Raven Wakes the World by John Adcox
Love why this story was written, beautiful story about a Christmas gift, one from the heart and soul and made using your own hands.
Story starts with Katie and we learn that she is on her island, her grandmother left her money and she's left Boston and Billy and has come to Alaska to heal and be creative.
Grew up on an island and know the feeling of living there, knowing everyone and finding comfortable spots.
She ventures to the mainland for food and groceries and hope they last a long time-til she has to return.
At the pub the New Sam has chili and fixings for her but she doesn't eat much as a man , Lucas there wants to converse.
She tries to avoid the grocery woman as she will want more paintings of Katie's to sell and she has none, but she needs groceries.
We learn of the Raven celebration that is as big as Christmas. Inuit people and special powers...
Lucas shows up at her house to fix the roof, as per the grocery woman's information. It snows so hard and for so long that he stays and they become familiar with one another.
He tells her more of the Raven and aurora borealis phenomenon.
He brings out the best in her and she starts having moments where she wants to work again...
Love hearing of the treasures for sale at the store, especially the back room.
Like the discussions of the raven and how they relate to Katie: not wanting to wake up cuz of the pain...
Glad she was able to track down the raven and understand it all as it relates to her life.
Illustrations really bring out the scenes being described. Love how the author can paint the picture of his words in front of your eyes to bring you to the location he is talking about, so precise.
About the author and illustrator are also included at the end. Love finding double meanings of some things throughout the book.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Montana Cowboy Christmas (Wyatt Brothers of Montana Book 2)
by Jane Porter
Love how this story brings you up to date about Sam, one of the Wyatt boys who live on the ranch with their mom and grandfather.
Ivy used to date Sam til she realized he was into himself so much she couldn't make a difference to him so they split.
She is healing by serving at the Wolfs Den trying to save money to repair her truck. When her mother died Wes stepped in and took care of her problems, even money that she earned from being on the rodeo circuit.
They become friends and he takes her to the ranch to stay til she moves to his brothers cabin giving them space they need.
Money is now missing and she's so heartbroken about it til Sam takes matters into his own hands.
Holidays will make a big difference to her being around the whole Wyatt clan, it'll be one she will never forget.
Such precious moments and also some heartbreaking ones... Love this story, there's so much to it!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Sleigh Bells Ring in Romance by Shanna Hatfield
Story starts out with Jess and he's recuperating from knee surgery and his daughter Janet is there to help him.
She meets the boy she grew up with next door, Blayne and her conspire to get his mother and her father together.
They were both married couples til hey lost their loves and were there for the other during the hard times. He knows now his dead wife wants him to be happy, even if it means marrying another.
Dorris can't get over her spouse dying, years ago now, but she likes the attention Jess pays her. Their kids set it up so Janet is going back to her family and Dorris will have to come visit Jess for lunch and dinner and help with doctor appts and therapy.
She brings over such great tasting meals, Jess teases her but not in such good words. She retaliates right back at him.
He had pulled out a photo album and she carries it to the table while they eat and they remember all the good times their families had over the past 650 years.
They are in their 70's now and they do enjoy still going out for a meal, going to a Christmas tree lighting and other festive events.
They draw a lot closer as time as goes on but then something he says, or is about to say has her leaving and not talking to him anymore.
Her son knows what he has to do and confides in Jess.
Love this for many reasons: the age of the adults is my own age range, finally a great story of things I'd be doing and thinking, granddaughter spoiling her grandmother, opening doors for her, such emotions and know he's a true gentleman.
Love the atmosphere, little things that mean a lot, treats along the way especially the ending scene, how precious!
Can't wait to read more of this series.
Plus to this are the recipes at the end.
Christmas at the Ranch by Liz Isaacson
Starts out with offer of books when you sign up for author's newsletter.
Quote from Isaiah starts this book.
Story is about Archer and he lives in a townhouse but is unemployed and knows the job he wants. He has to really prove to his father that he can make a go of any job, he's tried so many over the years after leaving college. His other brothers are high achievers and he can't measure up to them.
He wants the job at the ranch for a cowboy and he knows what it entails.
