Romany line or the blood line would be polluted. Love hearing all the Bible quotes
Just as they are getting to know one another he's called away to fight a war and leaves her with his son and there is death around...
Upon his return he wants to move them all to house in Wales to outrun the influenza outbreak-he learns the women are gone the next day and he sends others ahead...
So many tragic moments but there are great ones also. Other works by the author are highlighted.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

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1-800-Cupid by Josie Riviera
First time reading this author and loved all the details. Love learning about different locations in the book, felt as if I was there also!
Story starts out with Candee (works at the local hardware store) and she lives with her sister, Desiree (works at country club) and she's into real estate. She bids on the mansion at the end of the street and no one has lived in it for many years.
She  hopes no one else wants to buy it-it's in Roses, NC.   Story also follows Teddy and his friend (Rob) in FL and they are into helping his nephew who needs medical surgeries.   Teddy meets her and expects a woman over 50 as the real estate business has been operating for over 30 years.
Candee shows other places in the area to Teddy and he shows an interest in her mansion-she thinks it's hers already. She plans to redo the place for disadvantaged children.
He and his friend hope to flip a house for a living. She is heavily into beagle dogs and volunteers also at no kill shelter.  Misunderstanding and you wonder if they will ever be together again...
Lots of surprises in this book and like how they change plans and just go with things.
Love ending did NOT see that coming. Recipe at the end-another surprise!
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Hidden Truth (Stealth #1) by Danica Winters

Hidden Truth by Danica Winters
Starts out with brief discussion between Rancher Trevor Martin and his housekeeper Sabrina Parker.
Acknowledgements and about the author start this book.
Other works by the author are listed.
Cast of characters with a brief description follows along with table of contents.
Prologue starts the story where their sister, Trish died from problems on their end, problems that never should've happened.  She was setting up a buy with the enemy and things went wrong...
Sabrina works for the FBI and has to stay under cover. She finds out a bit more information from Trevor and he has contacts in the CIA. Stealth company makes him a mercenary and they sell guns to the enemy but there are things she doesn't know...
Things go sideways and she's arrested and Trevor knows he has the answer to getting her released....
Love all the action, adventure, scenery, steam sex scenes, mystery and all the agencies involved.
Like hearing her thoughts and then his a paragraph later.
Mention of the next book in the series and there is an excerpt from Safety Breach by Delores Fossen.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: BREAD BAGS & BULLIES, Surviving the 80s by Steven Manchester

BREAD BAGS & BULLIES, Surviving the 80s by Steven Manchester
Have read many other works by this author and know it will be another great one.
80's are brought out in this book. Starts with praise from others about how this book effected them.
Love the reinforcement of boys being friends even though they fought. My siblings were the same.
Loved the memories of sledding, very similar to what we experienced as kids.
Like the language and words for their siblings, too funny!
Love how the ending brings things full circle. Poem from the author is included.
About the author is included at the end along with social media links to connect to his pages.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Valerie's Verdict by Hallee Bridgeman

Valerie's Verdict by Hallee Bridgeman
Book starts out with us learning about Valerie and her boyfriend. She's now a broken woman and he's in jail for what he did to her. She also lost her religion.
Story also follows the three Dixon boys, Brad who runs the family company and his two brothers who help out when not doing mission work.
There are a lot of Bible passages as they relate to the scene in front of us. Hate to see Valerie when she enters her house and has to scan every room to be sure no one has gotten in.
She is able to reach out and participate in a support group which also helps her in the long run.
She is also able to open up to Brad and they share things they buried when they were just young kids=like a time capsule to be opened later in life.
Ends with recipes, discussion questions and excerpt from next Dixon brother in the series. Can be read as a stand alone also.
Other works in series formats are also highlighted at the end.
About the author is also included at the end. Love gardening and design work discussions as the processes, family interactions and they included Valerie as one of them.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Books read Nov 7

Tess of the d'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy
Story of a woman who is raised in the 1800's and does manual labor for her parents as a milk maid.
She had once gone with others but one man refused to dance with her and he meets her again and she never forgets him.
Loved learning the process of doing the job of milk maid, so much more than i ever realized. Skimming and then the milking.
She is tortured being married to the Aristotle and really treasures everything she sees in Angel.
Drastic changes when Angel returns.... summaries of other works by the author are listed at the end.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Unicorn's Picnic by April Hilland 

Colorful children's book that you can tap and enlarge text.

They are only there til 6pm when their parents will take them home.

All the animals are watching the special day the unicorns have their picnic.

About the author and illustrator are included at the end.

Good Morning, Mirror!: A Children's Book Promoting Positive Self-talk, Self-image and Self-love by Jennifer Senne 

Dedication page then praise from others. Difficult to read as font size is small and no way to tab to enlarge.

Colorful children's book about a little girl and she's excited to be going to school so she goes to tell her friend mirror.

Mirror was not excited at all and said a lot of hurtful things to Little Frenchy. On her way home she realizes mirror was right...

All week long the same thing happens, mirror puts her down, her clothes, her voice, etc.

Finally she tells her mother and she straightens up the misunderstandings.

Amazing to find out what the mother said ....

When I Feel Frustrated: (Children's Book About Anger & Frustration Management, Children Books Ages 3 5, Kids Books) (Self-Regulation Skills 6) by Michael Gordon

Colorful children's book that rhymes. Very hard to read print and no tap to enlarge.

Josh becomes so frustrated when he is not able to win at games.

His parents try to explain that he won't always be small and too young and the important thing is to try.

Coloring pages are available. . About the author is included at the end.

Other works by the author are highlighted.  Free ebook gift is included.

I Can't Do That, YET: Growth Mindset by Esther P Cordova 

Colorful children's book about Enna. She doesn't like going to bed but she gets to listen to a story first.

She is able to watch others do their jobs and even though she doesn't know the words or what they are doing she knows she'd like to be like them one day.

The woman is her in the future...Interesting concepts. 

Love that you can enlarge the digital screen by pinching and spreading your fingers.

Halloween Recipes 100 Spook recipes for creepy Halloween fun 2016 edition by Hannie P. Scott

Free gift and TOC where the recipes are in alpha order.

Each recipe starts with a title, servings and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and fresh vs. canned.

Directions are given. There is NO nutritional information

There are NO pictures.   Very well themed for Halloween.

Some of the same recipes from 2017 book.

SOUTHERN KITCHEN COOKBOOK: Timeless Southern Cooking Family Recipes by Marie Adams 

Starts with TOC where recipes are broken up into food categories.

Free ebook offer. Intro about cooking food the Southern way and history of it.

Each recipe starts with a title, servings and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sugar, low sodium, fresh vs canned.

Directions are given..

There is NO nutritional information.

There are NO pictures.  

My choice to make would be old south creamy coleslaw as it's mostly vegetables and i'd not use half as much of sugar.

Free book offer and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Conversion charts are listed at the end.

Ginger Recipes :The Ultimate Guide by Jonathan Doue 

Free offer of ebook. TOC where recipes are not in any specific order.

Each recipe starts with a title and prep cook and ready in time, servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat, fresh vs. canned products.

Directions are given.

There are No pictures, No nutritional information, Recipes do not start at the top of a page.

Has some interesting flavor combinations.

 

 

Halloween Recipes the 2017 edition by Hannie P. Scott

TOC, free gift list of abbreviations and conversion charts.

Recipes are broken up into food categories.

Each recipe starts with a title, servings and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and fresh vs. canned.

Directions are given. There is NO nutritional information

There are NO pictures.   Very well themed for Halloween.

Peanut butter monster energy balls would be my choice for healthiest and much protein.

Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes – 5 Volume Collection – 202 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes (Easy Dinner Recipes – The Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes Collection Book 6) by Pamela Kazmierczak 

Starts with TOC where chapters are broken up by volume of previous books.

Intro page talks about the 5 volume collection of recipes.

Free ebook offer. 

Each recipe starts with a title and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar, fresh vs. canned.

Directions are given along with servings suggestions.

There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information, NO servings.

Perfect Pumpkin Recipes: A Charming Holiday Pumpkin Cookbook 

TOC where recipes are broken up into treats, breakfast, dishes, and drinks.

Abbreviations and conversions along with a free ebook are included at the beginning.

Each recipe starts with a title and servings.

Ingredients are listed and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sugar, low fat and low sodium, fresh vs. canned.

Directions are given.

There are NO picture, NO nutritional information and NO prep/cook times.

2nd recipe in and I want to try it with my healthier options.

Other works by the author are included at the end.

A KEEPER_can't wait to try a few of these for the holidays with my substitutions.

