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Tuesday, November 9, 2021

The Burning by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman – Book Review

Forest Fire on a hillside overlooking a lake

A raging wildfire. A massive blackout. A wealthy man shot to death in his palatial hilltop home

Synopsis

The protagonist of this story, Clay Edison, is a deputy coroner. Caring for the dead, he speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves. He prides himself on an unflinching commitment to the truth. Even when it gets him into trouble.

The Burning, set in the San Francisco Bay Area during one of the state’s terrible wildfires, is Book #4 in the Clay Edison series by Jonathan & Jesse Kellerman.

A murder scene becomes personal for this deputy coroner when he discovers a link to his brother, Luke, while investigating the crime scene.

Luke is fresh out of prison and struggling to stay on the straight and narrow. But when Clay calls Luke to find out why his lovingly restored vintage Camaro is in the murdered man's garage, he discovers his brother is missing.

While trying to find his brother before anyone else can, Clay is forced to do his job, as well as cope with a wildfire and a massive blackout occurring in his northern California area. Is his brother a killer or a victim? And, where is he?

An open journal book on a desk with a pen

Image Source: Pixabay

The Kellerman Authors, Father & Son

Jonathan Kellerman is the well-known author of the Alex Delaware Series (36 books to date) and is married to author Faye Kellerman (known in particular for her 29 mystery novels in her "Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus" series. Now, Jonathan is joined by their son, Jesse, a writer in his own right. To date, Jonathan & Jesse have co-authored 5 books, including four in the Clay Edison series.

The Kellermans are an amazing family of writers of mystery thrillers.

Summary

The Burning is a real page-turner – a harrowing collision of family, revenge, and murder.

For more book reviews on ReviewThisReviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com

Saturday, November 6, 2021

Review of the Tycoga Vineyard and Winery

During a recent visit from my brother & sister-in-law, we went out to lunch at the Tycoga Vineyard & Winery located about 18 miles from my home. My brother used to make his own wine as a hobby and enjoys trying different wines, so I knew he would enjoy visiting this winery. We had an extremely pleasant couple of hours doing a wine tasting and having this winery's fresh handmade wood fired pizzas for lunch.

Tycoga Vineyard & Winery

Tycoga Vineyard & Winery is a family owned business that began in 2010 with only 50 plants. Their intent was to only grow grapes and sell them. Their first plants produced a small crop.

Then one day a couple stopped by and gave the Tycoga family their phone number. They said they thought that these were wonderful grapes and that they needed to make wine instead of just selling the grapes.

Tycoga Vineyards

After many long talks with this helpful couple, and learning about grapes, the Tycoga family ended up planting many, many more grape plants. They now have over 26 acres of plants.

TYCOGA Vineyard & Winery was then established in 2014. The Tycoga tasting room opened on December 20, 2014, and final construction was completed in April 2015.

Handcrafted Wines

Tycoga Wines

Tycoga now has over 20 different types of wines from Dry to Sweet. This wide variety of mainly ESTATE produced wines allows the Tygoca family to showcase wines to both the novice and the experienced wine drinker. TYCOGA Vineyard & Winery has entered the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition every year since 2015 and they have won awards every year, including bronze, silver and gold metals.

The wines at Tycoga also include a dessert wine and a sparkling wine. The dessert wine pairs well with a delicious piece of chocolate cake. During a wine tasting, they offer you a piece of chocolate to eat – first tasting the dessert wine without the chocolate and again after eating the chocolate. It allows you to see how well it goes with a chocolate dessert. Yum.

Food

Wood-Fired Pizza

Tycogo Winery offers 16 varieties of their delicious wood-fired Pizzas Click this link for the menu.

Private Parties and Small Events

Outside Patio overlooking the Tycoga Vineyard

Outside Patio overlooking the Vineyard

Tycoga Winery has an event room, a Barrel room and an outside patio for booking anything from a bridal shower to a wedding, or for an office event, birthday party, retirement party, graduation or any other special occasion. An attractive venue for your special event.

