Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Children's books reviewed May 23

  





Facts About the Flamingo by Lisa Strattin
Have seen these on grounds of Flamingo Casino in Los Vegas, NV.
Fun, education, colorful, children's and adults book. Super fun to learn all about new creatures on our earth.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, image credits, bundle sets and TOC where chapters are listed.
So many facts about where they live, what they eat, their friends, size, and so much more.








Facts About the Goose by Lisa Strattin
Fun, education, colorful, children's and adults book. Super fun to learn all about new creatures on our earth.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, image credits, bundle sets and TOC where chapters are listed.
So many facts about where they live, what they eat, their friends, size, and so much more.
Have seen these at the beach, so many different types of them.

 
  






Look Hummingbirds by Lisa Strattin
Author other works are highlighted at the front, also voume bundles sets.
Image credits are listed. 
Fun, education, colorful, children's and adults book. Super fun to learn all about new creatures on our earth.
Facts about the hummingbirds along with a full color photo are also included in every chapter.
Large print, making it easier for kids to read, less words on the page but author gets the point across.








Facts About the Honey Bee by Lisa Strattin
We have these in our yards at times throughout the summer months as they pollinate our garden vegetables.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, image credits, bundle sets and TOC where chapters are listed.
Fun, education, colorful, children's and adults book





Facts About the Gecko by Lisa Strattin
Have seen these lizards on TV in shows.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, image credits, bundle sets and TOC where chapters are listed.
Fun, education, colorful, children's and adults book
Each chapter tells a bit about the animal along with a full page color photo.
So much to learn about all these animals that I never knew existed.
 

Friday, May 19, 2023

Book Review: The Time Peddler by Michael Mazwell

  





The Time Pedaler by Micheal Maxwell
Like style of writing with this author so didn't even go into seeing what it was about.
It's a time travel and it's in hippie years in CA. Love the old house they buy and the all the hidden rooms and treasures they find.
Chant is now in public schools so different than his last commune school. He adjusts and sets out to find out more about a letter he found. Librarian is so helpful.
He understands with the journal what the machine is all about. You peddle it, set coordinates and you're on your way. He discovers he can spend hours at a new location but really only be gone a minute from present day.
Love the research he does to decide where he wants to go....  His sister has no problem adjusting to the new life, she makes friends easier than Chant..
Love the store his parents set up, they live upstairs from that.  Especially liek the people he meets and the difference they make in the world.
Very descriptive scenes and making sense of things.
Great read, have read so many time travel it's not one of my favorite genres any longer but this book has so much more to offer the reader.
Terrifying moments when he's not at home and the saga continues in the next book...

 

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Book Review: Lost Identity by Karl Braungart

  





Lost Identity  by Karl Braungart
In this thriller spy book we learn so many techniques as to how a spy lives daily, the things they do and why.
Love the travel to not only Amsterdam but Germany and so many other locations.
Romance, travel, spies, double crossing, fast pace action, a bit of something for everyone to enjoy.
Fascinating learning of how they control him with an implant.... I can see this happening in today’s world, SO realistic.
Author totally describes the scenes and the events that take place, this would be just perfect for a movie. You can picture the scenes in your head.

 

Cookbooks reviewed: May 18

 
 





RV Cooking - Vol. 2 - : Best Road Trip Recipes for RV Living and Campsite Cooking by Louise Davidson
Starts with TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.
Free ebook offer. Intro about RV style of  travel, equipment you will need,  tips,  temperature charts for foods, .
Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish, servings, prep and cook times. most 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.
Some contain a lot of items, be sure to have them all.
Directions are given and there are some nutritional informant per serving: calories, fat, carbs, sugar, protein, sodium.
No reason why you can't sue these recipes at home.
How to cook with specific appliances/fires are also included at the end. 
A KEEPER for me, has nutr info and pictures and simple foods.






Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 1500 Days of Quick & Simple Recipes to Build Healthy Habits and 60-Day Meal Plan to Lose Weight by Darren Medina
This book starts out with TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.
Starts with what the diet is and the types of foods to eat and which to avoid, broken down into food sections.
Also has 10 tips to help you on this diet.
Each recipe starts wiht a title, servings, prep and cook times.
.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 contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
Directions are given and some nutritional information per serving: calories, protein, carbs, fat, fiber, cholesterol, sodium and potassium.
There are NO pictures. Like all the new ideas.  Meal plans are also included at the back.
Great resource book for the diet plan.

 






BREAKFAST RECIPES: 400+ EASY & HEALTHY BREAKFAST RECIPES by Nancy Kelsey
This book starts with TOC where recipes are listed, NOT in any specific order. Each recipe starts with a title and
a 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 there are sometimes a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
Variations notes are also included.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
They sometimes use prepackaged items.
Some recipe start with a title, prep and cook times and total time. There are vegan and gluten free recipes also.
Lots to choose from and not only for breakfast.


 





The Complete Baby Food Cookbook: 500 Super Easy Wholesome Homemade Baby-Led Recipes For Every Age And Stage With Meal Plans For First-Time Parents by Lucia L. Davis
This book starts out with recipes listed as complexity of ingredients of puree.
Short intro then basics of what baby needs benefits of making foods at home, what to avoid,  and potential allergies.
Recipes are broken down also by age ranges, summary of what that includes and recipes.
There are pictures of foods but NOT individual recipes.
Each recipe starts with a title and summary of the dish.
Prep, cook times, serving size and how many ounces it makes, 
List of ingredients are real products, NOT packaged.
Directions are given and there are NO pictures or nutritional information listed.
Recipes are so basic they are healthy because of the ingredients.
I'd stay away from Greek yogurts due to higher sugar content.
Like different fruit varieties in pops.   Conversion charts are also included at the very end.
Dirty dozen and clean 15 are also listed along with book index.
Exc reference book to keep handy.
 
 

 




Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome by Apicius : Apices ,imperial Rome by Apices Joseph Dommers Vehling  
This book starts with TOC where recipes are listed along with how to use the book, numbering of recipes and other information.
Each recipe starts with a title. NO real listing of ingredients but tells you what to do, with the item you need.  No measurements for adding oil, broth, wine and other fluids. same with spices, NO measurements. Tells you how to cook the dish
Not your typical cookbook by any means. Lots of fun things to read about.
No pictures, NO nutritional information.
Other works by the publishing company are listed at the end of the book.

 

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Book Review: The 1-800-Series Collection: 6 Sweet Contemporary Romances by Josie Riviera

  
 


The 1-800-Series Collection: 6 Sweet Contemporary Romances by Josie Riviera 
6 full book sin this bundle set.
...
1-800-Cupid by Josie Riviera
First time reading this author and loved all the details. Love learning about different locations in the book, felt as if I was there also!
Story starts out with Candee (works at the local hardware store) and she lives with her sister, Desiree (works at country club) and she's into real estate. She bids on the mansion at the end of the street and noone has lived in it for many years.
She hopes no one else wants to buy it-it's in Roses, NC. Story also follows Teddy and his friend (Rob) in FL and they are into helping his nephew who needs medical surgeries. Teddy meets her and expects a woman over 50 as the real estate business has been operating for over 30 years.
Candee shows other places in the area to Teddy and he shows an interest in her mansion-she thinks it's hers already. She plans to redo the place for disadvantaged children.
He and his friend hope to flip a house for a living. She is heavily into beagle dogs and volunteers also at no kill shelter. Misunderstanding and you wonder if they will ever be together again...
Lots of surprises in this book and like how they change plans and just go with things.
Love ending did NOT see that coming. Recipe at the end-another surprise!
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

...
1-800-CHRISTMAS by Josie Riviera
Book starts out with Desiree and she realizes she's overeatten near the holidays...She now owns a house that is need of repairs and is a lawyer.
Her sister, foster kids have not had a real Christmas as their parents were alcoholics. Now that her sister is married her brother in law helps with getting a man staying at the house while bringing it up to date.
Keiran shows up, an Irishman and she remembers him from high school-the rich kid. He's left his last girlfriend and hopes to work enough so he can buy and run his own store. His parents run a bar and serve food.
They spend time together as in a date after the work day has finished. Love how she sprinkles Christmas all over the house-it sounds very festive with his hel of the huge tree.
His father wanted him to pursue his football career and Keiran just wants to open his own pub and cook food. He has many special family recipes and they sound delicious.
She needs a stable guy and Keiran doens't even know if he wants to do carpentry or run the pub so she needs to set him straight...
Love baking contest they have set up in town for others to select a winner. This story can go either way with their continued relationship... His ex shows up and wants a portion of his money that she's not earned and there are other disturbing details.
When he ends up leaving town with the ex Desiree has no idea if he will even return for Christmas. She prays to God to make a miracle occur as he's the only one that can.
Bonus recipe included. Love how determined she is to make this a special Christmas.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Excerpt for 1-800Cupid is enclosed. About the author is included.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion. 
...
1-800-IRELAND: A Sweet Contemporary Romance Novella (Flipping For You Book 3) by Josie Riviera
Another great story from the author.
Have followed this series and enjoyed them all.
This one starts out with Kathleen who's relocated from Ireland to NC, a small town called Roses. She lives above her new store-a tea house serving real Irish bread to name a few items on her menu.
Candy, the one who set up the apartment and saw to all the new owners needs from the US side also has notified Rob, her friend in FL who bakes cakes and cupcakes in his own shop.
He's older and not quite the catch of the day-love this that he's just a regular guy and kinda out of shape.
kathleeen has it set in her dreams about her shop but Maureen knows she will need help. Rob needs time away from his own shop so travels there to see what it will need, in his opinion to make it a success.
He never expected to find Kathleen so charming! Like the challenge they take part it. So many lovely detailed descriptions, I can just picture it for real.
Loved hearing all about starting up the business-priceless information!
Some characters from the series make an appearance but you are given all details aobut them so you're not left in the dark.
This can be read as a standalone! Irish slang words are explained in the conversations they have.
Misunderstandings and you wonder if they will ever get back together to see if they have what it takes to be a couple.
Recipe included! Note from the author is included at the end.
Acknowledgements and about the author is included. Offer to join first readers group.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.  Excerpt from Maeve is also included.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

