Reviewing Bob Ross Color Changing Mug

 

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.”

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Book Review- Washed Up on Sea Oaks Beach

 

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.

Everything Bundt the Truth

Murder at Sea Oaks Beach

Booty in the Backseat

Stiletto to the Pedal

Friends Come to Call

Toes on the Dash

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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Drink Dr Pepper HOT

 

My Favorite Mug for My Favorite Drink

A Review of my Favorite Drink

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.

Hot Dr Pepper

Amazon has lots of Dr Pepper products for Sale

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

Dr Pepper Products

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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Book Review- At the Edge of the Orchard

 

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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Book Review of Everything Bundt the Truth

 If you enjoy cozy mysteries, good food and interesting people, this book is for you.  This book is the first of the series of dinner club murder mysteries.  In 2017 it won a first-place award in the suspense novel category.  In March, the author is having her dinner club mystery series re-released.

Book Summary

This book introduces us to Jane Marsh, a recent widow who really wants to recapture a full life.  One of her first ventures is to host and try to join an exclusive dinner club.

Before the first dinner club at her house, Jane discovers that her new housekeeper has been murdered in her laundry room. This leads us to discover that Jane has a suspicious mind and is very interested in trying to solve the murder.  Her past career as a paralegal at a Denver law firm gives her some experience in knowing how to follow the clues.  

In this sometimes humorous and fun cozy mystery we follow along as Jane works on all of the clues to determine the guilty party.  Will it be one of the housekeepers' ex-husbands, her drug addicted son, or perhaps it is one of the members of the dinner club?  Or could it be someone else entirely?  You will want to be sure to get this hard-to-put-down book to learn the answer.  You won't be disappointed.

Book on Amazon

You can find this book along with others by Karen C Whalen on Amazon at Everything Bundt the Truth

More Reviews of Cozy Mysteries by Karen Whalen

The author has also written two other mystery series, and I have written reviews on both of these series.  I know you will enjoy them.

• Booty in the Backseat- Book Review
• Book Review-Stiletto to the Pedal
• Book Review - Friends Come to Call
• Book Review - Toes on the Dash
• Reviewing Murder at Sea Oaks Beach

The second book in the Sea Oaks Beach series will be coming out in April so watch Review This for my 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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Book Review-10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure

 

In this latest book by Teri M Brown, she departs from her usual historical novels and gives us a very personal view into a major challenge in her life.  Can you imagine riding 3500 miles across the country on a tandem bike?  Well, that is exactly what Teri did and along the way she discovered some amazing things about herself.  Although this is about her personal adventure, it has so much to offer to each of us as we meet life's challenges and create adventures of our own.

Book Summary

The book gives us a look at the challenges and successes that the author had during her cross-country tandem cycle ride with her husband.  She accomplishes this through "10 Little Rules" that she feels helped her through the journey.  She leaves room at the end of each of the rules for the reader to reflect on how this rule could affect the readers life. 

I loved the book and found it very inspiring.  Here are just a few of the key points I took away from the book.

• Open Your Mind--don't always look for differences but rather look for common ground.
• Setbacks--in any challenge you will have setbacks, you need to persevere and realize life is not in a straight line.
• Enjoy the Downhills--sometimes we need to relax and enjoy the good times instead of always looking for the next challenge ahead.
• Focus on the Now-stay in the present and it is much easier to get through.
• Never Quit on a Bad Day--things will look up if you just give it time.
• Continue to Dream--Hope and Dreams make your challenges come true.

There are many more insightful thoughts in the book, but I will leave them for you to discover as you read the book.  You can purchase it on Amazon at10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure .

Author Interview

I always like getting to know a bit about the author. Teri graciously agreed to answer my questions in an interview format.  Here are my questions and her answers.

1.       First of all, would you tell our readers a bit about your background.

I didn’t begin writing fiction manuscripts until 2017, and my first book, Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, launched in January 2022. However, I was not completely new to writing. I started my own business in 2000 helping small companies with their online presence by writing website copy, newsletters, and even email campaigns.

Although I wanted to write fiction, I was too afraid. At the time, I was living in an emotionally abusive relationship, and I couldn’t handle more rejection. However, when I finally left that relationship in 2017, the words started flowing from me and haven’t stopped.

Since the first book, I’ve also written An Enemy Like Me (Jan 2023) and Daughters of Green Mountain Gap (Jan 2024). As of February 14^th, 2025, my fourth book, 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure, launched.