Enjoy Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook: Super Easy Plant-Based Everyday Tasty & Healthy Recipes For Beginners and Advanced User by Lisa Davis 

TOC where recipes are broken up into meals and food categories.

Lots of intro material about the pot and the Vegan basic lifestyle.

Chart for cooking vegan ingredients is included. 

Each recipe starts wit a title, prep and cook time and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar products and fresh vs. canned. NO pictures.

Directions and given and some nutritional information per serving is included.

Calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, fiber and protein.

Lots of ideas and recipes sound like they'd taste great.

Baked Potato Recipes - The Ultimate Guide by Amanda Ingelleri 

TOC where recipes are not in any specific order.

Offer of free ebooks.

Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook time and ready.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sugar, low sodium, low fat, fresh vs. canned.

Directions are given.

No servings, no pictures, no nutritional information.

Some abbreviations are not standard/uniform in the recipes.

Recipes do not always starts at the top of a new page.

Some recipes have English mixed in with American measurements.

50 Cheap Healthy Meals – Easy Vegetarian Recipes On a Budget (Vegetarian Cookbook and Vegetarian Recipes Collection 2) by Pamela Kazmierczak 

TOC where recipes are broken up by food categories.

Intro talks about a balanced diet and offer of more free ebooks.

Each recipe starts with a title, line or two of the dish, list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sugar, low sodium, fresh vs. canned.

Directions are given and serving suggestions are also included.

There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information.

NO serving size.Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a page.

Different abbreviations for measurements in the recipes-NOT uniform standards.

Not impressed as some recipes call for canned items loaded with sodium, if it is to be healthy use fresh ingredients.

Author page at the end which includes links at amazon.

Instant Pot Cookbook 2018: Modern & Simple, Most Delicious Pressure Cooker Recipes That Anyone Can Cook by Philip Johnson

TOC where recipes are broken up into food categories and meals.

Introduction is about eating healthy with instant pot.

Other intro chapters talk about pot and different features of it.

Cooking time charts are available and beyond the basics are included.

Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook time and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and fresh vs. canned.

Directions are given.

Nutritional info per serving: calories, fat -NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, fiber and protein.

There are NO pictures.

Some recipes use a lot of spices and herbs so line them up before you start the recipe.

Like Boston baked beans as it's very similar to the one I use without salt pork and garlic.

Corn on the cob I'd also want to try along with yogurt recipes. We do make it in our pot already but it always comes out different..

A KEEPER because I know what I can use to make it healthier.

Book Review: A Bride for Prince Paul by Mona Risk

A Bride for Prince Paul by Mona Risk
Starts with table of contents and brief book description.
Inspiration for the story and praise and awards are all included.
She is a pediatrician and her intended is too busy for her and their 2 week trip to Paris.
He will relocate to a hospital in RI and she's not sure she will follow-he's not even asked her to marry him.
Her mother reminds her of the story the grandmother often told-she fell in love with a handsome lover and gave up her status of princess.
Prince Edward has invited them to spend some time on the island...
Amy is to receive the island and mansion and the whole estate.
Paul has agreed to meet the woman who is a descendant of the princess, but he wants to be their tour guide,  regular man, not a prince.
Paul tries to make them have a great time but her intended keeps calling and making the call all about himself...
Medical emergency occurs and they both jump at the chance to help...
Passionate steamy sex scenes. Love all the detailed descriptions of the places they travel to, author brings it to life for me to enjoy.
Note from the author and other works by the author highlighted at the end.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Meal Prep for weight loss by Kelli Shallal RD

