Reviewing The Good Left Undone

 

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.

Here is a link to the book on Amazon The Good Left Undone

Historical Fiction Books I Have Reviewed

If you enjoy historical fiction, here are a few other books in that genre that I have reviewed.

Spark of Revolution

Girl Called Samson

Enemy Like Me

Diamond Eye

Smoke on Whiteadder

Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

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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The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, A Book Review

I picked up The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder because the title intrigued me, and as an eBay seller fascinated by vintage finds, I was instantly drawn in. It turned out that author C.L. Miller’s novel is enjoyable as a murder mystery story as well as a look into the world of high-end antiques.

THE STORY

Freya, a former antique hunter, is pulled back into the world of antiques after the mysterious death of her friend and mentor, Arthur. With the help of her odd but interesting Aunt Carole, she deciphers clues Arthur left behind—his way of ensuring that, should anything suspicious happen to him, someone would investigate. Their search finds them at an antiques retreat in a grand manor, where the furnishings are actually replicas rather than originals, and the guests seem to have questionable motives.

REVIEWS

Goodreads reviewers give the book 3 1/2 stars calling it a mixed bag with good marks for the look into the world of antiques but lower marks for writing style. 

Bookshelf Soliloquies calls it a cozy mystery. Like me, writer Phoebe appreciated the glimpse into the world of antiques and, as she put it, the quirky characters. However, she, too had some discomfort with the writing style.

Amazon readers are a bit more generous, granting 4 stars and calling it ‘a very good read.’

Consensus amongst the many reviews that I read seems to be that the writing was a bit distracting, with some finding it a bit hard to get used to. I agree though I will add that I did get used to it and I did find the book more engaging as I went along.

RECOMMENDED

Who will enjoy this book? I recommend it for someone looking for a cozy mystery that is a bit more complex or for someone who is interested in antiques and the antique underworld. I will be reading the second book in the series, The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea.

Another strong pick? If you are also interested in a similar look into art and the art world, Jeffrey Archer’s False Impression is a riveting must-read. A real page turner. Read my full review of First Impression here.

If you haven't read The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, find it here on Amazon. If you have read it and you enjoyed The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder, you’ll be pleased to know there’s more to read. The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is next in the series, and with luck, both it and any future installments will be stronger and more captivating. 

See you
At the bookstore!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

More Reading:

Death Takes a Spin, An Upcycling Mystery  

Irish Village Mystery Series by Carlene O'Connor

Ian Rankin's Knots and Crosses Book Review

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Ian Fleming's The Penguin Complete 007 Centenary James Bond Book Collection Review

Here for your review is a popular set of books that celebrated the 100th birthday or centennial of Ian Fleming’s James Bond books. Called The Penguin Complete 007 James Bond Centenary Collection, it came attractively packaged in a red box with a cut out in the form of 007.

James Bond Fact Files said, “Every so often in the sea of marketed mediocrity perpetrated in the name of James Bond 007, something of worth is produced which is not only a joy to behold and own, but in time will also become a desirable and much sought-after collectable.”

This series definitely fits that description. The books were paperbacks with new and interesting vintage-style covers and this release made the books exciting for new and old readers alike. Many years later, these books are indeed desirable and a sought-after collectable.

The set included 14 books as shown here on this list, presented here in alphabetical order:

Casino Royale
Diamonds are Forever
Doctor No
For Your Eyes Only
From Russia with Love
Goldfinger
Live and Let Die
Man with the Golden Gun, The
Moonraker
Octopussy
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Spy Who Loved Me, The
Thunderball
You Only Live Twice

It was a wonderful way to gift the whole set, perfect for anyone who loved the stories or for an introduction to the series. My dad was gifted a set around the release date, which I believe was 2008 here in Canada. The books would still make a wonderful gift set but they are long out of production and as mentioned above, much sought after. For those who don't know, this means that the sales price has risen. Dramatically.

If you are, however, a really big fan and want to add the set to your collection or if you are just curious, you can find The James Bond Centenary Collection here on eBay or sometimes here on Amazon. Occasionally, you will even see a new, sealed set on the resale market. However, you will have to have deep pockets to add it to your collection today.

