tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54705487659338572872024-03-05T00:07:38.591-08:00Susannesbooklist A Place for Book Lovers Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.comBlogger406125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-62467240649902871732023-11-25T09:31:00.000-08:002023-11-25T09:31:04.161-08:00Review: Missing In The Dark<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKncis5W6wOio4GVv8CPCSOYYaPdm7FiyS1Pj0px6on4wPVv5PLIK_oIE4jPM5_owCpwhD2UrzcNSK2BRcqkNU0Rye1bdpuEtPEve29Wf4ScqZRSLfBug5C4pSiNem4tGlGl6qgybGWQNDOKcFZDrqU_WSQsSWLCp-D0uxH_YLXMimhJSJxri8tOp2Ws/s2560/Book%20Calonego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKncis5W6wOio4GVv8CPCSOYYaPdm7FiyS1Pj0px6on4wPVv5PLIK_oIE4jPM5_owCpwhD2UrzcNSK2BRcqkNU0Rye1bdpuEtPEve29Wf4ScqZRSLfBug5C4pSiNem4tGlGl6qgybGWQNDOKcFZDrqU_WSQsSWLCp-D0uxH_YLXMimhJSJxri8tOp2Ws/s320/Book%20Calonego.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: left;">Missing In The Dark</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">Bernadette Calonego</b></div></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Detective
Sergeant Calista Gates is headed back to Vancouver, her hometown.
She's planning to participate in a clinical research program about
brain damage. But she's also keen to look into a cold case involving
Becca, a childhood friend and neighbor who died some twenty years
ago. She's been haunted by her death for years but hasn't been able
to do much about it. But the disappearance of Tilly Falon from a
remote cabin in British Columbia, near where Becca's body was found,
and an aspiring author who claims to be writing a true crime novel,
hinting that she might know something about Becca, leaves Calista
thinking the killer may still be in the area. Will she be able to
draw the killer out without endangering herself? She will need all
the skills she has to find out what happened to the two
women.<br /><br />Missing In The Dark is the fourth book in the Calista
Gate Series, and I have loved them all. This one is no exception.
There are enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing what will
happen next. I love the element of adventure this series provides
where nature looms large, and the characters and plot are
well-developed. I loved having Vancouver and British Columbia as a
setting in this novel. The author makes readers feel like they are in
the forests or the gritty streets with Calista. I also loved learning
about Calista's family and their background in this installment. It
gave more depth to her character and made me feel much more connected
to her. And without providing any spoilers, I appreciate how some of
the storylines from the previous books were drawn together in this
one. I feel so invested in this series that I can't wait to see what
happens next. I can't recommend this one enough. If you have yet to
read it, you are definitely missing out on a good read full of drama,
adventure, mystery, and wonderful characters, all set in marvelous
Canadian scenery.</p></blockquote>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-20706965102439867682022-07-18T09:01:00.001-07:002022-07-18T09:01:13.199-07:00Review: The Insect Crisis<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaMrLEIMkzAXqq8NJoHfkqItSLGRhFjuI3ITcd7gP8_KyIOBAdaLpyd2_MxXylOfBc1rYgFzGassGG0KsoNBfVLKTiOQ98rjj3XeWvVzVk95v6u48kVPOxp9GlVnZlXItMtF-J-Hz72OHYXUbXfw8XPxnnrjQuBefK2l61VrM-VbWj-mYKOgGZh2W3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="774" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaMrLEIMkzAXqq8NJoHfkqItSLGRhFjuI3ITcd7gP8_KyIOBAdaLpyd2_MxXylOfBc1rYgFzGassGG0KsoNBfVLKTiOQ98rjj3XeWvVzVk95v6u48kVPOxp9GlVnZlXItMtF-J-Hz72OHYXUbXfw8XPxnnrjQuBefK2l61VrM-VbWj-mYKOgGZh2W3=w228-h340" width="228" /></a></b></div><b><br /><br /></b><p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>The Insect Crisis</b></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Oliver Milman</b></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Oliver
Milman presents a fascinating look at what might happen if the
insects we depend on to pollinate our food supply disappear.
Scientists have sounded the alarm about increasing concerns that
insect populations are declining rapidly. The honeybee's plight is
probably well known, but what about other insects like moths,
dragonflies, and beetles that we tend to think about less often.
These and other insects may also be on the decline thanks to a host
of environmental issues, for which we humans are mostly to blame. The
increased use of pesticides, mono-cropping, habitat degradation, and
climate change has played a significant role in these environmental
changes. And even though, as Milman points out, insects have
primarily been able to survive every other mass extinction the planet
has seen, this may be changing.</p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />The Insect Crisis should be
required reading for anyone concerned about environmental issues and
our future. It's well researched, not to mention engagingly written.
But most of all, it's informative and shows the complex issues
and challenges we face in the future in a world that may have fewer
species.</p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><p style="text-align: center;">
</p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This
review was originally written by me for City Book Review.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-73472929265041720202022-06-24T06:21:00.002-07:002022-06-24T06:21:15.778-07:00Review: A Trillion Trees<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPKg1vaMFsm_4VGXBzEes3Ndh241zM-v12nrAKl1FOZ6ljxp9UVNuMwXY2SoP3BzEWuHc1pUBx63uh1nctjBiTCO2QtVrPKzdJQWZvlgWbDRz9Kzn4vU4a0-nJm3dwFc1JVhaR_PUCDc8eEod80wmcNjHe7LI-75O51ntp9YgrpaYPk6CQV2NY8Ij-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="180" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPKg1vaMFsm_4VGXBzEes3Ndh241zM-v12nrAKl1FOZ6ljxp9UVNuMwXY2SoP3BzEWuHc1pUBx63uh1nctjBiTCO2QtVrPKzdJQWZvlgWbDRz9Kzn4vU4a0-nJm3dwFc1JVhaR_PUCDc8eEod80wmcNjHe7LI-75O51ntp9YgrpaYPk6CQV2NY8Ij-=w235-h306" width="235" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: left;">A Trillion Trees</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Fred Pearce</b></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A
Trillion Trees presents a fascinating look at the state of the
world's forests. And while Pearce highlights the increasing
destruction we have seen in the past, he also shows how and why he
thinks things may not be all gloom and doom. Especially as he points
out that forests have a way of regenerating themselves if they are
left to their own devices. He also presents a host of case studies
that show how much the forest creates weather patterns by creating
"flying rivers" that move rain to areas far beyond the
forests.</p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />What may come as a surprise to many readers is the
fact that forests like those in the Amazon or deep in the Congo are
not as old or pristine as we often think. Instead, they are regrowth
forests from previous civilizations. Pearce argues that indigenous
communities today are still at the forefront regarding caring for and
protecting some of these forests. Throughout the book, he recounts
his fascinating journeys and the interviews he's had with scientists,
farmers, and others interested in the health and welfare of our
forests. And while all might not be doom and gloom, there is still
the continued threat of destruction, especially in developing areas
where there is a continued focus on expanding cattle ranching and the
mono-cropping of soybeans, palm oil, and other cash crops. But,
Pearce argues that simply planting more trees to offset those lost
may not be the best answer. Instead, he believes that, if allowed,
the forests will heal and regrow on their own.<br /><br />I think this
book is a must-read for anyone interested in not just trees and
forests but the wonderful world of nature that we inhabit.</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Thanks
to LibraryThing and Greystone Books for allowing me to read this book
in exchange for an honest review.</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-54233660974295383852022-05-05T08:36:00.006-07:002022-05-05T08:36:38.455-07:00Review: The Joy and Light Bus Company<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqQnR40l70SouRHHw86mUnuaSWwil05oy4Ak0UgMF81-dlJ31Zdpyc25WAYb2aefqqJLhJEf7zBTu9iogmtPeIDJLAyQRmSBUWvlBe2ikru8vAeEhfVU6AYpeEAY6902FvHmmakDB5cDijT0fNsMSb9CSWi6uyvYQGOjyIqxtnftgllG2c2hbx34g-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="228" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqQnR40l70SouRHHw86mUnuaSWwil05oy4Ak0UgMF81-dlJ31Zdpyc25WAYb2aefqqJLhJEf7zBTu9iogmtPeIDJLAyQRmSBUWvlBe2ikru8vAeEhfVU6AYpeEAY6902FvHmmakDB5cDijT0fNsMSb9CSWi6uyvYQGOjyIqxtnftgllG2c2hbx34g-=w232-h322" width="232" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b>The Joy and Light Bus
Company</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Alexander McCall Smith</b></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Mma
Ramotswe is confronted with several dilemmas in this installment of
The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency. Firstly, her husband, Mr. J.L.B.
