Book Review: New Nurse Essentials by Keystone Books

  

 

New Nurse Essentials by Keystone Books

This book is for nurses who are starting their first time at being a nurse. Love that there are so many cheat sheets for them to use, pocket notes, while they are encompassed with multiple patients, all needing something from them. There are notes on communication which I loved the best, how to talk to others and the patient. Saw very well trained nurses when my husband had a procedure done the other day at the hospital. Everyone that came to see him asked what procedure he was having done so they all knew they were on the same page. There were no messes or lack of communication from start to finish. They gave him a folder of all the notes and what to do once he arrived home although they also spoke the whole thing to us waiting for him. 

Love also that the book covered medications, what to use, how to access a situation and what to do about it.  This book covers everything a nurse would need to know and do about any situation that came up.

Notes can be kept in their pocket to make sure they are on track at all times.

Love the facts in this book and how easy it is for them to take care of us.

References at listed at the very end along with other bonus material you can get online.

Great reference book. 

Book Review: What You Let In by J K Franko

 

 

What You Let In by J K Franko

Author starts out talking about Nicholas manuscript that he is taking over to finish for him. He feels capable of doing so because of his friendship and he knew him so close. Nicolas and Juliette had gone to Madrid to live in JK's flat and  he felt at ease as he was writing again, sometimes at a local establishment where he felt welcome.  All started at Sam's funeral and so many were there and others fought before the meal at their house.

So many illusions due to medication and other experiments. There is a lapse of where he is and why he ends up someplace else by the next day with no clue as to how or why. At court trial he is on the stand and he can not truly  have answers as his body was there but not his mind. Lot discussions about TBI as we know many who have suffered.  Interesting to find out what the problem was, the drops and that many had side effects from.  Really intriguing being overseas and to find out later who was pregnant  and so many other secrets that only one other knew about.

You draw what you know happened with what the jury decided and do you think he got away with it or got his just due? Author goes on to speculate and also has a sampling of his new book due out soon.

Good read, like the plot being all over the place, easy to keep track of and understand what was really happening in this dark thriller.

 

Nov 5 Montana Christmas Ever After by Kaylie Newell

 

 

Montana Christmas Ever After by  Kaylie Newell 

This story follows Eddie and he's the local song writer musician that runs his own place with help from others and he also tours.

He's over 50 now and the urging of his sons he visits a local primary doctor and she tells him things he must start doing to improve his life style.

He meets her mother Olivia and falls in love on sight. Love that this book is about the older generation and the things they do to keep active.

Loe hearing all the fun things they find to do and the expectations they both have.

Lvoe the ending and didn't see it happening but so happy it did.

Love grandkids also, super fun things with them. Christmas holiday was a joy to read about in Marietta. So very festive and bright lights. Love the stroll.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.

 

Book Review: Rv Scenic Road Trips Across the USA by Longitude by Travel Press

  

 

Rv Scenic Road Trips Across the USA by Longitude by Travel Press

What I appreciate about this book is that you could take your car to visit the locations also, not just the RV  Like layout of the book and how things are explained in detail.

The introduction material has so much information about how to identify an RV friendly road, campgrounds along your route, groceries and essential services, and even a section on traveling with a pet.

From there the sections are broken up into areas arounds the US, east and south, Midwest and lakes regions, rockies and mountain west, Pacific and southwest.

Love RV road trip toolkit, so very useful: fuel, water, essential services, campgrounds info, weather, road closures, emergencies and breakdowns and summary of 30 scenic attractions by route and official map sources and references.

There is something for everyone in this book. SIt down with a family and plan your route today, if not two.

Each destination starts with a title of the location, scenic overview summary, legend, route overview, chapter route start and finish locations, mileage and physical area, section showing all the locations  of route map.

Driving the route, how to divide the journey,  principal stop and scenic sections,  RV considerations and lodging, wildlife sightings along the way,  traveling with pets, groceries and other essentials. Also comes with a QR code to scan in for digital app  restaurants, groceries, fuel, etc.

Great information book. 

Book Review: The Montana Sweethearts Collection: A Sweet and Inspirational Cowboy Romance Collection, Books 1-3 by Josie Riviera

 

 

The Montana Sweethearts Collection: A Sweet and Inspirational Cowboy Romance Collection, Books 1-3 by Josie Riviera

three stories included.

...

Hearts and Horseshoes: A Sweet by Josie Riviera 

Love this story so much. love finding out how they both do their career jobs and the other jobs they tackle.

She has arrived back on the family ranch. Her spouse, Mark died and she just couldn't bring herself to go there again. The bank has notified her it will be foreclosing on the property so she just goes there to hopefully make things better. She's reminded of Mark as there are pictures all over the walls. The ranch manager is Cole, Marks best friend and also a vet and he took over the care of the ranch as he promised Mark.  

Grace lands a job remotely and  it will bring her the money she needs to start putting the ranch into order. They discuss the local events and want to participate in the  Valentine party to show others that they are NOT giving up. Many others have approached them to buy it out but she doesn't like what they want to do with it so she's holding off. They get a lot more bad news with the cows and know what they have to do. They are working so hard tending to the births where days and nights they work through together.

Love how the town is there for them through thick and thin and how it all turns out. Love that her sister can be with her.

SO very romantic and imaginative with the holiday.  Recipes included at the end.

Hope to read more from this community.

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

...

 

Wishes and Wildflowers by Josie Riviera

This story starts out with Lily and she's arrived at her sister's ranch. SHe is filling out job applications and hasn't decided if she wants to go to Boise, ID or to CA.  A little girl, Stella from a neighboring ranch stops by and she has a frog that she is going to put back in the wetlands.

