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Friday, August 15, 2025

The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker Reviewed

I recently watched and reviewed Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker without realizing I had started watching the series out of order. I will note that it didn't detract from my enjoyment of "A Case for the Yarn Maker" since I didn't know what I didn't know. However, if you haven't started watching the series, you will wish to start with "A Case for the Winemaker", because it gives more background and initially introduces the characters.

For instance, in the winemaker episode, we see the opening of Ainsley's craft market and get a better feel for how it works. I loved the concept of the market, which is reminiscent of a crafts fair with individual booths. While the market was the site of the murder in the second movie, A Case for the Yarn Maker, the market was not really the focus.

We also see how a simple book club becomes a group of self-appointed "investigators" in a murder case. In a small town, everyone knows everything about everyone, except outsiders. In Sweet River, Texas, the book club simply can't resist a murder mystery in their own town!

It is obvious that the movies do not have to be watched in order, but I would recommend it so you have all of the background knowledge and information.

Synopsis of A Case for the Winemaker

Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the WinemakerWatch on Amazon
Subscription May Be RequiredWhen Ainsley McGregor discovers a murder victim in the winery, she knows it is impossible to immediately identity the murderer. No one is in the vicinity of the body and there is no apparent reason why anyone would kill someone in a winery.

With her criminology background, Ainsley can't just sit back and watch when her best friend's husband (owner of the winery) is the number one murder suspect. She, herself, questioned why he had changed clothes since she saw him earlier in the day.

It isn't hard for Ainsley to insert herself into the investigation since her brother, Ryan, is the town sheriff. He tolerates her interference because of her criminologist background and uncanny intuition. Together, the siblings really do make a fun team to watch. They actually talk to each other like siblings instead of colleagues.

Aside from the murder investigation, it is rather funny to watch the interactions between Ryan and his best friend, who seeks his advice on dating Ainsley.

________

Ainsley McGregor (Candace Cameron Bure) is the main character, but the series would not be complete without her brother, Ryan McGregor (Robin Dunne) and his best friend, Jake Trenton (Aaron Ashmore). Together, they make a wonderful trio of crime solvers who look out for each other.

More Cozy Mystery Movie Reviews

Gourmet Detective

A Healthy Place to Die (Gourmet Detective: Episode 2)

Death Al Dente (Gourmet Detective: Episode 3)

Eat, Drink and Be Buried (Gourmet Detective: Episode 4)

Roux The Day (Gourmet Detective: Episode 5)

More Great Movies Reviewed

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker Reviewed by:

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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Thursday, August 14, 2025

Peasants to Patriots - A Book Review

This carefully researched book of historical fiction takes place in the early days of the United States. It covers the time period just prior to the revolutionary war and continuing until the colonies become a country. It is particularly interesting that the author researched when his ancestors entered the colonies and their struggles through the early years of the new country.

This is the fourth in a series of books the author has written, tracing back his ancestors to Scotland, Ireland, Prussia and finally to the new world.

Book Summary

Peasants to Patriots: Book 4 by Dewayne Landwehr is a masterful blend of historical research and family legacy, brought to life through the lens of historical fiction. By tracing his own ancestors' journeys from Scotland and Ireland to the American colonies, Landwehr crafts a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the epic story of the Revolutionary War.

The strength of this book lies in its unique perspective. Rather than relying on broad historical accounts, Landwehr dives deep into the lives of his ancestors, recreating their experiences with vivid detail and imaginative storytelling. We see them face countless challenges, from the harsh realities of frontier life to the brutal battles of the war.

What sets this book apart is the way Landwehr weaves his ancestors' stories together with those of well-known historical figures. The encounters between his family members and legends like Daniel Boone feel particularly compelling, offering a glimpse into the interconnectedness of history. While rooted in meticulous research, the dialogue and personal moments are skillfully fictionalized, bringing the characters to life in a way that feels both authentic and engaging. For me, this brings history to life in a way that textbooks never could.

Landwehr's dedication to uncovering the past is inspiring, and his writing brings the struggles and triumphs of his ancestors to life. This book isn't just a historical account – it's a tribute to the people who shaped America, told through the lens of one family's journey.

For anyone interested in historical fiction, the Revolutionary War, or genealogy, Peasants to Patriots: Book 4 is a captivating read. Landwehr's passion for his ancestors and his craft shines through, making this book an enriching experience that draws readers into the tumultuous world of America's founding. I highly recommend this book!

Links to books and Reviews

This book is available on Amazon and can be purchased at the following link: Peasants to Patriots

Here are links for reviews I wrote on other books in this series by Dewayne Landwehr.

This is the first in the series.

Smoke on the Whiteadder

This is the third in the series.