The picture of the row of books shown above was kindly provided by eBay seller Bushido_108. Check out all of the great sets of books he has in store for you here, on eBay.

See you
At the bookstore!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE READING:

Gift Ideas for Dad

Steve Berry's The Amber Room Reviewed

The Man with the Golden Typewriter by Ian Fleming

Discover Bond 50: The Complete 22 Film Collection

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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Rick Mercer The Road Years Book Review

In my review of Rick Mercer’s first book, Talking to Canadians, I said “…anyone who is familiar with Rick's television programs and comedic abilities will love this book. If you know his work, you will particularly enjoy learning about his background.” In his latest book, The Road Years: A Memoir, Continued…, I came away feeling that it was a bit less memoir and a bit more the story of his second television program, the Rick Mercer Report (RMR), which spanned fifteen very successful television seasons.

Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in which you are privileged to join Rick's journey to discover what a Canadian is. Whilst on that journey, you will discover what happens behind-the-scenes of his encounters with Canadians that have included the likes of the (much younger then) current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; the former Prime Minister Jean Chretien; the world renown members of the rock band Rush including Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart; the guitarist, singer and songwriter Randy Bachman of the Guess Who and Bachman Tuner Overdrive; and, the singer, songwriter, author and comedian Jann Arden. Not all of the spots are about famous Canadians. Instead, they might be about Canadian things and places including animals, cities and famous destinations.

A bonus with this book is that after you read about one of the episodes, you can google the Rick Mercer Report and the relevant individual or item and watch the original television spot.

RICK MERCER REPORT VIDEOS

TAGGING BEARS IN ALGONQUIN PARK   

You can read about and then watch Rick’s spotlight on Algonquin Park in which he is invited to help the bear experts tag wild bears:

WALKING AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE CN TOWER WITH JANN ARDEN

Or you can read about and then watch Rick and Jann Arden outside on the ledge of the tallest freestanding structure in the western hemisphere, Toronto’s CN Tower.

TAKING DRUM LESSONS WITH RUSH'S NEIL PEART

Finally, you can read about and then watch the episode that included the iconic musician and Rush’s drummer, Neil Peart. According to Wikipedia, Peart was known for his extreme “technical proficiency and the exacting nature and stamina of his live performances” and  was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983. Watch here:

Anyway, these videos will give you an idea of who Rick Mercer the comedian is and will reveal some of the contents of the book in which Rick celebrates our beloved Canada and shares how the Rick Mercer Report show was made.

WHO SHOULD READ THE ROAD YEARS: A MEMOIR, CONTINUED...

Once again, I highly recommend this book for anyone with a Canadian connection, who watched the Rick Mercer Report and/or who simply enjoys Rick’s comic talent.

CBC Books says, this book "tells the story of the success of The Rick Mercer Report and all the great encounters and other adventures that making the show allowed Rick Mercer to experience. It's a celebration of happy moments told in Mercer's trademark positivism and humour.” I agree.

I highly recommend you set out on this road trip with Rick or that you gift it to a family manner. It is an easy and very entertaining read especially for anyone who was a regular watcher of the very popular television program.

Find your copy of Rick Mercer’s The Road Years: A Memoir, Continued… here, on Amazon.

See you
at the book store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE READING:

Discover my review of Rick Mercer's Talking to Canadians.

Discover Mercer’s account of the time Rick Mercer and Justin Trudeau bumped into each other at Bill Clinton’s Toronto birthday blowout.

Meet the Canada Reads 2024 contenders CBC’s Annual Battle of the 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.”

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Signs of Autumn Coloring Book for Adults Review

I had been looking through coloring books that had relaxation somewhere on the cover. So many of them had intricate designs, many with no real rhyme or reason to them, that filled the page. If I were to describe what I saw, I would say that they were too busy for my taste.

When I think of relaxation, as far as coloring goes, I like at least somewhat recognizable designs, that have larger shapes for the most part. Being an artist and designer, I decided to design a coloring book that I would like.

I chose autumn as the theme; therefore, I could choose a variety of designs that could cover a variety of things that represented autumn. I could have autumn leaves, Halloween, apple pie, and more; all in the same book.

Yes, I do like the themed designs. I chose to make the coloring pages single sided, so each coloring page could come out cleaner. There would be little to no bleed through should the coloring artists choose markers.