Matekoni, is off to a business course where he gets the opportunity
to invest in a bus company with a former friend from school. But it
would require raising capital which would need a bank loan; something
Mma Ramotswe is firmly against. While worrying about her husband's
risky adventure, she takes on a client concerned that his elderly
father is being manipulated by his nurse to inherit his land. Plus,
she has heard from her friend Mma Potokwane about a possible case of
domestic slavery, and she simply cannot let it go without further
investigation.<br /><br />Along with her trusted assistant Mma Makutsi
and a good cup of bush tea, Mma Ramotswe will investigate the issues
as they arrive, hoping that she will bring justice, compassion, calm,
and happiness back to her beloved corner of Botswana. As always,
McCall Smith has written a lively, heartwarming story full of wit,
humor, and wisdom. The Joy and Light Bus Company is an enormously
pleasurable read.</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">This
review was originally written for City Book Review.</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-56626733919066907752022-04-05T09:32:00.000-07:002022-04-05T09:32:40.000-07:00Review: Black Lion<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgY6Icexi0Ne5b5YLCvpvC8k5Dx9ae6HcJ9E9zNAdS9XIro6z8Z8asqEhkDDXh38OJQJTtVCYJNGgQLIg8M_972vBciO5V3h34P7uOGBc9v7A9-oRQ9N9uScXQ-W6koypdousyTr-HdjoOLxosktGWD2UrX8fXam0FWKNoJRGGTBe5-hY4VZDkqqBJl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgY6Icexi0Ne5b5YLCvpvC8k5Dx9ae6HcJ9E9zNAdS9XIro6z8Z8asqEhkDDXh38OJQJTtVCYJNGgQLIg8M_972vBciO5V3h34P7uOGBc9v7A9-oRQ9N9uScXQ-W6koypdousyTr-HdjoOLxosktGWD2UrX8fXam0FWKNoJRGGTBe5-hY4VZDkqqBJl=w257-h373" width="257" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: left;">Black Lion</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Sicelo Mbatha</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Black
Lion tells the story of Sicelo Mbatha's life growing up in rural
South Africa and his long career as a Wilderness guide. From an early
age, he felt a deep connection to nature and the wildlife surrounding
his community, setting him on a path to help conserve and celebrate
all the beauty he saw. His ultimate goal would be to create a company
that could help others, especially those from his own community,
experience nature's healing powers.<br /><br />It's not just the story of
Sicelo's life and the many hardships he had to overcome to reach his
dream that makes this book fascinating. It's also his refreshing view
of nature and the wonders she has to offer all of us, whether in
faraway places or just in our backyards. As Sicelo suggests, we need
to open our senses and appreciate the other living things around us
to understand that we can find deep connections and spiritual peace
by immersing ourselves in this world.<br /><br />I loved getting to know
more about his Zulu culture, the vital role his kinsmen played in his
journey, and how they could share so much knowledge acquired over
generations but not always appreciated by others. Thankfully, there
are people, like Sicelo, who do not want to see their traditions
disappear over time. In Black Lion, he conveys his love for his
heritage and community with honesty, humility, and vast knowledge of
nature.<br /><br />Frankly, this book is like a balm for the soul. And
maybe the next best thing to stepping out into nature itself. No
doubt, like everyone else who reads this, I suspect I'll be dreaming
of a day when I can join a guide like Sicelo in discovering the
African wilderness. But, until then, I'll be trying to appreciate all
the nature in my area.</p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Thanks to LibraryThing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-56022710598486902412022-02-25T11:35:00.003-08:002022-02-25T11:35:29.060-08:00Review: A Margin For Murder<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTf3SO9NoodP3EefrLZdLB54USINeky4lJeBtES0CcDu20EJGf_xZ6LFKZOhbc-odeIpHV1G91PKw3MSNopc5LtmnD4hpnCf4U5BOLQDe60snX1URLLOGcq0cxZaatrrGOiOkXo5kksNEejG9ZFyLrb-RTmhLMX45atGxdaGX7FOeOq4jRrYB0P3Dt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="272" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTf3SO9NoodP3EefrLZdLB54USINeky4lJeBtES0CcDu20EJGf_xZ6LFKZOhbc-odeIpHV1G91PKw3MSNopc5LtmnD4hpnCf4U5BOLQDe60snX1URLLOGcq0cxZaatrrGOiOkXo5kksNEejG9ZFyLrb-RTmhLMX45atGxdaGX7FOeOq4jRrYB0P3Dt=w221-h358" width="221" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: left;">A Margin For Murder</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Lauren Elliott</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />When
Addie Greyborne, owner of Beyond the Page bookstore, and her
assistant Paige head over to the neighboring town of Pen Hollow to
buy books from a library forced to close, they never imagined the
trouble they would find. They intended to purchase books for the
store, but the town's mayor, Luella, presented them with an
opportunity to buy a bookmobile. An opportunity they couldn't refuse.
But while the mayor was trying to deliver the bus for a photo-op, she
was killed. According to the autopsy, she was poisoned.<br /><br />Addie
and Paige, as outsiders in the small town, are considered prime
suspects and are not allowed to leave town. So ex-boyfriend Marc,
head of police in Greyborne Harbor, and current boyfriend Simon, the
local coroner, arrive to help find out what happened and persuade the
local sheriff that Addie and Paige are innocent. They will all have
to put their heads together if they want to find the real killer. The
suspect list is long, and no one wants to accuse a neighbor or
relative in this small town.<br /><br />A Margin for Murder is a fun cozy
mystery with a strong plot and engaging characters. This is the first
book I've read in this series, but I'm hoping to read more in the
future.<br /><br />Thanks to Kensington Books for allowing me to read
this ARC in exchange for an honest review.<br /><br /><br />
</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-1519192907163008892022-02-04T11:26:00.006-08:002022-02-04T11:26:58.529-08:00Review The Paris Apartment<p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYvCnbPJxmkfTVsRzc8gXSIwojjcH2Co88omwv3YVufCGSn-oWdSVz1lhjoix05Meiq-HwPptP307lBerR03hPRfSn1xiRIIP1QpTupIOV_9BXoWzpZw5GJGH1-1OFURopcxegis00gD3a9RPopLMI3UlnOb400Rp226_SbZoZwdMv_3-tPvV7CwMS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYvCnbPJxmkfTVsRzc8gXSIwojjcH2Co88omwv3YVufCGSn-oWdSVz1lhjoix05Meiq-HwPptP307lBerR03hPRfSn1xiRIIP1QpTupIOV_9BXoWzpZw5GJGH1-1OFURopcxegis00gD3a9RPopLMI3UlnOb400Rp226_SbZoZwdMv_3-tPvV7CwMS=w218-h298" width="218" /></a></b></div><b style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">The Paris Apartment</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Lucy Foley</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />Jess
needs to get away from England for a while, and she decides to head
to Paris to visit her brother Ben. He's expecting her, but when she
arrives, he's nowhere to be found. Slowly she realizes something
isn't right. The inhabitants of the posh building where Ben has an
apartment are holding back when she tries to find answers to her
brother's disappearance. All is not what it seems in the elite world
of money and wine that Ben has infiltrated. But Jess is determined to
find her brother even if she has to peel back layers of secrets to
get the answers she needs.<br /><br />The Paris Apartment is another
riveting read by Foley that I couldn't put down. It's wonderfully
plotted with lots of twists and turns and layered with enough secrets
and intrigue to keep discerning readers turning the page in
anticipation of the next event. I almost hated for this one to end;
it was so enthralling.</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Thanks
to William Morrow Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange
for an honest review.</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-48884369403910977312022-01-27T12:37:00.002-08:002022-01-27T12:37:52.725-08:00Review: Murder on an Irish Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNSefM2UVsOKaGwTFO5p5EWXPW9WtjuPcVzr7QHCjOrQeG_pS6Jqv8F3FHm0HoV3lqUIU8OZVZveQr8rQ465lywAJYUShR3lqCmeWSXvUpuRsg7MxF3672oWD_f-QPCF8yUbXEYnhh0iZ38Pvy9gmk4ZHuT9apOdqAtwL82TQm75DnXOOS1P-qYZTF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNSefM2UVsOKaGwTFO5p5EWXPW9WtjuPcVzr7QHCjOrQeG_pS6Jqv8F3FHm0HoV3lqUIU8OZVZveQr8rQ465lywAJYUShR3lqCmeWSXvUpuRsg7MxF3672oWD_f-QPCF8yUbXEYnhh0iZ38Pvy9gmk4ZHuT9apOdqAtwL82TQm75DnXOOS1P-qYZTF=w274-h357" width="274" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: left;">Murder on an Irish Farm</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Carlene O'Connor</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">It's
Siobhán O'Sullivan's wedding day. She and Macdara Flannery are
finally ready to tie the knot. But before the ceremony can really get
started, it's interrupted by Siobhán's brother James. He's found a
body, a skeleton to be more precise, in a barn where he's been
working. So, of course, this means the wedding will have to be
postponed because Garda O'Sullivan and Detective Sergeant know they
will have to investigate.<br /><br />While at the scene, they are met by
an elderly lady Gladys who lives next door to the property. As soon
as she gets sight of the skeleton, she knows it's the true love of
her life. The man who left her standing at the altar fifty years ago,
the man she never forgot, even though she married his best friend.
When another body turns up in the same place, O'Sullivan and Flannery
know they are not dealing with a cold case. There is a killer still
lurking in their midst. Before they can find this killer and get back
to their own wedding, they will have to unravel a host of family
secrets and decipher old and new clues. <br /><br />Murder on an Irish
Farm is a fun and entertaining story. It's full of twists and turns,
comic scenes, and two wonderful main characters who feel like
friends. I think the sense of community makes this such a pleasure to
read. One feels almost like a village member as we follow O'Sullivan
and Flannery in their day-to-day work. O'Connor has created an
enticingly cozy atmosphere and a story that is hard to put down. I
can't wait to read the next installment.</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks
to Kensington Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for
an honest review.</span></p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-30498487750458034952022-01-17T08:23:00.000-08:002022-01-17T08:23:01.351-08:00Review: Dream First Details Later<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9A7mQntT5Fx_O8881WOfDS9e2GGk9FSrlrmXBWUUzj9N5e0qve-JSHxi5JlaHuJVJfNdUM6bkPP3LM93n81W9VMAxHt-xHKduZBDBSuP4hcUOZ-r_GXpQ77iUYif_xZeDlulKdpMbJqs/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="282" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9A7mQntT5Fx_O8881WOfDS9e2GGk9FSrlrmXBWUUzj9N5e0qve-JSHxi5JlaHuJVJfNdUM6bkPP3LM93n81W9VMAxHt-xHKduZBDBSuP4hcUOZ-r_GXpQ77iUYif_xZeDlulKdpMbJqs/w259-h379/image.png" width="259" /></a></b></div><b><br /><br /></b><p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Dream First</b></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Details Later</b></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Ellen Marie Bennett</b></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><p align="LEFT"><br /><br />
</p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">While
working in a restaurant in Los Angeles, Ellen Bennett saw an
opportunity to make aprons for her boss and colleagues. When she
announced she could do the job better than the current supplier she
had no idea how to sew or make an apron. As a born go-getter, Ellen
wasn't one to let the details of the job slow her down. She moved
forward and ultimately created a company known as Hedley&Bennett
that focused on quality aprons for chefs. Throughout this book, she
describes her journey as she struggled to get her company going,
giving the reader tips and suggestions about how and why they should
follow an entrepreneurial dream or project, even if they don't know
how to implement it.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The
critical takeaway from </span><em><span style="color: #0e101a;">Dream
First Details Later </span></em><span style="color: #0e101a;">is
that anyone dreaming of doing something should start where they are
with what they have. Always move, no matter what, and don't sweat
the details. You will likely find a way to make things work, even if
you don't think so at the time. Not only is this book wonderfully
presented, you will no doubt feel like you have a personal
cheerleader in Ellen after reading it.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">This
review was originally written for and published by City Book Review.</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p><p style="text-align: center;">
</p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-41559954069263547682022-01-03T12:42:00.002-08:002022-01-03T12:48:50.864-08:00Review: A Dark Chill<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP87y_XwxWlPkx8tSUY8tTy7xHFVf_mrQ7Ntr5LZJISd_-7H5fCCxsHBkFJAYU6i1ZqBMA-T-6lKi3U3aCs53edUyri-8zn7vBY8KLS-3lqzgfFm7uxzrH3ZhbLp7APkv5FDbzHM98fR4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP87y_XwxWlPkx8tSUY8tTy7xHFVf_mrQ7Ntr5LZJISd_-7H5fCCxsHBkFJAYU6i1ZqBMA-T-6lKi3U3aCs53edUyri-8zn7vBY8KLS-3lqzgfFm7uxzrH3ZhbLp7APkv5FDbzHM98fR4/w225-h325/image.png" width="225" /></a></div><br /><br />
<p></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>A Dark Chill</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Bernadette Calonego</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Detective
Calista Gates of the RMCP is taking on a new job as Police Chief in
the small town of St. Anthony in Newfoundland. She hasn't even
settled into her new home when she discovers a twelve-year-old boy
tied up and abandoned at a campsite. He's too scared to say what happened or who is to blame. The locals think it's all some
kind of childish prank, but Gates believes it's something far more
dangerous and sinister. Before she can make any headway with the
investigation, she's confronted with an incident involving a group of
college students trying to prove they can climb an iceberg. Could
they have something to do with the incident at the campground? Do
they have something to hide? When Owen, a local boy, goes missing,
Gates has to act fast to find him. The more she investigates, the
more she realizes St. Anthony's is not a quiet backwater. The
residents of this small town seem to have a lot of secrets, and
she'll have to unravel quite a few of them if she wants to find a
killer.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><em><span style="color: #0e101a;">A
Dark Chill </span></em><span style="color: #0e101a;">is
another fast-paced, suspenseful mystery from Calonego that I just
couldn't put down. It has all the elements that make for a great
read: thrilling twists and turns, excellent character development,
and enough action to ensure there is never a dull moment in the
story. I love how she draws the reader right into Calista's world.