She's truly a free spirit Reid informs her. His wife had died suddenly and he raises her with help from a tutor and housekeeper.  Love time Lily gets to spend with not only her own sister and their new baby but time with Reid and Stella. She is there for Reid when the calf got tangled in barb wire fencing and when she had found Stella injured from an exploration day she had. Stella was the first to find the little girl and took care to bring her home to Reid.  They do form a bond and it makes Lily not want to leave at all but Reid never asks her to stay.

Miscommunications  keep them apart.  Love scenery that is explained so beautifully along with fun things Stella brings to everybody: music, animals she has and finds more of, travel and adventures they find themselves entwined in.

Lovely story, one of the bests I've read this year. Can't wait for the next in the series.

...

Faith and Fireworks: A Sweet and Inspirational Cowboy Romance (Montana Sweethearts) by Josie Riviera

This book starts out with Levi, a returning home chaplain in the military. He has moments when he remembers his best friend Danny who was also a neighbor.  

Story also follows Annie and shes in charge of the 250 America celebration and she has to rally to get everything in order to make it the biggest festival/day for the town.

She approaches Levi, a long time heart throb and asks him to be the host at the parade.

He declines and says he will just help her fix up the town with decorations. She does get him to open up to her, his past in the military and he even asks her what she did while he was gone. Interesting that they have a past and each has an eye for the other.

Love the interactions with the community. Town really wants to honor his service.

Never in a second realized the planning that goes into this big of a celebration for the community. Love that everybody is helping out. Levi does give a speech and Danny's parents are there and he has something for them from Danny. Love the time they are able to spend with one another and how Danny had felt about Levi.

So very descriptive from the first page, I can eel myself with blisters and calluses on my hands from the fencing work Levi is doing. 

Excellent read. There is an excerpt from another of the authors work at the end. Also her listing of all her works is included.

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Book Review: Romance Stories To Cherish Volume Two by Josie Riviera

  

 

Romance Stories To Cherish Volume Two by Josie Riviera 

This bundle includes three stories from the author.

...

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!

...

 

A Homecoming To Cherish by Josie Riviera

This story starts out with Nora and she's just arrived at the Inn where her daughter Samantha and her will be living for months to run the Inn while the owner recuperates.

We learn a lot about Nora and Samantha and their thoughts on a lot of different subjects. The one I am interested in are the ones about God. Nora has lost all hope to reaching out to God.

She meets Julian at the Inn while waitressing and doing other jobs. They form a friendship and we learn about how his past has brought him to rely on God.

Like hearing the scriptures verses throughout. Nora feels she's getting too close and God hasn't answered her yet and she wants to leave to head back to VA and her job.

Sam has started to make friends and is cheerful again about life and learning about God from others.

It's a wonder they don't split and leave the Inn with those running it.....

Enjoyed the read because it's about a woman over 30 and she has raised her daughter by herself.

...

A Summer to Cherish by Josie Riviera

Book starts out with praise from others. Each chapter starts out with a quote from a famous person.

Story starts with Ashley and she lives in South Carolina. Love that she's a gardener and working with her hands.

She also teaches handicapped children.  The man in the story is David. He's an artist and he's going blind but he tries to make things work, just a bit different.

He donated a lot of his paintings to others and so many have never been shown in a gallery. Love hearing about his eye condition.

He has to end it with her after spending days together doing fun things outside. She tries to get him to bring God into his life again.

She's not been honest with him and hides much and you wonder if they will ever get back together again.

Love hearing of the sign language and how others are able to deal with their disabilities.

Bonus recipe included at the end.  Notes from the author are included at the end also.

Other works are listed at the end along with  an excerpt.

 

 

Book Review: Daisy Chain by Al Campbell

  

Daisy Chain by Al Campbell

Love this story. It starts with Daisy and we learn about her young past life and how tragic it is. The family have allowed her to get educated and also do many hobbies. She really enjoys painting and she's good at it. Some parties in the family invite others to view her paintings.

It's about time she marry and raise a family but she wants no part of it. She wants to pursue a career that makes her happy. Love the direction her life leads and how others appreciate her work for them.

Love relationships she forms with others even though she has no idea who some really are.

A close friend travels away and they got word he had died so she looks another companion that she's not really keen on but tolerates his time spent with her.

Love what the title of the book symbolizes in the story for the characters.

Didn't see the events happening as such but it's a beautiful story. Author is so descriptive I can see myself there as scene unfolds.

 

Book Review: Running Stop Signs by Nancy Mangano

  

 

Running Stop Signs by Nancy Mangano

Natalie is a  LA PI and she has an assistant at the office. She is able to track down others spouses to find out where they are going and what they are doing... Usually ends in a divorce due to infidelity.

She doesn't tell them who the other person is but some find out and go back for revenge.

She has a lot of cases ongoing and they all seem to point to one thing: a lot of infidelity but there are links to them all also. Never thought they'd all link together in one form or another.

She's tired of the PI life and wants to put her skills to work solving real crimes...

The cops do allow her to overlook the scene for notes on things they missed.

Fast paced action really keeps me interested in what's going on.

I like the style of wring the author has. Very descriptive and women are strong at their careers. Descriptions make me feel as if I'm in the car with her arriving at a scene.

Great story, can't wait to read more from this author.

 

Book Review: Wealthy Soul by James Rachor

  

 

Wealthy Soul by James Rachor

Endorsements for the author are starting this book. Story starts out with realizing the amount of days he has left and what to do with the years left, or hours.

Other people have left their seat for others...

Wealth to some it's about what high priced items you have at home. Wealthy soul is about a concept with different definitions. Harry Springer is his mentor and is defined in this book with his initials. He's been through so much, world wide.

The number 7 starts off the concept. Find 7 close friends, find fulfillment, helping others, daily tasks... Wealthy souls are good at one thing, at least. They are leaders and don't worry about failing. They turn into mentors. 

