I am John, I am Paul A Story of Two Soldiers in Ancient Rome by Mark Tedesco
Was surprised from the start of this book as it's easy to read and I found it interesting and educational at the same time
Starts with a quote from Aristotle and summarizes the relationship John and Paul have.
Dedication page and table of contents included. Words and phrases used in the context lead to footnotes at the end of the chapter where the author explains what they mean.
Story starts out with John and he's on his way to join the Legion to fight for the emperor. He soon meets up with Paul and he's assigned to the same area so they bunk together.
Before long they can finish one another's sentences and know how the other feels before even talking. Like learning about how they prepare for battles and why they are fighting.
Because they are so busy with the Legion they don't have time to go back home to their farms to see their relatives and miss memorable times with them.
One fascinating mission was to take the emperor's daughter to her father's location and she just wants to be treated like anybody else-no special treatment.
Love how they hide out on the lands going undetected. Love hearing of the battles and fights they go through protecting her and overcoming others when there is only a handful of them vs. hundreds of others.
Cool schemes and strategic moves they make-good for me to use when I play army guys with my grandson...
Love space John's sister has made for them to gather when they are able. Politics play a big part in this story and battles.
Love the characters they meet along the way and take under their arms. Love hearing of camaraderie and fun times guys have.
A new religion finds them at odds with one another and sometimes others can't comprehend what is happening.
Didn't see the ending happening as it did, twists and turns along the way make this an interesting read.
Acknowledgements and studies, references, sources and endnotes are all listed at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
The Dog on the Acropolis by Mark Tedesco
Like this story of the dogs and how they are crucial to those building the Parthenon in Greece.
What I love about this book is learning of the stone cutter's jobs and how they do it by hand.
Like how the community comes together for one another using their own hands with flowers, restaurant and a shop.
Love hearing how they all survive in bad times and when the tourists arrive to climb up to the Temple.
Sad to see it end but love the ending gift so true.
Lots of emotion in this book especially how the humans sense where they dog wants to be, love, friendship and just hanging out because everyone loves the dog in their own rights.
The Empty Nesters by Carolyn Brown
Think I have read other works by the author and treasured them as I did this one.
Starts out with Smokey and Tootsie living in TX and they have 3 new army families moving in next door.
It's so special to them as they never had kids of their own. The husbands all leave for work overseas and the women and the 3 girls are left behind to keep them entertained over the years.
Love that there are so many sides to this story, not only of the older couple Smokey and Tootsie but each of the 3 women as they go through changes over the years.
And the girls are all grown up, graduating high school and enlisting themselves.
Love how the women all stick with one other through the good and bad times and I love what obstacles they are able to overcome with help from each other.
Can't wait to read more of this author's works. So many emotions while reading this book.
They are strong and brave through it all.
A Loan for Christmas by Katie Carver
First time reading this author and can't wait to read more. Story moves right along and starts out with
Mary and she's telling her friend at work about her cruise for holidays with her boyfriend. Problem is Annie's parents won't even be home so she decides to visit with Mary's family at the VT tree farm instead.
The family welcomes her lovingly and she helps with some chores that highlight her expertise at work. Problem is the boss didn't get the memo that she's not to work at all...
She gets along ok with Mary's brother, Spencer but sometimes not, he just rubs her the wrong way. She soon learns of the money problems the farm is having and pitches in her ideas to the women and they put on a fair for the town to participate in to bring more business to the area.
Part I love the best is the trees themselves-knowing the difference between the fir and a spruce. Dad and grandpa ran a nursery so I know a fair bit about it all from the wholesale side was great fun learning from personal side of things.
Love wildflower acre my mom also spread her flowers around outside! Love hearing all about this town and how ti will play a part in the next books in the series although you should be able to read them as stand alones.
Like all the things I learned in this book and the characters. Just a handful and easy to keep track of them.
Love this book for simple story and love learning about others jobs and how to do them.
Soccer Sleep: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get a Good Night's Sleep Every Single Night (Understand Soccer Book 9) by Dylan Joseph
Starts with offer of a free checklist for sleep.
Table of contents where chapters are broken up into important sections of sleeping.
Dedication page and preface follow.
Love pyramid in color showing all aspects of soccer training with sleep and nutrition among other non sports related items also noted.
Introduction about the elements of the book in 5 different sections.
Parts that I love the best is that i don't have to be a sports player at all to benefit from the research author has done for better sleep.
I love also that some sentences are highlighted for me, the most important summarizing facts of the paragraphs, like highlighted in bold that stick out.
I actually tried a few things: pillow choice and napping and what he tells you to do actually worked for me, just one time trying.
light and getting rid of annoyances to get faster sleep patterns is enlightening.
Other color photographs, charts and graphs are also included during chapters to help explain different things.
Things relating to soccer playing are also discussed during each of the chapters as it specifically relates to that.
Love the six bonus tips included at the end along with about the author.
Other works by the author are highlighted with links at the end.
Offer of a free book when signing up to be part of soccer squad book team.
Glossary of words are defined at the end and acknowledgements.
Cake by Carmen Jenner
Starts with table of contents and a prologue of how the story really starts.
Poppy works in a wedding planner company and her own wedding got sabotaged by her best friend who now wants her to be her maid of honor.
Others try to come to her rescue over time but it gets a bit raunchy for me. Who in their right mind sends a big basket of sex toys to someone at work.
In a way I guess it could be funny but I'd not wanting this to happen to me. Did finish the book and would probably give another book a try but if they are all like this I'm not going to enjoy them.
More works from the author and acknowledgments are listed.
About the author is included at the end along with her website.
Eat Right for Your Sight: Simple, Tasty Recipes that Help Reduce the Risk of Vision Loss from Macular Degeneration by Jennifer Trainer Thompsoson, Johanna Seddon
Lots of history and intro material about how to ward off macular degeneration and other eye illnesses.
Recipes start with a title and summary of the dish sometimes telling you nutrients they will provide.
Servings are listed. List of ingredients and I'd substitute for our healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat products.
Side bar includes nutritional information and other tips: serving size is given, calories fiber, fat, sat. fat, sodium vitamin listings
Directions are given. Lots of tasty choices and easy to make that pack a wallop of flavor and nutrition.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Power Pressure Cooker XL Cookbook: 350 Irresistible Electric Pressure Cooker Recipes for Quick, Easy, and Healthy Meals by Vanessa Olsen
Table of contents where the recipe chapters are broken up by meals and also food categories.
Intro mostly about this particular pressure cooker but as long as you know the type of pressure the recipes can be used in any pressure cooker.
History of pressure cooking and health benefits are discussed. Functions and how to clean the unit are also detailed, even with photos.
Love the section on converting slow cooker recipes to use in pressure cooker.
Each recipe chapter has a title and listing of what's included.
Each recipe starts with a title servings and time in prep and cooking.
Summary of the dish is included and list of ingredients which I'd substitute for our healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, and low sugar products.
Directions are given and there is some nutritional information per a portion of the serving-giving you the size portion: total calories, protein, carbs, fat and fiber. Fat is NOT broken up into good or bad.
There are NO pictures.
Maple syrup cornbread would by my choice to try first.
Very wide selection and variety of food available.
A KEEPER because I know what I can substitute for a healthier meal.
Table of contents where the recipe chapters are broken up by meals and also food categories.
Intro mostly about this particular pressure cooker but as long as you know the type of pressure the recipes can be used in any pressure cooker.
History of pressure cooking and health benefits are discussed. Functions and how to clean the unit are also detailed, even with photos.
Love the section on converting slow cooker recipes to use in pressure cooker.
Each recipe chapter has a title and listing of what's included.
Each recipe starts with a title servings and time in prep and cooking.
Summary of the dish is included and list of ingredients which I'd substitute for our healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, and low sugar products.
Directions are given and there is some nutritional information per a portion of the serving-giving you the size portion: total calories, protein, carbs, fat and fiber. Fat is NOT broken up into good or bad.
There are NO pictures.
Maple syrup cornbread would by my choice to try first.
Very wide selection and variety of food available.
A KEEPER because I know what I can substitute for a healthier meal.
Almond Flour Cookbook: Easy Gluten Free Recipe Book for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Tasty Paleo Almond Flour Recipes (Paleo Recipes: Paleo Recipes for Busy ... Lunch, Dinner & Desserts Recipe Book 8) by Jane Burton
Table of contents where recipes are broken up into meal and food categories.
Intro about choosing almond flour and why and the benefits. We looked this morning at our local store and they didn't have any.
Each recipe starts with a title and a very tiny 1/2" color photo along with list of ingredients.
Directions are given but there is NO nutritional information.
Cooking resource listings is included at the end along with other works by the author.
The Father Michael Trilogy by Hilary Walker
Three stories in this anthology.
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Riding Out the Wager: The Story of a Damaged Horse & His Soldier
Riding Out The Wager by Hilary Walker
Love how this starts out with healing powers horses have. I've yet to ride one but they do fascinate me and the things they can do.
First time reading this author and enjoy the exploration into her works-want to read more already!
Starts out where a priest is spending dinner at one of his relatives and parishions house for dinner and meets the brother, Justin who is back from Iraq and very hostile.
Priest, Father Michael makes a wager he can get him to believe in God by Easter...
We learn of others confessions and how they are handled.
Love hearing of the step by step instructions on how to set up the saddle and everything associated with it, so very detailed and precise.
All different problems that are our everyday lives and solutions for troubles, priceless!
Although there are a lot of characters it's easy to keep them all straight. Amazing story! Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
What I liked the most is that there are different age groups, each facing different troubles in their lives and there is an answer to them all. Pray.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
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‘Riding Out the Regrets: A Priest Faces His Heathen Past
Riding Out the Regrets: A Priest Struggles with his Heathen Past (The Father Michael Trilogy Book 2) by Hilary Walker
This book in the series although it can be read as a stand alone, I was happy to get to read the first book, is about Father Michael and he comes across many other different problems.
Continues where the other left off, people are still going through therapy of one kind or another and his friend from college days makes an appearance and he tries to help sort that out for him.
He is able to reach out to others who come to help and understand the deeper problems the loved one have to help find an answer to their problems. Lot more religious quotes in this one-almost too much for me to enjoy the story.
Love that it covers a large age range with specific groups having their own set of problems. Love the scenery and being at the cabin and the horses. Best part for me was watching those in book 1 get over their hurdles and move on-sometimes to go back to war.
Can't wait to read more.
Given this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion
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Riding Out the Wreckage: The Fallout from Loss of Faith
Riding Out the Wreckage by Hilary Walker
Have read other works by this author and loved the series.
An added plus is when Robert teaches they how to take care of their dog and why...
Like how the author brings you up to date on how others got to where they are now, physically and why without going into a lot of details from previous books.
Makes you feel not so lost. Like how others call on Father Michael for help-some are dying and he won't condone the methods they want to use to shorten the time...
Love how he uses Skype to talk to a local man overseas fighting the war and hopes he won't get PTSD again. The local horses helped cure him and many ohters over the years.
Memory boxes on outside wall of resident apartments, just like one at my mother in laws place, so touching!
With the car accident there are changes for many: deaths and births to complete the circle. Love how this one turns out.
Other works by the author and about the author are highlighted at the end. Can;t wait for the next one.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Blame it on the Night
Read one book in this collection:
Seeking Rachel by Josie Riviera
Have read other books in this series especially about the gypsies and can't wait to learn more about them and their ways.
Starts with praise from the author's works.
Rachel is caring for her young cousin as her father had made arrangements for her to live with them and earn her keep.
They both visit the gardens often as they love being outside and a man, Nash approaches them one day and before he knows it he's telling her all his hidden secrets.
He knows she's the one but others have him paired with another woman who's stood behind him forever.
Rachel has never visited the dances and balls but they are all invited to a birthday party and she learns Nash is to be there also. Kids have lots of things to do among themselves thus giving Rachel a chance to just walk around by herself.
He finds her after his mother told him she had left to get some air at night after her charge has gone to bed. They are able to spend a bit of time together and when she hears of his betrothal to another the next day she leaves.
Upon her return she learns also about her mother and runs away to seek the truth from her father, who raised her.
Things get so mixed up for them both and he travels the countryside til he locates her and tells her the real truth.
Enjoyed this read as it's an easy story with twists and turns and so much more to learn about the gypsies: their lifestyle choices, travel and mysteries.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.:
SEAL Protectors Box Set 1 by Debra Parmley
Three books in this series and can be read as stand alones.
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Protecting Pippa by Debra Parmley
Don't know why I have been avoiding reading this book but so glad I did read it.
What an awesome read! Book starts out with a dedication page and table of contents and welcome letter from the author to the Operation Alpha Fan Fiction books and acknowledgements.
Story starts out with Pippa being invited to a Halloween party and she confesses her secret to her friend about her past life and she's ready to move on but with no attachments.
They are excited and she chooses a fairy from the woodland section as it's very skimpy and lacy. It is a masked party and a bunch of SEALS are also attending. She gets up her courage after some hurricane drinks and asks him to dance which he accepts.
Story also follows Diesel and a few of his buddy SEAL's..
Like the playfulness in the dialog after which they find a room and things heat up and very explicit sex scenes.
After a time she realizes she is pregnant and she has no way to contact him at all so she raises the child herself. Still working at the grocery store and attending classes at night a man aids her at the park to get her car started.
He swears the child is his sons although his son never mentioned fathering a child. He brings the information to his son and Diesel gets his buddies involved and they are able to track her down. They also learn her ex is out of jail and where he's located now.
Won't spoil the rest of the story but there's a lot of action here and fast paced, easy to keep track of and the outcome is nothing like I ever expected.
Love how this all comes together and wish the story was longer I feel I had just gotten to know the characters...
Like how they teach her how to handle the weapon.
Ends with about the author, synopsis of her other works and listing of friends books
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
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Split Screen Scream by Debra Parmley
Christie is attending the movie by herself as her girl friend's fur babies are ill. They had agreed to dress up and she's done just that.
