Friday, May 29, 2026

Book Review: Rancher’s Family Christmas by Leslie North

  


 
Rancher’s Family Christmas by Leslie North
This story follows Juniper and she's a crafty lady who runs her own stall at craft shows and has a local shop. During the holidays it's slammed with business. She also runs events for others to participate in, make their own ornament, etc
Story also follows Alex who's doing it all. After his wife and mother had passed away he's the only one on the ranch to handle his dad using a walker, his three little girls and the ranch. He has no time for himself but he learns his daughter wants a family Christmas this year with the whole family. He alerts his other brothers that they need to come home that year. He gets the girls excited by bringing them to the local event where they can make their own ornament. They have a blast especially because Juniper is there and she loves kids and makes them feel special.
Love how they do barter with one another to get what they need but one night she leaves the ranch with snow falling hard. He's worried because she never called to say she arrived home. He rescues her and she is able to spend the night. When she awakes up  Alex's brother is also there, the one she hung around with the most as they all lived next door. She's had a really tough life with no family and at times they made her feel very welcome. Like how the girls are able to get what they want for the holidays as if they are in control.  Things are going very well til Alex misses his little girls first tooth and he breaks up with Juniper. She takes it very hard and plunges back into work. It's Christmas and she's so depressed she doesn't wanna get dressed but gets a call to get more wood.
Love how this ends. Love snow ball fights and the holiday baking, gatherings and family time. 
Love learning how they each do their jobs and careers. So detailed.


 

Thursday, May 28, 2026

May 27 Mossad Extraction by Ethan Jones

  

 
Mossad Extraction by Ethan Jones
Story starts out with Jack and he's with others to extract an operative but things go wrong. They are lucky to get out and cross back over the border to safety. The intel was right but that was 6 hours earlier. When they got to the point the operative had been moved to another location and nobody knew where that was.
There are quite a few characters to keep track of and for which side they are for, and against. So many different locations and like hearing about the traffic, city life and the food they eat at these areas.
Torture methods are varied mostly depending on where they are at and what weapons they have on hand. Like the strategic movements and how they are successful and other times they are not. Love the underlining story of Jack's family and his strive to find out any information about them throughout the book. Twists, mysteries, religious cultures, moles and how they are discovered, and a bit of romance. Something for everyone to appreciate.
Excerpt of the next book in the series as we follow Jack around the world.
Really great read 

Book Review: The Herbalist’s Apothecary Collection: 501+ Easy, Step-by-Step Natural Preparations & Herbal Recipes for At-Home Natural Living by Clara Greenhart

  




The Herbalist’s Apothecary Collection: 501+ Easy, Step-by-Step Natural Preparations & Herbal Recipes for At-Home Natural Living by Clara Greenhart
Like this book as a reference to solutions of things that ail your body.
Lots of introductory material about the natural cures for your body and inside issues as well.
I love the recipes because there are many ways to actually 'take' them and each one is explained in detail.
The recipes start with a title and tells you what ailment it can help with. Also a color photo and short summary.
List of ingredients and step by step prep instructions.
How to use, how much, when, how often is explained  also with notes and tags that are associated.
So many natural ways to heal your problems from things you can get online or in nature food stores.
Great reference book to keep handy.
 

Book Review: Systematic Theology Workbook for Adults: 52 Weeks to Understand What Christians Believe and Why They Believe It. Build a Faith That Holds You Steady—and Stand Firm by Paula Hartwell

  

 
 Systematic Theology Workbook for Adults: 52 Weeks to Understand What Christians Believe and Why They Believe It. Build a Faith That Holds You Steady—and Stand Firm by Paula Hartwell
What I like about this book is the fact you can take your time and digest what you've read for a week before you move on to the next weeks reading challenge. Book consistently throughout enforces the 5 C's: clarity, confidence, courage, character, and compassion.
Each chapter starts with a theme and devotes the chapter to understanding it fully. Has sections on Key Passages, reading notes, supporting passages with a summary of what each is about pertaining to the theme, tension passages, life passages, bible first questions which you can do by yourself or with others.  Plain language teaching, micro doctrine clarity guided relections and so much more. Like that you can do this on your own time.
There is so much to learn about and fully understand.
Great reference book to keep handy.
 

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Book Review: The Natural Healing Handbook: The Herbalist’s Collection of Ancient Natural Remedies & Simple Herbal Recipes to Nurture Everyday Wellness & Vitality by Mira Hawthorn

  
 
The Natural Healing Handbook: The Herbalist’s Collection of Ancient Natural Remedies & Simple Herbal Recipes to Nurture Everyday Wellness & Vitality by Mira Hawthorn
What I like about this book is when you first open it up and see the list of chapters in the book you realize it can help cure any issue you have with your body: sleep, brain fog, joints etc and recipes are included and sound so easy and simple to make and use. Love section for older adults the best. It's where I'm at right now in my life.
Love intro material about hydration and movement and just things everybody should be doing daily to keep going strong.
Each chapter starts out with a summary of what's included. Each item has a color picture, title, summary, list of ingredients, and step by step prep. Also tells you how ot use it, how often and how much, no guessing.
Also has notes and tag and clinical dada.
What a super resource book to keep handy in the kitchen. 

