Book Review: the Chilbury Ladies' Choir

Set during World War II, The Chilbury Ladies' Choir shares the story of quiet English town. When the men are sent to war the vicar decides that the choir should be discontinued. However, a few of the women fought to keep the choir for the women. It is seen as a way to help raise spirits, share emotions and provide support and development. Throughout the story we meet the different women through letters, journal entries and diaries.

The author, Jennifer Ryan, uses these entries to show the warmth, schemes, wit, romance and adventures the women are in the midst.

Each of the characters were portrayed in such a way that I could understand the pressures each of them felt. There were the role models, those looking for love or financial security, and those that are looking for ways to set themselves up for a better life. I felt like this novel gives a good look at what women's lives were like at this time, including the challenges and how music and the choir became inspirations, a way to handle grief and more to each of the characters.

I feel like this book would be enjoyable to anyone who reads it.

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

coloring book review: The Night Voyage

As my readers know, I love coloring books. When they are by Daria Song it is a double winner.

Like her other books, each page is filled with the intricate designs with a multitude of choices on how to color them. Each page is magical on their own whether they are filled with mystical mechanics, paper birds and flowers, teatime or more, they will keep the coloring going for hours.

In the back of the book are thumbnail copies of each of the pictures, an additional picture and a card to color (mine will go to my grandchildren.

Each page is printed on both sides on a heavyweight, non-perforated paper. The binding is sewn and glued, so they are not easily removed. Many designs cover both pages, so removing some of them would spoil some of the beauty anyways.

Many of the designs carry into the bound margins, which is not superb. The dust cover also can be colored on the inside and the out.

It will withstand most coloring materials except alcohol-based markers.

The beauty of the work and the fun in coloring make up for any shortcomings this book my have. Overall, I love it and recommend it to all.

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

Coloring book review: Every Little Thing: A Flat Vernacular Coloring Book

I have enjoyed coloring, and coloring books, for as long as I can remember and I am thrilled with the "new" fad of adult coloring books that are on the market.

This book, Every Little Thing, is a compilation of coloring pages with a wide variety of themes. Every page was hand-drawn and, as is stated on the back cover, it reminds me of a kaleidoscope. Each page brings a grin as the anticipation of beginning the coloring process overcomes the artist inside.  

The artist is Payton Cosell Turner is a part of Flat Vernacular, a Brooklyn-based wallpaper studio. 

The book has a removable dust cover which is too shiny to color but the inner cover is just right. I do wish that the pages could be torn out of the book easier as I have discovered that there are times when it is difficult to color in this type of book format. Plus there are times when I like to display my artwork. There are five sections of the book, which makes it easier to separate the sets, but then there is the risk of wrinkles and creases. 

I love this book and look forward to more of this kind in the future. 

Book Review: Doctor Who: The Drosten's Curse

The Doctor is here to help where needed. In this book, the Doctor, Bryony, and Putta are working together to help find what is happening to golfers who seem to be disappearing. In addition, several others seem to be able to read minds. For the follower of Dr. Who, you know the Doctor is going to find out what is behind it.

I must say, even though I love the Dr. Who series, this book was not as exciting as the series is but still, if the reader is a Dr. Who fan, they should give this book a chance.

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

Book Review: The Little Paris Bookshop

Nina George has written a beautiful book, The Little Paris Bookshop. 

This book is about a bookstore on the Seine. The owner helps to find books that heal the customer. This has worked until he comes across an unopened letter to himself. One that was written 20 years ago. The journey this sends him on will touch the hears of many. This is the vehicle used is a wonderful foundation for any book.

This book is filled with emotions and literary references. This book will leave the reader clinging to every word. Throughout the book are French recipes and books which are prescribed by the book owner. 

Such a wonderful book which I will read again and again.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Crown Publishing in exchange for my honest review. Thank you

Cookbook review: Lighten up, y'all

Oh, my. Lighten up, y'all: Classic Southern Recipes made Healthy and Wholesome is filled with comfort foods that maintain their taste and vision in spite of being redone in a healthy manner.

Virginia Willis has written other cookbooks, plus she is a blogger of Down-Home Comfort where she shares cooking with Food Network and the Cooking Channel. She has also made many guest appearances, been a director and a producer of different cooking shows. She is able to draw on all of the experience in this book to help the reader to enjoy the foods they have always enjoyed while maintaining a healthy diet.


This cookbook includes favorites such as Sinless Seven-Layer Dip, Barbeque Meatballs, Sassy Slaw, plus many recipes with starch, seafood, shellfish, poultry, pork, beef, lamb and, of course deserts.

I feel like I was very privileged to be given this wonderful cookbook to review by the author, Crown Publishing, Ten Speed Press and Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.