She's vulnerable due to her past and the fact that she's still
suffering from a traumatic event that happened while she was working
in Vancouver. But Calista is determined to be the best detective she
can be no matter where she's posted. And while this is a stand-alone
book, I love that it not only draws on events from
the previous book it also sets the stage for Calista's personal story
to continue in another edition. One that I can't wait to read.</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-25799995568635064512021-11-17T07:39:00.000-08:002021-11-17T07:39:39.661-08:00Review: Healing Reimagined<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCAukHVoBtbBwOOtdOiGFMZielUwwY9lzP4fq5-Fkg0qr64RTtg4MUtnQh7R0yTwKRn2odOQiix8DZNW3CueJxSMviShqLF2h34kq0H2XJua2S2w_VERy2ho_asYOjgoYkVNyQvMGNik/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCAukHVoBtbBwOOtdOiGFMZielUwwY9lzP4fq5-Fkg0qr64RTtg4MUtnQh7R0yTwKRn2odOQiix8DZNW3CueJxSMviShqLF2h34kq0H2XJua2S2w_VERy2ho_asYOjgoYkVNyQvMGNik/w242-h344/image.png" width="242" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Healing Reimagined: Reconnecting Traditional Healing with Modern Medicine</b></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">By Karl Ching DDS</span> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A few days before reading this book, I had an annoying and distressing incident with an elderly relative in the hospital. I felt incredibly let down by the lack of care and attention on the part of the hospital, not to mention empathy because the patient had dementia and couldn't adequately express her needs. But, after reading <em>Healing Reimagined</em>, I felt a sense of hope that there are healthcare workers who are determined to try and not only improve our current state of healthcare but also to change it in ways that lead to a better understanding of a patient's needs.<br /><br />I appreciated Dr. Ching's focus on finding balance and creating a path to wellness and wholeness. The discussion about indigenous shamanic systems of healthcare that focus on getting to know the individual and, over time, help heal not just an ailment but identify the root issue or issues causing the trouble was especially interesting. Also, I found the indigenous belief that plants communicate fascinating.<br /><br />Although I am not a healthcare worker, I am sure that this is a book that anyone in the profession will find beneficial. In this day and age, where doctors and nurses have only a few minutes to consult with a patient, Dr. Ching's tips and suggestions for understanding and creating better relationships through enhanced awareness and communication will not only be valuable but, to me, seem long overdue.<br /><br />Dr. Ching's work and analysis have also made me more aware of the type of patient I tend to be, an aspect that I had never given much thought to in the past. And perhaps more importantly, this book illustrated concrete ways to approach my relationship with a doctor or healthcare provider by being open, transparent, and aware of the needs I'm expressing both consciously and unconsciously. All of which should contribute to better overall care and attention.<br /><br />I also enjoyed the chapter about how the brain functions and retains knowledge, although a few illustrations would have been welcome. The sections that focus on childhood trauma and how that affects our memory in later life were also illuminating. The examples throughout this well-written book were clear and easy to follow, making it an engaging read. And while I think we can all appreciate how much we have benefited from modern scientific medicine, it seems a shame that we can so readily forget and discount traditional approaches to healing that have served humanity for generations. Hopefully, this book will encourage others to look at both examples and connect them when possible to help find the true meaning of balance, awareness, and healing.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"></p><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">This review was written by me for City Book Review.</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-31661376403889479582021-09-19T14:01:00.000-07:002021-09-19T14:01:16.466-07:00Review: The Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy <p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3xzUv_wn43HRi9KvlKOQQiaecSu2N5rx0yLXrzPNqOtwTPBzcGOtjyxVKbjkMgwOybnYZ2zcymJIWb__Y2Eco7RNL3jYKSl6zCiUNMb0GgKWn2T0qxSxbxcqgX8khRWulyhPQD5KSeQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="268" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3xzUv_wn43HRi9KvlKOQQiaecSu2N5rx0yLXrzPNqOtwTPBzcGOtjyxVKbjkMgwOybnYZ2zcymJIWb__Y2Eco7RNL3jYKSl6zCiUNMb0GgKWn2T0qxSxbxcqgX8khRWulyhPQD5KSeQ/w259-h365/image.png" width="259" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>The Ambassador</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Susan Ronald</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;"><em><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="background: transparent;">The
Ambassador </span></span></em><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="background: transparent;">is
a fascinating look at Joseph P. Kennedy's time as Ambassador in
London between 1938 and 1940. Appointed by President Roosevelt, it
was clear from the start that Kennedy had only his own interests at
heart. As WWII approached, he remained overwhelmingly against the
United States getting involved. Even when the administration moved
closer and closer to helping the Allies, Kennedy railed against the
situation's futility. In the end, his inability to support the
British government and his continued bluntness and self-interest
caused a rift not just between himself and President Roosevelt but
also with British politicians who wondered what he was still doing in
their country.</span></span></p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="background: transparent;">As
I read this, I was surprised by his pro-fascist tendencies and his
tendencies to view everything through the lens of economic
advancement. His eldest son Joseph seemed to harbor the same views as
his father. His lack of diplomatic skills and unwillingness to
support his own administration's policies seemed almost
incomprehensible to me. He often made statements on his own without
going through the approved channels. In some ways, he reminded me of
another recent pseudo-politician who either refused to follow
protocols or dispensed with them when not in his own interests.</span></span></p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
especially enjoyed the look back at The Ambassador's early life and
that of his wife. Rose seems to have been a distant mother to her
nine children, which I hadn't expected to be the case. But perhaps
times were different then. I found Kathleen or Kick as she was known
to be a fascinating person. She managed to chart her own course, even
if it didn't turn out to be as happy as she planned. All in all, this
was a well-written and researched book that was enjoyable to read.</span></span></p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="background: transparent;">Thanks
to St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book in exchange
for an honest review.</span></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-90531943555371833152021-09-13T10:19:00.000-07:002021-09-13T10:19:42.215-07:00Review: Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMP4zephpiry7lJ-XQrHRupdCXDLw0ckzmGwSfszUezW5IT-poKM8TnJcne-_du1MMEz4RHG0TBFQ5fOhHd3S0l3R3xegcBPQzaIkzNdDFeNrF0KSap8-nk2RCyaIvw6SoveJ0ZSNO63k/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMP4zephpiry7lJ-XQrHRupdCXDLw0ckzmGwSfszUezW5IT-poKM8TnJcne-_du1MMEz4RHG0TBFQ5fOhHd3S0l3R3xegcBPQzaIkzNdDFeNrF0KSap8-nk2RCyaIvw6SoveJ0ZSNO63k/w263-h376/image.png" width="263" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: left;">Triple Chocolate
Cheesecake Murder</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Joanne Fluke</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> <br />When
Mayor Bascomb of Lake Eden, Minnesota, is confronted by Hannah
Swensen's sister Andrea about something her husband Bill, the town's
Sheriff, did, she loses her temper. The mayor is found dead later the
same day, and Andrea is a prime suspect in his murder. Of course,
Hannah knows without a doubt that Andrea couldn't kill anyone.