 

2.       I found this book to be very inspiring.  What motivated you to share this adventure with your readers.

My husband and I chose to ride across the United States on a tandem bicycle to raise money for Toys for Tots. But that was not my only reason. After getting out of that bad relationship, I didn’t feel like I had any worth, value, or anything to contribute. I decided I wanted some kind of adventure that would prove to the world that I wasn’t done living. It turns out that I was the one who needed that lesson!

As we rode mile after mile for 3102 miles, I began to heal. I also began to see life lessons in the journey we were on. Because I love to mentor others, especially women and teens struggling to find their worth, I felt my experiences could be helpful to others – and 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure was born.

3.       I have noted that this is your fourth book and the first three were written after the Double-Butted Adventure featured in this book.  In what way did your adventure inspire you to write the books?

I’m so glad you asked this question because the answer is “in all ways!” Let me explain.

As we were finishing up the last half-mile of our journey, my husband pointed up a hill to a flag. He told me it was the flag to the Marine Corps Memorial where we would end our ride. I started to cry. Then laugh. Then cry again.

At that moment, I realized something staggering. I, Teri M Brown, non-athlete, had successfully ridden across the United States on a tandem bicycle. I could do anything I put my mind to. It wasn’t a matter of “if I could do something.” Instead, it was a matter of “what did I want to do?” I knew the answer. I wanted to be an author.

As soon as we got home, I got to work. Fourteen months later, I held my first novel in my hand.

4.       What is the main thing you would like your readers to remember from this book?

You don’t have to be something special or extraordinary to do something big and bold and adventurous. Everything you need to succeed is already inside. All you have to do is want it and then start working toward the goal.

5.       Do you have any plans in the works or future books?

I’m currently finishing up a children’s book called Little Lola and Her Big Dream with illustrations by Lorri D Perini. I hope to have this out by early summer. I’m also working on a humorous contemporary novel about a woman going through menopause. Finally, I have an idea for another historical fiction, though it seems to have a mystery or suspense flair to it!

 

6.       Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions for our Review This readers.  Is there anything else you would like them to know about your books?

Although I cross genres – historical fiction, short stories, flash fiction, children’s books, creative non-fiction, and contemporary humor – all my books have one thing in common and that’s strong characters. I tell everyone I love to introduce readers to characters they’d love to invite to lunch.

If you enjoy character-driven fiction, I’d love to connect. Head on over to my website at www.terimbrown.com. There, you can connect with me on social media, join my twice-monthly newsletter, listen to my podcast Online for Authors and pick the next book on your TBR, purchase signed copies of my books, and/or reach out on my contact page.

 

Reviews of Other Books by Teri M Brown

Here are reviews of other books by this author on Review This.

Daughters of Green Mountain Gap

An Enemy Like Me

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow

 

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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Reviewing Solar Garden Lantern

 For Christmas this year, I received a beautiful solar garden light from a special friend.  This lamp is decorated with hummingbirds and flowers and at night will light up your garden with a lovely pattern.

Features of the Solar Lantern

In the photo below you can see the lamp in the dark after it has been charged by the sun for 6 hours.

Isn't it beautiful?  I charged it outdoors today, but since it is winter time I brought it inside to take the photo on my dining room table.

Here are some of the features of this beautiful solar lantern.

• Lantern can be used by hanging up or sitting on a table or stand
• It features auto on and off.
• It is solar powered and will automatically light up at night.
• When charged in sunlight for 8-10 hours it will then work at night for 8-10 hours.
• It is waterproof and is suitable for all outdoor environments.
• It comes in four designs:  the hummingbird (shown in photos), butterflies, mushrooms, or frogs.

You too can own one of these beautiful lamps.  Just go to Amazon at the following link. Solar Garden Decor

About my Special Friend

I'd like to share with you a little about my special friend.  Her name is Anna and over 60 years ago, when I was in girl scouts, I was working toward my pen pal badge. I was matched up with several pen pals from various countries and most I wrote to for a few months or maybe even a year and then the letters stopped.  One of my pen pals was Anna who lived in the London area in England.  I live in the midwestern United States.  Anna and I seemed to really connect with each other, and we now have been pen pals for 63 years.  Our lives took similar routes, we each married and had two children and we both have granddaughters.

