Rumors by Phil M. WIlliams
Wow I was putting off reading this for so long and glad I finally started by reading just a few chapters every night.
That lasted about 3 days til I was reading 10 chapters every night til today where I just finished it off totally.
Can't fathom all the damage done to some by rumors or lies.
Relationships come from all different angles and people from all walks of life and they are not forced on you so you get to understand them a little better as they also play a part in what happens.
Felt such heartache for some and shocked at how some just were out for their own self and advancement at all costs.
Won't get into the explicit details but this is a great book that follows just a handful of people: a few teachers, a few administrators, a few parents and a few football players.
All meet everyday at the same school and we learn of all their secrets a bit at a time. Some are shared with others and some are not but they are found out...
Extremes this book goes to implement justice is beyond anything I've read in a super long time. Love how all the ends come out at the end-never saw it happening this way.
So many got so hurt or died because of rumors with wrong information being sent to others...
Love the brave and courage and those who hold true to others.
Have loved all this author has created but this now sits at the top of my list for this year as the best ever book I've read.
Can't wait to read more form this author-he does his homework!
Her Assassin For Hire by Danica Winters
Have totally enjoyed this series and the books and stories just keep getting better and better.
Starts with a brief summary of the book and praise from other readers, Book listings are highlighted by series and I also find I can read them in any order and can start with the 3rd book and not be lost as you are brought up to date on past events...
Love the cast of characters as I just read a book in this series a month ago and have read some other 300 books so it's awesome to catch up with who is who.
Starts with Zoey and she's putting on a fashion show to not only highlight the garments STEALTH currently makes and is marketing but the weapons as well.
She does not let a minute slip by that she relates her story about her sister that is now dead and how some of the items would've prevented her death. She also notices her ex, Eli is in the audience when she takes a bullet. It's all a stunt as she's protected but she takes a hand from him to get up as she continues her speech to the audience.
After she leaves she is on high alert to be sure she's not being followed. On the ranch she heads to the barn and the horses and is captured but she's able to escape with help...
They combine forces and hightail it to Spain where she's noticed Chad was in a video.
Love all the action and adventures there and sensual romance and sex scenes, new places for me to discover the secrets that lurk behind them as a couple, update on other family members.
They are also tangled up in another mess of things when they summon help. Love the ending and the promise they made to one another after they were captured.
Love the tech work she is able to do to find all kinds of useful information-so so so observant.
Excerpt from The Final Secret by Cassie Miles is also attached at the end.
Next book is this series will be out in March.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Deadly Distractions by William Manchee
What I like about this book and series is that each of the lawyers has their own alternating chapters of the cases they are working on.
At one point Stan and Monty are detained and Paula and Jody run the office for a bit but then Paula gets in trouble....
They all try to help Dusty out of his IRS problems along with the murder of the agent...
Love how they discover new clues when they weren't even thinking of them being where they found them.
Great ending for all and you wonder if the threat to go after them will show up in another book...
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Once Upon and Ever After by Caroline L. Thornton
Cover intrigued me because it shows me they each know how to take care of themselves.
Colorful well blended pictures-there's so much to point out to a child on the pages.
The words also rhyme and there is a glossary at the very end as some words are ones from long ago.
Double tapping brings the words in larger format so you can see them better. On the tablet the book has to be landscape mode-side by side pages.
The young prince no longer plays after a young age but is taught to fight and climb tower walls.
He's on a mission and he wants to pass.
I can find many times the words are pointing to a nursery rhyme or fable or other fairy tale.
He realizes the princess knows how to take care of herself-she had escaped the tower prison.
He is able to track her...The different view of a fairy tale is refreshing to hear about.
He can do what he wants on as he realizes he's been set free...
Enjoyed this book especially all the little things scattered about on the pages, so easy to pinpoint. Would like to read more from this author.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Juliana's Journey by Brenda Clemmons with Katie Wyatt
Starts with a note to the reader from the author about the Wild West and romance.
Listing of other book in the series is listed.
1993 Colorado, we had just visited last May for the first time and fell in love with the area and things to do.
Juliana is back in town and runs into the man who runs the local store, Kyle. He shows her around town and gets her settled in.
She arrives home to her parents house that she had stormed out of when she was just out of high school. She finds her father in bed and he's dying.
She doesn't even know how to care for him but her sister and mother are there. She had not realized he had gotten so much more worse that she feared.
She has to make amends with her mother and they do, over time, to a point.
After the funeral she learns that others want the family land and she has plans for it-a diner where her mother and herself could run it.
She comes from working at her cafe in Alaska and has had restaurants all over the US and knows what will work.
Like this short story for the area itself and the sweet cute story line.
Sample from the next book is also included:Building Bailey's.
Other series listings are highlighted at the end along with about the authors.
Building Bailey's by Brenda Clemmons with Katie Wyatt
Note from the author inviting you to other books they create. About the book intro and listing of other books in the series follows.
Starts where the last book left off: Julianna and her mother have met with the designer.
They talk to a designer but don't realize he's tied up with another con artist. They learn in time and are able to capitalize on their ideas...
The town folk get to vote on what will happen with Main Street. Love that a tourist that is also a builder has heard what he had to say about the land....
So much is involved with permits and designs and getting the work done for the diner.... she's still friendly with Kyle also and they find their niche together.
Other series listings are highlighted at the end along with about the authors.
Ends with a chapter from 23 years later in the same town...
Mediterranean Snacks and Meals Eat, Drink and be Healthy the Green Way by C. D. Shelton
TOC where recipes are no tin any specific order.