Between baking cookies for her cafe, she and friend Norman try to
help local police officers, Mike and Lonnie, find out what happened.
They will have their hands full considering how many people disliked
the mayor.<br /><br />Fans of this series will be pleased that Fluke has
again produced a cozy, culinary delight that brings together family,
friends, community, and an emphasis on sisterly love. Hannah is her
usual thoughtful self, eager to help protect her family and catch a
killer. Plus, there are enough recipes included throughout to keep
fans happy. I couldn't help but feel that this book needed more
backstory. Particularly regarding the death of Ross and why Hannah
moved out of her condo. Without more of a recap or explanation, I
almost felt I needed to go back and read a previous book to catch up
with the story. Otherwise, this is a fun and light cozy mystery.</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This
review was written by me and originally published by City Book
Review.</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-61406592257236575852021-08-23T10:58:00.000-07:002021-08-23T10:58:05.954-07:00Review: A Good Drink<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXv3RcJTPtKnqXL57Q21TGZglLCBllxVSGrbyvctuYIfHajNg1pQAmaT-rxe3MdNZsjxpIFHwTd_0dWak3NYUp09BtVXNGdBtxhP7ze61g95pIASCZWAfi4cAVvMoSJqu_HiFuxgULmE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXv3RcJTPtKnqXL57Q21TGZglLCBllxVSGrbyvctuYIfHajNg1pQAmaT-rxe3MdNZsjxpIFHwTd_0dWak3NYUp09BtVXNGdBtxhP7ze61g95pIASCZWAfi4cAVvMoSJqu_HiFuxgULmE/w245-h350/image.png" width="245" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: left;">A Good Drink</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Shanna Farrell</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Have
you ever wondered what's in your cocktail or drink? Or where the
ingredients that go into the alcohol are produced or grown? In </span><em><span style="color: #0e101a;">A
Good Drink</span></em><span style="color: #0e101a;">,
Farrell examines the world of distilling and brewing, questioning why
customers aren't more interested in the origins of the drinks they
are consuming. With the increasingly popular farm-to-table movement
and increasing interest in how and where our food is produced, it has
become easier to identify the region, state, or actual farm where
something is grown. Not so, where beverages are concerned. Partly
because the crops that go into making whiskey, rum, and beer, like
corn, barley, and cane sugar, are commodity crops often produced on a
large scale basis and shipped around the world. So it isn't easy to
pinpoint the origin. Also, alcohol and spirits in the U.S. are
regulated by the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and not the Food and
Drug Administration, where rules are different, allowing producers to
use color additives more regulated in our food supply. But some
producers and consumers want to change the status quo, and Farrell
introduces us to a number of them in this book. Providing an
interesting and insightful look into the challenges and hurdles they
face as they try to change the industry.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><i>A
Good Drink</i> made me think a lot about the sustainability of
mono-crop production and the environmental issues that create changes
in our agricultural system. The next time I have a cocktail or glass
of whiskey, I will be more likely to wonder where and how it was
produced. Hopefully, this book will make others more aware and
interested in the future sustainability of spirits and how awareness
may make us all more discerning customers in the future.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Thanks
to Island Press for allowing me to read this in exchange for an
honest review.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">A
Good Drink will be published on September 16, 2021.</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-90643878126105708822021-08-13T09:07:00.008-07:002021-08-13T09:10:26.224-07:00Review: Hot to Trot An Agatha Raisin Mystery<p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4kk9bcLpNrYugtX3LKXUFKO8cYUZgW_qm4nC6IqSebvWylyjoZeerIKNKdhbD1gCObN742946PSNasfjw1rKBO4vsF-Z-B23m5m1__mxO2-1JU4BFWpWiM-wSklqZqy9VfeLvNt4YMM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4kk9bcLpNrYugtX3LKXUFKO8cYUZgW_qm4nC6IqSebvWylyjoZeerIKNKdhbD1gCObN742946PSNasfjw1rKBO4vsF-Z-B23m5m1__mxO2-1JU4BFWpWiM-wSklqZqy9VfeLvNt4YMM/w261-h359/image.png" width="261" /></a></b></div><b style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">Hot to Trot</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>MC Beaton</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Agatha
Raisin doesn't want to admit that the marriage of her friend and
once-lover Sir Charles Fraith is getting her down. She might be over
him romantically but she can't stand the bride-to-be. An obnoxious
upstart as far as she's concerned. After an unsuccessful attempt to
crash the wedding, she tries again to attend a masked ball uninvited.
The only trouble is, as she's leaving, albeit, after an altercation
with the new wife Mary, that very same woman is found dead in the
stables. Now both Agatha and Charles are suspected of murder. It will
be up to Agatha to get them both out of another mess. But before she
can do that, she'll have to confront her feeling about her ex-husband
James who's recently returned to the village as well.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">I
absolutely adore this series. And I loved H</span><em><span style="color: #0e101a;">ot
to Trot</span></em><span style="color: #0e101a;">.
