Magnolia Palace features two timelines: one in the early 20th century and the second approximately 50 years later. Have you ever noticed the statues tMagnolia Palace features two timelines: one in the early 20th century and the second approximately 50 years later. Have you ever noticed the statues throughout NYC and other historical areas and wondered who modeled for them? I had not, but after reading this book I learned so much about the inspiration and work behind these artworks. Further, this book made me want to visit the Frick museum (location of most scenes in the book) to see how it compared to the book. I preferred the first timeline to the second and read the earlier timeline much more quickly, and I would have preferred for the entire book to have focused on the early 20th century story. That being said, the second timeline provided answers to questions unresolved in the earlier timeline. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend!
I received a complimentary galley of the book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Speck is a stray dog who is accustomed to living in the wild with other dogs, but unlike most of those other dogs Speck is rescued by a family who lovSpeck is a stray dog who is accustomed to living in the wild with other dogs, but unlike most of those other dogs Speck is rescued by a family who loves him despite his rambunctiousness. The author makes his Southern home come alive with all its beauty and eccentricities. While the author struggles with health challenges, his love for Speck shines through.
As someone who believes dogs should live indoors, I sometimes found myself struggling with the hard life Speck had endured and that he never became an indoor companion. I worried that he would be killed on a number of occasions in the book. Nevertheless, he was taken to the vet and clearly loved by the author and his family.
I enjoyed reading about Speck's growth and particularly how his relationship with the donkeys changed over time.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a galley in exchange for an honest review....more
Funny Farm is a memoir about how a family's relationships with animals help them deal with challenging times. Laurie, the author, grew up in prosperitFunny Farm is a memoir about how a family's relationships with animals help them deal with challenging times. Laurie, the author, grew up in prosperity until her mother took her children and moved to a small cabin/shack in the woods to escape domestic violence. The mother and children gave up all their material conveniences, but they survived the difficult time through the strength of the family bond and the animals the mother rescued
The book alternates stories from the author's childhood with those of the farmed animals that she has rescued.
Funny Farm is a poignant look at a family's love and the ability of animals to help people heal.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a galley in exchange for an honest review....more
Not only is Elayne Kaye's "The Consent" a fun beach read, it is simultaneously thought-provoking and would be great for a book club. The book focuses Not only is Elayne Kaye's "The Consent" a fun beach read, it is simultaneously thought-provoking and would be great for a book club. The book focuses on two couples: one wants to adopt a baby after years of fertility struggles and the other never wanted a child until their child is born.
The book culminates with a legal battle in which readers can debate the outcome. What is in the best interests of a child is not always so easy to determine. The characters are well-rounded in that even the "good" characters are flawed.
I could not put the book down because I wanted to find out who got the child. I liked that this was an easy read, but not predictable. I look forward to reading this author's next book. ...more
Epic Vegan Quick and Easy is a fantastic book containing easy to prepare, cruelty-free recipes. Cookbooks often describe their recipes as easy, but I Epic Vegan Quick and Easy is a fantastic book containing easy to prepare, cruelty-free recipes. Cookbooks often describe their recipes as easy, but I often am disappointed by the complex ingredients and directions in some of the supposedly simple recipes. This book, however, fulfills its promise of providing clear directions that break down every step of the process.
I love that the author doesn't assume that the reader knows anything about cooking. He even warns to watch out for hot pans.
This book has so many recipes I want to try, including a lot of sheet pan recipes that look delicious. I made the tater tot recipe, which turned out very tasty. Beyond providing the ingredients and actual cooking directions, the author explained tips for preparation and clean-up that made every step easier. For example, in the tater tot recipe, he explained after cooking the potatoes how to arrange them on the pan to avoid unnecessary spillage and maximum taste. I made the recipe with vegan sausage. It would have been nice if the author had recommended brand names of certain products, but it wasn't necessary (and it's possible he did in recipes I haven't tried yet).
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and making the recipes and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a non-complicated manual for making delicious food.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an electronic galley of the book in exchange for an honest review....more
A bunch of people keep getting murdered who are linked to a high school teacher. He is the primary suspect, but is he really guilty?
The first half of A bunch of people keep getting murdered who are linked to a high school teacher. He is the primary suspect, but is he really guilty?
The first half of 21st Birthday is the best installment of the women's murder club series in years. I was excited that the series had returned to the great storytelling from earlier installments. I was sorely disappointed that I found the second half of the book to be, at first dull, and ultimately extremely disappointing and implausible. The entire point of the book was to find out who killed the various women. After reading the book, I still don't know the answer and many major plot holes were left open.