Provided in the back of the book are pages to test out various coloring mediums. Below is an image of the different mediums that I checked out. I used mediums that I had on hand, to give you an idea of how well they and the paper performs.

Results of testing of mediums:

Bleed through:
There wasn't any bleed through from any of the colored pencils that I used.

There was bleed through from both types of markers that I used. The bleed through showed on the back of the page I colored on, but did not show up on the next consecutive page. Heavier pressure and or different brands could render different results.

There was some bleed through of the Prismacolor water-soluble colored pencils, once I added water to the color that I had already applied on the page.

There wasn't any bleed through from the watercolors that I premixed with water and paint on the brush, with very little water.

Pressure lines:

Pressure lines showed up through the back side of the page when I used the PaperMate Ink Joy Gel Pen. It was a size 0.7. The pressure lines also went through to the next page.

Pressure lines also showed up on the back side of the page when I used the Office Depot Gel Pen, but they weren't as noticeable as the pressure lines from the PaperMate gel pen.

On with the review:

Each design page has a dark gray border around the perimeter of the drawing, should anyone want to frame and or hang individual pages. The frame type border also provides a nice finished edge.

The paper has a good weight to it. It has a smoothness to it that is not overly smooth; it is not type writer paper. It has a bit of texture to it, as to grab and hold the color from colored pencils, etc.

My recommendations:

If you or you know someone who likes coloring larger images and or autumn themed coloring books, then I recommend this book.

If you prefer using gel pens in your coloring book, and you like this book, then I recommend placing a sheet of thin smooth cardboard under the page that you are coloring and or outlining with gel pens.

My preferred coloring medium for this project is the Koh-I-Noor Polycolor Coloured Pencils. I used the twelve pack, but would very much like to have the 24 pack, as they have a variety of landscape colors which would be great for coloring leaves and such.

This coloring book is ready for purchase on Amazon.

Signs of Autumn Coloring Book for Adults on Amazon

You can find more coloring books by Cheryl Paton on this blog: Coloring Books by Cheryl Paton.

Cheryl Paton

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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Still Alice Book Review

Written in 2008, Still Alice by Lisa Genova, is an ‘older’ book given that there is ongoing research into Alzheimer’s. However, the book still has merit as a look into the world of an individual who has the disease.

My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but is still doing all right, still able to live in her own home with my stepfather. This book is helpful for someone trying to understand how it is live with the disease. 

Quotes inside the book make statements like “dementia is dark and ugly” and I know most of us realize that fact. They tell us accurately that the author “leads us through the process of diagnosis and the impact of the changing needs on family, friends and colleagues.” If you haven’t already been through that process with a loved one, this book will help you see life through the lens of someone with this form of dementia.

The book was Genova’s first novel and is a good look into and a compassionate work of fiction about the disease. You will find Still Alice here to Amazon. There is also a movie done with the same name and you will find Dawn Rae’s review of the movie version of this story right here on Review This Reviews.

Genova has also written a novel about a patient with ALS. If you haven’t read it, you might check my review of Every Note Played here. Once again, it is not a pretty story but a real one, well told and an insightful look into the world of people with this disease.

See you
At the bookstore!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Find your copy of STILL ALICE here on 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.”

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One of the Girls by Lucy Clarke, A Book Review

I chose Lucy Clarke's One of the Girls simply because it is set in Greece, a country I’d love to visit. I honestly paid little attention to what it was about and when it was set. I was looking for a novel that would offer a peek into Greece and the cover design surely emphasized the beautiful white and blues of that country. The text added interest with comments like:

“Full of suspense and unexpected thrills, it is hard to put this book down as you try to figure out the whodunit.” – USA Today

“…a masterclass in simmering tension and shocking revelations.” – Rosie Walsh

It will “keep you guessing which friend is behind the murderous plot.” – PopSugar

Be warned, this book is light. My copy had big text and short chapters and was, therefore, a fast read. I zoomed through it with each chapter making me wonder which one of the women commits the crime and what exactly the crime would be though I definitely was waiting for someone to be murdered.