We wrote letters to each other in snail mail for years and when we were each in our 40's we finally met each other in person.  Anna and her family traveled to the US to visit us. Since then, we have visited several times and now with technology we message each other regularly.  Our husbands have also become friends and will sometimes email each other.  We have vacationed together in Cyprus and Memphis Tennessee.  My husband and I have also visited Anna and Peter at their home in England near the border of Wales.  We attended their son's wedding and have met up with them when we were on cruises, and they would travel to one of our stops (Plymouth in England and Bruges in Belgium.)  We have developed a wonderful friendship over the years.  

Now that we are older my husband and I no longer are able to travel but we enjoy the wonderful memories.  We still message each other regularly sharing news of our children and granddaughters.

We also exchange Christmas gifts each year as we have for the last 60+ years.  This year we received the beautiful Solar Garden Lantern from Anna and Peter.

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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Reviewing Food Warming Tray

 

Food Warming Tray

For Christmas this year, I received a new food warming tray.  This warmer is so very practical.  It is easy to use, easy to clean, and takes up very little storage space.  As you can see the tray fits nearly flat on the counter so it takes up very little extra space.  

Easy to Use

The warming dish features rapid warming at temperatures anywhere from 122 degrees F to 212 degrees F.  The temperatures are in 6 different stages.  There is also a timing device that allows you to set an hourly timer anywhere from 1-6 hours.

To use the tray, you place it on the counter, put the plug into the side of the tray and into an outlet.  You then hit the power key on the tray and adjust the temperature and the timer to your desired settings.   

The tray is big enough to put multiple dishes on it at once, so you can keep all of your hot dishes hot.

Easy to Store

One of the great features of this tray is how easy it is to store.  Because it is silicone you can easily roll it up and attach the band that comes with it to hold it in place.  You then just slip it into the bag that comes with the tray and pull the bag shut.  It can stand or lay in very little space in a corner of your cabinet or pantry.

Easy to Clean

The tray is very easy to clean.  You just take a soft wet cloth and wipe the surface of the product and store it once it is dry.  If there is oil on the product then you would wipe it with a mild detergent and a soft cloth until there is no residue let.  You should never rinse the product or immerse it in water.

Order from Amazon

The warming tray can be ordered on Amazon at the following link. Food Warming Tray    On Amazon you will find many similar products so you can pick one with the features that work best for you.

In this photo I am keeping a dish of cranberry chutney warm to go with the meal.  At Christmas we had three different dishes on the tray at once.  Keeping the food warm and safe for our buffet.

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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Reviewing Short Stories for the Holidays

 

Holiday Decorations by mbgphoto

I love to read but, in the hustle, and bustle of all of the holiday preparations sometimes I just don't feel like getting into a full-size novel.  This year instead, I read three short stories with holiday themes.  This really worked well for me, and I enjoyed the short stories which were light reading.  All of these books were ones that I downloaded to my Kindle from Amazon and because I am a Prime member they were all free to read from Prime Reading.  They are also available to purchase in either paperback books, audio books, or digital books.

Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel

This book was written by Rebecca Raisin and can be ordered from Amazon at Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel .  What can be better than a delightful story taking place in Paris during the holidays?  In this story Anais receives an unwelcome surprise in her divorce settlement.  It is a run-down hotel in Paris.  She needs the money desperately but what is she to do with this run-down hotel.  

She would really like to sell it and move on with her life, but this does not prove to be a viable option.  Her next thought is to turn it into a beautiful place and open by Christmas.  But is this even possible?  This is a must-read story full of romantic comedy and mystery!  Something for everyone.

Paris at Christmas (AI generated)

The Christmas Book Hunt

This book was written by Jenny Colgan and can be found at this link The Christmas Book Hunt.  The setting for this story is London and small towns in the UK.  

The main character, Mirren is on a hunt to find a rare book for her Aunt Viola, who is dying.  Viola remembers this book from her youth and her dying wish is to once again see this book before she dies.  The book is rare and hard to find because the author Robert Louis Stevenson had teamed up with a famous author who did illustrations for the one book.

Mirren is determined to find this book for her aunt and her search takes her to several small towns that have lots of rare book shops.  Along the way she runs into a handsome stranger who, unknown to Mirren is searching for the same book for his uncle's rare book shop.  All of this is taking place in the days leading up the Christmas.

