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Veterans Tribute Park
Last week I took a group that I mentor to take photographs at our local Veterans Tribute Park. We had been there last May, and I wrote a review at that time. I have listed a link to it at the end of this article. We enjoyed the park so much that we decided we would like to go to it again in the autumn when all the fall colors would be out. The week before we were to go, we had a hard freeze so many of the color was depleted and yet t here were lots of beautiful scenes to photograph. The day we went was a perfect day weatherwise and we enjoyed walking through the park and capturing the beauty of the season on our cameras.
Photos from our Visit
This photo is of some of the grasses that adorn the fall landscape.
In this photo I was demonstrating to the group the use of natural framing of a subject by looking through the grasses to capture the lake in the background.
In this photo we zoomed in to capture the orange trees surrounding the lake. You will note that many of the trees in the background had already lost their leaves, but it still gives a nice framing for the lake.
There was a bridge that went down toward the lake. It provided a nice overlook to the lakes. I showed everyone how when they turned around and showed the path going up to the lake it gave a leading line to the trees beyond.
Zooming in for a close-up photo of fall leaves makes a pretty photo.
Veterans Tribute Park in the Spring
Here is a review I wrote on our spring visit to the park.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
In her latest book in "A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery", Maddie Day again brings together all of the interesting characters in a small Cape Cod town's book club. The book group is dedicated to reading and discussing cozy mysteries, but when a real murder mystery happens in their small town they feel a need to help the police uncover the murderer.
Synopsis of the Book
In a charming village on Cape Cod, a Halloween murder shocks the community. Enzo, the victim, is found dressed as a skeleton. A group of amateur sleuths from a local cozy mystery book club can't resist the urge to investigate, despite the police warning them to stay out of it. As they dig deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and motives among the villagers, including the new owners of the costume shop, Shelly and Harini, an investment advisor, and the victim's nephew. Can the book club solve the crime before they become the next victims?
The Book on Amazon
Maddie Days books can be found on Amazon in paperback, audible and kindle versions. Here is a link to all 7 of the Cozy Capers Bookclub Mysteries. Cozy Capers Book CLub
More Cozy Mystery Reviews
I always enjoy a good cozy mystery and so do many of the other writers for Review This. Here are a few of the cozy mysteries we have reviewed.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I have been reading a lot of the same authors lately, so I decided to try reading an author that was new to me. I found this book on Book Bub and found the book to be very interesting. In fact from page one till the end of the book, I enjoyed every moment of it. So now, I have another author to read and I will look for more books by Christy Cooper-Burnett.
In an attempt to get her mind off her breakup, her mother, Michelle, invites Megan to go on a luxury cruise with her and her best friend Rochelle. At first Megan refuses, but upon further reflection and her mother's insistence she decides to go on the cruise.
While on the cruise Megan meets a charming man, Nate, who is kind and fun and Megan begins to enjoy herself. Is this a "Perfect Vacation" or a "Perfect Nightmare"? Megan soon finds out everything is not as it appears.
I will leave the rest of the story for you to discover as you read the book. I will just say the book is full of twists and turns till the very end of the book.
You can purchase the book on Amazon in paperback, kindle version or audiobook at the following link Missing
About the Author
Since I had not read this author before, I looked up some information on her. Christy Cooper-Burnett is a award winning author based in Southern California. She has a degree in Administration of Justice and lives with her rescue dog, Beau. She has one grown son who inspired her to write her debut novel "No Way Home".
Christy enjoys writing novels that encourage the reader to put themselves in the place of her strong female characters and think about how they would handle the unique situations in which they find themselves.
Other Books by Christy include the following:
No Way Home
Escaping Home
Finding Home
Run
Passport to Terror
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read and Tracy Chevalier is among my favorite authors. A Single Thread, did not disappoint. Chevalier draws you right into the story from the very beginning and you not only read a moving story but learn a bit of history along the way.
Book Review
I found this to be a fascinating story of how one woman created a good life for herself despite the constraints of her time. It takes place in England in the 1930's. The country is just getting past World War I and the beginning of the next war is on the horizon.
She secures a job and makes friends. Through a friend she decides to join a group of women who embroider kneelers for the local Cathedral. Violet has never done this type of embroidery before, but she becomes quite dedicated to learning this skill and finds support and fellowship with the group.