The chapters are read from the viewpoint of each of the characters. One minute you are hearing from Lexi, the next from Bella, the next from Eleanor and so on. The women are a varied bunch with differing connections to the bride. And, of course, secrets. 

The story tells the tale of six women at a hen party in Greece. A hen party, for those who might not know, is when a bride-to-be gets together with a few or many friends to celebrate her upcoming marriage. Like a stereotypical bachelor’s party, it can include alcohol and outlandish behavior. This story does.

RECOMMENDED

Is One of the Girls recommended by me? Yes, if you are looking for a simple thriller set in the sun. In the end, you will be guessing who did it. In the meantime, you can enjoy the fresh food and sunshine of Greece served up with a shot of Ouzo. As Zachary Houle, who clearly did not enjoy the lightweight nature of the book says, “it requires no brain cells to enjoy.” I don’t have a problem with that especially if you are aware of that fact when you pick the book up. Escapism and armchair travel via a book is not a bad thing in my mind.

Readers on Goodreads gave the book an average of 3.98 stars and those on Amazon an average of 4.1. Both platforms clearly had people who liked the book and who did not, with lots of comments like it’s good for “fans of twisty thrillers with a beautiful setting.” I was willing and glad to be a one of those fans. 

Find your copy and read the reviews of One of the Girls by Lucy Clarke on Amazon by clicking right here. When you read the book, be sure to come back and let us know what you think.

See you
At the book store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE ARMCHAIR TRAVEL:

Another book set in Greece: Jeffrey Siger's The Mykonos Mob (Island of Secrets) Reviewed

Jeffrey Archer's False Impression, A Book Review

Where the Crawdads Sing, A Book Review

Michael Crichton's Travels, A Book Review

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Book Review of When the Rain Ends

 

AI Image Creation

I have read several books by Mary Ellen Taylor in the past and have always been moved by the way she develops her interesting characters.  This book was no exception.  It deals with a mother and daughter who have their life changed by a series of events and the way they manage the challenges that life throws their way.  A very interesting novel that has a lesson for all of us in dealing with life.

Book Summary

Dani Manchester is hit by two very challenging life events in a short time and it throws her into a very unsettling time.  Dani is an artist and seeing colors and shapes are important to her work.  When she learns that her eyesight is failing due to a genetic disease she is devastated and unsure where to go next.  Then her ex-husband and father to her teenage daughter dies and she feels everything that is important in her life is disappearing.

Dani and her daughter Bella live in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Dani makes the decision to move to a small town near the Virginia border.  Here she wants to make a new start.  The property she buys has some silos on them that Dani is planning to renovate and open an art gallery.  This is a big move for the single mother and daughter and Bella is rebelling about the move.  

In this moving story we hear how they meet some new people who become important in their new lives.  They work through their grief and come out stronger.

As in her other books, Mary Ellen Taylor does a wonderful job of developing her characters and you find yourself wanting to turn the pages to find out what will happen next.  

The Book on Amazon

Other Books I have Reviewed by Mary Ellen Taylor

Here are links to two other books that I reviewed by the author and thoroughly enjoyed.

The Brighter the Light- Book Review (reviewthisreviews.com)

Book Review of Honeysuckle Season (reviewthisreviews.com)

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Book Review - Toes on the Dash

 

AI Creation

Sometimes life just calls for a "Cozy Mystery".  When I need a book to just relax and chill out I find one of these light novels fits the bill.  I was recently introduced to a cozy mystery writer that I really like.  Karen Whalen writes delightful cozy mysteries that I really enjoy.  The first one I read introduced me to a delightful character named Delaney.

Character Summary

Delaney Morran is a young woman (28) who, after a short career as a social worker is trying to decide what to do with the rest of her life.  Meanwhile she is helping out part time in her friend's coffee shop. 

When Delaney's estranged father dies in an accident, she is surprised to find that he has left her his tow truck and his towing business.   Now Delaney is a real girly girl who loves wearing a different pair of shoes with each outfit and is quite fond of spikey high heels.  This image doesn't quite seem to fit with a tow truck driver and Delaney has no idea what she is getting into, but she is up for the challenge.  Her somewhat nagging mother, however, thinks she should sell the tow truck.  Delaney has a lot to learn but she is a strong woman and feels she can make it as a tow truck driver and owner.

The book is full of twist and turns as Delaney finds her way in the business and gets the help from a fellow tow truck driver to learn how to operate her vehicle.  The book, which is set in Colorado, is full of laughter and a bit of romance as Delaney sizes up the young tow truck driver and the cute cop.  It also ends up with a murder mystery when a dead body is found in the trunk of her first tow.

 Toes on the Dash (The Tow Truck Murder Mysteries Book 1)

 

I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.  You can find out more about her books on her website www.karencwhalen.com .

This book was recommended to me by author Teri M Brown.  You  can read a review I posted on one of Teri's book at An Enemy Like Me .

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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What is Jolabokaflod? Christmas Eve Traditions to Try! Holiday Gift Ideas

 So you might be wondering what a Jolabokaflod is and why it's important!  Well in the interests of learning something new every day, this is one word and idea that really resonates with me and my family.

Jolabokaflod is an Icelandic Christmas Eve tradition.  Every one in the family gets a "book" gift on Christmas Eve and the rest of the evening is spent reading and drinking  hot chocolate and eating some of those wonderful Christmas cookies that seem to magically appear at this time of year.

Our family is blessed in so many ways!   All our children are grown and have children of their own. Our children and grandchildren don't really need more "stuff".   Each family member has a roof over their heads and food on the table.  Clothes in the closets and shoes/boots for whatever weather conditions may be outside.  So what more do we need?

The simple answer is NOTHING!  

The most important things to us (my husband and myself) is BEING with each other and sharing time together.  Yet at Christmastime, we also like to do something special for our family.

So this year we have made the decision to do what they do in Iceland.  Instead of gifts for the adults we will focus on purchasing a book that we have loved and share it with another member of  the family.  

The grandchildren will still receive traditional Christmas gifts, but a book might find it's way into that idea too! We love reading and love promoting reading skills to our grandchildren as well. 

If you are looking for a great list of books to peruse, you don't have to go too far!  Review This Reviews has an amazing list of books that have been reviewed by the writers of this site!  There is everything from Puzzle Books and Riddles, to Murder/Mysteries, Biographies, Cozy Romances and so much more!  

Some books are from new authors and some are from well known authors who have been writing for years.

There is something for everyone at ReviewThisReviews.com!  Click on the link and then follow the tabs across the top!  The first one you come to is BOOK REVIEWS.  How much easier can gift finding get?

We (my other half and I) will be using this link to find the gifts for our own first of a kind, Jolabokaflod that we will celebrate this year!  

Now I have to add an addendum:  This idea is not for every one and if you are interested there are a host of "OTHER" reviews that might help you find that perfect gift if you are celebrating in a more traditional way.

May Your Christmas be everything that you hold dear to your hearts and may you enjoy each other's company making great memories as you go along!  Blessings to all!

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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Katherine Faulkner's Greenwich Park Book Review

The cover of Katherine Faulkner’s Greenwich Park reads, “gripping and haunting and gorgeously suspenseful” and I agree. I was drawn to the book by the title, a romanticized area of London, England, and by the artwork. 

Greenwich Park the book is a murder mystery of the best sort. It draws you in. Pick it up and you might not want to put it down. Pick it up and you will find yourself guessing whodunit. I failed at the guessing of who did it, which I expect is good because it means the book has twists and turns.  I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. 

Greenwich Park is a domestic psychological thriller that is set in the current day in the south east of London. It tells the story of a pregnant woman’s privileged life in a stately Victorian home and of her family and friends. Off work because of her history with difficult pregnancies and because of current health concerns, the main character, Helen, finds herself bored and lonely. That is, until she befriends a woman named Rachel. Rachel is also pregnant but embraces none of the care that many women exercise when they are pregnant. She smokes and she drinks and she is not very interested in her body or her unborn baby. She’s loud and she's obnoxious but, however, she is fun and she quickly manages to infiltrate Helen’s tidy little world. But is it really tidy?

Helen has been described as someone who has everything including “a perfect husband, a perfect brother and a perfect sister-in-law. When she meets Rachel, she also has the perfect nightmare.” 

I like Crime by the Book’s three-point list of reasons to read the book. She says that it pulls back the curtain on the lives of people who appear to have picture-perfect lives, that it is a story of obsession and cat-and-mouse tension and that it is intricate and effortlessly told. 

If it helps, Crime by the Book says that this book is similar to books to those written by Lisa Jewell, who I have yet to read.

FAST FACTS:

Author – Katherine Faulkner
Format – Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audiobook, audio CD
Genre – Domestic Psychological Thriller
Pages - 375
Publication Date – September 13, 2021
Publisher – Simon & Shuster
ISBN Number – 978-1-9821-5031-0

If you love a good thriller, you will enjoy Greenwich Park. The book is definitely dark, looking into the world of pregnancy and early motherhood, of friendships, of privileged lives lived and, of course, of the secrets that people keep. I think that it is an excellent first novel, which the author wrote while she herself was on maternity leave.  The rights to the book have been sold and I will be watching for a movie or television series as well as for a second book by Faulkner. Meanwhile, you can order your copy of Greenwich Park from Amazon by clicking right here.

See you 

at the book store!
Brenda

More Psychological Thrillers:

Alice Feeney's Sometimes I Lie Book Review

Mark Edward's Here to Stay Book Review

Audrey Hepburn's Wait Until Dark Movie Review

Donald Sutherland's Don't Look Now Movie Review

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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Erin Napier The Lantern House Book Review

Erin Napier’s The Lantern House is exactly what you would expect from a mother who also happens to be the designer of a hugely popular HGTV decorating show like Home Town. It’s a children’s picture book, which tells the story of a house as it becomes a home, effectively sharing the life cycle of a house. 

Napier’s simple, sweet pose combine to take us on the house’s journey. The story starts with a new 1940s-era house and follows as the house grows and develops when a family moves in, when children are born, when they grow up and leave and when the couple grows old until just one of them remains and finally, the family’s ownership or stewardship of the house comes to an end. The house waits until a new family arrives and it starts the process again. There's a lot to think about here. The book shares as a house does both life's happy and life's sad moments.

What started as a story for Erin and Ben Napier’s daughters is now available for all of us to enjoy. According to People magazine, Napier said, "The house is a watcher, a keeper and a guardian of the families that live there.” It starts as a shell but the occupants make it become more human, taking on life along with those who take up home within the walls.

Napier says it seemed natural for her to write a story about a house for her children because she has worked with and learned the story of so many houses. On one page of the book, the family’s daughter is married at the hearth, a story directly taken from the history of the author’s own home. See what the author has to say about the book in this short video:

FAST FACTS:

Author - Erin Napier
Illustrator - Adam Trest
Format - Hardcover picture book
Pages - 40 
Publication Date - May 2022
Publisher - Little Brown
Size - 9 inches x 9 inches x 0.4 inches
ISBN Number - 9780316379601
Age Recommendation - Preschool to Grade 3

The book is illustrated by American artist Adam Trest. He illustrates this particular story with a lively blue house, a red-headed family and a spirited dog that everyone will love.

The Lantern House is a lovely story book for any child, sharing the story of both family and home. However, besides being appropriate for children, I think it would also make an unusual but interesting gift choice for any book-loving young couple taking up residence in a house and beginning the process of growing their own home and family or even for anyone who simply loves houses. Find The Lantern House here on Amazon.

See you
at the bookstore!
Brenda

MORE CHILDREN'S BOOKS:

A Treasury of the World's Greatest Fairy Tales

Jamberry by Bruce Degan

Dr. Seuss' Horse Museum Book Review

Have You Met My Friend, Flat Stanley?

Christmas Pop Up Books by Robert Sabuda

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Hard Word Search for Adults - 60 Various Word Find Topics

I'm happy to announce that I've completed my fourteenth activity book, Hard Word Search for Adults.

Some of you already know about this fun self-publishing adventure I've been traveling on since 2019. Yep, the trip continues.

I have a crazy goal of self-publishing 100 activity books, and I have to say, I might be 120 years old when I accomplish that milestone! Honestly, I'm not sure if I can do it! But I'll keep moving forward.

Why It Takes Me Longer To Complete a Book

To date, I've written 7 riddle books, 4 word search books, 1 poetry book, and 2 books on what to write on a card. I started writing activity books in 2019, and as I mentioned above, I plan to continue until I reach 100 books published .... if it can be done?

There are ways to create and publish word search books quicker than the several months it's taking me. However, I prefer to carefully research and choose the words for each puzzle, which takes more time. Also, I personally handle all aspects of the publishing process, not just the writing.

All of the word search books are theme-based, and the words you'll be looking for are related to each of the puzzle topics.

What Does "Hard Word Search for Adults" Include:

• There are 60 unique word search puzzles.
• Each puzzle is a challenging topic.
• You find not only single words but also multiple words.
• Multiple words are strung together (think Hashtag), offering an additional challenge.
• Each puzzle has a place where you can put your name and the time it took you to complete the puzzle. You can compete with yourself, or friends and family.
• The Book is the size of a standard piece of paper, 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
• The puzzles are easy to read.

Examples of Puzzle Topics:

• Lost in Space
• Math is Hard
• Positively Big Words
• Weird Animal Names
• Climb these Mountains

and 55 more.

The Answers Are Included

If you find yourself stuck, you can peek at the answers at the back of the Book.

The Book is the Size of a Standard Piece of Paper, Making it Easy to Read.

You can find the Book via StumpedRiddles.com or 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.”

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Rick Mercer Talking to Canadians Book Review

Rick Mercer's autobiographical book appeared under many a Christmas tree in 2021. I myself gifted it to a number of family members after watching a program on which the Ottawa International Writers Festival featured Canadian journalist Linden MacIntyre interviewing Mercer and reviewing Mercer's life so far as depicted between the covers of this book. 

For those who might not know, Rick Mercer is a Canadian celebrity. He is a comedian who had great success on television on shows that included This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Made in Canada, Talking to Americans and his biggest success and the program with which my family was most familiar, the Rick Mercer Report. When he eventually ended the Rick Mercer Report after 15 seasons, a question arose. What was Rick Mercer going to do now? 

The answer? He went back to stand up comedy, performing to packed shows wherever he went. That is, until the pandemic arrived. 

CELEBRITY REVIEWS

Mercer had to pivot again and this time his pivot found him writing this book, Rick Mercer Talking to Canadians: A Memoir. For once, Mercer was talking about his own life instead of about the lives of others.  It is an interesting tale, telling the story of his development from that of an unsuccessful student to that of a very successful comedian. 

On Twitter, Canadian author Margaret Atwood, said that the book is a "funny, pitfall-strewn, no-holds-barred memoir from the ranting TV uproarist, edge-walker, envelope-pusher and pot-stirrer who once talked me (Atwood) into impersonating a goalie!" On the Rick Mercer Report, Mercer talked many people into doing things out of their comfort zone.

Policy Magazine called the book "alternately funny, moving and always heartfelt." Touché!

Jann Arden, another Canadian comedian and songwriter, endorsed the book when she said "I laughed so much reading this, I kept waking up my dog in bed. Rick is a determined writer - he never stops pulling you into his stories and he never stops looking for the punchlines in everyday life. He made me realize how funny ordinary things are, how funny and how incredibly interesting. It's heartfelt and honest and generous and edgy - just like Mercer himself. Read it! It's fabulous!" I agree.

My only quibble with the book is that it isn't finished but then again, Mercer isn't finished. Who knows what the next book will have to share.

WHO SHOULD READ RICK MERCER'S MEMOIR? 

For one, anyone who is familiar with Mercer's television programs and comedic abilities will love this book. If you know his work, you will particularly enjoy learning about his background. If you enjoy true stories and autobiographies you will likely enjoy this book. If you have a Canadian connection in particular with Newfoundland and Labrador, you will enjoy it. It is an easy to read, funny book and I do find funny books hard to come by.  They say that writing humor is difficult. Obviously, Rick Mercer does not have that problem. Apparently, the audiobook is particularly enjoyable because Mercer himself reads it. With the audiobook, you will not only 'hear' his way of speaking in the words on the written page but you will literally hear them. Find your copy Rick Mercer's Talking to Canadians of the book on Amazon here. 

See you

at the book store!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

MORE READING:

Order your copy of Rick Mercer's book on Amazon.

Emma Donoghue's The Pull of the Stars book reviewed.

Canada Reads Book List 2021.

Canada's Murdoch Murders Reviewed.

Books I Read in 2020: A List.

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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Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers Book Review

Mary Roach's Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers is not for everyone. This book, a non-fiction look into the uses of human cadavers past, present and future, was different than my typical read and will likely be for yours, too. Our book club reviewed it and for some, the subject matter was simply too uncomfortable during a difficult time or even at any time. For others, like myself, it was an interesting endeavor.

The official book description says that the book touches on morality, ethics and spirituality and it does but it is really a look at the science of the uses of the cadaver. With chapter titles like A Head is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Crimes of Anatomy and Life After Death you will learn about surgery performed on the dead, body snatching, human dissection and human decay. You will learn about how the human body has been used to test France's guillotines, how it has been a guest on NASA space shuttles, how it has helped uncover causes of airplane crashes, how it has improved automobile safety and, of course, much more.

On the back of the book, Entertainment Weekly calls Stiff  "gross, educational and unexpectedly sidesplitting." I agree. Mostly. This book is at times unnerving, always teaching and told with a great deal of humor though the subject matter keeps it from being exactly what I would call "unexpectedly sidesplitting. I guess it delivers the science in a slightly dark but humorous way.

Morbid Monday calls it a "one-stop book for everything you ever wanted to know - or never wanted to know - about dead bodies." Touché!  There is a lot to think about here. I did find the book tough going at times but I also found it very interesting. I knew nothing about the actual scientific process that allows doctors to transfer organs from a dead body to that of an organ recipient. Do you? If not, you should read this book. The introduction is quite funny, the first chapter is tough but tough it out and see if you find the overall subject interesting if perhaps also "gross."

I recommend this book if you are looking for something outside of your usual fare, if you want to expand your reading subject matter and if you are willing to push you way through some unpleasantness though of course, you could skip any chapters that really disturb you. Each chapter stands alone.

Will you donate your body to science? Should you? Definitely something to think about and Stiff will definitely leave you thinking. Not everyone in my book club read it or cared for it but some like myself did find it quite interesting. If you think you might be one of them, you can find your copy of Stiff here on Amazon.

See you

at the bookstore! 

Brenda 

More Book Reviews:

Five award-winning movie tie-in Kindle books.

A list of award winning movie-themed books for your Kindle.

The Story of Walt Disney World, a book review.

Visit 1970s Walt Disney World via this book of information, pictures and illustrations from the park.

What Makes Olga Run

The story of retiree who went looking for something active to do. Eventually she found track and field and went on to became a 90-something year old super star.

Steve Berry's The Amber Room

Visit St. Petersburg, Russia, via this action-packed Steve Berry book.

Bringing Nature Home

How you can sustain wildlife with native plants.

The Boy Between

A mother and son's journey from a world gone gray.

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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The Christmas Word Search Book - A New Release

In the October 10th, 2021 article "What to Write in a Birthday Card," I mentioned a new expansion into another area of activity books - Yep, it's Word Search Books.

Since October 2019, my journey into the self-publishing world has been, shall we say, intense. I'm not going to pretend that self-publishing is easy; however, the more research you do and the more books you publish, the easier it gets.

Why Word Search Books?

I've been writing riddles and publishing them in books since 2019 and recently decided that it's time to expand out into another type of activity book. 

The reason for expanding my self-publishing horizons is to have enough topics to reach the initial goal of 100 books published. There's a long way to go! The Christmas Word Search book puts my current publishing total at 11 books.

Another reason for expanding into word search books is that I was looking for fun, activity-driven books. Given the world's never-ending problems, I want to continue contributing to the "light, love, and learning" side of life.

What's The Christmas Word Search Book About?

It's precisely what it states; word search puzzles about Christmas. It's been written with the entire family in mind and is good clean fun for adults and kids. I would say kids over eight years old could tackle some of these puzzles. 

• Features one puzzle per page
• Each puzzle covers a separate Christmas related topic
• The puzzles are large and easy to read
• Moderately easy for both kids and adults
• The answers are included at the back
• There are 60 puzzles in the book
• There are over 1800 words to find
• It's available on Amazon

Here's a look at the interior:

More on The Christmas Word Search Book here - Note that it's a gift under $5(us)

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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