Book Review: Spellbound Freshman: A Slice Of Life Magical Academy Harem Marko Duskborn

  

 

Spellbound Freshman: A Slice Of Life Magical Academy Harem (Spellbound University Book 1) by Marko Duskborn

I enjoyed this book because of the theme. It's not my usual genre so it was easy to follow everything as the story progressed.

Story starts out with Marcus and he acquires abilities he didn't know he had.

He ends up going to an academy where he can learn more about his abilities and how to control them. Nobody even knew the level he was at.

The team consists of Sage who's a brilliant researcher with master in magical theory, Kira half fae  and like Marcus, trying to find her place among them all, and Elena who's family has connections.

Besides them all becoming friends they learn of others who want to expel Marcus because he wasn't born with the magic in his bloodline.

With help from them all Marcus is able to show enough power to take one assassin down and leave another unconscious in front of the elite party who are trying to expel him.

There are just a few involved and the researcher has found all the underlying evidence in plain sight and Victor goes under scrutiny from the panel...

Very entertaining book with sides of human, sci fic and magic and mystical overtures. 

Children's books Jun 15

 

Hip and the Sharing Shells by Sandra Blake

Colorful, children's educational book.  Book starts out with about the author. 

Book starts where the chapter has its own title. There are color pictures and then more is explained, about the title. 

Hip and his friends head the beach for the day. Hip spots  a shiny shell and claims it as his. He collects a bunch more and they are all for him. Ellie wants to see them by Hip tells her no they are all his. She walks away. Now Hip feels lonely. He has a talk with Marvin  and one shell tumbles out of the pile into the water. He still feels lonely but others are laughing and having a great time.  He decides he needs to share the shells with other. They all build  a cstle and put shells on it. 

Love hearing more from the animals in the jungle.

Moral: sharing really does make everything better. 

  

 

Hip and the Wiggly Tooth  by Sandra Blake

Colorful, children's educational book.  Book starts out with about the author. 

Book starts where the chapter has its own title. There are color pictures and then more is explained, about the title. 

In this book Hip finds he has a loose tooth. He doesn't want it to fall out during story time. Tessa the Toucan explains what is happening with the tooth, it meals you are growing up.

 He wiggles it a bit and declares nope it's not ready.

 Ellie the elephant talks more to him to not be afraid.

Love hearing about the tooth fairy again.

Love hearing more from the animals in the jungle.

 

Hip and the Day We Remember (A Memorial Day Story) by Sandra Blake

Colorful, children's educational book.  Book starts out with about the author. 

Book starts where the chapter has its own title. There are color pictures and then more is explained, about the title. 

Hip notices in the jungle thee is peace and calm and why does it feel so different. He goes to investigate.

He notices the little flags planted. Ellie explains it all to him what Memorial Day is really all about.

Jungle animals all gather and pause, feel and remember.

Love hearing more from the animals in the jungle.

Memorial Day: A day to pause. A day to feel. A day to remember.

 

 

Hip and the Great Jungle Race by Sandra Blake

Colorful, children's, educational, fun story to read with another.

Book starts out with about the author. The story is set up where the chapters are titled and in each chapter is the title, color photo and the words to the picture, story.

This story is centered around the great race. All the animals can  participate.

When Hip gets going he does fine and keeps up with others. Then he notices One animal that can't go further and he helps them out.  Hip continues to run and helps another with a problem. By the end of the race he can see many ahead of him but he's just happy to have finished the race. He has a big surprise when he is finished. Whole gang is there to witness it. He is a true winner.

 

Book Review: The Complete Excel Bible 2025 by Excelwise Press

   

The Complete Excel Bible 2025 by Excelwise Press 

Book intro tells you about the different types of skills you can learn from this book. I use excel myself and love a lot of things about this book.

It explains how to set up the ribbon task bar and how to remove things you don't want there.

Loe that it explains how to create your first workbook and actually has you do everything yourself. You can take your time and if you get interrupted you can restart where you left off. There are step by step instruction making it so easy for anybody to use. It also explains how to input data and what to type, as examples so you can become familiar with the layout.

 It has you do a few tasks also with the data, rearranging things and how to save, open and close files.

There are chapters about how to display the data as a chart as some are visual learners. There are so many more instructions to use that format or many others in the program.

There are a few things I would never use as I don't have a business but some things like a grocery list is very helpful.

What I love the best are the 104 shortcuts they tell you about at the end of the book. I never learned all but 'sum' function so this is new to me and so very helpful.  Macros would be helpful to others and those instructions are included also. 

References are included also.

A KEEPER, one to keep close by til you get used to the shortcut keys.

Book Review: Glow: An Inspiring Chapter Book for Girls about Anxiety by Emma Meyer

  

 

Glow: An Inspiring Chapter Book for Girls about Anxiety by Emma Meyer 

This is a fantastic story about  Mia and she lives with her mother in Brooklyn. Mia goes to school and has many friends there, She feels very comfortable in her city and the activates she is able to do. Her mother has bad news for them one night and Mia finds out they must leave the city and head to where the grandfather lives. She is sad to part with her friends and her anxiety is really bad along the trip. It takes them longer than a day in the rusty, old, leaking truck with their things. When they arrive Mia is shocked by the dead town. Nobody is outside and stores appear to be closed. After a nap she wakes up to find hikers come into her grandfather's place and he feeds them. He runs a hiking lodge of sorts and is always busy. 

Mia does not like the place, nor the town nor the woods all around them. 

She finds others who are about her age and they bond after some time.

I like this story because Mia has to learn patience and she even opens up to her grandfather who helps her out. Love the library and how things with friends are so important to feel a part of something. Each time something good happens Mia glows inside. She even turns the glow onto her mother who is also beginning to love the place. Home is where your heart is and they have found home again. Love hearing of  all the treasures the locals show her and how she's able to learn to survive and help others when in need.

Great story, can't wait to read the rest in the seriers.

 

Children's books read Jun 14

 

Hip and The Kindness Tree by Sandra Blake

Colorful, children's educational book.  Book starts out with about the author.

Story starts at chapter 1 with its title. Love that each page is a different chapter and has it's own title and text in the chapter explains more about the title.

Hip finds an empty spot and wants to plant a garden, he has an idea that he hopes will work.

He plants a seed and sits back to watch it grow.

Seed has special powers that if others do a good deed for others the seed grows higher, even blossoms with a flower. Everybody in th jungle is doing a good deed. One day no one does a good deed and the plant starts to die. Hip starts all over again with a good deed and others pitch in also. Love hearing from all the other animals in the jungle. Colorful pictures in every chapter.

Moral of the story: Every little act counts.

 

Hip and The Missing Muffins by Sandra Blake

Colorful, children's educational book.  Book starts out with about the author. 

I am a baker of muffins myself and know where they all are but sometimes I leave the room for minute...

Book starts where the chapte has its own title. There are color pictures and then more is explained, about the title.

Hip declares Muffin Monday and gets busy in the kitchen. He leaves the room for a minute and when he returns all muffins are gone...

He starts to follow the crumbs and comes upon Marvin. Wasn't him..Toucan had a nibble only. Detective Hip does find out who the culprit was and now he leaves a note: Please ask before you snack. The others feel bad so go back to the kitchen with Hip to make more muffins, They all pitch in and have such a fun time. They will now all make muffins on Monday.

Love hearing more from the animals in the jungle.

Hip Learns to say Sorry by Sandra Blake

Colorful, children's educational book.  Book starts out with about the author. 

I am a baker of muffins myself and know where they all are but sometimes I leave the room for minute...

Book starts where the chapter has its own title. There are color pictures and then more is explained, about the title.

Hip is enjoying the sunny day at the park. Others are there, Benny the Bunny and they are playing leaf chase game.

Because of Hips size he didn't realize he had bumped into Benny by accident.

Hip thinks he's ruined the fun. Marvin helps Hip understand that you should say sorry for bumping into you.

Hip did not mean to bump Benny at all. He found the bunny sniffling and they talk to one another. After that they went off to play again.

Saying sorry made everything better.

Love hearing more from the animals in the jungle. 

Book Review: Inspiring AI Stories For Kids: Captivating Tales To Motivate Young Minds And Equip Kids For Safe, Proper, and Prosperous Use Of Artificial Intelligence (Inspiring Stories For Kids + Workbooks Series) by VERCEY PUBLISHING

  

Inspiring AI Stories For Kids: Captivating Tales To Motivate Young Minds And Equip Kids For Safe, Proper, and Prosperous Use Of Artificial Intelligence (Inspiring Stories For Kids + Workbooks Series) by VERCEY PUBLISHING 

In the book there are   stories that kids can relate to as the ones in the books took early interest in Ai and the like educational paths.  Not only is there a story they can picture themselves in but author also included a bio of what the child did as a youngster and another section about their educational training.  These are famous people and they are so smart in many different areas of AI.

Love sections on talking to Chatgpt and seeing how they will form a review for you, after you give them your age and some material to work with.  At that age, 10 I do not expect to see very difficult or hard technical words. Even the technical things are explained further in the stories making it easy for 70 year old to understand things fully.

There are many stories, you should read them with the child, one a night for several days.

So educational and fun, there are even pictures in the book.

References are included at the end.

 

Jun 12 Book Review: Undone: a small town, second chance, cowboy romance Poplar springs, Book 1 by Mary Sue Jackson

  

 

Undone: a small town, second chance, cowboy romance Poplar springs, Book 1 by Mary Sue Jackson

This story starts out with Josh on his family ranch and his sister has Invited Zoe to stay with them a while to straighten out the website and bring more people to the ranch events.

He feels a spark when he shakes her hand to hand it all over to her to redo the website.

she will use it for her grad school education to further herself. They will spend a lot of time together so she can become familiar with his ideas and what he does already. Others do breeding, Josh offers horse rides, etc.

Zoe had left once before and Josh did not want to do long distance relationship. Now that she's back the spark is ignited again. She finds a grad school in NY and also one online.

Because of all the work she had done with the website everybody wants to come to the ranch and some days there is no one available to run the horse rides. Josh wants to fit in everywhere and he's burning the candle at both ends. He finally realizes he can dole jobs out to others and trust them to do them.

After she leaves he feels a loss. His sister is still in touch with Zoe and knows some more secrets. She has a talk with Josh and their sister Fiona who's also offered to help out at the ranch... Will the intervention help them to get back together...

Adult explicit scenes.

Love learning about the ranch, the environment, and all the activities. Love the bridal bunch, I would've shaken my head with what they had on their heads LOL

Super love Zoe's job and how good she does it with computer. 