Intro about the diet itself, history, food pyramid and what each step contains, shopping list.
Each recipe has a title and summary of the dish.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs canned products.
Directions are given how to make.
There is NO nutritional information, there are NO pictures or servings.
Analysis of the diet is discussed at the end.
Mediterranean Diet for Beginners by Diana Kalos
TOC where recipes are broken up into food groups.
Intro talks about understanding the diet and science behind it, the pyramid, and easy meals to make.
Recipes start with a title, servings, cooking time and list of ingredients.
Instructions are given how to put together. There is no nutritional information and there are NO pictures.
Measurements are a bit different: 0.25 cups of an item, not sure you can't just list them in 1/4 cup Good resource book and recipes are rather fancy for my taste.
The Healthy Cookbook Simple homestyle recipes by Bonnie Scott
TOC where recipes are listed by food category.
Starts with small ways you can change your eating habits.
Each recipe starts with a title, short summary of the dish and list of ingredients and how to make it.
Servings and some nutritional information is provided: Calories, total fat, sat fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, fiber, sugars and protein.
There are NO pictures. I would substitute for our healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and fresh vs. canned products.
There are just a handful of photos.
Like beef and chicken stock recipe because you can freeze it to use for later use.
Love chart showing healthier alternatives.
Greg resource book.
Like foil packet method of baking some items.
Like cookie recipes as they are mostly healthy and I know what to use to make them so.
Ends with list of other works by the author
Mini instant pot cookbook 500 recipes by Olivia Sanders
Recipes for 3 quart minit instant pot
Should be able to double the recipe to make it for the full instant pot.
Intro talks about the instant pot and how to use it.
Table of contents i rather scattered about and confusing.
Meal plan for almost a month is included.
Each recipe starts with a title, not always starting at the top of a new page.
Has plan time and servings and list of ingredients which you should be about to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and fresh vs. canned products.
Directions are given how to make.
There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information.
Measurements are not used the same way in each recipe. One recipe I found tb used for a tablespoon and also tbsp. Not sure what it's not uniform use.
Not sure what floor cloves and floor allspice are prepared powder-thinking it's baking powder.
Some of the recipes have cooking time also included.
Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook 101 easy and healthy vegan recipe by Arnold Smith
TOC where recipes are broken up into different food/meal categories.
We do eat a vegetarian plant based diet and have an instant pot and always on the lookout for more recipes to try.
This starts with what a vegan lifestyle is and how small changes matter to getting healthier.
Basics of the instant pot are also discussed. Different functions of the pot are included in the discussions.
Has basic pantry recipes that are just written out using grams and American measurements also.
Recipes are NOT written out in normal fashion.
They start with a title, summary of the dish and the first recipe in the chapter has a picture.
It has a list that runs together of the ingredients using mixed English and American measurements and using canned items rather than fresh.
Tells you how to make it in the pot and serve it.
There are NO nutritional information. Feel free to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sugar, low sodium, low fat and fresh vs canned products.
Next recipe starts right away with no photo but has a small italicized title.
Never states how many the dish will serve.
Reminds me of old cookbooks in the 30/40's that have no pictures or defined lines of ingredients.
Not excited about this book at all.
Mediterranean Diet Your New Life by Storm Wayne
Starts with a table of contents where there is a lot of introductory material and 10 recipes to get you started.
Intro talks about what the Med diet is, basics showing in pyramid form and how diet and exercise play a big part.
Not only tips on how to lose weight with this diet plan but foods you can swap out for healthier choices.
Offer of free books is listed.
Recipes start with a title, summary of the dish, medium size color photo, and list of ingredients in English format along with mixed from American measurements
Directions are given how to make There are NO nutritional information or servings
I would substitute for our healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat products and fresh vs. canned products.
Has lots of intro material about the lifestyle but recipes are lacking in details.
Vegan, 31 Delicious and easy recipes by Oliver Grey
Starts with table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals
Introduction includes lots of info about being a vegan and what it means for good nutrition.
Meal plans are included.
Each recipe starts with a title, small color photo, list of ingredients and how to make the dish.
There are no servings or nutritional information.
I would also substitute anything canned for fresh and also use low sodium, low sugar and low fat products.
At times the recipes seem only good for one person, another time for 2 people, etc.
Some recipes use English measurements, some American and some are mixed in the same recipe.
Family Camping Recipes by Debbie Madson
Table of contents where recipes are categorized into how you cook the meals:
dutch oven, grilling, foil pack, and cooking over the campfire.
Intro talks about a camping checklist, safety and kits, and healthy camp food prep.
Cooking methods are explained along with tips.
Each recipe starts with a title, short summary, servings, prep and cook times. List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and fresh vs. canned.
Directions and given and there are NO nutritional information.
There are NO pictures.
See no reason why you can't use these at home in a dutch oven or slow cooker-like the combination of simple ingredients.
There is such a variety of meals!
Other books by the author are highlighted at the end
Love Began by Zoe Hazan
Free gift offer and other works by the author are highlighted at the start.
TOC where recipes are broken up into food categories and meals.
Intro talks about Asian favorites made easy and veganism and why you should switch.
Plant based products and which category fits into each.
Spices and herbs are listed and what their benefit is.
Equipment that you will need is also described along with pantry staples.
Each recipe starts with a title and summary of the dish.
Picture icon showing prep and total time and servings is shown.
List of ingredients is given and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and fresh vs. canned products.
Directions are given. There is NO nutritional information. There are NO pictures.
Free bonus gift offered and other works by the author is again highlighted at the end.
Wish it had more basic meals, these seem so fancy and will take quite a bit of time with all the ingredients to get it done.
Air fryer cookbook for beginners 2019 edition by Barbara Trisler
We are thinking of getting one and want to be prepared.
TOC where recipes are broken up into meals and food categories.
Intro about the air fryer itself and what i can do for you.
Measurement conversion chart is included.
Each recipe starts with a title and some nutritional info: calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs and protein.
Prep and cook time and servings are listed.
List of ingredients and I'd substitute for your healthier dietary need: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures.
Not all recipe starts at the top of a page.
17 ingredients for one recipe, whew
Accessory ads for food thermometer in the recipes...
Glossary listed at the end
Felix and Magic carrot by Emily Hamilton
Colorful children's book about Felix and he's the smallest fox ever. Other animals are scared of him because he is so small.
All the animals he asks to play with tell him he needs to wait til he's bigger.
One suggests the wizard who might have the answer.
The great owl tells him to eat the magic carrot or do a good deed to get his wish granted...
He helps a bunny who's lost his lunch so he gives magic carrot to the rabbit.
Like ending here...
Bart Can't Wait to Fart by Reed Robbins
Colorful rhyming book about Bart and he's a class clown and can't wait to fart because they are so smelly and others do not like them.
He scares everyone away because they are so powerful.
Fanny, Bart's grandmother comes to the rescue!
Love how he uses the gas for a good solution to help others.
The Very Frustrated Monster by Andi Green
Colorful children's book where things are not going so well one day for Twitch.
Words are in a different font to highlight them.
They are words of feelings. Very basic drawings of the shapes of the animal.
One shows him what he needs to do to get friends and control his outburst and be positive.
Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves 21 Elegant and Graceful Hand-Knit Patterns by Louisa Harding
Was so happy to get a review copy as I love to knit and hope I can find some combinations of patterns to use for charity knitting.
Book starts with table of contents of the items for shawls, wraps and scarves. Love the names given to the items.
Very many high intensity photographs throughout the book.
Starts with an introduction where the author talks a few particular items and how she was inspired to make them and why.
Love that she gives you the inspiration for your own knitting journey.
Each item starts with a title, a summary of the item and inspired for other articles of clothing.
Has size and dimensions, yarn used, needles and notions and gauge along with notes.
Only a few are charted designs so most start with row by row instructions. At the end of the book it shows you the diagrams of each item and how it was constructed and what point it starts at.
Abbreviations are also explained in further detail at the end of the book. Very specific ones so be sure to get the right directions.
Ends with blocking instructions and pointing to a page in the back for further instructions on how to block.
Each of the items are shown in at least one view, some have 2-3 different views of the item.
In this book the shawls are triangular, wraps are rectangles, scarves are oblong shaped so if you are looking for a specific shape got to that section.
Like the frost flower lace scarf but also like beaded scarves for that extra special event.
Most of the items I felt were for medium to advanced knitting level but if a beginner takes their time they could also complete the knitting.
Like use of multi colors in some of the scarves also.
Abbreviations with explanations on how to make the abbreviated initials and glossary are included at the end of the book.
General information is also included with useful information that you should at least glance at once if not more.
Love the use of lifelines especially with lacy yarns. Yarn information is also included along with other resources.
Washing after assembling the item is crucial. Make sure to use the right techniques given.
Project illustrations are also included along with an index.
Author Bio and acknowledgements are listed at the end of this book.
The Blustery Day by Caroline L. Thornton
Children's colorful sketchy drawings of a child and it's a very windy day and their umbrella flies out of their hand.
What I like about this book right from the start is you know it's based overseas In UK because of the use of the word umbrella, they have their own slang for it.
Love that the book is totally rhyming. What I don't like is the white lettering-blends into the background and is hard to see-was not able to enlarge the print size opening it to it's own little window with no background distractions.
Story goes on and on and you don't get tired of where the brolly ends up at the different locations. Quite the adventure! Love the places it soars to.
Well, gnome and scarecrow were very funny scenes. Adopting a dog day was fantastic.
Using it as a sail was super! Such magical places to visit. I can see myself and a grandchild reading this together and just laughing at the scenes and pointing out things on each page.
Ends with a note from the author and her other works.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Meatloaf Cookbook: Interesting Delicious Meatloaf combinations by Thomas Kelly
Starts with a table of contents where recipes are not in any specific order.
Intro talks about meatloaf and how it can be changed up.
Each recipe starts, not always at the top of anew page , with a title, medium size color photo, summary of the dish, servings, time needed.
Ingredients are listed and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and fresh vs. canned products.
Directions are given and a tip but there are NO nutritional information.
One using Ritz crackers sound good to try, a different flavor!
Love they give you lots of variety with spices and other seasonings and especially the meat/chicken source.
Some list a LOT of ingredients so be sure you have them before starting.
So cute: the meatloaf muffins, I have done this without the topping.
Thought I would see the option to cook the meatloaf in other than the oven as we have so many new kitchen appliances to use these days.
A KEEPER for me due to variety of meats and seasonings.
Air Fryer cookbook for newbies: delicious by Barbara Trisler
Keep asking my friends with air fryers if it can do toast then i could get rid of the pressure cooker and toaster oven with a new all in one appliance that takes care of everything.
Til i read this book I was not aware of the accessories for this unit: one is a rack for toast. There were many other pans and racks included in with the kit that you order separately.
Also like the fact the author mentions there is still going to be fat in the meats you cook.
TOC has intro: troubhshooting tips, FAQ, mistakes to avoide and has recipes for meals and different food categories.
