Friday, April 30, 2021

Books read Apr 2021

  



Montana Cowboy Daddy by Jane Porter
This story starts out with Erika, a student working on her PhD degree. She gets a call and rushes to her cousins in Las Vegas. She finds her cousin is dead from a car crash and her son is in the car seat, unharmed.
She had NO idea that April had a son and is there to tend to the services and to her son Beck.
She looks through photo albums to maybe find a clue as to who the father could be and thinks she has an idea. His name is listed on the birth certificate.
Billy Wyatt. The Wyatt boys are in rodeos, heavily and some run the ranch. Erika finds him at the rodeo events but he's always with another female so she decides to just drive to the family ranch there and confront him.
He has no idea why the woman is there in the kitchen but learns soon enough.  They get to spend time together and wait for the test to come back. His mother knows he's a Wyatt form the head and lack of hair.
The test does come back and Erika has agreed to be a nanny while he's on the road, In his free time he can help watch the baby while she works on her papers. He gets injured in the event, hospitalized, surgeries etc.
He is brought to his own cabin in Utah where he recovers with help from Erika and a few neighbor. Love the time they spend at Bryce and just simple things like walks in the wood, discovering new things.
Love how he teaches her to cook while she tends to them both. She knows she has to leave and let him take care of the baby. He has to tell her how he really feels about her and soon or she will leave...
Love the caring, travel, family togetherness, all about rodeos, her field of work, learning to cook, hiking, nature, romance, and learning new words.
Love the play by play scenes, I can just picture them in my mind. Such a realistic story.
A KEEPER!
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

 


 







SYNOPSIS:


What if you had nothing to live for and nothing to lose…

Devastated after his wife and daughter disappeared in a mysterious plane crash, Jack Storm, former CIS extractor, is failing to keep it all together. When a crucial asset is trapped in Tehran, the agency has no choice but to bring their top agent Jack back into service. They assign him a nearly-impossible mission, knowing he’s a ticking time bomb…

Sent in with a know-it-all rookie, despondent Jack is relentlessly hunted at every turn. If he is caught, he’ll be hanged. But does Jack even care?

Double-crossed, alone, and with the clock ticking, Jack, now more furious than hopeless, focuses his rage. But what does he have left to sacrifice to ensure the asset makes it out alive?

 

Jack Storm Spy Thriller Series

International bestselling author Ethan Jones brings a new series so heart-stopping and fever-pitched, that you’ll have to take up a permanent position on the edge of your seat.

Action movie fans will thoroughly enjoy The Extractor. A novel that promises to deliver and is as addicting as it is exciting. With more books coming in this rapid release spy thriller series, if you like Clancy, Flynn, or Ludlum, you’ll love The Extractor. Enjoy it now.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




International bestselling author Ethan Jones brings you six series so heart-stopping and fever-pitched, that you'll have to take up a permanent position on the edge of your seat. Spy thriller series that are clean, clever, and captivating.

Check out Ethan's website ethanjonesbooks.com to learn more and to sign up to Ethan's Exclusives which includes updates, deals, and a free starter pack library.

Learn more about each series below:

Justin Hall spy thriller series

Justin Hall, the deadliest covert assassin working for the Canadian Intelligence Service. He never listened at home; or at school... Why would anyone think he'd listen now? But no one's better at getting the job done. Best selling novels include: Canadian Assassin, Tripoli's Target, Iranian Protocol, Double Agents, and many more.

Carrie Chronicles spy thriller series

Carrie O'Connor never backs down from a fight, no matter the odds against her. She runs solo missions and hunts terrorist masterminds across the globe. Calculated, ready for action, and not one to follow the rulebook, Carrie protects the world from the evil within it. Best sellers include: Priority Target, Codename: Makarov, Entry Point, and more.

Javin Pierce spy thriller series

When covert operations go wrong, the CIS sends in... The Corrector.
Javin Pierce comes in when no one else can. With his calm, well-thought manner, he's able to pull off jobs where others have failed, all without leaving a trace. Best selling books include The Corrector, Betrayal, Closure, Retrieval, and more.

Max Thorne spy thriller series

The explosive series featuring a Russian spy with a CIA connection. Max is determined to do the right thing, even if it means facing the darkness that is the Russian secret service, head on. With top selling books 18 Minutes, Agent Rising, Agent Recruit, and more.

Jack Storm spy thriller series

Meet Jack Storm, an impulsive, double-crossed, former CIS extractor. With nothing to live for and nothing to lose after the devastating disappearance of his wife and daughter, Jack returns to service on deadly missions to ensure those in danger make it out alive...

What happens when you mix a fearless loose cannon with a strong sense of honor, who's extremely good at what he does? Find out in The Extractor... book one in Ethan's hot new series, with Mossad Extraction, Extracted Asset and more to come.


Ethan Jones is an Amazon bestselling author of four wildly popular spy thriller series. His thirty-one novels have sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. Check out Ethan's website www.ethanjonesbooks.com to learn more and to sign up to Ethan's Exclusives Readers’ Club, which includes updates, deals, and a free starter pack with three spy novels.