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Book Review: The Thirteenth Apostle: A Thriller by Jo Anne Barnes

  

 
The Thirteenth Apostle: A Thriller by Jo Anne Barnes 
This story starts out with Wendy and she's a city horticulturist. She also works weekend nights at a bar to earn money for a new car.
Story also follows a man who is stalking her. He uses many names and is so precise about using gloves so his DNA is not available at the crime scenes.
Very frightening scenes as he kills others before he is able to take her, again. The local police investigator, Shawn is very sympathetic and they fall for one another. He tries to reassure her and how to watch your surroundings. He equips her with tools also that she can use. Like connection she has with Shawn's son Chip who is an avid baseball player. He's got a great coach also who listens to him. I had a feeling, but I'm always wrong when I think I know who the stalker is.
Like the very descriptive details in this one and they are there for purposes that you will understand later in the book. Colorful tiles sound like a great hobby to do, peaceful and calming and such beautiful shades of colors for a window with sun coming in behind it.
Stalker is also hearing his mother talk to his conscious as she had sold him for $100 when he was younger. She's telling him what to do about the girls in his life and he tries to please her.
When he tires of trying to get Wendy he searches for others.
Very creepy and chilling to the bone for me as I do read thrillers but this one stuck with me, I couldn't put the book down and finished in one night. Like the connection about Paul the 13th apostle and the religious references in the book, scriptures from the Bible. 

May 26 The Ledger by Steven Manchester

  

 
The Ledger by Steven Manchester
This story is a bit different from the author's regular works. Enjoyed the read and just learning more about prison life and how those behind bars survive to do it all again another day.
We learn about the lives of:  the prisoner, an officer and the sergeant from all different angles.
Some stories are gruesome, some tragic.  It's the real life in the prison.
There is one given another chance from God but before he could get on the good side he had to experience the bad side first. 
Author is so very descriptive with his words I can picture myself watching it LIVE with them as it's happening. This would be a great movie!
So very realistic, I remember my father who was a local cop but had state police training talk about some of his work.  God keeps the ledger and you have to prove your life to him to get to heaven.
Can't wait for more from Steven.
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
 

May 26 Remember Me Always, Cowboy Book 1 of Coffee Creek Montana by CJ Carmichael

  



 

Remember Me Always, Cowboy Book 1 of Coffee Creek Montana  by CJ Carmichael
In this story we meet Laurel who now works at a local bakery. She had arrived for her friends' wedding, Winnie. Problem is she had met the groomsman and they had spent the night together.  Emergency occurs and the car crashed leaving the groom dead and the groomsman with no memory. 
Drama occurs when Laurel thinks she's pregnant. Winnie is also...
Corb has no memory but Laurel seems to know a lot about him. He can't figure out why til she tells him they had talked extensively....
Like hearing of the time she spend at his mothers who runs the whole show. That rather spoiled it for me and obviously it spoiled the plans for Laurel as she left to go back to NYC.
Lots of drama. Love the background of the scenery, location and this new town for me to learn about. Love descriptions of food and fashion scenes.
Like turmoil with a sister/aunt.
Like next chapters in the next series and where that one is going...



 

Monday, May 25, 2026

Book Review: A Very Coastal Christmas (Cozy Christmas) by Camille Cabrera

  


 
A Very Coastal Christmas (Cozy Christmas) by Camille Cabrera 
This sstory starts out with Blue and she's on her way to town via the welands trail. She discovers a body and reports it to the police.  She is an artist with her paints, as were her grandmother and mother. She realizes that the shoreline looks a lot different than her grandmother had drawn it. 
She also runs into Charlie who is a new person in town, she knows everyone. He's the new design team, sent ahead to propose a new development to the town. It's all kept pretty quiet and we learn why late in the story.
Like how she discovers the shoreline mystery via the library books from 1800's.
Storm of the century is upon them and she' was just closing up the lighthouse when Charlie comes in and the rain has started along with lightening.  They spend the night there and talk and she understands about the development. She also explains to him the harm that will town will find if he goes further.
I am very familiar living on an island the downfall of development and harms to the town so this was an easy story to follow.  Love when she lets the light into her painting, I can just imagine who beautiful they are.
End of the book has excerpts from authors other works in the series. They all sound a good read also.
Can't wait to read more form this author. 

Book Review: Miss Emma's Regret: A Novel Inspired a True Story by Jo Anne Barnes

   

 
Miss Emma's Regret: A Novel Inspired a True Story by Jo Anne Barnes
This story is fascinating. Learned so much from it. A very strong dedicated and headstrong woman. Story goes back in time but presently the girls are ready to send her off to the nursing home. They know she's crazy and even senile but then one wants to wait another week and things seem fine. 
Going back in time we learn the real story of who Emma was. Growing up she had a hard life and we learn a lot about growing up in Mississippi. They live a poor life and she has to help with the farm chores. She likes the church but it thrown out when she dances after being told not to... She loves school and hates that she's not going to high school. Throughout her life that was one of her main goals. Even after married it was understood she'd go to school but they didn't allow married women to attend. She learns things the hard way how to survive and she flourishes with how she is able to make a living out of the chores she learned. She even can pay others to do the work and still make a profit, giving her time to take on more chores to earn yet more money. Love the travel and what she finds when she does get to New Orleans. That's one place I've yet to visit.
Love ending how granddaughter as able to help her achieve what she wants most in life. So dedicated.
Apple cake is the one thing in this book, because it's mentioned so often, that I want to taste for myself. I an just imagine what it will taste like. It brings friends together.
So much to this story, something for everyone: romance, travel, mysteries, hard work and goals.
 