Like how if you only had 24 hours left to live you'd let all the post it notes go by the way side. Some days are the same everyday you go to work.  Someday island, been there, done that and we loved. Never thought it'd happen but we were in a rut and losing on expenditures for our house. Sold house for 6x the amount we paid and moved south to be near family. Then invited daughter and her family to live there also and it's all in place and we all love it. Keeping us younger as we have a live in grandson and feel so at peace.

Like how HS has his notes that he injects into the conversation from time to time. So knowledgeable: Insights into your next step.

Map your future. Someday island, never heard that phrase but makes sense to move on. I read a lot so educated myself about finance and we are doing great so it's not a worry at all.  Love chapters about relation, coaches as we need them from time to time and mentors and new people in our lifes.

This book covers all of that and so much more.

Chapters are summarized at the very end of the book.

Other key terms are defined at the end and which chapters cater to them.

Ends with author bio and so much of his life was dedicated to religion.

Great read.

 

Book Review: Holiday Hearts: Volume Five by Josie Riviera

  

 

Holiday Hearts: Volume Five by Josie Riviera

Trio of books by the same author.

...

Josie Riviera1-800-NEW YEAR (Flipping For You #5) by Josie Riviera

Starts with an introduction where author talks about her news and signing up for her newsletter.

Praise for the authors works from readers.

Shannice is crushing the dating apps... She hadn't felt her old boyfriend even listened to her.

Her first boyfriend left an impression on her, Lincoln Reid. He is a divorcee.

She needs to move forward....

story also follows Lincoln and he's returned to the town. He has plans to relocate the toy store he and his sister run to that little town.

He even looks at Shay's farm house. He tells her a bit about his plans...

Love small things like thrift store and fire pit. So many secrets come to light and he tells her his new plans..

She's devastated that he's not paying for her farmhouse, she really needed the money... 

She's hurt and didn't wait to hear what else he had to say....You wonder if they will ever get together...

Love learning about the holiday, Kwanza and all it stands for.

Like hearing more about their careers, using their hands, priceless!

Love the charity work everybody is involved in.

Recipe included.  Note from the author about the book and series. 

1800 cupid excerpt is included at the ned. Other works by the author are listed.

Dedication page and about the author are  listed at the end.

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

...

Christmas in the Air (Flipping For You Book 6) by Josie Riviera 

Praise for the authors works, Prologue Penelope on a plane. She has to keep your fears low 

She's on a plane to Hilton Head and discussing the job with Jacob. SHe's done the job since a teen.  They also discuss relationships.

Anxiety takes over when the plane jolts and he tries to get her mind of herself.  He is divorced, likes his job, doesn't want to date. He gets her to talk about flying and her fears.

Her teen son is heading to FL to visit his father over the holidays. Penelope doesn't like the holidays, it's time spouse had cheated on her and she feels lonely.

She's feeling guilty for ignoring her son, Evan  but working many hours at the toy company. She hopes Lincoln her brother will help out with him.

Love natural wooden toys her and her brothers company operate. 

They are able to sit down and talk about the past and how things effected them.  Love hearing of hard talks and the severity of the events.

Just when things are going well for them, then they are not. misunderstandings and more patience they might make it.

Love holiday themed book on the boat, that's different! 

Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Recipe note from the author and other works by the author are listed at the end. Excerpt from 1800 cupid is attached also.

...

Cocoa's Christmas Love by Josie Riviera

Cute Christmas read.

Story starts out with Ivy and she and another run the local florist shop in town.

They are struggling as the promotional piece was not very flattering at all. She's a bit concerned especially when hearing another chain floral shop will be coming to town.

Story also follows Blake who is a photographer, mostly environmental items but his  grandfather had taken the promotional pictures for the piece in the magazine of Ivy's shop.

He does run into her as she's rescuing a little puppy in a dark alley and he takes a liking to the puppy also. She is so caring and even taking them to the vet.

Love the turmoil and how things have solutions.

Like decorative and very festive settings throughout this book.

Great story.

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

 

Book Review:

  

 

101 Puberty Questions for Christian Girls: A Playful, Faith-Inspired Guide for the Journey Through Her First Period, Moods, Hygiene & Body Changes to Help Her Navigate Puberty with Peace & Courage by Nurtis Publishing

Just from the chapter listings I wish I had this book when we went to view the movie at school at night when I was a young girl. So many things were not even covered back then.

Educational, informative, easy to understand book for girls.

Love backup plans for when the unexpected occurs and what you can do about it.

Love sketches on the pages and how the girls are portrayed, so real.

Book also includes sections on God's part in all the changes to the young body.

Easy to follow and straight forward for the young girls to understand.

Love that the pages can be colored as they are sketches.

How to take the hits when others know you are having a bad day and how to conquer those. Couldn't believe it also talks about estrogen and the part it plays in all the changes. I never recall even hearing some words when I went through the changes some 60 years ago.

Great book for any young Christian girl.

 

Oct 27 The Cowboy's Long Lost Christmas Bride by Megan Crane

  

 

The Cowboy's Long Lost Christmas Bride by Megan Crane

This story follows Dallas. His mom and his father's other wife Peyton and Jenny. The women have formed a bond and want their children to know one another as they share the same father.

Dallas is back to prove to himself and others that he can make a go of things. He's done with the military and has skills now and works to renovate the lighthouse into a B&B.  His mothers send a postcard for market research to his wife in Georgia.  

Dallas had met Ruth in Georgia at boot camp: Fort Benning, where our son also had his boot camp. They met, fell in love and got married. He went overseas and she got small jobs and also tended to her grandmother who had raised her. She watched her parents  die but she was lucky to live. Ruth had been in a car crash with her grandmother and she  succumbed to her injuries. The rest of her family just wanted everything they could get their hands on. Ruth wasn't even sure who anybody was. She went through items and found post card and knew she just had to go but she wasn't sure hy.

She shows up on a snowy day at the lighthouse and he knows exactly who she is but doesn't let on that he knows her, at all. She has no clue who he is.

