Book Review: The Super Ladies by Susan Petrone

The Super Ladies by Susan Petrone
From the descriptions this sounds like a great read, a little bit of something for everybody. Love how lives are intwined and they are there for each other supporting and helping in any way they can, at the children's sporting and science fairs.
Starts out with a gathering of the women and a chemical reaction when the experiment goes bad...the women sense the changes but have no idea what they mean.
Women are from the Cleveland area and liked learning about their careers and family life situations. When I realize what happened it's like wow this could really happen in todays world. Some hiliarous moments!
Like how the women embrace the changes and learn to live with them and how they open up to others who questions their talents. Don't read during the weekend but sneaked away several minutes listening to this book-couldn't put it down!
Love how the story got started and I do now enjoy comic strip type brought to the screen movies. Love lesson about how everybody has a talent, everybody is good at something.
If we all harnessed it we can change the world for the better. Other works by the author are summarized and highlighted at the end with an excerpt. Would love to read more from this author as the topics interest me.
Received this review copy from The Story Plant via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
 #TheSuperLadies #NetGalley 

Book Review: Defensive Instructor by Debra Parmley

Defensive Instructor by Debra Parmley
The Brotherhood Protection service is helping those at the ranch protect themselves by learning how to, by actually doing the activities.
Chyna is also at the Triple C ranch after being abused and hopes to find protection and we learn how she got to the ranch and those that crossed her path.
Like hearing of the procedures of admittence to the center-very fair.
Love how the program is laid out for those taking part it in. I know myself I might need to do such training because if my spouse dies I will be very vulnerable. Love the awaremenss part as I am blind and am aware but could improve and this book is doing that for me.
The men are not there to rescue them and take them away.
Chyna has a secret crush on Barrett and daydreams about him. He wishes he had met her outside of the ranch under different circumstances.
Like the activities they are trained to do-often thought about learning how to shoot a gun myself.
They attempt to learn things each like as they spend time together at the ranch, during programs.
Like different phrases that got me looking up more information about them-gas lighting.
Story also follows her ex husband as he tracks her whereabouts down and he will capture her to get what he wants... Like technology used..
So emotional reading this-tears in my eyes as he's found her but her training has come into action...
Love style of this author's writings, this is one not to put down til the very end. She makes you feel as if it's all happening to you.
Didn't see the ending happening like it did, WOW. Twists and turns and romance, so detailed. Domestic abuse help is listed at the end. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I received this review book from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Pit of Ambition (Caselli Family Series) by TaMara Hanscom

FREE BOOK TODAY  https://www.amazon.com/Pit-Ambition-Caselli-Family-Book-ebook/dp/B00HT5IZHO/ref=sr_1_1?s=amazon-devices&ie=UTF8&qid=1533946006&sr=8-1&keywords=pit+of+ambition

SYNOPSIS:

Guiseppi looked into Rosa’s eyes as she stood in the doorway. She didn’t say a word, but he knew what she was about to tell him. Quietly, Rosa closed the door and took a seat beside him.

“She spoke of him,” she whispered. She looked into her lap and shook her head. “I want to tell her.”

But Guiseppi was stubborn…and the thing with Alex went too far. Guiseppi buried Noah’s identity deep within himself and demanded that Rosa do the same.

In the pursuit of professional and political success, Alex falls deep into a pit of pride and ambition. Guiseppi begins to hate the husband he chose for his daughter, regretting the day he gave his Angel to a pretender—a blackguard in disguise.

Guiseppi is tempted to tell Angel the secret that is crushing his heart.

In April, 2011, the mystery and suspense continued with the release of the second installment in the Caselli Family Series!

Will Noah and Tillie finally discover one another’s identities? Will Marquette finally uncover the hiding place of his life-long nemesis?

The Caselli Family Series presented by Reata Publishing.
No vampires, no sex, no vulgar language. Just good ole fashioned romance, suspense and mystery! 

AUTHOR BIO:

I was born and raised in South Dakota, and I love her people and rich history. For many years I’ve also had a deep love for Italy and her colorful chronology. I was fortunate enough to visit Italy on my 25th wedding anniversary, and I added some of the details of my travels to my fictional series The Caselli Family Series.
My favorite sport is baseball – Detroit Tigers – and I can’t wait until the next time I get to see them play in Comerica Park. 
I live for the next family barbeque. 
My husband and I currently reside in northwestern Iowa. We have three grown children and one grandson. We’ve rescued two cats and one Pomeranian. 
I teach AWANA Cubbies and speak at women’s events. 
To learn more about The Caselli Family Series, please visit us on the web at: www.TaMaraHanscomBooks.com

MY REVIEW:

Pit of Ambition by TaMara Hanscom
Second book of the series and this one comes with a detailed list of the characters and other important information about the area.
Love this part because if this is the first book you're reading it will help clear up who is who.
What I also like about this book is that it brings the characters up to date with just enough details from the previous book that they don't give it all away.
Book follows Tillie and her family and extended family members and their encounters with their work and everyday lives.
Story also follows Noah and his family and his business dealings and his family.
Pregnancies in this book turn into emergency situations that draw the family together...
Noah has tax problems and is informed not only did Carrie sign the check for stocks but he's not sure why she was in Custard...
Noah's business is under control of others, some he trusts but he shouldn't....he sees a picture Angel had painted and realizes the truth.
So many secrets, mysteries, traveling around the world, romance, heartache, joy and this story is about how the faith of God will aid them in moving forward. Ends with a special message for the readers.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with a preview of the next book in the series.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Crochet 101 Master Basic Skills Easily through Step-by-Step Instruction by Deborah Burger

Crochet 101 Master Basic Skills Easily through Step-by-Step Instruction by Deborah Burger
I am a published crochet designer and have done work for yarn companies and taught myself how to crochet.
Not sure at times if I'm really doing the stitches properly and second guess myself all the time.
Starts out with a table of contents where it has basics, putting it all together, traditions and abbreviations/symbols and glossary and index.
Like pictures as they start with simple things like a mug rug and talks about the basics.
Tells you what to expect and to have breaks and patience.
Diagrams are shown throughtout the book along with real photos. Chart of hook sizes and yarn weights is very informative.
Love easy project they start out with, so simple but it will build your confidence that you can do it.
Like troubleshooting tips along the way also. Stitches are explained and shown how to work them along with an easy project to do.
Each pattern has a title, summary and what you'll learn. Things you will need are listed, gauge, finished size and stitches used along with directions and tips.
Color photo preceeds the pattern.
Photographs are easy to view the item with background: colors are not to dark to see the details.
Stitches and patterns get more difficult as the book goes along and you should be able to follow it. Even reading a pattern by charts.
Love that there are so many projects to make, useful and practical for every home.
Hooded scarf would be my first project as I make things for the homeless and that is one thing they can use in the winter cold months.
Book finishes off with author bio and so many resouces of information.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
 #Crochet101 #NetGalley

Book read Aug 8

Friends forever by Danielle Steel
 Izzy, Gabby, Billy, Shawn and Andy are friends throughout the years (k through 12) at the prestigiuos private school.
Better chance to get in if you had another sibling there already. Services also offered physiological help and help with colleges.
Story follows the parents and their lives. Very confusing to me because there are so many of them.
What I do like about this book is the pact they make in 2nd grade and how many different situations they go through.
Like hearing of the older children, infants and parents lives.
Tragedies occur when they are older as they thought they were invincilbe.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The apartment by Danielle Steel
Very interesting book about 4 women, from different backgrounds and working in 4 different fields.
Shoe designer, wall street investor, obgyn doctor and a screen writer.
We get to not only learn about their careers but also how they get along with one another and help each other out.
Fascinating they live in an apartment above a Hell's Kitchen bar-I've watched movies about this area and found them cool to see.
One also has a model twin, another has a gay brother who visits and others are going through different stages of dating.
When things go wrong there's lots of action, adventure, drugs, embezzlement, romance and travel-something for everyone.
Love this author's books. Bit confusing at times as there are four main characters and they come with relatives and friends.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The view from the ground by Martha Gellhorn
Enjoyed reading these stories and the subjects are so diverisified they are interesting.
Liked the different locations and learning about the culture.
Things I really liked is that the span of stories covers over 60 years.
War stories she makes you feel as if you are there, with fear as you ride your bike to the border.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Five Little Monkeys With nothing To Do by Christelow_ Eileen
Cute children's story about 5 monkeys, it's summer and there's nothing to do. Mother has some things for them to do...
their grandmother is coming. Problem is monkeys get into a lot of trouble...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The sweet-shop owner by Swift_ Graham
Starts out with the man who owns the shop and I love how he prepares for his day as he's older now and can't really the chores himself.
In his younger days we find out how he met his wife and her stipulations. Hate how others just want his money, not fair as they never earned it or even appreciated him.
Book is set in England so some things are a bit different than in the US. Was hoping he'd share a recipe or two.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The little hotel by Stead_ Christina
Story follows many who have stayed at the little hotel-in Switerzerland.
Seems to me they gossiped a lot about the guests among the owner and the maids.
Like they don't have enough to do with their work. Stories of women taken advantage of because of all the money they have.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Beginner's luck by Kate Clayborn
Story starts out with three women and they're going over their day from hell at work while drinking and on the way out buy a lottery ticket.
They win and their lives change. Kate is a biologist and nobody understands her work even the man, Ben who's there offering corporate financing if she'll join his team. He has no clue as to what she even does but she likes the looks of him. She had wanted a home and bought a house with her winnings.
Zoey and Greer are her friends, like family. Story also follows Ben who's in the middle of getting his father discharged from the hospital and fixing up his house so he can stay in it as he ages and needs aids.
Enjoyed both characters as it's a learning experience: her with her house that needs a lot of repairs and him helping and living with his dad.
His dad works at the salvage yard and he has many things Kate can use at her new house.
Heated scenes enhance this story.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Book Spotlight: The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise (Caselli Family Series Book 1) by Ta'Mara Hanscom

Synopsis:

My Jean-Marc’s uncle was married to an English woman, and she told us once, a very long time ago, that in this world there are men of two kinds. The one, the knight, is the man possessing only strength and quality of moral character. He will never ask a lady to compromise her honor for less than a vow, and never, ever will he consider another once he has captured her heart. A knight keeps his vow, even when it hurts, and the honor of a knight is a thing a country is built upon. A knight comes along only seldom these days.

Now, a blackguard is a man who can be found quite easily, for it is an easy thing to be a blackguard. He attempts to trick the young ladies into taking him home and caring for him, making them believe their honor can be given away as a mere trifle, offering no vow, and making only human demands. The blackguard is to be avoided at all costs, for to settle for someone like him is to settle for something less than ideal.

In the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, Tillie Caselli promises to marry Noah Hansen. Theirs’ was a love intended to last, and their promises were never to be broken. But when there’s an illusion of unfaithfulness, the result is an error in judgment—an error that changes the course of lives.

Epic romance, global adventure, ethnic passion, and Christian values inspire this new series.

Author Bio:

I was born and raised in South Dakota, and I love her people and rich history. For many years I’ve also had a deep love for Italy and her colorful chronology. I was fortunate enough to visit Italy on my 25th wedding anniversary, and I added some of the details of my travels to my fictional series The Caselli Family Series. 

My favorite sport is baseball – Detroit Tigers – and I can’t wait until the next time I get to see them play in Comerica Park. 

I live for the next family barbeque. 

My husband and I currently reside in northwestern Iowa. We have three grown children and one grandson. We’ve rescued two cats and one Pomeranian. 

I teach AWANA Cubbies and speak at women’s events. 

To learn more about The Caselli Family Series, please visit us on the web at: 
www.TaMaraHanscomBooks.com

My Review:

The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise (Caselli Family Series Book 1) by Ta'Mara Hanscom
Book starts out with Noah and he's avoiding his brother and his wife as he heads back to their house for the night, after drinking heavily and riding his Harley there.
Book also follows Tillie and she's an artist, only 16 and was able to compete in Rapid City, SD.
What I love about this book are the details of Mt. Rushmore, Bridal Veil Falls and the legends behind them. Definitely on my bucket list of places to visit when we head out that direction.
Want to also see Crazy Horse statue and ancestorial grounds.
He has served in Vietnam and she's talked him into not drinking any more and to get a GED. He moved out of his brothers house to a cabin at the lake and works full time and can't wait to marry Angel (Tillie).
She has the opportunity to be with him again while her sister travels for their business...
Love hearing of the romantic gestures, holding the door, chair, etc...
Love tidbits of things to see along the way also.
Book follows the family members of Tillie and a big secret is about to be let out...
Some are out after a gangster and travel the world looking for more clues.
What happens the day they are to meet sets them apart, forever...
There are a lot of characters-easy to keep track of, love the travel, religion, romance, mysteries and very descriptive details of homes, construction and even cooking.
Has something for everyone to enjoy. Can't wait to read more from this new author to me.

Book Review: Green Smoothie Recipe Book by Stephanie Shaw

Green Smoothie Recipe Book by Stephanie Shaw
Starts with dedication and short intro, then table of contents where chapters are broken up about nutrition and then different types of smoothies.
Each chapter starts with a title and short summary of the section along with a medium size color photo.
Each recipe has a title, list of ingredinets and how to make it are included.
Love that you can use the nutmilk bag as we make our own yogurt.
There is one picture at the very start of each chapter.
Nutritional information is included per one serving: calories, carbs, protein, total fat-NOT broken up into good and bad, Sodium and fiber as per a 2000 calorie diet plan
Love combinations of things I already grow in our garden that would enhance the flavor of combos.
Love that each recipe gets its own page of information.
Lots of references are noted at the end. Author picture and bio listed at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.