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Book Review: The Glass Bottom Boat (Flight to Freedom Book 1) by Laura Thomas

  

 
The Glass Bottom Boat (Flight to Freedom Book 1) by Laura Thomas
story starts with Madison and she's attending her sister's wedding in Jamaica. The groom has his brother along for the best man, Luke.  He is a missionary and she enjoys his tals of how he does his job in Mexico. It's so hard for Madison to be there surrounded by water as her parents had died in a plane crash into the water. She's always had the fear of drowning herself. Luke is gentle with her and gets her used to the water alongside her and she's getting the hang of things. She's a runner and enjoys her first in the morning runs. On one morning she finds a glass bottom boat and she has nightmares about it and her ex boyfriend. Party festivities continue during the week with rehearsals.
One morning she didn't return from her run and everybody is frantic. Luke finds her phone on the furthest part of the beach and other clues. With help from others he's able to determine where she is and with the amount of glass bottom boats he's getting closer to finding her. In the meantime we learn of her captivity and who is holding her against her will. She is able to escape one time but they caught her. Next time as she's been stretching her muscles she's able to leave again and we follow her at every turn.
What a thriller, romantic, mysteries and fers all come to light and combine to make this an escellent read. Can't wait to read more from this author, so very descriptive and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
 

Friday, May 22, 2026

May 22 Children's Books reviewed

  
 
MMM...Marigolds!: A yummy book for picky eaters by Veronica Saretsky  
colorful children's book about eating the right foods.
every day the mother deer takes her baby to the garden and she always picks marigolds. The baby tries everything but the marigolds. says they are yucky.
 one day there is only marigolds left and the baby tries them and ....
cute story.
lots of other things to do in the book, check at th eend.


 
The Five Little Bees Family: Goes Canoeing by Carolina J. Blooming
Cute colorful children's story babout a family of bees. they look like regular people but after a while you realize they are actually bees. they go out for a day canoeing on the river.  Things don't always go according to plan but they get in synch to make the canoe go where they want it to. Love how everybody pitches in to make  things work.
Love tips at the end of the book about bees.

 

Book Review: The Cart Pusher by Phil M. Williams

 
 

 
The Cart Pusher by Phil M. Williams
This story is about Scott from when he was young to his teen and older yers. Love this book because of the relationships through his life and those life's he touched.
Love hearing of his mother and sisters and how they realize later in life that the money she was controlling of theirs was spent, not on what they wanted it to be spent on.
Scott was working a cart pusher at the big mart when he realizes he just needs to work a lot of hours so he can earn the money he needs to get the rest of his college degree. Like how he is able to help others along the way also. Hate when people use others for their own gain.
Love hearing of the older characters in the book and the impact they left on others. Love how Scott with Henry's help he is able to reinvent his life where it has more purpose.
Did not believe how this ended but glad he was able to make a difference in others lives.
Fascinated by his journey with crypto and the decisions he made over the years.
Mystery, romance, self help, adult situations and so much more, something for everyone. 

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Book Review: My Lord Protector (The Beresford Adventures Book 2) by Cheryl Bolen

  

 
My Lord Protector (The Beresford Adventures Book 2)  by Cheryl Bolen
This story starts out with Charlotte and she's discovered one night her landlady which is more like a real mother to her has been killed. She grabs her belongings and heads to get a ride from the fishermen to a new location. She has the ladys journal which will point to a murderer and hidden secrets.
Once she arrives in London  she heads to a lady friend who has an agency and she refers her out to Lord Devere who needs a companion for his younger sister. She is the last of the sisters and this one is proving to be a bit difficult. She loves her animals, all kinds of them. The women get along just fine and Carline also finds out the Lord will buy her all new clothing and she is to be treated as a family member. He does not know much about her background but is fascinated with her and often attends the dances with the women. 
Like that the murdered is also conniving and has plans to track her down and he thinks he has located her.
On one outing the women's carriage is stopped and Caroline is stolen away. They threaten her life with the whereabouts of the journal. 
Luckily Harriet had sent a neighbor boy to track down those who stole her companion and he hads back to the estate to confer with lord Devere.
Lots of travel, romance, mystery, and twists and turns. What amazes me is that this book is under 200 pages and tells wicked good story. So descriptive especially the fashion and foods. Can't wait to read more of this author's work.
Good health prayers to you Mrs. Bolen.. 

Sunday, May 17, 2026

May 17 Children's books

 
 
SAILING THE ABCs: An Alphabet Adventure Story for Children by Ophra Ashur 
This book is not your typical Ace stands for something and b stands for something it is a mixture it's all about the different colors that you can find. So each letter does have a color associated with it that starts with their letter. Very colorful educational book for children. There are so many activities that you could create out of this book at the very end they show you how to make an origami sailboat so you can create your own words from letters that have colors associated with them. There are also other things you can do at the end of the book. Love this book it's so challenging.




 

aWhatever You Do, Don't Fall Asleep!: A funny and interactive book for kids (Whatever You Do, Don't series)! by Ashlee Ridlon 
This book is a colorful, children's book and Bruno the Bear does not want to hibernate just yet. He figures he has a few days left but he's having a hard time staying awake. he does not want to fall asleep. You are asked lots of questions and you can't be in your bed with a nice soft fluffy pillow and blankets that are nice and warm. Have to be able to keep the bear moving around and not fall asleep til the first snow falls. Kind of a silly book but it's a fun one.









Spring is My Favorite Season: A Rhyming Picture Book Celebrating Spring for Kids (My Favorite Seasons with Doppy and Friends)
by H.R. Manske
This book starts with Doppy and friends and they all have different birthdays different times of the year. each one tells you their birthday and what they like. Story starts out with this rhyming colorful pages.  On each page, the picture shows what the words are saying. There are so many things that they like about spring. Lots of colors and pretty things. Good educational book.



  
 


Mealtime at the Zoo: Jungle Bites & Delights
by James Williamson 
This book starts with an animal and he's sitting down having a peanut butter sandwich. This is a rhyming colorful childrens book. As you turn the page and come to other animals you can see what they are having for a meal. I like this idea and I also love the recipes at the end of the story.


 

Thursday, May 14, 2026

May 14 Bull Rider’s Baby Surprise: A Small Town Rodeo Roma...

  

 
Bull Rider’s Baby Surprise: A Small Town Rodeo Roma...
Book 3 of The Telfords of Montana by Sinclair Jayne
In this story Cash is handed his child that he didn't even know existed and the woman leaves along with the receipt of everything she ordered that the baby would need. Madelyn is nearby she's an assistant and intern on the rodeo with reports of events and other things that occur.
He gets an idea to head to his father's house who he's never met along with his brothers and sisters and the whole family.
Love how they are greeted in Marietta with familiar places I am used to.
Everybody is waiting on the paternity test to see where the truths lie. 
Maddie plans to leave to head back to NY for her job. She wants no part of Cash and the baby but then they name the baby and they both become very close.
great read, love catching up with the others I've read about prior.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

May 12 The Pawn Book 2 of The Lemaster Files by John David

  



 
The Pawn Book 2 of The Lemaster Files by John David
Enjoyed this book because it's so realistic and things similar are happening in the US.
A friends uncle has been detained overseas where they cane people who disobeying their laws.
The man has been held in prison and he states he didn't plant the drugs in his luggage.
Love hearing how the reporters go about uncovering the situation, how it all really went down and how they are gearing up to help the man go to trial in the foreign country. 
Exciting, fast paced at times, slow at times that let you to think about what you've read as strategies kick in.  NEVER saw the ending as it was, wow!
Like the characters and how they react with one another, in different fields but still connected. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Book Review: The Tao of Poison by Isham Cook


 
The Tao of Poison by Isham Cook
Interesting culture and a country I am not familiar with. Like story but not so much how the poison is transferred to another and it does make them die.
Story follows a young girl and an event in the neighborhood causses a man to die and some are  brought to justice. The young girl must leave and her parents head in a different direction from her hoping to meet up again one day.
We find out how the girl has been taking a poison for her whole life and she's very knowledgably in the herbs of the world and what they can do for one.  She is able to survive because of her skills. Others see her as another and some welcome her to join them. Like the different cultures that are mixed up in this story and learning about them. So much danger for a young woman in the world as she tries to reach destinations she's heard about.
Brutality, mysteries, mystical occurrences, travel, and so much more in this story.
Like the strategies during the battles and the outcome. Entertaining.
Received a review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Book Review: Grow Together by Charles Dowding

  

 

Grow Together by Charles Dowding
Love reading this book asw I've yet started my seeds for this year due to packing and moving into a new area of the US.
There are so many combinations of plants to make it so the plants themselves help the other plants. Some produce nitrogen, some other minerals that plants need to flourish.
I've done the 'three sister's from the Pilgraim days and it does work. Nice to see how some plants leaves can protect the younger smaller  crops from the sun or they'd just burn up and die.
Nice to try the combinations for yourself and I look forward to many of them myself. We have a much longer growing season here in TN so thinking with the plant blanket at night I can be growing vegetables to store in freezer up til the first of the year.  Thinking of cold cold frames also as I watched my dad wok with those. Learned so much from this book.
Great resource to keep handy.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion. 

Book Review: Stranger to the Beautiful by Don Hynes

  


 
Stranger to the Beautiful by Don Hynes
Enjoyed this book of poems for many reasons. Love the seasons in New England and he describes them as true as they can be. Love  common things like water, snow, stones and so much more. Winter is my favorite month so I really resonates with those. Enjoyed the other seasons as well with the words and phrases he uses. Very calming and relaxes, puts at you peace with yourself. mind and body.
Would love to read more from this author.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
 

Book Review: Stoneslayer Book One by Candace Lynn Talmadge

   
 
Stoneslayer Book One by Candace Lynn Talmadge
Did not think I'd enjoy this book and I was wrong, I love it. This book made into a movie would be super awesome. There is so much action and adventure and mystery and magical things happening, and  romance, strategies and so much more.  Starts out with Helen and she is powerful but in the wrong hands she can be deadly to others. Like how the story goes back to her life when she was younger so we can understand what happened then to make her like she is now. Love her healing powers and the stone and it's meaning to her and others. Hate hearing of the devils invading her thoughts as she fights them, along with help from others. Like the different characters in the book and how different they are from us humans of today. Like the relationships of others and how they effect her and how things work with the combinations of characters.
Didn't see them coming out well but the author does an excellent job of keeping it all together.
Would love to read more from this author as the scenes are very descriptive with details and I can picture myself looking from the side.  Great story.
Received a review copy from the publisher and this is my honest 

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Apr 28 The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn

  

 
The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn
This story starts with Colin who is being raised by a housekeeper. His father is the sheriff of the small southern town. One day when he first goes to school he is brought into an office and he has to talk to a woman. End result is he leaves home to live at the school for geniuses where room and board and classes are all paid for. He had feared his fathers moods especially when he had been drinking. His mother had passed away but he never went to the funeral. He finds out later why that was. Love how he excels at what they can teach him. By the age of 12 he's ready for some college classes. Love his math professor because he will be teaching him new things. He is just so much more advanced than anybody thought.
Colin still sees his father at meals with his new wife and her two boys. He fears he will have to go live with them soon as he's heading up the political ladder. 
Colin is quite outspoken and he wants to learn how to swim and the school allows that to happen. Dr. Arnold he treats with respect and he can tell him everything.  Colin knows what he really wants to study he just has to hide it from everybody, for now... Hate that he's really a loner, wish he had a family.
Love the thing that interests him so much and he does his research. He's able to help others financially. Amazing where he goes to from there, he's just so determined.
Love how sea draws him closer to his mother...
Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion
#TheSapphireSea #NetGalle
  

Book Review: A Stone's Throw by Wayne Edwards

  