The ending ruined what could started as a wonderful book. Perhaps the open issues will be resolved in a future book, but I'm afraid it was just rushed with no resolution intended....more
Oliver is a heartwarming memoir about a man whose beloved dog Oliver is stolen from him and the community of family, friends and strangers who join foOliver is a heartwarming memoir about a man whose beloved dog Oliver is stolen from him and the community of family, friends and strangers who join forces to aid him in his search.
The narrator (Steve) is a man of faith who has had hardships throughout his life that he has previously confronted with the support of beloved dogs and his strong belief system. In this case, though, when his dog is stolen leaving him without his best friend, Steve's questions his faith. The book details how many people love Steve and come to his aid after Oliver is taken. As he sees how much he is loved, Steve's faith is restored and he relies on scriptural guidance as he searches for Oliver.
This book focuses on a man's love for his missing dog, so Oliver is mostly a character in the book through flashbacks. This could be a hard story to tell, but the authors do a great job with the pacing, and I could not wait to find out if there would be a happy ending. This book reminds me of "It's a Wonderful Life" as Steve finds out at his lowest point how much he means to people he has met throughout his life.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an e-galley in exchange for an honest review....more
Seth Barron's "The Last Days of New York: a reporter's true tale of how a city died" is not only a must-read for New Yorkers, but also should be read Seth Barron's "The Last Days of New York: a reporter's true tale of how a city died" is not only a must-read for New Yorkers, but also should be read by anyone who has ever loved New York City. The book focuses on how the complete ineptitude of Mayor DeBlasio has ruined New York. This book is not full of generalities; rather, irrefutable examples are offered to support every proposition set forth by Barron. The book also explores other forces (NYC City Council, etc) that have been complicit with DeBlasio in enacting policies that have lowered the quality of life for New Yorkers and caused serious damage to NYC.
As someone who loves New York, I was both saddened and enraged by this book, because the problems it details are becoming so entrenched that the city may never recover. Hope that this book will lead to action by all of those who feel similarly.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-galley in exchange for an honest review....more
I was looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, however, I quickly realized it was not for me. Little in the writer's experiences as a lawyI was looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, however, I quickly realized it was not for me. Little in the writer's experiences as a lawyer or in law school seemed realistic, and the tone of the book was off-putting. Occasionally there were moments of humor, but the book as a whole was disjointed and hard to get through.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a galley of the book in exchange for an honest review....more
"Eat Plants Feel Whole" offers a blend of science and practical guidance. You'll learn why converting to a plant-based diet can greatly lengthen your "Eat Plants Feel Whole" offers a blend of science and practical guidance. You'll learn why converting to a plant-based diet can greatly lengthen your life and fight disease, but also why you will feel better by following the plan set forth in the book. Most of the chapters focus on explaining the benefits of the plan, but there are also terrific recipes and shopping lists provided. Some of the recipes provide alternate ways for preparing that involve fewer tools (such as mixer, etc.). I enjoyed the book and believe those thinking about going plant-based (as well as those who already are) will find much of interest.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
"Dark Roads" is a suspense novel that takes place along the ominous Cold Creek Highway. For years, young women have disappeared and been found murdere"Dark Roads" is a suspense novel that takes place along the ominous Cold Creek Highway. For years, young women have disappeared and been found murdered along the highway with no clues left as to their killer. The book focuses on a teen runaway who has escaped an awful living situation, but in doing so has put herself in the crosshairs of the killer. Later in the book the focus shifts to the sister of one of the victims who must risk her life to find her sister's killer.
The book starts off strong and has an exciting climax. It's an interesting premise. As a dog lover, I found the heroic canine in the book to be my favorite character.
Despite the horrible tragedies that the characters in this book endured, I never really found them likable. Much of the book was slow for me because I didn't find the storylines believable. I could not understand the protagonists' choices. Readers who like strong women characters may enjoy this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance galley of the book in exchange for an honest review....more
Danielle Steel's "Finding Ashley" focuses on a woman named Melissa who has hidden herself away in a fixer-upper home in the woods to escape her grief Danielle Steel's "Finding Ashley" focuses on a woman named Melissa who has hidden herself away in a fixer-upper home in the woods to escape her grief from the loss of her son. She has walked away from her marriage, her life in the city, and a successful career as a novelist because she can't bear the memories of the son she lost.
It seems that Melissa is doomed to a life of depression until her sister, a nun, challenges her own beliefs to help Melissa track down the daughter she was forced to give up for adoption. Along the way, a number of contemporary issues are explored, from issues with the Catholic Church to the "Me Too" movement.