This book does not included the mages for the dishes nor nutritional information-those are separate downloads. Lot of things to do and switch back and forth for viewing.
Using the air fryer method it's been proven to reduce 80% of the fat when cooking.
Each recipe, in this book, starts with a title, nutritional info: calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, protein and carbs. Not sure if this is by servings.
Prep and cook time and servings. There are NO pictures.
List of ingredients where measurement is listed at the back of the item name. also not sure what 1 piece of egg white could be. Must be English measurements being used.
Directions are given.
Breakfast bagels I can't wait to try or have somebody else with a fryer try for me.
I should almost be able to make them in my toaster oven.
There are ads for other accessories in the book.
A KEEPER for now...
The Blustery Day by Caroline L. Thornton
Children's colorful sketchy drawings of a child and it's a very windy day and their umbrella flies out of their hand.
What I like about this book right from the start is you know it's based overseas In UK because of the use of the word umbrella, they have their own slang for it.
Love that the book is totally rhyming. What I don't like is the white lettering-blends into the background and is hard to see-was not able to enlarge the print size opening it to it's own little window with no background distractions.
Story goes on and on and you don't get tired of where the brolly ends up at the different locations. Quite the adventure! Love the places it soars to.
Well, gnome and scarecrow were very funny scenes. Adopting a dog day was fantastic.
Using it as a sail was super! Such magical places to visit. I can see myself and a grandchild reading this together and just laughing at the scenes and pointing out things on each page.
Ends with a note from the author and her other works.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Meatloaf Cookbook: Interesting Delicious Meatloaf combinations by Thomas Kelly
Starts with a table of contents where recipes are not in any specific order.
Intro talks about meatloaf and how it can be changed up.
Each recipe starts, not always at the top of anew page , with a title, medium size color photo, summary of the dish, servings, time needed.
Ingredients are listed and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat and fresh vs. canned products.
Directions are given and a tip but there are NO nutritional information.
One using Ritz crackers sound good to try, a different flavor!
Love they give you lots of variety with spices and other seasonings and especially the meat/chicken source.
Some list a LOT of ingredients so be sure you have them before starting.
So cute: the meatloaf muffins, I have done this without the topping.
Thought I would see the option to cook the meatloaf in other than the oven as we have so many new kitchen appliances to use these days.
A KEEPER for me due to variety of meats and seasonings.
Air Fryer cookbook for newbies: delicious by Barbara Trisler
Keep asking my friends with air fryers if it can do toast then i could get rid of the pressure cooker and toaster oven with a new all in one appliance that takes care of everything.
Til i read this book I was not aware of the accessories for this unit: one is a rack for toast. There were many other pans and racks included in with the kit that you order separately.
Also like the fact the author mentions there is still going to be fat in the meats you cook.
TOC has intro: troubhshooting tips, FAQ, mistakes to avoide and has recipes for meals and different food categories.
This book does not included the mages for the dishes nor nutritional information-those are separate downloads. Lot of things to do and switch back and forth for viewing.
Using the air fryer method it's been proven to reduce 80% of the fat when cooking.
Each recipe, in this book, starts with a title, nutritional info: calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, protein and carbs. Not sure if this is by servings.
Prep and cook time and servings. There are NO pictures.
List of ingredients where measurement is listed at the back of the item name. also not sure what 1 piece of egg white could be. Must be English measurements being used.
Directions are given.
Breakfast bagels I can't wait to try or have somebody else with a fryer try for me.
I should almost be able to make them in my toaster oven.
There are ads for other accessories in the book.
A KEEPER for now...
Seeking Rachel by Josie Riviera
Have read other books in this series especially about the gypsies and can't wait to learn more about them and their ways.
Starts with praise from the author's works.
Rachel is caring for her young cousin as her father had made arrangements for her to live with them and earn her keep.
They both visit the gardens often as they love being outside and a man, Nash approaches them one day and before he knows it he's telling her all his hidden secrets.
He knows she's the one but others have him paired with another woman who's stood behind him forever.
Rachel has never visited the dances and balls but they are all invited to a birthday party and she learns Nash is to be there also. Kids have lots of things to do among themselves thus giving Rachel a chance to just walk around by herself.
He finds her after his mother told him she had left to get some air at night after her charge has gone to bed. They are able to spend a bit of time together and when she hears of his betrothal to another the next day she leaves.
Upon her return she learns also about her mother and runs away to seek the truth from her father, who raised her.
Things get so mixed up for them both and he travels the countryside til he locates her and tells her the real truth.
Enjoyed this read as it's an easy story with twists and turns and so much more to learn about the gypsies: their lifestyle choices, travel and mysteries.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.:
The Prime Minister's Daughter by William Manchee
Have enjoyed the authors works on the series Stan Turner, lawyer and know this will be another great read.
This book starts out with Kevin and he's going with his mother to the hospital for surgery. While there the prime minister from Trinidad is also having surgery and he is able to spend time with the daughter in the waiting room.
He notices some things are just out of place and steps in front of a bullet meant for the prime minister and gets shot himself. The assassin escapes...
Kevin after recovering is sent tickets to visit the royal family in Trinidad and he discovers there is another sister. He thinks he's really in love with Kiran but she doesn't love him but wants out of the country.
Their body guards are overtaken and the 3 kids run for their lives into the caves and then the forest where they run out of the next morning as they hear the NDC try to locate them to kill them, Kevin has seen too much.
Love the excursions they have gone on and just becoming familiar with island life.
There is so much to this story, something for everyone.