Holiday Hideaway

Mary Kay Andrews, the author of over 30 award winning novels, wrote this delightful short story.  You can find it at the following link.  Holiday Hideaway  

In this enchanting story, Tilly is not very happy about the upcoming holidays.  She is recently divorced and down on her luck, so she is staying in one of her companies unoccupied rentals until her new apartment is ready.  All is going along until the owner, George,  shows up to sell his granduncles house.  He is staying in the house so Tilly hides out in the attic.  Fun ensues as Tilly tries to avoid running into George.

This story is taking place just before Christmas and you will need to read it to find out what Christmas magic happens.

Happy Reading and Happy New Year

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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Happy Thanksgiving from Review This

 

Today is a day of Thanksgiving in the USA and I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving on behalf of the entire staff of Review This.

I have many things that I am thankful for, but on this post I'd like to share my thanks for my hobby of photography by sharing with you several of the photos that I have taken this fall.  I always see Thanksgiving as the end of the colorful fall colors and the start of the winter holidays.  

Fall  Photography

In the photo at the beginning of this post, I have shared a photo that I took down on Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri.  They always decorate for each holiday and fall is no exception.  I loved this box of fall flowers set against the wood railing.   Another place I visited to take some fall photos was our Missouri Extension gardens.  Fall is really the end of the blooming season, but there are still some great flowers to photograph.  The photo below shows some bright purple flowers peeking out of an old wooden fence.

I love the beautiful shades of colors of the leaves in the fall.  Here are a few of my favorites from this year.

One of the views I particularly enjoy all year round is the view from the sliding doors in our kitchen.  It looks out past our deck to the trees in a subdivision below us.  It is interesting to see how this view changes with each season.  In the photo below it is a early fall morning and the trees are just beginning to change colors.  The sky is full of color in the early morning light.

As I look at nature and my photographs, I thank God for this beautiful creation He has giving to us.

May you and your family be blessed with a thankful heart!

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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Booty in the Backseat- Book Review

 

I really enjoy Cozy Mysteries and Karen Whalen writes some that are a lot of fun.  The latest in her "Tow Truck Mystery" series is Booty in the Backseat.  Karen has another winner in this book with the delightful Delaney and her friends.

Book Summary

Booty in the Backseat is the 6th in Karen Whalen's "Tow Truck Mystery" Series. It again features Delaney the "high-heeled tow truck driver" and her cast of fun-loving friends.

As in the other books, Delaney stumbles across something during her working hours and ends up getting involved in trying to solve the mystery.  In this book, while towing a car away from a no parking zone, Delaney comes across a bag of money in the back seat of the car.  In addition, when looking in the bag she finds a severed hand.  Where did the hand come from?  Why is there a large amount of money left in the car?  Was someone murdered?  These are just some of the questions Delaney feels obligated to answer. After all it was a car she was towing that contained the evidence.

In her quest to find answers she finds herself meeting with gang members, spying on possible suspects and not being entirely upfront with her "boyfriend" the sheriff.  

I know you will enjoy this cozy mystery.  It is available on Amazon at the following link.  Booty in the Backseat

Author Interview

Karen Whalen very graciously agreed to do an author's interview with me.  Here are my questions and her answers.

1.     Tell us a bit about your background.

I worked as a paralegal for 30 years, but always had a love of writing. I wrote for paralegal magazines for a long time, including a regular column for The National Paralegal Reporter magazine.

 

2.     What made you decide to write novels and why did you choose the mystery genre?

Writing a novel has been one of my goals for as long as I can remember. I love to read cozy mysteries. Joanne Fluke and M.C. Beaton are two of my favorites. An idea came to me to center a mystery around a dinner club, so I got up at five each morning and wrote for two hours before leaving for work. I wrote on weekends. Evenings have never been a high-energy time for me, so I didn’t write at night. I wrote Everything Bundt the Truth in about six months. That was my first published novel and it came out in 2016.

 

3.     I love the way you make your characters come to life and Delaney in particular is delightful.  What is your secret?

I’m glad you like Delaney. I like her, too. The law firm where I worked represented tow truck companies. These car haulers are an under-appreciated, crazy breed, with interesting stories to tell and characters bigger than life. People I will never forget. That all of the tow truck drivers I met were men made me wonder…women in the industry would need to be tough to compete in a man’s world. But what if a woman owned her own towing business? What if the woman was young and inexperienced? What if she wore high heels to set herself apart from the all-male car haulers in town?  Oooh, sounds fun, amiright? Delaney is a female version of those characters, but she comes up with her own stories.

 

4.     Do you know the outcome of your book when you start writing or do you create the story as you go?

A little bit of both. I do love plotting, and I come up with thirty scenes as recommended by the books on the craft. But in between those scenes, I let the pantser in me take over—that means writing by the seat of your pants.

 

5.     What would you like your readers to come away with from Booty in the Backseat?

The tow truck business dropped into Delaney’s lap (and dead bodies have a way of turning up, too) and she encounters many oppositions, from learning the business to customers who prefer a male tow truck driver. But she makes a proactive decision to master the process, overcome the prejudice, and become the best high-heeled tow truck driver around. The tow truck business may have been a twist of fate, but she’s in charge of her own path now.

More Reviews of Karen Whalen Books

Here are some other reviews I have done of Karen Whalen books.  The first three are the tow truck series and the fourth is a separate book by the author.

• Book Review - Toes on the Dash
• Book Review - Friends Come to Call
• Book Review-Stiletto to the Pedal
• Reviewing Murder at Sea Oaks Beach

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Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah

 

A Book Review

If you are looking for a delightful, feel-good book to read around the holiday season, I would like to suggest Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah.  Kristin Hannah is the award-winning author of more than 20 books, and I feel that you can never go wrong in picking one of her books to read.  Comfort and Joy was the hostesses pick for our October book club and everyone in our club loved the book.

 

Book Summary

Joy Candellaro has had a very rough year with a divorce and finding out her sister is marrying her ex-husband.  Christmas has always been her favorite time of year but this year she is feeling rather alone and not in the mood to celebrate.  She decides to take off by herself and boards a plane to head into the beautiful Pacific Northwest in Washington state.  A plane crash waylays her plans, and she finds herself walking alone into a small town and then out of town into the beautiful Olympic rainforest. 

 Her walk ends near a hunting lodge where she meets two people who will change her life. First, she meets young Bobby O'Shea who is getting ready to celebrate his first Christmas without his mom.  Bobby's dad, Daniel is very protective of his young son and is slow to warm up to Joy, but eventually they become close.  As Christmas is approaching Bobby and Joy surprise his dad with a tree and plans for the holidays.  They are all looking forward to a magical Christmas till Christmas Eve comes and Joy's world is ripped apart.  

This is a book you must read to find out if the magic of Christmas will reunite this delightful cast of characters.

Amazon Link to Book

Here is the link to where you can purchase the book on Amazon.

Comfort and Joy

Review This writers review Kristin Hannah books

Several of the writers for Review This Reviews have picked Kristin Hannah books.  Here are a few of the reviews:

These books were reviewed by Dawn Rae.

Book Review - The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah (reviewthisreviews.com)

Summer Island by Kristin Hannah - Book Review (reviewthisreviews.com)

Treasures by Brenda has reviewed these Kristin Hannah books.

Kristin Hannah’s Home Front Book Review (reviewthisreviews.com)

Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale Book Review (reviewthisreviews.com)

Renaissance Woman also reviewed a book by Kristin Hannah

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah - Book Review (reviewthisreviews.com)

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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Skeletons for Halloween - Reviewed

 

Skeleton Photo by mbgphoto

I remember when the most common Halloween decorations were Jack-o-Lanterns.  If you can go by my neighborhood that is no longer the case.  As I drive around my area the most common decoration, by far, is skeletons.  There are skeletons on mailboxes, on shutters, sitting on benches, hanging from trees and standing out in the middle of the yards.  In the photo above you see a skeleton that is larger than the house with a skeleton dog sitting next to it.

I did a little searching on Google about what are the most popular decorations right now and they listed skeletons, pumpkins, spiders, witches and bats.  Google search data claimed that skeletons are the most popular overall. So it looks like my neighborhood is right in the swing of things!!

In this post I will give you a bit of information on the history of the Halloween decoration and share with you the photos I took of many of the skeletons in my neighborhood.

Photo by mbgphoto

I love these two skeletons relaxing on chairs in a front yard.

History of Skeletons for Halloween

Did you ever wonder why there are skeletons on Halloween?  The festival that we now call Halloween started out as a Celtic harvest festival called Samhain.  It was celebrated on October 31st at the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the long, cold, dark days of winter.  The festival symbolized one of death and was celebrated with bon fires--called "bone fires" and symbols of the dead such as ghosts and skeletons.  This is also where our graveyards and haunted houses came to celebrate the Halloween holiday.

