Movies watched 2020 last half

 

Movies jan - June 30 2020
Nat. Geo Grand Canynon
Nat. Geo Wild Yellowstone-2 shows
Nat. Geo Stonehenge decoded, secrets revealed
Nat. Geo Easter Island Unsolved
Nat Geo Lost treasures of the Mayas 
nat geo: titanic 20 years later
Jumanchi
vikings, last season
Oak island season 7
21 bridges
Nat. Geo national parks
Glory Road
Great Canyon Nat. geo.
Call of the Wild
12 strong
final kill
murder mystery
bad boys for life
your boss
madea christmas
extraction
death in paradise
the last kingdom
Billions
Zombieland
High town
red sparrow
The Help
Thor the Dark World
The Agents of SHIELD Final Chapter
outer banks
death in paradise
the blackout
6 under
qrtemis fowl
the good liar
Nat geo equinox
Big Daddy
Yellowstone
snow pursuit
The love birds
hanna
letter for the king
the old guard
outpost
Fast and furious toyoko
Dogs life, 3 movies
palm springs
the big ugly
whiskey cavalier
my spy
Motherland
angel has fallen
The Healer
Sniper: assassin end
spenser confidential
rogue warrior
soldier revenge
patriot
proximity
wyona earp
miracle
poms
legend of five mile cave
ava
project
the boys
magnificant mistress of evil
After the Pandemic documentary
dirvergent
insurgent
allegiant
paydirt
boys state
notre dame the race against the inferno
the second born society
Moonrise kingdom
nat geo: wild hawaii
Hubie Halloween
Leagacy of Lies
viking
grandpa at war
motion nation, outside iwth greg aiello pbs series 2
 wonder woman 17
wonder woman 1984
mverican pie
viking bezerkers
In other words
Mythica 6 shows
Then Came You
Desperados
dalton brothers
king of staten island
mandolianman
a score to settle
britannica
oak island new season
hidden city of petras
godmothered
eruption of mt. st. helens
wild mountain thyme
warpath
fatman
wonderwoman 1984
mulan
greenland
christmas chronicles part 2

Books read Dec 29

 

Choose Your Own Path, Outer Space by Paul Moxham 

Love the collection of mystery books for kids so much.

This one starts out with you choosing from two selections, the path you want to take.

Based on 1950's in England and you are to imagine you are on your way to get ice cream when a downpour starts so you take shelter in the trees....

Quite the imagination of things can occur, depending on your choice of action. Such a cool book for kids, boys and girls alike.

Definitely would take some time to try over til you get to the very end of the story.

Such a fun relaxing book.

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

 Home At Last by Coral Harper

Story focuses on Misty and her mother as they move frequently to new locations because her mother is down on her luck.

They room with her mother's girlfriends and families over the years. Misty is sad to have to keep leaving her friends from school, some without even saying goodbye to.

She focuses her life on getting ahead and stays longer in college and gets the degrees so when her grandmother passes away they head to the inn in NC.

She swears she will not ever leave and start over. She puts everything she knows into making a success of the inn.  She has some problems with the hot model of a man who is the only one who can do the renovations they need.

She wants nothing to do with him...

Cute short story.

A Soldier's Promise By Tory Richards

Starts out with Shannon and she's agreed to go to the inlaws for Thanksgiving and again for Christmas. There is plenty of room and all her husbands family and kids will be there.

Her husband was a solider and he died in Iraq fighting the war. She's left with a very young child who she loves.

She is given the room with an attached bathroom that she shares with the next bedroom. She has a great time with all the other women and kids, so much to do in the winter in Vermont.

Ryan who no one has seen since the dads' funeral even showed up. He's a Marine and was in the same ambush as David, her husband. Little does she know he will keep a promise he made to his brother.

She also has a secret of a promise she made to her husband before he left to fight the war. She learns more details about the night he died and about Ryan and his pain and medical issues.

Like how the family reacts to him being there but he takes off after Thanksgiving to visit his friend in Maine but returns for Christmas. She does get to talk to him about things that really matter.

Lots of sex scenes which I was not expecting.

Book Review: Save Me Twice by E. A. Dustin

 

Save me Twice: Based on a true WWII story by E.A. Dustin

Have read quite a few stories about the war overseas, mostly in France so this was a very educational story for me, learning from the German side of things.

Excellent story teller as I found I felt like I was right there, the details are so clear and descriptive.

The details of the relationships are like being family, some are very close to one another and look out for each other through the years and through the war.

Story starts out where the family is all together and one night the knock on the door takes the boys away.  Some are together and others with the neighbor boys are taken to a different location

I had never heard of the tattoos the boys received under their arms. Learned so much more than I ever thought there was to learn. Sad when I heard of other days when they had to dig out the trenches and the troops on the move and them being out in the open.

Really sad hearing they had no real food to eat on a daily basis. I could feel the excitement when they reached the US POW camps. Like the stats at the end of all those that died, were tortured, etc

Amazing how some got to reunite with their neighbors. Sad to hear not all the brothers made it back home.