Emery lives next door and she tries to supplement her sisters bills in WA. She has had so many jobs also and when she realizes that Archer is going to apply for the ranch job she does as well. She knows she can't keep up with the chores or the weight of lifting things.
She does hang in there and when things go bad with her sister she moves in with Em to take care of.
Her boss Jace understands and gives her the time needed and she works at ranch also. Jace comes up with a new system to see who the new cowboy ranch hand will be. a competition over weeks during various jobs at the ranch.
This sounds so cool as we learn all about what happens at the ranch.
Love the moments they step out of their comfort zone, pleading with Em from the roof of the house dressed as Santa.
Love also how Archer reaches out to his mom although his father still puts him down.
Archer and Em have lived next door for years, going through high school, etc and they each have a thing for one another, just never voiced.
You wonder if things will really work out for them if they've spent almost 15 years already so close to one another.
Enjoyed this read, learned so many new things about ranching.
Excerpts from other stories are included at the end.
Other works by the author are highlighted, about the author is also included.
Who's inside that hat? by Kameel Vohra
When I saw the title it interested me then I read the description and really knew I wanted to read this one because it deals with stereotypes, diversity, racism and friendship.
Colorful rhyming children's book a new family that is moving into the house next door.
Anika thinks the things she is seeing seem weird, a witch with a black cat, pointy black hat and buying a broom at the store.
Now they are coming right at Anika. The person tells her it's ok to have a broom and a black cat and she's vegetarian and she likes her black hat.
She even explains the wart on her nose....they become fast friends, they accept one another.
Cute puzzle at the end of the book to put in correct order. Questions are also included.
Note from the author about not judging others because they dress different.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
In the Great Apache Forest, The story of a Lone Boy Scout by James Willard Schultz
Story starts with intro to the main hero: George Crosby and he always wanted to be a boy scout but growing up he was never even near close enough to the boy scout troops. He applied to become one and they agreed he could and then as the war went on and his uncle was off to fight in France, he wanted to do his part in the US.
His tribe lives in AZ and he was able to get a job guarding for fires in the Apache National Forest.
I was so happy to learn of this and that there was even a forest dedicated to the Apache. Love all the super descriptive details of the area and how he had help getting his items to the cabin up the mountain.
He finds many things out of place one day when he returns to his cabin, food missing. There is also trouble in the area, some firebugs are setting fires near the sawmill. They are able to get help from other tribes and police in the area but are never able to find them.
George also watches a trail of blue smoke each morning and puts it all together and he knows who the culprit is.
An Indian from Hopi tribe appears and they become friends and they are there to summon rain gods as their crops in the desert need rain, badly.
So does the Apache forest. What a lot of excitement and mystery and clues over the course of this book, so cool. Animals are throughout the book also.
Author made it so real for me as if I was there to experience it all first hand. Love the caves and things found and the sacred lands.
An Off-Piste Christmas by Julie Houston
Book starts out with table of contents. Prologue begins in September where Harriet the mother declares there is no way she is going to spend Christmas in the ski mountains of Italian Alps with the family and extended family, just no way.
Story start in Dec and they are in the UK Airport on their way to the Italian Alps. Wish there was a list of characters and who they belong with.
Never in my wildest dream did I see the events occurring as they did, WOW. The family is going in all different directions to do what they are there for, ski, snowboard, shop, etc.
Like travel to all the new places, sounds festive and exciting.
Harriet has put up a lot and doesn't even like snow but she sticks with youngest of them til one day she just needs to do what she wants. On her way to the top of the mountain, jumping off the tram
and having a hot beverage by herself she notices a man that looks just like Alex. The story from there just gets very dire but there is so much going on with everybody but it all comes full circle.
About the author is included at the end and a listing of her works.
No Time For Christmas, a children's Christmas play by Valerie Howard
Love this idea because with Zoom I think this would be a great project for kids and adults.
Starts with a list of characters and some things about them, age, gender, etc.
Scenes are separated with guidance in italicized lettering. At the very end there is a list of props and clothing you might want to use.
Love that the kids nominate their mom to make #3 gingerbread house and she turns it right back on them to help once they've finished their homework for the holiday week.