Have read this author before and love her style and so glad this is the first of a new series for me. Next one is in a few months time.

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

Book Review: Practical AI for Beginners: Unlock the Power of Artificial Intelligence with Simple Tools to Boost Productivity, Save Time, and Make Smarter Decisions in Everyday Life by Paco Barker

  

 

Practical AI for Beginners: Unlock the Power of Artificial Intelligence with Simple Tools to Boost Productivity, Save Time, and Make Smarter Decisions in Everyday Life by Paco Barker 

This book starts out with what AI is and there are many examples they give as to what is using it: vacuums, machines, smartphones, goggle assistant, siri, alexa.  There is a list of the last 3 and explains what they are good at, vs the others. Like the idea of setting up meal prep and shopping-using other apps that they also list for you and give you the benefits of using them.

A clock to keep track of how long you are spending on certain work items per day.

Fearful for the authors who write for a living. You can't get a copyright if no human input but only AI is used, but who can tell? they also note how it's used to spruce up photographs, I'm not sure I'd be able to see the differences of a fake.

They list apps like grammerly and otters and explain how to log in and create an account and how to use it.

Same with note taking there are many apps they suggest, depending on what you want to do with AI.

Even for my blog I'd rather write my own words, not have it generated from me. They would use words I don't even know what they mean.

ChatGPT also has a big section on how to use it and with examples of what it can do for you.

At the end of each chapter there is a summary to give you a quick overview.

References at included at the end.

 

Book Review: AI BEYOND THE BASICS FOR KIDS (2 BOOKS IN 1): A KID’S GUIDE TO MASTERING AI SKILLS FOR FUTURE DREAM JOBS (STEM MADE SIMPLE FOR KIDS) by Kabe Perry

  

 

AI BEYOND THE BASICS FOR KIDS (2 BOOKS IN 1): A KID’S GUIDE TO MASTERING AI SKILLS FOR FUTURE DREAM JOBS (STEM MADE SIMPLE FOR KIDS) by Kabe Perry 

Love how this book works. IT's for kids to read the story about Zip and he comes up with days when friends approach him asking for his help. With his AI intelligence he can figure out most anything and he explains how it's done during the story. It's a cool story also.  After that there are sections  about zip's mystery log including fun facts, life lessons, quick guide. Then the parents corner to keep them up to speed, simplify exercises, discuss ethics. Mini challenge are also included along with picture the scene, basic mode, quick mode and full mood, group option, practice the hunt, guide to the patch, check your work, common mistakes, and tips, parent tips, share it, why it helps. Drawing activity and reflection question.

At chapter 25 more technical focus of what you've learned. The quizzes tell you how long it will take, materials needed, format, scoring and then the multiple choice questions about the chapter.  then true/false questions, short answer quiz, a word search puzzle to find tech words, the list is included.

Answer key is also included for each of the chapters. 

Part two is another adventures, more advanced quests 

Story is set with Nova and then instructions on how to play.  has same setup as previous book chapters. FAQ of tech questions are included at the end then the quiz for points.

Answer key for all mini challenges are included at the end. Glossary for Zip and Nova's quests are included at the end.

About the author ends this read.

Love the format and the game of learning in a fun way. 

Book Review: The Power of Parenting Boys with ADHD: Easy Proven Methods to Manage Impulsive Behavior, Improve Focus, Strengthen Emotional Resilience, and Reinforce Academic Success by Beacon House Press, Lorena S. Toscano

  

 

The Power of Parenting Boys with ADHD: Easy Proven Methods to Manage Impulsive Behavior, Improve Focus, Strengthen Emotional Resilience, and Reinforce Academic Success by Beacon House Press, Lorena S. Toscano 

Think my duahter ms've read this book because everything they tell you to do she has done. They ahve charts up for daily challenges, organizational charts, grandson loves organizing anything. When we go to visit he loves to bake with us. takes a bit longer because you can no spill dough on muffin tins or you have to clean it first before filling another one. It's challenging but a peaceful chore and he loves to help. He has so many skills and brain power I wish I had and I can tell when he asnwers that he's thought about something deeply and it's something over my head.  Love how his brain works, it's helped in crisis on top fo Mt. Rainier and we had to be towed back home, some few hundred miles away.

Book explains how the brain works for boys, and what  signs to look for during their lives. I even know some of the triggers before he blows up so we can all prepare. He definitely has daily routines with everything organized. He has pre sets or clothes to wear in cubicles in his room for the week. Bathroom cabinets are labelled and only certain things can go in some of them. He did allow us to place a bathmat in tub, grab bars and even a stone mat when you leave the tub. It dries your automatically, like a clay pot sucking up the water. He is ok with some changes. Sometimes when he doesn't want to go with us to a store he will sit in the car and play with his animal friends or transformer.

Love family challenges listed also. We always have game day while there playing different card games, chess and board games, such fun.

If you know anyone who needs assistance with raising a ADHD boy this is the book for you. References are listed at the end. 

Book Review: Relationship Communication Skills: Talk Without Fighting, Rebuild Trust, and Deepen Intimacy with Solutions to Reconnect by Sam Writze

  

 

Relationship Communication Skills: Talk Without Fighting, Rebuild Trust, and Deepen Intimacy with Solutions to Reconnect by Sam Writze 

This book starts out with introduction material and it's very engaging. There are many forms to carry on communication and this book discusses them all.