Like the up to date in the USA where Karl has a medical emergency and coming to find out the relation his doctor there is to a neighbor boy he grew up with. If only they had reunited.

Powerful story, so glad I got a chance to read this one!

Book ends with footnotes explained and references and note from the author as to how this book came into being. 

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

Book Review: She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome by Mark Tedesco

She Seduced me: A Love Affair with Rome by Mark Tedesco
Had gotten a few links to youtube videos about this book and it won me over. Might've been just the authors voice himself but he paints a Van Gogh for me with words he uses.
Was memorizing with the author himself narrating, stopping just for a few seconds at parts you could reflect on before he continued. Captured my attention i had to listen several times. Knew I really wanted to read more.
Lights up the whole place as if I am there. Very magical, mystical, captivating, tears in my eyes when I knew I was at the end...you can see/hear the smile on his face with words as he describes his most treasured scenes.

Links listed below:
video chapter 1  https://youtu.be/EnYIiZ6_yxQ
video chapter 2 https://youtu.be/q_Mqnciw0_Y
video chapter 3 https://youtu.be/YbUzJrLXEI8


Book starts out with the author's bio, list of chapters and short intro about Rome and how it affected the author.
The characters, he brings to life as if they are doing their dancing in front of you. Love people watching and guessing what their jobs are or what country they are from.
So much history in this book.  Love hearing of the underground sanctuaries and never knew they existed there. Shops are very colorful with the products they sell.
Love how the interviews are done and the groups they are with at the time. So much history is also included and explained how it plays a part in the chapter.
I'd like the author to answer the same questions, just so you'd get a more detailed description of his feelings and dreams.
Food, oh just YUM!  Love that the chapters are so short but they are packed with so much you might want to read them a few times over.
Especially love getting lost and the adventures and things that are found.
Funny things like hidden gems are included also, like cowboy hats! Find a bunch more for yourself, you'll feel as if you hit the jackpot of diamonds, rubies, pearls and sapphires.
Conclusion about Rome, acknowledgements and bibliography end this book.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Artima's Travels (Part I Book 1) by E. A. Dustin

  

Artima's Travels (Part I Book 1) by E. A. Dustin 

What I like about this book are many things:

relationships, tech pc things, coding, scents, travel and mix it up with missiles being fired.

Starts out out Arty and she's divorced but the ex is still nearby for their daughter and he coaches her after school.

She also works at high security top notch projects for the government and is called about often for input and manipulating data to make things work.

Love how this also occurs during the virus and love hearing about all the precautions and solutions put in place-we still have a ways to go before the state eradicate it.

Hate how the men treat her and don't think her skills are that superior. Love how she follows the clues to help  clear the officer's name of wrongdoing especially when her program was one running when the missile fired.

Action is fast paced and it's clear who all the players are and what they want from others and take it, sometimes not in the right manner.

Sad to hear about her brother but glad about her decision, can't wait to read more about her and the projects-they are SO fascinating to me and I wish I had a watch like hers.

A KEEPER!

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

 

Books read Dec 18

  

Instant Pot Cookbook: 555 Quick, Easy and Simple 2019 Recipes for Beginners and Advanced Users with Meal Plan: Try Easy and Healthy Recipes For Your Electric Pressure Cooker by Vanessa Guzman

Starts with table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals and food categories.

Descriptions talks about chapters and the instant pot. Into talks about pot itself.

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

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

Directions are given. There are NO pictures. Some nutritional information per servings: calories, carbs, protein, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, fiber,.

Some of the recipes have different nutr. info: calories, carbs, protein, fat, sugar, sodium.

Not sure why they all don't have same information. Recipes don't always start at the top of the page.

Measurement abbreviations are also not the same throughout.

Wonder who really owns all these recipes?

Asian Soup Cookbook: A Collection of Easy, Simple, and Delicious Asian Soups by BookSumo Press

Starts out with offer of free cookbooks when you join the club.

About the author is included along with short intro about Asian soups.

Table of contents is included where recipes are not listed in any specific order.

Common abbreviations are listed.

Each recipe starts with an English title and a foreign name in symbols.

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

Directions are given and there are NO pictures.

Some nutritional information is included: calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, fiber, protein and sodium based on 2000 calorie diet.

Servings and prep and cook, total times are included.

Lots of interesting flavorful choices.

Instant Pot Cookbook For Two: 300 Verified, Effortless and tasty IP Recipes For Beginners. by Michelle Sanders

Like the idea of only making enough for two but we really enjoy leftovers so i'd double the recipes.

Table of contents list recipes in food groups. Like this so you can decide what meal you want to make.

Intro about the instant pot and the recipes.

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

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

Some recipes have a LOT of ingredients, be sure you have them all.

Directions are given and there are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.

Hard to believe that to make mashed potatoes for two they want you to use 2 pounds of potatoes?

What am I missing here?   There are many recipes for potatoes with the same mistakes. 

Thought this was a cookbook for only two people but some recipes are for 4 and some for 6 people.