Also has suggestions of what to wear for every scene=listed at the end. Even suggestions for fewer characters.
Other works by the author are listed at the end.
Thanksgiving Cookbook Simple and Easy holiday recipes by Hannie P. Scott
Offer of free gift, table of contents where recipes are listed in meals and food groups, not in any order, charts for abbreviations and conversions are listed.
Each recipe starts with a title, some include a color photo, servings and list of ingredient where a lot of recipes start with prepared items. You should be able to subsistence for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low fat and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given.
There is NO nutritional information.
I thought this recipe would only be for the Thanksgiving meal itself, instead it has other things: meatloaf, ham I can see as not everyone makes a turkey, chicken pot pie-i'm just not getting this cookbook.
Like leftover turkey suggestions.
Most Popular Jamaican Recipes Quick and Easy by Grace Barrington Shaw
Other works by the author are listed. Table of contents were recipes are listed into meals and food groups.
Intro talks about island food and the influences it has.
Each recipe starts with a title and summary of what the dish is.
Ingredients are listed and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar items.
Some recipes have a LOT of ingredients, be sure you have them all first before cooking.
Directions are given.
There is NO nutritional information and NO photos.
Notes and tips are also included.
Barbecue Chicken Made Easy by Meathead and Bright Binns
Starts with table of contents then a section for the authors. Introduction talks about getting food ready for the grill. Anatomy of the bird is included showing color pictures of the parts, front and back.
Lots of photos included everything to do with the poultry. Charts showing how to make gravy as also included.
Rubs are also included along with seasonings.
Recipes start out with a photo, summary of the dish, servings, cook in mins. List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your dietary healthy needs: low fat, low sodium, low fat products.
Directions are given and tips about the ingredients themselves.
Directions are given.
Other recipes are also listed. Other works by the author are also highlighted at the end.
Christmas at the Coffee Shoppe by Erika Lynn
Alternating chapters from Jasper and Eve.
Book starts with a prologue where Jasper has cancelled the decoration and party, everything.
She plans to make the town a marketplace and it sounds very festive to me. She is out running and injures her ankle and Jasper comes up and carries her to his house then home in his car.
Doc gives her a boot to wear and she can do her job still. The adult swim after party is planned, I can not even imagine what this is all about.
The mayor and will be leaving after the holidays.... and he knows exactly who will take over for him.
She already runs the show...She is always supportive of her friends Vanessa and Bex especially when they are adopting. She even offers to help.
Something sets Jasper off when he finds a list of names and then heads back to his parents house... He's still getting over the loss of them and it's been a hard thing to handle.
Love what Eve does with the decorating and the things Jasper picks up on.
They are so far apart from one another there is no way they will be able to make up with one another. It's gone too far...
Ends with other books in the series and about the author.
Received this review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
The Great Book of Kindness: Teach Your Child to Be Kind in 12 Easy Steps by Olga Pleskonos
This is the story of Arthur and how his parents teach him about being kind.
Children's colorful book that is easy to read with large size letters.
One page has the picture of what's happening and the other page has the words describing what is going on.
What I love right from the start was the little seeds and how they grow over the course of the book.
I love plants and seeds and love how the 'seeds' summarize the page. Such awesome messages of not only kindness but recycling, working together, helping others, saying sorry when you've hurt another, share, saying hello, kind words like please and thank you, saying kind things to others, helping each other at home, and helping each other.
Such positive moments to share throughout the day. Would love to read more from this author.
A CHRISTMAS CORNUCOPIA (Horses and Souls) by Anna Rashbrook and others
Ten stories from six authors about Christmas and horses.
..
Celebration by Anna Rashbrook
From the Horses and Souls series.
This story is about 2 horses that used to be very busy at the farm but things have changed. People no longer calm the children in the town. One day the girls are home from school. Something is going
on as different people show up.
The horses don't understand any of what is happening. They are just so glad that everyone is there for a nice surprise celebration.
December by Linda Shantz
Very short story about Liv she's feeding the horses and its Christmas Eve. She's trying to take care of some of the work others will have to do later.
