Monday, May 1, 2023

Books read April 2023

   





The Virgins of Venice by Gina Buonaguro
1509 Venice
Rosa and Justina are the two daughters of the family, 13 and 17.
Pablo is the elder son who is to inherit the estate but due to father's debts he has made decisions that will affect the whole house. It's all about the elder son inheriting the estate  while everybody else has to suffer and sacrifice.
Love how she is able to do what she loves,writing and how it just takes off and someone wants to publish it...
This story is filled with heartache, sacrifices, hardships, struggles in every regard you can imagine and then some. Events, war, personal and political in the area at the time also sway the outcome of their lifes as time goes on.
Loved learning about Venice, islands, Grand Canal and life around it, and new words for me to look up. 
Captivating story is told from Justina's point of view but encompasses so many.
Resources and acknowledgments are mentioned at the back of the book. Love learning how this book came about. First time reading this author and can’t wait to read more of her works.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
 

  





The Book Spy by Alan Hlad
Really enjoying this book as it's about a Portuguese father and mother who make it to US and raise their daughter.
Love how Maria is driven and works hard at it.
She's a microphotography artist and knows her trade so well she's trained others who get top positions overseas microfilming newspapers from all countries.
She wants to be right beside him and they work well together. Love how Astors play a part in this read.
Really loved learning of the French freedom trail as it starts at the vineyard and refugees are able to make it to Portugal and then onto US to freedom.
Very familiar with SOE and this is right along that path...
Like how the book goes to present, back to the past so you can fit the missing pieces in yourself.
So many horrific, tragic events during war times, but also touching close moments. So unpredictable and especially the outcome.
Love travel, information, careers, descriptive details, ocean plane, fashion, jewelry, tough times and how all survive. Would read more works from this author, it’s really good. Something for everyone to cherish.
I received this review book from The Kensington Between The Chapters Review Books and this is my honest opinion.

 


  

 

Montana Cowboy Bride by Jane Porter

This story starts out with Briar and she's been in touch with her brother after years and she doesn't feel so welcome.

When her father leaves to go to Australia she's on her own and other events occur and forces her to seek out her brother and his family again, along with her horse.

She's not so dependent on others but can use guidance and she knows she has to get her act together.

Story is also following not only her brother Cade and his family but a ranch hand, Jet who looks after the ranch and daily things.

Love hearing from Miss Warner the owner and her house that is open to all.

What I love about this story is catching up with Cade and his family as they grow, Miss Warner and how welcoming she still is, the ranch and how it all works.

Like conflicts between people and obstacles and choices one must make in time.

Such hard choices, emotional story, beautiful  locations and people.


  
  

 

Parabellum: A Literary Crime Novel by Greg Hickey
Really interested read. Words on the page jumped out at me, in full color and expressions I could feel for myself. Prepare for war…
When author describes a scenes you not only see it, feel it but can smell it and everything around you.
Would make a perfect movie.
Starts when the coroners office van is picking up dead bodies at the beach.
Then we go back in time to discover there are four people being treated for brains problems and we learn all about them at present.
Some glimpses of their past come into play also.  Medical conditions and therapies that sometimes work are discussed as you follow their journeys along the way.
Any of them would be the shooter or all of them. Find out for yourself, great read. First time author for me and can't wait to review more of his works.
There is so much to this book, loved learning about Chicago and the various locations as I've never visited myself. 
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

 





 
The Confidante by Christopher C. Gorham
Love this read as it's about a lot of different subjects: Politics, romance, immigration, wars, surviving through the hard times and programs started: CCC New Deal, different projects, plans, GI Bill SSI, and Medicare, Veterans Aid.
Love learning all the background details. Super love how she listened to the men in the trenches when she'd visit during wartime to find out how things were with them. Love how she called the boy’s parents to tell them how she found the men she talked to, their appearance, and other little tidbits a parents needs to hear about.
Like understanding how GI Bill got off the ground, FDR and was hoping to hear more about his secret service men who protected him as I understand my mother’s uncle was one of them but there was no mention of them.
Such a fascinating read about Anna Rosenberg and how the family came to the US and under what circumstances. She hit the ground running and listened, that was her secret, just listen to what they want. She settled many disputes, strikes, etc.
Like hearing of her fashion, hats, etc.  Noted throughout the book, the excerpts are explained in further detail at the end. Notes form magazines, newspapers, radio, meetings, etc are also detailed.  About the author and acknowledgments are also included.
I received this review book from The Kensington Between The Chapters Review Books and this is my honest opinion.
 

  
  


 

The 1-800 Series, Volume Two by Josie Riviera
3 books in this collection
 ...