Spark of Revolution

The second in the series Inside Odenwald can be purchased on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3Hw9Pod

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Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The Protein Advantage Cookbook — A Delicious, Healthy New Cookbook

The Protein Advantage Cookbook is a collection of 100 high-protein, low-carb recipes and tips from bestselling author Carolyn Ketchum, the deservedly popular recipe developer and blogger behind All Day I Dream About Food. Ketchum’s newest cookbook blends quick weeknight meals with make-ahead basics and treats, wrapped in her pragmatic, low-carb approach, this time with a focus on high-protein recipes.

Its official launch date was yesterday, August 12, 2025, but I was lucky enough to get an advance review copy courtesy of the author and the publisher, Fair Winds Press (an imprint of Quarto). It’s a terrific cookbook for anyone interested in increasing their protein intake, and I’m delighted to share my review.

The Protein Advantage Cookbook by Carolyn Ketchum

Who It's For

This low carb, high protein cookbook is for anyone looking to improve their health through “weight loss, blood sugar management, building lean muscle mass, or simply having more energy for daily life” while eating delicious, easy to prepare, wholesome food.

Ketchum’s stance of prioritizing protein aligns with the current science: increasing protein intake can improve satiety and support lean mass, especially alongside resistance training. And for adults 40+, adequate protein becomes increasingly important.

What's Inside

Ketchum opens with a concise science and strategy overview, including what “protein-forward, low-carb” means, why prioritizing protein matters from a health perspective, and how to stock a high-protein, low-carb pantry with healthy, tasty ingredients.

True to its name, of course, the majority of The Protein Advantage Cookbook is devoted to the recipes. I was delighted to see Ketchum's signature format: clear, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions, lots of full-color photos (although not every recipe has a photo), and practical tips, such as for swapping ingredients or scaling portions.

The 100 recipes are organized into chapters with straightforward labels:

Breakfast
Breads and Muffins
Appetizers and Snacks
Soups and Salads
Main Dishes
Desserts

The Breakfast chapter includes 22 tasty recipes, such as Loaded Breakfast Casserole (29.5g of protein), Chocolate Protein Pancakes (19.7g of protein), Hot Maple Cereal (29.7g of protein), and Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Toast (26.5g of protein).

Loaded Breakfast Casserole recipe from The Protein Advantage Cookbook

The Breads and Muffins chapter has 10 yummy high-protein recipes including Easy Protein Bagels (13.3g of protein), Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread (11g protein), Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuits (12.9g protein), and even Chocolate-Glazed Donuts (10g protein)!

The Appetizers and Snacks chapter caters to both savory and sweet cravings, including 17 recipes such as Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms (12.8g protein), Taco Bites (18.7g protein), Frozen Hot Chocolate (17.6g protein) and Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (9.8g protein).

Asian Chicken Noodle Soup recipe from The Protein Advantage Cookbook

The Soups and Salads chapter features 13 simple yet satisfying recipes such as Asian Chicken Noodle Soup (31.1g protein), Chicken Chile Verde (35.3g protein), Turkey Club Salad (29.1g protein) and Old Bay Shrimp Salad (23.3g protein).

Easy Steak Fajitas recipe from The Protein Advantage Cookbook

The Main Dishes chapter contains 22 terrific recipes to suit a wide range of tastes, such as Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs (33.3g protein), Easy Steak Fajitas (25.2g protein), Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Cream Sauce (33.4g protein), and Teriyaki Salmon (30.2g protein).

If you have a sweet tooth, never fear! Carolyn Ketchum is also the author of The Ultimate Guide to Keto Baking, and The Protein Advantage Cookbook includes 16 luscious desserts with a high-protein twist, such as Deep Dish Brownies (16g of protein), Lemon Cheesecake Bars (12.3g of protein), Coconut Candy Bars reminiscent of Mounds bars (10.4g of protein), and Strawberry Lemonade Ice Pops (10.1g of protein).

There's also a chapter called "A Day in the Life" which chronicles what Ketchum ate over the course of a few typical days, along with the workouts she did on those days. As a very active, extremely fit woman, her calorie limits are much higher than mine, but it was still helpful to see how she incorporates the cookbook recipes into her daily meal plans.

Why It Deserves a Place in Your Kitchen

The Protein Advantage Cookbook delivers exactly what it promises: approachable, protein-centric low-carb recipes anchored in sensible nutrition guidance. For those of us who want to feel more satiated, lift heavier weights, or simply be stronger as we age, while eating delicious, nutritious food and without spending all day in the kitchen, this book will be an excellent, much-used addition to our cookbook collections.

The Protein Advantage Cookbook: High-Protein, Low-Carb Recipes That Burn Fat, Build Muscle, and Restore Metabolism

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

What is Summerween?

Curious about Summerween? Wonder where it came from? Looking for ideas for celebrating the holiday?

I have long known that Halloween is the biggest selling holiday in America. With all the costumes, candy and decorations that people buy, that comes as no surprise. But I have just discovered a trend known as Summerween that I will review here.