There are many samples of real life instinces of conversations that didn't go quite right and how to  do better. The listening, with full attention is one I really like. Show the other you can fully involved. Love the phrase to repeat what they said in your own words to make them know you got it. Like how they determine what your style is and how to figure out which of them you belong in. Like exercises they urge you to try to resolve conflict. Love the no phone zone, that's not an issue with us, we are married to each not not the phone or computer.  Like the idea of a journal and to check in every so often to see how the plan is working for you.

Role playing sounds cool as other people. References are listed at the end. 

Book Review: Somatic Exercises for Beginners: 69+ Simple Techniques to Reset Your Nervous System, Relieve Trauma, Unlock Balance & Flexibility, & Rediscover Inner Peace in Just 20 Minutes a

  

 

Somatic Exercises for Beginners: 69+ Simple Techniques to Reset Your Nervous System, Relieve Trauma, Unlock Balance & Flexibility, & Rediscover Inner Peace in Just 20 Minutes a Day by K. D. Anne 

This book starts out with an introduction and discusses all about Somatic exercises.

The parts I love the most are the actual exercises, the written step by step and also the sketch of a person doing them, to be sure you are doing them right. The exercises start out with telling the what party of your body the exercise will help. Then the step by step instructions, sketches and sometimes variations to make it simpler for you.

Love daily routine and I do most of them with a program I'm currently doing. Love the explanations of which part it will help as I sometimes need help with my hips or legs.

There are charts that are included that show a 7 day core stability challenge.

Customization program where you can select from the exercise library the exercises you want to do. There are sections to keep a log of what you do, like a journal. You will see that the exercises will bring you calm and they will become easier to do when you do them as a  routine.

There are quizzes at the end that you can access with QR code scan. Love the nutrition tips at the end also.  The important vitamins and foods you should be eating already.

Video tutorials are also linked to the web at the end.  References are also included.

SO much knowledge in this book, super for the exercises for seniors.

 

Book Review: The Perfect Cocktail for any Holiday by Paul Wintergerst

  

 

The Perfect Cocktail for any Holiday by Paul Wintergerst 

The things I lie about this book is that the recipes are so simple to do at home. It's all in the presentation and the drinks have that information also.

Starts with intro and there's a lot of useful information: what to make, tools you will need, glasses and so much more.

Each recipe starts with the ingredient list-all fruit is fresh and you can just taste what the combination of all the ingredients will taste like. Some even have an option to add alcohol. 

Author tells you how to combine it, in what order and what type of glass to put it in. Then he also tells you how to set the theme, mood making the presentation flawless.

All the regular holidays are listed with a favorite blend of drinks for them but you can make them any time of the year.

One of my favorites would be blueberry and lemonade-everything is fresh and I like the blend and it's almost blueberry season here. Another is cranberry-anything added is a plus.

There are references included at the end.

A KEEPER to keep handy. 

Book Review: COMPANION PLANTING ESSENTIALS FOR BEGINNERS: EASY STEPS TO BOOST SOIL FERTILITY AND ATTRACT BENEFICIAL INSECTS FOR AN ORGANIC GARDEN THAT THRIVES, EVEN WITHOUT A GREEN THUMB by Davis Eklund

  

COMPANION PLANTING ESSENTIALS FOR BEGINNERS: EASY STEPS TO BOOST SOIL FERTILITY AND ATTRACT BENEFICIAL INSECTS FOR AN ORGANIC GARDEN THAT THRIVES, EVEN WITHOUT A GREEN THUMB by Davis Eklund

What a really great resource book. It has everything you would ever want to know about how to plant a garden. Love that they go over the tools, dirt, containers and everything else you would need.

Love conversations about composting, layering and especially the three sisters. Love planting like the Pilgrims were taught from the Indians.

Love the charts where they tell you want to plant near another so both will thrive.

There is also a chart about insects that can harm the crop but they tell you how to naturally combat them. We have used ladybugs for aphids and praying mantis now when we plant squash we wait til June 21 then there will be no bugs, in our zone.

Have planted the main raised garden and have a few containers still free so I will do some companion gardening in them.

SUPER KEEPER!

 

Book Review: Brains Wired for Brilliance ADHD + OCD Power Collection: Practical Tools to Reframing Thinking, Harness Focus, and Thrive Personally & Professionally by Eric Von Jares

 

 

Brains Wired for Brilliance ADHD + OCD Power Collection: Practical Tools to Reframing Thinking, Harness Focus, and Thrive Personally & Professionally by Eric Von Jares  

Wanted to read this book because 19 year old grandson has ADHD and wanted to be sure we are doing everything we can for him. He has many struggles and we find music helps calm him down. There are so many other solutions to issues that arise that I can't wait to try.

Also have granddaughter 25 who was just diagnosed and she's struggling but managing and this also helps us to guide her, as she lives far away from family now. 

References are included

Next section is about OCD, and again the grandson has this. It has a lot of advantages for the job market as he loves organing things at home. Each chapter also has a summary of what you've learned in that chapter.  Lots of things to try when we next visit with them.

Reference are included in this section also.

GREAT resource book to keep handy.

