DEADLY DIRTY MARTINIS by

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Thanksgiving

4****

Blurb: From USA Today bestselling authors Nicole Leiren and Elizabeth Ashby comes a Thanksgiving mystery that will keep you guessing!Lilly Waters is loving life as the new assistant manager at the Smugglers’ Tavern in the small town of Danger Cove. So the last thing she wants or expects is an impromptu family reunion with the wannabe-rock star dad and his number-one-fan (her mother) who were noticeably absent from her childhood. Not only does Lilly have her hands full dealing with Mom and Dad who act more like teenagers than parents, but she also finds herself in hot water when the son of a Chicago mob boss is murdered on tavern property. Now Lilly’s mom is the number one suspect, and Lilly isn’t sure where her loyalties lie.The search for answers leads Lilly down a dangerous path where she uncovers more suspects than she can say Thanksgiving grace over—including a tattooed trouble maker, a gambler who turned against the mob, and even her own father! All their motivations prove dirtier than her signature martinis, and if Lilly doesn’t get to the truth soon, not only will dinner be ruined, but the killer may serve her up on a silver platter.

Thoughts: This is #18 in the Danger Cove Mystery Series and they are all fun books. I love the town, the characters, the interaction between the books even though they’re by different authors. They do tie to one another in various ways and I recommend them all. What’s even better is that you don’t have to have read them all (though you should!). Each one is a stand-alone story even in the same series.

In this one, Lilly is managing the Smuggler’s Tavern while the boss, Hope, is away. Though she hopes everything will be nice and calm, that doesn’t happen as a band shows up – with her long lost mother and father. Of course things don’t go smoothly, especially when their manager ends up dead. And with him being the son of a Chicago mobster, things go from bad to worse, especially when her mother is accused of the deed. Lilly spends the book dealing with her feelings of seeing her parents after they abandoned her 24 years ago to be raised by her grandmother. With mobsters. With her boyfriend’s family. With a dear friend who has to leave… and more.

The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars was Lilly and driving. She makes a point of riding her bike everywhere and doesn’t even have a driver’s license. So how and why is she driving her boyfriend’s truck? That really didn’t work for me.

Beyond that, definitely recommended!

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

THE HAPPINESS CURE by Dr. Anders Hansen

Nonfiction, Self-help, Psychology

4****

Blurb: Find long-term meaning and contentment in the journey of life with The Happiness Cure by internationally bestselling, award-winning psychiatrist and viral TEDx speaker Dr. Anders Hansen. As a species, we’ve never had it so good. We’re living longer and healthier lives than ever before; the sum of human knowledge and endless entertainment are only ever a few clicks away. So why are we in the midst of a mental health crisis? In The Happiness Cure, psychiatrist and well-being guru Dr. Anders Hansen presents a groundbreaking guide that explores the evolutionary roots of happiness and provides practical steps to help readers find true fulfillment. By combining cutting-edge neuroscientific research with relatable stories of ordinary individuals, Dr. Hansen offers a fresh perspective that challenges conventional the human brain isn’t naturally wired for happiness. The Happiness Cure provides actionable strategies to navigate the complexities of modern life, finding joy along the way. With expertise and credibility, Dr. Anders Hansen empowers readers to take charge of their own happiness journey. Embark on a transformative path toward long-term contentment and discover the keys to a more fulfilling life.

Thoughts: I thought this was a good book on finding contentment, not necessarily happiness. There is a lot of science and psychology here, but it’s presented in an easy-to-read format that is understandable even for those of us without psychology degrees. He goes into the history of mankind and why we’re not wired for constant happiness. He also explores the reasons behind anxiety, depression, and loneliness. I found it interesting that he equates long-term loneliness with an increase risk of death that is akin to smoking. But in the end, the best things we can do for ourselves are to eat well, sleep well, and exercise. Those are the paths to happiness.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@zeitgeist #partner

@penguinrandomhouse #partner

A CELTIC YULETIDE CAROL by Jennifer Ivy Walker

Fiction, Historical Romance

5*****

Blurb: Once a royal Breton knight, Sir Cardin de Landuc is now infamously known as Basati, the Basque Wolf. Savage and sullen, he drowns his guilt in raucous taverns, accruing enormous debt and acquiring vengeful enemies. Ulla, widowed daughter of a Viking chieftain, is a skilled archer who lives as a recluse in a secluded woodland cottage. Rendered mute by trauma, she avoids humans, preferring the company of her wild wolf and falcon as she hunts in the Forest of Brocéliande. When his mother’s dying wish calls Basati home, he finally meets the son he abandoned at birth and Ulla, the enigmatic priestess who is teaching the boy to hunt. As the holidays approach, Basati finds himself smitten with the beguiling beauty as he bonds with his once forsaken child. But past enemies plot against him, and Basati is ensnared in darkness. Can music lure the savage wolf into the light of love?