Amazon: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones
Kobo: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-Kobo
Apple Books: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-Apple
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-BN
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-GooglePlay

Add me as a Friend so you can join my Events, Giveaways, and much more.

MY REVIEW: 


The Extractor Jack Storm #1 by Ethan Jones
Love this type of book because I can picture the scenes in my mind as if I am there.
Not only are the scenes described in detail but there are also things like the smells which is a sense I use a lot being blind. Would love this as a movie series!
So many action packed events that take place. 
Story starts when Jack was on vacation with his family but the bad guys have found them so he sends his wife and child away and he continues with a mission to get rid of them once and for all.
He gets a call that their plane went down.... He brings himself back after he's sold the house and everything that mattered to track down where his family is, to no avail. 
 He returns to the agency he worked for and proceeds to extract one of theirs that is in harms way.  Just when you think he will follow directions he has his own mind and uses it, shocks others on the way out the door....
Adventure, bit of romance, travel locations, weapons and tactics and strategic moves are discussed and so much more.
Love the call he gets while having dinner about the plane wreckage that was found....
Couldn't put this book down. Ends with a glimpse of the next book in the series..
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

A KEEPER!




  






Miss Agnès: A Tender Coming-of-Age Novella Set In 1908
This story starts with a quote and dedication page and table of contents.
Author's note is included. Story is about Agnes and she's growing up with her dad who's not her real father.
They are in their summer routine where she reads a lot and likes to tend to her dog Gaba.  He is a dedicated musician and he has been invited to play at a mansion and will bring Agnes with him.
Agnes has a friend Kat but she's away spending time with her grandmother so she has no one to talk to about feeling and thoughts.
He had met the host, Horace and she recalls their twin children years ago but she only remembers their names.  The boy and girl twins take her under their arms at the musical event and it's decided they will come to visit at their castle on the weekend.
She gets a glimpse as to their free style of thinking and living. It's quite the opposite of her life and she's not sure how to take it.
She is able to show them around and the play croquet and do other fun things.  She is leery about them for personal reasons and is invited to stay a weekend at their mansion again. Elle hopes to get her in the racing car and Jacques hopes to converse more with her about the authors' they have in common.
Agnes is very naive and not comfortable with some things that occur and very late at night when Elle comes to her bed she misunderstands ....
Found the descriptions in this book very Victorian and so many words I had to look up as I never read this time period before. Very interesting and could follow what was going on. 
Especially love the descriptions of the clothing, so detailed.
Sneak peek at the next book in the series, a chapter when Agnes has become a doctor with her friend Kat.
About the author is included and listing of her works in series groups along with contact links..

 






Easter with Snowman Paul by Yossi Lapid 
Colorful, children's, rhyming book about snowman Paul and it's Easter time.
The kids can't believe their eyes, Paul is begging for eggs. There is a contest Easter painting and Paul wants to participate also.
He persuades a hen to let him have the egg so he can decorate it and win the contest. She agrees.
Dan the little boy questions him and he sees the crack...Paul thinks it's extraordinary!
Love how Dan thinks about it and decides to stick by his friend and what he wants...
Love how the decorated ones that won are shown, so cool and special.
Such a cool design they created, never thought about it.
Book ends with other works from the author.

 


 





The Happy Hollisters and the Mystery of the Little Mermaid (Happy Hollisters, #18)
Family travel to Denmark and they find many mysteries to solve. First one was on the airplane and the Royal art was taken from a woman who was returning it to the palace.
Next Pete's knife goes missing. Love hearing about all the adventures and sightseeing they are able to do.
They find other mysteries: loot in bottom of ships hung at churches, fishwives legend is unique and interesting to learn about.
So educational, glad the family got to go visit. They make so many friends and I love the sketches of the scenes.
Cheese is hilarious!


 





The Happy Hollisters and the Cowboy Mystery (Happy Hollisters, #20)
This story finds the family accepting help from a stranger and his kids and they are invited to their ranch with lots of mysteries to solve.
He's just trying to sell part of his ranch but there appears to be ghosts on the mountain. The kids are so excited to go but many mishaps before they get there thanks to Joey telling a stranger of the familys plans.
So many adventures in town and in the wild. They meet some difficult times and some fun easy ones. Lots to learn along the way.


 





The Happy Hollisters and the Haunted House Mystery (Happy Hollisters, #21)
This story starts out with the new detective club meeting and discussing plans.
They have the ghost mystery, then a picture of a door with a good story behind that.
So many obstacles because of Joey and Will but the kids keep on track to find the solutions.
They are on the track also of the jewelry thieves without even knowing it. So adventurous and smart. Love how they include the deaf boy he has so many talents.
Such a fun good read. So scary at times but also so smart about how things work with electronics.



 






The Happy Hollisters and The Secret of the Lucky Coins by Jerry West
Love this story because it is about the family encasing a new hobby: coin collecting. I used to collect stamps so understand the enthusiasm.
They are able to travel back to their home town and stay at the relatives, but a tornado gets in the way and so does Joey who's visiting with relatives for a week.
He causes so much mayhem! Love that they also are treated to the knowledge of the local tree forester expert and so much about that is new to me.
Love clues as they help lead to the things going wrong in that town while they are there. A  theft occurs while they are at the bank and they also find clues about that case as well.
Love the sketches.