...
1-800-SUMMER (Flipping For You Book 4) by Josie Riviera 
This book starts out with Belle and she's in a foul mood because she has to relocate along with her business of horse lessons.
She teaches many children who are in dire need.
On the way to one of the horse lessons she notices a man at a balcony who is crying and she wants to help him but the traffic has freed up.
Megan, one of her students brings her father along and he was the man on the balcony. He is terrified of animals but the lessons are helping Megan.
When he hears they are to end he jumps at the change to help renovate her apartment and barn area so she can continue giving Megan lessons.
The rent is cheap and she can also afford the stable for their horse and her own. She relocates and he accompanies Megan often, but then there are other times He's gone for so long that she doesn't hear from him.
They start to get close to one another but when he leaves for work she has to call it off.
You wonder if they can continue with a long distance romance or just end it.
Love the treasures I found in this book: Scottish sayings, recipe, beach and horses.
Authors works are listed at the end along with an excerpt.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

...
1-800-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 crusing the dating apps... She hadn't felt her old boyfriend even listened to her.
Her first boyfrined 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.

  

Children's books reviewed: May 17

 




Facts About the Pelican by Lisa Strattin
This book starts with offer of free ebook, image credits, bundle sets and TOC where chapters are listed.
Fun, education, colorful, children's and adults book. Super fun to learn all about new creatures on our earth.
So many facts about where they live, what they eat, their friends, size, and so much more.
Have seen a few of these at the zoos and aquariums we've visited.

 


Facts About the Beetle by Lisa Strattin
Have seen beetles in the garden but not really sure which species as there are SO many of them.
Fun, education, colorful, children's and adults book. Super fun to learn all about new creatures on our earth.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, image credits, bundle sets and TOC where chapters are listed.
So many facts about where they live, what they eat, their friends, size, and so much more.






Facts About the Lion by Lisa Strattin
Have seen lions in the zoos we've visited throughout the US when traveling, never up close.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, image credits, bundle sets and TOC where chapters are listed.
Fun, education, colorful, children's and adults book. Super fun to learn all about new creatures on our earth.
So many facts about where they live, what they eat, their friends, size, and so much more.
 

 
 Facts About the Mastiff by Lisa Strattin
This book starts with offer of free ebook, image credits, bundle sets and TOC where chapters are listed.
Fun, education, colorful, children's and adults book. Super fun to learn all about new creatures on our earth.
So many facts about where they live, what they eat, their friends, size, and so much more.
Have never seen this animal but fun to learn about them.

  


 

Facts About the Puffer Fish by Lisa Strattin
Fun, education, colorful, children's and adults book. Super fun to learn all about new creatures on our earth.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, image credits, bundle sets and TOC where chapters are listed.
So many facts about where they live, what they eat, their friends, size, and so much more.
Have seen these fish in aquariums.


Monday, May 15, 2023

Book Review: The Visitor by Joanne DeMaio

  
 
The Visitor (The Seaside Saga Book 18) by by Joanne DeMaio
This book starts out with one of the crew asking for help but in his own words... he is not sure anybody can help him at all.
Love catching up with everybody who comes to Stony Point, CT. Glimpses of their past years there and the main tragic events of their lifes.
Love hearing how not only one answers the call for help but many others in their own way.
Such a tragic event, emotional, couldn't put this down til I was totally finished, was reading to fast I got it done in just a few hours.
Love the adventures, the architecture, the water, memontos of those gone who still matter and can make a difference, caring and sharing and just being there for one another.
Seeing fear and anger erupt as others rush to give hugs, and not just a short hug, hte longer ones that matter.
Summers over at the point and construction can resume. More notes of Neil's notebook, love all these gems. 
Potato on muddy pants, lobster gauge cufflink, pewter watch, all memories of many linked together.