Summary

If you enjoy visiting wineries and find yourself traveling in Southeastern Iowa, spend an hour or two at the Tycoga Vineyard & Winery. It has a delightful atmosphere and very friendly staff.

The name of the winery comes from the TYCOGA Family children - Tyler, Courtney & Gabe.

Tycoga Vineyard & Winery

Location:

Tycoga Vineyard & Winery

Address: 2585 195th St, DeWitt, IA 52742

Phone: (563) 659-1443

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Website: Tycoga.com

Related Links to More Places to Visit in Iowa:

Field of Dreams Movie Site - Dyersville, Iowa
Midwest Adventures
Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill Restaurant - Princeton, Iowa
Figge Art Museum of Davenport, Iowa

*Tycoga Vineyard & Winery Travel Review written by Wednesday Elf

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Tuesday, October 26, 2021

National Pumpkin Day Review

An unofficial holiday celebrated annually on October 26th.

The pumpkin is one of the main symbols of Halloween (in the U.S.) and is a central component of many fall festivals, Oktoberfests and similar celebrations. It is also delicious when served as food in a variety of ways. So it really shouldn't be a surprise that this orange squash has its own holiday.

Pumpkin Facts and Trivia

The name of this squash comes from the Greek word Pepõn – a word that means “Large Melon.”
Pumpkins are thought to have originated in North America, as seeds were found in Mexico dating back about 9,000 years.
Pumpkins and other forms of squash were an important food staple to the Native Americans.

Jack-o-Lanterns

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Jack-o'-lanterns carved from pumpkins are a yearly Halloween tradition brought to the United States by Irish Immigrants. Read all about the origin of the Jack-O-Lantern here.

Pumpkin Dishes

There are many ways to cook and enjoy this squash called a Pumpkin:

Cook as a squash vegetable dish.

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie - Photo & Recipe by Sylvestermouse
as seen on her Cooking for the Holidays site.

Pumpkin Pie – a traditional Thanksgiving dinner dessert. Check out this Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Recipe by Sylvestermouse.

Pumpkin Bread - Recipe by Sylvestermouse

Pumpkin Bread - See a delicious recipe for Pumpkin Bread by Sylvestermouse.

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Photo Compliments of Sam Monaco
from his Sam's Place Oven Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe.

Pumpkin Seeds make a great snack. Check out this easy recipe for Oven Roasted Pumpkin Seeds from Sam's Place by Sam Monaco.

Handmade Pumpkins

Pumpkin Beverage Coasters handmade by Coastal Crochet Crafts

Pumpkin Beverage Coasters on Etsy

Crafters also like to get creative with pumpkins. This set of Pumpkin beverage coasters can be found in the Etsy Shop of Coastal Crochet Crafts. They are perfect for home décor in the season of Harvest-time, Autumn and Halloween.

Striped Crochet Pumpkin - Etsy

Angela of Colorado hand-crochets this beautiful pumpkin in an earthy peach and creamy white stripes. It is stuffed with poly-fil, and features a birchwood stem and two faux fall leaves are secured to the pumpkin center with a dab of hot glue.

This pumpkin measures between 3” tall (4” with stem) and 15"-16” around which is approximately 4” wide. It is featured in her Etsy Shop 209 Divine, along with a variety of other holiday items.

The Pumpkin Patch

So get ready for National Pumpkin Day by visiting a pumpkin patch near you for a selection of pumpkins to cook, decorate your home for the Fall Season or carve into Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween.

Tyler in the Pumpkin Patch

My favorite photo of a pumpkin patch was taken by my son of my grandson Tyler as a toddler on his first-ever visit to a Pumpkin Patch.

*National Pumpkin Day Review written by Wednesday Elf

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Saturday, October 23, 2021

The Woods by Harlan Coben – A Book Review

Family loyalty and dark secrets are the theme of this twisty page-turner novel by Harlan Coben.

Synosis

The Woods

Twenty years ago, while Paul Copeland was a counselor at a summer camp, his sister and three other teens disappeared into the woods surrounding the camp. Two were found murdered; the other two were never seen again. The event changed the lives of four families forever.

Today, Paul (called by his nickname Cope) is now a prosecutor in Essex County, New Jersey. His mourning of the loss of his sister has only just begun to subside. He keeps busy with his job and raising his six-year-old daughter as a single father after his wife died of cancer. His busy life distracts him from his past traumas.

But when a homicide victim is found with evidence linking him to Cope, the well-buried family secrets are threatened.

Is it possible that the homicide victim is one of the campers who disappeared with his sister? If so, where has he been all these years? And is it possible that his sister could be alive?

Cope left so much behind that summer 20 years ago ~ his first love, Lucy, his mother who abandoned the family, and the secrets that his Russian parents might have been hiding even from their own children.

Summary

Which is better – secrets that are best left in the dark or truths that should be brought to light? A dilemma the reader will find themselves in as they near the end of the story.

The Woods is a suspenseful and compelling story with bizarre plot twists by best-selling author, Harlan Coben. It is definitely a page-turner.

More Harlan Coben Book Reviews found on ReviewThisBooks

*The Woods – a book review written by Wednesday Elf

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Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Forest Animals in Wood Reviewed

There are many clever artisans who create Woodland animals hand-cut from a variety of woods for children's play. Other crafters create them as wall hangings, some especially sweet for a baby's nursery or a child's room. Others create wooden animal puzzles.

Some are finished in natural wood, many of which are considered 'Waldorf Toy Animals'. Others are hand-painted. All are special because they are lovingly handmade.

These Forest Critters include the animals usually found in the woods, including foxes, wolves, bears, deer, squirrels, bunny rabbits and many others, including birds such as the Owl.

This page presents a few creative sets of Woodland creatures and a couple individual animals as toys – all created in wood.

Waldorf Toys

According to a description on Google....

Waldorf toys are wooden toys, they are eco-friendly toys and of course organic toys. ... Toys that are made from natural materials, with rich, natural colors, and that are lovingly handcrafted are inviting and contribute to a child's “sense of life.” Waldorf toys are often simple, without a lot of detail.

Woodland Animal Sets in Wood

Woodland Animal Nature Toys

All Natural toys for small children shaped like cute Woodland Animals to promote Nature-Based Play.

Each critter is hand-cut out of natural wood and sealed with a Non-Toxic Food Grade Sealant made from beeswax and olive oil.

These natural wooden toys encourage key early childhood developmental skills such as brain development and small motor skills. They can practice balance by standing them up and stacking, counting the animal toys and families, or creative play with these fun natural toys.

There are two sizes to the sets, which include a bear, a deer, a rabbit, a squirrel and a bird. These wooden forest animals are handmade by Erik in Michigan and are available in his Etsy Shop Hessler Customs.

Animal Puzzle Handmade in Wood

Wooden Frog Puzzle

This stand up frog puzzle is handcut from 3/4" thick cherry on a scroll saw, sanded smooth, and finished it with a natural beeswax and organic jojoba oil polish.

The puzzle is 6 1/4" tall, 7 1/4" wide and 3/4" thick. It has four puzzle pieces. This is a great beginner puzzle for ages 3+.

Woodland Frog puzzle is handmade by Susan who lives in Missouri near St. Louis. She has been creating adorable woodland creatures for many years and is a very talented craftsman. Susan and I met up several years ago when I was living in St. Louis and I have been a fan of her work ever since seeing them in person. You can find this frog puzzle and many other delightful wooden toys created by Susan in her Etsy Shop OohLookItsARabbit.

Woodland Animal Peg Dolls

Woodland Animal Peg Dolls

These Woodland animal peg dolls make for delightful playtime. They are made of solid beechwood, measure 2/5 inches tall and are hand-painted and sealed using CE tested (certified) non toxic paints and sealants.

Included in this listing are a Bear, a Fox, a Deer, a Hedgehog, an Owl and a Badger. They are available to purchase individually or as a set.

These Woodland animal peg dolls are handmade by Katie and are available in her Etsy Shop Multipegs.

Woodland Animal Wall Hangings for the Nursery

Woodland Animals Wall Art for the Nursery

This delightful array of Woodland animals for the nursery wall (or any child's room) are created by Lea of Michigan for her Etsy Shop NovelWares.

• Crafted from 1/4” solid walnut which is sourced from sustainable and responsibly harvested forests

• Sealed with a poly for durability and easy cleaning

• Comes with double sided tape for easy and quick installation on your wall.

Some of Lea's forest animals include

Flin the Fox
Rok the Squirrel
Greyson the Deer

There is also a bear, a bee, a hedgehog and a wolf. Check out Lea's shop for many selections in this world of wooden forest animals.

Summary

Many more Woodland Forest Animals are available throughout Etsy cleverly created in wood. Just do a search for Woodland Animals in Wood for a wide variety of these cute animals who live in the forest.

Review of Woodland Forest Animals as Soft Toys

*Forest Animals in Wood reviewed by Wednesday Elf

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Saturday, October 9, 2021

National Cookie Month Review

The month of October has been designated National Cookie Month. It is also National Dessert Month and cookies are a favorite dessert for many.

No one knows where or how October became Cookie Month, but we're not complaining. With so many different kinds of cookies to try, it needs a whole month to truly celebrate cookies. In addition, there are even individual days throughout the year dedicated to various kinds of cookies.

Cookie Holidays

Source: Pixabay

The two biggest cookie celebrations occur in October (National Cookie Month) and on December 4, which is National Cookie Day. There is even a special day to bake cookies (Bake Cookies Day) on December 18. Other dates are set aside for individual kinds of cookies.

Special Days for Specific Types of Cookies:

January 16: Fig Newton Day
January 22: Blonde Brownie Day
February 8: Molasses Bar Day
February 10: Cream Cheese Brownie Day
March 18: Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day
April 9: Chinese Almond Cookie Day
April 30: Oatmeal Cookie Day
May 9: National Butterscotch Brownie Day
May 15: National Chocolate Chip Day
May 31: Macaroon Day
June 12: Peanut Butter Cookie Day
July 9: Sugar Cookie Day
September 29: National Biscotti Day
October 1: National Homemade Cookie Day
November 21: National Gingerbread Cookie Day
December 8: Brownie Day
December 18: Bake Cookies Day

Bar Cookies vs. Drop Cookies and Four Other Major Kinds of Cookies

Bar Cookies. ... such as brownies
Dropped Cookies. Dropped cookies are usually the easiest kind of cookie to make. ... Ex: oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate chip cookies
Molded Cookies. Molded cookies are usually round in shape and are formed by rolling the dough with your hands. ...
Rolled Cookies. ... Ex: Gingerbread Cookie Men and Sugar Cookies
Pressed Cookies. ... Spritz (Spritzgebäck) and sandwich cookies and those made with a cookie press
Refrigerator Cookies. ... are cookies baked from cookie dough which has been chilled first, then simply sliced and baked.
No Bake Cookies.

Cookie Trivia

Source: Pixabay

*America's all-time favorite cookie will probably come as no surprise – it's the Chocolate Chip Cookie! They are also Canada's favorite.

When all US states were polled about their most popular cookie, nearly 75% had some variation of the classic chocolate chip.

Source: Pixabay

*The World's best-selling cookie is the Oreo Cookie.

*It might surprise you to learn that the state which eats the most cookies is UTAH. Idaho comes in second and Oregon is third. For whatever reason, the southern states rank the lowest in having an appetite for this sweet treat.

*A Cookie-Related Date: The first full week in December is known as National Cookie Cutter Week.

Summary

So, enjoy eating and baking your favorite kinds of cookies throughout the month of October and on any ... or ALL ... of the individual Cookie Days throughout the year! Remember.... if you break a cookie in half before you eat it, all the calories fall out! (LOL).

By the way ~ what is your favorite kind of cookie? We can do our own poll in the comments below. :)

October is National Cookie Month

Image Source: Pixabay

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Review of the Mickey Bolitar Series of Young Adult Books

By Harlan Coben

Mickey Bolitar is the teenage nephew of Myron Bolitar, first introduced in Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar series. This series of three books (to date) are in the Young Adult genre, and all of the main characters are teenagers. Thus it is written to appeal to teen readers.

Recently I have been reading (and in some cases re-reading) all of the Myron Bolitar series ~ in order. I reached #10 (Live Wire) and immediately went on to the latest book in the series #11 of 11 (Home). I spotted what I thought was a discrepancy between books #10 and #11 and felt that I must have missed one of the books, which would have explained the discrepancy. After double-checking dates published, I realized that Harlan Coben had paused the Myron Bolitar series after writing Live Wire and written the three Mickey Bolitar YA books before continuing on with the Myron series. Thus I had a pretty strong feeling that what was missing was explained and solved in the Mickey Bolitar series. I was right – and now I understand.

I am also delighted that I decided to read the Mickey Bolitar series, even though I don't normally read the Young Adult genre, because it turned out to be a wonderful written series and filled in a lot of blanks in the background of Myron Bolitar. Settling once and for all (in my mind) that if you like and enjoy an author, it doesn't matter what genre he/she decides to write in, you will enjoy it just as much.

The Mickey Bolitar Series Plots

Shelter (Book 1 of 3)

Shelter by Harlan Coben

In Shelter, teenager Mickey Bolitar (first introduced in Book #10 of the Myron Bolitar series) has gone to live with his Uncle Myron because his dad had died and his mom was in rehab.

Forced to switch high schools, Mickey is a lonely and unhappy 15-year-old. Slowly he begins to make new friends (plus a few enemies of the group who always seems to make life miserable for the 'new kid' at school). He even acquires a new girlfriend, Ashley, and thinks perhaps his train-wreck of a life is beginning to improve. Then ~ Ashley disappears!

Mickey is unwilling to let yet another person walk out of his life, so he follows Ashley's trail into a seedy underworld that reveals this sweet, shy girl is not who she claimed to be. And neither was Mickey's father. Eventually Mickey learns about a conspiracy so shocking that it makes high school drama seem ordinary. What he finds out leaves him questioning everything about the life he thought he knew.

Seconds Away (Book 2 of 3)

Seconds Away by Harlan Coben

In Book Two, Mickey Bolitar, along with his loyal new friends—sharp-witted Ema and dorky, yet charming, Spoon—find themselves involved in a terrifying mystery

After the shooting of their friend Rachel. Mickey now not only has to continue his quest to uncover the truth about the Abeona Shelter, the Butcher of Lodz, and the mysterious death of his father, but he needs to figure out who shot Rachel.

Mickey has always been ready to help his friends, but how can he protect them from a danger he doesn't understand when he's not even sure who – or what-- he's protecting them from?

Found (Book 3 of 3)

Found by Harlan Coben

Book Three in the Mickey Bolitar series sees mysterious clues continuing to surface as Mickey strives to uncover the truth about his father's death. Was it accidental? Murder? Or, is his dad still alive?

With the help of his Uncle Myron, along with his loyal friends Spoon and Ema, Mickey begins to unravel the mysteries of the Abeona Shelter and the elusive “Butcher of Lodz”. At the same time Mickey tries to navigate the ins and outs of everyday life in high school and his dream of making the basketball team.

Summary

Mickey Bolitar is as quick-witted and clever as his uncle Myron, and eager to go to any length to save the people he cares about. Follow Mickey Bolitar on his action-packed adventures in Shelter, Seconds Away and Found.

With this Young Adult series, Harlan Coben introduces a whole new audience to his superb writing.

More Book Reviews of Harlan Coben Books