She sits near a beefy type of man and gets involved with the movie. It's action packed and lots of adventure-he's scrutinizing the stunts as he does them also.
He notices a shooter nearby and in time he yells at everyone to get down as his arm lands on the woman pushing her towards the floor. The man has a gun and Chrsitie knows she's going to die.
Reed kicks the shooters gun out of the way and call's 911. Everybody else in the theater had to turn their phones in upon entrance. There are others who have been shot and he gave the information to the dispatcher.
Christie helps put a tourniquet on one man's arm while he helps the other.
Reed helps her put gas in her car not realizing she's in a real bad part of town with men lingering around-he follows her home and she's safe now.
Like interaction they continue to have but fear remains...
I received this review book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
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Protecting Zarifah by Debra Parmley
Book starts out with an intro about Shimmy Mob-I had never heard of this being up here in northeast. What an idea!
Synopsis from the author is included.
Story follows Zarifah a gymnastic teacher who also belly dances with a group of women.
She has many friends and they are there for one another. After her ex fiance almost kills her, police come and a restraining order she can breathe a sigh of relief...
Story also follows Cutter whose grandmother can't wait to see him married with children. She lets him know he will NOT find the right women in the strippers hes' been dating. He attends an event one night with his buddy and they experience the dancers and learn a bit about their customs, traditions and culture.
He is taken with Zarifah and ends up running into her at many local places and they share many meals or a coffee.
He learns of the mob event and he agrees to video tape it as it will be a world wide event-this is so cool!
Love that she shared her secret of her ex with her friend and she comes to her rescue keeping her safe.
Love location of the womens' shelter and all it stands for.
SEAL alpha Cutter is always prepared not only with his weapons but knowledge of what to look for to keep others safe.
Book ends with a note from the author, about the author Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Other books by the publisher are listed at the end. So interesting to learn all these new things to me!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Protecting Zarifah by Debra Parmley
Book starts out with an intro about Shimmy Mob-I had never heard of this being up here in northeast. What an idea!
Synopsis from the author is included.
Story follows Zarifah a gymnastic teacher who also belly dances with a group of women.
She has many friends and they are there for one another. After her ex fiance almost kills her, police come and a restraining order she can breathe a sigh of relief...
Story also follows Cutter whose grandmother can't wait to see him married with children. She lets him know he will NOT find the right women in the strippers hes' been dating. He attends an event one night with his buddy and they experience the dancers and learn a bit about their customs, traditions and culture.
He is taken with Zarifah and ends up running into her at many local places and they share many meals or a coffee.
He learns of the mob event and he agrees to video tape it as it will be a world wide event-this is so cool!
Love that she shared her secret of her ex with her friend and she comes to her rescue keeping her safe.
Love location of the womens' shelter and all it stands for.
SEAL alpha Cutter is always prepared not only with his weapons but knowledge of what to look for to keep others safe.
Book ends with a note from the author, about the author Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Other books by the publisher are listed at the end. So interesting to learn all these new things to me!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Timeless (A Collection of Historical & Regency Romance) by Sandra Sookoo
Read one story in this book by Josie Riviera
Seeking Charity by Josie Riviera
Starts out with us learning about Charity and her life in the gypsy troop. The customs are so interesting to learn about.
She's run away from her father because of what he does to her and she's happy to have to steal to get food, if it comes to that. It's just a fact of life, or they'd die.
Even after changing her name she remembers a boy from her younger days and he finds her again. She thinks it's to bring her back to her father but he's told her other news.
You wonder if they can ever get together or just be friends the rest of their lives. Liked this book a lot but the time frame caught me off guard. Loved hearing of the colors of clothing.
Recipe for Welsh Cawl Stew, note from the author, excerpt from seeking fortune, in the series, acknowledgements, about the author, other works by the author are all highlighted at the end.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Chocolate-Box Hearts by Josie Riviera
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A Chocolate-Box Valentine (Chocolate-Box #3)
by Josie Riviera
This book starts out with praise for the author and her wks.
This short story starts with Sally and her special chocolate won't be arriving for her to prepare it into special Valentine orders.
Her brother Ben and his fiancee will watch Sally's daughter Clarissa so she can head down the road to get the chocolate.
The truck driver had some problems with his truck. After Sally arrives a big tree crosses her route back home so she spends time at the diner.
Oliver has made everyone so welcome and she gets to talk to him and learns of his past as he learns of hers.
She decides she needs advice from others not familiar with her wares...
Like how different folks lives are discussed from all walks of life... so interesting.
Recipe included. Ends with an excerpt from the author's next book.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
A Chocolate-Box New Years (Chocolate-Box #2) by Josie Riviera
This story starts out with praise for the authors' works.
Story starts with Julie and she not only runs the restaurant but owns it and works nonstop.
Love that her siblings live nearby and are very supportive. She feels migraines coming on often as she is doing too much, doesn't count on others to do her work.
Story also follow Lorenzo and he's a Italian local weatherman and others jest he hardly gets the forecast right. He wants her to take charge of the wedding anniversary dinner at her place.
She assumes it's for he and his wife but learns otherwise later...He wants his grandmother's recipe and she tries it with his being the taste tester and she just can't get it right-the recipe was very vague.
Her sister-from the chocolate shop tell her it's so he can spend time with her-he compliments her often.
Love hearing of the authentic way to make pasta and that she donates the leftovers.
Like the things they find in common after spending a lot of hours taste testing the recipe-he wants it perfect for the dinner.
With so much in common they can't find ground to stand on where one is off balance and you wonder if they will ever get together.
Family recipe shared.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
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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.
Protecting Pippa by Debra Parmley
Don't know why I have been avoiding reading this book but so glad I did read it.
What an awesome read! Book starts out with a dedication page and table of contents and welcome letter from the author to the Operation Alpha Fan Fiction books and acknowledgements.
Story starts out with Pippa being invited to a Halloween party and she confesses her secret to her friend about her past life and she's ready to move on but with no attachments.
They are excited and she chooses a fairy from the woodland section as it's very skimpy and lacy. It is a masked party and a bunch of SEALS are also attending. She gets up her courage after some hurricane drinks and asks him to dance which he accepts.
Story also follows Diesel and a few of his buddy SEAL's..
Like the playfulness in the dialog after which they find a room and things heat up and very explicit sex scenes.
After a time she realizes she is pregnant and she has no way to contact him at all so she raises the child herself. Still working at the grocery store and attending classes at night a man aids her at the park to get her car started.
He swears the child is his sons although his son never mentioned fathering a child. He brings the information to his son and Diesel gets his buddies involved and they are able to track her down. They also learn her ex is out of jail and where he's located now.
Won't spoil the rest of the story but there's a lot of action here and fast paced, easy to keep track of and the outcome is nothing like I ever expected.
Love how this all comes together and wish the story was longer I feel I had just gotten to know the characters...
Like how they teach her how to handle the weapon.
Ends with about the author, synopsis of her other works and listing of friends books
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Isabella Bride of Ohio (American Mail-Order Brides Series Book 17) by Debra Parmley
Isabella lives with 3 other women and they work at the mill til one night it burns to the ground. I am familiar with the location and have mills nearby that are still used, not as their original purpose.
They find out about a newspaper where men have asked for women to be their brides with just a bit about themselves. Over the next weeks they write to one another and she also gets a job tending to young children.
When Donald has written to her and sent money to visit with her in Ohio she heads there and there are men on the train that want to cause trouble as they travel by themselves.
Tomlin and his partner want her to plan to kidnap her at the next stop. This sounds SO scary for me as she's very naive. Like her background and hearing what she is looking forward to in Ohio with Donald.
A man, Tom steps in to rescue her and she's back on her way to Ohio to get married. Things seem to be going moving forward and she almost says no to getting married. Hate to hear how she's treated over time but things happen in 3s like her grandmother always told her.
Trouble, problems happen in 3's and til the third thing happens she didn't piece them all together. Twists and turns that I could not have imagined happening, whoa!
I had forgotten about Pinkerton' in this era!
action, adventure, travel, romance, mystery, money and so much more make up this exc read!
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Montana Cowboy Romance (Wyatt Brothers of Montana Book 1) by Jane Porter
This story starts out with Joe Wyatt and he's just meeting Sophie in person at the airport.
She had answered his wanted bride ad and they spent some time online getting to know one another.
She moves to the nearby town because of the cold welcome from his ailing mother who lives with him at the ranch along with Grandad.
She gets to know the area well as she has a lot of time on her hands as Joe is so busy with calving season and tending to the ranch and all house chores including cooking for everybody.
She ends up friending a few and gets a job at the salon answering phones and making appointments. As her time with Joe comes to several weeks and she slowly moves back to the house with the reluctant agreement to allow his mom to help with wedding celebration..
They had each wanted just a quick and easy ceremony. They each have major secrets they have to share to clear the air...
Enjoyed this read because it brought us to a familiar area and it's learning about people in the area more deeply. Love learning about the calving and all the details.
Didn't see them staying together and love hearing of the detailed descriptions of the area.
Can't wait to read more about the other brothers from this series, we had just met them for a quick glimpse. Love little gifts they give to one another and don't even realize them as such.
Can be read as a stand alone.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Ocean Life!: A Coloring and Activity Book for Kids
Cover reached out to me as an exiting book for kids.
Very colorful and so many activities to keep kids busy for days.
Starts out with welcome to the ocean. we live on the ocean and I hope my grandson who's living in CO will enjoy another part of the world. Hope he gets to discover it first hand some day.
There are word searches and pages showing a sea creature with a few sentences about the species.
Mazes and differences, follow the dots and scrambles.
Even sea birds are shown, anything to do with ocean life, tidal pools, etc.
So many pages to color and there is an answer key at the end of the book.
About the author and about the illustrator are included at the end.
Sea stars or starfish and lobsters are my favorite pages.
Love this book! SO educational and SO much fun!
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.
I'm Not Tired: (Children's Book about Bedtime Excuses, Kids books, Baby books, Books Ages 3 5, Preschool Books, Picture book, Bedtime Stories) by Michael Gordon
This colorful children's book is about what happens to Josh when he goes to preschool for a full day.
This is also a rhyming book and the pictures show you what words are saying.
He is very tired because he no longer gets his afternoon nap and comes home grumpy and it upsets the whole family.
Everybody tries to pitch in to get him into a good mood to no avail til Dad comes to the rescue and they will try his plan the next day.
What I love about this book is that all the members of the family have a part in the book, no matter what their age.
Plan is put into effect and everybody does their own thing.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end and about the author. Coloring pages at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
When I Am Stressed: (Children's Books About Emotions and Feelings, kids picture books, ages 3-5, story) (Self-Regulation Skills Book 12) by Michael Gordon
This colorful children's book is about what happens to Josh when he goes to preschool for a full day.
This is also a rhyming book and the pictures show you what words are saying.
He is very tired because he no longer gets his afternoon nap and comes home grumpy and it upsets the whole family.
Everybody tries to pitch in to get him into a good mood to no avail til Dad comes to the rescue and they will try his plan the next day.
What I love about this book is that all the members of the family have a part in the book, no matter what their age.
Plan is put into effect and everybody does their own thing.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end and about the author. Coloring pages at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
when i am grumpy by michael gordon
Free link to A Grumpy Dinosaur is included. Bookplate is enclosed.
Story starts when Josh wakes up one morning and it just doesn't feel right, he feels grumpy.
Emma compares her face with his and they are opposites. The whole family helps with clues they get about how he feels...
They all have solutions for his problems and now he knows what to do the next time it happens.
Many pages at the end to print and color and about the author is included.
Contact information is included and highlights of the authors other works are attached at the end.
5 Ingredient Instant Pot cookbook easy recipes for fast and healthy meals by Sophie Brown
TOC where after intro recipes are broken up into meal and food categories.
Intro starts with instant pot history lesson and how each setting works.
Also noted: dietary aids: AK Atkins, DK Keto, HP high protein, LC low carb, LF low fat, PC, palo, PL paleo, VGI veg, VGN began, WD whole foods. These are not mentioned in recipes.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep and cook times, servings, Macros per serving: calories, protein, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, and carbs.
Ingredients are listed and I'd substitute for our healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar, fresh vs canned items.
Instructions are given how to make. Recipes don't come with initials for food groups.
There are NO pictures outside of the intro material.
Don't see many classic easy recipes like chicken noodle soup recipes here.
Nothing really sticks out.
Air Fryer Cookbook 100 basic recipes by erika connor
Table of contents, intro and recipes are broken up into meal categories.
Intro talks about the air fryer and how it all works, pictures included.
Different settings are discussed. Quick easy fast food items are listed with times and information.
Each recipe starts with a title, color photo, servings, prep and cook times.
List of ingredients is included. Not sure where to get duck fat for first recipe, hmmmm.
How to make the recipe is attached and some nutritional information per serving: calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, fiber and protein. Sodium is not even listed.
Should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Recipes do not start at the top of a new page.
Some recipes have a mixture of US and UK measurements listed.
The Best Anti Inflammatory Cookbook by Jeannette Nosrat
Free ebook offer. Table of contents where recipes are broken up into Meal categories.
Intro starts out with what inflammation is and how to avoid it with foods you eat.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep, cook time and total 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 items.
Directions are given along with recipe notes.
Some nutritional information per serving: calories, fat, carbs and protein.
NO sat fat and NO sodium levels.
There are NO photographs.
Low fat vanilla oatmeal pumpkin muffins sounds like a great recipe to try.
The Easy Anti-Inflammatory Diet Cookbook by Rosaline Bishop
TOC that includes intro material, recipes broken up by meals.
Intro contains info about the foods you can select and why to fight off inflammatory illnesses.
Also has a listing of foods you should avoid.
Useful tips also are included.
Colorful photos are included throughout.
14 day meal plan is attached in chart format.
Each recipe starts with a color photo and prep, cook time and servings.
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.
Directions are given and tips are given at the end.
Nutritional information is included: calories, proteins, carbs and fat-NOT broken up by good or bad. NO sodium levels either.
Recipes do NOT start at the top of a new page.
I didn't find anything new to me and many call for items I don't have and not easy to obtain.
The Plant Based Meal Plan Cookbook by Rosaline Bishop
Starts with table of contents and after intro material the recipes are broken up by meal category.
Intro is about what a plant based diet is and what the health benefits are with a brief explanation about each of those.
Like the list of foods to eat and which to avoid.
Love the substitution list also! Chart showing 21 day mail plan for each of the main meals and a dessert.
Each recipe starts with a title, medium size color photo and prep and cook times. Servings are listed and nutritional info includes: per serving: calories, fat, sat. fat, carbs, fiber, sugars and protein.
List of ingredients is included and there are some recipes that have LOT of ingredients.
I would also substitute for our healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions on make to make is included and servings suggestions.
Not all recipes start at the top of a new page.
Baked fries would be my choice, healthy baking them. Other recipes call for a lot of oat flour, almond products which i do not readily have or can get easily.
Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Two: 100 Perfectly Portioned Recipes for Healthy Eating by Anne Danahy,RDN
Dedication page and then starts with table of contents where recipes are broken up into meal categories.
Lots of basic information about the Med diet plan and other aspects of it=-good resource.
Like chart showing portion sizes you need to be in taking, so clear.
Each meal section starts with a full color photo and a summary of the category.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times and servings. also total time, allergy free, gluten, etc are mentioned
Summary of the ingredients and why they are so special to the recipe and health benefits.
List of ingredients is given and you should be able to use a low fat, low sugar, low sodium product as well for your healthier dietary needs.
Directions are given and there is some nutritional information: calories, total fat, total carbs, fiber, protein, sugar, sodium and cholesterol. Fat is NOT broken up into good or bad.
There are no individual pictures for recipes.
Wish at the start of each of the chapters there was an index of the recipes included.
Conversion measurement charts are also included at the end along with references, index, and about the author.
A KEEPER for me because of nutritional information included and wide variety of items.
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.
The Psoriasis Diet Cookbook: Easy, Healthy Recipes to Soothe Your Symptoms
Wanted to read this book because my husband suffers from this disease and if I can change up his diet it might solve the problems he has.
Starts with a table of contents where chapters are broken up into different food categories.
Intro material talks about eh authors life and her family suffering years with this disease and trying everything the doctors had for them.
Through her research she realized what was going on and by avoiding certain foods she was able to get a handle on the disease.
Although we do follow the Mediterranean diet plan just a few tweaks could help my husband a lot.Lists of foods to avoid and those he should be eating are listed and why.
Nightshade I was no even aware of with the food groups.
Each recipe chapter starts with a color photo and index of ten recipes.
Each recipe itself starts with a title, list of food allergies this would be good for, servings, prep and cook times and summary of the dish.
List of ingredients is listed and some can be long-mostly herbs and spices so be sure you have them on hand.
Directions are easy to follow.
Ingredient tip is also enclosed in case you want to substitute a few of them.
Nutritional information by servings size-tells you if it's 1/2 c or more: calories, fat, sat fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, fiber and protein.
Also plenty of space on the same page for your hand written notes or changes.
There is a wide variety to choose from in each category. I have a list of several I want to try myself.
Conversion charts are listed at the end.
References, book, resources listings are also attached.
Index, acknowledgements and about the author are also included.
A KEEPER for me not only for the help in psoriasis but inflammatory diseases.
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.
Simple Superfood Soups: 75 Nourishing Recipes for a Healthier You by Pamela Ellgen
This book starts with a table of contents where soup recipes are broken up into categories: stocks and broths, cold soups, comfort blends, hearty warmers, noodle soups and stews and chili.
Introduction talks about using superfoods in soups and why they are so much better.
Equipment and tools listings is available and an explanation of using the recipes.
Each chapter has a color photo and summary of the chapter and index of recipes that are included in that section.
Each recipe starts with a title, allergy listings, summary of the dish, servings, prep and cook times.
List of ingredients is included along with easy directions.
Substitute tip is also included and there is nutritional information per serving and the size is specified.
Includes Total calories, total fat, sat fat, carbs, sodium, fiber and protein.
Love broths as we use them to make many other meals: Spanish rice and stews. Rather make them fresh than from a can or carton.
So many new ones to choose from, it's a dreary day here so know I will be making one for dinner.
Ends with conversion charts, references, resources, index. acknowledgements and about the author.
A KEEPER!
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.
Intermittent Fasting for Goddesses: How to use fasting to lose weight, increase focus and energy, slow down the aging process and optimize your physical, mental and spiritual health by Helen Lowe
Have read many books on this subject and found this one of the best ones.
Book starts out with table of contents that shows the myths and different fasting schedules and so much more.
Introduction talks about the goddess within which I can relate to and a lot of history from the mythical times.
Explains what intermittent fasting is and there are colorful pictures throughout the book.
Myths are also discussed so you can really understand that is a lifestyle change, not really a diet plan.
Benefits are also discussed in detail telling you the benefit then how the fasting effects your body.
Fasting schedules are then discussed and a chart that highlights times of the day so you can figure out which of the methods is best for you.
Love the chapter about what to eat after fasting so you can really benefit from the fasting.
What I really Love is that you can also drink and not loss all the time and effort you've put into the fast. There is a list of things you can drink.
Like how the meal plans come into play and how you start slow and then increase an hour a day til you get to your potential goal.
I do well on the 13 because i stop eating after dinner, no snacking and don't eat til the next morning. I could also strive for 12 hour fasting because I am home bound and I really treasure the energy boost in the morning.
Like section for your personal mission and goals and meal plans that you can make yourself.
Book ends with a note from the author and how to contact her on social media sites.
Love the reminders of drinking lots of water and exercising as I am just getting into yoga and true stretching.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Vegetable Gardening for Beginners, Simple guide to growing vegetables at home by Jill McSheehy
This book starts with a dedication page and then table of contents where all aspects of vegetable gardening are included.
Introduction is included and the author makes it very easy for anybody to use this book. Starts out with a plan, what to grow and why you want to, how to make it raised or in the ground, compost, seeds, etc.
Love the companion charts as it shows what will help control pests from accompanying plants.
There are pictures of items throughout the book, love seed packet and it's explained.
Love section on cool season plants as this is the locale i am living in.
Each vegetables has its own title and tells you which container it's suited for, family name, season, spacing, indoor or direct start, soil temperature and so much more information. Also more details about starting, growing, harvesting and storing and common problems.
Index, acknowledgements and about the author are listed at the end.
A KEEPER because there is so much information all in ONE place about crops I want to grow.
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.
100 Large-Print Crossword Puzzles: Easy Puzzles to Entertain Your Brain
What I like right from the start is that I can't find these just by walking into a store. This will keep me busy for quite some time.
Something I won't have to do: wear my glasses and my readers and hold up a magnifying glass to the pages to see what the clues are, this is fantastic.
Starts out with an introduction with how the puzzles will give you clues and what they mean.
Clues are on the left pages and the puzzle grid itself is on the right hand side of the book.
Each puzzle can be done by holding the book open-no need to advance to another page to put the answers in.
Answer key is listed at the back of the book. 9" x 8 1/2"
Each puzzle has a theme listed just above the clue listings. Puzzle gird is clearly marked with dark lettering and is so clear.
Acknowledgements and about the author are listed at the end.
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.
Only the Hardest Puzzles: A Vexing Variety of Crosswords, Sudoku & More1
This 8" x 9" book offers a lot of different styles of puzzles to solve.
Table of contents lists the types and answers at the back.
Category of puzzles are: crosswords, word searches, Sudoku, catcudokus, kakuros, cryptograms and more.
Introduction page talks about how the author liked to do puzzles when in the third grade.
Each category starts out with an example of a very small puzzle so you can get the idea of how to solve it.
Each puzzle itself has clue lists on the left hand side of the book and puzzle grid on the right hand side. Words are easy to see and numbers on the grid as well.
Like the idea of the mesh puzzle and also the themes.
Word search puzzles contain clues and grid on same page.
This will fill my time while we have been in the house already 5 weeks and have at least another 4 weeks to go, it not longer.
Acknowledgements and about the author are listed at the end.
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.
The Mindfulness in Knitting Meditation on Craft and Calm by Rachel Matthews
Wanted to read this book because it is about knitting and I love to knit.
Talks about connection between your mind and your hand movements. Like how they teach you to get over the problem things in knitting, try sketching instead or do some math.
Learn your learning style: i can just look at an outfit and know basically what i need to do to make it. Probably has something to do with my blindness.
Also I have connection with the peacefulness of knitting-gives me so much time to either listen to books on tape or pray and think.
Love how hidden textures will tell you a story about me or one that I've made for another.
I do that with Irish fisherman stitching. Like how they relate the knitting process to computing.
Love the warm up exercises, never thought to do them. All kinds of tips and techniques to use to solve problems with your knitting.
Discussions of where the yarn came from and how it was made and under what conditions.
Like how the way i treat my sacred space has crossed over to other places in my home.
Like the connection with numbers also, different sequences. Ends with index and acknowledgements. Very thoughtful book.
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group - Leaping Hare Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#TheMindfulnessinKnitting #NetGalley
