Dec 5 Book Review: The Christmas Cottage by Jane Porter

  

 

The Christmas Cottage by Jane Porter

This book has something for everyone: history, architecture, romance, Christmas, travel, mysteries and holiday fun for all.

This book starts out with Ella as she lands In England to visit with her sister during the Christmas holidays. Ella is finishing up her PhD soon and wants some quiet time to herself while celebrating with her sisters family.

She is taken aback when she sees Baird is the one picking her up.  He was the best man at her sisters wedding in the US and she was his counterpart.  Baird is family lawyer mostly dealing with high end divorces. Things happen that you get a vague idea about the past as they spend together we learn more about the circumstances at the wedding. They are both physically drawn to one another, not just physically and know they can never be together.

Love all the ages of the characters and hearing of their problems and how they are resolved.  So much to learn from this story:

travel throughout England to various locations, even comes with travel guide information of what to go see, Scottish traditions,

intelligent conversations about writers sch as Jane Austen and philosophers, shopping at the local shops. Love hearing of the history and architecture and past centuries,  and festive decorations, even simple walks outside with the dogs are refreshing.

Love family members that take over the kitchen to make their own holiday favorites-this sounds just SO fun. Enjoy learning how to make the Eton Mess dessert dish and playing cards, games, puzzles and the mystery behind Alec's troubles.

Surprise when Ella shows her mad crazy side, wicked so good! Love small things Baird does through others that really put a smile on Ella’s face.

Super love all the support, couldn't even imagine this!  Last book gave me the holiday spirit back after decades of not even putting up the tree. enjoying this year, I have the faith again, thanks to this author. A KEEPER for me!

Love finding out what is in store in the next book.

Can be read as a stand alone.

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

Dec 5 Book Review: Insta-Knits for Baby by Melissa Leapman

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Insta-Knits for Baby by Melissa Leapman 

Starts with index where it shows the finished- projects and where you can find the instructions and how to make them.

Love that each section has timed projects included within. Very helpful if you know you only have a certain amount of time to complete a project.

Each project starts with a title, color photo is shown,  pattern lists measurements, materials, gauge, notes on  special stitches, how to assemble are shown with pictures.

Love the short but the longer patterns as well.

Such cute and colorful projects for babies. Charted patterns are also included.

 Love some patterns that could be used in an afghan. Resources are listed as well as abbreviations and glossary of chart symbols, techniques,  and basic knit stitches explained with pictures, author resources and so much more.

A KEEPER!

Globe Pequot, Stackpole Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

#InstaKnitsforBaby #NetGalley.

Dec 5 Book Review: Cocoa's Christmas Love by Josie Riviera

 

 
  

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: The Challenge by Danielle Steel

  

The Challenge by Danielle Steel

Love that this book is aobut many different families with all kinds of problems.

The ages are varied and it's cool to hear what effects them all when the kids get into a mess on the mountain. So touching that the group are there for one another.

Hate how the incidnent changed them all later, down the road.

Really enjoyed this read.

I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

 

Book Review: To Catch an Elf by Debra Parmley

 

 

To Catch an Elf by Debra Parmley

This story starts out with Marcie and she's a house/dog sitter and loves to travel from location to location. She has no family any longer.

Story also follows Zeke and his girlfriend Brittany.  He's gotten Marcie a job to watch Brittany's dog and house while they vacation in Miami.

Once Marcie arrives at the house she has a letter explaining what she must do there, take pictures of the elf doing and watching different things, according to the day it is. Brittany had entered a contest and hopes to win the big payout.

Brittany doesn't work and has everything she ever wanted, money is not a problem.

Things go sideways when Marcie notices the elf has relocated itself from the closet to where the bowls are. It really scares her out of her mind.

She is out walking Ginger the dog and starts to talk to the neighbor who's out with his dog. They like each other and start spending time together. The whole time the elf is up to other antics. Like how it all turns out and who came to the rescue. Not my typical genre but like the descriptive details and preventive measures that are taken to keep you safe.

