His Gift Was Knowing - A Short Story by Barbara Tremblay Cipak |
Sunday, January 24, 2021
His Gift Was Knowing - A Short Story
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Right Behind You by Lisa Gardner – A Book Review
Lisa Gardner has two popular series in her list of suspense novels, the FBI Profiler Series and the Detective D.D. Warren Series. Right Behind You is the seventh (and latest) book in the Pierce Quincy/Rainie Conner FBI Profiler series
After writing the first six books in her FBI series between 1998 and 2008, Gardner went on to write 11 books in the D.D. Warren series, along with six non-series books. Now she finally returns with another Quincy and Rainie story at the insistence of her long-time fans. THIS fan is delighted, as these characters are my favorite of all her books.
Introduction
Pierce Quincy is now a retired FBI profiler and Lorraine (Rainie) Conner is a retired police detective. They are married and also partners in a Cold Case or weird murders consulting business, helping small local police departments who lack the personnel and equipment to handle a major violent crime. In Right Behind You they have also been foster parents for the past three years to Sharlah, a 13-year-old orphan girl they are soon to adopt. Suddenly they are involved in a case that hits far too close to home.
Synosis
Available on Amazon |
Now 17, Telly is suddenly being blamed for the recent murders. A massive hunt for Telly is launched and Quincy and Rainie must answer two critical questions: Why after eight years has this young man started killing again? And what does this mean for Sharlah?
Sharlah has her own questions. Is her brother who once saved her life a hero or a killer? And how much will it cost her new family before they learn the final shattering truth.
Summary
Right Behind You by Lisa Gardner, published in 2017, is available in hardback, in paperback, as an audio book and on Kindle.
*Editor's Pick in Best Mystery, Thriller and Suspense.
*Interesting Note: Titles cannot be copyrighted in the United States. Therefore, two or more books can have the same title.
Another book by the same title of Right Behind You is by Rachel Abbot and is reviewed here on ReviewThisReviews by Louanne Cox (Lou16).
Quick Links:
- Right Behind You by Lisa Gardner reviewed by Wednesday Elf
- Right Behind You by Rachel Abbot reviewed by Lou16
- Catch Me (A DD Warren novel) by Lisa Gardner reviewed by Wednesday Elf
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Her Silent Knight (Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair Book 1) Reviewed
Did you know that it is recorded that the Thames River has frozen over 24 times? Seven of those times, the ice was solid enough that they held a Frost Fair in London.
The celebrated Frost Fair of 1683-84 featured multiple activities including horse races, football, bowling, ice skating, sledding and more. Vendor booths were set up to sell souvenirs, food and refreshments. Londoner's clearly knew how to quickly make a rare occurrence into a fun festival for all.
In 1814 (the last Frost Fair), an elephant was led across the ice. Reminiscent of previous frost fairs, there was dancing, ice skating and of course, vendors. It lasted only 4 days before the ice broke up and several people drowned.
The very real historical Frost Fair of 1814 is the setting of the entire "Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair" series. This series provides a wonderful look back into history, as well as some really awesome romantic stories.
First in the series is "Her Silent Knight". It was such a captivating book, that I read it in one night. Yes, it was nearly 4 am before I went to sleep, but it was worth it! I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet story.
Her Silent Knight Synopsis
Her Silent Knight: A Christmas Regency Romance (Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair Book 1)Check PriceSelina Ellis becomes secretly engaged to Noah Skinner, a solicitor who is below her social status. Mr. Skinner would never be considered an acceptable suitor for Selina, especially by her own mother. But, Selina doesn't care! She believes she is in love with Mr. Skinner and when he proposes marriage at the Frost Fair, Selina agrees to marry him, even if it means they would be required to elope.
The couples embrace is witnessed by a childhood friend that Selina hasn't seen in years. When Sir Edmund Sharp recognizes the two people hugging each other, he knows he must find a way to save Selina from the man with a scandalous reputation. She is young, naive, and clearly unaware of Mr. Skinner's "manipulations". What Sir Edmund cannot immediately figure out is why Mr. Skinner would pursue a lady with no inheritance. Upon her father's death, their home and money was entailed to a distant relative since Mr. Ellis has no sons. That left Selina and her mother living on a meager stipend.
Sir Edmund agrees to keep Selina's secret if she will make sure he is invited to spend the Christmastide (the 12 days of Christmas) in her home. The request makes sense because his grandmother recently died and he has no other family in London. Selina's mother had always adored Edmund, plus she saw him as the perfect suitor for Selina. Therefore, securing an invitation for Christmastide was not difficult at all.
Now, Sir Edmund only has to figure out how to separate Selina from Mr. Skinner. That won't be as easy as Sir Edmund had originally thought since Mr. Skinner has possession of Edmund's grandmothers will. Skinner is willing to do whatever is necessary to keep Sir Edmund from interfering in his relationship with Selina.
"Her Silent Knight" is a sweet story of love, chivalry, and childhood loyalties embedded in an enchanting historical fiction, set in the fantastic short-lived Frost Fair on the Thames River in London. It is the first book in the Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair series shown below.
All but one of these authors are new to me. I love that when it happens in a co-op series!
Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair (5 Book Series)Check Price
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Heart of a Runaway Girl - A Book Review
Heart of a Runaway Girl is a novel that keeps you turning pages!
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
How to Plan for a Move
How to Plan for a Move - Reviewed Getty free images |
Moving is a daunting
and stressful task. I've read that moving is one of the most stressful things that you'll ever do. So, if you’re going to be
moving here are some helpful tips and tricks that I’ve learned from doing this several times myself. I’m by no means a professional mover; these ideas are based on my own
experiences.
Moving from one end of town to the other is stressful enough.
When you move away from your home to another town it’s really tough. There are many more things to consider.
There are so many things to consider, where do you start?
My best advice is to start by making a list of things that you'll need to do. In other words, begin to make a plan. These things don’t need to be in any specific order right now, just start to write things down.
Following are some things that you’ll need to consider:
- If you're hiring a moving company make sure to read and understand all of their policies. Look for online reviews and make sure they are reputable.
- A new school for your children, this was always number one on our list. Especially if you're moving to another city. When we moved from Pennsylvania to Western New York this was a high priority for us. You'll need to get all of their school records transferred to the new school.
- New Doctor and Dentist for you and your children. You'll need to transfer all medical records.
- Change your address and forward mail to the new address.
- Finding a new neighborhood, everybody wants to live in a nice area. Find a local realtor in the new city to help with this.
- New bank or credit union for checking and banking.
Moving companies will do everything including packing for you. packing is something we always did ourselves. Most people don't want strangers packing their belongings.
Things you'll need are boxes, packaging material, such as bubble wrap, or kraft paper and tape. My preferred packaging material is bubble wrap and it is expensive.
Packaging Material Tip:
To save some money, check with small to mid-sized manufacturers in your area. Most times these places receive materials with packaging such as bubble wrap and often throw it away. Most times all you have to do is ask and you can get it for free.
Double Wall 18x18x28" Heavy-Duty BoxesCheck the PriceFor dishes and breakable items, you'll want to use these double-wall corrugated boxes. The double-wall gives you added protection for anything that's breakable.
Wrap dishes in paper or bubble wrap and place them on end, not flat and stacked. Cups and glasses should be standing up.
Make sure that you fill all empty spaces with paper or bubble wrap so dishes, cups, and glasses can't move.
These boxes are expensive so, you only want to use them for kitchen breakables and other breakables such as lamps, vases, and pictures.
Small Moving Boxes - 16x10x10 - Cardboard BoxCheck the Price
These are the perfect size boxes for heavy items. Such as books, tools, CD's, silverware, canned goods.
The idea here is that the box is small so it will fill up fast and the box won't be too heavy to handle. The last thing you want to do is overload a box.
You can also use these boxes for pots and pans since they are not breakable items.
For blankets, sheets, pillows, and clothing look for wardrobe boxes 20 x 20 x 34 with a bar for hanging clothing. These are much larger but the items are light. These boxes are also expensive. You hang your clothing and then pack pillows and blankets on the bottom.
Moving within your current area is one thing but if you're moving to another city or state it takes a little more planning. If you're planning a move I hope you find these tips and tricks helpful.
Find more DIY tips on ReviewThis Here: ReviewThisCrafts.com
You'll need to decorate your new home see these decorating tips on Review This Here: ReviewThisDecor.com
Monday, January 18, 2021
Reviewing the Mueller Premium 1500w Electric Kettle with Speedboil
I recently purchased the Mueller Premium Electric Kettle because I needed a way to heat water for teas and lunches in my office. There are many brands and types of electric tea kettles. I suppose they all work well but I'm really happy with my Mueller.
My Mueller Electric Kettle - Perfect for Home and Office |
With the world gone topsy-turvy, my usual routines have been disrupted for the past 10 months. I have been very fortunate to keep a job during quarantine. It has just shifted from remote work only, to going to the office some days, back to remote only, and back to some days at the office and throws off any chance for routine.
I have almost always packed my own lunch or ordered lunch from our cafeteria. But during these many months, the cafeteria has been closed. I have been extremely hesitant to order fast food during this time. And I've been lazy about walking up and down all of the stairs in order to use the microwave or I don't always remember to bring a lunch.
I finally decided to buy "something" to heat water at my desk so I could have oatmeal, add-water meals/soups, and teas without leaving my office. I half-heartedly looked at electric kettles for weeks before making a purchase.
WOW... such convenience! I wish I hadn't waited for so long!
The Mueller Premium Electric Kettle with Speedboil
I ordered this "water heater" because it was pretty, it had good reviews, and I liked the glass and lights (again, it was pretty). I also liked that it was 1500w - which is more powerful than some electric kettles I looked at.
This Kettle sits on the corded base. So there is no cord to get into the way while filling the pot or pouring the hot water.
The spout has a filter screen. For just boiled water, I think the screen doesn't matter much. However, my office is in a historical building and we sometimes have flying insects enter the building (those ladybug look-alikes!!). I'm thankful for the screen to keep pests out of my water.
This kettle is easy to use! Push the button to open the secure top. Fill it with water (I have to use a cup to fill it or bring water because our building sink faucets are too low), return the pot to the base, and click the switch on. The light comes on and very small bubbles start to rise from the bottom of the kettle almost immediately. There is a full and rapid boil in less than 5 minutes. After the boil begins, the switch kicks off automatically so there is no risk of boiling it dry.
I LOVE watching the bubbles and the blue lights. It boils so quickly. I did take a video with my phone even though I am a fairly inept videographer. Unfortunately, my phone mic is very sensitive and the sound was obnoxiously loud. You can hear the boiling but it is not loud enough to interrupt phone calls or Zoom meetings. And personally, I like the bubbling sound.
This little item has been more convenient than I had expected. I no longer have to walk down the stairs to find a microwave and then decide if I'm going to eat in the public breakroom or carry my hot food back up the stairs. I no longer have to wait for longer breaks between appointments in order to make hot water... I can start this little electric kettle between appointments.
The kettle is much larger than I had expected. I fill it once and use it over several days to a week (depending on how many days I'm working from the office and how many cups of tea I make).
It looks like this Mueller Kettle is available online through many stores: Home Depot, Office Depot, Staples, Walmart, Target, Macy's, and so on. I ordered mine from the Mueller store on Amazon.
My only complaint is the cord. While it is a 3-prong and heavy-duty cord, it is short. Plenty long for a kitchen countertop but not long enough to sit on top of my desk and reach the power strip on the floor. If your desk top area is far away from an outlet, as mine is, be prepared with a surge power strip that accepts 3-prong plugs.
Related Link:
Mueller is a European company, with a California address, that appears to focus on Kitchen gadgets. This kettle is the first time I remember hearing of Mueller. While the company advertises as "Austria", my kettle was made in China. Which is not something I'm thrilled about. But this electric kettle seems to be made very well. The cord, glass, and synthetic handle material all have a very sturdy feel. The handle is large and isn't difficult for my hands (sometimes I have trouble with grip and/or lifting). This is the official Mueller website if you'd like to see what else they offer.
Sunday, January 17, 2021
Review of a Bedding Set and Throw Pillow Covers - Ideal for Teens and Young Adults
One of my sons recently switched to another bedroom in our home. In the process, he opted to make a few changes to his decor.
After scrolling through Amazon to find a bedding set that wasn't too expensive, he selected the Queen Size "Madison Park Essentials Cozy Bed in a Bag Comforter Set." The set he selected was charcoal and tan. You'll notice several designs and colors to choose from.
What is Included in The Madison Park Bedding Set:
- A comforter
- A sheet set which includes the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases with the queen set
- A bed skirt
- Two matching shams
- One decorative pillow
Here's a Photo of the Tan Madison Park Bedding Set in My Son's Bedroom:
The Throw Pillow Covers
Do I Recommend This Bedding Set?
Madison Park Bed in a Bag Comforter Set
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Devoted by Dean Koontz – A Book Review
Long-time fans of Dean Koontz know he is a dog-lover and, in particular, of Golden Retrievers. He has written 3 books from the point of view of Trixie, the first Golden that he and wife, Gerda, owned, plus a memoir about Trixie after her death. Today they live with their Golden Retriever Elsa and the enduring spirits of Goldens Anna and Trixie.
All of us Koontz fans have read Watchers, which featured a very smart Golden Retriever. All together, Dean Koontz has written four novels where one of the main characters is a dog. Now, with Devoted, he again features a very special Golden Retriever around whom the story revolves.
Cast of Characters:
Woody Bookman – an 11-year-old boy who has never spoken a word. Woody has been diagnosed with a rare form of autism, although he is also a high-functioning autodidact with a high IQ. He taught himself to read at age 4 and was reading at the college level by age 7. He is also an accomplished computer hacker.
Megan Bookman – Woody's mother, who loves him with all her heart. Widowed at age 30, she is an artist whose paintings are quickly gaining a following. She doesn't really care whether critical acclaim waxes or wans; she's just grateful to have discovered that there was life after life after her first life ended with the death of her husband, Jason. Now her art and her child are enough for her. Keeping her boy safe and happy is what matters.
Kipp – a uniquely gifted dog with a heart as golden as his breed. Kipp is devoted beyond reason to people. When he hears the boy who communicates like he does, without speaking, Kipp knows he needs to find him before it's too late.
Lee Shacker – The villain protagonist.
The Plot
A Mother, A Boy, and a Dog Against the Night
Woody believes his father's death was not an accident. He believes a tremendous evil was behind it and now threatens him and his mother. As Woody gathers information through his computer skills and his suspicions take shape, an evil man sets a depraved plan into motion. And he's coming after Woody and his mother. Only a force greater than evil can stop what is coming next.
One boy with the power to save the world. One man with the will to destroy it. ~Google Books
Other Dean Koontz Books Featuring Dogs
Watchers, Fear Nothing, and its sequel Seize the Night, and The Darkest Evening of the Year.
Summary
Devoted by Dean Koontz |
Devoted was published in March, 2020. If you love mysteries or thrillers with dogs and children and great writing, you will love this book. I found it fascinating and impossible to put down.
Dean Koontz writing has the ability to show the extremes of good and evil, and the overwhelming power of love.
Book Facts:
Originally published: March 31, 2020
Author: Dean Koontz
Genres: Suspense, Thriller, Horror fiction
*Available in hardcover, paperback, audio book and on Kindle Unlimited on Amazon.