 





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

 


 
1-800-NEW YEAR (Flipping For You #5) by Josie Riviera
Starts with an introduction where author talks about her news and signing up for her newsletter.
Praise for the authors works from readers.
Shannice is crusing the dating apps... She hadn't felt her old boyfriend even listened to her.
Her first boyfrined left an impression on her, Lincoln Reid. He is a divorcee.
She needs to move forward....
story also follows Lincoln and he's returned to the town. He has plans to relocate the toy store he and his sister run to that little town.
He even looks at Shay's farm house. He tells her a bit about his plans...
Love small things like thrift store and fire pit. So many secrets come to light and he tells her his new plans..
She's devastated that he's not paying for her farmhouse, she really needed the money...
She's hurt and didn't wait to hear what else he had to say....You wonder if they will ever get together...
Love learning about the holiday, Kwanza and all it stands for.
Like hearing more about their careers, using their hands, priceless!
Love the charity work everybody is involved in.
Recipe included.  Note from the author about the book and series.
1800 cupid excerpt is included at the ned. Other works by the author are listed.
Dedication page and about the author are  listed at the end.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

... 




Christmas in the Air (Flipping For You Book 6) by Josie Riviera
Praise for the authors works, Prologue Penelope on a plane. She has to keep your fears low
She's on a plane to Hilton Head and discussing the job with Jacob. SHe's done the job since a teen. They also discuss relationships.
Anxiety takes over when the plane jolts and he tries to get her mind of herself. He is divorced, likes his job, doesn't want to date. He gets her to talk about flying and her fears.
Her teen son is heading to FL to visit his father over the holidays. Penelope doesn't like the holidays, it's time spouse had cheated on her and she feels lonely.
She's feeling guilty for ignoring her son, Evan but working many hours at the toy company. She hopes Lincoln her brother will help out with him.
Love natural wooden toys her and her brothers company operate.
They are able to sit down and talk about the past and how things effected them. Love hearing of hard talks and the severity of the events.
Just when things are going well for them, then they are not. misunderstandings and more patience they might make it.
Love holiday themed book on the boat, that's different!
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Recipe note from the author and other works by the author are listed at the end. Excerpt from 1800 cupid is attached also.


  


 
Under the Maui Sky by Kellie Coates Gilbert
Story starts when family is at Lincolns funeral
Ava takes some time to herself and helps others to keep busy with planning a luau feast and festivities for the tourists.
She has 4 children all older and some have children of their own ranging from a year old to teens.
One daughter runs the business, one son is a medic and the other daughter runs the produce section of the business and other son Shane works at the family business.
What I really like about this book is that there are many different family circumstances and it's cool to hear about them all, their problems, solutions and how to get over the loss.
Love hearing of the luau, whale song and products they produce.
Mysteries as they uncover things nobody in family even knew about....as they try to close his estate.
Interesting to learn more about Hawaii and the specific areas: flowers, landscaping, etc.
So much speculation as to why he even had a house in his name only.... Twists and turns and unpredictable.
Love new words and especially Hawaiian ones I was not familiar with. Probably should have a dictionary or glossary included in the book. Maybe even a family tree as there are so many characters in this story.
Ava's best friend knows the full story ....
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
 



 
 
 The Fourth Enemy A Daniel Pitt Novel by Anne Perry
First time reading this series and really enjoy it, enough to get the others.  Can be read as a stand alone as you are brought up to date on the characters.
This story starts with the family waiting for Mariam's father to show up for dinner.
He's retired and will be announcing who will take his place at the firm. Daniel also works there but he knows he's not been there very long to get the position.
We find out more about the husband and wife and she's a forensic pathologist.  Love learning how she and her female boss both got their degrees in Holland as England don’t allow women to do that type of job.
Like hearing of the suffrage movement in England.
As the story goes along everybody is on the scene at the courthouse when they figure out there's a man who's using others money fraudulently.
Clues are revealed and so many hope for such a good outcome. There are events that others want the court procedures to stop.
When you find out what all these incidents have in common you have one heck of a really good read.
Like understanding how this all works out, the travel, how peoples jobs are done, and mysteries.
Received this review copy from  Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
 #TheFourthEnemy #NetGalley
 


  







Our Blue Orange by A.R. Merrydew
Past, present and future and what happens when they collide.
Really like AI parts of this story and how the coders are the ones to be saved, at all costs.
They take on a realm of their own by having names and getting teeth painted blue. It's a fad and hilarious at times to me.
Like when they  take a stand and do things their way.
Rebellious at times but they don't want to take over the world.
Look at what could happen to our world as we know it if things get out of hand with AI.
Love following the mystery and when they look for certain device and it was right in front of them the whole time, great hiding place!
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
 