 







The Happy Hollisters and the Castle Rock Mystery (Happy Hollisters, #23)
Love this book because it teaches me about rocks and my grandson loves them also. So interesting to learn about the quarry that is in their own town.
They meet with the owner and he's a specialist also. It's like a ghost town there but others roam around causing trouble.
They also introduce themselves to Jet Hawk a pilot and the girls get to share time with his daughter playing dress up dolls.
Strange lights at night and weather balloons and other things fastened to them are being let loose overhead.
NYC again to visit a friend and he takes them to a museum where they learn so much more about the weather balloons.



 





The Happy Hollisters and the Cuckoo Clock Mystery by Jerry West 
#24
One mystery is the note on the inside of a broken clock since Joey had hit the birdie when he came out...
The family will travel to Germany for several weeks for the dads business. They are also on the lead to find a craftsman who can make a lion shape for a friend.
Love the sketches throughout the book.
They also need to find out more about the note as many others on their journey are after them and what Pam carries in her purse...
Love the site seeing and the locations where they do stop. SO cool.
Adventures on the Rhine, this is priceless as the bad guys are being pursued.
Love how this one came out and the solution thanks for Joey.



 





The Happy Hollisters and the Swiss Echo Mystery by Jerry West
Kids stay behind with mom and explore the Swiss area. They find many more mysteries and love haring about the mountains.
The herders and the chalets where hidden treasures are located. They fear for their pilot friend who's plane crashed...
He had given them toys to try out: walkie talkies and Eng to Germ hand translator of words. They come in handy in solving the mysteries and gathering clues.
Love how all the people they meet are so kind to them. They hold many clues the kids will use.
Love the hand drawn sketches. Never expected this ending, whoa!



 






The Happy Hollisters and the Mystery in Skyscraper City
This story involves the family and they head to NY where they have clues from a mystery they are trying to solve. 
Underground tunnels is fascinating because many cities have them, most not used any longer.
The dad is on a business trip trying to locate an engineer to finalize the toy he and another are creating.
The kids find a Chinese family who has a dad that is an engineer and they get paired. The kids try to solve the old letter left in a book.
They are continually chased and cause harm to the shop where they visit to unmask the final clue...
Lots of sketches and action as the kids rush all over the city. Love the landmarks.



  




I Feel Anxious by Aleks Harrison 
Colorful, rhyming, children's book about overcoming anxiety outbreaks.
The family is moving to a new house, new location and new school.
Max has a lot of worries, about EVERYTHING. His parents try to help by being silly and drawing pictures and that gets his mind off his problems.
When he goes to school he's not sure who will even eat lunch with him, if kids will like him, etc.
What a surprise he gets when he walks into the classroom!
Love when the family is sitting at dinner, love this tradition, and they all talk about what they did for the day.
Love that the parents also have anxiety and talk about hwo they conquered it themselves. Max gets his say also.
Love how some scenes are put in clouds showing you what Max is concerned about.
Methods used for Max also works for his mom.
Note from the author ends this story.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.



  
 






When I Feel Anxious by Michael Gordon
Book starts with nameplate and then the story.
Deano the dinosaur is worried about a  lot of different things. When he worries it causes distress.
He tries hard to do things but he's afraid he will get them wrong.
He worries about things he has no control over, like the weather.
He is taught how to breathe the worries away and then you feel better.
There are other ways also that he's taught.
He has a lot of others who he can turn to for help. Coloring pages are printable from the end of the book.
About the author is included also along with contact information.





 










