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Friday, May 9, 2025

Review of A Reckless Courtship: A Chronicle of Misadventures by Martha Keyes

I must admit, I was rather sad when I finished reading the third book in the series, "A Chronicle of Misadventures". I thoroughly enjoyed all of the misadventures of the brothers. I felt a bit lost and wondered what could I possibly read next that would even come close to this series. Suffice it to say, even though I am always reading a book, they are not all as captivating as this series.

We met the Yorke brothers in the first book, "Reputation at Risk". An underlying concern for the family in all of the books, is Silas Yorke's situation. He has been accused of murder and subsequently left England to hide out in France. His time in France was quite difficult. He had to find a way to survive in a foreign country without any friends or family, plus he suffered illness. Unfortunately, most of his family believed he must be guilty since an esteemed member of Parliament claims to have witnessed the murder. It takes time for the family to conclude that Silas was falsely accused.

We follow Silas's plight through each book. We can almost feel his desperation to prove his innocence and return to his normal life, home and family. When he sneaks back to England in the second book and hides in his brother, William's guest house, we come to adore this impetuous and somewhat mischievous character.

Book 3 is all about Silas and his misadventures incognito in London.

Synopsis of A Reckless Courtship

A Reckless Courtship: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 3)Check PriceSilas Yorke is determined to find someone who will help him prove his innocence. His accuser, Lord Drayton, would rather see him hanged or stay excelled in France, than to see him free.

Silas has been told that Sir Walter Bence has fallen out with Lord Drayton over a failed joint business venture. Silas assumed a false name and returned to London with his youngest brother, Frederick, who plans to introduce him to Bence in the hopes that they can join together against Drayton.

As luck would have it, there is a masquerade in Vauxhall Gardens. The brothers believe Silas can go into the crowd and not be recognized by anyone, especially since he will be wearing a domino (a long hooded cloak with a mask). It would be the perfect opportunity for Frederick to innocently chance upon Sir Bence and introduce him to Silas. Plus, they have two friends that will also be attending the party, so Silas should be able to blend in without a problem. One of the friends is even meeting his aunt, cousin and her friend there. The group should give Silas plenty of cover.

When the group gets separated momentarily, Silas is late for the introductions to the women, but that matters not. He is there for only one reason. However, when one of the young women gets her costume caught in a bush and inadvertently left behind, Silas steps forward to help her. She is rightfully leery of any stranger and insists she can manage for herself. She does manage to get untangled and Silas simply says, "when I see Fairchild, I shall inform him his cousin is safe" which informs her that she really would have been safe to accept his aid, but he has already disappeared. Now, Arabella realizes she must find her group which had moved on ahead. When she is approached by two inebriated men, she is quite frightened and runs, headlong into Silas's arms. She smacks his arm and states "what sort of gentleman leaves his wife in a maze such as this?" Silas willingly plays along, the men apologize and take off in the opposite direction.

________________

And, that is how A Reckless Courtship begins, but their odd meeting is not the only thing reckless about Silas continuing to pursue Arabella!

Reputation at Risk: a Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 1)Check Price Secrets of a Duke: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 2)Check Price A Reckless Courtship: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 3)Check Price

Review of A Reckless Courtship: A Chronicle of Misadventures, Book 3 by Martha Keyes by:

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Thursday, May 8, 2025

Book Review- Peaches and Peril

Peaches and Peril by Karen C Whalen

I just finished another delightful book by Karen Whalen. This one is part of her Dinner Club series of mysteries. It features Jane Marsh and a cast of interesting characters. This book had me guessing who the murderer was till almost the end of the book. It was a great page-turner.

Book Synopsis

This book begins when Jane Marsh and some of her fellow dinner club members went for a weekend to enjoy the Peach Festival in a small Colorado town and look to finalize preparations for Jane's upcoming wedding. In the beginning we find the characters at a Murder Mystery game at the B&B where they are staying. Each of the attendees is in costume for their character in the "Murder Mystery Game" and they all have notes about their characters. Jane messes up early on by mistakenly revealing that she is the killer. This pretty much brings the mystery to a halt and the participants end up calling it an early evening. Now the real mystery will begin when Jane comes across a dead body in the B&B.

The police are called and everyone that has attended or worked at the B&B, including the members of the Diner Club, become suspects. The book continues with Jane trying to figure out the killer. There is much at stake including the reputation of the B&B and the small town election for mayor. This is a small town where everyone knows everyone, and everyone seems to have an opinion.

If you are looking for a cozy mystery with lots of characters and possible suspects this is the book for you. I didn't guess the killer till almost the end and it was fun to follow Jane's logic on who might be the culprit.

Here is a link to the book on Amazon.

Peaches and Peril

More Book Reviews by Karen Whalen

Karen has written three different series of cozy mysteries. The are: A Tow Truck Murder Mystery, A Dinner Club Murder Mystery and A Sea Oaks Beach Murder Mystery. I have written reviews on several of the books. Here are links to my reviews.