Romance, travel, blackmail, country overtaking, court trials, promises not kept, other mysteries surrounding the bad guys and the royal family...
Like the outcome but didn't see it happening with so much bad blood and water under the bridge.
Fast paced, action and adventure.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke
This story starts out with Hannah and she's one of the judges along with Roy, a coach at the school.
Hours later he's murdered and his wife is the one to call Hannah for help. Like how you don't have to know the characters, you are brought up to date from previous books but not the full whole story.
Story goes back in time also for Hannah and her aversion to dating married men, not that she knew at the time...
Her sister and mother help with clues also among others who don't even know that the information they gave them was useful.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke
This book starts out with Hannah and her sister has talked her into going to the gym so she'd be able to fit into her regency romance award ceremony her mother is putting on.
Love the new recipes she tries to make, cheeseburger cookies, quite the imagination....
Love the trial and error phase of baking and when Hannah finds the solutions!
Everything goes perfect getting up early and exercising til she finds a dead body at the gym, at least her sister is with her.
Facts are hard to collect as the men at the police dept can't help as they were all involved with the dead person so Hannah picks up her pace to find the culprit.
So detailed as the girls gather the clues and proceed to investigate before a new deputy is on the case.
Hilarious about Delores book being fashioned out of people in town... You never guess who it could possibly be, they almost had her fooled also!
Index of recipes is included at the end.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Blackberry Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke
Love the Hannah Swensen series and all the characters involved in this family saga tale.
The three sisters, Hannah, Andrea and Michelle are wondering why their mother, Delores won't pick a color for the theme for her wedding to Doc. When she decides she changes her mind a week later.
Hannah heads to the car shop to pick up Lisa, her baker in The Cookie Jar and with the storm ends up running into a man and killing him.
She is in jail and with her notes and others helping to even figure out who the man is, there are many clues as they all gather with what they've seen. With lots of food recipes this is always a good story.
Lots of new things happen that are described, places where I never thought we'd see Hannah involved in....
Most of all I enjoy watching how she creates a new cookie-this is something I do yearly now as well. The freedom to play with food, flavors, textures, etc.
Excerpts from her next thriller series book, Dead Giveaway are included at the end.
This book has a bit of romance, mystery, baking, travel and new experiences.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review
Shot Down by Steve Snyder
Not a real war reader but enjoyed this one as it spoke of the war with our US bombers and what they went through overseas.
Liked how they talk about what things they are not able to get and I can compare with what is available in the states at the same time.
Day to day, hour to day details of the days flying, bombing, debriefings and meetings of strategy.
Also with letters from his wife in the US we find out how she's doing with her latest pregnancy.
Enjoyed the pictures along the way also.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Lost in the Crowd by M J Santley
Book starts out with preface with why the book was written and the journey. Dedication page and then the start of the story.
Matt is the main character and we learn of his past growing up in NE England, coal mining, working for different employees and the kids in the neighborhood.
Many events he should've been hurt or killed and circumstances occur and he's just fine. After the death of a girl at work he travels to Asia. Pictures along the way also of things/places he's been to.
Lots of swearing throughout the book. Like learning about the travel itself, what to expect visiting different areas around the world.
Like learning about the customs and traditions of the countries he visits.
Enjoy the poems that to me summarize the chapter and the happenings within.
Can imagine them as songs, they'd be good. More adventures with his friends and his brother that he steps up to help his parents out.
Venting about religion and Jihadists and his upbringing with Catholic school and the church.
Poems are explained and what they are about when they were written.
Parts of the book come across as a tv show or movie-great detail.
See this as a positive read, thanks for the encouragement.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Brownout 666 by John Richard Spencer
Starts with about the author. Love all the travel to the locations in the book as I've not been to most.
Interesting learning about culture and traditions of the lands visited.
Rick starts out running his own furniture business in the Philippines and he has Marilyn there to actually oversee it all. Story also involves sex and drug trade.
It's just a front and he ends up in trouble and is able to buy his way out of the country and lands in Australia where he finds works but again is in trouble.
The original problem is fixed and they deport him to the USA, NY where he finds some menial tasks til he heads out to Chicago to find his relative.
They introduce him to where they work and he does very well at the company.
Loved the yoga sections towards the end.
Repulsive part for me was hearing in detailed descriptions of the rapes and sodomizes, Really turned me off from reading but managed to drudge through it.
Just didn't seem to be so necessary to have THAT much detail.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Bento for Beginners: 60 Recipes for Easy Bento Box Lunches
This book got my attention just from the cover, so appealing and healthy looking.
The book includes a lot of photographs and it also includes a table of contents where there are recipes.
There is a lot of introductory material that includes not only about the Bento Basics but about the history from Japan, the benefits of eating this lifestyle, and flavor.
There are also sections on the formula to make sure you get it just right and to make sure that your kitchen is ready. There is a section on the containers, storage and safety and troubleshooting with tips on things to keep in mind the tools and equipment. Everyone should have these items already in their house along with extras. There is a list showing ingredients that you can keep on hand that will freeze good or refrigerate well. There is also a section on prepping and organizing that will cut down on the time that it takes you to put all these together.
There is a section on how to use the book as well, a lot of common sense things that you probably already are doing.
Each of the recipes start with the title, a brief summary of the dish, information about the storage and how long it will keep for and in what appliance as in the refrigerator or the freezer.
It also lists prep time and the cook time along with the ingredients which I would substitute for my healthier lifestyle: low sodium, low sugar, low fat products, fresh vs canned or processed.
Some of the recipes have a big color photograph on one page and some also include other notes.