She is still able to knit and crochet and works wonders with yarns and the colors at the local yarn store. He had introduced her to his family years ago but she doesn't remember so he shows her around again.

We find what happened to make him leave... Adult situations.

He brings it up to her when she realizes he knows her and they get into deep discussions. He's not sure it will work because of the past and what she wanted...

Interested take on the whole family. It feels so out of place to me growing with with both parents. Can't fathom what they've had to go through to know their father had two families, sometimes having kids from both women at the same week.

Love the descriptions of the town and festivities. Great holiday read.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Oct 29 A Yuletide Bride for the Highlander by Gerri Russell

  

A Yuletide Bride for the Highlander by Gerri Russell

This story starts with Sorcha and her and her friend are separating so the thieves don't catch the both of them. They do find her and snatch her mothers necklace from her body, along with the knife she was given. Her friend takes care of her and her laird are seeing that she pays her families debt. She is being sent to another castle where Gavin lives. He will never forget what her family did to his family. She had actually shot him, not knowing who he was. She is treated as a servant there and she soon has bleeding hands from the harsh chemicals and so much cleaning that she does. One night she hears him trying to tend to his wound but with only one arm as she shot the other she offers her help to him and she's gentle. He notices her hands and now she will be doing light chores. He fancies her and they have a chat about her brother. He will see to it he has his fair day at court. She is able to attend along with Gavin and he's so protective.  Love the gift he offers her, never saw it happening and hapy for the ending. Love this series. A bit of everything for anybody. Such a fresh look at life back then. Can't wait for the next in the series.

Especially LOVE how she decorates for the holiday with just such simple things.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.

 

Book Review: Pink Coral Island by Josie Riviera

  

 

Pink Coral Island by Josie Riviera

In this story we find Jenny and she's returned to the island she grew up on with her friend Maria.  

Jenny can't believe that her long lost boyfriend is there, 10 years later. He's running the hotel that is being renovated and where she and Maria will be working.

Misunderstandings have kept them apart for ten years. Love how they are able to catch up along with his son.

Like how things go but then problems at the hotel go so far wrong, fires, arson, etc and they can't figure out who's doing it.

They get help from Christopher's military buddies and they take control over the hotel renovations to get it up and running.

Love all the animal life and sea life and flowers around the island. So laid back but still active.

Love time Jenny and Christopher get to talk to one another about things in the past. She can't figure out why he even had children when he never wanted them. Love how smart the boy is.

Love learning about the Gulliah community and how much a part they play on the island the ancestry, traditions, spirituality, cusine and so much more.

Such a beatufiul story and so happy to learn how to make a towel animal. This will be priceless to have my grandson make one.

Instructions are included at the end of the book along with an excerpt from Aloha  from the author. super love finding out more about the tribe from the author and she's visited the island off the coast of SC. Love learning new things!

 

Book Review: American Mahjong for Beginners by Nora Whitwell

  

American Mahjong for Beginners by Nora Whitwell

Love this book and the layout as it tells you how to play the game of American Majjong and how to do better with things they teach you.

I never knew about the sets and what they really mean and how important some are over others. There are also question and answers during the chapters to make sure you are still learning.

Some apps I play online do not offer all the ones listed. 

I find game soothing and calming so I play it before bed every night. Didn't realize Craks are called Characters using Arabic numberals. Think I'd love the game playing in person rather than in an app as it has to much more strategy involved. 

Great reference book to keep handy til you 'get it'.

 

Book Review: RV Camping Across the USA for First-Time RVers: The State-by-State Guide with

 

 

RV Camping Across the USA for First-Time RVers: The State-by-State Guide with Handpicked Campgrounds, Scenic Route Plans and Must-Know Tips for a Smooth Season on the Road by Ryan and Claire Hudson

We have often thought of renting or buying an RV and driving the country, especially the places we've yet to visit.

Love layout of this book and how it's so resourceful. Everything you need to know is in this one book. It explains how to change plans due to one circumstance or another and still keep on track.

Love that it's based on each state in the US, yes even Alaska and Hawaii.

Focus on places I've been in the car and didn't realize there were so many campsites for RV's.

I did chose RI as we used to live there and found the information very current and up to date. Love maps that show the campsites as to where you are heading to, so you can pick the closer one. Yellowstone has always been a favorite for me to visit. The Wyoming map shows the Yellowstone and also the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and so many other interesting locations to visit. There is an app for this also, more in the book.

Like sections at the end where you can track your progress and a journal of sorts when planning a trip.

Super Keeper!  Keep this book handy, take it with you.

 

Book Review: The Weekend Woodworker's Project Bible by Clay Brennard

  

 

The Weekend Woodworker's Project Bible by Clay Brennard

This book is the best one I've read ever. It explains about all the tools you might need and the parts of them and what each and when to use a certain one. Love the introduction as it has so much information about what to wear, how to work in the space you have, upgrade lighting, ventilation, tools and so much more. Love the part about elarning from your mistakes.

love working with my hands, even while doing knitting or cooking.

The tools you might need and when to use each: hand saws, circular saws, jigsaws measuring tools mard marking tools, drills, drivers and bits, clamps, sander, planes and chisels , hammer, mallet and screwdrivers. You won't need all these for your first project so don't buy them all right away.

I suggest reading through the whole project chapter a few times to see how involved of a project it will be with the tools you have on hand. Once you find the project, figure out the time you will need, a few hours a few times a day might do it if you're free.

Love section on wood and the differences between them all. 

This book is such a super book to keep handy.

Like how the projects are laid out: title with summary of the item. Tells you what skills you will be using and hwo to do them.

Project specs, specification details, lever of difficulty: estimates active working time, additional time for drying, etc, estimated budget, finished dimensions, main techniques, main materials and what tools you will need.