Agatha is her usual cranky self in this installment, but she's also
lovable, vulnerable, and loyal to the core where her friends are
concerned. Mrs. Beaton had a writing style that brought new meaning
to the cozy novel with fun, compelling mysteries full of enticing,
charming settings, and a raft of characters you couldn't help but
love. Sadly, Mrs. Beaton passed away in 2019.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">This
review was written by and originally published by City Book Review.</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-13568890869721521962021-07-23T08:21:00.004-07:002021-07-23T08:21:55.216-07:00Review: The AOM System: Manifestation Mastery in 30 Days!<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hRlXHEL_J8_PyuWXqxLmXcThYYskOPx6BQrYktJAh7ayhSIhSvPnxnueOCnR8KFMZbp_LvJLcOmEncmvRu1wQ5ZUdR_OG3N6LXo6xMm68LB4SGueTTx4z8zjmV6hyphenhyphent-2TXZhZccrhsE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hRlXHEL_J8_PyuWXqxLmXcThYYskOPx6BQrYktJAh7ayhSIhSvPnxnueOCnR8KFMZbp_LvJLcOmEncmvRu1wQ5ZUdR_OG3N6LXo6xMm68LB4SGueTTx4z8zjmV6hyphenhyphent-2TXZhZccrhsE/w246-h350/image.png" width="246" /></a></b></div><b><br /><br /></b><p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>The AOM System: Manifestation Mastery in 30 Days!</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Sterling Mire</b></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What is
the AOM system, you ask? According to Sterling Mire, it's the art of
manifestation. If you follow the principles of the law of attraction
but feel you have difficulty putting it into practice, Ms. Mire has
developed a system to help set you on the path to manifesting your
desires. She starts by explaining why it's necessary to clear your
past ideas, the ones that have been holding you back. This is done by
writing release letters to those who have caused you to see yourself
negatively or prevent you from being your authentic self. You are
encouraged to develop a twelve-month plan by imagining what you want
to experience in your life and an action plan that will nudge you
toward your goals. By following her tips for creating your day and
reviewing it often, you should see signs of change in thirty
days.<br /><br />The best thing about this book is that Ms. Mire makes
this a fun and easy process to follow. She provides excellent tips to
help you incorporate her plan into your day. The numerous examples
and stories from clients she has helped are inspiring. I plan to take
a second look at this one and try implementing her suggestions to see
what I can create.</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">This
review was originally written by me for City Book Review.</span> </p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-51880617466644770432021-07-16T08:21:00.000-07:002021-07-16T08:21:13.478-07:00Review: Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYiIfctOnNgWkWo2No8NebsNpcxqexxeokq6uR2Vc4QGvONMUjp9HfZ6JevwUydIN-gc69BhyphenhyphenbmVZCad8iLHn_TzeWOt-x2wikAw9y8rm9rD6IGmd9AaKpTSw4fATukwFkaSIbDPChp4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYiIfctOnNgWkWo2No8NebsNpcxqexxeokq6uR2Vc4QGvONMUjp9HfZ6JevwUydIN-gc69BhyphenhyphenbmVZCad8iLHn_TzeWOt-x2wikAw9y8rm9rD6IGmd9AaKpTSw4fATukwFkaSIbDPChp4/w243-h348/image.png" width="243" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: left;">Creativity</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>A Short and Cheerful
Guide</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>John Cleese</b></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">According
to John Cleese, creativity is something one can learn. In this short,
fun, and yes, very cheerful guide, he provides tips for encouraging
and practicing creativity. The first tip is to let your unconscious
mind do most, if not all, of the work for you. Use it to play with
ideas and thoughts, just like children do when playing or
daydreaming. Secondly, he gives some more specific tips and tasks,
such as writing what you already know about or thinking about how
your mood will affect the creative project or endeavor you are
working on because it will likely affect the outcome. And perhaps
most importantly, don't worry about making mistakes or about the
result. Just start something creative and see what happens. You might
be surprised.<br /><br />This well-written, little gem of a book would
make a wonderful gift for anyone hoping to boost their creativity.
It's one of those things you can turn to when you need a little pick
me up. It's short, in fact, almost a bit too short for me. By the
end, I found myself wishing for more tips and anecdotes from this
talented author. Nevertheless, it covered an engaging theme, offering
sage advice.</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This
review was written by me for City Book Review.</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-43571263269499557702021-07-12T11:51:00.004-07:002021-07-12T11:51:58.731-07:00Review: Shelter in Place<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYEuwLmPaM6KyA7B5-gwnPwLYkzJlHTOZ4iNYNxP9ML6tRcR1R3_GP8OEyPJRDC5bwRrvbEq2Az5TlhbpqE1dTPKKe68SBhf6_cgT9Fb3X1bI-uPCHs-lDe_iAYRyb0eeKP22aBxpfkM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYEuwLmPaM6KyA7B5-gwnPwLYkzJlHTOZ4iNYNxP9ML6tRcR1R3_GP8OEyPJRDC5bwRrvbEq2Az5TlhbpqE1dTPKKe68SBhf6_cgT9Fb3X1bI-uPCHs-lDe_iAYRyb0eeKP22aBxpfkM/w256-h375/image.png" width="256" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: left;">Shelter in Place</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Nora Roberts</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">One
summer evening in Portland, Maine, the unthinkable happened. Gunmen
opened fire in a shopping mall. In an instant, many were dead, and
those who survived were traumatized and haunted by the incident. Some
of the survivors connected with each other and attempted to go on
with their lives, but others felt they had a mission to find out
more. Why did it happen, and who was really behind the violence.
Essie McVee is one of them. She was the first police officer on the
scene, and she can't put the event behind her. Reed Quartermaine is a
young man who helped others, and this would lead him, with the
help of Essie, to become a police officer. After losing a friend in
the incident, Simone Knox struggles to find her identity until she
takes up art and sculpting. The survivors are getting their lives
back together when someone starts killing them off one by one. To
find the killer and learn more about how the incidents are related to
the mall shooting, Reed and Essie will have to work overtime. But
they are determined to put a stop to all the violence.<br /><br />Shelter
in Place is a page-turner, delving deep into the characters' lives
and actions as they try to process traumatic events and move forward.
This one is well-written with a bit of mystery, romance, and enough
action to keep fans turning pages right up until the end.</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-64365798867855463522021-07-08T07:59:00.002-07:002021-07-08T07:59:45.220-07:00Review: True Raiders<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHitS3IP-A6PsokUUhO4bp5fmm5WNN7g73GaJ-WXB_APtpQy6DRLmS7U5-8bVFJ1mAFtgRrENFysCND3YOxedhlfUDwEpFOC5V8GUxEANyrSFcvuk5aNn15Qqal1jG3kh-J1tgO39hZeU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="263" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHitS3IP-A6PsokUUhO4bp5fmm5WNN7g73GaJ-WXB_APtpQy6DRLmS7U5-8bVFJ1mAFtgRrENFysCND3YOxedhlfUDwEpFOC5V8GUxEANyrSFcvuk5aNn15Qqal1jG3kh-J1tgO39hZeU/w266-h378/image.png" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>True Raiders</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Brad Ricca</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">1n
1909, a group of men, including Captain Montague Parker and Cyril
Foley set out on a secret adventure. With the aid of a cipher
developed by a Finnish Professor Valter Juvelius, they intended</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">to
discover the ark of the covenant. Their plans included digging and
clearing the Hezekiah tunnels in Jerusalem and any other areas that
might yield treasure. Previous work had been conducted in the same
place some twenty years before by Charles Warren but, the new
explorers thought they now had more information thanks to Dr.
Juvelius. And Mr. Ricca tells the story behind the story of their
search and the mysteries, adventures, and misadventures that ensued.
