Sunday, September 6, 2026

Book Review: Cowboy's Christmas: Ten Book Cowboy Holiday Romance... by Mary Sue Jackson and Leslie North

  
 
Cowboy's Christmas: Ten Book Cowboy Holiday Romance... by Mary Sue Jackson
Love this ten book collection. Finally finished them all. Hope they come out with a new collection for this year. they are SO good.
...
Cowboy’s Christmas Rodeo,
Cowboy’s Christmas Rodeo by Mary Sue Jackson
Like having a bundle of books to read because they are so cherished and realistic.
Story starts with Axel and he's thinking of buying back the family ranch and hanging up doing rodeos. he's one step from blowing the whole thing when he runs into Ford, a competitor that irks him to no means, at a bar and by what he's saying Axel is ready to punch him out. Belle, there with her friends is on the way to get drinks for their table when she slides up to him and he feels her touch on his arm. He immediately calms down. They later talk and he wants her by his side so he won't blow the whole thing on  a punch...  She agrees but she needs him for things also.
Hate how her mom is always trying to find her a spouse. They couple date in public but the mother continues to do things, setting her up with other men.
Love how it goes with each helping the other out til he finds out info on a report she had written for her college class.
The whole thing has gone sideways and you wonder if he will be leaving town, if they can can get back together and if she explains it all...
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.


 
Cowboy’s Christmas Homecoming by Leslie North
Love that each of the boys got their own story and entwine with the lives of the family.
This story is about Will and he's the local vet. He's taken over a business but ... the inspector gives him the list of what needs to be fixed in a month.
His apartment is above the clinic. He bumps into Serena, he knew her from high school....
She's just lost her job and shes worried about how to take care of her kids and the house now...He offered her the job of a receptionist and she takes it. So lucky and this never happens to her.
Nothing goes right at all the first week, then she gets the hang of things. Even offers suggestions to calm animals down when they come into the office. Will is able to teach her more about the computer software and it works. THey work very closely together and start dating.
Adult situations. Her parents are coming for Christmas. Also her ex is back int own and he wants to get together with her and knows he was wrong in cheating on her and the kids.
Difficult decisions. So many struggles she's had to overcome...
Love her dream of a bakery and she bakes a lot in this book, even for show where the vet has a booth at. She made doggie treats and ones people also.
Great story.
 
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!

  

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.


 
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.
 

Cowboy's Christmas Return by Leslie North
Liked that we met Travis in another family book so am familiar with his character. He had first noticed  his fathers nurse when he arrived home for the big family Christmas gathering for Alex's daughters.
Travis is taking over for Alex on the ranch as he had gotten hurt and not able to do the work himself.  Scarlet, the nurse agrees to live at the ranch as the water pipe burst had destroyed their apartment.  Denver is her foster child. She was not getting anywhere til he realizes she knows Travis, the famous rodeo guy.
Travis also able to help teach Denver how to ride and also got Scarlet up on the horse...
He likes her well enough but he's a single kinda guy and needs to stay away from her...
Denver has a mother who he's not able to see due to her drug addiction. They system says no calls or contact with family members til they get used to the rehab place.
Love hearing how the horses can help heal you...
There are some misunderstandings after the press conference Travis gives with Scarlet nearby. He's told them all he's heading back to the rodeo. She breaks up with him because she did not want that for them at all.
Misunderstands and you wonder if they will ever get back together.
Love hearing more of the ranch and the descriptions.
Adult scenes. Fun to catch up with the others in the house also.
  
 

Cowboy’s Christmas Wife by Mary Sue Jackson and Leslie North
This story starts with Daryl and he's down on his luck taking care of the family ranch.  He's so overdrawn with bills he can't afford the bank note. He runs into a girl he used to know and had a thing for her in school. Laura hears him out and tells him her story. They decide the solution is to combine and conquer. They get married and move into his ranch house. She loves taking care of things on the intent so he can work on his leather goods. She also helps his brother with his business pages. The court trial they have to make it look like they are married and love one another. They are married and falling hard for each other.
Adult situations.  At least she got rid of her ex husband so he's not in control of her trust fund any longer. She can use the money for her daughter.
Love how his family welcome them into their home especially around the holidays.
Didn't think I'd enjoy this read as much as I did, couldn't put it down. Love hearing more about the area and their careers.

 


Cowboy's Christmas Girlfriend by Leslie North
This story starts out with Suzanne and she's a writer and has met Will though online and they converse often. She's writing about the mountains in the west where he lives and the editor decides they need to go visit there and see what she does on the ranch. Will agrees to teach her about ranch life and the two girls of his also come with the deal.  She is happy to spend time with them but she is falling for Will. He is also falling for her and he keeps missing important dates with his two girls...
Adult situations. Love hearing of the ranch experience and she gets another idea in her head and the girls are on board and help her out.
Great story. His parents are glad he has a girlfriend and they tend to move the relationship forward for them.



 
Cowgirl's Christmas Partner by Leslie North
Sarah is desperate to win at the family Christmas family games.  If she wins she will take over the horse breeding part of the family ranch....  Her brother has always beat everybody but she has a trick up her sleeve to win this time.
Thad is a local handyman and he is in high demand from others. Love how they spend their time together and figure out how to win the family games this year.
The competition is stiff and so very close by the end of the games.
Love catching up with the family especially during Christmas, Such a fun super time the decorations, festivities and everybody is home for the holidays.
Thad is not sure his child will tolerate getting close to others and he's not sure if he can carve a living out of his career in this town.
Adult situations. Great story.