Steel fans will root for Melissa and her sister to find happiness. Some readers may not enjoy the storyline involving the Catholic Church. This book presents a few twists and turns along the way and is an easy read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a galley in exchange for my honest review....more
"When Harry Met Minnie" is a story of love and friendship between humans and canines. Martha Teichner is a busy CBS correspondent who shares her New Y"When Harry Met Minnie" is a story of love and friendship between humans and canines. Martha Teichner is a busy CBS correspondent who shares her New York City home with a beloved bull terrier. Through a series of random events, she is introduced to a terminally ill woman who is seeking to rehome her bull terrier when she can no longer care for him.
Teichner does not agree to adopt another dog immediately: First, she has to make sure that her own dog (Minnie) and the other dog (Harry) would become friends or at least peacefully co-exist. During the course of many get-togethers with their dogs, Teicher forges a close friendship with designer Carol Fertig as Fertig battles cancer.
The two dogs at the center of the book are the catalyst for bringing together an entire community of people who have been touched by Fertig. While your heart will break for Fertig, some solace is provided in thinking about how many people she touched in her lifetime and the book's tribute to her personality and talents.
The book details some of the outrageous obstacles the sick must go through to obtain end-of-life care and sometimes includes tangential stories that could have been omitted. Nevertheless, there's much to appreciate in this poignant book.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Martha Teichner, and Celadon Books for giving me the opportunity to read the e-galley of this book. ...more
In "Before She Disappeared" Frankie Elkin is a recovering alcoholic with an obsessive personality. She has traded her addiction to alcohol for an obseIn "Before She Disappeared" Frankie Elkin is a recovering alcoholic with an obsessive personality. She has traded her addiction to alcohol for an obsessive need to find missing persons. In most cases, success comes from tracking down a body, but she longs to finally find one of the victims alive. Frankie is not trained as a law enforcement professional, and she acts on instinct and often contrary to any need for self-preservation. This time, Frankie is working a cold case where a brilliant teen has vanished without any leads. Set in a Haitian community in Boston, this book explores how an outsider can make a difference.
Lisa Gardner is one of my favorite authors and I always eagerly anticipate her new books. I didn't enjoy this book as much as her others because I didn't identify with Frankie and thought that some of her actions and the results of her actions were a bit unrealistic. This would not be a character I'd care about seeing in future books. Nevertheless, this book was an easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a galley of the book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
"1000 Vegan and Vegetarian Meals: Everyday Recipes to Make Healthy Eating Easy" provides recipes in various categories, such as grazing dishes and com"1000 Vegan and Vegetarian Meals: Everyday Recipes to Make Healthy Eating Easy" provides recipes in various categories, such as grazing dishes and comfort food. Many of the recipes are delicious and experienced cooks will enjoy working through the wide variety of dishes.
For me, most of the recipes were far too complicated or required too many ingredients (or ingredients I do not keep on hand). While the book advertises the meals as quick and easy, I think that most are for more ambitious chefs. For example, in the quick and tasty category, recipes call for ingredients such as pine kernels, chipotle paste, cumin seeds and sliced baby leeks, none of which I would have on hand. I'm not even sure how hard it would be able to find some of these ingredients in most grocery stores. Further, many recipes require techniques that less experienced cooks are not familiar with, such julienning vegetables. I found myself wishing that all the recipes were vegan as well.
Experienced cooks or novice cooks looking to learn and experiment will find much to enjoy in this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a galley of the book in exchange for providing an honest review.
The Everything Easy Vegan Cookbook begins with a section providing concise explanations for why vegan diets are great for health, weight loss, animalsThe Everything Easy Vegan Cookbook begins with a section providing concise explanations for why vegan diets are great for health, weight loss, animals, and the environment. While that information is excellent, what makes this book great are the 200 recipes broken down by food groups and types (breakfasts, tofu, seitan, etc.).
Long-time vegans and those just wishing to explore a plant-based diet will find much to love in this cookbook. As promised, the recipes are generally easy to prepare and rely on ingredients sold in large grocery stores.
Before getting this book, I tried for years to make tofu that I enjoyed, but I could never figure out how to prepare it nearly as well as restaurants did. But the Cajun Cornmeal Tofu recipe in this book changed everything, and I finally was able to prepare tofu that was restaurant-worthy. This book was exactly what I have been looking for in a cookbook, and I can't wait to make many more recipes.
Wish there were more pictures, but the steps were explained well enough so that they were not necessary.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a galley of the book in exchange for an honest review....more
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