Soccer: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Outsmart Your Opponents and Improve Your Mentality, How to Get a Good Night's Sleep Every Single Night, and How to Fuel a Great Performance  
Bundle where there are three books about soccer:
...
Soccer Mindset: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Outsmart Your Opponents and Improve Your Mentality by Dylan Joseph
Book starts with offer of free checklist printout
Table of Contents where there are many chapters and each one focuses on an aspect of the mentality of the game plan.
About the author is included where it talks about how the author got involved in soccer and writing.
Highlight of 4 other books by the author and a dedication page along with a preface.
Love the pyramid shapes and what each portion of it stands for in this book.
Chapter one starts you off with an explanation and examples of what growth mindset is vs fixed mindset. What I love about this book is throughout there are sections in bold type and those are the important facts to pay attention to as they are explained further.
Like examples of putting each of the mindsets against one another to see the differences.
Locus of control is also another important chapter and I also love hearing about game day jitters and how to overcome them.
This chapter also gives you activities so you can select an option and answers are listed in the appendix at the back of the book.
Chapters talk about so many more aspects of the mental part of the game that I find it useful in other parts of our regular lives.
There are so many sketches and charts throughout the book that I think really depicts what they author is saying by showing. There are also many examples of soccer players and their experience with a problem and how they overcame it.
There are also helpful tips for the different positions of middle fielders, Forwards, defenders, goalkeepers, also tips for parents and coaches to emphasize things that will be a positive role. Love the chart showing who capitalizes on the ground conditions the most.
So many other rules/laws spoken about the explained in terms of soccer also.
Ends with an afterword and the free gift checklist.
Offer of a free ebook when you sign up at the author's site and also an appendix where the answers are given to the test.
Glossary is also included with the word or phrase and further defined.
Acknowledgements end this book.
Like this book very much because besides having the physical abilities to play well in soccer you also need the mental traits as well.
..
Soccer Sleep: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get a Good Night's Sleep Every Single Night (Understand Soccer Book 9) by Dylan Joseph
Starts with offer of a free checklist for sleep.
Table of contents where chapters are broken up into important sections of sleeping.
Dedication page and preface follow.
Love pyramid in color showing all aspects of soccer training with sleep and nutrition among other non sports related items also noted.
Introduction about the elements of the book in 5 different sections.
Parts that I love the best is that i don't have to be a sports player at all to benefit from the research author has done for better sleep.
I love also that some sentences are highlighted for me, the most important summarizing facts of the paragraphs, like highlighted in bold that stick out.
I actually tried a few things: pillow choice and napping and what he tells you to do actually worked for me, just one time trying.
light and getting rid of annoyances to get faster sleep patterns is enlightening.
Other color photographs, charts and graphs are also included during chapters to help explain different things.
Things relating to soccer playing are also discussed during each of the chapters as it specifically relates to that.
Love the six bonus tips included at the end along with about the author.
Other works by the author are highlighted with links at the end.
Offer of a free book when signing up to be part of soccer squad book team.
Glossary of words are defined at the end and acknowledgements.

...

Soccer Nutrition: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fuel a Great Performance (Understand Soccer Book 13) by Dylan Joseph
I am just really excited about this book, hope you can tell as I talk so much about it.
Book starts out with offer of a free guide, one page to take with you summarizing the steps to take in this book.
Table of contents and dedication page are included.
Preface where pyramid of soccer positions and goals are labeled.
Introduction talks about more of main points of this book.
Chapters I like the best are those with pictures showing diagrams of pyramids and how different aspects are more important than others and what you should be concentrating on. Had no idea what I eat first is important for the rest of the day for me.
Love chart on age and activity makes a difference when it comes to calorie intake.
Love that this book like the others highlight and bold print sections that are most important to the whole chapter.
Color pictures along the way show what is being discussed.
My plate diagram is how we had been eating now I see the difference with the next pyramid of food types.
Talks about when and how to eat for the player who has a game that day.
Post game even has meal plans, such a cool idea.
Compared to other world soccer players, how they eat and why. I can relate to eating more on days i have chores to do, lots of physical manual labor vs one where I am just doing small chores.
Like comparison of sports drinks vs. water. We'd take water every time. Nutritional label really matters to me and almost 8 years since my spouse had a heart attack it shows you in serving size and what and how much of everything you should be intaking.
All the bad processed parts of food are also discussed and why they are a bad idea.
General nutrition is a really good topic and why you should eat your meals in a certain order. Never thought about it but I like vegetables first as they are usually hot and won't stay warm for very long.
Examples of the authors days: inactive and active and what portions he will intake.
LOVE BMI calculation because the doctor doesn't know if I have body weight or muscle mass. I actually went to the site and put all the measurements in and I am very happy with the outcome! Thanks for the link!
Love summary at the end of each chapter.
Excellent example of the newer nutritional labels and what they really tell you about what's really inside the food in the package and how much you really should be eating of it-serving size.
Love this book for the experimentation the author tells you to try. Love it myself as we try all the spices and combinations in our pantry. Oils are most helpful when you really don't know exactly what kind of oil to get.
So glad to hear about this book because I love healthy foods. Was interesting to learn what a soccer player would need vs. a regular person.
Offer of free book, about the author and other woks by the author are highlighted at the end.
Author's contact info and website are included.
Glossary where words are explained in detail. Acknowledgements are listed as well.
A KEEPER!, not just for soccer players.
...





 





A Homecoming To Cherish by Josie Riviera
This story starts out with Nora and she's just arrived at the Inn where her daughter Samantha and her will be living for months to run the Inn while the owner recuperates.
We learn a lot about Nora and Samantha and their thoughts on a lot of different subjects. The one I am interested in are the ones about God. Nora has lost all hope to reaching out to God.
She meets Julian at the Inn while waitressing and doing other jobs. They form a friendship and we learn about how his past has brought him to rely on God.
Like hearing the scriptures verses throughout. Nora feels she's getting too close and God hasn't answered her yet and she wants to leave to head back to VA and her job.
Sam has started to make friends and is cheerful again about life and learning about God from others.
It's a wonder they don't split and leave the Inn with those running it.....
Enjoyed the read because it's about a woman over 30 and she has raised her daughter by herself.





