Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Book Review: Once Upon A Christmas by Jane Porter

  



Once Upon A Christmas A Love at Langeley Park Romance by Jane Porter
This story starts out with a dedication page then the story.
Cara is heading to England for the Christmas holiday as her brother and wife with new babies can't make the trip.
She had a recent engagement breakup and is tired of the family doting on her about it.
Nothing goes right when she arrives, no place for her, mix-up so those in charge let her stay at the family home where they are giving holiday tours.
When the owner Alec shows up he's in a bad mood after driving and no one to keep things in order so he has to do it. They move Cara then to another cottage, just renovated but that ends after one night.
Her vacation is turning out to be nothing of the sort. I really haven't liked England romance books but this one has changed my mind because of the things that happen, the thoughts and the spark they create and especially the memories they create by visiting many places.
Love hearing of the games they play, how they are played and the decorations, walks, bar and places to eat and explore. There is so much there to marvel at for me.
They both know it has to end and she's only got a few days left before she heads back to the US.  He will head back to London but she has opened his eyes about his relatives and he is so ever thankful for it.
We learn of her past with her fiancĂ©e and his past with his wife and then a woman a few years later that doesn’t pan out. Like relatives, they are so down to earth although they are elderly.
So many twists and turns and she leaves to go home. He is so lost without her and gets on a plane and tries to track her down....
Love how they talk about the important things in their lives that matter, compassion and devotion.
Another book in this series will come out at Christmas 2023.
Acknowledgements and other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with upcoming releases and about the author finish this book. X read for me, haven’t celebrated the past several years and this will be the year we put up the decorations again – thanks to the author for bringing back the spirit for me.

 
 

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Book Review: Christmas In The Air by Josie Riviera

  


 

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.

 

Monday, October 24, 2022

Book Review: How to Fall in Love: A Novel by Dalma Heyn, Richard Marek

 


How to Fall in Love: A Novel by Dalma Heyn, Richard Marek 


Starts with dedication page then the story.

He contemplates his next story and the research he plans to travel to Germany  and learn about cars.

He gets a packet in the mail and calls the publisher and is informed the manuscript, the letters he will compile into a book as the owman writing it has just died.

The company needs her notarity to keep the customers happy.

Love the maple industry and how Evan seeks out Cara and they fall for one another til the Christmas diaster ...

He's back in CA and gets a note from an ex Ruth  that she's dying and needs a place to stay while in the city, he will allow her at his place.

He's not heard from Cara and is drinking heavily.

Story also follows Cara as she's recuperating in the hospital. Miracles do happen.

Like story line but not celestial intervention.

Received this review copy from The Story Plant and this is my honest opinion.


Thursday, October 20, 2022

Children's book reviewed: Oct 20

 








5 Little Dwarf Planets a rhyming solar system book
Planets are listed and how to pronounce them.
Hard to read the print as it should be more brighter font. Rhyming colorful children's book about the dwarf planets.
Interesting facts about them all even one doesn’t have a moon. Fun way to learn about them as they are different than planets we grew up with.
There are little star notations on each page with more fun facts.
Resources at the end of the book point you to other books of interest. about the author is included.
 Other works by the author are also listed.





You Must be a Witch by Stephanie Hrehirchuk
Colorful pictures of what the words are saying.
Silly book about the traits of a witch.  All things Halloween, fun read.



Cookbooks reviewed: Oct 20

  







Bread Baking Cookbook: Illustrated Bread Cookbook with No-Fuss Recipes for Perfect Sourdough Starters and Homemade Artisan Breads, Including Pizza, French Baguettes, Ciabatta Loaves and Pastry by Julia Korenivska
Dedication page, table of contents where  each chapter is broken u pinto other sections. Recipes are listed, not in any special format.
Intro discusses bread and history of it, how bread is formed, different dough mixtures,  and different knead or no knead bread tips.
Baking tips and also about sourdough,  healthy aspect vs store bought processed bread, Basics of sourdough this section walks you through all the steps along with some pictures.
Basic bread recipes section is listed where recipes start out with a title, medium size color photograph, prep cook times, servings.
 List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Step by step instructions and some nutritional facts: calories, carbs, protein, fat and sugars.
Some recipes use a TON of ingredients, be sure to have them all first.
Other recipes nutritional information may be different: calories, carbs, protein, fat, sat fat, fiber and sugar.
Basic sourdough recipes using starter mix that is also listed prior. Other forms of bread recipes are listed in last chapter.
Good book to keep handy especially with ocld winter months approaching.







A Taste of Caribbean: Traditional Caribbean Cooking Made Easy with Authentic Caribbean Recipes by Sarah Spencer
This book starts out with what is Caribbean food anyways and some KEY ingredients.
Cooking methods and equipment and tips are also listed.
Each recipe starts with a title and summary of the dish. Servings, prep and cook times. Some contain a medium size color photo.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given and some nutritional information per serving: calories, fat, carbs, sugar, protein and sodium.
Some use a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all first.
No table of contents but there are quite a few categories.
Offer of free ebook and author requests a review.
Other works are highlighted at the end.  Cooking conversion charts are also included.
Recipes in this book would be a great addition to a meal with friends who enjoy Caribbean foods.