The mentor, Geni comes in and gives her a gift and I love that she tells you about St. Anne and how she's the patroness of horses. They speak of her future and hopes and dreams.
Excerpt from Good Things Come.
...
Christmas at Blainstock Castle by Jemma Spark
Part of book 4 of Jemma Spark’s Jill Series, “Jill and the Steeplechaser"
Story about Jill and she's returned home to Scotland to her mother who is pregnant and her stepfather. The family is having a big gathering for the rest of the family and because the politics
of the hierarchy you find yourself comparing the 2 brothers Mark and Horatio but the later has brought his own girlfriend from Argentina. The family was hoping she'd marry Horatio but Mark would be the better choice besides she had her own castle being he is the oldest. The gift her parents give her for Christmas is so unexpected but it's really something she is going to love doing.
...
The Horse Who Hated Christmas by Hilary Walker
Like this story because Paula and her friend are able to spend a night n the barn to do some investigations.
the horse is fine except at Christmas. The horse totally hates the holiday and they are able to find out why.
...
The Toy Maker by J.A.Campbell
Love how this story is tole, so much caring and compassion for everyone.
Nicolas is going to be leaving his location where he's helped out for
many weeks as he was able to sell his wooden toys. He is now on his
way back to his wife that will take days with the snowfall. His mechanical
horse is a mystery to me it needs wood to make steam but the horse itself
acts like a real human horse. He stops along the way for a night in front of the fire
where he was able to transport an old woman to her daughters to meet the new grandchild.
She gives him a bowl that will always have food in it.. He then stays at a house
where he gives their ailing daughter the bowl and they give him a cup that will cure one more person.
When he arrives home an angel is there as he takes his wife for a ride in the sleigh... magical things do happen.
...
A Christmas Storm by Inge Moore
Story of a women who's lost her spouse the past year and knows she
has enough for this winter but things will be tight the following year.
Her oldest boy tends to the animals and their horse is about to give birth.
When the horse runs away the mother is fearful the boy will go after her and
tells him to tend to the other animals. She is buy with her young daughter and
making dinner and cookies and realizes her son is not coming home. The next
morning the knock on the door alerts them to his homecoming and a special gift for them all.
...
A Perfect Christmas by Hilary Walker
Love this story of a special Christmas eve outing to the local church with their cart and horse Carlo.
The horse is able to stay near the manger where the scene becomes alive in front of your eyes.
They arrive home with a warm welcome and time to spend with adults they love.
...
A Christmas Surprise by Meli DeVoss
Magical time at Christmas where a horse will be helped by her mother and her self.
The little girl spends a lot of time talking to the horse and talks her into a special Lipizzaner dance
that nobody knew she could do. When the real owner shows up she knows the horse is meant for them as this breed of horse is very close to the one they love...
..
Ann’s Christmas by Anna Rashbrook
Ann is leaving her home to take on a job in Icelandic countryside.
She wanders around by herself and is fascinated when a man approaches offering to show her the rest of the place and how to tend to the horses. Such cool ideas from the hayloft! She is going to do great, she will fit in.
...
A Christmas Dream by Meli DeVoss
Story is about Lisa and she's always dreamed of getting her own horse.
The others in the family have their own but her parents don't think she will take care of one.
They all write letters to Santa and Ashley mails them. Christmas morning they all open their gifts and a sleigh with a man arrive. Lisa's gift, what a surprise.
A Perfect Christmas by Hilary Walker
Love this story of a special Christmas eve outing to the local church with their cart and horse Carlo.
The horse is able to stay near the manger where the scene becomes alive in front of your eyes.
They arrive home with a warm welcome and time to spend with adults they love.
The Horse Who Hated Christmas by Hilary Walker
Like this story because Paula and her friend are able to spend a night n the barn to do some investigations.
The horse is fine except at Christmas. The horse totally hates the holiday and they are able to find out why.
...
The Toy Maker by J.A.Campbell
Love how this story is tole, so much caring and compassion for everyone.