The Mystery of Buckingham Palace (The Mystery Quad Book 2) by Anston Hawking 
Book starts out with bringing us up to date about the last mission the family went on.
They are summoned from the president-he wants them to go to Buckingham Palace and find out about turmoil there.
Love that the book follows them on their trip while also following the bad guys in England and Spain. You are also able to understand their plans.
There is so much fighting from all over the world and they explain how they fought back. Love the details and strategy.
Who would've thought a spy was amidst them, hope they catch him in time before  they need the US troops again to finish the battles.
So very well detailed with descriptions. Love hearing how it all came together and can't wait for the next episode of the Mystery Quad.
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

 




  




DASH Diet: Breakfast Recipe by Madison Miller
What I like about this book is it's all about breakfast foods, you can eat them all day long, not just first meal of the day.
TOC is broken up by food category. Offer of free ebooks..
Intro to using the DASH Diet is discussed. Each recipe starts with a title and servings.
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 items.
Directions are included and there are NO pictures.
Some nutritional information is included=NOT sure of serving size:
calories, total fat, sat fat, sodium, potassium, total carbs, dietary fiber, sugars and protein.
Some of the recipes have over 20 ingredients listed be sure you have them all before you start.
Like the idea of the fruit muffins I can think of so many frozen fruits in my freezer.
Love the grab and go snacks.  Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Measuring  and oven temperature conversion charts are included at the end.
Lots of healthy choices, can't wait to try a few.
A KEEPER







Copycat Cookbook: Inspired by Friday’s Restaurant & Bar by Samantha Schwartz
Offer of free ebooks.  Table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals and food categories.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times and servings.
Ingredient list is included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Directions are given.
Don't recall the last time we went to a Friday's probably 25 years ago as they are not located close by.
Desserts sound so delicious I know they'd be wicked sweet. Some recipes have a BUNCH of ingredients, be sure you have them all.








Low Fat Desserts: Discover The Most Delicious, Scrumptious Low Fat Desserts Fit For A King! (Low Fat Desserts, Low Fat Cookbook) by Katrina Summers
Starts with table of contents where each chapter gets its own recipe.
Intro talks about desserts. Each recipe starts with a title and summary of the dish.
Servings and active time is included.
Total prep in time is included also.
Ingredients, are all lumped together in metric measurement, NOT listed and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Directions are given, also includes tips. 
Not sure why there are only 10 recipes in this book I could think of quite a few more.
Some recipes are not formatted like most of them: these are listed and in American measurement.
 







Let's Grill Hawaii'S Best BBQ Recipes by David Martin
This book starts out short intro, table of contents were recipes are broken up into meals.
Free ebooks offer. Intro about Hawaii phrases.
Each recipe starts with a title, cook and prep time and servings.
List of ingredients and directions are included.
you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
I also do not like that some of the titles are not translated into the American name so we know or get an idea of what we are making.
Lot of different, interesting choices.
 Cooking conversion charts are listed at the very end along with safe BBQng tips. 
Measuring and oven temperatures charts are included. 






Bread Machine Cookbook: Pro-Bakery Products Made at Home | Ultimate Bread Maker Guide for Beginners, With 200 Recipes to Impress With Homemade Bread Like Gluten-Free, Sourdough, Ketogenic & More by Michelle Crocker
TOC where recipes are broken up into food categories.
Intro includes a lot of colorful photographs and has a lot of basic bread making tips.
My bread machine will not make all the recipes included in this book because I do not have a jam/jelly selection to name a few.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and hours in total There are a lot of variations for each recipe.  Not every recipe has a color photo, just the beginning of the chapter.
you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Like all the variations of breads you can make but sad I can't try to make the blueberry jam recipe. 
Oven to Bread machine conversions along with a chart included.  Recipe index included at the very end.




 








Easy Muffin cookbook: a muffin book filled with 50 delicious muffin recipes by BookSumo Press
About the author and short intro, Table of contents where recipes are not broken up into any specific order, they are all muffin recipes.
Abbreviations chart is enclosed.
Each recipe starts with a title and list of ingredients.
you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information. 
Directions and given and some recipe have a large quantity of ingredients, be sure you have them all.
Servings and  some nutritional information are listed: prep and cook time and total time.
Calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium based on 2k calorie diet.
Love the ones using fresh fruits and vegetables.
There are so many I want to try.
A KEEPER!











Dash Kids Lunch Break: 50+ Healthy, Delicious, Low-Sodium, School-Ready, Easy-to-Make, Breakfast, Snack, & Lunch-Time Recipes by Eva Iliana
Intro talks about the DASH diet and has some full page colorful photos. Lots of technical information about the food diet, different vitamins and how to eat foods that contain them.
How to aid children when preparing their own foods.
Safety and hygiene is also discussed. Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times.
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 items.
There are NO pictures and has some nutritional information.
Serving size: calories, protein, carbs, fiber, fat, sat. fat,  and sodium.
Small circular color photo accompanies each recipe in top right hand corner.
Print for me is very hard to enlarge to see it comfortably. Summary of the book is enclosed at the end along with resource and references.








Dutch Oven Breads by Mark Hansen
Dedication page and then table of contents where recipes are not in any specific order.
Intro to Dutch oven cooking is enclosed and how to use this book.
Basic tools and basic bread recipe is enclosed, really written out.
Some color photos along the way.
All aspects of the rising and techniques to use are discussed and shown with pictures.
Chart showing how to fix mistakes are enclosed.
Each part of the process is thoroughly discussed, to me this is not a book of recipes, there is so much introduction material the recipes are hidden within.
Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the time you are making.
Tools you will need, ingredients you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Directions are given through every step.  Not one of the better cookbooks if you want recipes. There is more discussion than anything.
References, websites, books and acknowledgements along with index is included at the very end.
About the author is included.








Theme Park Copycat Cookbook: Recipes Inspired by Foods Served at Disneyland and Disney World by J.R. Stevens
Free ebook offer and table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook time and servings.
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 items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Directions are given. Like that one recipe can make so many varieties of foods.
Lots of choices.
List of author's other works are highlighted at the end.


 





Dutch Oven Cookbook: Easy-To-Follow Delicious Recipes for One Pot Meals (Color Interior) by Christopher Lester
Starts with table of contents where recipes are broken up into food categories
Introduction is about the Dutch oven itself.  What they are, how they are used and benefits of using.
Each recipe starts with a title, color photo and summary of the dish. Not all recipes start at the top of a new page.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
No servings. Directions are given and some nutritional information is provided. based on calories shown
total fat, sat. fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbs, dietary fiber, total sugars, protein, Vit d, calcium, iron and potassium
There is a large variety to choose from also different types of meat used. 
List of kitchen tools is included at the end.  Charts for measuring are included also. 
Shopping list is included also from the items you'd need from the recipes.
About the author, recommendations,  and recipe index are also included at the end.







Easy Chimichurri Cookbook: A Spicy Cookbook with Latin Style; Discover Delicious Chimichurri Recipes by BookSumo Press
About the author, intro, table of contents and common abbreviations used.
Color photographs throughout of the area, not of recipes.
Each recipe starts with a title, a list of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Some contain more than 20!  Directions are given and servings, prep and total time.
Some nutritional information is included: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, protein based on 2000 calorie diet.
With the amount of ingredients to me these would be served for a special occasion as it would take so much time to not only prepare but get all the ingredients needed.
Seems the flavor would be different each time if you omit one item.
Saw a few I'd want to try.





The Dutch Oven Cookbook: 25 Delicious Dutch Oven Recipes for your Dutch Oven by P. Karn 
Table of contents, introduction start this book.
Each recipe starts with a title, short summary, color photo.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and there is no nutritional information.
Some recipes call for more than 25 ingredients, be sure you have them all.
There are a lot of different flavor combinations with the food I'd be interested in trying for ourselves.






24 Must-Have Meatloaf recipes by Prime Publishing LLC
Table of contents where recipes are broken up into different categories: traditional, easy, turkey, cheesy, unusual.
Each recipe starts with a color photo, tribute to author and summary of the dish.
Cook time and list of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and there are NO nutritional information.
Some recipes include servings.
Tribute to all authors who complied this book is listed at the end with clickable links
There are a lot of choices, quite the variety and so easy to make and freeze for later.







Easy Cambodian Cookbook: Easy Cambodian Cooking with Authentic Cambodian Recipes by BookSumo Press
Table of contents and list of common abbreviations used.
Colorful pictures of the area mixed in with the recipes.
Each recipe starts with a title,  list of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and there are no pictures of the recipes.
Some nutritional information is included: servings,
prep and total time, calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, protein based on 1000 calorie diet.
There are a large selection to choose from and you should have no problem getting the ingredients.
Some recipes have a large amount of ingredients, be sure you have them all.
Not familiar with any of the recipes but hope to try a few.

  



 



 










Books read Apr 30

 






The Happy Hollisters and the Sea Turtle Mystery (Happy Hollisters, #26)
This story starts out with the airboat at their lake. There are problems and the kids and their dad help Charlie fix it as they learn more about his area in FL.
He's a Seminole Indian and he lives there with his daughter and other relatives.
As the family journey there they also realize Joey is there visiting friends and he gets them into trouble, as usual.
So many educational things I enjoyed learning about: the huge sea turtles and the seashell and their names.
So many scary parts also and sketches help to tell the story.
Can't wait to find out what other mysteries they will uncover...





The Happy Hollisters and the Punch and Judy Mystery (Happy Hollisters, #27)
Starts out with family putting on a puppet show with help from Zip the dog and others as they race around the yard.
Pam hopes she wins in a contest she entered-a trip. Uncle comes to visit and will take Pete and Pam on a trip overseas so they can help their friend find their uncle who's gone...
The uncle is a great maker of puppets...while on the plane Pam gets a special msg about her contest...
So educational of a trip especially when family joins them to help them solve mysteries. 
Love the glass blowing and the sights they talk about, buildings sound so magical to me.
Sketches are great and can't wait to read the next one. Sad the series will be ending soon for me.

Sunday, April 25, 2021

Books read Apr 25

 





Dutch Oven Cookbook: Easy-To-Follow Delicious Recipes for One Pot Meals (Color Interior) by Christopher Lester
Starts with table of contents where recipes are broken up into food categories
Introduction is about the Dutch oven itself.  What they are, how they are used and benefits of using.
Each recipe starts with a title, color photo and summary of the dish. Not all recipes start at the top of a new page.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
No servings. Directions are given and some nutritional information is provided. based on calories shown
total fat, sat. fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbs, dietary fiber, total sugars, protein, Vit d, calcium, iron and potassium
There is a large variety to choose from also different types of meat used. 
List of kitchen tools is included at the end.  Charts for measuring are included also. 
Shopping list is included also from the items you'd need from the recipes.
About the author, recommendations,  and recipe index are also included at the end.







Easy Chimichurri Cookbook: A Spicy Cookbook with Latin Style; Discover Delicious Chimichurri Recipes by BookSumo Press
About the author, intro, table of contents and common abbreviations used.
Color photographs throughout of the area, not of recipes.
Each recipe starts with a title, a list of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Some contain more than 20!  Directions are given and servings, prep and total time.
Some nutritional information is included: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, protein based on 2000 calorie diet.
With the amount of ingredients to me these would be served for a special occasion as it would take so much time to not only prepare but get all the ingredients needed.
Seems the flavor would be different each time if you omit one item.
Saw a few I'd want to try.





The Dutch Oven Cookbook: 25 Delicious Dutch Oven Recipes for your Dutch Oven by P. Karn 
Table of contents, introduction start this book.
Each recipe starts with a title, short summary, color photo.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and there is no nutritional information.
Some recipes call for more than 25 ingredients, be sure you have them all.
There are a lot of different flavor combinations with the food I'd be interested in trying for ourselves.






24 Must-Have Meatloaf recipes by Prime Publishing LLC
Table of contents where recipes are broken up into different categories: traditional, easy, turkey, cheesy, unusual.
Each recipe starts with a color photo, tribute to author and summary of the dish.
Cook time and list of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and there are NO nutritional information.
Some recipes include servings.
Tribute to all authors who complied this book is listed at the end with clickable links
There are a lot of choices, quite the variety and so easy to make and freeze for later.







Easy Cambodian Cookbook: Easy Cambodian Cooking with Authentic Cambodian Recipes by BookSumo Press
Table of contents and list of common abbreviations used.
Colorful pictures of the area mixed in with the recipes.
Each recipe starts with a title,  list of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and there are no pictures of the recipes.
Some nutritional information is included: servings,
prep and total time, calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, protein based on 1000 calorie diet.
There are a large selection to choose from and you should have no problem getting the ingredients.
Some recipes have a large amount of ingredients, be sure you have them all.
Not familiar with any of the recipes but hope to try a few.

  



 



 

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Book Review: When I Feel Anxious by Michael Gordon

 






When I Feel Anxious by Michael Gordon
Book starts with nameplate and then the story.
Deano the dinosaur is worried about a  lot of different things. When he worries it causes distress.
He tries hard to do things but he's afraid he will get them wrong.
He worries about things he has no control over, like the weather.
He is taught how to breathe the worries away and then you feel better.
There are other ways also that he's taught.
He has a lot of others who he can turn to for help. Coloring pages are printable from the end of the book.
About the author is included also along with contact information.

Books read Apr 22

 








Easy Muffin cookbook: a muffin book filled with 50 delicious muffin recipes by BookSumo Press
About the author and short intro, Table of contents where recipes are not broken up into any specific order, they are all muffin recipes.
Abbreviations chart is enclosed.
Each recipe starts with a title and list of ingredients.
you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information. 
Directions and given and some recipe have a large quantity of ingredients, be sure you have them all.
Servings and  some nutritional information are listed: prep and cook time and total time.
Calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium based on 2k calorie diet.
Love the ones using fresh fruits and vegetables.
There are so many I want to try.
A KEEPER!











Dash Kids Lunch Break: 50+ Healthy, Delicious, Low-Sodium, School-Ready, Easy-to-Make, Breakfast, Snack, & Lunch-Time Recipes by Eva Iliana
Intro talks about the DASH diet and has some full page colorful photos. Lots of technical information about the food diet, different vitamins and how to eat foods that contain them.
How to aid children when preparing their own foods.
Safety and hygiene is also discussed. Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times.
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 items.
There are NO pictures and has some nutritional information.
Serving size: calories, protein, carbs, fiber, fat, sat. fat,  and sodium.
Small circular color photo accompanies each recipe in top right hand corner.
Print for me is very hard to enlarge to see it comfortably. Summary of the book is enclosed at the end along with resource and references.








Dutch Oven Breads by Mark Hansen
Dedication page and then table of contents where recipes are not in any specific order.
Intro to Dutch oven cooking is enclosed and how to use this book.
Basic tools and basic bread recipe is enclosed, really written out.
Some color photos along the way.
All aspects of the rising and techniques to use are discussed and shown with pictures.
Chart showing how to fix mistakes are enclosed.
Each part of the process is thoroughly discussed, to me this is not a book of recipes, there is so much introduction material the recipes are hidden within.
Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the time you are making.
Tools you will need, ingredients you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Directions are given through every step.  Not one of the better cookbooks if you want recipes. There is more discussion than anything.
References, websites, books and acknowledgements along with index is included at the very end.
About the author is included.








Theme Park Copycat Cookbook: Recipes Inspired by Foods Served at Disneyland and Disney World by J.R. Stevens
Free ebook offer and table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook time and servings.
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 items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Directions are given. Like that one recipe can make so many varieties of foods.
Lots of choices.
List of author's other works are highlighted at the end.




Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Book Review: Miss Agnès: A Tender Coming-of-Age Novella Set In 1908

 





Miss Agnès: A Tender Coming-of-Age Novella Set In 1908
This story starts with a quote and dedication page and table of contents.
Author's note is included. Story is about Agnes and she's growing up with her dad who's not her real father.
They are in their summer routine where she reads a lot and likes to tend to her dog Gaba.  He is a dedicated musician and he has been invited to play at a mansion and will bring Agnes with him.
Agnes has a friend Kat but she's away spending time with her grandmother so she has no one to talk to about feeling and thoughts.
He had met the host, Horace and she recalls their twin children years ago but she only remembers their names.  The boy and girl twins take her under their arms at the musical event and it's decided they will come to visit at their castle on the weekend.
She gets a glimpse as to their free style of thinking and living. It's quite the opposite of her life and she's not sure how to take it.
She is able to show them around and the play croquet and do other fun things.  She is leery about them for personal reasons and is invited to stay a weekend at their mansion again. Elle hopes to get her in the racing car and Jacques hopes to converse more with her about the authors' they have in common.
Agnes is very naive and not comfortable with some things that occur and very late at night when Elle comes to her bed she misunderstands ....
Found the descriptions in this book very Victorian and so many words I had to look up as I never read this time period before. Very interesting and could follow what was going on. 
Especially love the descriptions of the clothing, so detailed.
Sneak peek at the next book in the series, a chapter when Agnes has become a doctor with her friend Kat.
About the author is included and listing of her works in series groups along with contact links..

 

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Books read Apr 17

  




DASH Diet: Breakfast Recipe by Madison Miller
What I like about this book is it's all about breakfast foods, you can eat them all day long, not just first meal of the day.
TOC is broken up by food category. Offer of free ebooks..
Intro to using the DASH Diet is discussed. Each recipe starts with a title and servings.
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 items.
Directions are included and there are NO pictures.
Some nutritional information is included=NOT sure of serving size:
calories, total fat, sat fat, sodium, potassium, total carbs, dietary fiber, sugars and protein.
Some of the recipes have over 20 ingredients listed be sure you have them all before you start.
Like the idea of the fruit muffins I can think of so many frozen fruits in my freezer.
Love the grab and go snacks.  Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Measuring  and oven temperature conversion charts are included at the end.
Lots of healthy choices, can't wait to try a few.
A KEEPER







Copycat Cookbook: Inspired by Friday’s Restaurant & Bar by Samantha Schwartz
Offer of free ebooks.  Table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals and food categories.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times and servings.
Ingredient list is included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Directions are given.
Don't recall the last time we went to a Friday's probably 25 years ago as they are not located close by.
Desserts sound so delicious I know they'd be wicked sweet. Some recipes have a BUNCH of ingredients, be sure you have them all.








Low Fat Desserts: Discover The Most Delicious, Scrumptious Low Fat Desserts Fit For A King! (Low Fat Desserts, Low Fat Cookbook) by Katrina Summers
Starts with table of contents where each chapter gets its own recipe.
Intro talks about desserts. Each recipe starts with a title and summary of the dish.
Servings and active time is included.
Total prep in time is included also.
Ingredients, are all lumped together in metric measurement, NOT listed and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Directions are given, also includes tips. 
Not sure why there are only 10 recipes in this book I could think of quite a few more.
Some recipes are not formatted like most of them: these are listed and in American measurement.
 







Let's Grill Hawaii'S Best BBQ Recipes by David Martin
This book starts out short intro, table of contents were recipes are broken up into meals.
Free ebooks offer. Intro about Hawaii phrases.
Each recipe starts with a title, cook and prep time and servings.
List of ingredients and directions are included.
you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
I also do not like that some of the titles are not translated into the American name so we know or get an idea of what we are making.
Lot of different, interesting choices.
 Cooking conversion charts are listed at the very end along with safe BBQng tips. 
Measuring and oven temperatures charts are included. 






Bread Machine Cookbook: Pro-Bakery Products Made at Home | Ultimate Bread Maker Guide for Beginners, With 200 Recipes to Impress With Homemade Bread Like Gluten-Free, Sourdough, Ketogenic & More by Michelle Crocker
TOC where recipes are broken up into food categories.
Intro includes a lot of colorful photographs and has a lot of basic bread making tips.
My bread machine will not make all the recipes included in this book because I do not have a jam/jelly selection to name a few.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and hours in total There are a lot of variations for each recipe.  Not every recipe has a color photo, just the beginning of the chapter.
you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Like all the variations of breads you can make but sad I can't try to make the blueberry jam recipe. 
Oven to Bread machine conversions along with a chart included.  Recipe index included at the very end.