 

Book Review:Ultimate Turkey Travel Guide: How Anyone Can Plan a Hassle Free Trip, Gather Deep and Historical and Cultural Insights, While Experiencing Lesser Known Destinations For an Authentic Experience by Christine Ricchini

  

 

Ultimate Turkey Travel Guide: How Anyone Can Plan a Hassle Free Trip, Gather Deep and Historical and Cultural Insights, While Experiencing Lesser Known Destinations For an Authentic Experience by Christine Ricchini  

What I like about this book is the author covers it all. There are even they suggest while in the country, more up to date information is available.

Love hearing the different areas and what makes them so special and what is there to see or you'd miss it because these aren't in other books.

Author explain how to pack, how to travel and why you shouldn't take one form of transportation for certain areas. References are included.

Love all the culture and foods the most.

 

June 5 Book Review The Cowboy's Best Friend by Megan Crane

  

 

The Cowboy's Best Friend by Megan Crane

This story is about Boone and he lives and works on the family ranch. He has his own house that he built along with an apartment in the barn. His best friend in life since he was very young is Sierra and she works at her fathers law firm. She was married to Matty who she knew cheated on her and he kept her around for eye candy. She finally has had enough and leaves him and explains to her parents and moves into the apartment at the barn. She is helping Boone with the dairy business and he wants to expand it to include cheeses and yogurts. His othe brothers give hima real hard time about her because they all know he loves her but is treating her like a best friend. She delivers milk to the locals and enjoys her time with the cows and making facebook pages for them along with paperwork. The divorce is a bit messy and leaves her edgy.Zeke shares a few moments with Boone and lets him in on  a secret.

They start dating and she gets to see what she missed out on. Love how things go from then. Love hearing of the businesses all gathering together to sell their homemade wares.

Adult situations . Love this series and can't wait to read about Knox 

Books read in May 2025

  

 

Final Exit (Martha's Vineyard Murders Book 4) by Raemi A. Ray 

This book is about Kyra and her friend Tarek and how they investigate the town's camp grounds from long ago. A body has been found and they are able to gather a lot of information from the locals, some who were there around the time of the incident. 

Tarek gets called away on another assignment and nobody hears from him so Kyra calls the special number she has and inquires about him...

There are so many twists and turns and things become complicated with Chase and visiting his sister to see if she has any further information for them.

Love hearing about all the adventures and can't wait for more.

So descriptive I found myself walking in their footsteps being just as scared as they when they are able to see whose body it is... Money is involved also and that makes the plot take a different turn. So entertaining.

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

The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster

Story follows Marlow and she's left the ex husbands family company and now that he's passed away she wants to leave, to find herself and be happy. 

The in laws find her eventually after she's established herself in a town a few hours away, a country town where the community are behind one another.

She rents a lake house from Cort who has his house in the area and another house he rents out. the town has decided no others can move there, population control, til they take another vote...

Marlow is working at the bar/restaurant and loving it, she has the rhythm for it. Cort helps others with handyman tasks and he is an ex marine.

An unrelated woman and baby approach her and she listens to her story... Pixie and Andy and the mother is very ill and others in town help take care of them.

Pixie opens up to Marlow and they come to agreements on certain subjects and she'd be a perfect fit for the store Marlow ha sin mind to run in a nearby town.

Love the relationships, the turmoil and the twists and turns, scary as they are and how they all have solutions for them. Love morning cup with sun in your face at waters edge, nothing like it, so calming and peaceful.

Love how it ends and leaves it open so we can hear more of Pixie's story with updates from Cort and Marlow.  

Love details, descriptions, relationships and atmosphere, and the location.

Cant' wait to read more from this author.

Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing a via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

 #TheGuestCottage #NetGalley 

  

  

Two Hearts for Christmas: At Christmas, life gets a little bit sweeter... (A Green Earth Christmas Book 4) by Annalisa Russo

This book starts out with Maisie and she runs the bakers, lives above with her two kids, divorced and he's in jail.  She's preparing for the contest to win $5k and comes up with several recipes she can make for the holidays and has to do really well to beat the other bakeries around town and nearby.

Story also follows Wade who's the local sheriff and has left the military. His mother lives in a nursing home now and he spends time with her, and the aunt that travels to be with them this holiday season.

Maisie and her kids had a lot to do with a fantastic meal for them all.

He's grown to like her and the kids. He has a lot of plans to smooth things over.

Some times the contest doesn't go according to plan and she only gets a few points til they realize somebody put salt in sugar.  Horace is greatly appreciative  of the repairs he makes at her shop. He sees things that he brings to the sheriff's attention.

They know who's at fault... Kids are involved in the Christmas pageant and they love being a part of it. The whole town and then some turn up for it.

What I really like are the recipes, being a baker myself and the ability to change things up. Love small town atmosphere and how everybody pitches in to help others. Wade really steps up the plate at the end and honor him for brining the father back to the kids, even for an hour.

Beautiful Christmas story.

Another story is excerpted at the end.

Received this review copy from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

#TwoHeartsforChristmas #NetGalley  

 

 
 

The Wild Side by Fern Michaels

Starts with Melanie and as she grows up se realizes that you have to study and learn things. One summer she had an injury and read tons of books and continued with that. After high school she wants to work in cyber security. She's got credentials from college also, knows how to ask for what she wants but know nothing of men....

She does a lot of things and as time goes on she is brought onto a team that go after others that they know are in the wrong, mostly anti Americans...

Love hearing of the high paced high society the places she is asked to go and she finds what they are really looking for...

action, adventure, travel, down to earth living, fills this read for anybody with every passion possible.

Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing a via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

 #TheWildSide #NetGalley

 

The Seal’s Promise (The Southern Hart Brothers Book 1) by Stella Holt 

Story starts with Dalton and he's returning back to where he grew up. Right after his parents died, he graduated from high school and left. Joined service and even went through medical school.  He's there to tend to his grandmother's affairs, well she's still alive and he hopes to keep her that way. She needs supervision and he has the perfect plan.

Alternating chapters are about Brooke and she's the hospital administrator and they have a past. She also got married when Dalton had left and when she found her spouse with another women in their bed, she told him she was having his baby. The boy is now around 9 and he loves baseball and does well at it. 

Dalton gets himself a job at the hospital and also is available to coaching the baseball team and being the teams doctor.

Love the plans he has for his grandmother. The artist and her will work out just fine.

Lot going on, she needs to petition the courts for child support and he needs to figure out the estate and why the Banks want the property so bad. He needs to contact his other brother, Levi... His younger brother is now the town sheriff, a deputy but he loves his job.

Now Dalton has to figure out the rest of his life. Brooke has to figure out hers also.

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

 

 

 

 

Double-Edged Reckoning (A Western Edge Mystery Book 1) by Nicole Helm 

Like this book because it includes ranches and also other careers that meld together in Marietta. Love this genre and how ti all comes together.

Story starts out with Samantha and she's hot on the trail of who really killed the woman her father went to prison for 15 years. Now that he's out he's staying at his sisters cabins.

Another murder happens and Sam knows what she has to do and sets out for TN to get Nate to help. He left when he mother was killed and his father beat him up. Out of the Army now he has skills.  Love their devoted attention to details. He is very familiar with the creek growing up there with his brothers and they are able to find a clue to pass along to the cops.

Cal, another brother, a lawyer also comes back to the ranch to help with his expertise.

Landon has been running the family ranch along with Aly.  Love the conversations among the brothers as to how life was when they were growing up, when their mother was alive. SO many dreams, nightmares and scenes of her and how she died come to light.

They know what they have to do and step up to the plate. More clues of recent death and now two will go to prison. Place would be awesome if all brothers hang around and pitch in to help.

   

 

 

August Dove by Joanne DeMaio

In this story we find Shane and things have happened in the past and he knows what he has to do especially when he notices Heather show up from CA to confront Cecelia.

Story follows him, his work and attending school to teach the kids about lobstering and he knows he has to leave soon to head back to the ocean. It's October so not much time left to lobster.

Others confront him before and after that he has to admit to them what's going on...

Love jacket Maris makes for Cecelia and what it means especially due to the outcome of the trip to CA.

Love cover as it shows the jacket, so pretty.

So very descriptive, especially the fashion is wearing and seascapes. 

 

 
 Challenging Her Protector (Unbreakable SEALs Book 1) by Charlee James 

This story is about Viv and we are filled in on her prison life at home. She's never even been into the kitchens nor how to work any appliances, nor eaten fast food.  She's determined to leave the prison of home and go to Hannah her sister with an autistic  son. She is able to get word to her and she's coming to help her. At the rehearsal dinner  (wedding to be the next day) she leaves to use the restroom but leaves the house and finds Iron there to protect her and bring her to the car. They find Hannah but Regina has aimed a car at her. Viv had run into the woods with no shoes to help her. The men, Iron and Silver help them all keep safe. Hannah is to have her surgery the next day then head home to VA.  

Now that Viv is on her own while traveling to Hannah's she has to get her money from the account but her parents have permission also to remove money. With it being frozen she hopes Iron or Silver's friends can grant her the access to move the money into a different account she had set up.

Now add the fact that Iron has a liking to her and Viv also likes how he feels when he's near her. They are getting too close and have to keep their heads on straight til they are all safe.

We learn so much about Jordan (Silver) and his relationship with his brother and parents. She helps to persuade him that he needs to reach out to them, and does. Love how he helps her and she helps him. Love the charity work they are able to do for those less fortunate.

More upheavals as her life is in danger again from an ex finance... You hope she can get away ...

Love the whole book, how they all pitched in to help Viv and she helps others, that didn't know they needed help. What a future she has to look forward to now.

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

 

 

Saturn's Favorite Music by Laura Lee

Story follows Clara Jane as she graduates and heads off to her first job at a small rural town in MI. Love all the songs and little known facts about the singers. Brings back so many memories and I was surprised I like 99% of the songs today. Love the atmosphere she discovers when she first arrives and how it comes to be her second home.  After a while she meshes with Seth and they put on dual show that fans like. The station is up for sale.... a new buyer shows up and keeps them all on, then the station goes digital and that's not what Clara wants at all in  her life. Love changes she has planned for and how determined she is. All types of relationships in this read.

Great entertaining read. Learned so much about the start of radio stations and all the work involved.

  

Greek Myths Unleashed: Explore Heroic Ancient Greece with Fun Engaging Myths Boosting Your Reading Skills and Learning Timeless Life Lessons by William D B Holt

This story starts out with why the author wrote the book and what influenced him over the years.

Alex and Maya met at the playground and spend many a night at her grandmother's hearing stories of lands far away.

After she passed the kids got together and went through the attic and found some treasures. One was a book that had special powers. It transported the children into the book to watch the scene in the book come to live for them. So magical. What I like is hearing about the past heroes in the mythical world. Liked Hercules one nad Helen of Troy were memorable for me. Felt like I was right there with them as the details are so descriptive and brought to life.

Love the imagination they are able to experience themselves. References are included at the end.

Super fun read!

 

 

 
 

The Ultimate Guide to Loving and Raising a Cat by LBDEV Publishing Enterprises

This book covers everything from when you first get the kitty and as they age.

Everything from the signals they send you will tell you if they are happy or not, if they are hungry or want to play. Never knew all the signals myself.

Also details of solutions to issues they bring upon the family and how to dela with them.

Medical advice and as the cat ages also is discussed. References included at the end.

Great reference book to keep handy, very informational. 

   

The Vagus Nerve Protocol by Adele Payne

Starts with intro where the nerve is explained in detail, symptoms, what to do etc.

In this book they also explain a lot of  how to fix what is wrong. Ad

Love that the swaying and gentle movements are very similar to Qi Gong.

Breathing exercises tell you how to breathe to alleviate some issue. There  are a lot of these, very different from one another and also to deal with different issues.

Like subnotes that are highlighted in light gray, things to pay attention to.

Step by step instructions are included. Look forward to routine and getting back into rhythm.

An annotated bibliography is also enclosed at the very end and what they offer to this book.

Worthwhile book along with your journal to gauge how you are doing.

 

A Powerful Mental Toughness Workbook for Young Athletes by Chest Dugger

This book discusses the eight traits athletes possess.

Each one is so empowering and inspirational and uplifting.

Each trait is described in detail relating to the athlete and how it appears in your sport and how to overcome obstacles.

Bonus reward is included as a printable version of visual drills in this workbook.

Love hearing the stories from athletes of different sports and how they were able to overcome their struggles. Love full history of how they even wanted to be in the sport that choose them and how they survived and overcame struggles. Lots of hard work and many others look up to them today.

Like drills that are also included in this workbook. Love different mantras and variations.

Bootcamp drills are also highlighted at the end with daily plans.

There are eight athletes that are discussed and with which trait they have achieved in this book.

So many I knew the names of and their sport.

Very positive read.

 

 

   

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MYTHOLOGY OF THE GREEKS: DISCOVER THE GREEK GODS, HEROES, AND MONSTERS. VISUALIZE THE MYTHS OF ANCIENT GREECE AND HOW THEY STILL AFFECT LIFE TODAY by LBDEV PUBLISHING ENTERPRISES LLC  

The Ultimate Guide To Mythology of the Greeks

Enjoyed this read, always been fascinated by the Greeks and what they have accomplished over the centuries. Love leaning more about the Gods, heroes and the monsters that are created by some.  I can see the wisdom behind it all, in todays world when it was created back so long ago.  Like how Achilles got his name, the ball of string helped Minotaur, etc.  Each shows how we use teamwork today and just simple aides.

Like how the subchapters are set up. Some people I am not familiar with but they interact with others and those I did remember from my education. References are listed at the very end.

Received this review copy from LBDEV PUBLISHING ENTERPRISES  and this is my honest 

opinion.

 

 

 

Free Yourself from Anxious Attachment Your Guide to Secure Attachment: Build Healthy Secure Relationships Choose Confidence, Boundaries and Trust, Overcome Past Trauma and Stop Overthinking by Freeman Publishing 

Like this book and how it's  divided into chapters and subchapters.

It consists of many forms of anxiety. What I really appreciate is that they go into the symptoms of the different types and the solutions to them. Throughout the book there rae pages for a journal and for you to write down your thoughts.

There is also an assessment section with questions to ask yourself and you can get a rating on each of the anxieities to figure out which one you really have. Then there are solutions to the speicifc anxieties.  At the end there are references to the notes during the reading.

Super informative and even has solutions. 

  

 

The YOU in ME, Forever...: A Romantic Approach to Your INTELLECT by Prabha Karan

What I like about this read is that the author describes things in easy terms but at times uses words I've not heard of. They are kind of like Latin words that really mean something in our everyday lives. I like the parts that are broken up into smaller ones so you can take your time to digest it before it's brought back to the big picture. I am familiar with a few of the yoga's and appreciated learning what it all means.  The phrases used in this book I am not familiar with. Was hoping they exploit more of the movements in the various yoga sections. It's really, to me, a state of mind. Think this book was a bit over my head. 

 

 

Who Banged the Big Bang!: Trans-scientific Mysteries: Decoded, Simplified! by Prabha Karan 

Author explains all about this theory and about many others that relate to it, your body, mind and consciousness. There is so much to this book about so many other things going on in your mind and he has good explanations for them all. It's not for everybody to read but for those who will explore and not dwell on things too deeply.    A lot of what is discussed was also in a n earlier book by the author.   This book was a bit over my heard, even though I kept looking up words.

 

 

 

The Whispering Trees of Yellowstone by Kerry Anne Boer  

Story written about Tilda who walks through the trees and hears the whispers.

She knows every turn of the creek and all landmarkings. There is also a lyrical poem before the story starts. Like all the characters she comes upon. So mystical, magical and so very calming and peaceful. Even a bonus chapter is included at the end. First writing was 1957.

This Yellowstone is in Australia, not in the USA..

  

 

Financial Planning for Retirement Made Easy  by George Radcliffe

What I like about this book is it gives you information for what you can start to do to save and get ready to retire, with your money, assets, etc.

It talks you through others experiences and what sturggles they wree faced  with and the solution to the issues.

Refreshed as I'm retired already and found a few things I need to discuss with my advisor.  

Love sections on how to reinvent yourself, keep busy, learn things and actually set up things you make to sell them as income to help with the bills.

So much of health is discussed and what to look for short term and long term coverages.

Real estate and how to make money with that but watch your taxable income rate also as you might be paying more as you'd be in a higher bracket.

Touched on RMD's and how to use the stock market to make money with diverse portfolio and treasury bond and state municipal bonds as they can save you tax free money. So much in this book.

Excellent reference book to keep handy.

 

 

Easy Container Gardening in Any Climate: The Ultimate Guide to Grow Your Own Organic Herbs and Vegetables, Create a Sustainable Environment, Maximize Yields, and Utilize Any Size Space by Kiley Manning 

This book is a keeper. It discusses so many subjects. Everything from the type of planter or pot to the right soil mix and contents for what you want to grow. It includes which plants to try, watering, fertilizing, how to cmpost and so much more.

Love sections on turnips which I have some in a hanging basket now, just planted the other day and they hang outside and now I know what I need to do to take care of them, hfarvest and potential insect  problems.

Never thought about grafting or growing berries but am open to those methods. Even flowers have a section, many of which are in my garden now, to help keep pests away from the crops.

KEEPER!

 

 

 

Homesteading for Backyard Beginners: A Quick-Start Budget-Friendly Guide to Growing Your Own Food, Raising Healthy Chickens, and Living Self-Sufficiently in Just 1 Hour a Day 

by Harriet C. Bloom 

Book starts out with intro where the whole concept is explained.

There are pictures scattered throughout the book, before and after type and other methods of doing things.

So many helpful charts that explain how much space you will need depending on if you want a fruit garden or vegetable and other things like trees and livestock.

Building a toolkit is important so you will use it daily in your homestead.

Love the idea of swapping seeds with others in the neighborhood.

There are worksheets to help you along the way, so you don't overdo things.  There is so much helpful information: gardening, making soap, crafts, rainwater, composting and also includes references at the end.  SO much to learn about.

Have done many throughout my lifetime, along with my mother. making candles, rugs from clothes, etc.

 

 DRENS BOOKS

 

   

Why My Mom's Really Great by Sylvia Gardner

Book starts with a name plate and dedication page. Love hot tea waiting for me!

Colorful, education children's read about all the things a mom can do and a bunch of them at the same time, multi tasking.

It's also a rhyming book. So many funny things she can do.

Each of pictures depicts what words are saying.

Love the moms imagination and how interesting and entertaining it is.

At the end of the book is a secret assignment to find matches for the pictures hown.

About the author and their other works finishes this book.

what an awesome book to read to the children and Great grand children. The other books sound like more excellent stories to read.

Received this book from Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion.

 

Word Detective: 130 Games and Puzzles to Improve Spelling by Ann Richmond Fisher 

Was really into this book for the grandkids. It's so easy for them to figure out the words by the clues.  Makes them feel like they are older because they can do crossword puzzles now.

Answers are at the end of the book. Like the themes of the puzzles.  After finishing a puzzle there is a secret hidden message for the kids.  Love these!

Received from  Callisto Kids and this is my honest opinion.

 

 

Book Review: The Whispering Trees of Yellowstone by Kerry Anne Boer

  

 

The Whispering Trees of Yellowstone by Kerry Anne Boer  

Story written about Tilda who walks through the trees and hears the whispers.

She knows every turn of the creek and all landmarkings. There is also a lyrical poem before the story starts. Like all the characters she comes upon. So mystical, magical and so very calming and peaceful. Even a bonus chapter is included at the end. First writing was 1957.

This Yellowstone is in Australia, not in the USA..

  

Book Review: Who Banged the Big Bang!: Trans-scientific Mysteries: Decoded, Simplified! by Prabha Karan

  

 

Who Banged the Big Bang!: Trans-scientific Mysteries: Decoded, Simplified! by Prabha Karan 

Author explains all about this theory and about many others that relate to it, your body, mind and consciousness. There is so much to this book about so many other things going on in your mind and he has good explanations for them all. It's not for everybody to read but for those who will explore and not dwell on things too deeply.    A lot of what is discussed was also in a n earlier book by the author.   This book was a bit over my heard, even though I kept looking up words.

 

Book Review: The YOU in ME, Forever...: A Romantic Approach to Your INTELLECT by Prabha Karan

  

 

The YOU in ME, Forever...: A Romantic Approach to Your INTELLECT by Prabha Karan

What I like about this read is that the author describes things in easy terms but at times uses words I've not heard of. They are kind of like Latin words that really mean something in our everyday lives. I like the parts that are broken up into smaller ones so you can take your time to digest it before it's brought back to the big picture. I am familiar with a few of the yoga's and appreciated learning what it all means.  The phrases used in this book I am not familiar with. Was hoping they exploit more of the movements in the various yoga sections. It's really, to me, a state of mind. Think this book was a bit over my head.