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Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Holidays Reviewed on Review This Reviews!

Treasures from the Archives of Review This Reviews!

We all enjoy special events, celebrations, and fun holidays. Seems mankind is always seeking something new to celebrate, or a reason to bring a bit of joy into our daily lives. After all, there needs to be a balance to work and responsibilities.

Companies, special project groups, focus groups and campaigns have brought some fun to otherwise normal days by naming days, or even months, for fun things or activities.

Did you know there is a National Lollipop Day, or a Hot Tea Month? For those of us who love cookies, there is even a Bake Cookies Day appropriately set a week before Christmas.

Of course, there are days to celebrate our favorite animals. Who wouldn't love International Rabbit Day and National Dolphin Day!

We also celebrate relaxing! So, hang your hammock on National Hammock Day , grab a Paczki or popcorn, a book or headphones, and take the day off. If you prefer, spend your day off enjoying your hobby. After all, there is a National Hobby Month, even though a month is not long enough to celebrate our favorite hobby.

Come to think of it, there should be a Review This Reviews Day! Select the best day for celebrating Review This Reviews, share your ideas in the comments below, and we will take all of the recommendations, choose a specific date, and declare it Review This Reviews Day!

Our contributors enjoy highlighting these days of celebration. We hope to bring a little sunshine to your day and give you a reason to smile and have fun. In addition to the major holidays, we review the fun holidays, explain their origins when known, and encourage our readers to focus on fun and happiness.

Let's find a reason to celebrate!

The board below features 30 of our most recent reviews.

Click through to Pinterest to see all of the Fun Holidays that have been Reviewed by Review This Reviews Contributors!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Monday, September 20, 2021

Epson Wireless Printer Review

We had our desktop computer for years with a printer that was linked via USB cable. When our desktop computer finally gave up on us it was time for a new computer. We decided it was time for a laptop. With a laptop we could use it anywhere in the house and take it with us when we traveled.

Now the problem became that every time we needed to print something we had to take the laptop to the printer and plug everything in. This got old very fast, so we thought that it was time for a new wireless printer.

We were out shopping one day and while walking by the computer section of the store we noticed the Epson WorkForce WF-2850 wireless printer. We knew that we wanted a wireless printer, so we bought it.

We brought it home and I just couldn’t wait to get started, you see I’m one of those people who like to jump right in. On the other hand, Fran is a stickler for following step-by-step instructions. So, I sat back and let Fran set our new wireless printer up. In about 15 minutes she had it working. We were delighted because now we can print from anywhere in the house.

Epson WF-2850 All in One Printer:

The Epson WF-2850 is a 4-in-1 wireless printer, copier, scan, and fax. It features fast printing speeds, with 2-sided printing and a 30-page Auto Document Feeder.

The wireless capability makes it easy to print from your iPad, iPhone, Android tablet, or any smartphone.

When we were all forced to work from home last year, Fran found it easy to download the printer drivers to her work computer. This gave her the capability of using the scan and fax function from her work computer.

The instructions tell you to only use Epson ink cartridges. I can tell you from personal experience this is true. I tried third-party ink cartridges and they don’t work.

This is a perfect home office printer choice that I would recommend to anybody. We have had many good years of quality use from this printer.

Epson WorkForce WF-2850 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet PrinterCheck the Price

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Sunday, September 19, 2021

Disposable Feeding Bowls for Dogs Reviewed

Disposable dog bowls are essential when traveling, on vacation, or using a pet sitter for times when you must be away.

We found out how practical these disposable feeding bowls for our dog were when we helped our daughter move across the country. Since we couldn't take our dog, Merlin, with us in the U-Haul, we left him at home with our adult son.

Adding the care of a pet to a daily routine can initially be very stressful for anyone, but is especially challenging for someone with a full-time job. While we were away, our son had to feed Merlin every morning before he went to work, come home during his lunch break to let him out and feed him a snack, then come home right after work. Merlin's dinner was usually a few hours later.

I'm certain our son would have washed Merlin's food bowls several times a day like we do, but that seemed like an easy task to eliminate with the disposable bowls.

We did start feeding Merlin from the Glad bowls a few days before we left to let him know they were okay for his meals. I'm really glad we thought to start him on those bowls before we left because he did find them odd at first and was hesitant to just start eating from them. After a few feedings, he didn't even question the bowls. No doubt, that made feeding him easier for our son too. Both "boys" had enough adjustments to make in their daily routines without adjusting to new food bowls.

Because these bowls are disposable, it was easy for our son to simply toss them in the trash once our pup finished his meal.