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Wednesday, May 7, 2025

This Back Massager With Heat Makes a Fantastic Gift

The self-heating mug I reviewed recently isn’t the only thoughtful gift my husband got me for my birthday last month. He also gave me a wonderful shiatsu-style electric back massager with heat to help with my chronic stiff neck and back pain. It really helps work out the knots in minutes!

I haven't stopped using this heated back massager since I received it, so I am anxious to share my product review with others who might benefit from it or who might want to give one as a gift.

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat is a versatile, affordable aid designed to deliver relief from muscle tension, pain, and stress. Combining deep-tissue shiatsu-like kneading with soothing heat and customizable settings, this massager offers a convenient solution for anyone seeking relaxation at home, at work, or on the go. I love that it can be used to massage not only my upper and lower back (depending on which way I orient it) but also my neck, where I also carry a lot of tension, by lying down on it.

I use my back massager with heat in bed, at my desk, in my living room, and in the car. I can lay against it or on top of it, depending on the position that best suits my needs.

Key Features & Specifications

Dual Heating Zones and Heat Levels: This device features two built-in heating zones for warmth on both the back and the neck (the two places I carry my stress). It also offers two adjustable heat levels, low (104°F) and high (113°F), to help loosen tight muscles and improve blood circulation.
Heat Can Be Turned Off: While I love the heat for soothing sore muscles and knots, it's nice that it can be turned off during warmer weather.
3D Shiatsu Massage Nodes: Four rotating, bi-directional massage nodes mimic the sensation of a real massage therapist’s hands, delivering a deep-kneading experience that targets tight or sore areas.

Helpful tip: The nodes are quite firm, and if my muscles are really tight and sore, I sometimes put a sheet of 1/2-inch open cell upholstery foam (I bought mine at a fabric store) in between my back or neck and the massager.
Adjustable Intensity: With three levels of intensity (low, medium, and high), you can tailor the massage to match your individual comfort and pain relief needs.
Ergonomic Design: Larger than most standard massage pillows, this massager measures approximately 15" x 13", providing better coverage and a more ergonomic fit for the back, neck, shoulders, and even thighs.
Remote Control Operation: A simple wired remote lets you switch the heat and massage settings easily just by pressing each button repeatedly to rotate through the settings without having to reposition the massager.
Safety Features: It includes a 15-minute auto shut-off timer.
Portable and Travel-Friendly: Comes with both an AC wall adapter and a car adapter, making it ideal for use while commuting or traveling.

Boriwat back massager with heat remote control

The remote control is simple and intuitive

Pros

Effective Pain Relief: I have found that this heated massager provides significant relief from chronic back and neck pain thanks to the combination of strong kneading pressure and heat therapy.
Multi-Purpose: Its shape and flexibility make it suitable not just for the back, but also for the neck, shoulders, thighs, and calves.
Easy to Use: The intuitive controls and included adapters make it easy to use and incorporate into a daily routine, if desired.
Affordable: Compared to other massage devices with similar features, the Boriwat massager is competitively priced. At the time of this review's publication, it was on a terrific limited-time deal that brought the price down from $89.99 to just $39.99 — a 56% savings! A fantastic time to buy one.

Cons

Potential Longevity Issues: As with many electronic devices, there are occasional reports of the unit wearing out or malfunctioning after several months of frequent use. I have not owned mine long enough yet to comment on its longevity, but the many 5-star reviews suggest that this is not a common issue.

Makes a Great Gift

Boriwat Back Massager with Heat, Neck Massager for Pain Relief Deep Tissue, 3D Kneading Massage Pillow for Back, Neck, Shoulder, Legs, Gifts for Women Men Mom Dad

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat can be a worthwhile addition to your wellness routine, whether you're dealing with tension after a long day or managing chronic discomfort. It's an excellent value for the price and provides effective relief for sore, tight muscles. It is easy to use, and can be taken almost anywhere, thanks to its included car travel adapter that fits into your car's cigarette lighter socket. It would make a much appreciated gift for anyone looking to relax and relieve pain from the comfort of their home or while traveling. If you can grab one for just $39.99 during the limited-time deal, you'll be getting a terrific bargain!

This Back Massager With Heat Makes a Fantastic Gift by Margaret Schindel

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Reviewing Comvita Propolis Extract

Comvita Propolis Extract

I'm been using Comvita Propolis Extract for over 30 years now, let me tell you how and why I use it.

I first came across Comvita propolis products when I was living in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand (Comvita's home was about 45 minutes away from my home). I managed one of the largest health stores in New Zealand for approximately 10 years and as well as Comvita being a great brand (they now are a certified B Corporation which is hardly surprising as they have worked in harmony with nature since they began in the mid 1970s) they were also local so, of course we supported them.

Their most popular products back then were their propolis lozenges, which we had in bulk bins and had problems keeping stocked up especially in winter, and their mauka honey which is what they received international recognition for. My favourite product, however, was their propolis extract.

Propolis is what the bees use to protect the hive and keep it healthy as it helps to resist bacteria and I remember being in a training seminar and having someone tell us how amazing it was for sore throats.

