Book Review: Holiday Hearts: Volume Five by Josie Riviera

  

 

Holiday Hearts: Volume Five by Josie Riviera

Trio of books by the same author.

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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.

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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.

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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.