Nicolas is going to be leaving his location where he's helped out for
many weeks as he was able to sell his wooden toys. He is now on his
way back to his wife that will take days with the snowfall. His mechanical
horse is a mystery to me it needs wood to make steam but the horse itself
acts like a real human horse. He stops along the way for a night in front of the fire
where he was able to transport an old woman to her daughters to meet the new grandchild.
She gives him a bowl that will always have food in it.. He then stays at a house
where he gives their ailing daughter the bowl and they give him a cup that will cure one more person.
When he arrives home an angel is there as he takes his wife for a ride in the sleigh... magical things do happen.
Dylan Man of Diesel Mountain by Khloe Summers
This story starts with about the characters.
Story starts with Brin and she is trapped and she knows it. She is entwined with her family and the mob and money laundering, working at the family casino.
A rock star is singing on stage and she is glued to him but not dancing to this tunes. He questions that when his set is done and he has a solution. she likes ballad, slow moving.
He is able to get her to dance and wants a real dance and she agrees to meet him at 7pm. One night of bliss and she feels she owes it to herself and knows the trouble she will be in when she returns home.
Dylan awakes to her note and her coming from the direction of the woods and she explains about how the feds are after the whole family and have been and she can't leave.
Circumstances and her brothers chat gear her to turn the family in and they plan to put her under witness protection but things get messed up with that as Dylan shows up to take her away...
Love his solution to the whole problem and love the ending. Didn't see that coming. Would love to visit that mountain some day.
Lots of sex. Enjoyed the read. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Midnight Oil by Khloe Summers
This story starts out with Rowan and she's worked hard to be in the position she is at. There are a lot of reasons why she still drives an old clunker of a car and lives in a run town section of town.
Her game plan is high and she is aggressive to get to the very top of the ladder.
Her boss, Axel is at the top of the ladder and doesn't flaunt his success but then again he does. He wants to be in charge of her but she has her own agenda.
They mix and then at times they don't get along at all.
Like the relationship and how it keeps changing. Lots of sex in this story.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
First Catch Your Horse by Hilary Walker
This book starts out a foreword from and instructor that Hilary worked with.
Introduction talks about her as a teen and her passion and dreams of horses.
Love listing of horses she has owned over the years and a bit about each one.
Interesting names also!
Love the part where she talks about how it all started, skiing! Great story to follow.
What I like about this book is not only learning more about horses but the author's life itself. Love how she highlights each of the 7 parts of finding just the right horse.
Also highlights all the mistakes she made along the way and how not to repeat them yourself.
Funny and tragic stories and she never gives of hope. Love reading about the successes especially when the newborn feeds off their mother.
Even though there are technical terms for the diseases and other things it's very understandable. Love visiting briefing in the other countries as well as they are all new to me.
Backword describes the other books in this series and a quick summary of them.
About the author is included and her other works are highlighted into series and stand alone books.
Connect with the author, signup for her newsletter and receive a free ebook.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
When Snowflakes Never Cease (Crossroads Collection Book 6) by Amanda Tru and others
Was able to read Hallee Bridgeman's story and loved it.
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Blizzard in the Bluegrass by Hallee Bridgeman
This story starts out with the local vet and she's raising and autistic son but she knows what to do when it gets too noisy for him at the mall.
They are able to spend a lot of time helping others with their animals. She is able to meet the new owner of the farm where she's tending to the newborn puppies.
SO much is going right for all of them, even Noah til one night...
The blizzard came upon them fast and Gloria stays calm and directs Jeff and her dad what to do on their end...so tragic...
Jeff is also found in his kitchen after tending to Noah and he's sitting on the floor with his head in his hands-because we've learned of the devastation he went through with his losses.
Love the part God plays in this whole story, love Vikings also, what a connection and Noah speaks to Jeff who only knows what he knows about...
Love hearing of the encouragement and progress with Noah. Love the epilogue, learning more about autism, Vikings, canning and their careers.
Personal note from the author is included. Excerpt from the next in the series: The Seven Year Glitch is also included.
Discussion questions are included at the end. Recipes are include, about the author, Contact the author online links, Other works by the author are highlighted at the end, some are summarized.
Newsletter sign up also. Can't wait to read more from this author. Fun, interesting, very informative, pulls at your heart strings and brings God into the story.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
The Green Signal: Poems of Virtue, Positivity & Emotions by Manishi Gupta
Book starts out with dedication page.
Table of contents where each section has it's own listings of available stories to read: Virtues, Positivity, and Emotions.
This book contains a lot of different stories, experiences, memories, feelings into words and all geared towards being positive.
If you are positive good things happen, and everybody needs these during the turmoil of our lives today.
So inspiring, really touched me personally, several of them.
There are little quotes throughout along with sketches of things to cheer you up.
A KEEPER! Would make a perfect gift to one who needs to heal.
About the author is included at the end.
Received this review copy from the author via Goodreads and this is my honest opinion.
About My Raccoon Family
This is the newly re-edited edition of a true-life adventure with a mother raccoon who suddenly gave birth in a suburban house basement. The book walks you through what the author experienced first hand from the time the babies were born to when they outgrew their surroundings. It also speaks about how a growing admiration for the mother raccoon evolved into a trusting and fun-loving adventure along with her six babies.
About Margaret Churchill
Margaret Churchill is an Animal Reiki Master currently living in Ottawa, Canada along with her husband and three cats. Her company, "Heaven's Touch" is active in the Animal Reiki community and she has written articles from client sessions for the website, AnimalReikiSource.com in California and had one of her articles published in Animal Reiki Tails, Vol III, 2008-2009. Nature and animals are her inspiration and passion. She enjoys gardening, horseback riding, playing guitar and swimming.
MY REVIEW:
My Raccoon Family by Margaret Churchill
Colorful children's story about a raccoon that lives in a house...
Color pictures really depict what is going on, more than just words.
This story starts out with a woman and her husband and they have discovered noises in their house.
The wife soon discovers it is a raccoon and she's buried herself in the basement after coming through the cat opening in the door.
She finds out she's hidden in the drop ceiling, near the furnace. She then discovers other things as the days go by.
The wife really is an animal person and enjoys the raccoon even when she has a new family. The wife also takes it upon herself to help feed them all.
Like hearing about the nature of the raccoons and how and why they do certain things. Really enjoy learning new things.
Can't believe how clean they really are, even after being near the compost pile. Real life story!
Watching them grew and learn is a fun thing to do. About the author is attached on the back side cover.
I received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.
The Wedding Dress by Danielle Steele
Starts in 1928 San Francisco and Eleanor's about to come out at the debutante ball.
She meets Alex at that party and over the weeks and months of having dinner they plan to wed. Love hearing of the wedding dress design work in France.
Eleanor comes down a cold and Alex panics because he had lost his wife to be 5 days prior to their marriage, Spanish flu which is similar to the virus we are suffering from in the world today.
Love hearing how they struggle and survive the years of depression, no money and war. Like hearing of their daughter and how strong Eleanor is with her family and parents.
Teen years, what a struggle there and she doesn't want to go to college or go to the coming out party or get married or have kids. She has her own mind and she knows she's good at what she does.
Love hearing how her dreams come true and give the family a nice living...
Like hearing where the dress goes after so many generations....tragic and great moments throughout the book, so strong and some are so weak.
Glad all the others really saw what was going on and stopped the support. Things just aren't fair.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
A Goose Creek Christmas (Tales from the Goose Creek B&B Book 4) by Virginia Smith
First time reading this series. Story about Albert and Millie and she is gearing up to open the B&B after the holidays.
The town busybody is busy obtaining Christmas decorations for the whole town and displays them all in her yard.
Albert has lost his job but it's more a retirement but he won't tell Millie.
So many others involved in what's going on this season. As this is the first in the series for me I felt like I was left in the dark, not knowing the normal crowd. Too much drama for me.
Liked hearing of the other careers in the town and businesses.
The Purple Pumpkin by Garnett Bond
Listened to this audio tape and can just imagine the colorful pages.
Story starts out in the form of a rhyming story, lots of letter p's are used.
The pumpkin is so famous it even makes the news.
Such a cute story. this also comes with the author who's a puppeteer and also sings a song.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Sniffer the little dog who loves to sniff by Pippa Pennington
Offer of free book. Children's colorful story.
Story starts out with Sniffer and he just loves to sniff, everything.
We find all the tings outside and inside he smells. Some are things nobody should be smelling or sniffing at.
Lots of imagination and you wonder what he'll do next.
List of other works by the author are summarized at the end.
Sniffer's First Christmas by Pippa Penington
Free offer of a book. Story starts with the little puppy, a colorful children's story about Sniffer as a young puppy.
The Christmas tree is put up with all kinds of decorations and sniffer just can't help himself.
When he gets into trouble they put him in the kitchen, where he finds more trouble.
He ends up outside and finds trouble there also.
There is just so much to sniff til he runs into Santa.
Other works by the author are summarized at the end.
Fairy Tales from the German Forests by Margaret Arndt
Enjoyed these short fairy tale stories surrounding the German forests.
Thinking Grimm and the other bad creatures from the scary nights would make an appearance.
Such myths and legends come out of reading these stories.
Soccer Drills: a step by step guide on how to coach the perfect practice, by Dylan Joseph
Starts out with offer of free printout of instructions.
Table of contents where chapter are broken up into drills and other aspects of the practices.
Dedication page and preface about drills.
Pyramid chart showing all aspects of soccer and where drills fit into the big picture. Summaries of each section are included.
Introduction comes next and highlights all the aspects of drills.
Love that each bold highlighted phrases are included in this book along with other notes of importance.
Prior works by the author are also highlighted so you are not left in the dark.
Pictures, diagrams and charts are also included throughout the book to actually show you what's going on.
Different methods are included and how to motivate the players.
Various methods of drills are discussed in detail with pictures and how to achieve them.
Each of these sections has a purpose, setup, food skills required, sets, coaching points and variations. There is a lot to each of these chapters, love summaries of the key points.
Therea re so many different types of drills to do your players should not get bored while doing these even for a few minutes at a time. Love the hcarts and also the added features of the other games and how the rules are determined.
Each of these sections talks about each of the games in detail, how they are played, coaching points and variations.
Fun way to get your players playing as a team from different points of view.
Afterword follows summarizing the whole book.
Offer of free printout, about the author and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Free book offer also when you sign up.
Glossary follows a thank you from the author.
What I love about the drills is that you can social distance and still be able to play outside with masks on. Our state allows that in the phase we are in, just no spectators at this time.
A Husband For Christmas by Nancy Pirri
Story starts with Rose and she works at the bank and tends to her young daughter. We learn about her past, getting married and her husband ships out to fight in the war.
She got the notice he was lost, not dead and it's enough to keep her going.
The war heroes are returning back to their home states and are taking over their old jobs.
That puts her out of a job as Jack has returned but he wants her to help him, but not at the salary she got before...
He has another idea that might work. Love learning how things and people survived during the lean war years.
So romantic as he has money in his pocket now and he knows how to show her a good time.
Just when things are going well she hears his cousins talking about why he needs to marry and soon... He had not been upfront with her and it's all about money she thinks....
There's a lot more to this story and never expected it to turn out as it did. WOW.
I received this review copy from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#AHusbandForChristmas #NetGalley
MY REVIEW:
The Canada Goslings Lilly and Scooter by Patricia Thorpe
Book starts out with dedication then the story.
Colorful children's story all about Canada goslings. What I love about this book is the words are very easy to read, words are on one side of the page and pictures are on the other side.
Love how the story starts as I am unfamiliar with things dealing with geese.
The geese Maude and Arnold, and how they set up the nest, where it's located and why and their job as parents and their daily chores.
Love how dedicated Maude is with her job as mother, no matter what the weather she is sitting on the eggs, til they hatch.
Then their real work starts, making sure they are safe, are fed and learn how to fly and land.
Never knew they go through a molting season, so cool to learn all this!
Two of the goslings stick together and Lilly keeps encouraging Scooter that yes he can fly and he has to just try.
He does try but he would rather be playing....
Lilly has a one to one talk with him and he gets encouraged by the words she uses and really puts an effort into learning how to fly.
He is so happy he's like all the rest...great lesson he learned: you can accomplish any goal by believing in yourself and trying very hard and never giving up.
The author's other works sound just as good as this one and love hearing how this book came about.
Ends with about the author. Really great educational read for all.
I received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.
A Christmas Puppy to Cherish by Josie Riviera
Story starts out with Max and he's returned after 30 years to stay in Cherish for a month til his job starts after the holidays.
He has a lot of past to deal with having grown up in foster homes, some good but most bad ones.
He heads to music store and is able to buy a replacement harmonica and after speaking to the shop owner he is looking for a guide hiking to show him the sights.
She knows Sarah will be the perfect one as she also loves to hike and be outside-he runs the flower shop there.
They get along just fine, having so many of the same things in common. Love the bear and how she wards off an attack while they are hiking.
Love hearing about all the animals, birds, dogs, etc throughout the book as well as proverbs quoted and scriptures.
Sarah is holding a medical secret to herself and I love the Christmas gift she gives herself and others in turn.
Lack of communication will not allow them to stay together.... Amazing what one puppy can do.
Love hiking ornament, so precious!
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
A Castle of Doomsday by Michael Kramer
This topic I like so much and have read many books on the subject and have watched so many movies/series about this era.
Love hearing the intricate details they don't show you in the tv shows and movies.
So many names I recall and remember them as if I had read the book the day before.
Some things make sense now-as to why certain castles were attacked, by who, their relationship and why.
Love the strategy of war tactics, so cool!
Wish there had been a family tree so I could keep all the brothers names straight.
I received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.
The Easy Christmas Cookie Cookbook, 60 recipes to bake for the holidays by Carroll Pellegrinelli
Book starts with a dedication page.
Table of contents divides the cookies into categories: favs, new, and others.
Introduction talks about the authors experience in her own family on how the holidays effected their baking.
Great book for starting your own Christmas traditions.
Book contains many full page color photos of baked and decorated cookies.
First chapter explains what things you will need: pantry items, equipment and what different phrases mean: sifting, creaming, folding, etc.
Royal icing recipe is included.
Tips are color coded in a darker shade throughout the book.
Notes on the best gift ever and about the recipes. Love hearing of the labels placed on the recipes. Like the idea of a cookie swap and have participated in them many years ago. My problem is I mail my cookies the first week of December and most swaps aren't even til 20th of the month.
Each chapter of the book has a title, summary and index of recipes included.
Not every recipe has it's own color photograph.
Recipes start with a title, servings,, prep and cook times and other labels: freezer friendly, icebox cookies, etc
Summary of the cookies are described.
List of ingredients are included and you probably can't substitute for your healthier dietary needs as some chemical reactions have to take place in order for the cookies to come out perfect.
Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information.
Technique tip and tradition information are commented upon.
What I like about this book is that all my favorite recipes are in this book, rather than scattered hand written pieces of papers in my recipe box.
Can't wait to try Eat your vegetables Christmas cookies-I make muffins similar and they are a big hit.
Conversion tables are listed at the end. List of resources are also included. Ingredients split up by categories and list of equipment.
Index, acknowledgements and about the author are also included.
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.
A Christmas Resolution by Anne Perry
Enjoying this read because it's about a woman who sticks up for her best friend Clementine who is marrying a man she really doesn't know and has no idea what he's all about.
Seth Marlowe corners Celia and tells her to stay away from his wife to be or he will divulge her lies on the witness stand.
She hurries to visit the vicar and he knows that she lied but for a really good reason.
She hopes her spouse doesn't also find out....so she informs him of the trouble. John takes it upon himself along with some police and they follow the clues and find a person who has reliable first hand knowledge of what really happened.
Religion is involved along with forgiveness.
Quite different than anything I've read before, how it all comes down and why. Everything comes out at the end, what a great mystery story especially for the upcoming holidays.
I received this review copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#AChristmasResolution #NetGalley
2 comments:
Awesome! Happy December!
Thank you for your wonderful review. So appreciated, and I'm thrilled you enjoyed, A Christmas Puppy To Cherish.
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