When forces threaten to hurt her new independence, Violet must find a way to put down roots in a place and time where women are not expected to grow and thrive on their own.
Through this book, I learned a lot about the challenges woman faced in that era and admired the way the main character overcame the challenges of the age. I also learned a lot about the craft of the brodiers.
Book on Amazon
A Single Thread can be purchased on Amazon in hardback, paperback, audio and kindle versions. Here is a link to get you to the book A Single Thread
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I have always loved Nicholas Sparks books, and his newest one did not disappoint. This intriguing book like many of his others, seems to have two different story lines until they seamlessly merge into one. This is a book I would highly recommend.
Book Summary
Counting Miracles introduces us to three key characters:
Tanner Hughes, a former army ranger. After his grandmother's passing, using some information she has given him, he is on a search for his biological father.
Kaitlyn Cooper, a single mother and a doctor.
Jasper, an elderly man who is haunted by a tragic past.
As the lives of these three people intersect they discover unexpected connections and miracles that change everything. Sparks masterfully weaves together their lives through his wonderful storytelling and great character development. He makes us feel as if we are in their lives just waiting for what will happen next.
Of all of Nicholas Sparks books that I have read, this one inspired me the most. The uplifting message and engaging characters will linger in your thoughts long after you have finished reading it.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I love a good cozy mystery and the latest one I have read was delightful. It is part of the "Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery" and was written by Maddie Day. The author has a wonderful way of bringing the characters to life on the pages of the book. This book was book one of the series and in it we are introduced to Mackenzie Almelda (Mac to her friends). Mac had spent time after college traveling the world and has decided to come back to her home town, a small village on Cape Cod, to settle in and make a life for herself. She opens a bicycle repair and rental shop, which is popular with all the tourists that visit the area. In this first book we meet some of the other shop owners who are also members of her cozy mystery book club.
Book Summary
In this charming town on Cape Cod, Mackenzie "Mac" Almeida stumbles upon a dead body while walking home from a book club meeting in the dense fog. The victim is a local character, Jake who has been stabbed and the police investigation begins.
Despite warning from the police to stay out of it, Mac and her book club friends decide that the police need help determining the suspect and they start snooping around for clues. As Mac digs deeper she fears that her brother Derrick will become a suspect. She does more snooping and one evening comes home to a note in her door threatning her to stay out of it.
With the help of her quirky friends and loved ones, Mac navigates the web of complex relationships and secrets in the small town to uncover the truth behind Jake's murder.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
This carefully researched book of historical fiction takes place in the early days of the United States. It covers the time period just prior to the revolutionary war and continuing until the colonies become a country. It is particularly interesting that the author researched when his ancestors entered the colonies and their struggles through the early years of the new country.
This is the fourth in a series of books the author has written, tracing back his ancestors to Scotland, Ireland, Prussia and finally to the new world.
Book Summary
Peasants to Patriots: Book 4 by Dewayne Landwehr is a masterful blend of historical research and family legacy, brought to life through the lens of historical fiction. By tracing his own ancestors' journeys from Scotland and Ireland to the American colonies, Landwehr crafts a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the epic story of the Revolutionary War.
The strength of this book lies in its unique perspective. Rather than relying on broad historical accounts, Landwehr dives deep into the lives of his ancestors, recreating their experiences with vivid detail and imaginative storytelling. We see them face countless challenges, from the harsh realities of frontier life to the brutal battles of the war.
What sets this book apart is the way Landwehr weaves his ancestors' stories together with those of well-known historical figures. The encounters between his family members and legends like Daniel Boone feel particularly compelling, offering a glimpse into the interconnectedness of history. While rooted in meticulous research, the dialogue and personal moments are skillfully fictionalized, bringing the characters to life in a way that feels both authentic and engaging. For me, this brings history to life in a way that textbooks never could.
Landwehr's dedication to uncovering the past is inspiring, and his writing brings the struggles and triumphs of his ancestors to life. This book isn't just a historical account – it's a tribute to the people who shaped America, told through the lens of one family's journey.
For anyone interested in historical fiction, the Revolutionary War, or genealogy, Peasants to Patriots: Book 4 is a captivating read. Landwehr's passion for his ancestors and his craft shines through, making this book an enriching experience that draws readers into the tumultuous world of America's founding. I highly recommend this book!
Links to books and Reviews
This book is available on Amazon and can be purchased at the following link: Peasants to Patriots
Here are links for reviews I wrote on other books in this series by Dewayne Landwehr.
The second in the series Inside Odenwald can be purchased on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3Hw9Pod
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I am a big fan of James Patterson novels. I have enjoyed his books for years and follow several of his series of books, always looking forward to the newest book. While looking through his newer books from the library, I came across one that came out earlier this year. It was co-written with J.D. Barker and in reading the description on the cover I was very curious about the book. The cover has the claim "You'll Never Forget the Ending". I decided I needed to read that book and I was not disappointed. The book keeps you guessing on who the killer is the entire book. I thought I had it figured out several times, but boy was I wrong. In the final chapters of the book there is a real twist that I would have never guessed. Wow! What an ending!
Book Summary
The book starts with Declan Shaw, a NYPD detective standing in a subway train station contemplating throwing himself overboard, when he suddenly gets a call sending him to the scene of a murder.
The scene is in the home of a award winning novelist and her doctor husband. The husband has been stabbed, and the wife is standing over him in bloody clothes with the murder weapon. At first glance it is an open and shut case, but then nothing is what it seems in the rest of the book.
We are introduced to Declan's partner, his lieutenant, the wife's attorney and many more possible suspects. There is also another case of a woman in a nearby alley that plays into the picture. In addition, there are some doubts about a prior case that Declan and his partner worked and the suspect was found guilty and is in jail.
There are so many twists and turns that I hate to give anymore away. I will tell you this is a very compelling book and once you get into it, it is hard to put down. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a fascinating murder thriller.
Book on Amazon
The book is available on Amazon in hardcover, kindle and audio books. Here is a link The Writer
Reviews on James Patterson Books
Writers for Review this have written several reviews on various James Patterson books. Here are a few.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I love cozy mysteries, and Karen Whalen has some really fun ones to read that are sure to keep you up reading to find out the mysteries. Fear in First Gear is #7 in her Tow Trucker Driver mystery series. In this book you again meet with the delightful cast of characters in a small Colorado town. First there is Delaney, the shoeaholic tow truck driver who is the main character. Coming back and reading another book about her is like meeting up with an old friend. Then you have the fun cast of characters in Delaney's life. Her romantic interest is Ephraim the town sheriff. Her best friend is Kristin, who owns a coffee shop. Other supporting characters include Zach, Kristins romantic interest, who is with the local police. There is also Kristins cousin Axle, who rooms with Delaney and Tanner a fellow tow truck driver who is always willing to help to Delaney in the tow truck business.
Book Summary
The book starts off with a blizzard in this small Colorado town. Delaney is asked to check out Clarkson Pass and make sure no one is stranded before there is a need to shut down the snow gates. As she is driving up County Road 350 she sees a car off in a ditch and as she gets closer, she sees a woman with her eyes staring out in the car. Delaney has to travel quite a distance before she finds somewhere to turn her rig around. The snow is coming down harder and she does not have any cell service. As she passes where she thought the car was, she can no longer see it, so she makes her way to the nearest place she has cell service and calls in what she believes to be a dead woman in the car. Now Delaney has found other dead bodies during her tow truck career and the police are leery about what she thinks she has seen. Meanwhile the blizzard has gotten worse, an avalanche goes through the area and the pass has been shut down.
In the days and weeks ahead, Delaney is determined to find out who the woman is in the car and find her murderer. She is constantly sidetracked by law enforcement who want her to leave the investigating to them.
As the story goes on Delaney finds herself in several situations where social media posters delight in reporting about her. Here are some of the posts that received lots of attention:
Tow Truck Driver finding bodies.
Hi-heeled tow truck driver.
Tow truck driver tows a bear across town.
Mishaps during lip syncing with the band.
To read about the above situations and find out how Delaney discovers the answers to the mystery you must read this delightful book. You can get the book on Amazon at the following link.