Book Review of Devoted written by (c) Wednesday Elf.
Friday, January 15, 2021
Did You Hear About the Morgans? - Comedy Movie Review
I discovered this movie when seeking an easy movie to watch that would make me laugh. This movie definitely fit that bill!
I've read mixed reviews on "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" which I really don't understand. This is not meant to be an epic movie, rather it is light entertainment. While neither of the main actors are on my list of favorites, I must say, this movie made me like both of them better. Together, they really made me laugh.
Admittedly, having a cameo appearance of a stunning grizzly bear, did help. Hugh Grant's reaction and facial expressions during his bear encounter truly made me laugh out loud.
This is a movie to watch when you simply want to sit back and enjoy a show that doesn't require a great deal of emotional involvement, other than humor.
Did You Hear About the Morgans? Movie Synopsis
"Did You Hear About the Morgans?" is a just for fun movie starring Sarah Jessica Parker (Meryl Morgan) and Hugh Grant (Paul Morgan).
Did You Hear About the Morgans? DVDCheck PriceThe Morgan's live in New York and are both successful in business. Meryl owns a real estate company and Paul is an attorney. In spite of their professional success, there are problems in their marriage. Due to Paul's infidelity, the Morgans are separated. Of course, adultery is not funny, but in this movie their separation does provide the set-up for some rather humorous situations.
Meryl agrees to have dinner with Paul and afterwards they decide to walk to her next appointment together. Upon arrival, they witness the murder of her client. They see the murderer and he sees them!
When it is clear, the murderer plans to eliminate the witnesses, Meryl & Paul are placed in the witness protection program "together" as a married couple and sent to a very remote area in Ray, Wyoming. They are placed under the protection of two federal agents who happen to be married.
Clay (Sam Elliott) and Emma Wheeler (Mary Steenburgen) have provided shelter and protection for many witnesses in the past. They have a bedroom set up just for their "guests" and have restricted access to phones and computers, which keeps their guests from contacting friends or family. Meryl still manages to make a phone call back home, which brings the killer right to their temporary door step.
I highly recommend "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" for a anyone seeking to relax, laugh and enjoy the show!
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Did You Hear About the Morgans? - Comedy Movie Review Written by:
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Book Review of What It's Like to Be a Bird
Robin in my Backyard |
Are you ever curious about the habits of birds? Did you realize that a bird's senses of vision, hearing, touch and smell many times surpass the same senses in humans? Did you know that if you "ate like a bird" you might eat more than twenty-five pizzas each day? These are just a few of the many things you'll learn about birds in the book What It's Like to Be a Bird.
First Section: Introduction
Female Downy Woodpecker |
- The introduction section of the book is 32 pages full of information on birds in general. This section talks about the feathers on birds, the senses of birds and how they relate to human senses. There are sections on
- Food
- Survival
- Social Behavior
- Movement
- Physiology
- Migration
- There are 11 thousand species of birds today and 800 are regularly found in North America.
- Birds visual ability varies greatly between species. Owls have great night vision and Eagles see five times more details than humans and 16 times the colors.
- Some birds spend their entire winter in the air, even sleeping while they fly.
Second Section: Main Body of Book
One good example is the section on Finches. The first page shows a beautiful illustration of a male and female House Finch building a nest. The information says that these finches are aptly named because they have adapted to living around houses and often make their nests on items around the houses such as hanging plants and window ledges. On the page with Goldfinches we are told that they travel in flocks almost all year and it is believed that some birds stay together in small groups for months or even years.
Third Section: Listing of Birds in this Book
Here is some of the information included on the Northern Cardinal. It tells that the bird is named for its bright red color which is like the cardinals in the Roman Catholic church. The paragraph goes on to say that the Northern Cardinal is one of the most widely recognized birds in North America. It adds a couple of interesting facts such as that it is common for male cardinals to feed the adult females. In this way they are signaling their ability to find food.
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