The stores have long put their Halloween merchandise out during the late summer. However, Good Morning America says that stores launched their Halloween items extra early this year at least in part hoping to catch a piece of this trend. People are not just buying their Halloween supplies early but they are actually celebrating the holiday twice. That is, in October and in June or July and hence the term Summerween.

According to the magazine Real Simple, the holiday may have originated from the Season 1, Episode 12, Disney Channel episode of Gravity Falls, in which the residents celebrated Halloween with jack-o-melons and trick-or-treating in the summer on June 22nd or the second to last Friday of the month. The Pioneer Woman points out that if this is the origin, it took more than a decade for the trend to translate from the screen to reality, which it has done in 2025.

Summerween is enjoying succes at least in part because of the nostalgia surrounding Halloween though Summerween-themed merchandise tends to include our favorite themes with some brighter, summery colors like those shown in the photo at the top of this page. You will find an endless variety of items like these for your Summerween celebration here on eBay.

The new ‘holiday’ is I suppose whatever you make it but it tends to be a blend of summer and Halloween with both non-traditional Halloween items like the aforementioned melon jack-o-lantern, icy drinks and flamingoes to traditional items like Frankenstein, skeletons and ghosts. You can have a pool party and a BBQ. You can read fireside stories at the campfire. You can watch spooky movies outdoors!

What a great way to get double the value out of your Halloween collection. If once a year is not enough for you and you want to do Halloween twice, you’ll find lots of ideas for celebrating a traditionally non-traditional Summerween in your social media feed but let me take this opportunity to share a few great ideas here:

MORE SUMMERWEEN CELEBRATION IDEAS

Harley Quinn Costume

A Harley Quinn costume might even be better in the summer than in the winter because you don't have to worry about being warm!

A Barbie-Themed Apron

How about a Barbie-themed apron? I think it would make a perfect part of your costume in the summertime especially if you are serving up some pink cocktails.

Here's How to Celebrate Summerween

A Summerween party with recipes from Delish that seem appropriate to the original holiday hosted in summer. Mummy hot dogs, pumpkin s'mores cookies and a black widow cocktail are just a few.

Creepypasta

Perfect for your Halloween-themed storytelling, fall or summer, creepypasta is definitely not edible.

Wait Until Dark

Audrey Hepburn's Wait Until Dark is a perfect psychological thriller considered "one of the most intensely frightening movies in movie history."

Halloween Treats Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzles aren't just for wintertime. If you find you have more time on your hands in the summer or you just enjoy puzzling all year long, you will enjoy this Halloween Treats puzzle.

SOUND UNNATURAL?

"Summerween?" says the Gravity Falls character played by Kristen Schall. "Sounds unnatural." What do you say?

Happy Summerween!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

SUMMERWEEN MERCHANDISE

Find the Summerween-themed pieces shown at the top of the page -- including Frankenstein's bust (and his bride, not shown here), a pumpkin flamingo, assorted skull ice cream cones and the female Scream movie character and so much more -- here, on eBay.

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Monday, August 11, 2025

Jim Henson Muppet Monster Cereal by General Mills

Discover Jim Henson's Muppet-themed Monster Cereal boxes by General Mills.

Fans of The Muppets and Jim Henson, of Halloween and of General Mills’ Monster Cereals are going to love this review of this limited-edition, monster-themed cereal. It’s a collaboration between the two companies. That is, The Jim Henson Company and the General Mills Company and it shares new artwork with the popular monster cereal characters of Count Chocula, Boo Berry and Franken Berry as Muppet-style puppets.

General Mills says the boxes are tactile and ‘soft-touch fuzzy’ though I have not had the opportunity to actually touch one and I have seen mixed messages about when it is supposed to be released. One article said October and another said August but I see that some boxes with this artwork are already on store shelves and on eBay as I write this post on August 11, 2025. It does make me wonder if there is a non-fuzzy and a fuzzy version. If you know, be sure to let us know!

The back of the boxes feature more Muppet pictures and celebrates 70 years of “A Monstrous Legacy.” The box is collector worthy whether you collect Muppet, Halloween or cereal-themed items and is supposed to retail for $7.70 per box at Walmart. Of course, being a limited edition, that price will not last once the supply is sold out. If you don't find the box or boxes on the cereal shelf, you will likely have to pay more to obtain the boxes when they are retired.

General Mills says, “Whether you're reliving fond Halloween memories or making new ones, Monsters Cereal promises a season of frightful fun, fuzzy feels, and puppet-powered nostalgia.” Though not a particular fan of this cereal myself, I agree.

Note that more merchandise and collectibles are available here on Jim Henson’s website featuring the Monster Cereals. Eventually, I am sure, they will arrive on eBay, too.

Click here to see what Jim Henson Muppet-themed Monster Cereal merchandise is available now on eBay.

Happy Halloween!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

MORE READING

Find General Mills and The Muppets in my eBay store.

The Muppets Exclusive Deluxe Plush Toys.

I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story.

Haunt Your House With Lego's Haunted Mansion set.

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