Review: Stuff Every Tea Lover Should Know

 

Stuff Every Tea Lover Should Know

Candace Rose Rardon

If there is anything you want to know about tea, chances are this slim book covers it. From a short history of this popular beverage to how to host a tea party, Ms. Rardon explains the many aspects of tea culture. I particularly enjoyed learning about the different tea varieties. There are six of them: white, green, yellow, oolong, black and dark. But they are all derived from the same plant species, Camellia Sinensis, first discovered in China.

One of the interesting facts about tea is that it contains less caffeine than coffee, and an amino acid known as theanine in the leaves slows down the caffeine's absorption rate. For this reason, it does not cause the same jolt of energy one often experiences with coffee. I appreciated the information provided on teabags versus loose tea. After reading this, I will likely now focus on purchasing better-quality, loose tea.

The author also gives a wonderful glimpse into tea culture around the world. And while I did wish the book had been a bit on the larger size to make it easier to read, I nonetheless enjoyed it. I felt inspired to go out and try something new. And with tips on how to make the perfect brew, I think this would make a great little gift for any tea lover.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.

Review: Christmas Cupcake Murder

 

Christmas Cupcake Murder

Joanne Fluke

It's Christmas time in Lake Eden, Minnesota and Hannah Swensen is busy trying to bake enough cupcakes and cookies to keep the town happy. But, when an injured homeless man is found in a vacant shop that Hannah's mom wants to rent, Hannah wants to help find out what happened to him. Surely he has a home somewhere. It won't be easy to discover his past since he's lost his memory and the local doctor thinks he's been hit on the head. Was he the victim of a crime? Hannah isn't sure. But, she may find some clues as he begins to help out around the bakery and in her mother's antique store.

If Christmas Cupcake Murder doesn't put you in the mood to bake and eat cupcakes all day, I don't know what will. Personally, I found this one to be more centered on Hannah's cooking than on solving a mystery. But I liked that it brought all her friends and family together in a good cause just in time for the holiday season. Fans of this series will be happy to know that recipes have been included.

This review was written by me and published by City Book Review.

Review: The Ice Daughters

 

The Ice Daughters

D E White

Detective Constable Dove Milson and her partner Steve have been called to a strange crime scene. A frozen body has been discovered near a barn fire, and a single mother who lived at the farm has been abducted. Time is of the essence if they want to find her alive, and the winter storm weather is not on their side.

It doesn't take long before they have another frozen body on their hands and another missing mother. Is there a serial killer on the loose? The police now have their hands full with a complicated case that seems to be leading back to an ex-husband and a group of tight-knit former university friends. But what links them is more than a few parties or nights at the pub and DC Milson is determined to find the connections to solve the case. At the same time, she is trying to find time to connect with her fiance and her sisters, but that isn't easy with the horrible weather and the long hours she has to devote to the case.

The Ice Daughters is a fast past mystery with a complex plot that kept me interested until the end. I loved DC Dove Milson. She was able to juggle so many aspects of her life and stay focused on the case. The characters and the scenery were well developed, and I felt like I was with the investigation the whole way through. I also liked how the author dealt with the back story in this one. Everything I needed to know about Dove was provided, making her a character I could get to know and appreciate. I also think that the fast pace made this such a page-turner and a book that I enjoyed.

The Ice Daughters will be released on 17 December 2020 by Joffe Books.

Thanks to Joffe Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Of Mutts and Men

Of Mutts and Men

Spencer Quinn

Bernie Little from the Little Detective Agency and Chet, his dog, and trusted partner have a meeting set up with a hydrologist, Wendell Nero. The only problem is, when they get to the RV in the desert where Wendell's working, he's already dead. It looks to the local Sheriff like a case of robbery gone wrong but, Bernie doesn't agree. He thinks the person arrested for the crime is a petty thief for sure but not a murderer. So, Bernie and Chet have to do some digging into Wendell's past if they want to find the real killer.

Of Mutts and Men is an entertaining story that will leave dog lovers wanting more, particularly as it's told from Chet's point of view. I can't think of a more delightful duo than Bernie and Chet. The fact that Chet is so thoughtful, lovable, and totally devoted to Bernie is the main reason I think this series works so well. Frankly, it could become something of an addiction for me because, by the time I finished this episode, all I wanted to do was jump right into another one.

This review was written by me and published by City Book Review.

 

Review: Laughter Yoga

Laughter Yoga

Madan Kataria, M.D.

In 1995 Dr. Kataria started a laughter yoga club with five people in order to bring some happiness and joy back into his life and to help him cope with the stress of everyday life. Since then, the movement has grown around the world, and now many are enjoying the health benefits of laughter.

Research shows that laughter can change the biochemistry of the brain, leading to positive changes in mood. Combining laughter and elements of yoga, Dr. Kataria's program encourages people to practice ten to fifteen minutes of laughter yoga a day. He likes to start by clapping, stretching, and using phrases like 'HoHo' and 'HaHaHa' to warm up, especially if one has difficulty laughing at the beginning. And don't worry if you don't feel like laughing, apparently forced or fake laughter is just as good. The brain can't tell the difference.

Laughter Yoga provides exercises that can be done in a group setting or alone. Anyone who can laugh can benefit from this book. Dr. Kataria also encourages smiling more to help bring about more laughter in your life. Frankly, before reading this book, I was unaware that the simple act of laughing could have such great health benefits. Whether it is improving mood, lowering blood pressure, or decreasing stress, this is a cost-effective way to do something good for the body and mind. Considering all the benefits, I don't know why everyone isn't already laughing all day long.

This review was written by me and published by City Book Review.

 

Review: Love Letters from Montmartre

 

Love Letters from Montmartre

Nicolas Barreau

Julien Azouly, a well-known writer of romantic comedies, has lost his wife, Hélène, at the young age of thirty-three. Now he is alone with his young son. Before Hélène died, Julien promised to write her thirty-three letters describing his life without her. At first, he is too distraught to write anything, but eventually, he is able to put his feelings down on paper. Afterward, he deposits the letters in a secret compartment in her gravestone.

One day he discovers that a letter has disappeared. In its place, he finds a heart carved from stone. He doesn't know what to make of this. Is it a sign from Hélène that she is still with him? He so wants that to be the case, but it could be someone else who has discovered his secret hiding place at the cemetery. He must make a choice. Does he want to remain with the dead or rejoin the living? Only time will tell.

Love Letters from Montmartre is so well written I could not put it down. The story and its characters are sweet, charming, and utterly irresistible. This heartwarming tale is all about love and rediscovering life, however hard that might be after the death of a loved one.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.

Review: One Drum

 

One Drum

Richard Wagamese

In One Drum, Richard Wagamese shares stories, ceremonies, and teachings from the Ojibway people of Northwestern Ontario. All are concerned with our spiritual journey on this planet. As he explains, we are part of Creation, living on one sacred breath. This is the first ceremony he shares, allowing one to connect with one's feelings in order to recognize the sacred breath of Creation within. The second ceremony, the Tobacco Offering, focuses on being thankful. The third ceremony is a Vision Quest, which allows one to be brave and to recognize being part of everything. The fourth and final ceremony is entitled Acting Outwardly. This one is intended to make one aware of the nature of sacrifice.

In between the ceremonies, Wagamese presents tales of humility, discovery, bravery, and harmony, all of which remind us to walk gently upon the earth and do no harm to one another. He also shares his personal story about how he came to learn the importance of these teachings and what they meant to him as he became reacquainted with his traditional roots. One Drum is one of the most moving, powerful, and profoundly spiritual books that I've ever read. I feel honored to have found this beautiful gem.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.