 

A Stone's Throw by Wayne Edwards 
Love this story. Starts out so tragic. Maggie had grown up with her mother in San Francisco.  Her mother had spells that usually lasted several hours. One day it was longer than the time Maggie was at school so she alerted the next door lady to come help.
She was transported to the hospital. .  Maggie was able to stay with the neighbors until the cost was too much for the family. Maggie was brought up with no father and had no idea who he even was. She then goes to an orphanage and then her grandfather comes to get her and they head back to Ira's ranch where she not only was to do chores but learned how to drive, run the tractors and even took care of the chickens and so much more. There is a neighbor that she likes and even her daughter and they bond. The girls all head to the store to get Maggie ready for 7th grade.
Like how she defends an overweight girl at lunch. Maggie also is so tall that she excels at the sports she's allowed to play. She often can be found playing the boys as they are more competition.
Like school life as she grows older. More heartache with her mom but she keeps busy and keeps her moms dolls around her. She is now old enough to help the local vet and tends to the office details. Love how she adapts so easily just  grasping for more knowledge.
Very descriptive details, love this book and easy going of the family situations she finds herself in.
Would read more from this author.
  

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Book Review: Wings Against the Wind by JoDee Neathery

 


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Wings Against the Wind by JoDee Neathery
This story starts out  out with Rachel and she's overseas in Paris, working at a shop and meets her lover Adam. He is married and ends up celebrating Rachel's 23rd birthday but then going home to a dinner party with his wife and others.  EMT's are not able to revive him and the strange disease he has that nobody knew about surprises me.  Paulina goes on without him, her 4th spouse and finds companionship with his step brother Knox. They travel around the European countries and also have sold the bookshop. Story also follows Rachel who's been sent to Germany to get on with her life and meets a friend that stands by her in times of trouble. So much occurs with she finds out she is pregnant with triplets. She reaches out to Knox but he's had a stroke... She keeps one baby Drew and takes the rest of her money and heads to the USA where she has a lead on where the other two children are. There are so many that help her along the way, she wants all of her children together. She secures a job and meets Hamilton a journalist and they seem to hit things off.
Love where this book goes. Love the different countries, the events that are outlined and focuses on fashion, food and the scenery.  Love hearing the Lindt company and all the famous places 
that I've read about. Such hardships Rachel has to endure and I love how she repays all those who have helped her.  Can't believe that Paulina shows up at the end with secrets from the past. So love them all.  Very descriptive details and so many feelings, down right to the core.
Part I love best is the action of donating bone marrow and what it means to the story and for real life.
Can't wait to read more form this author.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Apr 28 Roy Orbison King of Hearts by Jeff Apter

  



 
Roy Orbison King of Hearts by Jeff Apter
Enjoyed this book and I felt it read like a discography of the artists. Lots of events, who was there and what songs were played. Love the background details and the name dropping of other musical artists. Wish there was more content about his health concerns, especially his eyes.
Love hearing how his life changed with his guitar. Love that he only wanted a harmonica when e was very young. Love reminiscing with all his songs. I listened to this review copy and the book describes the pictures in the book but I did not see pictures, just text.
Love this book because I learned some new things about Roy and his music.
I received this review copy from Kensington Publishing Citadel via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#RoyOrbison #NetGalley.
 

Apr 28 Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber

 
 
Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber
This story follows Chase as he's left Chicago and on his way to Seattle to plan for his mother's funeral. Everything goes wrong and more. He ends up on the plane with a woman who he had seen in the newspaper store and ends up sitting next to her on the plane. He sets the rules before the plane takes off.
Maisey is heading back to her grandmother's in Seattle and she helps Chase get a ride to the funeral home. He offers to pay and he requests his donate it to charity. He finds a place to make a donation and he knows it's not what Maisey would've wanted it used for....
She talks to her grandmother about the encounter and they go to the service and find out so much more about Chases' mom. 
Chase heads back to Chicago for the next days meeting and also to talk to his girlfriend Astrid. He's not feeling the connection any longer...
Chase and Maisey do get together and he promises to never use his money when her family needs it. He gets a call from her calling off their relationship because he used his family money to buy the family business, pay grandmothers health bills, get truck for her older brother, etc.  Chase denies it but she won't hear anymore from him.
Such a misunderstanding and like how it all ends.
Received this review copy from Ballantine  Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
 #ChasingtheCloudsAway #NetGalley
 

Apr 28 Book Review: Taming the Wild Cowboy by Jeannie Watt

  
 
Taming the Wild Cowboy by  Jeannie Watt
This story we find Maclyn and she's desperate for any job doing whatever she can. She's been let go from many places in the area. She has her two horses with her and her dog that all need feeding. She is able to stay in her truck at the fairgrounds so the horses have a corral at least. She answers a job ad and it's at the Tree Fork Ranch. Trev is there of course working. He had been engaged to her girl friend Brooke and things didn't go so well. He decides to hire her because she can drive the tractor, fix fences and help with horses. He really needed someone to help with all the cow calving going on...
Things heat up and he's not really sure she is a good fit for the place. He's only there for s short while before another brother will come in and put in his time. 
Lots of struggles for her and she had to clear the air with Brooke. 
Love learning about eh calving process and other issues that arise. Lots of others come to work at the ranch to lighten her load. More books in the series have these characters in them also.
Received this review copy from the publisher via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Apr 28, 2026 The Island Club by Nicola Harrison

  
 