 
Cowboy's Christmas Heart by Leslie North
Book starts out with Taison and he's tired of running the Christmas tree farm every year for the family. It was his mother's thing to do. He just wants to concentrate on his horses and breeding, building them a new barn, etc. He's trying to protect himself from females due to an ex girlfriend...
Story also follows Cassie who needs help from him to win a scholarship. He will help out at the tree farm and make it a bit more merry for him this year.
She's always wanted to finish her education but family obligations got in the way. She's voiced all this to him when they are working together at the tree farm. She has SO many ideas of what to offer the families that come to the farm. Food and fun things for the kids to do to keep the family there for a few hours. It is a success and he travels to get her a gift. She takes it all the wrong way and breaks up with him. When others talk to her she realizes she misunderstood his intentions.
It's a wonder they will get back together for Christmas.
Adult situations and this is great read.

 

Book Review: Cowboy's Christmas Heart by Leslie North

  

 
Cowboy's Christmas Heart by Leslie North
Book starts out with Taison and he's tired of running the Christmas tree farm every year for the family. It was his mother's thing to do. He just wants to concentrate on his horses and breeding, building them a new barn, etc. He's trying to protect himself from females due to an ex girlfriend...
Story also follows Cassie who needs help from him to win a scholarship. He will help out at the tree farm and make it a bit more merry for him this year.
She's always wanted to finish her education but family obligations got in the way. She's voiced all this to him when they are working together at the tree farm. She has SO many ideas of what to offer the families that come to the farm. Food and fun things for the kids to do to keep the family there for a few hours. It is a success and he travels to get her a gift. She takes it all the wrong way and breaks up with him. When others talk to her she realizes she misunderstood his intentions.
It's a wonder they will get back together for Christmas.
Adult situations and this is great read.


 

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Book Review: Nclex Pharmacology Coloring Book by Bearly Book

  
 
Nclex Pharmacology Coloring Book by Bearly Book
Book is meant for nursing students.
Really enjoyed this book. First off you can color the pictures in the book. Second and what I loved the most was the information about drugs that I take and how to take them, when, with food or without and what things to watch out for.
I looked up several of my medications and it's all so orderly in the book.
Starts out with how to color and which items you can use, the visual aspects and memory and how they all work: drug suffixes, safety icons,  etc.
For each drug: they are lumped with other of the same type: cardio, diuretic, lipids and Hematology, anticoagulants and thrombolytics, respiratory, endocrine and diabetes, gastrointestinal, anti infective medications,  mental health and psychiatry, neurology ob/gyn , musculoskeletal, pain and emergency, substance use and reversal agents,  and so much more.
For each drug they list the drug name, drug class and identify with picture of a pill.
Book characters explain the name and what parts it does to your system by the words.  The drug I was looking at told me it slows the heart rate, lowers BP, protects te heart.
Next section in therapeutic effects which goes into further details of what it does.
rare by serious side effects to watch out for and which organs.
Further terminology MOA mechanism of action explains a lot further. Clinical uses and a section on nclex pearls which tells you not to stop abruptly and other facts.. Don't confuse with other medications that look the same, indications why it is used. Next page also has cartoon type characters that you can color as well, just so much more information about the drug. This book is SO detailed. This section is called clinical details which includes dosing,, time to effect, duration of therapy, etc onset, peak/ duration shown in hours; nursing pre admin is another useful section of information. Important reminders are also highlighted in their own section..
Adverse reactions and warnings are also included: common ones and serious ones. FDA reference/source is also included. everything has been used via FDA july 2026.
Pharmacokinetics at a glance along with a key message. Two full pages for every drug. SO much information, Keep this book handy as a resource/reference.
After a few of these drugs they give you a brain break. Besides coloring these pages there may be a quiz at the bottom asking what 3 drug names you remember in the section, one pearl you won't forget and ready for next section.
The areas at the back of the book are for nurses, questions are asked and later in another chapter the answers are given and why they are correct. Cheat sheets are also included at the end.
Love the page where you have to  find symbols used in the page. Great one to color.
Index is also included at the end.
Great reference, resource book, Keep it handy. 

Book Review: Cowgirl's Christmas Partner by Leslie North

  
 
Cowgirl's Christmas Partner by Leslie North
Sarah is desperate to win at the family Christmas family games.  If she wins she will take over the horse breeding part of the family ranch....  Her brother has always beat everybody but she has a trick up her sleeve to win this time.
Thad is a local handyman and he is in high demand from others. Love how they spend their time together and figure out how to win the family games this year.
The competition is stiff and so very close by the end of the games.
Love catching up with the family especially during Christmas, Such a fun super time the decorations, festivities and everybody is home for the holidays.
Thad is not sure his child will tolerate getting close to others and he's not sure if he can carve a living out of his career in this town.
Adult situations. Great story.
 

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Book Review: The Novelists by Joanne DeMaio

 
 
The Novelists by Joanne DeMaio
Catching up with the crew: Maris is almost done writing Neil's book from notes of his journal, talking to others and her own experiences with him.
Jason meets with Ted after a dinner meeting he took Ted, Kyle and his wife to.
Lots of hidden things arise from Ted, for Jason.
Kyle is still having issues with the diner break-in.
Shane is on the outs with Elsa and is trying to find out what job he could do if he switches his job from sea to land.
Cliff confronts Mitch when he wants to swap hats...
So many twists and turns and LOTS of new information about he past.
Love the travel, the ocean, the smells, the air itself, listening about others careers and how they do them. Love hearing of the approach of the fall and the decorating...
Lot more love making than we had been seeing. WOW things I never thought would happen are now happening!
So much at every turn of the page  that will keep you reading til the book is completed.
I can never just put the book down once I have them in my hands.
Great entertainment and can't wait for the next.