Since our return home, these disposable bowls have become handy to use when giving him water in the car or outdoors. It is nice to have the convenience of being able to throw the bowls away instead of washing them, especially when we don't have access to a sink, running water, & dish soap.

Disposable Feeding Bowls for Dogs by Glad

Glad for Pets Disposable Feeding Bowls | Large Dog Bowls in Gray Pattern | 3.5 Cup Feeding Size, 50 CountCheck PriceGlad is a name we all trust for kitchen products. I was thrilled to see they made these disposable pet bowls. The bowls are leak-proof which makes them suitable for food or water.

They are available in 2 sizes to accommodate a variety of dogs. Since Merlin is a grown Labrador Retriever, we opted for the large size. They are perfect for him! They hold 3.5 cups of food or water.

The smaller size holds 1.75 cups of food or water and would be great for smaller dogs.

I now consider these disposable bowls "essential" for dog owners. There will always be times that we need the convenience and cleanliness of a "one use" dog bowl.

Now, Merlin keeps nudging me toward the door. He wants "his boy" to come back to take care of him for another 2 weeks of grand adventures!

Pet Related Reviews

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Saturday, September 18, 2021

The Lighthouse Keeper by Cynthia Ellingsen Reviewed

If you're after a cozy, feel-good romance with a touch of mystery and intrigue then let me transport you to a little place called Starlight Cove. Want to know more?

Image created using Canva

I read a lovely cozy book called A Bittersweet Surprise as part of my Kindle Unlimited membership and when I finished it I realized that the author (Cynthia Ellingsen) had created a few books based in Starlight Cove so I decided to read another one!

The Lighthouse Keeper was written before A Bittersweet Surprise so there were a couple of things that I already knew would happen, but that didn't deflect from the feel-good feeling this novel gave me. This certainly isn't the novel for you if you want to have to think hard about things or get caught up in some psychological thriller. This book is like a comforting blanket on a cold winter's evening when you just want to be left alone.

The main heroine of the book is the daughter of treasure hunters and when her life gets thrown a couple of curveballs she decides to bid on a lighthouse. As you can probably tell from the title of the novel her bid wins and she moves to Starlight Cove to restore the town's lighthouse.

Her parents have settled down in Starlight Cove and are running an antique shop there, she also meets some of the town's residents along with some not-so-nice non-resident treasure hunters. Did I mention that there was a long-lost treasure to be found too?

While she endeavours to try her hand at a little matchmaking between her first friend in Starlight Cove and one of the hunky Henderson brothers she also finds herself falling a little in love herself. As with any romance, there's a little bump in the road which has her overthinking things (a trait I can totally relate to myself!).

With The Lighthouse Keeper, Cynthia Ellingsen has once again shown how well she can create her characters as I can totally relate to a few in this book, just as I did in the other book. Now I need to grab the only other book I can see in the Starlight Cove series to see if it's as good. An extra bonus is that all three of these are free to read with a Kindle Unlimited account!

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Friday, September 17, 2021

The Ace of Hearts: A Regency Romance - Larkhall Letters Book 1 Review

I've only read a few Regency romance novels and I don't remember ever recommending one in the past. While they are clearly romantic fiction, which is my preferred genre, there is no guarantee they will be clean and wholesome. When I search for a new book, I have learned to use the term "clean and wholesome" and have had much greater success finding a romantic fiction book that doesn't include graphic sex.

I've seen Regency romance novels in the "clean and wholesome" search results, but past experience has made me hesitate to choose one again. However, when I saw "The Ace of Hearts" was included in my KindleUnlimited membership, I felt I had nothing to lose if I tried a Regency romance again. After all, I could stop reading if it became too racy and know that I had not spent a dime on the novel. I'm really glad I gave that genre another chance!

I love historical fiction and thanks to Pride and Prejudice, I am very fond of the British Regency era depicted in books, especially if the book includes a touch of humor. While I am fascinated by the aristocracy, I admit I am glad I don't live under their rigid rules and expectations for women. The "Larkhall Letters" book series reminds me, once again, to be grateful that I was not subject to an arranged marriage because my family estate needed an infusion of cash, or because someone was in the right social class.

In "The Ace of Hearts", Alice Rosemeyer went to great lengths and engaged in socially unacceptable activity in order to avoid her stepfather's arrangement for her marriage and life. Given her circumstances, I'm sure I would have been inclined to run away too.

The Ace of Hearts Book Synopsis

The Ace of Hearts: A Regency Romance
(Larkhall Letters Book 1)Check PriceAlice thought she had found a way out of having to marry her stepfather's choice when she and her step-brother, Isaac, colluded to help Isaac win the heart of a wealthy heiress, Diana Herring. He had agreed to use some of Diana's dowry to setup a dowry for Alice that would attract a more desirable gentleman for her to wed. Alice's hopes, along with her stepbrother's hopes, were dashed when his hopeful bride's brother refused Isaac as a suitor for Diana.

While Thomas Herring may have made a very wise decision for his sister, Diana, that decision made Alice desperate to devise another way to gain her independence. Without telling anyone, including her stepbrother, she made plans for her and her younger sister, Louisa, to visit a friend in another city for the summer. Bridget Northcott was excited to have the two Rosemeyer sisters join her at Larkhall and was more than happy to introduce them to prospects, which happened to be her brothers friends and guests for the summer. Surely the sisters would catch the eye of a more desirable suitor.

But, Alice did not wish to be bound by matrimony. She much preferred the idea of being independent and able to provide for herself and her sister if necessary. When she found a like-minded ally, as well as financial backing, in Diana's aunt, she was thrilled to consider a different future. It was one, however, that would require careful planning and anonymity. Together, they made a plan.

Thus, the Ace of Hearts was established and open for business!

My Conclusion

I found this to be a delightful read that occasionally made me laugh. I could easily envision the characters as described by Ashtyn Newbold. Their actions, unusual, yet creative schemes, and antics were rather entertaining. Plus, the parlor games were quite amusing!

This is one Regency Romance Novel I can highly recommend! I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.

Larkhall Letters - A Regency Romance Series

The Ace of Hearts: A Regency Romance (Larkhall Letters Book 1)Check Price The Captain's Confidant: A Regency Romance (Larkhall Letters Book 2)Check Price With Love, Louisa: A Regency Romance (Larkhall Letters Book 3)Check Price The Matchmaker's Request: A Regency Romance (Larkhall Letters Book 4)Check Price

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Thursday, September 16, 2021

Blind Turn - Book Review

Forgiveness... let's just lay it out here right at the start. Chances are every single one of us is going to need an extra helping of it more than once in our life—maybe even today. The probability is 100 percent.

As we read Jess's story, which swirls like a catastrophic, Category Five hurricane, we will not only think about her mistake, but we are likely to reflect on our own lapses in judgment.

The thing is, it's pretty easy to err when you are sixteen years old. Despite the fact that Jess is that absolutely model student, athlete, daughter, babysitter, friend, and girl most likely to succeed, she is also human. And to be human, is to fail at something, or to fail someone—sometimes spectacularly.

In life, there will be devastation. Blind Turn is about how you handle the devastation of humanity—your own and that of others. It is about how you find your way to forgiveness when it seems you have done the unforgivable... when you feel unworthy of ever being forgiven.

This isn't a simple accounting... this story of a teen driver involved in a fatal accident. The extreme fury of the allegations against her, Jess, would be enough to level any one of us. Who could survive such sustained force of judgment and hatred? Who could love themselves afterwards?

Lest you think this too dark of a read for these stormy times, let's take a moment to speak hope. I found, and I trust you will also find, the eye within the storm. Inside that calm, even if temporary, are the insights that make this a read for this turbulent time.

The real blind turns in life aren't just in the roadway. We will encounter some blind turns in our relationships. There are things we just won't see coming. As the lives of the main characters unfold before us, the thing that is striking is how they have each been shaped by that which was blinding at the time.

I found that I especially loved the high school guidance counselor and the truly beautiful Miss Helen, who was widowed as a result of Jess's actions. She lives and breathes the forgiveness, the love, the light of what it looks like to be the best possible version of ourselves. Helen is the one I want to be. I will carry forth her humanity.

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Wednesday, September 15, 2021

September, the Month to Prepare for Traveling Birds! A Hobby Review!

September is a month that is generally full of all kinds of changes. Notably, children are going back to school and the days are quickly getting shorter and cooler.

Autumn is definitely in the air and I know I have already been witness to the geese starting to gather and fly in their typical V-formation.

Birds that have spent the better part of the summer in the north are preparing themselves for the long trek back to their southern winter spots. But, and here's the important part, it is a long way for them to go and they need our help.

Typically we are all familiar with the Geese that make their way to the south, but there are a host of other birds that also migrate. According to Cornell Labs there are about 650 species of birds in North American and about half of those are migratory.

Why do they migrate? Most of these birds leave their resting places to move north to their breeding grounds. This is hard work for the birds, but instincts make them do this perilous journey at least twice a year.

Many of us wait eagerly for those pretty little hummingbirds that make their way to the north and we do fill our feeders with sugar water to satisfy their hunger. But in September, you might just notice that those feeders are being visited more often. Even though there are plenty of flowers for them to feed on, they know they will be making a long trek soon. They are filling up their reserves for that journey. So please don't stop filling your hummingbird feeders just yet.

Most North American songbirds are migratory. Yet there are other bigger birds that also move from the north to the south in the cooler autumn months.

Let's concern ourselves with the smaller birds for now. How can you help them?

Keep your feeders full of good nutritious seeds is the first way to help.
Make sure there is a good clean source of water for them too. All that flying around is hard work.
Gardeners, please leave your seed heads in place! Don't clean up your garden just yet! Migratory birds love sunflowers, but will also eat seeds from other plants as well. A natural garden will attract those little birds quite nicely.

These are just a few little things you can do to help them on their way.

Learning about these migratory birds and what their needs are will make them happy to stop at your yard for some refreshment and food.

Bird migration happens twice a year, yet we never seem to get tired of seeing our favorite birds making their way to us in spring time and then leaving us again come autumn. Let's help them as much as we can by being a safe and bird friendly place for them to stop and refuel. It doesn't take much effort, and you will enjoy the beauty of those little creatures as they make their way south!

If you want to know more there is plenty of information available on the Internet. There are many bird watching clubs in several states and provinces. If you are really keen on bird watching, I would recommend you join a group of like minded people. A camera is a must as well. You will want to start keeping a diary of all the different birds you have seen over the years.

Birdwatching is a hobby that you will keep at for years and years. Start small and see how much enjoyment you get from seeing with your own eyes, the birds that make these treks across miles and miles. Start your list and add to it as you become accustomed to finding these little winged creatures.

Helping our birds make their way is just one small pleasure we can have and it isn't hard to do either.

Once you have seen and admired the strength and determination of those little birds, you will have a new appreciation for hard work they put into surviving and thriving. There are many life lessons here for all of us too!

May you enjoy September, October and November as the skies become magnets for our little bird friends and we become their helpers on the way!

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Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Book Review of VORTEX by Catherine Coulter

An FBI Thriller

Vortex is the latest book in best-selling author Catherine Coulter's FBI series. Her favorite characters, husband & wife FBI team Savich & Sherlock, once again embark on solving a case. Usually, they work together on a case, but this time there are two cases demanding their attention in two different cities.

Synopsis of Vortex

Case #1

Dillon Savich deals with one case in Washington DC. A CIA Operative, Olivia Hildebrandt, is nearly killed while on a mission in Iran to exfiltrate a betrayed undercover operative. But by the time she is released from Walter Reed Hospital, her team member, Mike Kingman, who saved her life, has disappeared, along with a critical flash drive the undercover operative was carrying. While Olivia worries about her teammate, she is convinced he has a very good reason for not bringing the flash drive directly to CIA Headquarters.

When Olivia is attacked on her first night home, the FBI becomes involved. Savich suspects that the strike is a direct result of the compromised mission and the missing team member and flash drive. The question is ~ who betrayed them?

Case #2

Meanwhile, Sherlock is in New York City, first helping to deal with a triple homicide, then working with an investigative journalist covering the political scene in NYC. The journalist, Mia Briscoe, has discovered old photos taken the night seven years ago at a frat party where a fire broke out and her best friend Serena disappeared. Serena was never seen nor heard from again. Mia recognizes someone in those photos and begins to uncover a sinister string of events going back to that disastrous party. As the secrets begin to unravel, some very powerful and dangerous people will do anything to keep Mia and Sherlock from learning the truth.

Summary

Available on Amazon

Catherine Coulter is known for her contemporary suspense stories and her popular characters FBI Agents Sherlock and Savich. This brilliant new novel is her latest (#25) in her FBI thriller series.

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Book Review of Vortex by Catherine Coulter, written by

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Monday, September 13, 2021

Favorite Fall Hallmark Movies Reviewed

Fall is pumpkin season at the Hallmark channel! As summer wanes and the cooler air is a welcome relief this also brings my favorite Fall Movies at Hallmark.

This year three new Hallmark Harvest movies premier in September. Set your schedules now to enjoy the brilliance of Fall along with pumpkin, spices and Hallmark. No worries if you miss the premiere, the movies will repeat throughout the month.

New Fall Hallmark Movies 2021

Roadhouse Romance - September 11

A fall Rom Com featuring Tyler Hynes and Lauren Alaina. Tyler has become a Hallmark favorite lead and Alaina is a country music veteran. The Hallmark formula of returning home, high school sweetheart and a struggling family business entwine the two leads plus a special treat. Lauren Alaina will perform two songs “Run” and “What Do You Think Of"

Preview of Roadhouse Romance

Raise A Glass To Love - September 18

It wouldn't be Fall without a trip to the vineyards for Hallmark. This guarantees gorgeous scenery to combine with wine, sommelier, family vineyard and a new handsome 'visitor' to the vineyards. Laura Osnes and Juan Pablo Di Pace star.

Taking The Reins - September 25

I am very much looking forward to Taking The Reins with Hallmark fan favorite Nikki DeLoach. Filmed on location at a horse farm, Scott Porter joins DeLoach as the male lead. Expect fall color and romance as DeLoach plays a writer returning to the family ranch and discovers the relation between marriage, ranching, writing and romance.

Favorite Fall Hallmark Films Returning

Autumn Dreams

Hallmark favorite Jill Wagner and Collin Egglesfield have a fun and flirty chemistry as they reunite 15 years after their ill fated teenage marriage. Enjoy these two in this rom com as they discover they are still married, but one is engaged, but married? The fun begins as they try to unravel this romance and perhaps begin again...

View preview and blooper reel > here

Country At Heart

A very sweet movie with Jessy Schram and Niall Matter. Nashville, song writing, the hits and struggles of the music business and of course romance star in a movie with real chemistry and real! singing. The stars also sing in this don't miss Hallmark Fall movie.

Sweet Autumn

Two Hallmark Favorites Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker star in a fall movie centered around the Sweet Autumn Festival. Two opposites are left a legendary sweet shop as their romance unfolds. These two actors have great chemistry and the plot is classic Hallmark. Enjoy!

More Hallmark Movie Reviews

Hallmark Sweet Carolina by The Savvy Age
Hallmark Christmas Movies 2020 Reviewed by The Savvy Age
Finding Father Christmas by Cynthia
Christmas Tree Lane by The Savvy Age
Broadcasting Christmas by Cynthia
Top Ten Hallmark Christmas Movies by The Savvy Age
Debbie Macomber's Mr. Miracle Hallmark Movie Review by Cynthia

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Sunday, September 12, 2021

Looking for an Entertaining Comedy-Drama Movie to Watch? - Check This One Out

Are You Looking for a Comedy-Drama Movie to Watch

I've recently become a Netflix junkie.

In the past thirty days, I've watched more movies than I have in one year.

After scrolling past "Where'd You Go, Bernadette" for several weeks, I decided to give it a try.

I prefer movies with skilled, famous actors or actresses. Where'd You Go, Bernadette stars Cate Blanchett, Billy Crudup, Emma Nelson, and Kristen Wiig, so it passed my initial talent hurdle. There are additional small acting appearances by other well-known artists.

Based on the 2012 Hit Novel, Where'd You Go Bernadette, by Maria Semple

As usual, according to multiple online reviews, the general consensus is that the novel was better, and the movie missed the mark.

However, I haven't read the novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

The Movie - Released August 2019 as a Comedy-Drama

Bernadette Fox, played by Cate Blanchett, is a renowned Architect, who after experiencing a professional embarrassment on a very public project, decides to retreat into her family. Leaving her profession 'hanging' is one of the main reasons she begins to lose her grip on life. She settles into a reclusive existence with little to no patience for anyone other than her daughter and husband.

When the movie starts, you don't get the feeling Bernadette isn't "all there." That part of the movie builds in stages through a series of dramatic incidents. At first, you're thinking, "ok, she's normal; she simply lacks tolerance." However, as the movie progresses, you learn, "nope, there's more to this story than meets the eye,"

The Comedic Aspect of the Film

Although the movie highlights the seriousness of mental illness, it manages to do it with some humor. Personally speaking, I appreciated that approach. I wasn't looking for a movie about the absolute seriousness of the human condition. I was able to get more out of this film by the way they approached this topic. After all, the movie is billed as a comedy-drama, so that's what I was expecting, and that's what it delivered.

My Favorite Line - It Essentially Sums Up the Movie

Laurence Fishburne has a small but substantial role in the movie. As soon as he delivered this line to Bernadette, I immediately understood why Bernadette lost herself:

"...People like you must create. That's what you were brought into this world to do, Bernadette. If you don't, you become a menace to society."

That line made me want to go out and fix people! Lol. I know a few people this applies to! I personally understand it as well; when I'm not creating, I'm lost. I hadn't really thought of it that way, but yes, there's some truth to the menace aspect.

There's much more to this story. If you're looking for a fun, where-the-heck-is-this-movie-heading plot, you'll enjoy this one.