More details as you move along: cut list of wood along with important notes along the way. There are also sections about strength you use while using tools. After the assembly there are steps about what went wrong and how to fix them. Inspection list is not that long but they matter. SO many solutions to problems that might arise.

Variations are available and the author tells you how to achieve those.

Bonus material is available by scanning QR code at the end of the book.

SUPER KEEPER, keep this one handy. 

Book Review: Adams Time Chart Visual Study Guide by Samuel Westbridge

  

 

Adams Time Chart Visual Study Guide by Samuel Westbridge

Biblical genealogy. Author combines biblical chronology, historical scholarship and 19th century judgements. Besides the timelines there are links in the book that you can click on to listen to an audio clip.

Like that so many things intersect with others.  So many pictures and explanations of things on the screen. How to use the chart is explained in detail.

References at the end: Glossary, find familiar name or subject to start.

Found a lot of things I wanted to find out more about from the list included at the end.

Original chart is 27 inches tall and unfolds to 23 feet. Originated in 1871.

Like example they use Rosetta Stone to hear about all the connections from empires.

Educational, fun, entertaining when reading and figuring things out with others. 

Book Review: Chair Yoga for Weight Loss Chart Book by Maggy Loren

  

 

Chair Yoga for Weight Loss Chart Book by Maggy Loren

 Starts with steps to take in easy to understand format with pictures.

 Most important are practice safely tips, seating positions, healthy weight loss, 1- min daily practice, .

Like the step by step pictures along with the words to explain what is going on with each movement. Such easy steps to do and energizes your body to want to do more.

Each day targets a different part of your body. As the days go by your will be moving more of your body at the same time. Build up to it.

28 days of exercises so when you finish them just start over. Free printable bonuses re included at the end. Other works are listed with variations of chair yoga.  What a great book especially because the winter colder months are approaching and you still have to keep active, even if you stay inside. Do it safely and have fun with it. Invite a friend over also.

Excellent book, keep this one near a chair to do daily. 

 

Book Review: The Butter Candle Cookbook for Beginners by Carys Winslow

  

 

The Butter Candle Cookbook for Beginners by Carys Winslow

Was recently given a lot of candlemaking supplies and have no idea what to do with them. This book is going to be fantastic for me!

Love intro in this book: read a few chapters before you even buy anything.  Love reading about safety, a must read!

Like how they explain what can happen, bad things and how to correct them. You will already have a lot of things you may need in your kitchen. Love the things to buy and those to avoid buying, and why.

Never heard of dipping bread into the butter from the candle. this is going to be a fun venture, especially with the holidays coming up.

Love the different combinations of herbs and spices.  Easy recipes with just a few ingredients. SO many follow the step by step instructions to get it right the first time. 

Don't worry there are fixes for the messes you make also.

There is even nutritional information included with the recipes: calories, fat, sat fat, carbs and protein and sodium.

Nice charts at the end showing sizes of butter, wicks, times and how long it keeps. Butter conversions are also included: temperatures, lengths and recipe cards per holiday. The scents of the herbs and spices together are phenomenal.  References listed  at the end along with links to get printable gift tags, labels, etc for the jars.

Great resource book. 

Book Review: KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Cookbook for Beginners by Billy Short

  

 

KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Cookbook for Beginners by Billy Short

What I like about this book is the simplicity of it. Starts with what the Kitchaid system is all about.  Love that the attachments help with the customization of the flavors and techniques used. There are so many varieties I can't wait to try a lot of them.

Have memories of churning the ice cream with rock salt when we were very young. Now the machine does all the work for you.\ Tips on creamy texture,  balancing sweetness, flavor and smoothness.

Classic recipes start with a title, short intro, servings, prep time, and cook times. List of ingredients are short, only 5-6 for some of the classic ones.

Instructions are included and as a bonus nutritional per serving: calories, protein, carbs, fat and also includes chef's tips.

Not sure if these recipes work in other ice cream makers but it'd be worth a shot.

Tips for hosting a  party: how to set up with a theme, small portions and so many more helpful suggestions. Love vegan selection, etc.; something for everybody.

There are 80 recipes! Substitution list is also included at the end with a lot more tips to make things go smoothly. Food safety and storing tips are useful. Includes everything you need to know about.

Excellent resource book to keep handy. 

Oct 20 Rosamond Cadden (Daughters of the Armistice Book 1) by Hannah Byron

  

 

Rosamond Cadden (Daughters of the Armistice Book 1) by Hannah Byron

This story starts out with Rosamond and she is ill. She started taking a medication and it helps but then there's some parts that she has side effects so it doesn't help. She was a writer and since the time that she found out her husband was not coming home from the war and she had other health problems as well.

I love how a lot of other people from the family come into play in this book. Elle was the driver that had picked him up and transported him from one location to another and when there were no places for him to go she nursed him herself. I like how we also hear from Madeline and her family and their part in the war and how they help the soldiers that are still alive.

The birthday parties, the celebrations at Christmas and family get-togethers are just so beautifully written about. They remind me of our family gatherings as sometimes they are very crazy and lots of laughter.

 I especially appreciate all the information from the author at the end about certain things that happened in the story and why they were written in that way. The author has really put a lot of research and time into this book to make sure it comes out right.

I am not familiar with Downton Abbey but it's nice to learn the sequence of authority in a house. Love how everyone plays a part in the running of the house. Love the sections about the horses especially velvet.

Can't wait to read more from this new series as I am familiar with the characters. Just during a different time frame.

It's more of a story for me now.

 

Oct 22 The Cowboy and the Rodeo Queen by Leah Vale

  

 

The Cowboy and the Rodeo Queen by Leah Vale

The story starts out with Eleanor (EL, Elle) and she's on her way back to the family ranch as she has been blacklisted 

at her theater job in Los Angeles California. She thinks her father may be ready for retirement and she'd like to 

become the new manager of the ranch. When her car dies she's lucky that Beckett is the one who stops to help her. 