 

Monday, August 31, 2026

Book Review: Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock's Lost Gold Book 1 of 3: Echoes of Fortune by David R Leng

  
 
Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock's Lost Gold Book 1 of 3: Echoes of Fortune  by David R Leng 
Love this book. It encompasses so many of the pieces I was missing to the full story.
Love how the book alternates chapters with the 1755's to the current days where the search for the gold goes on.
Story starts with Jack and he's doing his daily guiding tours of the local area.  When I found out where it was really located a light came on: Greg (my spouse) brother was asst AG in this area, a sheriff and a guide himself on Deep Creek Lake. He also had a job as security at the mountain where they do snow tubing. When I mentioned that to the author he knew the exact name of what I was talking about. So realistic to be reading about the gold search and roads in the area I've traveled on myself.
Jack gets a call about an alert to more clues of gold searching. He meets up with Emma from the Smithsonian and their tech friend Steve. There are more clues as they read journals and letters from the commander to his wife and children while fighting the war.
With clues from others in the area there are more things for them to consider and investigate.
What I love about this story is the history of the war itself, what roads they traveled and what they were doing, strategy wise and what worked and what did not work.
Story also follows the trio as they do actual diving for places that might be where the gold was buried. There are clues but also warning signs. 
SO much action, adventure, treasures, travel, story is NOT left with a cliff hanger, troops stories of where they placed the gold and how they are able to protect it,  who's following them, others who know some of the story and have gotten injured... problems and solutions, the maps, meetings with locals who have clues, something for everyone.
Sally is a new addition to the trio but they like her and her work at the local museum.
I felt like I got to know the group from the start reading this book, and how they all work together. It just synchronizes smoothly.
There are scary and romantic parts along with some fun and weird things that strike them at different times.
During the dives I felt as if I was breathing along with them, seeing what they saw, the feelings, darkness and smells of the area. Everything is SO very descriptive.
Marked this as my best book of the year because of all the things I learned about an area I've traveled through and it's a super great story. Author has put a lot of time into this story and it's just fascinating to read it, digest it, inhale it.  The appendices at the end have so much more information about his resources if you want to learn more about this legend.
Be sure to get a copy for yourself and a friend. 
 


Saturday, August 29, 2026

Book Review: THE BOOK OF WISDOM by Simon Mercer

  

 
THE BOOK OF WISDOM by Simon Mercer
Very fascinating read. All about symbols and religion and other things you can see in everyday life. That's the part that got to me because I do see them every week and can recognize what they are and what they mean.
Author suggests you keep a sign journal. When you notice something just pause and take in your surroundings, and type of day it is, the breeze and the shape of what you are looking at, where you are physically. Jot all this down in your journal and then try to find the real meaning behind the symbol or sign you have recognized.
Also pay attention to patterns and what they could mean.
Love learning about the past civilizations of people and what they mean for society today. 
Appendices at the end explain a lot more of the terminology and symbols and signs and all about the differences between them all.
More insights into the civilizations and religion groups are also mentioned at the end.
Great reference resource book to keep handy.
 

Friday, August 28, 2026

Book Review: Legends of Yellowstone: The Extended Illustrated Edition (Nannakaz Chronicles) by Kerry Anne Boer

   

 
 Legends of Yellowstone: The Extended Illustrated Edition (Nannakaz Chronicles)
In this special edition there are two different books enclosed. One is the whispering trees, the other the wombat at midnight (in the whispering trees).
What I like about this edition are the pictures that go along with what the author had written in the book. Displays it so effortlessly and with so many details. Love the paths, trails, creeks and other scenes where the girl goes to find clues. She has her journal with her and is a tour guide of sorts. She can tell you where a acertain animal lives and how you can spot them. Even what kinds of signs to look for as some keep to themselves.
The Yellowstone is not in USA but near Australia. Love the ending where the author gives you the references used from centuries ago when they did use expedition tour guides and they noted most everything out there.
The end states the Explorers notes which include a scientific name, found in what terrain, facts about the animal, best time to spot them,  and more special notes from the Yellowstone Whisper.
Great educational and fun read. 

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Book Review: Seed of the Defiled by John Edgell

 
 
 Seed of the Defiled by John Edgell
Fantasy genre with other genres mixed in was a bit hard for me to just jump right in. The castration is a bit harsh to read about but it's necessary for the book. Like the adventures the group takes to find the missing heir and their mother. Love stone forest and desert areas. Love Grey wolf and not only the knowledge they bring to the group but also healing methods to help those on the journey. Like all the clues they find and find out who the culprit is that is trying to kill the king. So many different locations in this book that are so very well described. Such small details that make the difference. With so many different names I just know them by the first initial. Ends with appendixes of character and words are explained with how to say them.  Appreciated the appendixes about characters in the story before they were the age they were in the story. Other books by the author a highlighted at the back. I was surprised how it edited and I couldn't believe that there was actually a marriage and because those who did Wrong got their just dues. Never saw a marriage nor how it did end.
Good read if you can finish it to the end. 

Book Review: Summertime & Short Stories by Stanislas Yassukovich

  
 
Summertime & Short Stories by Stanislas Yassukovich
These  international stories are nice to read, takes you away to others problems.
Like the different seasons of the year as they are described in colorful scenes.
Some of the stories relate to alcoholism, mental illness and other diseases. Some got a bit too dark for me to enjoy fully. I felt as if a few were true stories that the author held dear to their heart and soul. I can't imagine them happening to me and how the solution had come about. Doctors would not have performed the surgery where it took place.
Thought twin sisters who are looking for boarders was a bit comical til it wasn't. Can't believe how that one ends. Quite the variety of stories, something for everyone in them.
 

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Book Review: Digital Sat Math Workbook Study Guide by Crucible Prep

  
 

Digital Sat Math Workbook e Study Guide by Crucible Prep
What I like about this book is how simple it is to use. There are links that point to online help also. Starts out with you take a test, I consider it an aptitude test to see what areas you really need help with.
I like math but there are some areas I don't do well at all.   The book then breaks it all down into sections to enhance your way of thinking and doing the math so you can achieve a better score in the math portion.  Each section is then explained in further details, showing sketches and charts and other useful information til the light goes on for you.  Everybody has their own way of learning.  Love online tutor help. SO very helpful.
There are also other tests and quizzes along the way to make sure you are getting them right.
After studying, take the test at the very beginning and compare when you first took it.
Very knowledgeable, educational resource book. Keep it handy. 