Thoughts: The imagery alone in this book is worth the read. The author puts you right there, smelling the pine forest, feeling the stiff hairs on the wolf’s coat over the soft undercoat, the sounds of battle… The prose is very descriptive. This is a strong story with great characters who definitely have flaws and issues and they grow and change through the story – at least, the two main characters do, as they should.

Cardin, aka Basati, is a fallen knight who—after losing his beloved wife in childbirth— spends his days drinking, gambling, and fighting and wants nothing to do with his 6 year old son. His brother, also a knight, spends a lot of his time hauling his drunken brother back to their quarters. Ulla has also suffered great loss, and the horror of losing her husband and son has rendered her mute. But she is a healer who is bound to help those she can. When the two meet, a bond begins to grow and some of their hurts begin to heal.

The author’s research into the medieval time period is obvious, but not overdone. The story is well-written and there’s a HEA ending that satisfies.

Recommended.

HERBAL MEDICINE FOR MODERN LIFE by Ruth Blanding

Nonfiction, Self-help,

4****

Blurb: Protect, heal, and revitalize your health with herbal remedies crafted to treat ailments from modern living. In today’s busy world, our disconnection from the earth has led to an overreliance on health interventions that don’t always work. With Herbal Medicine for Modern Life, you’ll discover the enduring wisdom of plant medicine with an herbalist who draws on her connection to the ancestors and nature to support health and wellness. With her expert advice, you’ll learn how to benefit from the folkloric use of plants: how to use them to heal the root causes of many modern ailments and bring you back to feeling balanced, healthy, and whole again. 

• Ancient Remedies for Modern Needs. Learn to tap into traditional medicine for modern health issues like anxiety, allergies, hormone imbalances, and more.
• Approachable, Affordable Herbalism. Make safe and powerful herbal medicine in the comfort of your home with easy-to-source medicinal plants and everyday tools.
• Profiles of Powerful Medicinal Plants. Discover more than 35 medicinal herbs with photos and details about therapeutic actions, contraindications, and healing qualities. 
• Wide Range of Herbal Remedies. Follow step-by-step recipes to craft infusions, tinctures, syrups, balms, powders, and other common herbal preparations.

Thoughts: If you’ve ever thought of trying herbal remedies to cure what ails you, this is a good place to start. The introduction alone is comprehensive with insights and cautions about the world of herbal medicine. She goes into the history of using plant-based remedies as well as cautions like “if you’re allergic to this, don’t use that” and working with your physician/herbalist if you are on medications.

There are two basic sections: The herbs and then the problems/remedies. In the herbal section, she describes each of the 35 plants in detail, what part of the plant is used, cautions, allergens, and color pictures. In the remedy section, she gives some common problems, like migraines or headaches, what to use, and how to prepare and use them. I will note that there are a lot of steps to some of these remedies. And they use a lot more than just one or two herbs. She also goes into different ways to use them: tea, capsules, tinctures, syrups, etc. And stresses that this is not a cure for a serious ailment, that you need to work with your medical team if you want to use them because there can be serious contraindications with some.

Overall, I thought this a good basic book with a lot of great information.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@zeitgeist #partner

@penguinrandomhouse #partner

PLANES, CANDY CANES, AND HEARSES by Catherine Bruns

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Christmas Short Story

5*****

Blurb: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas for Sally Muccio. The part-time sleuth and full-time baker is up to her elbows in sugar and a puzzling mystery that threatens to ruin her jolly holiday… As Sal and her good friend Josie prepare to close their bakery to enjoy Christmas Eve, as well as Sal’s daughter’s birthday, a last-minute sojourn to the airport interferes. Sal mistakenly thinks this will be a quick outing to pick up her father from a business trip. But with the weather outside frightful, and her delightful father nowhere to be found, her fears quickly begin to escalate. Where is Domenic Muccio, and why isn’t he answering his phone? And who is the mysterious companion he was seen leaving the airport with? If Sal doesn’t find her father soon, no one will be rocking around the Christmas tree. Includes a delicious recipe for candy cane cookies!