He also includes the stories of characters who helped aid the group
during their quest to find forgotten treasure.<br /><br />Overall, this
is a good look back into the past showing how myths become legends
and rumors can cause unexpected events. And while I thought the book
rambled a bit in parts and included characters who seemed to play a
minor or passing role in the expedition, it was still interesting and
well-written. I think the end of the book was particularly
interesting as it explained to some extent what happened to the
central characters after the expedition ended.<br /><br />Thanks to St.
Martins Press for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest
review.</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-83172311490856932592021-06-21T08:11:00.001-07:002021-06-21T08:12:59.649-07:00Review: Growing Big Dreams<p style="text-align: center;"></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMryU_5xjzQGI9ddEQtuC2TKilbyoh9c1rRDs9-ZC0-1VGVjOTvzbPcWfxcKeUkA8saBTLAKpfNaB9d6w3lRr__gJhtRE2inDCz6_sF7XrSpO_wDOsJ_HrL0XIVE7_pQyA0V2JHoZcr8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMryU_5xjzQGI9ddEQtuC2TKilbyoh9c1rRDs9-ZC0-1VGVjOTvzbPcWfxcKeUkA8saBTLAKpfNaB9d6w3lRr__gJhtRE2inDCz6_sF7XrSpO_wDOsJ_HrL0XIVE7_pQyA0V2JHoZcr8/w258-h396/image.png" width="258" /></a></b></div><p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Growing Big Dreams</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Robert Moss</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="background: transparent;">If
you are interested in using your dreams and imagination to become
more creative and in tune with your inner self, then </span></span><em><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="background: transparent;">Growing
Big Dreams </span></span></em><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="background: transparent;">is
a book for you. The author reveals twelve ways for readers to have
more lucid dreams, connect with those dreams, heal the past through
dreams, and create a future by finding a story within.</span></span></p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Every
chapter is devoted in some way to helping you develop and understand
your dreams. Even if you are in what he terms a dream drought, you
will see that you can dream more vividly and recall more about your
dreams by following his tips and exercises. He also seeks to help you
understand recurring dreams and what they may be telling you about
your life. I especially enjoyed chapter nine, where the author covers
how we can use our dreams to manifest our desires and wishes for the
present and future.</span></p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Before
trying some of the exercises he suggests, I was a little skeptical
that I would be able to have more lucid dreams or that I could recall
them. But, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. Throughout the
book, the author combines stories from his travels, seminars, and
course participants, as well as enough exercises to encourage anyone
to dream big.</span></p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="background: transparent;">This
review was written by me originally for City Book Review.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<br />
</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-34883227099714047032021-06-07T09:01:00.002-07:002021-06-07T09:01:53.356-07:00Review: Dead On The Delta<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8MW0WwliJLNW4tBUtTjLQnhwVVYPpD-O94NezR6M72x8fZPWMSQbn05idJvL_KrDmEu2gYcKFnmv-ZssBQu8WnN61FUbuZAH-VA6iD0bcm4NwmMJGpjicaskqb3WL0iBTdAK1lq5e8w/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8MW0WwliJLNW4tBUtTjLQnhwVVYPpD-O94NezR6M72x8fZPWMSQbn05idJvL_KrDmEu2gYcKFnmv-ZssBQu8WnN61FUbuZAH-VA6iD0bcm4NwmMJGpjicaskqb3WL0iBTdAK1lq5e8w/w302-h431/image.png" width="302" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Dead On The Delta</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Sherry Knowlton</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Alexa
Williams has accompanied her boyfriend Reese, to Botswana, where he's
filling in for an Africa Trust colleague, a group dedicated to
wildlife research. Alexa is thrilled to be helping out in the bush
with the lion study and, she's also participating in a commission
dedicated to creating better anti-poaching legislation. Her law
background and work on sex trafficking enforcement have given her
access to some interesting Botswana personalities as a result.
Everything is going well until poachers begin targeting Botswana's
elephant population. At Noka Camp, where Alexa and Reese are working,
they get a first-hand look at the devastation the poachers are
causing, making Alexa more determined to help the commission pass
appropriate laws to curb such violence. But Botswana politics may not
be a straightforward as they appear, leaving Alexa vulnerable to
unseen forces.<br /><br /><i>Dead on the Delta</i> presents an
accomplished female character who is professional, curious, and
passionate about her work, and at the same time vulnerable in a way
that made me want to get to know her. I found myself rooting for her
the whole way through this story. I also loved the fact that the
author examined lots of social and environmental issues and the
challenges African nations, especially Botswana, face trying to
balance the needs of its people and its wildlife treasures. And to
make it all the more exciting, she was able to incorporate adventure
and a bit of romance to make this a fascinating and well-layered
story. The landscape descriptions were marvelous and so well written
that I felt I was almost there. In fact, that was one of the things I
appreciated most about this book. I was right there in the thick of
things, not just with Alexa and Reese but with the other characters
as well.<br /><br />I think chapters twenty-two and twenty-three made
this book really work for me. By the time I had read this far, I was
starting to wonder if Alexa and Reese would discover anything about
the real poachers, although I was having my own suspicious by this
point. But, the unexpected events that happened in these chapters
propelled the story forward and made my heart beat a little faster.
The further unexpected twists and turns that came with two of the
main characters were simply icing on the cake for me. I have to say
that one of the main reasons I was drawn to the book was for the
African setting. The fact that it had a great cast of characters and
a fantastic female lead meant that I not only loved it but, now I
want to read the other books in the Alexa Williams series as well,
even if they aren't set in Africa.<br /><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">This
review was written by me originally for City Book Review.</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-43411862441485741852021-06-04T09:18:00.000-07:002021-06-04T09:18:02.107-07:00Review: Cries From The Cold<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnqS4JfLvlvBNu2w8SZcaXW6eEwwcqUfL5N3a0phD8XidSWDB63A2ol-gfOCpycqs1eyzyeFTyai4Wn70PphL_IYiaSGyaFiUuGtnc6gRoxLh9s57XGszmd6SQIB8U630vj6HUYRQ2gQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnqS4JfLvlvBNu2w8SZcaXW6eEwwcqUfL5N3a0phD8XidSWDB63A2ol-gfOCpycqs1eyzyeFTyai4Wn70PphL_IYiaSGyaFiUuGtnc6gRoxLh9s57XGszmd6SQIB8U630vj6HUYRQ2gQ/w299-h408/image.png" width="299" /></a></b></div><b><br /><br /></b><p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Cries From the Cold</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Bernadette Calonego</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Detective
Calista Gates of the Vancouver RCMP is recovering from a violent
assault when she learns she's being transferred to a small coastal
town in Labrador. The thought of cold, ice, and snow is not
encouraging, but she doesn't have a choice if she wants to keep her
career afloat. Upon arrival, she is quickly caught up in a cold case.
The remains of a local girl Lorna Taylor who went missing three years
ago, have appeared in a wooden box with strange markings. Now Calista
has to prove to her new team of colleagues that she can hold her own
in the investigation. But, before she can do that, another body is
found; this time, it's a prominent chef planning to help with a
charity dinner for the local medical clinic. In a small town like
Port Brendan, secrets are rife, and gossip is sustenance for the
isolated locals which means Calista will have to dig deep to uncover
the killer. But will she be quick enough to keep the town and herself
safe?</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><em><span style="color: #0e101a;">Cries
From The Cold </span></em><span style="color: #0e101a;">is
a riveting story that kept me glued to the pages. It's full of
mystery, adventure, and engaging characters. I loved Calista Gates.