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Aug 25 The Ace of Nerve, Book 2: The White Mouse by Hannah Bryon

  
 
The Ace of Nerve, Book 2: The White Mouse by Hannah Bryon
Nancy has sent Aroha has been sent away with Jules and Nancy is thinking she acted too fast. She wanted the young couple to experience the things of France that she had once done herself.  She regrets that and also that she had whiskey dumped down the drain and she's still missing her medals. Aroha has promised to help her find them....
Love the super details of even the train  before it gets to France, so exact and I can picture myself from train to boat in the journey.
Love learning about their adventures in the city.
Love hearing more of Nancy's spouses and her goal during the war.
So very detailed. Aroha will get help from Jules to find Nancy's medals as he has contacts in that field. Tragedy hits Aroha and she must leave. wonder how that will have an impact on Nancy, hope she returns after a short stay. She has her own secrets and family obligations... The pull of what Aroha wants is fierce.
Love this set of books just on one person, so very detailed, so many phases of her life to share with us.
 

Aug 25 Murder at Rosecliff by Alyssa Maxwell

  


 
Murder at Rosecliff by Alyssa Maxwell
I like this series a lot as I live close by and have actually visited this Bellevue Avenue mansion. They host flower shows and photographs exhibits.
This one starts out when Emma and her spouse Derek have been invited to the ball. Tessie is hosting it at her cottage along the sea in Newport and everybody will be there. The paper has  Ethan handling the information he will need for the event for the paper. So descriptive, the gowns, atmosphere,  flowers, and the food.
Tessie is bombarded with a male visitor and nobody knows who he is and she claims she's not in harm's way. Shortly after the man leaves and another follows him but too late the man is found dead. One is on the wanted list but nobody knows where he is-Ethan... Others find out who he actually was and what he meant to Tessie. I never would've guessed who was involved in the murder. Love the story though how so many follow the clues and track the culprits down. Love the information I learned especially about flooring and how they didn't use nails back in early 1900's.  Love how this all plays out, had me at the edge of my seat.
Love the setting and new things I learned about the city.
Can't wait for the next in this series. Love catching up with my favorite characters also.
Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
 #MurderatRosecliff #NetGalley
 

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Book review: Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel by David R. Leng

   

 
Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel by David R. Leng
This story starts out with the team of specialists that are talking to a woman who has papers and documentations of a ship that went down decades ago. Some notes state it was to the east side of the island. Others have sturdied currents and tides and know where it really went down. Others are watching their diving expeditions and notice they don't bring anything up to the boat. The team think they are waiting til the treasure has been brought above then claim it as their own.
First book I've read form this series and am a bit lost as to who everybody is. Like being brought up to the present with glimpses of the past and those who lost their lives.   It all comes together as the dives and meetings with others that come up with more information that the team finds valuable. They dive to get a sense o what's down there, the 1800's ghost ship Del Rio and one of their own had died in finding it. They won't give up til they have the treasure in their hands. Their room at the hotel was searched but .... Jack is a sly one and Emma sees the other angles and Steve is always a few steps ahead of everyone. Together they make a great team. They know the signs of bad gas in their tanks but Jack is within reach and he starts having symptoms but he sticks with it. They all go up through a hidden hatch and the medical team....  So scary. This would make a super movie. They can't believe what they have in their hands and only half of one document... Jack knows who's to blame and they are able to move on, get back to the USA. It's not that simple...
Travel, mysteries, adventure, action and hidden treasure. What a story, something for everyone. First time reading this author and I can't wait to read more. SO very descrptie in the details of everything. I felt as if I was right there with them. 

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Book Review: In Pursuit of a Dream by Donna Wichelman

  



In Pursuit of a Dream by Donna Wichelman
In this story we find Sarah and she's left her homeland and is in USA and finds not many like Irish folk. She finds a job tending to two young children as the mother has passed away. Matthew the father isheading his family to the west to settle intoa new life and home.
The journey is hard and many disasters are talked about as they are experienced. There are some deaths but they make it to the end, well Matthew and othes fall into danger and the others are most concerned as they see no way out for them...
Cute short story. Wish we had book prior to this, one where Sarah is actually in Ireland and how she was raised. Would be a good movie.

 

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Book Review: The No diet military calisthenics for busy women over 40 reset your body at home in just 15

  
 
The No diet military calisthenics for busy women over 40 reset your body at home in just 15 minutes a day without equipment by kardyn training
Lots of introductory material to help you understand how it all works.  Protein intake and the amounts you need daily and hydrating with water are super important.  There are so many more tips along the way.  The hormones issues plays a big part in why regular exercise is not working for you to lose weight.  The exercises included here are low impact and there are precautions about certain parts of your body that might need to take things slower or easier.  Even if you miss a day you can make it up or forget it because the next days exercises will just fill in what you missed. Like the different rankings they give you and how much time to dedicate per day.
After 30 days you are graduating and then you start all over again from day 1 for another 30 days the same exact exercises you've already learned.
Love that it shows you in a  picture what and how to do them. It will show you a three step process with 3 different pictures so you know where to start and how to finish the movements. There are explanations on how not to do them also. NO hard jumping or grinding of your bones, no high impact movements.  This one is worth a try as there is no food limitations either. no counting calories or anything else.  There is a warning about the weight you will NOT notice a difference or quite some time but you are burning fat and actually creating bone density improvement  and strengthening your muscles.
Great resource book to keep handy.
 