A sauce is listed and gives you a reference page where you can find that recipe at the end of the book.
Directions are given how to make the dish the night before - very easy directions and it also has directions for in the morning and what you need to do to get it ready for the lunchbox.
It also includes some nutritional information per serving for calories, total fat - not broken up by good or bad, sodium, cholesterol, total carbs, fiber, sugar and protein.
Also at the very top of each recipe it states how many Bento servings each recipe includes it and a listing of gluten-free, nut-free, vegan and other food allergy categories, vegetarian, and kid friendly.
What I really like about this book is that there are many super healthy dishes to make that hardly take any time at all and you can put them in either the fridge or the freezer and save them for another day or for your lunch the next day or for a week later.
I do make a lot of extra food per meal and store it much like this book describes.
I don't like that the print is not really that dark - I wish it was darker but otherwise it has a lot more information than most of the recipes I've seen.
In the back of the book is a section called staples and sauces which are easy things to make that you could prepare ahead of time and always have them on hand, like condiments.
One of them is for the steamed rice with a short summary and it also tells you how to make it in the saucepan but I have also made it in a pressure cooker and in a steam pot for the microwave so it doesn't take any time at all.
There's also a lot of things on seasoning and again it lists the nutritional information by servings or tablespoon and it also lists which allergy category it fits into.
There are no pictures for this section.
At the very end there's also a measurement conversion chart and there is also a listing of resources available.
An index of everything that is in this book is included at the end.
It ends with the section on acknowledgements and about the author with her picture.
I really like this book and I'm going to keep it handy especially just for the nutritional information and there are 60 recipes in here.
There are many varieties to choose from.
I received this book via CALLISTO PUBLISHER'S CLUB and this is my honest opinion.
Easy freezer meals recipes and freezer cooking guide for
make-ahead Meals by Debbie Mason
This book starts out with links to other works by the author and
table of contents that tells you everything from start to finish
how to make these freezer meals and has recipes in meal
categories. There is so much more information here. Convenience
of freezer meals is the start of the introduction and how to save
money and organizing your time, your freezer space, special
containers, cooking tips and so much more.
We already do this as we make extra meals every meal we have
to use for another day or another week, put them in a container,
mark them and put them in the freezer. Convenience of freezer
meals is the start of the introduction how to save money and
Also quick meals tells you to take the sauce out of the freezer
and thawed in the fridge for dinner that night.
It has a listing of foods that are good and will freeze well.
And it also has a list of what is difficult to freeze.
Has step-by-step guides showing you what you can do.
Another recipe I really like how to make tomato sauce for some
thing is easy as that and then I could use it in many different ways
making spaghetti and other casserole dishes.
I like the ingredients, herbs and spices: it's just so basic but you
just want something that you know is going to work perfect every
time you go to use it. Another one that I am willing to try is
minestrone soup: I would not be using the sausage in it but I
would be using a low sodium chicken stock and crushed tomatoes:
Diced or ones in my freezer that I had from the garden.
Like cookie dough tips, slice and bake when you want just a few.
Several muffin recipes I want to try also. Good all around good for basic and
some special meals.
A KEEPER!
Crochet for beginners by Nancy Gordon
This book starts out with table of contents and it talks about
different items in the book.
I like the introduction because it tells you a little bit about
everything to do with crocheting: how to read and understand
the level of difficulty, keep practicing, check the gauge, terms,
and abbreviations. There's a lot of information. There is also a
chart showing you abbreviations and what they really mean and how to work
the ones that have symbols rather than written words: this is something
I've never learned and I'm a published crocheted designer.
This actually has a chart showing you what the symbol is and
what it means in the pattern so I hopefully will be able to pick up
more. There are example samples and they explain why they
have you do what you're doing in the stitches is very good
practice rows and rounds are explained and how to do them and
then it also shows individual symbols for chart and what they
really mean in a written pattern. Another chapter is all about the
supplies you will need, the hooks made of all different materials,
all kinds of Yarns, scissors and there's also a conversion chart that
is very very helpful. Really cool to see that they actually have it
listed here it is a very teeny hook and it's not what I use often.
Summaries and pictures showing different types of crochet which
some of them I had never even knew existed or what they were
and never heard of this but it also tells you it's good for socks,
gloves and other items: bullion crochet, broomstick which I have
seen done and there is Rogues bridges, clothesline crochet, clones
lace: very fancy and dainty and then a cro hook crochet along
with filet crochet which I have done: finger crochet have done,
freeform crochet, hairpin you need a special hook for that and
micro crochet: it shows a little picture of a whale at the tip of your
finger and another form of crochet: Granny square overlay crochet
is another pineapple crochet, stained glass, tapestry to clones lace.
Chapters specifically for right handed people and showing actual large
sketches and what they're telling you in the words. They also
have a section on how to do all the stitches, the yarn over,
the single crochet, double and triple crochet.
The sources are listed in here and tips and tricks.
Each pattern has a title, color photo and summary.
Notes and tips are included along with how to start and work the pattern.
A Keeper!
Where are the Numbers?
The book starts with an offer of a free gift and it also thanks you
for receiving this book and they're looking for a review.
Each page is written format with little clouds where the words are
there are other words as well and it's difficult to enlarge the page
It talks about how they count things but they're also telling you
different things.
I like the colorful pages: it's hard to enlarge the pages so you can
actually read them. I do not like the format of the comic book
things but I do love that they are also adding numbers together
by showing you pictures on the book.
Hero's Haven by Rebecca Zanetti
Not really into vampires and other creatures but I do love the author's works so thought I'd give this book a try.