The author has written three different series of books. The Tow Truck Driver Mysteries, the Dinner Club Mysteries, and the Sea Oaks Beach mysteries. I have reviewed several of the books and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Here are some of my reviews.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I love reading historical fiction and Tracy Chavalier is one of my favorite authors. This book takes place in Venice and the areas around it and since I've been to Venice it made this book extra special for me. As they were describing various places in Venice I could picture just where they were talking about. The author makes the characters come alive in this book which makes it a very compelling book to read.
Story Summary
The author takes an interesting take on the timelessness of Venice in this book. In the first paragraph of each chapter she takes on a timeline of Venice through the years starting in 1486 and ending in present day. In the rest of each chapter we follow Orsola Rosso, a woman who has grown up in a glassmaking family in Murano, just a gondolier ride away from Venice.
In Orsola's time woman were meant to be helpers in the business, but never actual glassmakers. In order to help her family in a time of need Orsola learns to make glass beads in secret.
Venice in 1486 is a very wealthy and an opulent center for trade. As time flows through the years Venice suffers through plagues and wars and eventually turns in to more of a tourist destination than a trade center.
In this book we follow the Rosso family through good times and bad. We see life through the eyes of Orsola and view her pains and triumphs as she deals with deaths, births, and changes in the glassmaking business.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Book on Amazon
The Glassmaker is available on Amazon in Hardback, Paperback, Audiobook or eBook. The Glassmaker
Reviews of Andriana Trigiani Books
If you enjoy historical fiction you may enjoy this book. Here is a book I reviewed by Adriana Trigiani.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
If you love historical fiction, like I do, this wonderful story of a grandmother near the end of her life will be one you will enjoy. She spends time with her family filling them in on the family history and secrets from years gone by. In this story you will also learn of history from World War II and what life was like in Italy, France, England and Scotland as told through the grandmothers' stories.
Adriana Trigiani has long been one of my favorite authors of historical fiction and she does not disappoint in this novel.
Story Summary
The story tells of the Cabrelli family, a proud artisan Italian family that live in the small village of Viareggio in Italy. We are hearing the story told in present day by the family matriarch Mathilda to her granddaughter Anine.
The story begins pre-World War II when Domenica is a young girl who loves to help people. We follow her through her struggles to become a nurse and the problems she encounters when she offers important information to a young mother. The town does not approve of her giving the information and she must leave the town. She goes to Marseilles France to work with nuns in a hospital. World War II breaks out and she must then go to Scotland.
The book tells of strong women who are faced with ethical, love and family decisions. These women make decisions during difficult times that shape their futures and those around them.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Last week I visited a park that was new to me. It opened in October 2018. It is located on Kisker Drive in Weldon Springs Missouri. It is an 120 acre park with lots of wonderful features.
Park Features
The park is loaded with features for every age group. They include:
Two Lakes where you can enjoy a nice stroll or go fishing.
A Dog Park
Playground
A Great Trail System for those who like to hike.
Storybook Walk This trail is designed for parents and kids who love to read. Book pages are posted at various stations along the trail, so you can read a book while you take a walk.
Picnic Shelters
In addition, it has two of my favorite features- the Veterans Memorial Plaza and flowers which I will tell you about in more detail in the sections below.
Veterans Memorial Plaza
Veterans Memorial Plaza is a beautiful area that honors Veterans from the St. Charles County area that have given the ultimate sacrifice. It includes a beautiful walk lined with flowers that lead to the Tribute Wall. The tribute wall is a curved stoned wall engraved with names and has waterfalling over the wall. After you see the wall, the walk continues up a slight incline and has stops from each of the conflicts from 1812 to the present day. Each stop features a board that describes the conflict and, on the walk, in front of the board is a star on the sidewalk with the names of those residents of the county that died in that conflict. It is a very moving feature of the park.
Lots of Beautiful Spring Flowers
I visited the park in early May and there were lots of beautiful flowers that lined the walkway to the Veterans Tribute.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I just finished another delightful book by Karen Whalen. This one is part of her Dinner Club series of mysteries. It features Jane Marsh and a cast of interesting characters.This book had me guessing who the murderer was till almost the end of the book. It was a great page-turner.
