Thursday, November 30, 2017

Book Review: The Cat Who Talked Turkey

The Cat Who Talked Turkey (Cat Who... Book 26) by [Braun, Lilian Jackson]These books by Lilian Jackson Braun are so addicting. In this one the Pickax bookstore is having its groundbreaking. At the same time Brrr, yes that is the name of the town, is having a celebration for their bicentennial. Of course, the events are ruined when a man's body is located on James Qwilleran's land. This brings Qwill and his mystery solving cats, Koko and Yum Yum to the thing they like most, determining who committed this crime.

These books are so much fun, this is the 26th in "The Cat Who..." series and I have enjoyed every one. This is an enjoyable read for when the reader is looking for a mystery that is not too heavy.

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Book Review: The Lost Woman

Sofie Parker, a Dane, is murdered in England. The murder was a shot through the kitchen window. Sofie had been on the Missing Persons list for almost 20 years. Because of the circumstances, Louise Rick is asked to be on the case, however, the person who reported Sofie missing was Louise's co-worker and her significant other, Eik. He comes to England and is jailed on suspicion of the murder. All of this has confused Louise, but she continues on with the case hoping to find the killer.

I seem to be on a thriller kick right now. Even though this is the third in the series, and I had not read the previous ones. I was able to pick the characters up easily. The story was very complex with many surprises throughout.

If you are a lover of murder mysteries this would be an excellent choice. I was given this book by Grand Central Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Book Review: the Crush

In Sandra Brown's The Crush, Dr. Rennie Newton is on Ricky Lozada's jury. Lozada is a well-known hit man. However, the jury decides to vote not guilty. Soon it appears that she has a new admirer. One of her peers, also a rival, is murdered, and Rennie is a suspect. Then she becomes stalked by Lozado. Wick Threadgill is a detective that is after the killer and soon Wick and Rennie join forces.

So well-written that when i picked it up I did not want to set it down until I was finished and satisfied with the ending. I was thrilled that I was left to wonder how they would capture Lozado. and the characters were so wonderful. They would appear one way but then you saw the layers as the story progressed.

I must say that Brown was able to create a villain who was easy to hate. From the trial on, he was a character that I loved to hate.

I feel that if the reader is looking for a thrilling adventure, this is an excellent to try.

This book may be purchased at Amazon HERE!

or Barnes and Noble HERE!
This is the very first Sandra Brown book I read from her. My girlfriend at work recommended this book and I loved it from the first page. This book is definitely a page turner. She has become one of my favorite authors. This book has love, sex, humor, and is a very fast read. I enjoyed it alot. Then I tried her other stuff but this is still my favorite book from Sandra Brown. I normally read paranormal romance so it's a great book to come back to reality.
This is the very first Sandra Brown book I read from her. My girlfriend at work recommended this book and I loved it from the first page. This book is definitely a page turner. She has become one of my favorite authors. This book has love, sex, humor, and is a very fast read. I enjoyed it alot. Then I tried her other stuff but this is still my favorite book from Sandra Brown. I normally read paranormal romance so it's a great book to come back to reality.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Book Review: Gork, the Teenage Dragon

Gork is different from other dragons. His heart is big, his horns aren't and he faints. At the WarWings Military Academy he is called Weak Sauce and he is the lowest in his class. However, he doesn't let any of this get to him. Tomorrow he is to graduate from high school and tonight he needs to ask a female to be queen. It could go one of two ways, she could say yes and they will go off together to other planets, or he could end up being a slave.

This is a combination of love story, fantasy and just so much fun. The author has such an imagination, it is hard to believe this could be a debut novel. Teens will be able to relate to it as they empathize with Gork and cheer him on.

This would be an enjoyable book for this age reader and I recommend it. I was given this book by NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be purchased from Amazon HERE!

Or at Barnes and Noble HERE!




Monday, November 20, 2017

Book Review: Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel

This is a children's chapter book where June and Mae are new neighbors. After becoming best friends they turn to the Wonder Wheel to determine what their adventures will be each day. Each spin brings fun times for both girls. Perhaps they need to find something blue that day or do a good deed. In addition to this June can hear her dog, Sammy talk. Should she tell Mae?

This book is suggested for grades 2-4 but I believe as a read aloud book children younger than this can enjoy it also. This high energy book will sweep kids away with ease. This is a fun, friendly book that I believe most children will enjoy.

I was given this book by NetGalley and HMH Books for Young Readers in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be found at Amazon HERE!
or
At Barnes and Noble HERE!

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Book Review: The Skeleton Garden

This is part of the cozy mystery series, A Potting Shed Mystery.

Pru Parke has moved from Texas to a plush place in England called Greenoak. Offered this estate, Pru and Christopher Pearse, her new hubby and former Detective Chief Inspector, said yes. While there she decides to connect with her brother, Simon.

While working on the grounds, Pru and her brother, the grounds worker, found a WWII German fighter plane and some bones. This did not thrill everyone and some blamed Simon. This did not sit well with Pru so she fights for him.

This was such a fun read. I enjoyed the garden talk and the connection with WWII. The development of the characters was well done. I had not read a book in this series before so this aspect was important to me. The predictability factor was pretty high but it was still enjoyable.

I received this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

This book may be purchased at Amazon HERE!





Friday, November 17, 2017

Book Review: All Saints

All Saints: The Surprising True Story of How Refugees from Burma Brought Life to a Dying Church by [Spurlock, Michael, Windle, Jeanette]When I first received this book, I did not realize that it was made into a movie. So first I read the book and then I saw the movie. They are both excellent.

A church of about 12 parishioners is preparing to close its doors by bringing in a newly ordained minister who is tasked with the job. Soon a family from Burma begins to attend the church because of the similarities between it and their home Anglican church. These Burmese attenders continued to come and they grew. Along with them came their needs. The pastor decides to challenge the church to help with their needs and to keep the doors open. This is the story.

I loved the story. Included was the background story of the Burmese and their journey to the Anglican church. I found myself pulled, much as the minister in the story was. Plus I found myself cheering for each person in the story.

I highly recommend this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. 

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Book Review: Noelle

Noelle: A Novel (A Dog Named Christmas) by [Kincaid, Greg]This book, Noelle, by Greg Kincaid, tugged at my heartstrings from the Prologue. It talked about the puppy mill where Noelle was born. My own dog was rescued at the side of the road from one of these places and would have froze to death if she were not saved.

I have not read the previous books in this series, but that was all right as they gave a good description of events and people that were in this book. Noelle was cast aside when she was born because she was not the perfect example of a Golden Retriever. However, she became the friendliest and most wonderful dog. Todd and Laura are two characters in the story.

Todd was born developmentally delayed. However, with the love and support of those around him he became a top dog trainer. In this book he and Laura move in together and look to the future. Todd becomes the manager of a new dog rescue facility.

Mary Ann, Todd's mom and outspoken library board member, has found herself in the new position of Mrs. Anna Claus.

Each of the characters is so easy to relate to, it was hard to believe that so much story could fit between the covers of this small book. This is definitely a book for those looking for a book for Christmas or for those who enjoy dog stories. I love both, so this fit in my life nicely. All the traditions of Christmas are included and put me in the mood for the season.

I was given this book by NetGalley and by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Cook Book Review: More-with-Less (40th Anniversary Edition)

I purchased an edition of this book 30 years ago and I loved it. When this edition came out, I was convinced that I would feel the same about it. I do.

This book has been filled with recipes used by the Mennonite people. It helps the consumer look at the food that we consume, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes etc. Preferably, these should come from local sources. To show some of the missions that the Mennonite people serve they include pictures from around the world using local resources.

I found the recipes were easy to follow and, unlike so many other cookbooks, do not take forever to create. I enjoyed this version as often as I did the first one I owned.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Herald Press in exchange for my honest review.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Book Review: Life-Changing Miracles

James Stuart Bell brought together a book filled with stories that will inspire others. I feel that there is at least one or two stories that will speak to the reader's heart and sole. For myself I enjoyed A Walking Miracle, Circle of God's Arms, God Had Other Plans and Finding Faith in Foreign Land. Each one touched me and, in part, told a story from my own life.

I highly recommend this book to others. I give it 5 stars.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Book Review: Managing Bubbie

Managing Bubbie by [Lazega, Russel]Russel Lazega's grandmother escaped from a nursing home, which is pretty easy for someone that escaped a concentration camp. Her family help support her decisions. This was not always easy but the story made a wonderful, loving, humorous book. It will help to share with others that caring for loved ones does not have to be filled with problems.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Book Review: The Trust

Liam Taggart had to return to Northern Ireland for his uncle's funeral. He was not happy to return as when he left there were bitter feelings with his family. He discovers that his uncle had foreseen his own murder and that his estate was left to a secret trust to be released when the killer is discovered. This left many questions. Liam decides to investigate which leads to many old secrets. He is now in a tempest as he has been named as sole trustee.

This is a well-written and intriguing book and even though this is the first book I have read in the series, I enjoyed it and was easily drawn in.  It was well-researched and each page was filled with twists and turns. I recommend this book to those that enjoy a good historical whodunit.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Book Review: Loving Luther

Loving Luther by [Pittman, Allison]Katharina von Bora was raised in a convent. It was easy for her to call her father God, after all this was her life. Eventually she takes her vows but soon an uneasiness comes upon her when she finds the writings of Martin Luther. This led her to wonder if this is all that she is supposed to have. She leaves the convent but not the trust she found in God. She finds a shelter through Luther's friends, but still she craves more...a home and a husband.

I have written works by Allison Pittman before and they have all been well-written. I found the research into the people to be well-done. I felt like I was living the life with Katherine. We find how she is shaped into the woman she becomes. I loved this story.

I was given this book by Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Perfectly Undone

Cooper has just proposed to Dr. Dylan Michels, a woman who has worked for the life she has. Instead of accepting the proposal, which would seem the most natural thing for her to do, she says no. She has spent her entire life trying to be perfect....as a daughter, partner, doctor, yet she has never been able to get over the death of her sister. In order to accept Cooper's proposal, Dylan must face the role she had in her sister's death as well as the information that Cooper sends her way.

This novel about forgiveness and looking-forward was so well-written, I had a hard time putting it down. The characters were rich and true-to-life.

When I first picked up the book, I did not like Dylan at all, but after she looks back at her life and decides to make some changes, she held more appeal for me. I found this book to be more enjoyable than I thought by the description and recommend it  highly.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be found at Amazon HERE!
or
Barnes and Noble HERE!