Book Review: Raise Street-Smart Boys: 150+ Essential Life Lessons not Taught at School to Think for Himself, Trust Their Gut, Handle Any Situation, and Grow into a Self-Aware Teen - Illustrated Edition by Joseph Hedlund

  


Raise street smart boys  150+ essential life lessons not taught at school to think for himself by Joseph Hedlund
Like this educational and fun story.  Love learning about the lessons not taught at school.. These are everyday realistic missions and problems that need a solution.
Although written for a young boy can also be used for older boys and even adults.  
Love learning the simple missions and tasks to do that are also a challenge and a learning lesson at the same time.  Especially like the online safety tips and being aware of your surroundings and the challenges.  Stranger danger is always a good lesson even if others are all going along.... love the laundry tips   Like all the tasks, missions and challenges.  So much useful information.
Love planning for next day, even if it's school items in your backpack or just paying out the clothes you want to wear. Like laundry care boys can do and also keeping their rooms so neat and clean. My son always did that.
Great resource book for everybody.
 

Book Review: Raise Street-Smart Girls: 150+ Lessons Not Taught at School to Set Boundaries, Trust Their Gut, Stay Safe Online, and Grow into a Confident Young Woman by Joseph Hedlund

  

 
Raise Street-Smart Girls: 150+ Lessons Not Taught at School to Set Boundaries, Trust Their Gut, Stay Safe Online, and Grow into a Confident Young Woman by Joseph Hedlund 
Like that the lessons given are good for a younger girl but also for a teen girl.
I like that I can even use some of the social lessons myself and I'm an elder adult.
Lessons given are also telling you why you have to wait and breathe a second before responding, not go fly off the handle with a rude remark. The author even gives you exmaples of what to say and what not to say.
Love the challenges the author suggests for you to do. Further explanations are given and why they need you to just do them.  Most are to keep you safe and are good lessons no mater what your age is. Love sections on body shaming and how to determine if it's a pattern what others are doing or saying to you.  Love the digital safety missions.
Love money and time missions, you are learning to take care of yourself.
Great read, educational and love the life lessons. 

Book Review: Digital SAT Prep for first - time test takers: the all in one guide to ace the SAT on your first time by Crucible Prep

  

 
Digital SAT Prep for first - time test takers: the all in one guide to ace the SAT on your first time by Crucible Prep
Really appreciate the way this book is laid out. the chapters are easy to follow along with and how they are categorized makes it easier for you to really study for one aspect of the test over others are have completed to your satisfaction.
Starts with introductory material and how to take the test and the options that are available.
Notes, tips, and alerts are also given in each section. The chapters are also broken up into several areas to help you get the most of the chapter and how to concentrate.  Each section also has their own question and answer section. What I love about the answer section is that they explain why the answer is correct and what pitfalls to watch out for as some are really trick questions. Like the tips about test day, I just remember I as just so nervous and didn't feel as if I had done as well as I could have. Wish I had this book the first time I took the test, would've prepared me for so much of what I was anxious about. All kinds of keeping calm and collected and warming up before you even sit down.
Great resource book to keep handy. 

Friday, August 14, 2026

Book Review: Lucifer's Triangle (Arkana Archaeology Thrillers Book 8) by N. S. Wikarski

  


 
Lucifer's Triangle (Arkana Archaeology Thrillers Book 8) by N. S. Wikarski
Have read other works about Lucifer and just didn't like the genre. Glad I checked this one out because it is full of  action packed full of fun things to check into. Starts out with two different people and they are in two different countries/states. Took me a while to figure out the link between them.
Love what Arkana stands for the their mission. Love that the woman can just sense things by a touch to find out what occurred in the past. Some of it is creepy but makes sense in the long run.
Lucifer is in charge of the suicide bombers and the locals who can find them for the mission he has planned. 
The team send more to the site where the action is taking place after they've met with a few life scares and warning to leave the area.
Love glossary at the end explaining so much about the groups and what to mean to the world. Glad ot know the author is working on similar books in the future, preserving and rescuing artifacts. 
Very descriptive scenes that are explained in detail. Love the travel, link to religions, the artifacts and the events, holidays and  the missions. Something for everyone.
Really great read, entertained and kept me awake.
 

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Aug 13 The Highlander’s Defiant Bride Book 1 of The Munro Brothers by Gerri Russell

 
 
The Highlander’s Defiant Bride
Book 1 of The Munro Brothers by Gerri Russell
In this story we find Destiny and she's held the castle together for her father and family. She had to sell some furnishings to keep food on the table and pay the bills. In return her father upon his retun is sending her to marry Cameron from a neighboring town.
 Cam is known as the butcher but she needs to see that for herself. She is able  to keep her maid with her as she's like a sister.
She learns new things as she's now also in charge besides her husband. He has kept her safe and protected and he waits for her to signal him to her bed. Love how strong Destiny is.
When their home is attacked she is able to warn them all about what to expect as she's dealt with the same thing at her home. They listen to her and are amazed she knows so much. She also was able to interrogate the prisoner they hold. The attackers want the prisoner... Love how she directs the soldiers to protect the tunnel access to the castle and sends the women to tend to the children, upstairs, out of harms way.
She also shows the women how to protect the area with just holding weapons. Love all the strategies she is able to teach all the soldiers about, having lived through it all at her home.
Love tender moments when he shows her how much he loves her. She did try to betray him but stopped herself but he doesn't believer her and she has to earn his trust all over again.
She does prove herself beyond actions....
What an awesome start to a new series. Love this one because the author knows how to really dig deep for her storytelling, Appreciate the ending where she explains about the history of the castle and the area.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.


Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Children's books read: Aug 6

   

 
Granny Goes to Egypt by Anna Kay
Nice to meet this granny. She is very advenutous and fearless. She wants to try everything, all the food and things to do. Love the camel ride where she thought it was a race. So many funny moments and some very nice history lessons of the area. There is so many thing she does on this trip. Colorful, children's story but as a granny I also enjoyed it.
Has a summary at the end of everythigns he did. Lvoe the ending where she picks up a piece of Egypt before she heads home.
Great read.



 
welcome to our solar system/Bienvenidos a Nuestro Sistema solar by elisa R. Gonzalez
Like that this book is half in Enlgish and the other half in Spanish.
Colorful children's, educational fun book to read.
Starts with Earth, the moves to the sun and the next planets in line. Also all kinds of facts about the planets, first in English, then Spanish.
Love ending where it shows them all lined up.


 
 grandpa, the swing and me by Nancy Khalife 
Colorful children's rhyming story about a grandfather that makes a rope swing for his grandchild. They pla and laugh every day while using it. They also watch as the weather gets rainy and how will the swing survive? They also watch at night with lightening, thunder, wind and rain. They find a surprise when they walk outside the next day, even before having breakfast.
Really nice story of love.

 

 
I find you in little things by Rosie Fenwick
Colorful, comforting, children's book about how to cope with a loved one when they are no longer there. You search the  rooms and places you shared with them, playing just laughing or reading a book. You feel sad then you remember a moment and you start laughing so hard. The memories will not fad.e 

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Aug 1 Amelia's gift by Hilary Walker

  

 
Amelia's gift by Hilary Walker
This book starts out to Amelia and she's arriving on Sinclair Island for several weeks with her mother who is attending to her health needs and they will be staying at the aunt's house.  She lives year round on the island. All  are having lunch one day and she notices a man stepping off a boat and their eyes kind of look at each other before she has to look away. Little did she know he would be her instructor while she tries to get back on the horse again after all of her medical issues. Her mother does not like the man and finally explains to her  that she thinks he is the man who put her in harm's way when he ran into her and caused her all this pain and agony. Throughout the years being paralyzed from the waist down has caused her heartache. She is not able to ride her horse any longer.  What I really liked about this book was the compassion he shows And also she showed him how to do  dressage moves and get better at horse competitions. They form a great bond with their horses. All the obstacles that she is able to overcome are a miracle.  The program is explained: how things are done. I really appreciate the handicap angle.
There are many issues but there are solutions and options available.  I love how the locals help her and him stay connected with each other when they're not together. She has second thoughts when another woman comes in and just the things she says really put her off. Never thought this book would turn out as it did. Many tears and a lot of pain along the way, what an awesome read about realistic things.
 

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Book RFeview: The Mark of Eternity by Murray Bailey

  
 
The Mark of Eternity by Murray Bailey
Investigators Charlie and Peter travel to find the clues to the murder mystery that links with so much more. a man contacts them as he enlightens them to other things going around that are also connected to the murders. Like how they all work together. Seems to have attributes of a cult and it's religious in nature. Never saw it ending as it did. Like Egyptian stones theme also going on.
Wow, explosive. Lots of action and travel and getting inside people's heads. Very creepy and sometimes gory. Great read if you're into horror.
 

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Book Review: Murder at Kingscote by Alyssa Maxwell

   
 
 Murder at Kingscote by Alyssa Maxwell
 What I like about this book is it tells me About fun events and historical things that occurred in early 1900s in Newport Rhode Island. We lived very close by the area and are very familiar.  There's a lot of things  I loved hearing about the auto parade and how they dressed up their autos and the females standing on the running boards with rhododendrons. I love their fashion dresses and hats with big birds on them and all over the car was filled with flowers. The best won a prize but also a lot of the money went towards Emma's charity. I love learning more about Butler hospital and the things that they did there and why and how as it still exists today. There is a murder at the mansion and everything points to one person But with the clues they have they figure out who really did it. It seems such a simple thing to figure it out but then there's so many other pieces in more mysteries that come into effect that make it more confusing for you to figure it out who really did things and why. I loved hearing about the trains that leave the island from Sakonnet River bridge and head up to Massachusetts.  I love learning about the newspaper industry during that time and Emma's fall from being the editor.   Love hearing about how she helps other unwed women in their children with what everything they need. Such a all around great story.  So many different things: travel, fashion, food, mysteries, murders, auto parades and so much more. Great read.
 

Book Review: Murder at crossways by Alyssa Maxwell

  

 
Murder at crossways by Alyssa Maxwell
In this story we find Emma up to her elbows in murder. A huge Halloween harvest party is in the works and she's going. There is even a scavenger hunt in the backyard with a lawn filled with straw scarecrow.   I can just imagine what this looks like. Emma does a great job of  giving us the details of fashion, food and who's there.  So after the first murder things get really sketchy about who could possibly have killed the man. Then there's another murder, another man and another one of a woman. These are all linked together and you'll figure it out at the end but there's a lot of clues to pay attention to. I never knew that cocaine was around in 1899 in Newport Rhode Island.  They would use it as a painkiller but not the product of today where they've manufactured it with all kinds of really bad chemicals. I love how it all comes together especially like the fashion that talk about the food, scenery in different places in Newport that I am very familiar with. There is also a mystery about Emma and her job at the newspaper where she's the editor but things are not going so well for her.  There's all kinds of mishaps that are going on.  Some of the others  help her solve that problem. At the very end she's unsure what to do and who she should tell about the information she's learned and that will be in the next book in this series.
Great read. 

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Book Review: Mademoiselle le Sleuth (Paris Backstage Murders)

  
 
Mademoiselle le Sleuth by Thesa Tuohy
This story I enjoyed because it's not only theatrical but also a mystery. Miranda is being watched by her aunt, Sarah who also has a part in the play on stage. At the theater people are dying and some clues are left behind and they collect them and figure out who the culprit is. They enlist other characters in the play to also help. 
Very imaginative. Fun at times and also very serious. Like how they find clues at the cemetery, of all places. Good read.
 

Book Review: Perfect by Maria Jane

  
 
Perfect by Maria Jane
This story follows a young woman who has the perfect life, the perfect boyfriend and the perfect friends that are there for her.
He has a few more years at college so they are long distance dating still and he appears when he has time off from school to surprise.
With her friends they take her out dancing, meeting new guys and having a good time. She meets a local student and they are able to help one another. She also has the opportunity to go to France for a year and she goes for it. Love the time she spends there, the people and everything about the area are so well described, I felt like I was there with them.
When she returns she meets up with her boyfriend and he's finished school now and she's dating several at one time, no set commitment.
She has the choice to make for herself. They each give her something different from the other guy.
Like how she selects the one she wants.
Love quotes especially the ones by Leonard Cohen.
Good read. 

Book Review: Thusnelda & Armin the Younger Years Book 1 by Michael Kramer

  




Thusnelda & Armin the Younger Years Book 1 by Michael Kramer
This story for all the strategy moves I learned about the older centuries of fighting.  Amazing to learn the women were trained and fought to take the heat off their husbands, to deter the enemies from focusing on them.
Love learning that the shield was more treasured in some armies then it was in others which was their swords.
Lots of turmoil and brutal revenge  and crucifixions.
Fascinating how allies become enemies in times of revenge in a second and everybody is on board with the onslaught.
Like Romans and the others involved but the language and how it's used to make a special code only a few understand was just so helpful to win wars.
Great read about kings and conquerors. 

July 14 The Cowboy’s One-Year Bride Book 4 of The Telfords of Montana by Sinclair Jayne

 




The Cowboy’s One-Year Bride Book 4 of The Telfords of Montana by Sinclair Jayne
This story starts out with Cam and his friend Telford and they have been making plans for the company and Cam's private life. Telford has been posing as Cam when it comes to online relationship he has with a woman. She's coming to visit, problem is Cam won't be there.  Ayana  is devastated but hits it off with Telford. They agree to a proposal, get married, pose as his wife for a year. They head to his home town Marietta and I love hearing there is a yarn store there. His DNA results are not back yet but he looks like his other siblings.  Super excited to hear of the items Ayana makes while traveling and she's able to sell at a local shop, western store.  Love hearing of his brothers bachelor party and the events for the women to attend with the bride. 
Tel has had a man approach him as says he's related, his father. She has run away from her  past and family. She was not careful enough because they find her...
Love scenes when at the brute force event for the men Tel is able to hold a child as is Ayana and they fall in love a lot more with each other.
So much turmoil you wonder if they can suvive it all to find peace again.
Love catching up with everyone in this series, super series!
Perfect read for my birthday, thanks Sinclair! 

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Unrivaled by Mary Sue Jackson

 
 
Unrivaled by Mary Sue Jackson
This story starts out with Jake who now runs the family's ranch after his brother and father had passed away. He has hands that tackle the everyday chores so he can concentrate on the horse breeding area. He wants to buy Julia's stallion as he notices his horses are no longer winning.
Alternating chapters also follow Julia  a local large sized vet.  She has reasons why she will never sell the stallion.
They agree to take a day hike to discuss things.
They spend time alone in a cabin when a storm comes in quickly.
Adult situations.
Love quiet under the stars date but also the ones dancing and singing with their friends.
Both are stubborn and Jake is overjoyed at him becoming a father. He wants them to live at his family's ranch but she loves her independence.
Months go by with them being together at baby doctor appointments.
Things are up in the air as time to birth gets closer. They need to compromise but time is short.
Love hearing about their different careers and how they perform them and of the dangers. Love how Jake is there for her when she's injured even tending to her animals and making sure she has meals.
Great story and glad previous family characters are in this one, great to catch up.
Excellent series.
 

The Only Possible Solution by Fons Burger

  

 
The Only Possible Solution by Fons Burger 
I like this book because it teaches us what we need to change now so our grandkids will have a better earth. So aware of plastic in oceans and microplastics in containers and water bottles, I now use stainless steel water bottle. Losing our farmlands so you better know how to grow your own food. We have gardens and are able to store harvest and use the products during the cold winter months.  So many references and ideas of how others in other countries are moving forward. References are listed at the end along with other bright minds ideas.  Topics really are thought provoking and should encourage us all to do better.  Great read.
  

Dante's Revenge by Lotchie Burton

  

 
Dante's Revenge by Lotchie Burton
This book starts out with Dante and he and Sherry are together. He is being her bodyguard. She had left hurriedly from New York City and went to Seattle and she opened her own bakery. Her uncle had helped her escape with a new identity and no trace of her. She also had changed her name. The grand jury is indicting Preston her ex-boyfriend who had basically held her in captivity. He kept tabs on everywhere she went and who she met with and everything. She was able to realize what was going on and started looking around at all the paperwork and Wilson the butler helped as well.  They joined forces with others who are going to bring charges against Preston. She finally gives Dante a call and he rushes to New York City to be her bodyguard. Others are trying to kidnap her and kill her so she cannot testify. Adult situations. It was quite like a mob or the mafia some of the scenes remind me of that. I like when he is able to call in his friends from the military and they're on the same page with one another so they're helping each other out along with others who are forming a bond with Sherry. I like how she never really lied to Dante and she informs him of all of the things in the past so he can be brought up-to-date and he also shares his past with her as well as if there's nothing you're gonna be able to change about the past. Was a good read and there's also an excerpt for the next book in the series and it sounds just as good.   This book is about Rick who is one of Dante's military buddies.
 