Despite her difficulties and the setbacks she's experienced, she's
still a fighter. I felt like I was able to look over her shoulder
throughout the investigation. And, getting to see the points of view
of some of the other main characters gave this story a lot of depth
which helped me feel like I was a part of all the scenes. I'm hoping
there will be more in this series to come because I can't wait to
find out more about Calista's somewhat mysterious past and that of
her ex-husband back in Vancouver as well. All in all, this was a fun
and satisfying read.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Thanks
to the author for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an
honest review.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-4904307950566976642021-06-01T07:51:00.000-07:002021-06-01T07:51:01.958-07:00Review: The Fabric of Civilization<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKi1mX6eN373q73MTgCSKSzD3YNBlU-UxM9ru3YVKpTp11l3auJqSo0PJOY1HG-6-yULyZtH5PE2B7OtmjRmxbyrIJtonfpLU53d0UTIgB55OYxPsjAHCMXc8Dpk5cbRc8i12yTw-vUdU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="258" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKi1mX6eN373q73MTgCSKSzD3YNBlU-UxM9ru3YVKpTp11l3auJqSo0PJOY1HG-6-yULyZtH5PE2B7OtmjRmxbyrIJtonfpLU53d0UTIgB55OYxPsjAHCMXc8Dpk5cbRc8i12yTw-vUdU/w243-h399/image.png" width="243" /></a></b></div><b><br /><br /></b><p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>The Fabric of
Civilization</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Virginia Postrel</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">In
</span><em><span style="color: #0e101a;">The
Fabric of Civilization</span></em><span style="color: #0e101a;">,
Postrel traces the history of textile development back to its
earliest roots. As readers will discover, fabric and cloth have not
only changed the world but when they have been altered or improved,
the world has also changed with them. Fabric touches our lives in so
many ways. It might be via the garments we wear or the trade links
and technological inventions they helped to develop. Even though we
often take it for granted, there is no way to imagine our society
without it.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">In
this fascinating, well-written, and researched work, Postrel examines
how fibers were first used with the development of thread, and how
that lead to the development of different types of cloth and the dyes
that make them attractive. She also traces the role of traders who
opened up routes for the exchange and dissemination of ideas that
resulted in new technologies worldwide. I found her section on
current and future textile development especially interesting. With
work going on to improve textiles and their performance, we will
undoubtedly see more innovations in the future that could change how
we use fabric. Anyone interested in the untold story of cloth will no
doubt find this book both interesting and educational.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">This
review was written by me originally for City Book Review.</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-9696151414133894012021-05-28T11:20:00.001-07:002021-05-28T11:20:52.593-07:00Review: All The Lonely People<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRNOPGGd2ffQiosHK3CPB9rT4P7VW688X1-UuIhCvt_GS_6Ry5CpuDM9VC2saOz1E7eLa3ai6dcTC-_eegWVVVKvxiVKLWzSJp4Lw7fNc0Z3YVBxjgX5HzKZQdk-6j1rZ4xd1e3smpt8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRNOPGGd2ffQiosHK3CPB9rT4P7VW688X1-UuIhCvt_GS_6Ry5CpuDM9VC2saOz1E7eLa3ai6dcTC-_eegWVVVKvxiVKLWzSJp4Lw7fNc0Z3YVBxjgX5HzKZQdk-6j1rZ4xd1e3smpt8/w242-h386/image.png" width="242" /></a></b></div><b><br /><br /></b><p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>All The Lonely People</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Mike Gayle</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Hubert
Bird is alone. After his wife died and his daughter moved to
Australia for a job, he lost touch with most of his friends, and he
hardly ever goes out. Instead, he spends his time alone with his cat
while he invents stories about imaginary friends to tell his daughter
Rose over the telephone. He doesn't want her to think he's lonely.
One day his new neighbor, Ashleigh, needs help and Hubert reluctantly
agrees to babysit while Ashleigh goes to a job interview. This one
act changes the course of his life, and he soon learns that not only
does he have new friends but a new purpose in life as well.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">I
loved </span><em><span style="color: #0e101a;">All
The Lonely People, </span></em><span style="color: #0e101a;">and
especially its main character Hubert. I couldn't help but hope all
the good things he deserved would come his way. I enjoyed this
novel's back and forth structure, which gave me the chance to learn
about Hubert's experience as an immigrant and his life with his wife
Joyce as they set out to start a family and the hardships and hurdles
they had to overcome. Mr. Gayle has a lovely writing style that makes
this a story that is sad, funny, charming, and utterly absorbing. It
gives one hope that all will be well if we open the door and let
someone in once in a while. I'm so glad I got to read this one.</span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Thanks
to Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this book in
exchange for an honest review.</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5470548765933857287.post-76929348199642636682021-05-18T11:47:00.004-07:002021-05-18T11:47:44.572-07:00Review: The Sicilian Method<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjHIAZjT8bPhoMiCQPaUF_Hr_92qfGGrE3oaglAEp_SNDulAdwuLZATZe22heu6J96yGEhAktQAVK-5VuUyp94xreTF24lpwZbvA9qb-m3L8ddMeu1wSbpKjzx6rPWvPDBoztR5bSoT0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjHIAZjT8bPhoMiCQPaUF_Hr_92qfGGrE3oaglAEp_SNDulAdwuLZATZe22heu6J96yGEhAktQAVK-5VuUyp94xreTF24lpwZbvA9qb-m3L8ddMeu1wSbpKjzx6rPWvPDBoztR5bSoT0/w253-h365/image.png" width="253" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>The Sicilian Method</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Andrea Camilleri</b></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">One
night while Mimi Augello is visiting a lady friend, her husband
arrives, and Mimi has to escape through the window. As he makes his
way down to a lower balcony, he decides to exit through another
apartment. That's when he discovers a corpse lying on a bed. He goes
straight to Inspector Montalbano to report what he's found. They
decide to wait until the death is reported.<br /><br />When they get a
call the next day about a body, both are surprised to find another
body, a local play director who moonlights as a money lender. After
investigating, they can't decide if his death is related to the
unorthodox methods he uses to audition actors or money lending
activities. Montalbano is happy to have the help of a new and
beautiful forensic employee, Antonia. He's fallen head of heels for
her but, will they be able to find the time to catch a killer? And
what about the other body? Will they investigate?<br /><br />The late
Camilleri was a master at creating sympathetic and exciting
characters as well as showcasing his beloved Sicily. Just when you
think you know Montalbano, he falls in love with someone other than
his long term partner Livia. This was a Montalbano like I hadn't seen
before, vulnerable to the charms of an unpredictable younger woman.
But thankfully, still, a kind, caring, and loyal servant to the
people of Vigata.</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">This
review was written by me for City Book Review.</p>Susannesbooklisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960740727652886907noreply@blogger.com0