Book Synopsis
This book begins when Jane Marsh and some of her fellow dinner club members went for a weekend to enjoy the Peach Festival in a small Colorado town and look to finalize preparations for Jane's upcoming wedding. In the beginning we find the characters at a Murder Mystery game at the B&B where they are staying. Each of the attendees is in costume for their character in the "Murder Mystery Game" and they all have notes about their characters. Jane messes up early on by mistakenly revealing that she is the killer. This pretty much brings the mystery to a halt and the participants end up calling it an early evening. Now the real mystery will begin when Jane comes across a dead body in the B&B.
The police are called and everyone that has attended or worked at the B&B, including the members of the Diner Club, become suspects. The book continues with Jane trying to figure out the killer. There is much at stake including the reputation of the B&B and the small town election for mayor. This is a small town where everyone knows everyone, and everyone seems to have an opinion.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with lots of characters and possible suspects this is the book for you. I didn't guess the killer till almost the end and it was fun to follow Jane's logic on who might be the culprit.
Karen has written three different series of cozy mysteries. The are: A Tow Truck Murder Mystery, A Dinner Club Murder Mystery and A Sea Oaks Beach Murder Mystery. I have written reviews on several of the books. Here are links to my reviews.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
My husband is one of those people that is hard to find a gift for special occasions. He is well into his retirement years and really has most everything he needs or wants. My kids and I are always looking for something different that he would enjoy. As his birthday approached this year, I was again challenged to find a gift for him, when I was browsing on Amazon and found this Bob Ross mug.
My husband thoroughly enjoys watching "The Joy of Painting". On this program, Bob Ross, with his delightful sense of humor, instructs listeners on how to paint landscape paintings. Bob Ross has long passed on, but his program can be found in syndication on the television programming, and he has become a pop culture icon.
When I found the mug, I decided it would be perfect for my husband. The mug depicts a photo of Bob Ross with a solid black background, as seen in the photo below. When the cup is filled with hot liquids the black background becomes a beautiful landscape photo.
Here is the link to this unique mug on Amazon Bob Ross Mug
How Does the Color Changing Work
I checked online to find out how the color changing works. To put it simply it is done by using the principal of thermochromism which involves heat sensitive paint. In the case of the mug the landscape painting would be painted on the mug with heat sensitive paint. It would appear to be solid black until the hot liquid in the mug turns the black into a landscape painting.
More Bob Ross Products on Amazon
If you have a Bob Ross fan you would like to get a gift for a special occasion, then Amazon is the place to go. I found numerous different Bob Ross gifts on Amazon. Here are just a few:
A variety of different Bob Ross painting kits and painting supplies
Prints of Bob Ross paintings
TShirts
Socks
Bob Ross bobblehead
calendars
Books with step-by-step painting instructions
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Do you enjoy a good cozy mystery, that takes place on the beach and includes lots of dogs and fun characters? If so, you will not want to miss Karen C Whalen's latest book Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach.
Book Summary
Anytime I am looking for a cozy mystery with lots of fun engaging characters, Karen C Whalen books just fit the bill! I loved her latest book Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach.
In this book she brings back all of the wonderful characters we met in the first book of the Sea Oaks Beach series. I really enjoyed following the latest adventures of Breanna, Roscoe, Ty and other friends and residents of the small beach town of Sea Oaks Beach. They are a great group of characters that really pull you into the story.
Like the title implies, this book starts off with a body being washed up at the beach. Roscoe and Breanna are walking along the beach when they see a woman laying on her side in a shallow tide pool. She is in a black wetsuit and Roscoe immediately tries to revive her while Breanna calls for help. It turns out she is dead, and they find her surfboard nearby. As they are looking around Breanna sees something out in the ocean and wonders if it is another person. Roscoe sees it too and goes out to get what turns out to be a dog on a surfboard. The dog, a Chocolate Lab is rescued and brought to the animal shelter where Breanna volunteers.
As the story progresses, Breanna fosters the dog and is determined to try to find out who his people are and to try to get justice for the woman who was found murdered. I won't spoil it by telling you more, but I highly recommend this book. It is one I couldn't put down.