There is a house a street over from us that as a multitude of skeletons including the ones climbing on their shutters, as seen above, and one on their mailbox as seen in the photo below.

More Reviews on Halloween Decorations

In 2015 I wrote a lens on Halloween decor in my neighborhood.  Here is a link to that review. 

Halloween Outdoor Decorations (reviewthisreviews.com)

Here is a review Olivia did last year. Decorating for Halloween Can Be So Easy! A Product Review (reviewthisreviews.com)

In this post Wednesday Elf reviews handmade Halloween decor. A Review of Handmade Halloween Home Decor (reviewthisreviews.com)

Sylvestermouse reviews some fun Halloween decor in this post. Fun Halloween Home Decor (reviewthisreviews.com)

Amazon Links for Skeleton Decorations

If you are looking for some skeleton decorations, Amazon has a wide variety.

Amazon Skeletons

Happy Halloween!!!

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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Stare Down - Book Review

 

St. Louis Gateway Arch
Photographed by Mary Beth Granger

While walking around at a craft and vendor fair at our church, I came across a booth with a local author.  The first thing that caught my eye was a book with a photo of the Arch in St. Louis.  I always enjoy reading books that have locations I am familiar with and having grown up in the area, I have always been fascinated with the Arch.  As I stopped and talked to the author, Ellen Parker, I found that she wrote romance books that are mixed with mysteries or historical fiction.  All of these are topics I enjoy reading.  When I got home, I downloaded one of her books that depicted the Arch on the cover and started reading.  

The book I read was Stare Down and I enjoyed it so much that I emailed the author and asked if she would do an author interview with me.  She graciously accepted and you will find her interview in this post.

If you would like to read Stare Down or any of her books, they are available on Amazon.  Here is a link to Stare Down.  https://amzn.to/3XVZs2f

Book Summary

If you enjoy an intriguing romance with a murder mystery thrown in, then this is a book you will enjoy.  Author Ellen Parker does a great job of combining a budding romance and a murder all in one book with a setting in St. Louis.

Detective Maylee Morgan and surgeon Dave Holmes first meet on the running trails in a park in St. Louis and are instantly attracted to each other.  They know little about each other after their first meeting but are interesting in finding out more.  They soon find out that they are neighbors in an apartment where Dave has recently moved.  All is progressing along when Dave's boss is found dead and Dave does not have an alibi.  When Maylee shows up to question suspects Dave finds out that she is a detective and memories of the past haunt him as he now sees her as a lady with a gun.

Will Maylee and Dave get together, will the murder be solved?  This is one you must read to find the answers.

Author Interview

1) Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I was raised on a small Wisconsin dairy farm in a household filled with books and magazines.

My parents and older brothers all enjoyed reading and it was natural that I developed the habit early. My education and first career placed me in hospital laboratories.

2) What made you choose writing as a second career?

I’ve enjoyed reading a variety of materials and when my children were little, I made up stories for them. When computers, with spellcheck, came along, I decided to try my hand at writing

romance and discovered I liked creating the stories.

3) How did you choose which genre to write about?

I like the happy, positive ending to a romance story. My mother and I traded books back and

forth in later years, and I like the idea of being able to share between the generations. But I also like a little mystery or suspense, so my first books fall under the large grouping of romantic suspense. Or, as I sometimes tell people – romance with a touch of suspense.

4) I am intrigued by the title of this book. What made you decide on Stare Down?

Growing up, did you get into staring contests with siblings or friends? I decided the quirk would be a good device for a detective – useful with a sibling, a date, or a criminal suspect.

5) When you write, do you have the storyline and outcome decided before you start writing, or does it come to you as you are writing?

I need to know the ending of story before I begin writing. Usually, I know several incidents which are going to happen. But characters often show a mind of their own and surprise me along

the way.

6) You really make your characters come alive in your books. What is your secret?

Thank you for the compliment. I try to put a little bit of a problem in every character’s background. And even the villain needs to have one good facet to his life.

7) What do you want the reader to take away from this book?

I would like the reader to feel hopeful and satisfied that this couple, Dave and Maylee, are going

to be sharing a good life together. I think the ‘lesson’ would be that with time and effort a person can overcome large obstacles – Dave’s great trauma early in his life will make adjustments by both Dave and Maylee necessary.

I hope you have enjoyed this review and interview and will add Ellen Parker to your list of authors to read.  I know I am looking forward to reading more of 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.”

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