  



Living the Best Day Ever by Hendri Coetzee
Journey through rough terrain and civil war to name a few obstacles in their way.
Rapids, flat rocks, hippos, tree roots under water, wartime with rapes, cannibalism threats…
Love that Ernest Shackleton is mentioned in this this, asking for others to join his expedition and he tells you the extremes of joining....
Like the others Hendri picks to go on the trek and what each brings to the team effort.
He puts everything he has into the expeditions and enjoys them right along with the others.
Liked this memoir of the Great White Explorer.
Life is chronicled at the end along with references and resources.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

 






 IEW:

Dear Barack: The Extraordinary Partnership of Barack Obama and Angela Merkel by Claudia Clarke 
Starts with Barack and Merkel; their births, educations and work after school. Story follows each at the same time as their lives go on and lead to politics.
What I like are all marked notes of events and other things as they are explained further in detail at the end of the book. 
Like how world changes impacts each of their countries and how they are able to solve them in each of their countries. Have a better understanding of the G8 and sequence of things that occurred with decisions current president changed to reflect Baracks decisions.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.


   





Penis Politics: A Memoir of Women, Men and Power by Karen Hinton
Starts when the author Karen is young and she grows up with several of her friends around her.
Love how they bond and exchange secrets with one another til they graduate and all move on to their own goals in life.
Terrifying to learn some of the real facts of where she grew up in MS and interesting to learn her point of view of the racial tensions and how she got into politics.
Loved hearing about her drive and ambition on basketball court, journalism field and politics.
So much to this read, enjoyed it imme Love hearing about diaries and how they were used.
nsely. Tragic to learn about the medical issue and how she is able to survive today.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
 


CHILDRENS BOOKS


  


 

The Mystery of Danger Island by Paul Moxham
Saddened to learn this may be the last year of the author's works as he's not getting many pre orders.
This book starts out with the kids and they are at the ice cream place when Quigley says he's heading to Danger Island and htye go along with him to investigate the island.
It's been recently turned over to the public as the military is finished with it.
They also run into police chief who's looking for a missing girl. After their return from the island where a man states they are not welcome there, one of the girls had actually seen a girl in the turret of the tower. waving at them.
They go back on Will's sailboat and two get droped off and they are captured when Will returns to pick them up. Now all of them are in trouble.
Love hearing how they get out of this one, quick thinking and knowing what could happen they are prepared.
Reward money is always nice and it will be put to good use.
Love these stories. 


  





 Facts about the bison by Lisa Strattin
Have seen these animals from the protected cages at Land Between the Lakes in TN/KY area.
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have read about the bison and buffalo all my life and was a treat to actually see them in real life.
Each chapter details MORE facts about them, their life, habitat and so much more.
Children’s, education, colorful fun books to read.
Shame to learn they are about extinct except for places where they are now protected like LBL.




  





Facts About The Shoebill Stork by Lisa Strattin
Never knew this one existed.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC lists chapters where all aspects of the insect are included.
Fun, colorful, educational, children and adult read.
Each chapter has full page color pictures along with facts dedicated to the chapter.
There is so much to learn about these birds, so fun. To me they rather resemble a dragon, baby one.


  





facts about the goat by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC are where the chapters are listed describing all the parts of the life of the goat.
We have local goats at a petting farm but they came down with something that transmitted to people and they had to be vaccinated but owners had no idea about that.
Everyone is safe now.  Didn't realize they are similar to a sheep. Learn something new every day.
Each chapter has a lot of words explaining in detail about the animal, along with a full page color photo.
Fun, entertaining for people of all ages, educational and colorful.
So much to learn about these animals.







Facts About the Mantis Shrimp by Lisa Strattin
Wow this is a killer shrimp. thought all shrimps you could eat, NOT this one!
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC are where the chapters are listed describing all the parts of the life of the goat.
Fun and so educational to learn about these, colorful book for all ages.
So entertaining.



  



Facts About the Hippopotamus by Lisa Strattin

Fun, entertaining,, educational,  colorful book for all ages.

Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.

Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.

Have never seen one in the zoos we've visited but have seen them in movies and in books.

Interesting facts to learn all about them included in this book.






Facts About The Mexican Red Knee Tarantula by Lisa Strattin
Have never heard of this species nor have we seen any in our visits to zoos around the US.
Fun, entertaining,, educational,  colorful book for all ages.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.









Facts about the rose breasted cockatoo by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC are where the chapters are listed describing all the parts of the life of the cockatoo
Fun, entertaining, colorful book for all ages. So educational.
Each chapter has a page of words explaining about the chapter and a full page color photo to go along with it.
Have been to many areas where birds are kept safe in captivity but have not seen this breed, probably because they live near Australia.

 



Facts  about the Dwarf Lemur by Lisa Strattin

Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.

Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.

Each chapter has a lot of words explaining in detail about the animal, along with a full page color photo.

Colorful, fun, entertaining, educational book for all ages.

Have never seen or heard of this animal.

 



Cassie's Tea Party (Cassandra Bee Picture Book Series) by by Lisa Strattin 
This colorful, children's book starts out with Cassie is helping to get ready for her tea party with her friends.
Her mom tells her water in the sink is hot...
Cassie and her friends talk about their vacation trips and some of her friends help bring things to the kitchen to get cleaned.
 

 











Facts About The Little Blue Penguin by Lisa Strattin
Fun, colorful, entertaining, educational book for everybody.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC are where the chapters are listed describing all the parts of the life of the goat.
These are just so cute. 
  
 





Facts about the Red Footed Tortoise by Lisa Strattin
Have never seen one locally but in zoos that are nature preserves.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
Each chapter has a lot of words explaining in detail about the animal, along with a full page color photo.
Fun to learn more about these turtles.  Fun, educational, colorful book for all ages.








Facts About The Wood Stork by Lisa Strattin
Have never seen or heard of this one.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
Each chapter has a lot of words explaining in detail about the animal, along with a full page color photo.
Fun, colorful, entertaining for people of all ages, educational.








Facts About the Dragonfly by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
Each chapter has a lot of words explaining in detail about the animal, along with a full page color photo.
Fun, colorful, entertaining for people of all ages, educational.
Don't recall ever seeing one of these but fascinating to learn all about them.

 







Facts About the Rattlesnake: Eastern Diamondback by Lisa Strattin
Try to stay away from snakes of any kind, just dont' know enough about them other than some could strangle you.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC lists chapters where all aspects of the insect are included.
This species is poisonous so don't even keep them as pets.  
Know boys will love hearing about them, snakes don't seem to bother them.









Facts About The Walking Stick Insect by Lisa Strattin
have never heard of this insect but would think it's similiar to praying mantis.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC lists chapters where all aspects of the insect are included.
Love how they blend in with the environment, some predators would NOT even see them
Love learning about these and that some species do live in US.





Facts About The Marine Iguana by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC lists chapters where all aspects of the animal are included.
Fun, educational, colorful children and adult books to learn about new animals. 
This species I will probably never see because of where they live.
I can image all the animals that live on the islands.
Information included tells you all about the life, how they live and where and so much more.




 
 


Facts about the kiwi by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with offer of free ebook when you sign up for authors newsletter.
Box sets are also featured,  list of other volumes,  and image credits.
TOC lists chapters where all aspects of the animal are included.
Each chapter starts out with words and comes with full page color photograph.
Everything about the animal their life, the characteristics of them, life cycle and spans, habitat and food they eat along with enemies and friends.
Love learning about animals in the fun way this author explains it all and along with great photos.


 



 


 

Facts about the beaver by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Fun educational colorful children's book about the beaver.
Introduction discusses what they are well known for.
Have never seen one in real life but have seen them in movies. 
Each chapter details more details about them, their life, where they live, eat, sleep, life span and so much more.
Each chapter also comes with a full page photograph.
So fun to learn about these animals.

 

 







Facts about the bearded dragon by Lisa Strattin
One of my friends son has one of these and it's interesting to learn about them. They even grow mustard seeds for it in their garden.
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
More details are described in each of the chapters, where they live, what they eat, life span and so much more.
Fun educational children's book to learn more about all kinds of animals, so entertaining. Each chapter also has a full page color photograph.
Sounds like a great pet to have.



 




Facts about the Skunk by Lisa Strattin
This colorful children's book is fun and entertaining while teaching your child about this specific animal.
This one concentrates on the skunk. We haave these in North America and have seen them on the road dead and have smelled them when others get near their nests.
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes by the author are listed, image credits.
TOC where chapters are listed. Each chapter not only has more details about the skunk but also a full page color photograph.
So much to learn about them and I didn't realize how blind they really are
All aspects of their life’s are detailed in this book.

 
  

 

Facts About the Sea Squirt by Lisa Strattin
Never heard of this animal and very interesting to find out that it lives in warm tropical waters so chances are I'll never run across them in cold northeast ocean waters.
Book starts with free ebook offer, bundle volumes,  other works by the author, image credits, TOC where chapters are listed.
Each chapter also includes a full page color photo.
 Interesting that they are both male and female cuz of their organs.
Fun educational read.







Facts About The Nuthatch by Lisa Strattin
Fun colorful children's book but I enjoy them because I get to learn more about our earth.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes by the author, image credit and chapters.
Never heard of this bird but they do live in North America. Glad to know they are around eating bad bugs and insects for us.
Each chapter has a full page color photograph.
So fun and educational to read about these birds.

 







Facts About The Nyala by Lisa Strattin
This book starts with offer of free ebook, bundle of volmes, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Introduction discusses the nyalas and they are similar to antelope but live in southeast Africa. Chances of seeing them here in Northeast Americas are slim.
Each chapter also has a full page color photograph.
So many things to learn about them, in a fun way.








Facts About the Albino Peacock by Lisa Strattin
Very unique animal. This book starts with offer of free ebook,  other volums, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Introduction discusses the peacock. Lots of differences between all the peacocks.
Fun educational interesting things about this bird.








Facts About the Tasmanian Tiger by Lisa Strattin
Book starts with offer of free ebook,  authors boxed sets,  image credits,  TOC of chapters, Intro about the animal things like where to find them,. Each chapter has a color full page picture.
Such fun things to learn about new animals. what they eat, where they live, etc.
So much to discover. 
 
 
  




Facts about the eagle by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have seen these in movies but never up close, except for a protected wildlife center in Oregon.
Fun educational, colorful children’s book that adults will enjoy also.
So many facts about these great birds and where they live, eat, etc.


 





Facts about the cicada by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have heard these in our local swamps after rain. Wish books could allow you to hear them.
Interesting to learn how they eat.  So many new things to learn.
Fun colorful education children's book that describes the full life ccle of these insects.


 




Facts about the giraffe by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have seen these in the Denver Zoo, CO when we visited relatives there.
So cute to see the babies near their mothers. 
Fun educational, colorful, children's and adults book. So many things to learn about these animals.
Interesting diet.

 






Facts about the Hermit crab by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have seen these at the beach. 
Fun educational, colorful, child and adult book. So interesting to learn all about their life’s. Each chapter has a full page color photo.


 





Facts about the raccoon by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have seen these in real life in the back  yard and have seen damage their claws have done to plastic garbage container as they try to claw through different layers of plastic to get to garbage inside.
We put pine sol around the edge and it masks the smell from the container.
Child and adult fun, educational colorful read. 
Each chapter has a full page color photo.






Facts about the koala by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Colorful fun educational children and adults book. So many fun facts to learn about.
Each chapter has not only facts about the animal but also full page color photo.

 






  





Facts about the snail by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
We have these in our area of North America and they tag along when fisherman leave the area. 
Fun, educational, child and adult colorful books. Each chapter has not only facts about the animal but also full page color photo.
Interesting how they move around.  So much to learn about.






Facts about the turkey by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have seen wild turkeys while waiting at a doctor’s office.
Fun educational read and colorful. Each chapter has not only facts about the animal but also full page color photo.
Like seeing the differences between the two species.

 

 

Facts about the stingray by Lisa Strattin
Starts with offer of free ebook, other volumes are listed, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Have watched these on TV but never saw one in real life. Each chapter has not only facts about the animal but also full page color photo.
Colorful, child and adult educational fun facts about this fish.


  




Facts about the Labrador retriever by Lisa Strattin
This book starts out with offer of free ebook, bundles deals and other works by the author, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Introduction discusses the Labrador retriever and I recall my braille teacher always brought hers when she visited me, until one day they sensed smoke/mist and i had to turn the air humidifier off then he allowed her to enter the house.
So super smart. Each chapter also has a full page color photo.
Fun, educational, colorful children’s and adult book, so interesting to find out everything there is to know about this species.


 




Ladybugs and Fireflies by Lisa Strattin 
Free ebook offer, other works by the author image credits,  TOC where chapters are listed.
This fun colorful, educational read is for younger crowd.
Each chapter tells about the lady or firefly and has a colorful photo.
So much to learn about these, fun stuff!  Have had these on my plants and they keep bad bugs away, especially in the garden.
Second half of the book is all about the firefly.  I don't recall ever seeing these when I had vision.
Talks about their life stages along with colorful pictures.  I do recall the kids going outside and capturing a few at night in a jar and watching them light up.
Also have heard of the TN national park where others travel to yearly as the 'light' of one species all light up at the same time.








Facts About the Komodo Dragon by Lisa Strattin
Never heard about thsi type of dragon and will be fun to learn all about it.
Book starts out with offer of free ebook, bundle deals and other works by the author and image credits.
TOC shows chapters in the book. Introduction discusses this dragon and where you can find them. Full page color photos are included with every chapter.
you can learn about their behavior, their life, diet and where they live enemies and why you can’t' have them as a pet.
Fun, educational, colorful child and adult book.






Time For Bed! by Lisa Strattin
What I like about his book is that i can tap a few times to enlarge the words. Very helpful when the child is reading beside me as they look at the pictures while I say the words.
Cassandra is a bee and is NOT tried to go to bed. They are told to clean up the toys and come for a snack before bed.
They still are not tired but mom knows how to make them sleepy...
Great ending...
Colorful children's educational book and a fun read.
Other works by the author are listed at the end.

 

 
I Love My Grandma!  by Lisa Strattin
Book starts out with Cassie and it's time for them to wake up. It's breakfast time then grandma will be there. Now Cassie is very excited. 
Grandma gives special hugs...
FUn colorful children's book. Other works by the author are listed at the end.

  

 

My Grandpa is Old! by Lisa Strattin
Another day we find Mom talking to Cassie that they have to get up and grandpa is coming to visit.
Cassie's friend Jolene come to visit and wants to meet him.
He always has a bag of things and great stories to tell. Such collectibles!
Fun, educational colorful children's book.  Other works by the author are listed at the end.


 





Can You Count the Hearts?: Count the Hearts Book: I Spy Book for Kids Ages 2-5: Colorful Hearts Picture Puzzle Book for Kids: Activity Book About Hearts by Lisa Strattin
Cassie starts this book off and a nameplate is included.
Not only fun but educational, counting,  colors sizes and so much more puzzle fun games.
Great fun to keep the younger children busy.


 

 

Can You Count the Monster Trucks?: I Spy Book for Kids Ages 2-5: Monster Truck Picture Puzzle Book for Kids: Activity Book about Monster Trucks by Lisa Strattin
Starts with Cassie and they love to count monster trucks. Name plate is included at the start of the book.
Not only counting but also has puzzle games to find things.  
Fun, educational, colorful children's matching book. Thanks note from the author and asks for a review.

 





Alphabet Book for Toddlers 2 - 4 Years: A Delightful ABC Animal Adventure for Early Learning by Grandpa Vince
Name plate starts this book,  dedication page and a bit about how to use  the book to help teach the child.
Animal song is listed with each letter of the alphabet.
Then each letter gets its own page with a full page color photo with what the animal says and another fun fact about them.
Thanks note from the author at the end. 


  

 
Silly Willy Apple Cake by Amelia Griggs 
Dedication page then the story.
Colorful children's book and having fun at the farm.
Like that the words tell you what the pictures are showing you.
 Can use this as a counting book also and color, shapes, etc.
After picking apples they make a cake.  Each step is described. 
Fun to help by adding cinnamon and other things.
Love rhyming game at the end.
Recipe is included at the very end. Many variations for using apples.
Thanks note from the author and other works are listed at the end.


 
  




Facts About The Guanaco by Lisa Strattin
This book starts with offer of free ebook, bundle of volumes, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Introduction discusses the animal and different facts about them.
Chances of seeing them here in Northeast Americas are slim.
Each chapter also has a full page color photograph.
So many things to learn about them, in a fun way. Cool a camel deer.
Colorful, fun, educational facts books for all ages.





 
Facts About The Skua by Lisa Strattin
Colorful, fun, educational facts books for all ages.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, bundle of volumes, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Introduction discusses the animal and different facts about them.
Everything you need to know is included here: where they live, what they eat, friends and enemies and so much more.
They mate for life, so nice to know this!
 






Facts About the Peccary by Lisa Strattin
This book starts with offer of free ebook, bundle of volumes, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Colorful, children's fun, educational book for all ages.
Introduction discusses the animal and different facts about them.
Everything you need to know is included here: where they live, what they eat, friends and enemies and so much more.
So similar to a pig but not...







Facts About the Bongo Antelope by Lisa Strattin
Colorful, children's fun, educational book for all ages.
This book starts with offer of free ebook, bundle of volumes, image credits and TOC where chapters are listed.
Everything you need to know is included here: where they live, what they eat, friends and enemies and so much more.
Such a distinct animal with stripes on his body, deer, antelope mix, with 3 foot spiral horns.
 



COOKBOOKS



  





The Ultimate Crockpot Cookbook for Beginners: 1001 Easy and Foolproof Recipes for Everyday Slow Cooking by Luisa Florence
TOC starts this book where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.
Short intro about the book and lots of information about the crockpot and what it can do.
Each recipe starts with a title, some are translated into English. Time is included and servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain a lot of items, and canned, be sure to have them all first.
Directions are given.
Each recipe sits in one of two columns per page so there could be 4 recipes on one page.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Appendix ends this book.  









Empanada Recipes: Discover a Classic Latin Savory Pie with Easy Empanada Recipes in a Delicious Empanada Cookbook by BookSumo Press
Starts with about the author, intro, TOC where recipes are listed, not in any specific order,  common abbreviations chart, and then the recipes.
Each reciep starts with a title and has a list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain a LOT of items even canned, be sure to have them all first.
Directions are given and there are NO pictures.
Servings, prep and total time.
Some nutritional information per 2k calorie diet: calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein.
So many to choose from. Great flavor combinations.
Appendix has a bonus spice mix recipe.

 





I taught them to cook by Jenny Ridgwell
ike the chapter of boys don't cook but they make the best meals.
Rock cakes, never heard of them, sound fun and multiple uses.
Brands are from England so you may not find them at your local stores.
Cute story.
History of the stories are included at the  end.
Each recipe starts with a name, summary of the dish, servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given and most everything is in metric measurements.
No pictures and NO nutritional information
Ends with acknowledgements.

 

  








Dump Cake Recipes: 50 Simple Dessert Recipes by Debbie Madson
This book starts out with short summary of the book and what dump cakes are.  TOC lists recipes by name, not in any specific order.
Like flavor combinations.
Each recipe starts with a title and has servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain canned or prepackaged mixes. Wouldn't take long to make at all.
Some contain a lot of items, be sure to have them all first. 
 Directions are given.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.







Italian Takeout Cookbook : Easy Italian Recipes to Make at Home Including Pizza and Pasta by Lina Chang
Starts with table of contents where recipes are listed as meals and other food categories.
 Free offer of ebook when you subscribe to authors website.
 Intro discusses the history and foods the Italians use a lot.
Tools and equipment you might use, different cooking methods are described in detail.
Each recipe starts with a title, some have Italian name also that is translated to English, servings, prep and cook times.
Some recipe contains a medium size color photo and has a list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
Directions are given. There is NO nutritional information.
Shouldn’t be too difficult to use low sodium products and low fat items.
Conversion charts are included and other works by the author are listed at the end.







Easy Doughnut Cookbook by Maggie Chow
Starts with TOC where recipes are listed under different types of doughnuts.
Each recipe starts with a title and has a list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given and servings, prep cook and total times.
Some nutritional information based on 2k calorie diet: calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat, fiber, protein and sodium.
There are NO pictures. Some recipes contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
Most are deep fried but some use oven 






Happily Ever After Cookbook: Original Recipes for Book Lovers by Jana Aston, Louise Bay, Tasha Boyd   
TOC where recipes are listed as meals.  Each chapter starts with a colorful full page photograph.
Each recipe starts with a title with credit to author and their book recipe appears in.
Small color photo is included, prep, cook and total time.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given.
There is NO nutritional information and some recipes call for a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
More information about book the recipe comes from is included with 3-4 page excerpt.
Interesting concept of this book, get a bit of the story that entices you to read more, and recipes.
 







Our Favorite Potato Recipes by Gooseberry Patch
This book starts with other works by the authors.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain a lot of items, be sure to have them all first.
Directions are given  and there is NO nutritional information and NO pictures.
Lots of good old fashioned and everyday dishes.
Index by meals and food categories are listed at the end.

 

  
Wicked Good Cupcakes: Insanely Delicious and Easy Cupcake Recipes by Louise Davidson
This book starts with TOC where recipes are listed, vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, nutty, fun flavor, fruity, cheesecake, veggie variations.
Offer of free ebooks.  Introduction discusses the different options when you have cupcakes and about the content of the recipes.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep and cook times.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain a lot of items, be sure  to have them all first.
Directions are given and some nutritional information per servings: calories, fat, carbs, sugar, protein and sodium. There are NO pictures.
Most will also come with their own icing recipes.
Love the varieties and flavor combinations available.
Other works by the author are listed at the end. Conversion charts are also listed at the end.






The Ultimate Crock Pot Cookbook for Beginners 2023: 1200 Days of Healthy, Delicious & Affordable Crockpot Recipes for Homemade Slow Cooking by Stephen McKinney
This book starts with TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.
Introduction discusses about the use of crock pots for everybody and why.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, cook times.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain a lot of items, be sure to have them all first.
Directions are given and some nutritional information per serving: calories, protein, carbs, fat, fiber, cholesterol, sodium and potassium.
There are NO pictures. Some recipes also contain other nutritional information, like from a different source.
Some recipes contain prepackaged items and canned .
 