Amazon Link
Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach and all of Karen C Whalen's books can be found on Amazon. Here is a link Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach
More Reviews of Karen C Whalen Books
Karen has written three different cozy mystery series. They are the Dinner Club series, the Tow Truck Driver mysteries, and the Sea Oaks Beach series. Here are some links to other reviews I have done on her books.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I love Dr Pepper and for the past 60 years I have had a cup of "hot Dr Pepper" most every morning. I started when I was a teenager and saw the ads for hot Dr Pepper. Back then I would pour my Dr Pepper in a saucepan, add a slice of lemon and heat it. I would then pour it into a cup and enjoy. In today's microwave world, I pour my Dr Pepper into a mug and heat it for 2 minutes. I then add either a slice of lemon or lime. Delicious!! I don't drink coffee or tea so it is Dr Pepper that helps me to fully wake up each morning.
Fun Facts about Dr Pepper
Created in the 1880's by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco Texas
Name "Dr Pepper first used in 1885 and that preceded Coca-Cola by one year
It was introduced nationally at the 1904 St. Louis World Fair (and no I wasn't there, but my grandfather was 😂)
Early ads claimed medical benefits "aids digestion and restores vim, vigor and vitality"
The formula is a trade secret and is said to be held in two separate Dallas banks -Half of the recipe in each bank safe deposit bank
Advertising for Dr Pepper
Some early ads called for "Dr Pepper Time" at 10, 2, and 4 o'clock.
In the early 1960's Dr Pepper was promoted to be served as a hot drink in the winter months. The ads showed it being heated up and served with a slice of lemon.
In 1977 lyrics were written for a Dr Pepper jingle called "Be a Pepper" by Jake Holmes. The chorus of the song goes as follows.
I'm a Pepper, he's a Pepper
She's a Pepper, we're a Pepper
Wouldn't you like to be a Pepper too?
Be a Pepper, Drink Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper Museum
There is a Dr Pepper Museum in Waco Texas. It was opened in 1991 in downtown Waco. It has three floors of exhibits and includes a working old-fashioned soda fountain, and a gift store with Dr Pepper memorabilia. That is where I purchased my mug that you see at the beginning of the photo. As you can probably tell from the photo my mug is showing some wear, perhaps I need to get a new one!
You Tube Video on Hot Dr Pepper
In researching information on the history of hot Dr Pepper, I found this interesting and humorous video that not only gives you some history on hot Dr Pepper but also shows several of the ads for it.
When you check out Amazon you will find that they have lots of Dr Pepper products. Whether you want socks, shirts, hats, slippers, mugs, BBQ sauce, jellybeans, cotton candy and many more Dr Pepper themed products check out the following link to Amazon
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and Tracy Chevalier is among the authors in this genre that I enjoy reading. Her careful research and delightful way of pulling you into the story make her books real page turners. At the Edge of the Orchard was a fascinating tale that I found myself unable to put down.
Book Summary
James and Sadie Goodenough leave their home in Connecticut to head out west. When they get to Ohio their wagon gets stuck in the muddy 1830's black swamp area. They decide to claim some land in this area and settle down to growing apple trees. If they plant 50 trees within 3 years, they can claim the land for their own. James is enthralled with apple trees, that remind him of his home in Connecticut, while Sadie is more interested in the apple jack that they can produce. She can use it as an alcoholic retreat from the tough times that visit them, including deaths of a child to illness in many years. Their children are helpers on their farm from a very early age.
The next part of the book skips to 15 years later when the youngest son Robert is wandering through the Gold Rush in California. He is haunted from his past and the family he left behind when he was only 9 years old. He does find some peace working with a naturalist and helping him to gather saplings and seed of the majestic redwoods and sequoias to send to gardeners in England.
I found the book to be very interesting and really appreciate the care the author takes in describing the historical settings in the novel. The characters are delightful, and you find yourself pulled into their lives.
I have read several of Tracy Chevaliers books in the past and have never been disappointed.
About the Author
Tracy Chevalier was born and grew up in Washington DC. After attending Oberlin college in Ohio, she moved to London in the mid 1980's. Her first novel was Virgin Blue in 1997 followed by The Girl with the Pearl Earring in 1999. She is currently working on her 12th book.
She does a lot of research for each book and one thing she likes to do is put herself in some of the situations she writes about. She tried painting for one book, stitching for another and for At the Edge of the Orchard she spent some time among trees, including the redwoods and sequoias in California.
Link to Book on Amazon
At the Edge of the Orchard, along with Tracy's other books can be found on Amazon. Here is the link: At the Edge of the Orchard
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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