Meal Prep for weight loss by Kelli Shallal RD
Very colorful photos throughout this book, but not recipes.
Has everything you will need to know to get on track for a healthy lifestyle.
I am a foodie and after my husband's heart attack 6 years next week we trimmed our meals down so they are even better than before.
Love the meal plate method and that is the one we use. Also on weekends we prepare many meals and freeze others for later that week or another week. Use vacuum seal for freezing items in the freezer.
Use pressure cooker to make lots of meals/soups ahead of time and for freezer for later use.
Table of contents starts this book out. Like section on kitchen equipment.
Intro talks about the authors methods and why she choose them with her busy life.
Very easy to understand the concept without having to count individual calorie intake. There are charts and many highlighted sections that target what you need to read.
Examples of what to eat and the amounts.
 Love reheating guide, meal plans and recipes.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times and summary of the dish.
list of ingredients are listed and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat and low sugar products and fresh vs. canned.
Directions are given along with tips on how to store and serve.
Nutritional information per size listed: calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, fiber, protein and sodium are listed.
There are NO pictures of individual recipes.
Like different sections as it pertains to meal plans for so many meals at a time.
Special sections for carbs, veggies,  proteins,  snacks, etc
Dirty dozen and clean fifteen is also mentioned at the end along with charts for conversions.
Index is listed at the end.
Acknowledgements and about the author are included at the end.
A KEEPER for me because of all the suggestions and down to earth reasoning and recipes are to die for. Wish they had photos but I can picture them in my mind.
Received a review copy from  The Callisto Publisher's Club Team and this is my honest opinion.

Nov 8 Book Spotlight: War is Personal Hell, Luck and Resilience: A WWII Combat Marine’s Accounts of Okinawa and China by Roy Wilkes and Elaine Wilkes

SYNOPSIS:

Paperback, hardcover and the audiobook versions will be up for presale shortly. 
The Invasion of Okinawa was executed against a desperate enemy. Roy Wilkes, USMC was unfortunate enough to have a front-row seat. True, gripping stories, pictures, and reflections from a WWII combat Marine. Excerpts from the book: 

“The grim reaper missed me. The dumb bastard had a close-up swing
at me on six different occasions—and missed.”

“The casualties were monumental. Trucks were coming down the lines with Marines piled like cordwood. They put ponchos over ‘em, but you could see all these feet dangling out. It was like a conveyor belt. We were going up and they were coming back. The only difference is we were alive—and they were dead.”

“The Marine Raider [A Raider is a part of the elite special operations force] said,
“If another grenade comes in, I'll take care of it.”
And just as he said that another grenade came in. He grabbed his rifle
and charged the hill.”

“Continuous rain dampened the soul.
The low, thick dark clouds made sure God didn’t see.
What happened here was a secret from Him.
God was busy someplace else.
So this part of His Universe went insane.”
Semper Fi

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ELAINE:

ELAINE WILKES is an internationally published author with Hay House Publishers, and received the prestigious Publishers Weekly rare star recommendation. She also wrote and self-published several books, and is the recipient of six awards for her writings.

She has a Ph.D. in naturopathy, a master’s degree in psychology, and certificates in many health fields, including nutrition.

Elaine has appeared as a holistic health expert on CNN Headline News and in publications such as the Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, Forbes, First for Women, Women’s World, and others.
She signed an exclusive acting contract with NBC and appeared on numerous television shows. Elaine was a season regular on the hit TV show Dallas and was in many movies. She acted with A-list actors such as Mark Harmon, Madonna, Courtney Cox, Bruce Willis, Billy Zane, Ted Danson, Larry Hagman, and others, and worked with legendary directors including John Hughes, Blake Edwards, and Joe Sedelmaier.

Elaine’s websites are:
www.ElaineWilkes.com
www.aDateWithYourFuture.com

She also created Udemy.com online courses which have earned the prestigious “highest rated” badges by her students. One course is a modern, funny approach to the legendary Think and Grow Rich book. (A book her dad introduced her to when she was a teenager.) Two other courses are on how to use the iPhone’s Siri as your personal assistant.

MY REVIEW:

War is Personal Hell, Luck and Resilience:  A WWII Combat Marine’s Accounts of Okinawa and China by Roy Wilkes and Elaine Wilkes
Book starts with a table of contents and Roy's writing notes.  Didn't think I'd enjoy the book as much as I did as I mostly read romance novels.
Was able to find out about the family life-such precious moments.
Quite a very detailed accounting of specific battles the author's father actually fought in. There are MANY photos with descriptions and some funny stories about some of the men.
Like strategic tactics used and why they choose those methods over others. Learned a lot about this  war that they don't tell in the history books.
Loved learning more about the team work and how they never leave one of theirs behind.
Acknowledgements follow and biography.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Oh, Christmas Night by Jane Porter