  The Island Club by Nicola Harrison
This story starts with the womeans' names and you learn a bit about each of them from how they got to the island, to what they are doing today.
Each has their own secrets that come to light over time. Like the island as it's a cool place, something for everyone to do. Sylvia and her spouse own the club house and run the tennis courts also. When she learns what her spouse did she takes things into her own hands to recoup and to be able to stay on the island.
Adele is the new female tennis instructor and she brings so many into the club.  She takes matters into her hands after losing her job at the Ferris wheel amusement park.
Milly is married and has two young children. When her spouse decides he's not coming back to the island every night, and gets an apartment in the city, she takes matters into her own hands and rents out the guest house. 
Love how they each have each others backs and pitch in to help.
Lots of twists and turns in this one, really enjoyed reading this and learning about the island and the womens lives.
Received this review copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
 

Apr 28 The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn

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The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn
This story starts with Colin who is being raised by a housekeeper. His father is the sheriff of the small southern town. One day when he first goes to school he is brought into an office and he has to talk to a woman. End result is he leaves home to live at the school for geniuses where room and board and classes are all paid for. He had feared his fathers moods especially when he had been drinking. His mother had passed away but he never went to the funeral. He finds out later why that was. Love how he excels at what they can teach him. By the age of 12 he's ready for some college classes. Love his math professor because he will be teaching him new things. He is just so much more advanced than anybody thought.
Colin still sees his father at meals with his new wife and her two boys. He fears he will have to go live with them soon as he's heading up the political ladder. 
Colin is quite outspoken and he wants to learn how to swim and the school allows that to happen. Dr. Arnold he treats with respect and he can tell him everything.  Colin knows what he really wants to study he just has to hide it from everybody, for now... Hate that he's really a loner, wish he had a family.
Love the thing that interests him so much and he does his research. He's able to help others financially. Amazing where he goes to from there, he's just so determined.
Love how sea draws him closer to his mother...
Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion
#TheSapphireSea #NetGalle



Apr 28 The Island Club by Nicola Harrison

  




The Island Club by Nicola Harrison

This story starts with the woman's' names and you learn a bit about each of them from how they got to the island, to what they are doing today.

Each has their own secrets that come to light over time. Like the island as it's a cool place, something for everyone to do. Sylvia and her spouse own the club house and run the tennis courts also. When she learns what her spouse did she takes things into her own hands to recoup and to be able to stay on the island.

Adele is the new female tennis instructor and she brings so many into the club.  She takes matters into her hands after losing her job at the Ferris wheel amusement park.

Milly is married and has two young children. When her spouse decides he's not coming back to the island every night, and gets an apartment in the city, she takes matters into her own hands and rents out the guest house.

Love how they each have each others backs and pitch in to help.

Lots of twists and turns in this one, really enjoyed reading this and learning about the island and the women's lives.

Received this review copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.


 

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Book Review: Space Baby by Werner Stejskal

  

 
Space Baby by Werner Stejskal 
With the Artemis just returning this book has come to life for me. I can see this happening as we know the group could live in outer space. With the hand picked couple head out to the station and a human being is created with markers of other species in the DNA. Found this a fascinating subject mixed with sci fic, romance, mystery and the unknonw as it unfolds in front of your eyes. Interesting to learn from conception what is really going on with the parents and others involved.
At times I felt I was right there watching it all for myself. Kept me entertained.
 

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Book Review: Jumping into Fire by Ellis Summers

  


 
Jumping into Fire by Ellis Summers
Like how this story starts out with Meliisa and her uncle picking her up. THey head back over the WA mountains to his location. He's the pilot for the fire jumpers and knows the area.
They spend  few hours at the local bar, Logan runs it with his mother. There is a spark of interest. Problem is a shooter lets loose on the bar and nobody gets hurt but the group blame Logan for their dead brother. Logan had to let eh guy go from working there. Melissa is getting over her loss of her parents when they went camping and she wasn't able to save them. love the team work during this short story. So very descriptive and details matter. Love how it end with peole determining what this event has done to them to make them gear towards a new career.. Would read more from this author.
 

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Book Review: Snowed in with the Rancher by Mary Sue Jackson

  


Snowed in with the Rancher by Mary Sue Jackson
This story start with Olivia and she's on a cruise. She meets Tate and they spend a lot of time together, adult situations. She has to leave one day after getting a message through the captain , a family emergency.
Next we hear from her she's arrived in Montana for a job that she's qualified for and has worked for years to obtain, as an administrator. She had tried to find Tate but didn't even know his last name nor where he lived.
Tate, after the cruise tried to find her with no luck, so heads back home to attend to the ranch and the services he performs for the town.
 Olivia and her twin daughters are hiking before they head back to town, getting close to moving into their own house when she starts the job. One girl falls down a hill and Olivia falls right after her. Other joins them and they are no getting out by themselves. Lucikly search and rescue finds them a few hours later... It's Tate and she seems familiar to him.
Love how they plays out. How he finds out who the girls are to him, and they are able to talk to get to know one another again as he takes them in for several days. due to the storm.
They are able to iron out their differences and he helps her when it is time for them to move into their new house. Problem is it should be condemned with all the water damage so he takes them back to his house.
They know it won't work so she goes to his parents where they children can be watched while she's working. They start dating and start from day one to learn about one another.
Wonder if they will actually ever get back together again, the town is a gossipy one and everybody knows things before they are spoken.
Interesting read, unpredictable. 

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Book Review: The Lightborn Generation Children of the Light and the future of Humanity by Werner Stejskal

  

 
The Lightborn Generation Children of the Light and the future of Humanity
by Werner Stejskal
What I like about this story is that it's not only roman, but has mysteries, sci fic, adventures and so much more.
Starts out with a woman finding herself at a seated area and she has no idea how she got there. She feels a bit different and even had a rape assault investigation at the police station. yes she is pregnant. She does give birth to a daughter and she is sent to a special housing for people like here. Her mind works a lot different than humans minds. They can just look and see what's in the other mind and know everything about them.
This daughter grows up with a lot of others who possess the same attributes as her. She leans towards Ryan and they form a bond that is higher than they could ever image.
They were put on earth to heal humanity and it's explained how it's all done.
It's the only hope the earth has.
Entertaining read, wish there was more length to find out more about this civilization. 