Like the things I learn as there is no diecast for what each of the creatures can do from author to author.
It's all in your imagination that makes it work. This author is very descriptive, enough so you can picture it in your mind and the scenes.
Found some parts I really liked and some I just don't understand-not being a reader of this genre.
Sexual scenes were a bit off the top and I really liked how they moved in their travels and used latest technologies to achieve it all.
Like meeting their relatives and we find out over time why each one has relationship problems from their past.
Like some of the scientific things-portals, traveling from universe and back and forth, blood letting and how it made they stronger with healing-wish it'd work for humans with the disease we have these days.
Toothpaste incidents are hilarious!
Finishes up with acknowledgment and other works by the author are highlighted. Wouldn't mind reading more of this series.
Received this review copy from Kensington Books, Lyric al Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#HerosHaven #NetGalley
My Big Brother by Michael Gordon
Story of a little boy and his mother brings home a new baby sister
for them. She is not able to do too much but cry, eat and sleep.
He gets bored with her and they try to explain wait till she gets
older than you'll be able to do a few more things.
As she becomes older she is able to do even more things and then
pages show what she can do every year...
Colorful pages children's book.
About the author is included at the end along with a photograph
highlighting other works by the author.
Moving Again!!! With Rylan and Henry by Christy Jordan Wrenn
Children's book about a military family living in Alaska. Ryan is the young boy who has a pet mouse that he takes everywhere with him.
Husband had moved 18 times before I had met him, we moved into an apartment together, and then a house shortly afterwards. Not sure how much more we will be moving, hope never.
One night at dinner their dad arrives home after being deployed for many months. They get to spend time with him til they learn they are to move back to the lower states of US.
They will get to spend time with relatives as they will now be living closer to them.
Part I loved the best was the road trip and learning and seeing all kinds of new things. Love the nature and animals they came across and locations.
Some pictures are very dark to see what they are...
Received this review copy from AuthorHouse via NetGalley and this is honest opinion.
#MovingAgainWithRylanandHenry #NetGalley
Full Moon Saturday Night by Mark Barkawitz
Book starts out with Mike, working weekends at the bar and writing scenes for a tv show. He's been promoting it for several months til he realizes it's on the tv but they are using a different sports players...
He's in trouble at the bar also, he had been involved in a fight and that night he also swept up the bookie's books, very wet and he had given it back to the bookie weeks later.
Besides the local cops they know of the cocaine at the bar and want him to become a paid informant.....
Mike gets himself deep within and is spying on others as he goes from realtionship to relationship and we learn the connections between the others at the bars.
Some things go wrong at events and he's brought in, on charges and all he can do is blame it all on the full moon and it's gravitational pull.
Action, adventure, mysteries, deaths, tv screenwriter, location, drugs and cops and I can really see this happening in city.
Like the epilogue as it brings closure and you wonder how long he will stay on the good path...
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Quantum Roots by Kyle Keyes
A vigilante is out there and the two Federal agents are on the trial but what they find is a mystery as the fingerprints lead to one that's been dead for years.
To me there is a lot of crude sexual content that I don't feel needs to be in there but I love the story line and how clues are collected and how they are able to further investigate them.
I can follow the quantum part of things and the math really adds up for me.
Also like that there are many characters from previous books that I've read and enjoyed that appear in this one as well.
Great mystery and you could never figure it all out til the end.
The things that are outlined in this book really get to think about how things could be.
Quantum Roots 2: Worm Holes by Kyle Keyes
Book starts out with amateur photographer taping a rape scene with a local gang but things go wrong as the vigilante has appeared.
Federal agents Alexis and Jeremy are involved with the paranormal investigation. Wormholes are discussed and investigated as if it's the answer to what's going on.
Characters from other books also make an appearance in this book.
Halo graphic map showing sightings of the vigilante as he's found at different locations around the US, reversible metamorphosis are interesting subjects.
Tired of repetitive parts from previous books: hurricane FL, pink panties, Buffalo and other stories...
Parts of famous names mixed with others are nothing like who they portray.
Like flying scooter and the trouble he gets into with it. Epilogue informs you of the latest and what other aspects in the book needed further acknowledgements.
Quantum Roots 3: Matching Configurations by Kyle Keyes
I was a bit disappointed in this book because it summed up the previous books I've read from the author and then more of the story.
I felt like I've already read 3/4 of the book, which is quoted word for word on some of the vigilante's whereabouts.
Like the things the feds have figured out with help from the invisible 6 and many others from the previous books and that there are really 4 of them, one body though and that's explained.
Like hearing what the vigilante has brought back from his travels from other eras that he uses in present day.
Very familiar with the characters and their quirks as new material is given to us on where they can locate the vigilante. They are so close so many times...
Orion Surfacing by I James Forrest
Sci fic story about Simon and his escapades while out on the water and exotic countries.
He has special powers and learns more from the crystals. Love that they and the sting ray and dolphins and other sea creatures are about when the magic happens.
Wish they were for real and able to cure people of deadly diseases today.
Fast paced action as others are out for his boat that is so over equipped with technology it's scary and fun to learn about.
He becomes very fond of Sam as she's a stunner and they are able to tele-communicate with one another. At the end you find out why and their real link.
Some sexual scenes. Loved hearing also of the scuba diving equipment and nothing is needed to breather underwater and how you can walk on water and NOT get wet.
Very descriptive details. This sounds so cool but they do have a mission to finish...
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
More Than Love, A Husband's Tale – Peter B Forster
First time author for me and I can't wait to read more.
When I first started this book I thought it'd be more uncomfortable but I found it soothing.
The many things said were right up my alley and I had dealt with and got a better understanding in my mind what was really going on during my time of hardship.
Starts out in diary form when the author learns of his wife's cancer and how he not only deals with it but finds comforting things to help him cope with the devastation.
Love the parts of how he treats his wife throughout her illness.
Treasure the most personal of details as they would be some I'd not share about my husband and myself.
Love how he is in charge of her drugs and knows what she needs when. Heartbreaking when they have the hospice conversation...
Can never have enough of the special memories, the escapes and special time with one another.
Like how past events are discussed and it gives you a better detailed understanding of what transpired prior to the illness.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
The Pandarus File by Kyle Keyes
What I like about this book is that there is so much to it: murder, mystery, locations, investigations and link to it all.
What I didn't like from the start was all the different locations and years, felt like I lost a few decades at times)
Story is from the 2011's and even further back to 1950's and til you hear all the missing years the story gets your attention.
Helena entices the men at the bar with strips and it gets them to not only order more but tips are good.
Elmer Kane is a very young man-for her and he's a bit on the slow end but she loves the family money.
1950's and we find Helena with Rodney but she's blackmailing Martin...
Pre 911 we find Jeremy investigating in Paris to find Helena but that's not her name...
What I loved was the things he discovers while investigating and how it all fit together and how-I saw things differently when explained this way!
Love the descriptions of what's right in front of you, as if you are RIGHT there.
Martin Swan's Diary by Kyle Keyes
Like this book right from the start, first off I feel part of the scene with the descriptions and it's action, fast paced.
Jodie and her spouse are on the outs and he confronts her to find out Sweeney is there to help her. She grabs her child and suitcases and they leave NJ for FL.
The family mob know where her sister is and they head there but there are things there for them in place. Love how Swan gets special treatment along the way and help him out of bad spots.
Time goes back to when he served overseas and we find of his special abilities there.
Love the travel, roads we have been on, fond memories.
Like short diary notes to summarize the day's events.
So many are after them from all angles and they count em off as they are dealt with...
A Heartwarming Holiday: A 15 Story Collection from Heartwarming Christmas Town (Christmas Town 2016)
15 book collection which I've read the ones below.
..
Thanksgiving Duet Nucracker Sweethearts Novella #1 by Dana Mentink
Praise and about the author are included at the start of the book.
Pippa is in charge of her friends daughter as she has passed. They left NYC to take on this Christmas pageant in Maine and she runs up against Bodie who she thinks is mistreating her little girl.
The girl was getting bitten by wasps and he was trying to kill them along with getting stung. She finally realizes that hours later and goes to apologize to only find that they have been invited to dinner at the inn, his relatives run it and he works there.
What I like about the book is we learn he also had a child, Charlie and as the story goes along we find out what happened to him.
Pippa and Viola are only there til just after the holidays then they will head back to NYC in hopes of more work.
He is also musically inclined ....served overseas and moved his grandfather's piano back to Maine from the west coast, great change for him.
Tree falling through the building Pippa was rehearsing the orchestra put that to a stop and Bodie offers his aunts inn as there is plenty of room there.
She doubts her skills for being a mother to Viola and Bodie reassures her she is doing great.
Relatives come to take Viola away but Bodie steps up...
Note from the author ins enclosed at the end.
...
Christmas Curtain Call Nutcracker Sweethearts Novella #2 by Roz Denny Fox
Praise for the author.
Story starts out with Connor and his wife had died and he is contemplating running the local newspapermen.
He has the daughter they have Mistr and she likes to dance in the ballet like her mother who had helped set up a local place.
He is introduced to the ballet instructor Gizelle who's working with Pippa with the music for the big event.
With amount of papers being delivered cut down others voice their opinions. The dancer's salary is up to the paper, which is failing...
Love that they not only sled together but cross country ski together, so precious...
..
Set for New Year's Nutcracker Sweethearts Novella #3 by Annie Denman
This book starts out with Jenny and she helps at the event with costumes. Story also follows Neil and he is also helping at the nutcracker pageant.
She opens up to Kim and I realize how like her I am myself. Dressing dolls in outfits that i had knitted, the most fashionista of the 1960's.
He is a carpenter and loves to work with his hands and realizes she is the same with her designs and clothing.
He finds himself measuring for a new table for her sewing machine and delivers it when she least expects it and is so happy, the best gift she ever received.
Note from the author and her other works are highlighted at the end.
The Big 10 Fish and Seafood cookbook by Terri Dien
The newspaper wrapped around the fish and twine is what caught my attention from the start, 40+ years ago it's how we got our local fish, right off the boats.
Dedication and table of contents along with full page color photos start this book. Chapters are broken up into individual fish categories.
Intro talks about a lot of different things when it comes to fish: how to buy, mercury, sustainability, benefits, must have equipment, how to remove pin bones from fillets, ingredients that will enhance the flavor among other topics.
Each section has a full page color photo along with the item in detail and it's own index of recipes.
Like size of the book also it's a full 8 x 10 and you can open the book and it will stay open flat.
Each recipe starts with a title, short summary of the dish, servings, prep and cook time.
Print could be bigger and darker.
List of ingredients and each section of the dish has it's own ingredients listed. Directions are given
along with variations.
There are NO pictures of the finished dish and there is NO nutritional information.
Measurement conversion charts and a list of resources and references are listed at the end.
Index, acknowledgements and about the author are also included.
My favorite sections would be shrimp and salmon. Love that this covers fish from fresh water and salt water areas.
Valuable information about all kinds of fish.
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.