Oh, Christmas Night by Jane Porter
Starts out with Rachel Mills and she's so disappointed that she did not get the promotion.
She works as an accountant and a man got eh promotion. She'd been the one that had been there the longest.
She receives a package from her godmother and sends a key with Big Sky written on it. It's her book store in Marietta, Montana!
She starts to think all the work she had put into her job and it was going nowhere, maybe time for a change?
Story also follows Atticus Bowen who's a real estate lawyer. He hopes to acquire the building in Marietta and bring his restaurant/steak house there.
They both have arrived in Marietta and discover the town on foot.
Love they are at Marietta during the holidays as the festivities are endless....
She needs to prove to him that she can make a go of it with a profit and like her new job of running the bookshop. Shouldn't be too hard with the supply of books she has to offer and it is Christmas.
Love how the other business in town help her out. She knows he only wants her building. He keeps telling her he wants her to succeed....
Unexpected ending and like it.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: A Perfect Christmas & Other Horse Stories Hilary Walker

A Perfect Christmas & Other Horse Stories Hilary Walker
Collection of loving horse stories. Starts with table of contents where other works are highlighted as chapters.
Once Upon A Time is an introduction to the chapters that follow. Horses have their own minds and how the author handles them after she understands what she wants.
.
A Perfect Christmas by Hilary Walker
Loved this story for many reasons: it not only involves horses but the love the father has for his family and work.
Winter scenes are also so perfectly described with so many details, you can picture yourself in them.
The sleigh arrives at church on Christmas eve with all brightly lit windows as they pass by.
..
The Horse Who Hated Christmas by Hilary Walker
Like this story because Paula and her friend are able to spend a night n the barn to do some investigations.
The horse is fine except at Christmas. The horse totally hates the holiday and they are able to find out why.
...
The Horse Who Went to Church by Hilary Walker
Author rode her horse to church as it was a dressage day after and the horse got away and ended up walking into the church.
...
Felicity's Show Flair by Hilary Walker
Reporter is out after her to take pictures of the escapades of the horse.
She meets a man who is there at every turn and she has no idea who he is til the very end.
Horse has a mind of its own...
..
Cracklin' Ginger by Hilary Walker
Story of a horse waiting to be adopted but others find their antics offensive and they don't wnat the horse.
Nelson has worked with the horse and formed a bond but now he's heading off to another job...
...

The End of the tail by Hilary Walker
Rules are very specific when ti comes to competitions. One is accused of a whip too long but they had won the competition...
Rules are brought forth showing about the tail section of a horse...
..
The Horse Who Dined Out by Hilary Walker
Horse has run into a restaurant at the hotel and by the time she finds him after attempting to fix a flat tire he's in the pool.
No way can she afford to pay for damages and she learns of his widespread antics on the computer...
Love how the report saves them from having to pay for damages.

..
Shoestring Rider by Hilary Walker
The story starts out with Emma and how she was with
Wisdom her horse and just refuses to jump. The horse
trainer had tried different things to no avail and she was
the one that was supposedly very knowledgeable about
this subject. Emma took it upon herself after working at
the bank all day everyday to go online and research and
she found out that there was a man in England who had
overcome these obstacles with horses and she printed them out.
She tried a few to actually find one that worked. She replied back to
him to thank him for his knowledge. She started looking at the
woman trainer doubting she was a qualified trainer.
I love how at the end we learn the people at the stable stopped shunning
her and she was basically treated as a celebrity.
I am not a horse person have never been on a horse hope to ride one
someday. It's just so interesting a subject for me to learn all these
things about horses and people and just everything surrounding the
subject. Love where the title comes from.
Received this review copy from the author and htis is my honest opinion.

.
The Horse I Didn't Want by Hilary Walker
Author had purchased a horse for their neighbor and he is all enthusiastic about it and finds he is not able to jump the horse at all.
He is humiliated when he is tossed before the jumps or over a trench. She takes the horse on and figures out what the horse needs, with time and care.
....

How Not to Rescue a Race Horse by Hilary Walker
Life of the new pony and how he is weaned and hurts himself...
Author uses a lot of different means and advice from the vet in how to care for him.