They had a misunderstanding while they were dating and he left the area to go do the rodeo and she headed down to Los Angeles to prove she could make something of herself. He fills her in on things that are happening around town as he delivers her back to the family ranch which he is training to be the new manager for the ranch. He has some news from his doctor that he doesn't share with anybody.

He had a rough upbringing because his mother didn't make a lot of money so he didn't have a lot of things that normal people would have had. Grandmother has decided Elle and Beck will categorize all of her ornaments  and she puts the 2 of them together in the rustler ranch

house which is haunted with ghosts. This comes at a good time because even though it's a Christmas story Halloween is just around the corner so it kind of combine it both together. There are some strange things that do happen.  Twists and turns along the way. There are adult situations. I love that there are so many different age groups encompassed in this book and everybodys issues and solutions. Love hearing all about the decorations and how many trees they have in their house. I like how it ends; I never saw it happening that way. Great

story.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.

 

Book Review: Christmas on Goose Island by Laurie Beach

  

 

Christmas on Goose Island by Laurie Beach

This story follows Dottie and her family. She works in the food truck business til the accident. She also has premonitions of when her life will end even the exact time. It's around Christmas so she doesn't plan too much. Her daughter is getting married in CA and her other daughter went there to visit with them.

Dottie has a love interest through a dating app and she's not sure it's the police man that is her friend.  Love the surprises in this one, the big family celebration, long lost relative, her premonition.

Love how this all plays out and that we can catch up with the relatives and other town folks. Great holiday read.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.

 

Oct 15 The Cowboy's Christmas Twins by Melinda Curtis

  

 

The Cowboy's Christmas Twins by Melinda Curtis

Like this book but not how Colt found out hie was the father of twins.  Like how it all plays out. 

Josie allows the boys to spend time with him as he renovates her  antique shop that she needs to get in order and stocked. He's even offered her all of the stock he has in his barn. Like safety measures he takes with the boys.

Love the intervention with the grandmother, she speaks her mind and makes them come to their senses.

He only plans to stay til Jan 1 then back to the rodeo...

He has the opportunity to appear at an event for the rodeo even though he told everyone he would be staying until January. He wants the boys to have a Christmas that they will remember forever: the best Christmas ever because he know how it was to not have the best growing up.  He knows it will break her heart again. He's not so sure he wants to tell her..

Like how this all comes together at the end... Great read.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.

 

Oct 23 A Date with Santa by Debbie Macomber

  

 

A Date with Santa by Debbie Macomber

This story starts out with Sage and she's talking to her sister Saffron about watching Ricky her son because she's been deployed to a hurricane disaster area to help them, for the whole month of December. Sage has a huge opportunity to win the companies contest and become the person to take over for the president who's leaving. She has to really dedicate herself a lot more to accomplish this, Taking care of Ricky will make it a lot more difficult as he has to be picked up from daycare at a certain time of the day just right after she leaves work. Her parents are on a cruise that they've been planning for years so they will be no help. So Ricky arrives from a plane ride from Chicago and Sage is there for him. Through thick and thin. He educates her on what is not healthy for his body, a lot of the take out food that she eats will have to be physically made like his mom does. Saffron is also able to call and talk for a few minutes at the end of her day and to say good night to Ricky. Love the small little moments they share. Ethan also works with Sage and he's out of the picture after a miscommunication while seeing one another. They pick up the relationship but she doesn't have much time unless they also take Ricky which works out great because eh has siblings that have kids his age. Love how this story evolves through the time and love the cherish the family time.

Great holiday read, has everything for a celebration, family food and laughs.

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

 

Oct 11 Lost Voices: The Death of Blackbeard by David R. Leng

  

 

Lost Voices: The Death of Blackbeard by David R. Leng

Like how this book starts out with the facts of Israel Hands and how he was pardoned. but that's not the end, only the beginning of the book.

Starts when Sarah in 2019 is handed some treasures form the nearby waters below. Sarah took the bag that held the book and had to do some magic to get the words to come out of the paper. She was familiar with Israel and the legend of Blackbeard and the local waters where he sailed.

Story then goes back to the days when Blackbeard sailed the seas in 1717.  Israel was afraid of Edward because they had spent much time together and at times not even talking. They enjoyed the quiet moments but the expressions on his face told him what Blackbeard was really thinking.

I don't know much about Blackbeard so it was an interesting entraining read for me.

Throw in lots of sea travel and ports up and down the coast and very descriptive details of meetings and skirmishes. He had even held up harbors where he kept the ships hostage from coming or going til he was paid a ransom. He'd ask for medicine. Love the scenes where he also asked the ones who ran the area who was paying what and for which product they'd sell. He'd also learn where it was you coudl get more money from the product. They were so informative.

Finally the governor stated he'd give past pirates a pardon so the ships sailed to that port and they got pardoned.  Problem was the enemies still wanted their revenge so they were not out of the woods yet.

Israel had to testify and the court had the ships log book to compare notes with. He'd learn his fate soon as others were asked questions. He had just wanted to disappear with the knowledge he held secrets to where the treasures were really buried. Still unsolved adventures but no trail.

Liked this story as lost voices and can't wait to read more from this series, as stand alone books.

References from others are listed at the end along with the authors literary changes and why.

Listing of other works the author is working on are also include at the end.

 

Oct 7 A Killer Day in Paradise by J. C. Kenney

  

 

A Killer Day in Paradise by J.  C. Kenney

This story follows Elmo who's relocated to Paradise and he likes to help others out. He's dressed up as the Santa for the day and at the very end a little girl comes up and wants her father for Christmas this year. He listens to the two girls and understands the reason the father left town in a hurry.

It is about a murder that occurred and there are many suspects from months ago but no killer yet.

He gathers his friends together for a pot luck meal at his new location and they love being right on the beach.

They all vow to help him out and give him clues that he follows up on.

Love the team effort as he visits various locations around town and even with the help of the police. Sometimes people tell him a simple thing and nobody else can twist it like Elmo to find the read truth. Elmo even finds a few that confess to the original murder.

Word on the street is that the father is still around, just in hiding til things cool down.

Such a colorful bunch of friends he has, even a werewolf or vampire an that kind of thing spices up the book making it funny at times.

Love how he recreates the scene of the accident gone wrong and so many other angles are now front and center.

Love the ending, never saw it being solved.

Can't wait to read more from this series. Just a carefree life that gets turned upside down from time. Lovely beach read. First time author for me, very descriptive, at times I felt as if I was right there also.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Bookfunnel and this is my honest opinion.

   

Oct 6 Code Blue Christmas by Jillian David

 

 

 Code Blue Christmas by Jillian David
This story starts with Reggie. He and Princess, his sled dog are on their way to the vet when the dog leash gets out of Reggie's hand heads to a woman carrying a bag. Things get crazy and  Reggie escorts the woman to the side of the building to safety so she won't fall.   He can't believe it's April the woman who Made it possible for him not to finish medical school.
She realizes who it is also and informs him it was his fault he failed not hers. They end up going to the veterinary place and  Alice gets her act together to start examining the animals in the waiting room.
Reggie thought he would be going to visit with the father not the daughter of the veterinary. She's very thorough in her examination of the dog.  Reggie is training to be in the Adirondack by doing shorter races with his sled dogs.
I loved learning so much more about sled dogs And how they all survive out there.
The matchmakers have noticed them and arranged for them to do together more community service events during the Christmas holidas.
She was a big hit was letting the kids use her stethoscope.  Reggie was a big hit with his knowledge of the sled and sled dogs. 
They really make a good team to. He finally realizes the information she had given him about his dog was right on and his dog has cured 3 weeks later.  
Reggie invites her to his cabin to do a visit with the dogs to make sure they are still in line for the race.
The weather has turned drastically cold and icy and he tries to contact her to tell her not to even come because the driving is horrible.
Reggie has background where he had to leave Medical school and he also donated bone marrow and he's racing the dogs for his brother.
She also has things hidden too. She was once married: she also has a weight problem and her father tries to help her by not indulging her wishes for food.
She remembers all the past comments about her weight. She also is torn about taking over for her father's vet business or going to a place where she thinks she would do a lot with the knowledge that she has.
You wonder at what point are these adults going to get together or are they just gonna divide and conquer their own goals.
Really like hearing about the weather up there the location it just sounds so beautiful all that white.
Great read I like hearing about this region especially and about the sled dogs.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Whispers of Maple Memories in Sweetwater Springs by Josie Riviera

  

 

Whispers of Maple Memories in Sweetwater Springs by Josie Riviera

In this story we find Nora, the assistant librarian caught up with a local mystery. There are recipes and clues. Others help her locate the information that deals with the maple woods. 

LOVE hearing about the western states and how they make maple syrup. It's a bit different than here in the northeast.

This is the first book of the series I've read and I feel as if I don't have all the information on the characters. I should've read book 1 first.

There is some turmoil also with Nora and her ex boyfriend Elliot. He had just up and left and she has no idea why. Love the explanation he has when he does return. She needs to be a bit more trusting.

He helps her with the mystery and they present the findings to the town council at the meeting. Others were involved as they stole the paperwork from the store and confessed.

Other characters are a bit shady at times and there is more about them in the next book in the series.  MORE mysteries around the tonw. Nora and others are just the right ones to solve it. Very descriptive details.

Light read and love all the talk of the foliage and festivities around autumn.

 

Book Review: Carrigan Christmas Reunion by CJ Carmichael

  

 

Carrigan Christmas Reunion by CJ Carmichael

This story starts out with Wren and she's coming home for the holiday. Her fiancée to be, Adrian will be arriving by Christmas Eve for the family reunion. An old friend, Harrison picks her up at the airport as her sister's baby is sick.

She finds her relative is sick in bed with a pregnancy, everybody else is busy, so busy no one has made any food to eat or decorate or bake cookies. An aunt is also in the hospital. She knew just the story to read to her aunt, Little Women, a treasure.

This is the first book in the series I've read and I enjoyed it immensely because it has a lot of different characters, different age groups and it's the holidays. So when Wren arrives home. She helps Harrison make cookies for his mother's society group because she is away in Denmark. They not only make the cookies but then her aunt in the hospital passes away. Christmas morning she helps him serve the meal to the homeless people along with putting the treat of the cookie near each table. He has been there for her through her time back home. When he asks about her boyfriend he is shocked to know they have broken up. Relocating to California for his dream college and she hopes to stay in Montana to get her degree and be able to teach. Be a lot closer to the family then.  Before she knew what happened the house inside and out was decorated, the porch, cookies baked, etc.

Love the moments they get to spend with the children playing Hide and Seek before the meal. That's kind of sad when she didn't feel as if she didn't fit in with the adults nor the children but then Harrison comes and they sit together.. At the end of this book there are a lot of choices... There is another excerpt from this series about her twin sister Portia.

 Good Christmas holiday read

 

Oct 1 MOTE: SCIFI ADVENTURE SERIES (THE DAVORIN MOTE CHRONICLES Book 1) by STEVEN DECKER

  

 

MOTE: SCIFI ADVENTURE SERIES (THE DAVORIN MOTE CHRONICLES Book 1) by STEVEN DECKER

This book starts out with Davorin and he's just coming out of his vacation time and they are ready to go full steam forward into space. Love learning about the paths they can use through the stars.

The author has such an imagination with all the space out there, planets, galaxies, sun, and stars and so much more.

Creo I could relate to: although AI bot they also had a bit of humor and always 6 steps ahead of Davorin, always so prepared with events and solutions.