  

50 Easy Gelato Recipes - The Frozen Gelato Cookbook (The Summer Dessert Recipes And The Best Dessert Recipes Collection) by Pamela Kazmierczak

Table of contents lists recipes not in any specific order.

Short intro and note from the author.

Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish.

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

Directions are given along with serving suggestions.

There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.

All recipes require you to use your ice cream maker machine and manufacturers instructions.

Author page ends this book.

Air Fryer Cookbook: The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook 1000 | Must-Try Delicious & Quick-to-Make Air Fryer Recipes 2021 by Donna Parker

Very colorful pictures. Table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals and food categories.

Intro talks about the air fryer and how it all works along with history.

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

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

Directions are given and there is some nutritional information per servings: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, fiber and protein.

Like the format, recipes are uniform and start at top of a new page, using same font and size.

Too many things I want to try. There are NO pictures for recipes .

The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook: 1020 Easy, Healthy and Budget-Friendly Recipes with 30-Day Meal Plan by Wendy Torres

Table of contents were recipes are broken up into meals. Introduction pages talk about the air fryer  and different aspects of using it.

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

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

There are NO pictures and has some nutritional information-not sure of the size: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, protein.

Seems to me it takes time to heat up the fryer and then cook the foods and then the cleaning after it's cooled down. A lot of time goes into the dish overall.

There are too many recipes and too many I'd like to make.

Books read Dec 17

 

Quick and easy recipes: 100 quick recipes for easy meals by Justin A. Bryant

Table of contents where recipes are listed  as meals and food groups.

What I like about this book is the recipes are ones we would use every day.

Introduction talks about the meals.

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

Directions are given. There are NO servings, NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

Some recipes have servings.

Like casserole dishes because we always have leftovers for a lunch the next day.

My choice would be sinless cookies, so healthy! Other works listed at the end

A keeper to try out some recipes using low sodium products and fresh vs. prepared.

A Cozy Cookbook (Cozy Cookbooks #1) by Dianne Harman

Starts out with acknowledgements and offer of free books.

Table of contents where recipes are not in any specific order.

Each recipe starts with a title, medium size color photo.

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

Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information.

Not all recipes list servings.

Measurements are not always the same format.

Notes from the author at the end of some recipes with their opinion about the recipe.

About the author and other works are listed along with social media links.

 

Quesadillas: 40 Simple, Quick and Easy Authentic Mexican Quesadilla Recipes (The Mexican Food Cookbooks #1) by J.R. Deschamps

Starts with table of contents where recipes are broken up into tortillas, quesadillas and other variations.

Other works by the author are listed. Starts with dedication page then tips and tricks.

Each recipe starts with a title and list of ingredients and directions.

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

There are some recipes that give you a short summary of the dish.  There are few color tiny photos at the beginning of each new chapter.

Some recipes have a VERY large list of ingredients, be sure you have everything you need first.

Apple Desserts Value Pack I - 150 Recipes For Apple Pie, Apple Cake, Cookies, Muffins and More (The Ultimate Apple Desserts Cookbook - The Delicious Apple Desserts and Apple Recipes Collection 10) by Pamela Kazmierczak

TOC where each book has it's own recipes not in any specific order contains 3 separate books.

Short intro about apple desserts and offer of free ebook when you check out author page.

..

Book One: apple pie, apple cake, apple trifle, apple danish and more

Each recipe starts with a title and list of ingredients along with directions.

You should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.

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

Like having all these apple recipes in one book but there's so much more information I'd need due to our healthier dietary needs.

Some include servings suggestions, as to toppings.

..

Book two: apple pie recipes

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

NO pictures and NO nutritional information and most don't list servings.

Directions are given and has servings along with serving suggestions.

..

Book three: apple cake recipes

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

Directions are given and servings suggestions. NO servings, NO nutritional information and NO pictures.

Soup Cookbook: Simple and Healthy Vegetarian Soups and Broths for a Better Body and a Healthier You (Free Gift): Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss (Souping and Soup Diet for Weight Loss Book 2) by Vesela Tabakova

Table of contents where recipes are not broken up in any specific order.

Short intro included.

Each recipe starts with a title and servings.

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

Directions are given along with serving suggestions.

There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

There are a lot fo choose from, so many different flavors available.

Instant Pot Duo crisp air fryer cookbook: over 200 easy instant pot by Louis Witte

Table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals and food categories.

Intro talks about maintaining a healthy body and about the duo crisp air fryer for the instant pot.

Chart showing accessories are included telling you how to wash them.

Each recipe starts wit a title and telling you which appliance to use: pressure cooker or air fryer.

Prep and cook times and servings are listed.

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

Directions are given and there are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

Some recipes have a LOT of ingredients, be sure you have them all before starting.

Conversion charts are included at the back for measurements,  cooking for both functions of the instant pot.

Recipe index is included also.

Dec 16 Book Review: A Chocolate-Box Christmas Wish: (Chocolate-Box Series Book 5) by Josie Riviera

 

A Chocolate-Box Christmas Wish: (Chocolate-Box Series Book 5) by Josie Riviera 

Book starts out with praise and reviews from others, introduction and newsletter information.

Story starts out with Cora who runs her own daycare for the local children and she's talking to her brother Jack. He's on the plan to lose weight for a good cause this winter and money raised going to charity. Love the ideas she has for the children around the holiday.

She recalls the fight she had with her father and hopes to make amends.

Many other characters in town from other works by the author are mentioned in this book and the story line is easy to follow. Love catching up with others I've read about.

While getting a drink she overhears one with car problems and she pipes up that she can help them. Patrick, he's the new reporter at the station in town and she wants nothing to do with him, dating specifically.

Things said are misconstrued and they end up growing further apart from one another.

He has a habit of mentioning her on the news that others also see and alert her that she must watch the TV.

Like the tech parts about jumping a car, it's a guy thing but author makes it perfect for this female that grew up with understanding things from her father.

Love how it all comes together at the end. 

Recipe listed at the end of the book. A note from the author, listing of works by the author, and about the author are included at the end.

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

Books read Dec 14

 

Yours by Christmas by Jennifer Youngblood

First time reading this author and love how she tells a story.

Love a good romance but when other genres are mixed in it makes it so much more enjoyable.

Starts out with prologue and we learn about Beckette and how he couldn't handle the work load any more and ends up drinking, car accident and divorce.

He ends up on the streets  and some things come back to haunt him later. Love the connection he has with his daughter and how his ex wife tolerates him over the years.

Love how this all goes, so unpredictable but the old woman always told him he'd find love for Christmas and not all glitter is gold.

Love hearing of the career choices and how the jobs are done, forgiveness, revenge, secrets and so much more.

Powerful words that mean more, the more you read on.

Books read Dec 13

 

Christmas in Romance by Franky A. Brown

This book starts out with a dedication then the story.

Andy is the head anchorman on the news talk show in the town of Romance, OR.

His Granny comes in to announce the local  play on the radio so others will buy tickets and she informs Andy he is needed for one of the ghost appearances.

Rehearsals are planned throughout the next several weeks tilt he performance.

He notices Cassie, his once girlfriend and she's there also. She's written a book and it's being promoted at the local bookstore and Granny Mary needs her also in the show.

The two are able to spend a lot of time together, catching up, radio live at bookstore where he finds out more about her life after she had left him.

Love how she gets him to appear at the gazebo and has him read the dedication page and the light bulb goes on for him.

Lots of Christmas themes and then some. Great read!

Next book Santa's Visit in Romance by Jessica L. Elliott is also excerpted.  Other works by others in the series are also summarized and listed. 

Listing of works by Franky are also included at the end. About the author is included also and link to her newsletter.

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

Books read Dec 11

  

Two Hearts Christmas Wish by Tamara Ferguson

Starts out with awards from the author's works.

Summaries and reviews from others.

Listing of books in the series along with her other works.

Prologue follows Jason and his war time maneuvers in Iraq and highlights the injuries he and other sustained.

Story moves to 14 years earlier when she is just a young teen staying at her relatives cottage and Jason is there with his parents. They get to enjoy each other company and see the sights, play at different sports and enjoy the summer weather.

Story moves on to when they last said goodbye there at Christmas and he headed off to join the military and she to Chicago.

Later we find Kat has been an interior designer in the city of Chicago and she has booked a suite at the Crystal Springs Inn with her boyfriend for Christmas.

Mark announces he's heading to CA for a job and she leaves by herself. Jason after surviving his injury has inherited the grandparents cottage and is renovating it to suite his disabilities.

They meet, with help from others at the inn and help with the decorations and festivities planned. Like the time Kat gets to spend with her new girl friend Kelly and how Jason has hooked up with his ole time buddy Luke.

That couple has their own story in the saga. At the Christmas party Kat gets a surprise. Jason has his own surprises...

Cute story and love the information about the wounded warrior project as I have devoted my earnings from Amazon buys to go to that charity.

The Promises You Keep by Karen Marie Graham

Story starts out with Sydney and she's relocated from TX after her fiance died and her parents are no longer around either.

She was a writer but headed back to teaching the writing subject in a small rural college.

She has her dog Baxter to keep her company and she enjoys the quiet and outside. Love that her cabin has a private path to enter the state park where they jog around often.

She runs into Richard who thinks he knows it all-another teacher but college has allowed her to teach hybrid style. The students do NOT have to actually appear in class, just make sure to hand in assignments.

She gets the attention of one girl Emily and it brings up bad memories of depression-the reason her fiance killed himself. She didn't even know he took meds for the problem and never saw any signs.

She wants to reach out to Emily and even has they psychology dept Brandon look over her assignments. They've never seen Emily as attendance is not mandatory. They follow clues and are able to locate the general area where she's located.

An old woman in a nursing home has some answers as well. All comes down to Emily and her promise to keep is met.

Love how the graduation goes-so cool to see her accomplishments celebrated.

A bit off my beaten path for reading but was a great read after all.

Book ends with about the author.

Christmas on Madrona Island by Andrea Hurst

Enjoyed this Christmas story about celebrating on the island but I was lost with all the characters.

I had not read the other books in the series. Enjoyed the read and learning more about different things. Do love how everyone is there for others.

Sounded very festive but got wrapped up trying to continually sort all the characters out and who was with who.

Recipes are included at the end. Book synopsis are listed at the end.

About the author and acknowledgements are listed at the end.

 

Dec 10 Book Review: The Diamond Courier by Hannah Byron

 

The Diamond Courier by Hannah Byron

Book starts out table of contents, then quote from Runi. Story starts in 1939 and Lili is about to attend her engagement party to Iain, but then it's not that at all...

She ends up away from home in a finishing school, visits with her relatives in Paris and meets a boy.

She also makes friends with a few ladies at the school and they stay in touch with one another..

When the war strikes they are all sent home but Lili wants more adventure. She learns of her mothers scandalous adventures also and how her met her spouse.

She finds a way to advance her interests and is able to get a job in London at the paper. Love hearing how she also befriends a man in her father's mines and she plans to help them get exposure to the wrong ways they are mistreated.

Super love hearing of her in the mines, my wildest dream. With her mothers news she fears she has caused harm so heads to London to work. The committee has set up a place for her to stay and to be fed as long as she writes.

She picks up with her boyfriend again and he wants her to head to the diamond mine while she is covering the war. He also wants her to do illegal things and she agrees but I feel it's only to keep him in her bed, as she knows he has others in his bed...

So brave and adventurous she is as she heads to help others but some things just don't go as planned. 

Love hearing of the farming practices, behind the scenes in the city about Communism and how she can help her friend Leo by getting the diamonds from a family friend.

Love listening to all the characters stories and what they are doing to help fight the war in their own way.

Like hearing about the mines and how she hopes to help those that must go down the shafts daily and are not getting their rightful pay or compensations.

Throughout the book I felt as if I was right there, the author does an excellent job of describing everything, the scenes, smells, sounds, etc.

Hated to see this one end as there are so many tragic events that go along with history of the war.

Never expected the story to end up at all as it did, brilliant!

Can be read as a stand alone and the saga goes on with others stories of the times.

Sneak peak of the next book in the series is attached, sign up for the authors newsletters for upcoming releases, author's note with resources, and about the author are included at the end.

Other works by the author are included at the end.

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

Dec 8 Book Review: Pies That Inspire by Saura Kline

 

Pies That Inspire by Saura Kline

50 recipes for creative and modern flavor combinations

Dear reader and sign up for new releases to review are offered at the start of this book.Beautiful

color photos throughout the book.

I love to experiment and this book is right up my alley.

Table of contents where recipes are broken up into crusts then pies: classics, sweet pies and savory along with instructional information.

Introduction talks about this book and history of books, when they started and how they became a stable.

Love chapter on the tools for pie making.  Like after they tell you what you should get they tell you the stores to get them at.

So much information, tips, Q&A and shows you how to place rolled out piece crust into the pan. This is an all in one type of cookbook it shows you everything from step 1 to the very end.

Each new chapter starts with a title, summary of the contents and listing of recipes included and their page numbers.

Each recipe starts with a title,, yield and total time then summary of the recipe and tips.

Equipment needed is included. Enjoyable read not boring.

Ingredients are listed in left column and directions are in right column.

Photos are included. The individual recipes do NOT included a finished colored photo.

There is NO nutritional information but there are tips along the way.

Each pie recipe also has information about which pie crust you should use along with page # to make it.

Other varieties of pies are also included, love hand pies so easy to just take with you.

Measurement conversion tables are included at the end, resources, index, acknowledgements  and about the author.

I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.

  

Book Review: Wired for Romance by Franky A. Brown

  

Wired for Romance by Franky A. Brown

Book starts out with acknowledgements.

Story starts out with Audrey and she's a therapist and listening to Carly and her problems. She asks a few questions to give her more of an idea what is going on.

After she gets a call from her brother who stopped by their grandmothers house where only Audrey lives and there are electrical problems but he has an old friend in the area who can do the work.

She gets a call from Josh and he agrees to access the problems later.

She is taken up on meeting him and recalls him and her brothers high school years getting into trouble.

Story also follows Josh who was Carly's ex boyfriend but she couldn't keep up with his interests so he moved on...

She hears sounds outside and notices a furry leg jumping out of her tree and she thought she had dialed her brother but it was Josh who shows up.

Josh comes to her rescue but Carly is also around and there are some misconceptions about their relationship.

Things get straightened around and the culprit is at large til they put the pieces together. Amazing they find out all the details.

A note from the author and other works are also included at the end. 

Like the story line and about Bigfoot but especially the terminology of the electrical side of things. So technical and easy to understand.

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

 

Books read Dec 6 b

Amish Snow White: Amish romance by Ashley Emma

Book starts out with other works by the author and how to get copies when you sign up.

Special thanks and how to connect with the author.

Story starts out with Adriana and she's rushing to her sister's house when she's learned she died in an accident.

She thinks otherwise, so does the housekeeper but she's there to tend to her niece. She does get to spend some time with her but Henry the step father tells her to never return.

As she's leaving town after her life was in jeopardy she is in a car crash...Dominic is the one who comes to her rescue.

Story also follows he and his family on the Amish farm. We learn that he's recently returned to help his mother and family  as his father has passed away.

His sister wants him to marry her best girl friend but he wants no part of that.  His sister was devastated when he left the farm.

Dominic is drawn to Snow as she prefers to be known as when she comes out of the concussion but she can't recall what her name is even...

We are also learning new things about the Amish as the story goes on. With Dom's background n the police she helps him figure out how to get the latest will of her sisters and get her niece and software company of her sisters back.

Snow is afraid others lifes will be in harms way because of where she is located now. 

Love how this all comes together. So much to this story, romance, intrigue, mystery, thriller high tech items-what a shock that was.

Glad to see how it all played out, no predictable.

Excerpt from Amish Alias is also included.

50 slow cooker recipes for every busy mum by crockpot queen

Starts out with table of contents were recipes are not in particular order.

Intro talks about how invention of the slow cooker means meals will be ready when you get in from your job at night.

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

Instructions are given.

There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information and no servings.

Some really good basic meals for the whole family.

 

Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford

Difficult book to read with broken English but enjoyed the story of how the group formed and headed to the Danes then off to US.

Another really good section was after landing who they came into contact with. Very political and religious back stories.

Lots of letters from those involved with decisions. 

Passenger list on the Mayflower is included along with family tree listings.

Footnotes are listed at the very end of the book. What appears to be treaties between the Pilgrims and Indians are also included.

Appendixes and index are also included. 

Other works associated with this one are also available.

Silky Milky by Miley Smiley

Colorful children's story. Story of Silky Milky and their family that live in the fridge: Grandfather cheese, mother butter, father sour cream.

Silky Milkys likes to leave the fridge to hang out with his friends: cookie rookie and frunch hunch and crunch cereals.

The whole family gets into the story telling of food and it's rather silly at times.

Coloring pages are available at the end.

Other works by the author are also listed.

 

Copycat cookbook red lobster seafood restaurant by JR Stevens

 Book starts out with offer of free books. Other works by the author are listed.

Table of contents has recipes broken up into meals.

Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times 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 items.

There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

We have had cheddar biscuits, so good!

Desserts and drinks are also included.

 

Soup Maker recipes for beginners by Seth K

Table of contents were recipes are not in any specific order.

Intro talks about delicious meals and how simple they are to make.

Even though these recipes are for a soup maker you can also use your pressure cooker. set to soup mode for 30 minutes, unless otherwise specified.

How to use your soup maker is included.

There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

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

List of ingredients which are sometimes in Metric, sometimes in US, you should be able to substituent for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.

Directions are given.

Lots of choices and because of the spices and herbs used they should be very flavorful.

 

Delicious vegetarian cookbook bundle: quick and easy vegetarian soup and salad recipes by Vesela Tabakova

Book 1; quick and easy vegetarian soup recipes the whole family will love by Vesela Tabakova

Table of contents where recipes are no in any specific order. 

Intro talks about soups.

Each recipe starts with a title and servings. 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 photo and NO nutritional information.

Lots of different flavor combinations to select from.

Book 2: quick and easy vegetarian salad recipes the whole family will love by Vesela Tabakova

Table of contents where recipes are no in any specific order. 

Intro talks about salads.

Each recipe starts with a title and servings. 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 photo and NO nutritional information.

About the author is included at the end.

 

Books read Dec 6

 

 Lagom: The Ultimate Guide to Scandinavian Ways of Living a Balanced Life Filled with Coziness and Happiness by Barbara Hayden

Lagom part is about the Swedish part is about how to be happy and fulfill life.

Has much of what the first book contains with same outcome but differences as well.

Found the book interesting as I have heard about these before and have seen how Danish life, even in Vikings days of having a big great room for all to congregate.

Hygge: Unlock the Danish Art of Coziness and Happiness by Barbara Hayden

Hygge book talks about what Hygge is.

Danish art of coziness and happiness and how you can adapt it in your lifestyle. There are so many practical chapters about foods, clothing, customs, tradition, even crafts.

Found the book interesting as I have heard about these before and have seen how Danish life, even in Vikings days of having a big great room for all to congregate.

Hygge and Lagom: The Ultimate Guide to Scandinavian Ways of Living a Balanced Life Filled with Coziness and Happiness by Barbara Hayden

First book talks about what Hygge is.

Danish art of coziness and happiness and how you can adapt it in your lifestyle. There are so many practical chapters about foods, clothing, customs, tradition, even crafts.

Second part is about the Swedish part is about how to be happy and fulfill life.

Has much of what the first book contains with same outcome but differences as well.

Found the books interesting as I have heard about these before and have seen how Danish life, even in Vikings days of having a big great room for all to congregate.

 

A Tamale Christmas by Linda Rodante

Starts with summary of the book.

The story begins with Jessica and she's at college in TN and she's 9 months pregnant when she meets a new man that wants to attend the college.

We find out as the story goes along about how she became pregnant and how other friends are trying to help her heal.

Story also follows the new boy that does attend the college 6 months later, Manny to his friends. He is outgoing being a Latino Hispanic in TN, like a fish out of water.

God guided him to make this decision in his life. As the story goes along we see the two just don't get along and neither knows why so they avoid one another.

His lays music and draws a crowd as others come together and she enjoys it. He has a plan for the stolen nativity scene for the Christmas holidays, he tells them of his family traditional holiday and how they can make it happen there as well.

One afternoon she just stops the car and goes walking in the snowy fields, getting lost but she has God to guide her and she gets to open up to Manny and he to her.

They all know most of what is going on, recreating the scene of Mary and Joseph trying to find a place for the night before Jesus  was born. They never knew what the ending was...

Recipes are included at the end along with about the author. Other works by the author are listed.

Dedication page and there is a listing of music from youtube that inspires the author to write.

Excerpt from Honor respect Devotion #5 is also included at the end.

 

 

 

One Little Wish by Kelly Kas

Colorful children's rhyming book about a child making a wish, it comes true.

From day to day you can see the magic happening as they share the wish that came true with others. So magical what happens then, SUCH a cook story.

 

Puppies puppy book for kids by Gary Dickinson

table of contents where each chapter concentrates on caring for the new puppy.

There are pictures all over this book about getting your first puppy and once you bring them home.

What to expect and how to deal with situations are included.

There is a LOT of responsibility to care for the new puppy.

 

How (Not) to Kiss Your Dog by Susan Lash

Jack and his sister Jen were always at each other, jokingly. Who would've believed he could do it. He had his report card and he did it, mastered his grades and how he can get his own dog.

They take their time going to the store to find just the right one. So many other things to prepare for and once he gets the dog home he needs to leave but others will take care of the dog for him...

Some humorous moments and all you can do is laugh.  Great book for a new puppy to the house.

About the author is included at the end.

 

Tenting Tonight by Mary Roberts Rinehart

Wasn't sure if this was a cookbook or about camping. It's about sport and adventure in Glacier Park and the Cascade Mountains.

Illustrations are indexed at the front of the book along with table of contents.

The group of 30+ start out with pack animals carrying food and clothing and essentials as they trek over the mountains through Glacier National Park over the top of Cascade Mountains Pass in WA.

We have been to part of the Cascades but the parts they talk about were once a few walked a trail we now only 6" wide trails. Some very crucial and tragic parts to this trek.

Enjoyed every step they took as the wife who was along kept excellent notes, and especially those of the flowers along the way. So precious a memory.

So many funny moments also and the cook, who kept running away. Felt sorry for their horses at times, walking on icy paths under the waterfall and having nothing to eat for days.

Celebrating birthdays was a treat to only find out it was the WRONG day LOL

Really great book to read.

Christmas Mall Follies by Pat Hester

A lot of chapters about funny sometimes hilarious things the author sees at the mall as he waits til the last moment to do his holiday shopping.

Everything from the people to what they buy and what he sees.

Silly, funny stories just what we need right now.

Books read Dec 5

Cholesterol: Natural Remedies To Lower Cholesterol - Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally Without Drugs! by Sarah Brooks

Table of contents where chapters are broken up into a solution that will help your body get rid of the cholesterol rather than taking drugs.

Intro talks about how HBP can lead to diabetes also and how you can rely on drugs to handle the high cholesterol.

What the author states in this book seems worth a try as it sounds so much like common sense. Even though it could be in your genes the items they want you to substitute for are natural foods, not chemicals.

There are charts throughout showing examples of healthy food choices.

Can't wait to try some coconut oil with our meals.

There are just 2 recipes that are listed in table format along with directions.

It's a start and I hope it works for us.

Sandwiched by Tanya Schroeder

Starts with praise  and table of contents where recipes are broken up into meal and food categories.

Intro talks about the author and why they wanted to write this book.

Each chapter has a index of recipes inside

Each recipe starts with a title, color photo, summary of the dish, prep and cook times and servings.

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

Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information.

 

There is one section in the recipe: prep/cook times and servings that is in a dark red colored rectangle with black lettering-almost impossible to read.

There are a lot of choices for different types of meat/poultry etc  used. 

There are quotes from famous people throughout.

 Interesting flavor combinations.

 Love choices of breads to use also.

Some of the recipes use a large amount of ingredients, be sure you have them all lined up before you start cooking.

Acknowledgements and index are enclosed at the end along with cooking measurement equivalents and metrics. 

Place for your notes and about the author are included at the end. 

Real food real kitchens New York Cookbook by Craig Chapman

Dedication page and pictures from NYC along with table of contents where peoples names are mentioned along with their cuisine and divided into boroughs of NY.

Forewords are enclosed from others in the area.

Love the idea of eating at a family table in a restaurant with others we don't even know. Have seen it on tv show A million little things and it looked so cozy and friendly. So glad to hear it really does exist.

Intro talks about what family means and food. Each of the boroughs is described in their own chapter

Each of the chefs are highlighted, their main country cooking expertise,  along with their recipe and their story/history.

Each recipe starts with a title, servings, summary of the dish, list of ingredients and how to make it. Servings suggestions are also provided.

I get lost with all the beautiful high graphic pictures it could be a book in itself.

Recipe index is included at the end. along with thanks to others.

About the author and photographer are also included at the end.

 

Party with sweet treats by Norene Cox

Starts with praise from others. Dedication page.

Beautiful colorful photographs throughout the book.

Table of contents with chapters listing holidays that are normally celebrated along with special days and, just for fun celebrations.

Introduction talks about the author and how she discovered the decorating part of the cupcakes was the great party of the party at school.

Tips and tricks chapter has a lot of great suggestions and ideas along with equipment needed.

Basic decorating secrets are shown in detail.

Each holiday starts with the holiday name, large colorful photograph. Title and summary of the dessert is included.

List of ingredients along with the process of putting it all together with step by step instructions and pictures.

Such cute ideas for not only kids but for an anniversary party. NO nutritional information.

Author makes these look easy to me they are over the top, but should be able to accomplish them, at home.

Index of recipes is included at the end. Acknowledgements and about the author are included.

Something for everybody!

 

Ben's Adventures A Day at the Beach by Elizabeth Gerlach

Colorful children's book about Ben and his family and how they spend their time at the beach one day. He dreams he is an able bodied boy.

Words are very tiny for me to even read. He dreams of all the things they will do while there. 

Happy Little Pine by Nirdesha Munasinghe

Colorful children's story about a pine tree...Fir tree is described as they sit among other older fir trees.

The day a man comes and digs her up and takes her to his house for Christmas and we see the old fir trees are sad and cry...

They have a plan and other things around them also decide to leave...With rhyming words he tells them he'll never take the little fir tree away again.

Rather sad book would've been better if they showed the tree decorated for Christmas in the house, having fun with the family.

Free tree activity book is offered.

More then just a Dot is also included at the end.

Not able to enlarge the size of letters very difficult to read on some of the backgrounds.

Books read Dec 4

 

Grandma's are for love by Misty Black

Starts with dedications and offer of free ebook when you signup.

Colorful children's book about everything a grandma will do with her grandchild.

The pictures show what they words are saying. I have done almost all of these with my grandchildren and even though they are now in their teens we sometimes still will go down a slide and blow bubbles.

Such treasures this book brings to my mind. Baking and knitting and crocheting I have been able to teach one of them. 

Traveling to new locations and walking, seeing, felling new things are a treat.

Love the letter at the end where the child is prompted to fill in the blanks of a letter to his grandmother thanking her for all the things they did together.

To stay in touch with them the next pages have questions you can ask them, when you write back a letter to them.

Family tree is shown on another page that you can print out and fill in the branches.

About the author and illustrator are included at the end.

Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Excerpt from You Taught Me love are included as well.

My Awesome Autism: Helping children learn about their autism diagnosis. by Nikki Saunders

What I like about this book right from the start are what the letters AUTISM stand for: always unique talented intelligent super magnificent.

Each of those letters in the following pages are described further. Very colorful children's book about being different and having ideas of their own.

Very basic pictures and scenes but you don't really need to complicate things.

Some have questions on them and you can find the answer in the picture.

This book is even great for older kids as well. 

Princesses Don't Have Sticky Hair by Angela Castillo

Story starts out with not only talking about the princess and her 

hair but also the dragon. A lot of other fairy tale creatures also have a part in this story: mermaids, unicorns, fairies, brownies,  and children.

Great ending to get the kids to go to sleep.

 

 

If You were me and lived in Mexico by Carole Roman

Like this series because it shows you where the country is and what they have to offer everybody.

Relatives, language, food, sports, and history,. There are questions also that kids can answer.

How to pronounce certain words is included at the end along with about the author.

So informative, like I am planning a trip there and what I want to see and experience.

 

 

Samson by Tevi Hirschhorn

Children's colorful story about Samson and his sister. He's the youngest and he always gets in trouble while his older sister always gets what she wants.

Comical pictures really tell what is happening. 

Sometimes Liza is the person in charge while their parents go out and she has some tricks up her sleeve.

He wants to be the oldest but then he sees what happens and thinks he'll enjoy being the youngest.

Free coloring pages are available at the end.

Can a Princess Be a Firefighter? by Carole P. Roman

My answer to that question is why not? we watch a tv show and there are women firefighters and they can good at what they do.

Colorful children's book about a girl and she wonders if she, a princess could be a firefighter.

The pages show different career choices a princess could make and what they wear.

There are so many to do maybe you can select two?  Such a cute story.

 

I Wish I could be a Princess by Yonit Werber

Free kit when you click on the link in the book.

Colorful children's book about being a princess. Girls are sitting around and one comments they'd like to be a candy princess, princess of the night,

flower princess, princess of lions, princess of the jungle, witch princess, pirates, gold, rainbow, fairy, superhero, or just a princess when they grow up.

What a choice to make, each one of these is described as to what they do.