Friday, April 3, 2026

Book Review: Cowboy’s Christmas Past by Mary Sue Jackson

  



Cowboy’s Christmas Past by Mary Sue Jackson
Amelia has returned to the town where Beau grew up. She's the star of the new movie that is filming on his family's property. Beau will have to get her to ride the horse for her role. She is so terrified and he draws it out of her, what had happened in her past.
They also get to talk about their other encounters, at college. One day he had to leave and told her his mother was sick. She then died but he hadn't told her the whole story. He had to stay home and take care of his family, his father was a mess.
Love time they do spend with one another and he knows she will be leaving after the movie is filmed. They take his sister into town to get teen clothes and she notices the old cinema is being demolished. She loves historic places and hopes to renovate it.
Even though they like one another again, they both know she has to leave for her career....
Love all the information about the horses as I'm frightened of them also. Lots of helpful info in this book. Also enjoy the photography side and the light Beau uses. Love opening of the cinema, priceless!

 

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Apr 1 Book Review: A Real Collusion by Stu Strumwasser

  

 
A Real Collusion by Stu Strumwasser 
What I like about this book are the politic details, the how and why in step by step thoughts and events. Also enjoyed the people parts of this  story and how different they all were but were voting for the same person. So many different angles.
Skip meets John who is running under a new party and he's raising eyes on the topics that others have seen and witnessed and want to change the way elections are held. Love hearing of all the events during the book. At times the story goes back in time and then forward again, helping you understand the background of what happened.
Appreciate all the name dropping and I like how Skip even travels to visit the shooter in upstate NY where he finds out even more than he wanted to know and understand about.
After the shooting John just leaves, drops out of the race ... didn't see the ending as it did. Book is unpredictable all around. Learned a few new words and enjoyed the story. Would definitely read other works from this author. I felt at times as if I was standing right beside them during events. So vivid and realistic.
Received this review copy from the author via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
 #arealcollusion #NetGalley 

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Mar 31 The Final Storm by Fern Michaels

   

 
The Final Storm by Fern Michaels
This story starts out with Alex and Charlotte and they are on their way from Costa Rica to FL to get her mother out of the nursing home as the hurricane is about to hit.
Then we go back in time when Charlotte was just graduating from high school and then college. Her life photographing nature was her speciality and she was really good at it. She takes offers sometimes for days, sometimes weeks all over the world. Story also focuses on her time with Grant and life choices they were faced to make.
Very moving, powerful story of decisions and options.
Love hearing how this ended. Descriptions are so very detailed and precise I can picture myself there.
Love author's stories, hope there will be more..
Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
 #TheFinalStorm #NetGalley 

Monday, March 30, 2026

Mar 31 Assassin's Wife By Ethan Jones

 
 
Assassin's Wife  By Ethan Jones
Like this story because it's fast paced action and with the step by step in depth details you get to virtually see and feel what the character is going through, how to land and why.
Cole is on a mission and she's going to trail him because she can't contact him in any means they normally use.  She does have a few clues and she follows up on them, not really knowing the exact location.
Just when things are going wrong she has to stick herself in harms way to sway the way things will end up. She's surprised who's there to help her thinking they had a mole in the group...
So much action, travel, adventure and the mysteries from years gone by.
Love how they help together to get the back guys and save their soul but....
Didn't see it ending as it did, can't wait for the next one! Wish they'd make this into a movie, would be a big hit!  

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Book Review: Notes from the Brand Stand – Warren Kornblum

  


 
Notes from the Brand Stand – Warren Kornblum
This is a self help book that you should handy on your shelf. It explains what to do, who to talk to and who really to pay attention to when it comes to your brand. So many examples of companies that made it big and then closed.  You not only have to pay attention to the customers but also what they are doing and what new trends you will have to incorporate into your brand to keep it selling to others. If you don't your store will close. Love the word of mouth to spread about your products.
Love the examples of the children playing with new toys and not asking them what they think about them, but just by watching how they play with it, for how long or how short of a time before they go find another toy to play with.
They are key notes in each chapter. It's all summarized at the end to make it easier for you to check off the things you've done and which you need to work on.
Great resource book. So much imagination and inspirations and confident structures to base your company on.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
  

Book Review: Eden 2:b By Joseph Anderson

   


 
Eden 2:b By Joseph Anderson
This story starts out with Atom and he's on a special project that takes him and the crew into outer space. They have accomplished two of their missions and have just the last one to complete. Should be an easy one as they land and leave the shuttle to investigate on the planet they have found. So much blue and green they observe from the air. Lots of water and trees. Didn't think I'd enjoy this book but it's very entertaining.
They were only to get samples of water, plants etc and leave. Just when things are going well the shuttle breaks and then more things occur. 
Love how they play at being humans in the water and then  communicate with the others that show up.
Not only is this a sci fic novel but romance at times, political at times and medical at times. When you get bored with one part you can just go ahead into another genre in the same book.
Love how it all comes together and there are more in the series. So imaginative.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion. 

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Book Review: The Real Ones by J Rose Black

   



 
The Real Ones by J Rose Black
First time reading this author and I like the style she uses. Love all the football yardages and strategy. What happens off the field though is another twist to the story line. Ella plays flag football and notices Maddox and they hit it off. A rival team sees what's happening and warn Maddox to keep away from her....Maddox leaves but never forgetting about her. You wonder how they can ever get back together when they both thrown into  flag football game. He had just bailed on her when things were going good, she wants no part of that again.
Lots of adult situations. More twists as she hears about the internal investigation with the football players.  Would definitely read more from this author.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
 
 

Friday, March 27, 2026

Book Review: The Lifer and the Lawyer by George Critchlow, Michael Anderson

  


 
The Lifer and the Lawyer by George Critchlow, Michael Anderson
Love this book from the start when they mentioned Leonard Cohen.  True story.
This story is about Michael and he's imprisoned. for a handful of life sentences. He remains married and even had conjugal visits where he fathered more children.
He is a strong person and is able to help alleviate tensions and fights at the prison. He gets to talk to a priest and he is sold on the religion. He is given permission to work outside the prison so he can earn money for the family for when he's gone.   Love the quotes at the beginning of every chapter.
George, now a lawyer and stayed in touch and now wants to get him out of the prison. He has to come up with why he deserves to be out. This totally reminds me of Grisham books and the Lincoln Lawyer as they both help other wrongfully accused get out of prison.
Book also speaks of then Michael was younger and didn't have much of a home life so he was able to find trouble wherever he went. Like hearing from the lifer, the lawyer and lifers' wife: Dee. Three different angles of what really happened and their reasoning for why and how.
Love the descriptive details of the scenes as they play before my eyes. Like ending and how Michael was able to leave a note for others he had harmed in his younger years as he was ordered no contact with them.
So much emotion and politics with the prison system these days. Some things need to change as you can legally purchase drugs in some states.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion. 

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Poinsettia Girl By Jennifer Wizbowskiook

 


 
 Poinsettia Girl BY Jennifer Wizbowski
This story starts out with Agata and her grandmother is taking care of her, Guilelma.
Agate's mother has passed away and she was the one to see her lying on the floor in blood. Her dad still lives there also but as a musician in 1700's he's often on the streets so others can hear his music. He tries to teach her the music also and she gets some of it. He's often not at home, weeks at a time. Guilelma is failing in health now and relies on a friend to take Agata to the ladies orphanage and they can raise her. She has lots of money to make sure that happens. The girls are raised to be Catholic and  not much talking. They obey the rules, line up in order and say their prayers. They are given time for the music also. Agata has not shown them what she can do with her voice. They train her ove the years and she did get to glimpse her father once. She also sees the man in the red coat. one she saw at the church funeral service for her mother.
The goal of the girls is to be seen and heard that a man will buy them and the girl must give up her love and doing music any longer. They are able to be called a poinsettia girl as they wear that flower when performing.
The struggles are long and hard for her through the years. No one comes to visit with her. At the time when she's old enough to understand she is handed things from her grandmother and other family truths come to light. Loved hearing about the customs of the Venice community, especially during the funeral and what was frowned upon. Didn't think I'd enjoy this book as much as I did. Hope to read more from this author because they make you feel as if you were there. Like that she did stay in touch with the neighbor boy and his sister.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Mar 26 The Love Feud by Janine Amesta

  


 
The Love Feud by Janine Amesta
This story starts out with Hailey and she's helping the family business by calling others to cancel their hot air balloon ride as the pilot is now dead. Others are trying to save the company with the financial parts of it. She's hopes to persuade a man to take over for the pilot. Hailey plans for a big show they will be putting on. Ryland was dating her in years gone by but she broke up with him. Now they are doing this dating thing to gain more social media interest, it's all for show. Called fake hate and I just don't get it.
His father shows up the day of the show and his mother sees them, her daughter is crying... SO many misunderstandings. 
Like hearing how the community is behind the big event.
Received this review copy from the publisher via BookFunnel and this is my honest opinion. 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Mar 25 A Soldier's Promise by Jane Porter

  


 

A Soldier's Promise by Jane Porter

in this story we find Josie has sent Finn to help Savannah with Mick, Noahs dog.
He also takes care of Savannah at his location where he is to install some security items.
Finn didn't go to his familys Christmas reunion because of his father. Tthey just rub each other the wrong way.  Love how the whole community stands together for her. When she's ready to give birth he calls his mother and she comes to them to help because Savannah is just not sure how to be a mother.
She was all set to turn the baby over to another couple to raise her.
Very emotional times during the story that resonate  with me being a mom. Sad to hear she didn't think she'd make a good mother.
Like outings they take in the town during the holidays and what he is able to do  about the house they will be staying in.
Love ending but didn't see it going that way at all, so unpredictable.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Mar 10 Wildflower Season Book 4 of The Southern Isles by Laurie Beach

  

 
Wildflower Season Book 4 of The Southern Isles by Laurie Beach
In his story we find Tootie and she's recalling her elementary school days when she got married to her boyfriend under the tree. As the years go by they lose touch with one another...
Present day and we find Tootie in her own home, a gift from her uncle forcolllege graduation on her sisters land. The boathouse is on the march which she loves the nature around her.
They are preparing for her sisters wedding down the road and there are a lot of plans to make. She makes her way to smugglers cove to investigate the cove again and she sees a man up ahead. Mason is a tourist and he didn't know what to do in the area and she has plenty of ideas. They find the cave and it's dark and murky and the tide is coming in. He asks for more things to do and she tells him to meet her at full moon high tide where she will teach him about horseshoe crabs.
Love hearing about all the fun things to explore even the island with the cemetery. Like how she finds Huck and he's become her companion now...
Like the reason why the title was created, so pretty and lovely how she comes by the seeds. Like how she and others in town realize who Mason really is ...
Like this series a lot because it involves a lot of different age groups and their problems and how they are solved. Best to read in order they were published to get the full account of the lives of the family.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.