Smart School Time Recipes by Alisa Marie Fleming
Opening notes ttart this book and how the author got the idea to write this book.
Contributers are listed and which portions they contributed to, designer of cover and editors and their sites.
Intregient notes as some recipes are nut and dairy free.
Each recip chapter starts with a title, summary and the recipes contained in this chapter.
Each recipe starts with a title, author credit and website, SOME contain a medium size color photo and summary of the dish.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some have a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
Directions are given and there is NO nutrtional information.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Servings are listed at the end.
 Lots to choose from, depenidng on your allergies this would be a great book to keep handy.
Great ideas and yet more great tips using different appliances.









Cheap and Wicked Good! Vol. 2: 5-Ingredient Budget-Friendly Recipes for Everyday Meals by Louise Davidson
Deceiving title, some have more than 5 ingedients.
TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.
Thank you gift for signing up at authors site. Discussion about being on a budget and what you should be looking for when pressed for time.
 Tips to help eat well on a budget.
What foods to watch for on sale and which items you should avoid.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep cook times and value of $
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given and some nutrtional information per serving: calories, fat, carbs protein and sodium.
There are NO pictures.
For the most part the meals are halthy, watched prepackaged items if you can use fresh, do so.
Not sure why recipes say they have 5 ingredients  when one recipe i skimmed through had  8.
Author requests a review.





The Ultimate Thai Cookbook: 111 Dishes From Thailand To Cook Right Now by Slavka Bodic
Intro talks about the book itself and the highlights of the recipes.
TOC whrere recipes are listed as meals.
More intro material about the Thai cuisine, , some color phototgraphs, history of the islands,  famous parts of the city, equipment used, .
Each recipe starts with a title, prep cook times and some nutrtional information per serving: calories, fat, protein and fiber.
Summary of the dish and List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Servings are mentioned also. Directions are given, and SOME have a medium size color photo at the end of the recipe.
Some recipes call for a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all first.
Not sure if my local store has some of the ingredinet,s might need to find a speciality store for Magnosteen fruit.
Other works by the author are highlted at the end. Lots of categories to select from.






Easy Chicago Cookbook: Authentic Chicago Recipes from the Windy City for Delicious Chicago Cooking by BookSumo Press
About the author and short intro about the book.Table of contents where recipes are listed, common abbreviations.
Each recipe starts with a title, List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
and diretions. Serving size and prep, cook total times.
Some nutrtional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol, sodium based on 2k diet.
There are NO pictures.
Like that you can make your own sauces to go with the chicken meals rahter than store bought jarred or canned.
There are NOT only chicken recipes in this book. 



Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Book Reviews: Two Books by Debra Parmley

  


 

Finding Bryce Green Brotherhood SEAL team XII book 1 by Debra Parmley
Story starts out at Chicks Sports Bar where the SEAL's hang out when  they ahve time off.
Love the banter amongst the guys and their nicknames...
Guys will attend an adult costume party.  Diesel the head of the SEALS team has found a woman he appreciates and like that she asks for what she wants.
Pippa had come from a bad marriage after her father had passed away. The spouse went to jail and now he's getting out....
Problem is Pippa is now expecting but she has NO clue who the father is.  Diesel's father confronts his son now that he's back in town after deployment
I wonder how in the world they will find one another when they don't even know about each other due to Halloween costume....
Love all the quick action and manuevers, strategies, so cool!
Great story, nice for Halloween as we are a few weeks away.
Acknowledgments and about the author ends this story. Can't wait for more.
Author's works are highlighted at the end along with upcoming books for 2023.
Excerpt from Sample Chapter: real movie hero, is included.










Saving the Belly Dancer by Debra Parmley
Book starts out with  a dedication page and the start of Shimmy Mob belly dance sisters and where the money goes that others donate.
Story starts at the wedding party and we find Cutter and his stripper as a date. He spends time with the woman in charge of the flowers , Mrs Brown, and he is knowledgeable in the nursery field.
Other guys have been with the stripper also but he hadn't known. He needs to settle down with a much higher class woman.  He has a date with his buddy and his wife to a night of belly dancers and they don't take their clothes off.
Story also follows Zarifah as her boyfriend had beat her up and others noticed all the bruises. She's teaches gymnastics to children and belly dancing. 
Love the mone that is raised is given to a woman's shelter to help them get on their feet.
They do get together after the show and they start dating, casual at first.
There is now a gun shot and the people are being shot at....
So much action, romance and true love and such good causes in the book to read about.
Acknowledgments and about the author ends this story. Can't wait for more.
Author's works are highlighted at the end along with upcoming books for 2023.
 

Oct 18 Book Review: The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber

  


The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber  
story starts out with a grandmother and she's got her two grandkids over for a few hours at night and she proceeds to tell them a story.
One is about a pastor and the other is a bartender. They each think the other has so much time on their hands and agree for a week to swap jobs.
the pastor has a sister Grace Ann who is a secretary and keeps him busy with things to do for the parish. Hank handles not only bartending but the books and scheduling.
They soon learn both jobs are not easy in any way. Granddaughter enjoys the hand holding and kissing but the grandson plugs his ears when the parts come with warning from the grandmother.
Love the charity things done to help the church with things they need. Christmas party of hookers and bikers, what a concept. 
Things you can't imagine are happening in this book.  Like how they also both find women in their lives and they wree right there all along.
Different perspectives and it's a wonder who shows up at the church service with the bartender in charge of the nights service.  Love how the community helps when needed, no questions asked.
Cute Christmas story. Love ending how everybody is discussed and what they are doing today. About the author is included at the end along with titles of her other works.
Received this review copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
 #TheChristmasSpirit #NetGalley