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

 

Nov 24 Book review Redemption of a Murderer by Louise stowe-Johns

 

 

Redemption of a Murderer by Louise stowe-Johns

This is the story of Judy from a very young age. She grows up where she is in charge of her siblings as the adults are working.

Story follows her life as she met Alvin when she was in her young teens and just wants to be loved. She does everything he says and gets beaten up and abused time and again, but she likes that he stays with her.

This is a very traumatic read for me, hate when young kids are abused and this book gives you all the gruesome times. She is soon taking the fall for him ending up in jail. She goes overboard and is put away for life. While in there she has access to a chaplain who help sher and others on death row by doing fun creative things. 

There are so many transcripts of the court scenes and so much fact checking included as well as letters and other resources that are quoted.

Like how she is able to grow to understand what happened to her life and with help she can get her old self back

Received this review copy from AIA Publishing and this is my honest opinion.

 

Books read Nov 2023

   

 
 

 

 The Convenient Cosentino Wife by Jane Porter

This story starts out with Rocco and he's just buried his brother who was to wed his wife. A life gone too soon. He tends to family business. Claire leaves and she informs Rocco of the birth of her son, the rightful heir. He visits her later and find the boy a treasure. Claire is leery of his visit and wants to know what he intends.....  Love how they connect for the love of her son. Love sightseeing adventures and places they are able to visit. Things work out with them til he informs her of why he shunned her from the beginning..  They go their separate ways til she can't stand it any longer.. You wonder if they will ever come to an agreement.

Great read, love the different countries and excursions throughout.

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

     

 

Tipsy in Love by Anne Greene 

This story starts out with Charm and she's with her best girlfriend as they discuss Harry and the exciting night Charm has had. Charm thought he'd be proposing but she was wrong. She decides because it's Leap Year she can do the proposing to him.  He's a plastic surgeon teaching in Scotland for several months. She hops on an airplane and heads that way. The storm of the century hit as the plane lands. Everything is cut off via trains or planes. She is able to find transport closer to where he's staying but things don't go according to plan nor smoothly.

Love how the neighbors take her in after losing her luggage as she shows up drenched and muddy and just an overnight bag.

Love hearing of the locale and the things that make the country stand out.

Love how she talks to God to help her through the tough times and how Rick talks to God also to help him see through to the light of things going on.

Rick is the owner of the diner that she’s stranded at, him giving up his room there for her. Love the camaraderie with the four diners. 

She's knows when she’s been beat, bad and heads back home to the states. She realizes how the real gentleman is. Love the legends and history of Scotland.

Never saw this book ending as it did, wonderful story!

 

 

  

The Untold Story of Carol BIngley by Jane Hartley

This story starts out  with Carol and she works at the local Marietta pharmacy. where her spouse Frank is the pharmacist.  The story goes back to when Carol was only 16 and in high school, smart, so smart she's graduating and will be attending college. She has her whole life planned out. She starts to date Bill and she is just so in love with him. She's not sure why Beverly is always hanging around him... She is so naive and things take a turn for the worse, for her.

Ss the story goes on we learn about her life at a different college and what she has to endure. She never wants to return home but does as she's not sure what to do any longer. She was trained as an accountant and the local store needs her, yesterday. She decides to take the job and she knows her past is catching up with her, she has to tell others so they can understand.

Love how it ends, she is so brave and caring. Love what the family can do for her and how she treasures that.

Very heartbroken for her past, it could've been so much better.  Hope the story will continue on with Easter meal with the whole family.

Love all the details, now things fit into place.

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

 

Christmas Beach Wedding by Susan Sands

Love this book because it's around the holidays and it involves an older couple.

Book starts out with her daughter coming home with her boyfriend. They also invited his father.  He arrives first and she is surprised as to who he is, they have a past but agree to NOT divulge that to the young adult children.

The younger couple is really involved with one another and the parents’ realize they could become more connected if they do marry.

Love the locations and festivities and descriptions of the scenes.

So beautiful. Never realized the story would end as it did, fantastic!

Enjoy reading this author and can't wait to read more of her works. 

  

Redemption Full Circle Book 6 by Cheri Swalwell

Love everything abou this book, realistic with twists and turns.

It's a real live shooter at school and everybody steps up to the plate.

Love all the intricate details as my kids were lucky to have never experienced this.

Love that the couples in trouble are shown the path to God and how they can be saved.

Some have struggles with PTSD and I love hearing how it's handled.

Love what the family consists of, so widespread. Hope this series can continue with next generation....

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

  

  

 

Falling for You by Jessica Gilmore

Like this holiday read because it encompasses a lot of different holiday things.

Love baking and all the tips along the way, the treats sound So good.

The bachelor bake off is a good fund raiser for the town. 

Like how  Zac fits the bill.  She hadn't seen herself  falling for him. He didn't see her as his one and only either... They both are from totally different background that don't go together well...

Love the vents that take place and outcome of this story. Great read.

 

  

  

A CHRISTMAS VANISHING  by Anne Perry

In this story we find Mariah and she's traveled to visit her friend Sadie, via train schedule she had been sent. She is to spend time with her for Christmas and she's remembering their past lifes together growing up.

When she arrives Sadie is not there and her spouse has no idea when she will return. She travels to her other friends in the neighbored and finds a sister of a friend will welcome her graciously. 

She gets along just perfect and she feels very welcome. She then dives into the disappearance of her friend. After talking to many in the town she found out others have a secret involving Sadie and it's troubling to Mariah. She has many who want to help her locale Sadie and it all comes together Christmas eve. 

Clues are adding up and the people searching for her scurry through the town while it's snowing out...

Love this type of mystery and I can never guess  until it's written down. I also guess someone else.

Sad to learn the author has passed away this year, I have many of her works and can't wait to read the older ones.

Received this review copy from  Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

 #AChristmasVanishing #NetGalley

 

  

 

Choose Me, Cowboy by Barbara Ankrum

Story starts out with Candy and she's made an agreement with others, NO dating for a month. She's a laid off kindergaren teacher.

Story also follows Finn who's living in a house that another rodeo rider gave him, him and his two twin kids. They go to school during the day and because of his work he has others to watch them.

They have a past together and she has a proposition for him....

She loves redoing the house to bring it out of the 80's.

Like conflicts and hwo they are resolved, never saw it coming.

Adult situations.

 

 

 

 

18: Jewish Stories Translated From 18 Languages by Nora Gold

In this book the editor is able to get many stories from the Jewish community never translated into English.

Start of the book tells you where the stories came from and by who.  During the stories there are footnotes about particular items of interest.

The things I like best are that the Jewish were for the most part able to escape during the war and head to other countries to survive. Their struggles and obstacles and hwo they overcome them is important to me.

Some stories are very tragic, some are a windfall. Love hearing of the traditions and customs that they hope to pass down to the next generations.  There are glimpses of proverbs and other prayers.  Ends with dedication page.

References are also included at the end of the book. Section also about the author and all they stood for.

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

 

  

 Redemption of a Murderer by Louise stowe-Johns

This is the story of Judy from a very young age. She grows up where she is in charge of her siblings as the adults are working.

Story follows her life as she met Alvin when she was in her young teens and just wants to be loved. She does everything he says and gets beaten up and abused time and again, but she likes that he stays with her.

This is a very traumatic read for me, hate when young kids are abused and this book gives you all the gruesome times. She is soon taking the fall for him ending up in jail. She goes overboard and is put away for life. While in there she has access to a chaplain who help sher and others on death row by doing fun creative things. 

There are so many transcripts of the court scenes and so much fact checking included as well as letters and other resources that are quoted.

Like how she is able to grow to understand what happened to her life and with help she can get her old self back

Received this review copy from AIA Publishing and this is my honest opinion.

 

CHILDREN REVIEWS

 

Do Play with your Food by Yonit Werber

Offer of free creative kit. Rhyming colorful children's educational book about food and eating healthy.

Love that each page has not only colorful pictures but rhyming  phrases to go along with the story.

Love how kids can make animal shapes from the food they are given.

such creativity.

Love caterpillar the best because my favorite fruit is green apples, granny smith, nice and tart.

About the author is inlcuded at the end.  Really enjoyed this book. Her other works are also listed. Have read many of the authors works, great reads!

 
    
 Facts about the R eticulated Giraffe by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

    

Facts about the Gopher by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.R

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Have heard and seen these.

 

 

 

Facts about the Lacewing Butterfly by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  Very colorful.

Never heard or seen these.

 

 

Facts about the Trapdoor spider by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the spider.  

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Hairy Frogfish by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Andean bear by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the bear.  

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Electric Eels by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the fish.  

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Blue Iguana by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

 

Facts about the Horseshoe Bat by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Sand Cat by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the cat.  

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Halloween Crab by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the crab.    VERY colorful.

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Ginger cat by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the cat.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Sandhill crane by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Huntsman Spider  by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the spider.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Flying Squirrel  by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

  

Facts about the Red Bellied Woodpecker by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.   Very colorful.

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Blister Beetle by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Pancake Tortoise by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Wolf Spider by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Wood Turtle by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

 

Facts about the Appaloosa by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the horse.  

Have heard of and seen these.

Facts about the Orange Tip Butterfly by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.   Very bright colors.

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Carpenter Ant by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Have heard and seen these.

 

Facts about the Chamois by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Sociable Weaver  by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the bird.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Nimbus, the rain cloud by Sandra Barnes

Children's colorful story about the rain cloud.

Book starts with endorsements and reviews and dedication page.

Family hugs 

 

 

   

 

Facts about the Cardinal by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the bird.    My most favorite bird, easy for me to see them.

Have heard and seen these.

 

Facts about the Wallaby by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about this type of kangaroo.  

Have heard of but never seen.

 

 

Facts about the Termite by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the insect.  

Have heard of but never seen these.

 

Facts about the Cooper's Hawk  by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the visious hawk.  

Have seen these in the yard, dive bombing my sister in law and one came up onto the porch and almost got one of the little dogs.

  

 

Facts about the Warthog by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the White faced Capuchin  by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the monkey.  

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Woodlouse by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Mosquito by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the insect.  

Have heard, seen these and bitten by them.

Facts about the Western Pond Turtle  by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the turtle.  

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Cactus Wren by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the bird.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

  

Facts about the Swallowtail butterfly by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the butterfly.  

Have heard and seen these.

 

Facts about the Blue Jay by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the bird.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

 

Facts about the Blue and azure Damselflies  by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the flies.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Red Wolf by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

 

Facts about the Mayfly by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the fly.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

  

 

Facts about the Newt by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the salamander.  

heard of but never seen these.

 

 

Facts about the Marsh Frog by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the frog.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

 

Facts about the Impala by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the antelope.  

Never heard or seen these. 

  

 

Facts about the Mandrill by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the monkey.  

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Panamanian Golden Frog  by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the frog.   Very bright colors

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Titmouse by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the bird.  

have heard but never seen these.

 

Facts about the Monk Seal by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the seal.  

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Gopher by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Heard of and seen these.

 

Facts about the Zebra Shark by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the shark.  

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Tiger Shark  by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the shark.  

Never heard or seen these. 

 

 

Facts About the Dung Beetle by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the beetle.

Never heard or seen these.

 

 

 Facts about the earthworm by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the worms. Like the idea of a pet.

Heard of and seen these.

 

 

Facts about the Loggerhead Sea Turtle by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the turtle.

Heard of these and have seen them on TV.

 

Facts About the Gila Monster by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the lizard.

Have heard of these but don't recall seeing them at zoos. 

 

 

The Funny Advent Calendar 25 Days of Silly North Pole Mischief: Goofy Short Stories Christmas Book Collection for Silly Kids Ages 8-12 Who Love Holidays and Jokes  by AJ Wolski

Such fun silly short stories. They are so fun to read, read one every day with the children til the 25th of december. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. There are sketches at start of each new chapter.

 

  

 Facts about the Humboldt Penguin by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the penguin.

Never heard or seen these.

 

 Facts about the Eastern Bluebird by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the bird.

Seen these birds.

 

 Facts about the Brown Thrasher  by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the bird.

Never heard or seen these.

 

 Facts about the Blue Footed Booby by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the frog.

Never heard or seen these.

 

 Facts about the Whooping Crane  by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.

Have heard and seen these.

 

  

Facts about the Pademelon by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Crow by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the bird.  

Heard and seen these.

Facts about the  Malayan Tiger by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the tiger. 

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the White Handed Gibbon by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the ape. 

Never heard or seen these.

 

 

Facts about the Magpie by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the bird. 

Have heard but  not seen these.

 

  

 

Facts about the Praying Mantis by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the insects 

Seen these.

 

Facts about the Luna Moth by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal  Very colorful.

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Nudibranch by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed. very colorful.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the sea creature. 

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Howler Monkey by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the monkey. 

Never heard or seen these.

 

Facts about the Harpy Eagle by Lisa Strattin Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include. Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed. Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the eagle.  Never heard or seen these.

 

 

Facts about the Caribou by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Have heard and seen these.

 

Facts about the Prairie Dog by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Have heard and seen these.

 

Facts about the Tapir by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.  

Never heard or seen these.

Facts about the Bullfrog by Lisa Strattin

Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.

Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.

Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the frog.  

Have heard and seen these.

COOKBOOKS REVIEWED:

  

 

Breakfast Copycat Recipes: Making Popular Restaurants’ Most Iconic Breakfast Dishes at Home by Lina Chang 

The table of contents starts where they list the food category and which restaurants they have recipes for.

Offer of free ebook bonus.

Intro discusses the meals available and why breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish. servings, prep and cook times and colorful pictures.

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, sodium, carbs, sugar and protein.

There are quite a few i can not wait to try. some are no longer served since the pandemic so glad to be able to make them at home.

 Conversion charts are listed at the end. 

 

50 Delicious Apple Pie Recipes - Delicious Apple Pies To Make All Year Long by 

Pamela Kazmierczak

TOC lists the pie recipes not in any specific order.

Intro about the book tiself, free ebook offer.

Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish.

Most use a premade pie shell. 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 serving suggestions.

NO pictures and NO nutritional ifnormation.

Like different combinations of other fruits with apples

 

50 Delicious Apple Cake Recipes - Delicious Apple Cakes To Make And Share by Pamela Kazmierczak

TOC lists recipes is no specific order.

Intro discusses the variety of recipes available

Free ebook offer.

Each recipe starts with a title, 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.

Directions are given and has serving suggestions att the end.

 There is NO nutritional information and NO pictures.

 

CRAFTS REVIEWS

 
 

The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook How to Write Great Patterns that Knitters Will Love to Make by Kristina McGrath; Sarah Walworth

Wish I had this book when I started writing my own patterns. One of the guidelines was to follow the publication style.  Was pretty straight forward with my own personal words.

Love that this covers every single aspect of writing so the end user will NOT have a problem knitting the pattern you create.  Appreciate the symbol explanations, being blind I can't use that method myself. Every section also has Q&A.

So many examples, sketches and words that really define this book. Glossary and index makes it simple to find exactly what it is you need help with.  Excellent valuable information.

So exhilarating to create things for others to use. Feel like I accomplish something.

A KEEPER!

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

 #TheKnittingPatternWritingHandbook #NetGalley.