.
About the Author is included at the end. Acknowledgements are enclosed.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with links on how to connect to the author.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Reveiw: Unforgettable Christmas Dreams: Gifts of Joy (The Unforgettables Book 14)

Unforgettable Christmas Dreams: Gifts of Joy (The Unforgettables Book 14)
...
A Complete Family by Mona Risk
This story starts out with Melody and she's late again to work at the hospital.
Her job is usually to aide the surgeons and she has a full life with her jobs. The night job is to waitress at the restaurant so she can help pay for her neighbor's medical bills.
The woman on the first floor of their house would look after Stella and the dog when Melody was working. She's now ill and undergoing tests.
Alden the doctor wants to reprimand her but he's in love with her and also can't justify a raise for her.
He follows her home one day to find out just why she's so late to work and she finally opens up to him. He has a plan and implements it to everyone's satisfaction.
The surrogate grandmother has many secrets and they are told while under recovering from brain surgery, just bits and pieces and they don't much to Melanie...
Alden treasures Melody's work and her family and they become more than friends...
Something has to come to the forefront or they will never survive with one another.
Really found this story heartbreaking at times and sad because of all the turmoil and then again it's happy moment and wonderful children's remarks that grab at your heart.
Love the ending, didn't see it coming. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end and a note from the author is enclosed.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: The Knight Before Christmas by Marilyn Brant

The Knight Before Christmas by Marilyn Brant
Starts with how to contact the author and links to her other works.
About the book follows. Dedication is included.
Starts out when Emma is 6 and she always gets what she wants at Christmas and she had just watched a knight save the day and hopes she gets one.
She does and she dreams of a real one.
Present day is about Emma and how she runs into Austin-just back in town, and hiis sister as they are shopping and he never offered her the last carriage.
She is a match maker but hasn't found her own match, yet. She's also a gossiper and Austin hates that in her since their school days.
Alternating chapters of Austin who's returned to his family to live now that he can run his business from anywhere. He hopes to give more of his life to his aging parents.
She learns the display she had ordered was not going to arrive in time. It was to display the children's toys for the festivities.
He agrees to help her that means she has to manually help also. They spend a lot of time together and get to know one another and find out interesting things in common.
Love all details on the carpentry required and fun times they share with trying something new.
Sibling rivalry-precious! Statue figurines-what a treasure@
When the time gets down to just hours before the event she has to put on her bossy voice and tells him how she feels about him and his safety on the road...
He blames himself because he knows he won't be able to finish the job... he goes to plan B.
Bonus is hearing of the travel, I can just picture it in my mind.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Books read Nov 1

All the Flowers in paris by Sarah Jio
Book has many stories inside.
Caroline ran into a truck and is trying to remember who she is and anything else about her life.
She finds letters from Luke to Celine-from the 1940's and she finds one about the Germans putting the star on their flower shop-they are branded as Jewish and nobody wants them in town or in their building.
Caroline is getting a tour of Paris from Victor a man who works at many jobs.
Oma is the child and she's confused as to why she thinks it's her daughter.
Like how the stories all mesh together but otherwise I feel as if I got many stories for the price of one book.
Like this author and have read most of her works I could get my hands on.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

I Am Me: Teen Artists and Writers Speak Out on Being Yourself

Book where each of the teens not only were able to paint the expressions on their face to tell you how they feel there are also words/poems to tell you.

Found the pictures at times pure pain and some pure enjoyment.

I received this review copy from the marketing team and this is my honest opinion.

Bo the Bat by Alma Hammond 

Have spent some time in caves the past month in KY at the Mammoth Cave National park and didn't see any bats but you knew they were there by what they left behind.

Colorful children's rhyming book about bats and why you should not be afraid of them.

They show you many things a bat can do that are cool and how they help get rid of pesty insects before they bite us.

Love the fun fact about bats at the end  Ends with about the author and illustrator.

The waterman a novel of the Chesapeake Bay by Tim  Junkin 

Enjoyed this book about the fishing and boat racing along the bay.

Interesting how they lay the traps and in the race, how to slow the boat down so they don't have to go around the starting point.

Hurricane hits and they go into action...

Lots of parties and get togethers with the teens and older kids in the area.

They figure out who set their traps free and start of a retaliation, jail time, putting up the boat for bond.....

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

I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak by S.A. Molteni

This book starts with a dedication page and acknowledgements.

Lots of struggles for the author as she transitions to farm life.

So many chapters are about the animals they have and the special needs they need at one time or another and how they are able to care for them.

Instances of the animals leaving the farm as well and a nice neighbor who helps round them up.

About the author is included at the end along with her other works.

Fade to Grey by S. A. Molteni

This book is about when the author heads into a beauty shop after getting her hair dyed every month and is tired of it.

The choice she makes and the thought behind it all....