Thoughts: What a cute holiday book! This is part of the “Cookies & Chance” mystery series and is a fun addition to the series. In this one, Sally Muccio – part-time sleuth, full-time baker – has to go to the airport to pick up her father and take him home for the family holiday festivities. In addition, she’s eight months pregnant… and it’s snowing. So her friend Josie takes her to the airport, where they find Sal’s father’s luggage, but not him. They spend hours trying to find him – then get strange messages that he was seen driving his hearse (he’s an undertaker) but has disappeared again. The story goes through all the craziness they go through trying to find Dominic. But the ending – pure holiday joy and magic.

Definitely recommended for a quick, sweet magical holiday read. Oh, and I loved the cookie recipe!

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

THE ULTIMATE FUN ADULT ACTIVITY BOOK by Julie DeManovich

Nonfiction, Puzzle Activity, Recreation

4 ½ ****+

Blurb: The Ultimate Fun Adult Activity Book: Logic Puzzles, Sudoku, Mazes, Word Searches, Crosswords, Acrostics, Coloring, and More!

Thoughts: I am someone who loves puzzles – word, number, logic—you name it. And I loved this book. It’s the title I have an issue with. First, my teenage grandkids could handle this book, so the “adult” is totally unnecessary. And “Adult Fun” gives off certain connotations that have nothing to do with what is in the book.

Okay, that being said, I really did like this book. I will, however, suggest very strongly that if you want to do the puzzles, you buy the book as a physical copy and not an e-book as it was sent to me for possible review. And yes, I am going to do just that—go buy a physical copy.

There are all sorts of puzzles in here: find differences, crosswords, sudoku, scrambles, word search, logic, mazes, coloring pages, and more. There are several sections, each one of which is a different theme, such as “Whodunnit” or “famous artists” or “explorers” and more. They run the gamut from very easy to challenging and yes, there is an answer key at the back.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@zeitgeist #partner

@penguinrandomhouse #partner

RIDING SHOTGUN by Amy Lane

Fiction, Contemporary Gay Romance (M/M)

4****

Blurb: Val Royal’s tight family has always had his back, but they love to interfere in his life. That interference almost sends him over the edge when they arrange for Rory McCauley, security specialist, marksman, and hound-dog smartass, to ride shotgun as security on his latest run. Hot, bossy, and sharp as a tack, Val ticks all Rory’s boxes, but Val’s looking for something real, and Rory’s allergic to intimacy. Besides, their gig running refrigerated bull semen from Bakersfield to Austin could make or break Val’s buddy’s ranch, so Val’s understandably pretty focused on the job. Rory still wishes Val would let him help Val, uh, *relax*. As Val and Rory work to keep their payload safe from a couple of determined saboteurs and they get to know each other as smart, competent, fearless professionals, sparks fly, and Val starts to fall for Rory’s roguish charm. But can he convince Rory their romance would be worth more than a straight shot to Austin—that it would be a love worth coming home to?

Thoughts: This was a fun, quick read. I liked Val and his entire family! I want to know that family! Rory was good too and his devotion to his son was well done. What didn’t work well for me was the instant relationship. Okay, the author did hold off the hot sex for at least a week, but that part of the story just didn’t grab me. However, the whole trucker vibe did. My brother was a cross-country driver and I got to see his cab. Those things are amazing. And them trying to stay away from the bad guys was fun and adventurous. Overall, it’s a quick, fun story with lots of action and some hot sex. And a HEA that satisfies.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

LARK LAKE LODGE by Maggie Eliot

Fiction, Romance, Second Chances

4****

Blurb: Note to self: when attempting to reboot your life by selling everything you have, cashing in your 401k and moving across the state to refurbish a massive, old inn, it might be good to check place out first. Lark Lake Lodge was the only thing I ever got out of my dumpster fire of a marriage to my selfish, lying ex. And okay, maybe I daydreamed a bit too much about a charming hideaway that merely needed a good cleaning and some throw pillows. Instead, I got a post-apocalyptic refuge for inhospitable creatures. And don’t get me started about the broken windows, bug infestation, and actual trees growing indoors. But the most unexpected thing I found upon arrival was Harlan. My woodsy, taciturn, bookish, hot dad neighbor was always at the ready to help me when I needed it. On one hand, the side of me wanting to be an independent badass bitch was reluctant to take his help. On the other, he was really handy, and I was in a constant state of jelly-legged, red cheeked, crush energy when he was around. While my new home near Saugatuck, Michigan was picturesque, and the adorable Bassett hounds Harlan bred stole my heart, I quickly learned that a relationship with two people who’ve been destroyed by uncaring exes can turn into a roller coaster ride of complications.

Thoughts: This was a fun story about two people who couldn’t be more different who finally come together in a HEA that satisfies. (Okay, come on, this is a romance. I’m not giving anything away here.) Harlan is a backwoods loner who runs a kennel and is known as a hermit in the small town where he lives. Maisie is a newly divorced woman who got control of an aging lodge she got in the divorce. Ready to start over and stand on her own, she ends up sitting on the steps of the dilapidated lodge with a broken key and crying. Then Harlan shows up. While he could easily solve all her problems, she is determined to be an independent woman and ends up sleeping in her truck rather than his guest room. The lodge is full of trees, wild animals, broken windows, and bad plumbing. Harlan and Maisie hit it off eventually, but there are a lot of problems, distrust, and arguments before they finally get their HEA. (Note: there are quite a few hot, lusty scenes).

The characters are realistic and interesting, though I did just want to grab Maisie and shake her sometimes. The descriptions of the lodge are disgustingly fun – ugh! I’m surprised she didn’t run from that! But overall, a decent romantic story about two broken people starting over and finding love the second time around. Well done.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: I was given this book in hopes of doing a review, but not required. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone and not influenced or solicited by anyone.

THE ATTENTION FIX by Dr. Anders Hansen

Nonfiction, Self-help, Psychology

5*****

Blurb: In this powerful guide, Dr. Hansen provides groundbreaking strategies to reclaim your focus and mental well-being. Unveiling the evolutionary reason for our distractibility, The Attention Fix sheds light on the toll our constant connection to smartphones and digital devices takes on our mental well-being. Backed by extensive research and studies, Dr. Hansen’s insights are scientifically proven and enriched through his exploration of the intricacies of the human brain. With The Attention Fix, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest scientific research on the brain and the true effects of unrestricted social media use, breaking free from the cycle of mindless scrolling and demotivation. Curb your addiction to screens and cultivate deep, single-task focus to experience a renewed sense of happiness, improved health, and enhanced productivity. Break free from the addiction cycle of mindless scrolling and demotivation utilizing Dr. Hansen’s groundbreaking strategies.Dr. Hansen’s expertise and insights are trusted by renowned experts and influential figures in mental health, fitness, and overall well-being. Learn about the latest scientific research on the brain as you gain a comprehensive understanding of the true effects of unrestricted social media use. Cure smartphone addiction and cultivate attention management skills to ease anxiety, find better focus, and decrease attention deficit symptoms. Understand the impact of our evolutionary traits in the modern world and explore the consequences of our physical and mental traits. Uncover the detrimental impact of unrestricted social media use on your brain and empower yourself to reclaim your attention span.

Thoughts: The beginning of this book is what really caught my attention as I scrolled through several pages of nothing but dots. 10,000 of them to be exact. This is the history of humanity. Eight dots equals how long in that history we’ve had cars, electricity, and running water. Three dots equals computers, planes, and cell phones. And one single dot is for those who have never been without modern technology. I found that intriguing.

The book itself is rather short – 189 pages – and easy to read. Rather than giving you a lot of psychological rhetoric, he breaks that all down into bits you can actually understand. He does point out the negative impact that our phones/electronics have on us, especially young people. I also liked that at the end of the book, he breaks it all down into small bites that we can use to help ourselves. Things like: get 2 hours of exercise per week (this actually helps with focus); log your cell phone use; turn off the electronics an hour before bed, and more. The suggestions are something we can all do in order to help ourselves.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@zeitgeist #partner

THE SPIRIT OF VANDERLAAN by Susan Harris Howell

Fiction, Paranormal,

4****

Blurb: When beloved professor, Samantha Hayes, learns that her favorite four students live in as many of her old dorm rooms, she wonders how it happened and for what purpose. As she and her student entourage explore the possibilities, they uncover a death years ago and what appears to be the ghost of the dearly departed. All of this stirs up Samantha’s long-held fear that she was responsible for that death, challenging all she thought she knew about herself and the work she holds dear. They must figure out what happened before Samantha gets fired for “dabbling in the paranormal.”

Thoughts: This was an interesting story. Samantha Hayes is a college professor who has a group of five students who help her with research. Then they discover that all of them live in the same rooms she had in college years ago. The blurb pretty much tells it all as far as that all goes, but there is a lot more going on. But there’s a lot more going on as well. She’s up for tenure, but the professor who is the head of her committee is an old rival. He gets her blackballed and put on suspension, but she’s determined to fight back. But how do you fight old lies and ghosts from your past that may be real ghosts?

I enjoyed this story even though it was a little slow at times. But the whole issue with her tenure and her past creates interesting challenges that keep you reading to the end.

Recommended.