  




Acid Reflux Remedies: Acid Reflux Home Remedies for Heart burn and Severe Acid Reflux for Quick Relief by Pete Samonis
This book starts out  with TOC where chapters are listed.
So many helpful suggestions to get rid of GERD and how to control it. Never realized some of the drugs we take to lower blood pressure could also be causing it.
In my case it's too many tomatoes so if i limit what i eat like in spaghetti sauce I won’t have a problem later.
Very helpful book, hope it helps you also, rather than buying drugs to combat the problem, there are home remedies.
Great resource book to keep handy.







The Ultimate Heart Healthy Cookbook for Beginners: To reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, try this simple, delicious low-fat and low-sodium recipes, Meal plan for 30 days included by John Auger
This book starts out with about the author, TOC where recipes are  listed as meals and food categories,.
Introduction discusses many aspects of eating healthy and what's involved.
The heart diseases that are out there if you don't take care of yourself and how to reverse it to make you healthy again.
Lots of scientific names but explained in English and easy to follow along.
Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain a LOT  of items, be sure to have them all first. Like that the amounts are in  US terms and UK provided in parenthesis.
Directions are given and some nutritional information per portion.
Fat, sat fat, mono fat, poly fat, Cholesterol, fiber, I do not see a serving/portion.
Some do NOT include nutritional information at all.
Recipes do NOT always start at top of a new page. There are NO pictures.
Format of recipe changes also and measurements are written out.
Like intro material but not so much the recipes.
Meal plans are also included along with how many calories you should have per meal. The calories is NOT one of the items listed in nutritional information.


 
 

Fit, Fresh, and Fabulous: The Ultimate Wellness Bible: A Motivational Weight Loss Diet Cookbook and Exercise Guide for a Healthier You by H.S. Penn
TOC starts this book and chapters are listed as different foods.
Foreword and intro discuss nutrition.
Besides the information there is a quiz at the end to make sure you got the important points along with an exercise to do. Salmon would be my favorite dish to try..
Each chapter also has a recipe.
Each recipe starts with a title medium size color photo, servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given.  Such healthy foods. Specific foods for different parts of your body you want to give a boost to: energy,  weight management, brain power, etc.
30 day fitness program is also detailed and celebrity breakthroughs with their diets.
Answers to quizzes are listed at the end.
References are also noted. 
Great resource book to keep handy.

 




Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2023: Simple, Easy & Flavorful Mediterranean Recipes to Lose Weight and Live Healthier by Daniel Latch
TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food groups starts this book.
Intro discusses the diet plan.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times, servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain a lot of items, be sure to have them all first.
 Directions are given, step by step and some nutritional information is included: calories, fat, carbs and protein. There are NO pictures.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
 


  


Awesomely Cheap Chicken Meals: Eating well on next to no money by Terry Blake
Starts with a note from the note and then chapters start right away.
essential items and pastry recipe starts with a title, ingredients are listed only in UK measurements and directions are included.
I love that it gives you essential foods, pastry, rice . There are some recipes showing a picture.  Like how they use leftovers after a mea, bones, juices.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep and cook time. Equipment you will need.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Measurements are only in UK, directions are given. There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Good variations of chicken meals, like handful of pictures.
 

 




35 Slow Cooker Pork Recipes: Pulled Tenderloin Meals to Quick by Jean Pardue
TOC where recipes are listed under various ingredients.
We do eat pork at least a few times a month and like experimenting with new recipes.
Dedication page and other works by the author are listed.
Short into about the book.
Each recipe starts with a title, some contain a small color photo and List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Directions are given and there ae NO nutritional information.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Found a few I want to try because of seasonings used.
Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
Other works by the author are shown at the end.





The Ultimate Belgian Cookbook: 111 Dishes From Belgium To Cook Right Now by Slavka Bodic
Intro discusses the cookbook and a bit of the cuisine.
TOC lists recipes in meals.
More intro about the recipes and history and what foods they eat regularly.
There are color photographs.
Story of Belgium is also included and their lifestyle.
Each recipe starts with a title, some contain a color photo.
prep and cook times, nutritional facts per servings: calories, fat, protein and fiber.
Summary of the dish.
Servings and a List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain  LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.  Some need a translations to what the item is you are making.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. 
Directions are given.

  


1 comment:

fredamans said...

A couple of those non-fiction and cookbooks caught my eye! Happy May!