The Last Bottle by Marcia Breece

  


 
The Last Bottle by Marcia Breece
This story starts out with Ted who's 18 and he plays violin with the girl down the street Audrey who plays the piano and sings. She's 15 and she's pregnant and Ted is the father. He discusses the issue with his father a colonel and they decide to make things right by going over to their house because they want a civil ceremony. What happens when they arrive is very unexpected: the movers are packing up the whole house. The family has left with no forwarding address to share. Ted ends up joining the military and he never forgets about Audrey. He keeps trying to find out where they left for. The story also follows Audrey but it also follows her mother and her past life with their father who is in Paris during the war. Some of the family go there and one of the sisters goes elsewhere to keep her safe. They have a solution to Audrey's baby after it is born. The book follows a story about the vineyard and how they made the wine and how they kept it away from the German military who came to their house. The girls were smart enough to hide away because Audrey knew exactly where to go in the cellar not to be seen. DNA tests have been done throughout the course of the book.  There are many connections with others that they have no idea how they could be related to them. It all comes out in the end and the story helps you figure out how it happened and who everyone is. Things get a little bit crazy because there's so many people involved at this point. Shock has set in for Audrey as she answered the phone and hung up on them when they asked to talk to their stepsister. As far as Audrey knew she had no step sister and she had to question her mother about everything that had happened in the past. It's a good story lots of travel. There's fashion and there's food especially during wartime. Great read. 

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Jun 30 Her Cowboy Dilemma Book 2 of Coffee Creek Montana by CJ Carmichael

  



Her Cowboy Dilemma Book 2 of Coffee Creek Montana by CJ Carmichael
This story starts with Cassidy. She's back from classes and tending to the horses because they have come down with an illness that leaves the ranch in quarantine. Olivia, her mom has always run the ranch and everything to do with it and all her children's matchmaking schemes. Cassidy is not going to let her have her own way. Cassidy plans to get the job in the city of Billings and move there as an accountant. She's worked hard to get that far. She misses her dad and brother Brock and holds the  memories close to her heart.
Story also follows Dan Farley and he's the local vet.
He had a chance with her over 4 years ago but she head left.With
With the horses being so sick he spends a bit of time at her ranch getting samples to test.
They have finally been cleared but at the cost of one horse. Cassidy follows him home one day with the others are on a cattle run and Dan is able to comfort her til she realizes what she's done and leaves abruptly.
She is so confused over everything. He keeps telling her she can do whatever she wants, nobody can tell you what to do. Like how she realizes what she had at the ranch after being at her new accountant job for a week.  Love the rodeo events at the end. What a treasure.
Love this family but sometimes the mother needs to stay out of things, LOL
Can't wait for the next book in the series. Love catching up with the others in the previous books.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Book Review: Assassin's Secret by Ethan Jones

  

 
 
Assassin's Secret by Ethan Jones
What I like about this book is that it starts right out and she's trapped and has a split second to escape and she knows how to move to give her the edge.
Eve is a smart woman and she's on the team with a few others as they try to find the person they need to secure the company and keep it's security tight.
He's in the hospital  but they learn later that he's been kidnapped. There is a message she gets, never expecting to see it with explicit details of where to go and what to do there.
There are so many instances where the company tells them how to follow the lead and they end up in different countries. Like the travel and learning new things about them.
Like the team effort and how everybody has different angle on the situation.
Didn't like the ending, like a book that has an ending, this one will continue in the next book as the situation went south just when it was in their grasp to finalize it all.
Love the strategies, movements, travel, action and just a few characters to keep track of.
Great read, can't wait to read the next one. 

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Book Review: Cowboy's Christmas Girlfriend by Leslie North

  

 
Cowboy's Christmas Girlfriend by Leslie North
This story starts out with Suzanne and she's a writer and has met Will though online and they converse often. She's writing about the mountains in the west where he lives and the editor decides they need to go visit there and see what she does on the ranch. Will agrees to teach her about ranch life and the two girls of his also come with the deal.  She is happy to spend time with them but she is falling for Will. He is also falling for her and he keeps missing important dates with his two girls...
Adult situations. Love hearing of the ranch experience and she gets another idea in her head and the girls are on board and help her out.
Great story. His parents are glad he has a girlfriend and they tend to move the relationship forward for them.
 

Jun 17 Wishes and Wildflowers by Josie Riviera

  
 
Wishes and Wildflowers by Josie Riviera
This story starts out with Lily and she's arrived at her sister's ranch. SHe is filling out job applications and hasn't decided if she wants to go to Boise, ID or to CA.  A little girl, Stella from a neighboring ranch stops by and she has a frog that she is going to put back in the wetlands.
She's truly a free spirit Reid informs her. His wife had died suddenly and he raises her with help from a tutor and housekeeper.  Love time Lily gets to spend with not only her own sister and their new baby but time with Reid and Stella. She is there for Reid when the calf got tangled in barb wire fencing and when she had found Stella injured from an exploration day she had. Stella was the first to find the little girl and took care to bring her home to Reid.  They do form a bond and it makes Lily not want to leave at all but Reid never asks her to stay.
Miscommunications  keep them apart.  Love scenery that is explained so beautifully along with fun things Stella brings to everybody: music, animals she has and finds more of, travel and adventures they find themselves entwined in.
Lovely story, one of the bests I've read this year. Can't wait for the next in the series.

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Book Review: Cowboy’s Christmas Wife by Mary Sue Jackson and Leslie North

   


 
Cowboy’s Christmas Wife by Mary Sue Jackson and Leslie North
This story starts with Daryl and he's down on his luck taking care of the family ranch.  He's so overdrawn with bills he can't afford the bank note. He runs into a girl he used to know and had a thing for her in school. Laura hears him out and tells him her story. They decide the solution is to combine and conquer. They get married and move into his ranch house. She loves taking care of things on the intent so he can work on his leather goods. She also helps his brother with his business pages. The court trial they have to make it look like they are married and love one another. They are married and falling hard for each other.
Adult situations.  At least she got rid of her ex husband so he's not in control of her trust fund any longer. She can use the money for her daughter.
Love how his family welcome them into their home especially around the holidays.
Didn't think I'd enjoy this read as much as I did, couldn't put it down. Love hearing more about the area and their careers.