What I was told to do was to put 2-3 drops of propolis extract into a little warm water, swirl it around and then gargle and swallow. The use of the warm water and the gargling were to help with the sore throat and the swallowing helped to make sure it didn't develop into anything worse.

I brought some and tried it out and it worked! I continued to use it up until a couple of years ago when I ran out and for some reason I didn't get anymore (pre-Covid I had stocked up when I went to New Zealand, but I hadn't been back since 2019). I decided to look online last month with a view to buying some online and found a local pharmacy stocked it so now I'm just waiting for a sore throat!

Why Does Propolis Work on Sore Throats?

Although propolis can be used for a lot more than just sore throats, this is the traditional use for it. It works because:

Propolis is antibacterial and antiviral so will help to fight infections (a very good reason for swallowing!).
Propolis is anti-inflammatory - it reduces swelling and this is also why it was recommended to use warm (NOT hot water) as it was supposed to also help with the inflammation.
Propolis has a slight anesthetic property which is probably why it's recommended to gargle with it in order to numb the irritation slightly.

You can use it twice a day for sore throats, but I've never used it more than once a day - I actually have never needed to as it's always worked the first time.

What Else Can Propolis Do?

When I brought my recent bottle of propolis extract here in Australia, the packaging was slightly different and there was no mention of sore throats instead it only mentioned mouth ulcers, general well being and topical use. This sent me to look at what it's recommended for elsewhere around the globe.

Note: Personally I have only taken this for sore throats and I believe it has kept some colds and flus away as well.

Oral Health - apparently it's very good at fighting the bacteria that causes plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. As I mentioned in Australia it's recommended for mouth ulcers. For these things it's recommended to use as a mouth wash.

Immune Support - As it also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that stimulate the immune system it's believed to reduce the duration and severity of colds and flue. Some people also use it preventatively, especially during seasonal changes. In this case it is recommended to use 1/2 tsp in 30 ml warm water once a day.

Wound Healing - topically it is supposed to promote skin regeneration and reduce the risk of infection and is recommended on minor cuts, burns and cold sores. In this case they recommend apply 1/2 tsp to the dressing and cover the wound.

I have also seen that there has been some early research to suggest it may protect the gut lining and help with digestive health. There is also some talk about it helping to reduce oxidative stress and mentions it being very useful for people with inflammatory conditions.

A Consideration

If you are allergic to bees, pollen or honey then propolis could cause an allergic reaction. I personally would not recommend trying it in this instance as there are other products you could try which wouldn't put you at risk of a reaction.

Have you heard of propolis extract? Is it something you'd think of keeping on hand? Once I open a bottle of the extract I actually keep mind in the box (so that it's dark) and in the fridge (as it should be stored below 30 C which isn't always possible in my house!). It lasts for a few years and in my opinion is a great investment.

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Monday, May 5, 2025

Reviewing an Attractive Option for Small Space, Indoor Plant Grow Lights

I have added another tool to my indoor plant garden that has been very helpful. I have a small home and limited space for the amount of plants and seed-starting that I would love to grow. I need a few tools that work very well rather than large or mediocre systems. My newest addition, a gooseneck, table lamp style grow light is good-looking, adjustable to fit in a variety of spaces, and my pepper starts are growing great with it.

In 2023, I wrote a review about LED light bulbs that were very helpful for starting and growing plants in my window garden. They are effective. I use an open shelf for the plants and hang the bulbs from the top racks. I can choose the strength and color of the bulbs to suit the plants and I can adjust the height by loosening or tightening the cords. Imagine a pendant light that hangs from the ceiling and you can choose the height above your work space. These bulbs and cords are very effective but not very pretty to look at.

I have added another light to aid my plants inside. It is the gooseneck, table lamp style. I like that I can set it on a flat surface then move the four light arms, in any direction, to light a specific plant. I ordered the four light, SYEIORAOM brand light. They also have a 6-light version. And there many different brands to choose from; including versions that have a shelf clamp rather than a table lamp base.

The site advertises the SYEIORAOM adjustable gooseneck LED light as:

LED grow light with full spectrum, Red White light
72 LED light beads
Telescopic pole; adjusts height
flexible goose neck that can bend and adjust 360 degrees
59" long power cord with a convenient on/off toggle switch
attractive modern style

This table-top lamp is more attractive than my hanging bulbs. It would be attractive on someone's desk at work, in a dorm room, or on a countertop herb garden. I have used this for 3 solid months and I have a planter of pepper plants are that healthy, and happy soaking up the light.

Previous Reviews:

Single Bulb LED Lights: I wrote about the hanging grow bulbs. I continue to use them due to their effectiveness. You can see that review here.

Text and Photo of Miracle LED grow lights

Miracle LED Grow Lite Bulbs

Hydroponics for Small Spaces: I also wrote about my recent first experience with a small hydroponics system. I am sorry that I waited so long to try this growing system in my small space. I had fresh salad greens during cold months and now I'm using it to start seeds that will be transplanted outside. You can read my reviews of that hydroponics system here: