Welcome to another Meaningful Monday inspiration. Today’s quote is from John F. Kennedy
“Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.”
Meaningful Monday
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ARC Review: Every Last Fear
- Publication Date: March 2, 2021
- Publisher: Minotaur Books
- Author: Alex Finlay
- Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
- Page Count: 362
Description
“They found the bodies on a Tuesday.” So begins this twisty and breathtaking novel that traces the fate of the Pine family, a thriller that will both leave you on the edge of your seat and move you to tears.
After a late night of partying, NYU student Matt Pine returns to his dorm room to devastating news: nearly his entire family—his mom, his dad, his little brother and sister—have been found dead from an apparent gas leak while vacationing in Mexico. The local police claim it was an accident, but the FBI and State Department seem far less certain—and they won’t tell Matt why.
The tragedy makes headlines everywhere because this isn’t the first time the Pine family has been thrust into the media spotlight. Matt’s older brother, Danny—currently serving a life sentence for the murder of his teenage girlfriend Charlotte—was the subject of a viral true crime documentary suggesting that Danny was wrongfully convicted. Though the country has rallied behind Danny, Matt holds a secret about his brother that he’s never told anyone: the night Charlotte was killed Matt saw something that makes him believe his brother is guilty of the crime.
When Matt returns to his small hometown to bury his parents and siblings, he’s faced with a hostile community that was villainized by the documentary, a frenzied media, and memories he’d hoped to leave behind forever. Now, as the deaths in Mexico appear increasingly suspicious and connected to Danny’s case, Matt must unearth the truth behind the crime that sent his brother to prison—putting his own life in peril—and forcing him to confront his every last fear.
Told through multiple points-of-view and alternating between past and present, Alex Finlay’s Every Last Fear is not only a page-turning thriller, it’s also a poignant story about a family managing heartbreak and tragedy, and living through a fame they never wanted.
Review
Recovering from a massive hangover, Matt Pine gets an alarming request from the FBI. They want to meet him for an interrogation. Little does Matt know that the interrogation will lead to the devastating news that his family who were vacationing in Mexico are gone. Literally. The local authorities there claim it was an accidental gas leak. But evidence suggests otherwise.
On a hunch that the deaths in the Pine family might be related to a money-laundering operation, FBI agent Sarah Keller immerses herself in the investigation with the suggestion that the Pine family were the hard targets of a cartel.
Already reeling from an earlier inflammatory documentary about his brother, Matt must overcome public scrutiny, ridicule and grief to uncover clues that led up to the deaths in his family.
Told in multiple points of view, the reader gets a first hand perspective of all the clues and motives. The author, Alex Finlay has masterfully crafted a suspenseful mystery by the use of the multiple points of view technique.
With an engaging plot, Every Last Fear is everything you would want it to be in a mystery crime thriller. Five amazing stars.
I received a physical copy of the book from Minotaur Books through the Bookish First raffle. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
ARC Review: Namesake
- Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
- Publication Date: March 16, 2021
- Author: Adrienne Young
- Genre: Teens & YA
- Page Count: 368
Description (Goodreads)
Trader. Fighter. Survivor.
With the Marigold ship free of her father, Fable and its crew were set to start over. That freedom is short-lived when she becomes a pawn in a notorious thug’s scheme. In order to get to her intended destination she must help him to secure a partnership with Holland, a powerful gem trader who is more than she seems.
As Fable descends deeper into a world of betrayal and deception she learns that her mother was keeping secrets, and those secrets are now putting the people Fable cares about in danger. If Fable is going to save them then she must risk everything, including the boy she loves and the home she has finally found.
Review
Namesake is the second and final installment of the Fable duology. And I found it to be a better novel than the first. Namesake takes off there Fable left off so Namesake can’t be read as a standalone.
After freeing the ship Marigold, Fable, West, and the rest of the crew are ready to start anew. But that plan is sidelined when Zola, an infamous pirate hijacks Fable and forces her to arrange a deal with Holland, a rich and powerful gem trader. As the story unfolds, we learn that not everyone is who you think they are. That deals and promises made can be broken.
A masterful pirate fantasy. The author, Adrienne Young has adeptly crafted a rich cast of characters. You can just visualize each character’s looks, expressions, and personalities. Young’s Plot execution is seamless. Transitions are smooth and flows nicely through each chapter. You won’t want the story to end.
Namesake is a stunning young adult fantasy that is sure to capture the hearts of those readers that enjoy action, adventure, romance and sea faring goodness. Five spectacular stars.
I received a digital ARC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Cover Reveal: Tsalix Silverthorn and the Desert of Desolation
Blurb
Having retrieved the first talisman from the top of Mount Jinee, Tsalix and his friends are faced with another daunting task. They must cross Shayeksten, the Desert of Desolation to reach Mount Tsood and find the second talisman.
Shayeksten is formidable, dry, hot, and covered with drifting sand. Compounding their problem is their nemesis, Captain Nash Doitsoh and his band of soldiers, who are patrolling the desert and are determined to capture Tsalix and bring him to Prince Abadon. If they are successful in crossing Shayeksten and reaching Mount Tsood they must find where the talisman is hidden and then return to Mount Deschee to deliver it to the King.
Author Bio
Having retrieved the first talisman from the top of Mount Jinee, Tsalix and his friends are faced with another daunting task.They must cross Shayeksten, the Desert of Desolation to reach Mount Tsood and find the second talisman. Shayeksten is formidable, dry, hot, and covered with drifting sand. Compounding their problem is their nemesis, Captain Nash Doitsoh and his band of soldiers, who are patrolling the desert and are determined to capture Tsalix and bring him to Prince Abadon. If they are successful in crossing Shayeksten and reaching Mount Tsood they must find where the talisman is hidden and then return to Mount Deschee to deliver it to the King
Book Review: Pigeon Blood Red
- Publication Date: January 16, 2018
- Author: Ed Duncan
- Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers
- Page Count: 204
Description
For underworld enforcer Richard “Rico” Sanders, it seemed like an ordinary job. Retrieve his gangster boss’s priceless pigeon-blood red ruby necklace and teach the double-dealing cheat who stole it a lesson. A job like a hundred before it. But the chase quickly goes sideways and takes Rico from the mean streets of Chicago to sunny Honolulu, where the hardened hit man finds himself in uncharted territory when a couple of innocent bystanders are accidentally embroiled in the crime.
As Rico pursues his new targets, the hunter and his prey develop an unlikely respect for one another and Rico is faced with a momentous decision: follow his orders to kill the couple whose courage and character have won his admiration, or refuse and endanger the life of the woman he loves?
Review
Pigeon-Blood Red is the first installment of the trilogy and it did not disappoint.
Richard (Rico) Sanders is a hitman for hire and is the go-to person when ruthless loan-shark and crime boss, Frank Litzak needs a job done. When Litzak’s rare pigeon-blood red ruby necklace is stolen, Rico is tasked with recovering the necklace and punishing the sleaze ball that stole it. An easy enough job. But it soon becomes complicated when innocent bystanders become entangled in Rico’s hunt for the rare necklace.
Mr. Duncan’s storytelling skills shine through in this novel. Who would think that anyone would admire a hitman? But Duncan has managed to weave a story with characters not unlike those in the series, The Sopranos. An excellent crime thriller, Pigeon-Blood Red is a page-turner for sure. You’ll find that your latest hero is none other than Rico Sanders — the hitman. Five stunning stars.
I received a paperback copy of the book from Ed Duncan through Book Publicity Services. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Weekly Recipe Wednesday: Billy’s Sourdough Rolls
Today’s recipe is from a mention in the book This Cowboy of Mine from R. C. Ryan, which I’ve read and reviewed here on my blog.
Ingredients
- 1/2 sourdough starter
- 1 c. lukewarm water
- 2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 T. sugar
- 6 T. room temp. unsalted butter
- 1/4 c. nonfat dry milk
- 1/4 c. potato flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. instant yeast
Directions
Combine all ingredients, mix, and knead, adding more flour or water if necessary to make a soft smooth dough
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise at room temperature until it’s nearly doubled in bulk (approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.)
Lightly grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased work surface. Gently deflate and divide the dough into 16 pieces.
Shape each piece of dough into a ball. Place 8 balls in each round pan, and space evenly so they aren’t touching.
Cover the pans and allow the rolls to rise until they touch and are puffy (approx. 1 to 1 1/2 hours.)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Bake for 24 – 26 minutes until they are a light golden brown on top.
Remove rolls from oven and after a couple of minutes, transfer them to a rack to cool before serving.
Book Blitz: Social Goodness
Blurb
Social Goodness is a guide to how your business can meet your customer’s expectations through your brand actions and so ensure you don’t just survive but thrive in the coming decade. Perfectly pitched for busy C-suite leaders and entrepreneurs it is a meticulously researched, comprehensive trendspotting business bible, which is an easy to read, enthralling, and engaging page-turner.
Social Goodness forensically investigates current trends, like sustainability, human marketing and ESG, and joins the dots to show you how it all connects and affects businesses in the wider world. It looks at what works and what doesn’t for brands post-pandemic in the new ‘normal’. Social Goodness examines why some companies are getting it right both on social media and with their brand actions – and thriving as a result – and why others are experiencing severe backlash and criticism.
It takes a view from a different perspective of social media and the central role it now plays in society and for business. Most business leaders still think of social media as somehow ‘other’ – an add-on to the marketing and generally of minor importance to their core business unless a social media crisis erupts. Yet, as we saw throughout the last few years, social media is at once a reflection of offline life and a petri dish that causes and influences real-life events. It has resulted in a fundamental and irrevocable shift in how business is conducted – i.e. the business is now totally transparent at every point. People can see for themselves if companies are lying, and pressure brands to change their policies and strategies, boycott their products, get others to also avoid buying and quite literally topple major brands if they are behaving inauthentically or unethically.
Author Bio
Claire Burdett is an entrepreneur, founder, businesswoman, writer, marketing pro, and social media aficionado… She has worked in digital and social media since its beginning and founded three online businesses, including the first dedicated Social Media Marketing Agency in the UK. Claire is also a prolific writer for magazines and blogs, a professional editor, and is also a trendspotter. She is adept at joining the dots to see the bigger picture and help people understand what is actually happening, and what action they should take to best support and grow their business or enterprise.
Social Goodness is her tenth book and brings together everything she sees happening in the world today and where we need to learn and adapt to properly manage and utilise these new social challenges that this big-bang of tech growth has given us. To also meet the expectations that people now have that businesses act responsibly and for the greater good, rather than putting profits before people. It covers all the essential elements of the greater whole that we need to be socially conscious about in this super fast-moving digital age.
Buy it here
Meaningful Monday
Today’s thought comes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
| Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.- DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. |
Book Review: Blink of an Eye
- Publication Date: February 2, 2021
- Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
- Author(s): Iris Johansen, Roy Johansen
- Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
- Page Count: 343
Description (Goodreads)
A #1 New York Times bestselling author and an Edgar Award winner team up to deliver this gripping new novel featuring investigator Kendra Michaels—whose observational skills are worthy of a modern-day Sherlock Holmes.
Delilah Winter is one of the hottest pop stars on the planet, so how in the world was she kidnapped right in the middle of a show at the famous Hollywood Bowl? If anyone can figure it out, it’s Dr. Kendra Michaels, who works with local and federal authorities on only the most impossible cases. Blind for the first twenty years of her life until a revolutionary surgical procedure allowed her to regain her sight, Kendra uses her powers of observation—honed during her years in the dark—to detect what other investigators don’t. She agrees to lead the race to rescue the young singer before time runs out.
Joined by Jessie Mercado, the singer’s former bodyguard and a military hero, Kendra closes in on the hideout location but not before casualties mount up. Desperate for leads, Kendra must set aside her personal feelings when agent-for-hire Adam Lynch also volunteers his special skills to aid in the search.
But as the abductor’s true purpose becomes clear, the trio uncover a plot they never could have imagined—leading to a showdown they won’t soon forget.
Review
Blink of an Eye is my first read by the mother and son team of Iris and Roy Johansen. Although it is the eighth in the Kendra Michaels series, I had no problem reading it as a standalone.
Kendra Michaels is a gifted and talented investigator whose uncanny power of observation has immersed her in some of the most complex FBI cases. Kendra and her friend Jessie Mercado, a former military hero, are often at the center of crime scene investigations. So when pop star Delilah Winters (Dee) is kidnapped, her good friend and former bodyguard Jessie is at the forefront to apprehend the kidnapper. Both Jessie and Kendra play starring roles that lead to the rescue of Dee and the apprehension of the criminals.
Blink of an Eye is an immersive novel that reads like a movie. I got caught in the moment and felt like I was at a the theater watching the mystery unfold. The suspense will get you and the action will pull you in.
The cast of Kendra, Jessie and Adam Lynch are as dynamic as the story. There is enough banter between them that provides the needed break from all of the suspense.
Inasmuch as I really enjoyed the novel, I was a little disappointed that the mastermind behind the kidnapping wasn’t as elusive as he or she should have been. The mastermind could easily be determined well before the end of the book. If it weren’t for that “flaw,” it would have been a five star read for me.
I received a hard copy of the book from Grand Central Publishing. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Book Blitz: A Slight Folly
A big shout out to Elizabeth Harris on the release of her new novel!
Blurb
Falling in love makes you foolhardy…
Hal Dillon is back at home with Jo and the family, resolved to put his poignant romance with Angela Swayne on the island of Crete firmly behind him. Until a magazine article brings her right back to the forefront of his mind…
Jo sees everyone in the family off on their travels. Alone, her dormant wanderlust bursts into life and on impulse she sets out to drive up the Great North Road. And on the wild and dramatic Northumberland coast, someone is waiting for her.
Meanwhile, Angela is distracted from her heartache by the arrival of a stranger with a surprising proposition. Barely pausing to think whether or not it’s wise, she finds herself on a ferry to Brittany and discovers life is about to take a totally unexpected turn… both for her and the man she is with.
Author Bio
Elizabeth Harris was born in Cambridge and brought up in Kent, where she now lives. After graduation she did a variety of jobs including driving a van, being a lifeguard and working in the Civil Service. She lived in Hong Kong for three years and travelled extensively in Europe and America, and lived for some years in the Far East. Elizabeth Harris was one of the finalists of the 1989 Ian St James Awards.
Buy Link
Blog Blitz: The Invisible Woman
Welcome to the February 10th blog blitz stop for The Invisible Woman. Many thanks to Stephanie Felty at Berkley Publishing for organizing this blitz tour. The book is currently on sale so be sure to snag your copy at your favorite retailer.
- Publication Date: February 9, 2021
- Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
- Author: Erika Robuck
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Page Count: 368
About THE INVISIBLE WOMAN
Based on the remarkable true story of an American woman who defied the odds to become the most dangerous Allied spy in France during World War II, comes a gripping historical novel about strength, humanity, and bravery from the bestselling author of Hemingway’s Girl.
March 1944. Virginia Hall wasn’t like the other young society women back home in Baltimore–she never wanted the debutante ball or silk gloves. Instead, she traded a safe life for adventure in Europe, and when her beloved second home is thrust into the dark days of war, she leaps in headfirst.
Once she’s recruited as an Allied spy, subverting the Nazis becomes her calling. But even the most cunning agent can be bested, and in wartime trusting the wrong person can prove fatal. Virginia is haunted every day by the betrayal that ravaged her first operation, and will do everything in her power to avenge the brave people she lost.
While her future is anything but certain, this time more than ever Virginia knows that failure is not an option. Especially when she discovers what–and whom–she’s truly protecting.
Review
Who was Virginia Hall? Well, once you read The Invisible Woman, you will never forget her name. Virginia, code name Diane was the most formidable force within the Special Operation Executive (SOE) organization. Tasked with conducting espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in Nazi infested France, Virginia became an expert in organizing resistance movements. Virginia’s unfaltering courage and self sacrifice will be remembered once you finish the novel.
A heavy hitter of historical fiction, The Invisible Woman took me a while to get through to the finish. There were so many characters with real names along with code names, so that slowed my reading somewhat. However, it is that depth of characters that really tied the narrative together.
The Invisible Woman kept me on the edge of my seat, with impending doom around every corner. I still have goosebumps just thinking about Virginia’s trials, tribulations, and grief from the loss of some of her comrades. I experienced tears of joy and sadness while reading the book and I just cannot imagine how she overcame all of the obstacles that faced her.
The author, Erica Robuck, has done a fantastic job of researching the life and times of Virginia Hall and compiling all of that research into an exceptional historical fiction.
An unforgettable read, The Invisible Woman will leave a lasting impression on its readers. Five stars. Extraordinary.
I received a digital ARC of The Invisible Woman from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
About the Author
Erika Robuck is the national bestselling author of Receive Me Falling, Hemingway’s Girl, Call Me Zelda, Fallen Beauty, and The House of Hawthorne. She is a contributor to the anthology Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion and to the Writer’s Digest essay collection Author in Progress. Robuck lives in Annapolis, Maryland, with her husband and three sons.
Weekly Recipe Wednesday: Feijoada
Welcome to another edition of Weekly Recipe Wednesday. Today’s recipe is a Brazilian Black Bean Stew. It was a mention in the book, A Dog’s Perfect Christmas. Many Thanks to SimplyRecipes for having this recipe available. Be sure to check out SimplyRecipes for other fantastic treats.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound (450 grams) dry black beans
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound (450 grams) pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1 head of garlic, peeled and chopped
- 1 pound (450 grams) carne seca or corned beef, cut into chunks
- 1/2 pound (225 grams) fresh sausages, such as chorizo or Italian sausage
- 1 pound (450 grams) smoked sausage, such as linguica or kielbasa
- 1 smoked ham hock or shank
- 3-4 bay leaves
- Water
- 1 14.5 ounce can (411 grams) of crushed tomatoes
- Salt
METHOD
1 Soak beans in hot water: Pour boiling water over the black beans and let them sit while you prepare the rest of the stew.
2 Brown the pork shoulder: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the pork shoulder. When the meat has browned, remove the meat from the pot, set aside.
3 Brown the onions, add garlic: Add the onions to the pot. Brown them, stirring occasionally, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Sprinkle a little salt over the onions and add the garlic. Stir well and sauté 2 more minutes.
4 Add meat, bay leaves, cover with water, simmer: Add back the pork shoulder, and the other meats and add enough water to cover. Add the bay leaves, cover and bring to a simmer. Cook gently for 1 hour.
5 Add soaked black beans, simmer: Drain the black beans from their soaking liquid and add them to the stew. Simmer gently, covered, until the beans are tender, about an hour and a half.
6 Add tomatoes and simmer: Add the tomatoes, stir well and taste for salt, adding if it’s needed. Simmer this, uncovered, until the meat begins to fall off the ham hock, which will probably take 2-3 hours.
Serve with white rice and hot sauce. A classic side dish would be sautéed collard greens.
Book Tour: The Girl at the Back of the Bus
Welcome to the February 10th stop of the The Girl at the Back of the Bus book tour. Many thanks to Sarah Hardy at Bookouture for organizing this tour.
- Publisher: Bookouture
- Publication Date: February 8, 2021
- Author: Suzette Harrison
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Page Count: 310
Description
“I watched in awe as Miz Rosa stopped those men on the bus with her clear, calm “no” and I thought about that word. What if I said no? What if I refused to follow the path these White folks wanted for us? What if I kept this precious baby?
Montgomery, Alabama, 1955
On a cold December evening, Mattie Banks packs a suitcase and leaves her family home. Sixteen years old and pregnant, she has already made the mistake that will ruin her life and disgrace her widowed mother. Boarding the 2857 bus, she sits with her case on her lap, hoping that the driver will take her away from disaster. Instead, Mattie witnesses an act of bravery by a woman named Rosa Parks that changes everything. But as Mattie strives to turn her life around, the dangers that first led her to run are never far away. Forging a new life in a harsh world at constant risk of exposure, Mattie will need to fight to keep her baby safe.
Atlanta, Georgia, present day
Ashlee Turner is going home. Her relationship in ruins, her career held back by prejudice, she is returning to the family who have always been her rock. But Ashlee’s home is not the safe haven she remembers. Her beloved grandmother is dying and is determined to share her story before she leaves…
When Ashlee finds a stack of yellowing letters hidden in her nana’s closet, she can’t help the curiosity that compels her to read, and she uncovers an old secret that could wreak havoc on her already grieving family. As she tries to make sense of what she has learned, Ashlee faces a devastating choice: to protect her loved ones from the revelations, or honor her grandmother’s wishes and follow the path to the truth, no matter where it may lead.
For readers of The Help, Orphan Train and Before We Were Yours comes a beautiful and heartbreaking novel about redemption, family secrets and the spirit of survival found at the hardest time.
Review
Where do I start? For the first time, I am left speechless after reading a book. Speechless because the narrative just grabbed me by my core and thrust me back in time to a period where racial tensions were high and a divisive line stood between people of color and whites.
The Girl at the Back of the Bus is an emotional tale of how 16 year old Mattie Banks defied all odds after witnessing the courage and tenacity of Rosa Parks. It was that encounter with Rosa that changed the course and fate of Mattie and her unborn child.
Navigating between past and present, the story of Mattie Banks and her now extended family unfolds in a poignant tale revolving around love, family, and relationships. I laughed, but mostly cried. A must read for lovers of women’s historical fiction. Five stars. It was memorable.
I received a digital copy of the book from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
About the Author
Suzette D. Harrison, a native Californian and the middle of three daughters, grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Her literary “career” began in junior high school with the publishing of her poetry. While Mrs. Harrison pays homage to Alex Haley, Gloria Naylor, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, and Toni Morrison as legends who inspired her creativity, it was Dr. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings that unleashed her writing. The award-winning author of Taffy is a wife and mother who holds a culinary degree in Pastry & Baking. Mrs. Harrison is currently cooking up her next novel…in between batches of cupcakes.
For more information, check out Ms. Harrison’s website.
You can purchase the book at this fine retailers:
Book Review: A Mother’s Promise
- Publication Date: January 19, 2021
- Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
- Author: K. D. Alden
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Page Count: 384
Description (Goodreads)
Based on the true story behind a landmark U.S. Supreme Court Decision, K.D. Alden’s debut is a rich and moving story of one woman’s courage and strength at a pivotal point in America’s history.
Virginia, 1927. A chance to have a family. That’s all Ruth Ann Riley wants. But because she was unwed and pregnant, she was sent away and her baby given to another woman. Now they’re trying to take Ruth Ann’s right to have another child. But she can’t stand the thought of never seeing little Annabel’s face again, never snuggling up to her warmth or watching her blue eyes crinkle with laughter. Good thing she has a plan.
All the rich and fancy folks may call her feeble-minded, but Ruth Ann is smarter than any of them have bargained for. Because no matter how high the odds are stacked against her, she is going to overcome the scandals in her past and get her child back—and along the way, she just may find unexpected friendships and the possibility of love in the most unlikely of places.
Review
A Mother’s Promise is a heart-wrenching tale based on a true court case of Buck v. Bell. It is unbelievable that such an archaic law is still in existence today. Though the names and circumstances have been changed for dramatic effect, the story of Carrie Buck resonates in the novel’s character of Ruth Ann Riley.
Unwed, pregnant and considered mentally challenged by society, Ruth Ann is sentenced to the Colony — an institution for the epileptics and feebleminded. While there, Ruth Ann gives birth to a healthy baby girl and named her Annabel. But no sooner after the birth, little Annabel is taken away and sent to be raised at a foster family. Desperate, Ruth Ann attempts everything in her power to get little Annabel back. Even if it means jeopardizing her own well being.
I won’t go into detail about the characters in this novel because that would spoil the story. However, I will say that my emotions surrounding all of the characters ran the gamut of empathy to anger. I loved some characters and hated others.
Ms. Alden’s writing style really kept me engaged from the get-go. She managed to capture the essence of that tumultuous time period in America when eugenics played a major role in the sterilization of innocent American citizens. And I was surprised to learn a lot of the history of that time.
A Mother’s Promise is a must read. If anything, this was one historical fiction novel not to be missed. It will be remembered and will not be forgotten. Five stars.
I received a paperback copy of the book from Forever (GCP). The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Meaningful Monday
Welcome to another Meaningful Monday. Today’s quote is from Benjamin Franklin.
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Weekly Recipe Wednesday: Crab Rangoon
Today’s recipe is from another mention in the book Second Chance on Cypress Lane which I’ve read and reviewed. Check out Spend With Pennies for other delicious recipes and ideas.
PREP TIME 20 minutes COOK TIME 2 minutes TOTAL TIME 23 minutes SERVINGS 18 rangoon AUTHOR Holly NilssonCrispy wonton wrappers filled with a creamy crab center.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces can of crab meat drained (can be substituted with fresh or packaged crab)
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 green onion finely sliced
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 18 wonton wrappers
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat 1 inch of oil to 325°F over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, gently combine crab meat, cream cheese, green onion, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Layout 3 wonton wrappers at a time. Place 2 teaspoons of the filling in the center of each. Dab the edges with water and fold the two opposite corners together to form a triangle. Wet the tips of the triangle and fold inward. Continue until all of your filling is used up.
To Fry
- Drop the wontons into the hot oil for 2-3 minutes or until brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
To Bake
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Assemble wontons as above and spray each with cooking spray. Bake 12-14 minutes.
Weekly Recipe Wednesday: Easy Cheese Enchiladas
Today’s recipe is from a mention in the book Reunited on Dragonfly Lane, which I read and reviewed. Many thanks to Favorite Family Recipes for posting the recipe. Please be sure to check out their site for other fabulous recipes.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 14 oz fire-roasted crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef stock
Enchiladas
- 12 corn tortillas
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 4 scallions chopped
- 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves finely chopped
- 4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese divided
- Pre-heat the oven to 375ºF.
- Heat the 2 Tbsp. oil in small pot over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until tender (about 7-8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper, chili powder and cumin. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and stock, bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- While the enchilada sauce is simmering, place a skillet over medium heat and a little oil (3 Tbsp). Using tongs, soften each tortilla for 15 seconds on each side in the oil, shake off any excess then transfer to a plate covered with paper towels. Repeat this process with the rest of the tortillas.
- In a bowl, combine the scallions and cilantro with 3 cups of cheese. Fill each softened tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture and roll it up. Set the rolled tortillas in a row in a baking dish.
- When all the tortillas have been rolled, ladle the sauce evenly over the dish and top with the remaining cup of cheese. Bake until bubbly and brown on top, about 15 minutes.
Book Tour: The Things We Don’t Say
Welcome to the January 27th stop for the Things We Don’t Say blog tour organized by Sarah Hardy at Bookouture.
- Publication Date: January 25, 2021
- Publisher: Bookouture
- Author: Ella Carey
- Genre: Historical Fiction|Women’s Fiction
- Page Count: 316
Description
From top-ten bestseller Ella Carey comes a gripping, haunting and utterly captivating novel about love, secrets and betrayal in a story that spans the most tumultuous decades of the twentieth century.
What happens when the truths you have built your life on start to crumble?
Emma Temple sits looking out of the window in her beautiful apartment in the heart of London, surrounded by memories of her younger years as one of England’s most influential artists. Nearly ninety, it would be easy to overlook her as a forgetful older lady. But Emma’s past, including her great love affair which survived two world wars, is about to come crashing into the present.
When her granddaughter Laura arrives asking questions about the portrait that hangs above her bed, Emma is transported back over sixty years. The picture was painted by the only man she ever truly loved, the one soul on earth who knew her deepest secret. But when a newspaper claims that the portrait is a fake, everything Emma believed to be true starts to collapse. Suddenly she is transported back to a sunny house in the south of France in 1923 and the moment when her life changed forever…
An incredibly emotional and totally compelling historical novel about the relationships that shape us and the secrets we never forget. Fans of My Name is Eva, Fiona Valpy and Rhys Bowen will be completely transported from the very first page.
My Review
Laura Taylor’s career hinges upon a portrait of her grandmother, Emma Temple. The portrait named, The Things We Don’t Say, and painted by renowned artist, Patrick Adams, was used as collateral for a loan to finance Laura’s musical education.
As the portrait is readied for an art exhibition, an appraiser deems the portrait a fake. Thus descimating Laura’s chances for finishing school and starting a career playing the violin in an orchestra.
Determined. Both Laura and her grandmother begin to piece together the puzzle of the painting’s origin and rich history.
The novel, The Things We Don’t Say is a complex story of how secrets and lies can destroy families, loved ones, and relationships. And only when the truth is revealed can the healing begin.
The Things We Don’t Say is a slow read primarily because of the author’s atmospheric prose. Rich with fine details, the novel jockeys the reader from past to present, thereby unfolding the story. It is a lovely novel suited for historical fiction readers that enjoy a leisurely pace.
While I do enjoy historical fiction novels, The Things We Don’t Say read a little too slow for my tastes. Plot execution and character development were average in my opinion. I’ve rated it three stars. I liked it.
I received a digital copy of the book from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
About the Author
Ella Carey is the international bestselling author of The Things We Don’t Say, Secret Shores, From a Paris Balcony, The House by the Lake, and Paris Time Capsule. Her books have been published in over fourteen languages, in twelve countries, and have been shortlisted for ARRA awards. A Francophile who has long been fascinated by secret histories set in Europe’s entrancing past, Ella has degrees in music, nineteenth-century women’s fiction, and modern European history. She lives in Melbourne with her two children and two Italian greyhounds who are constantly mistaken for whippets.
Ella loves to connect with her readers regularly through her facebook page and on her website.
Connect with Ella on her website or social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter.
If you like the description and review. You can purchase the novel at these retail outlets:
Meaningful Monday
Here’s today’s thought of the day. Now, get going for a great week.
“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.”
― Tom Bodett
Weekly Recipe Wednesday: French 75
Today’s recipe is for a cocktail mentioned in the book Second Chance on Cypress Lane, which I’ve read and reviewed. The drink dates to WWI and is a combination of Champagne, gin, lemon juice, and simple sugar.
Recipe:
- 1 ½ ounces gin
- ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice (about ¾ medium lemon)
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- 2 to 3 ounces chilled Champagne (enough to top the glass)
- Lemon peel, for garnish
ARC Review: When Harry Met Minnie
- Publisher: Celecon Books
- Publication Date: February 2, 2021
- Author: Martha Teichner
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
- Page Count: 256
Description (NetGalley)
A memoir of love and loss, of being in the right place at the right time, and of the mysterious ways a beloved pet can bring people together, from CBS Sunday Morning News correspondent and multi-Emmy-Award-winning Martha Teichner.
There are true fairy tales. Stories that exist because impossible-to-explain coincidences change everything. Except in real life, not all of them have conventional, happily-ever-after endings. When Harry Met Minnie is that kind of fairy tale, with the vibrant, romantic New York City backdrop of its namesake, the movie When Harry Met Sally, and the bittersweet wisdom of Tuesdays with Morrie.
There’s a special camaraderie among early-morning dog walkers. Gathering at dog runs in the park, or strolling through the farmer’s market at Union Square before the bustling crowd appears, fellow pet owners become familiar–as do the personalities of their beloved animals. In this special space and time, a chance encounter with an old acquaintance changed Martha Teichner’s world. As fate would have it, her friend knew someone who was dying of cancer, from exposure to toxins after 9/11, and desperate to find a home for her dog, Harry. He was a Bull Terrier—the same breed as Martha’s dear Minnie. Would Martha consider giving Harry a safe, loving new home?
In short order, boy dog meets girl dog, the fairy tale part of this story. But there is so much more to this book. After Martha agrees to meet Harry and his owner Carol, what begins as a transaction involving a dog becomes a deep and meaningful friendship between two women with complicated lives and a love of Bull Terriers in common. Through the heartbreak and grief of Carol’s illness, the bond that develops changed Martha’s life, Carol’s life, Minnie’s life, Harry’s life. As it changed Carol’s death as well.
In this rich and touching narrative, Martha considers the ways our stories are shaped by the people we meet, and the profound love we can find by opening our hearts to unexpected encounters.
Review
What is there not to love about a story involving pet parents, pet parenting, and the human relationships that form as a result? The novel, When Harry Met Minnie is just that story that you will fall in love with.
When I read the book’s description, I just knew that When Harry Met Minnie would not disappoint. The novel is a true story that traces the lives of Harry and Minnie, bull terrier pets of famed designer, Carol Fertig and award winning correspondent, Martha Teichner. The book is also about how Carol and Martha’s relationship blossoms into a deep and special bond as Carol’s life deteriorates from the terminal cancer.
I laughed and cried, and was absolutely moved by such a touching story that When Harry Met Minnie delivered. A truly emotional read. Five stars.
I received a digital ARC from Celedon Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
ARC Review: The Umbrella Lady
- Publisher: Gallery Books
- Publication Date: February 2, 2021
- Author: V. C. Andrews
- Genre: Adult Fiction
- Page Count: 304
Description (Goodreads)
A young girl who has lost her father finds herself at the mercy of a mysterious woman who is not quite what she seems in this atmospheric and unputdownable novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Flowers in the Attic series turned into popular Lifetime movies.
Left on a train platform in an unfamiliar village, little Saffron Faith Anders is certain her father will return shortly, just like he promised. She holds out hope even as the hours pass and the station grows dark. When a strange old woman with a large umbrella approaches and inquiries about her situation, Saffron doesn’t immediately trust the imposing do-gooder, but with the chances of her father returning growing ever slimmer, she agrees to rest at the old woman’s house.
Her stay was supposed to be for a few minutes, hours at most, but soon, Saffron soon realizes she has been confined to a house of dark secrets and is now at the mercy of the enigmatic Umbrella Lady. One minute grandmotherly and the next wickedly cruel, she shears Saffron’s hair, burns all the clothes she had in her suitcase, and pretends that the photo of a young girl hanging on her bedroom wall is no one in particular. When strange letters arrive from Saffron’s father, claiming that he will send for her shortly, hope returns to her young heart. But Saffron soon discovers that those who claim to love you will often hurt you the most….
Review
Once you start, you won’t want to stop until you finish. The Umbrella Lady will capture you, drag you in, and keep you mesmerized until the end, leaving you with wanting more.
Derick Anders and his eight year old daughter, Saffron are about to start anew after a tragic fire destroys their home, possessions, and Derick’s wife, Lindsey.
Left sitting on a bench at the train station while her father leaves to get refreshments and supplies, Saffron is left stranded until the umbrella lady (aka Mazy Dazy,) appears and convinces Saffron to seek shelter at her home. What is supposed to be a few hours, ends up to be years with the mystery disappearance of Saffron’s father remaining unsolved.
I really enjoyed The Umbrella Lady inasmuch as the character development of Mazy and Saffron is intriguing to say the least. Mazy the eccentric, Saffron the naive, and Derick the enigma. All of these characters play out well into a puzzle of a novel that will keep you guessing until the end. Full of plot twists and turns, it is a must read for mystery and V. C. Andrews fans. Five stars.
I received a digital ARC from Gallery Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Meaningful Monday
Today’s thought to get you off to a good start:
“Keep going. Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Weekly Recipe Wednesday: Shrimp & Grits
Welcome to another edition of Weekly Recipe Wednesday. Today’s recipe is from a mention in a book that I’ve read and reviewed, Second Chance on Cypress Lane. A shout out to Tasty.co for posting the recipe.
Ingredients
for 6 servings
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup white corn grit
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium white onion, minced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, plus more to taste
- scallion, sliced, for serving
Preparation
- In a medium pot, stir together the milk and heavy cream over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil.
- Slowly whisk the grits into the pot. When mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Continue whisking the grits frequently for 10-15 minutes until mixture thickened.
- Remove the grits from the heat. Add the butter and cheddar cheese, and whisk to incorporate. Set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat.
- Add the onions, peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until onions and peppers have softened.
- Add the sausage. Cook until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Slowly add the chicken stock. Stir until well-incorporated.
- Add the shrimp. Cook until pink in color, about 3 minutes.
- Add the cayenne, remaining teaspoon salt, and remaining ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add additional cayenne pepper, if desired.
- Remove from the heat and spoon the sausage and shrimp mixture over the grits.
- Sprinkle scallions on top, if desired.
- Enjoy!
ARC Review: In the Garden of Spite
- Publication Date: January 19, 2021
- Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
- Author: Camilla Bruce
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Page Count: 480
Description (Goodreads)
An audacious novel of feminine rage about one of the most prolific female serial killers in American history–and the men who drove her to it.
They whisper about her in Chicago. Men come to her with their hopes, their dreams–their fortunes. But no one sees them leave. No one sees them at all after they come to call on the Widow of La Porte. The good people of Indiana may have their suspicions, but if those fools knew what she’d given up, what was taken from her, how she’d suffered, surely they’d understand. Belle Gunness learned a long time ago that a woman has to make her own way in this world. That’s all it is. A bloody means to an end. A glorious enterprise meant to raise her from the bleak, colorless drudgery of her childhood to the life she deserves. After all, vermin always survive.
Review
In the Garden of Spite tells the chilling tale of Belle Gunness also known as the Black Widow of LaPorte. Belle is considered to be one of the first female serial killers in America.
Growing up, Belle (fka Little Brynhild) wasn’t the angelic, picture perfect daughter of the St¢rset family. With a quick temper and spiteful tendencies, Belle’s anger causes her to be brutally beaten by Anders, the man that impregnated her. Shortly after Belle’s recuperation from her injuries, Anders mysteriously falls ill and eventually dies.
The bodies continue to grow in number even as Belle emigrates to America. A series of questionable unfortunate events, accidents, and illnesses plague Belle and her reputation.
Written in two points of view (Belle and her sister Nellie,) the author adeptly blends the two views into one cohesive novel. A compelling read, In the Garden of Spite is the consummate combination of historical fiction and true crime. It will leave you speechless. Five stars. Unforgettable.
I received a digital ARC from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