Love how he just shows up with the world leaders and the message he has for them, they can hear it in their own language. Wish this book was real because it would end all wars as we know them. The big leaders do go along with the plan, they can gain further years, if they give up some of their nuclear arms.  The people must also vote on the idea.  Tings become real when he introduces his family and at the head of state dinner his son is accidentally shot and it's dire.

He is rushed back to the center where he is put into a special machine to help him heal. There is also another man shot but he can withstand the wait til the machine is clear for him to recuperate with only 80% memory left. Love the girl that capture Davorin's attention and how preceptive she is with her questions of him.

Lots of action, high technology, adventure, mystery, sci fic atmosphere, and so much more to captivate you into reading and following along with this book.

Another installment of the series will be available soon as the saga continues.

Great read.

 

Book Review: Amigurumi Projects Bible by Maris Bellamy

  

 

Amigurumi Projects Bible by Maris Bellamy

This is the Bible of all bibles to have. It includes everything you need so you can make these little creatures and little things just with a crochet hook and yarn. The yarns are explained the hooks are explained the stitches are explained just get going and get started. Everything is so well laid out in this book. Starts with a picture of the item in the pattern. Everything is included with special notes, stitch used, size of hook, etc

Actually how to start and all the way through to the end is included.

There are special features inside that tells you if you want a round circle how many stitches to put on and how to work the pattern if you

 want an oval item it tells you how to start that and increase it in a certain manner to make it. The same with the square or a triangle everything is in this book. I have never seen such a book. This is an awesome book to keep handy great references. I can't wait to get started on a few already. They show you how to make the stitches also. Everything has diagrams, pictures,  words to help explain what you are doing.

 

Children's books sept 29

  

 

Bee Kind, Little Bees: Bee Kind, Bee Gentle, Bee Respectful (Bee Lollie's Littles Lessons Book 1)

AA Ouilmette

In this story bee Lolli is walking around the garden where she has planted vegetables. There are other little bees helping out also and they start throwing fruit at each other. Things get a bit wild and one of them get hurt. Bee Lolli has to tell them to be respectful and they can play again. Cute story children's colorful educational

 

 

Sweet Baby Halloween: A Rhyming Book for Little Girls & Boys by Victoria Scudder

Colorful, rhyming, children's, educational book about Halloween. The problem with this book is I was not able to view any of the pitures after page one. Tried different methods and different programs and none of them worked. The pictures must be too high quality for my computer and tablet.

 

Children's books read Sept 28

  

 

My Crazy: Halloween by Bella Dale 

This is a middle grade chapter book about the week before Halloween. The girl lost her dog actually it was her dad that tied him outside the pizza place and stayed in there a little bit too long and the dog ran away. She puts up signs all over the neighborhood and her friends are. She goes to her grandmother's house the day before Halloween to do grand. I love that phrase and I can imagine the chores that I would give to my grandson for Grandma work. They had a good time she entered a Halloween costume party and was singing in the talent show just such good. When she arrives home she decides to go look in the lost woods for her dog. She finds a surprise there and then her father follows her and they are all surprised by the cold icy Wind blowing so hard that only 2 of them could fit in the tent the dog and the girl. Poor dad. When they arrived back home her girlfriend shows up with a bucket of candy that all of her friends collected for her plus the pizza slices because she missed the party everyone else had gone home early because of. It was a very magical kind of story really enjoyable. Also has pictures throughout the book of the scenes that are being described.

 

 

 

The Little Fish Who Got Lost in the Sea by Nancy Khalif

This is a rhyming, children's, colorful book about a little fish who was always by his mother's side.  One day he decides to go exploring by himself and he meets a lot of different fish. Most are very friendly to him. Until he meets the big shark who wants to eat him. He escapes and then he gets help from a turtle and other creatures to help hide him so the shark won't eat him. He does eventually find his way home and his mama is waiting for him. He won't leave her side anymore. Cute story.

  

 

Jack-a-Roo Misses Mama (Jack-a-Roo's Adventures Book 2) by Angela Radzevich

Colorful, rhyming, children's book about jack-a-roo the rabbit. His mother leaves to do chores in town and he goes into the fields to play with his friend. He sees a lot of different things and they are explained in the pictures and the words.  He starts feeling sad at the end and his friends come to play with him. He was just not used to his mother being gone so long. But he's happy to find her waiting at home when he returns. Cute story.

 

 

The Naughty Little Baby Elephant: The Naughty Little Baby Elephant What is the Baby elephant up to ? Let's find out. by Ami Bhagat

This is a colorful, children's book about a baby elephant and he leaves in the morning and finds some children to play with at the park. Julie and the big elephant come looking for baby elephant and the kids have told him yes they saw him and played with them and he went somewhere else. They are on the track of finding him.  A huge trunk is sticking out of the bushes. The baby elephant really just wants to play, he wants to make a castle out of sand. Kind of a silly book for kids.

 

Book Review: The Amish Method Survival by Aden Brown

  

 

The Amish Method Survival a 4 level resillence protocol for apartments by Aden Brown

What I enjoyed about this book was the ability to survive but doing what you are doing. It's a start with recycling and how you prepare food, shop and handle utilities.

This book will lead you to do the framework of setting up a system that you can rely on when times get hard or you lose electric for a few days or weeks.

Love the parts about food because we harvest our crops and store them in jars for the winter months.  I know some preparedness skills from others where they store cans by wiring dates on top for when they need to be used. store new things in back and use from the front of the shelves.

I like how the book is laid out by levels. Appreciate the chore of figuring out how much space you really have that is useable for storing of foods and toiletries.

Under the back, tops of closets, etc. It's not livable space but is great for other storage. We use mylar bags already and we food save our foods in the freezer with dates on them already.

Lots of practical information in this book. 30 Day plan is included.

Great reference book to keep handy.