About Me

My photo
I'm a reader who enjoys posting comments and recommendations about the books I read. You will not find a synopsis with my recommendations because you can just click on the book title for a link to www.goodreads.com for a synopsis and reviews by other readers. I prefer the 3 Reason format: the reason I chose to read it; the reason I liked (or disliked) the book; and the reason I recommend it.

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Nobody's Angel (Willow Park, #1)Nobody's Angel by Sarah Hegger
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This ebook was free when I downloaded it from Barnes and Noble to my Nook library.

I dropped a star because several scenes were TMI for this prude.

I recommend it for readers who enjoy a contemporary romance.


View all my reviews

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Sherman's March: Atlanta to the Sea (Civil War)Sherman's March: Atlanta to the Sea by David Nevin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I continue to read the text in the books from the Time-Life series, The Civil War, that has been in my home library since 1986.
I continue to learn a lot more than I knew before because much of my "knowledge" about Sherman's march comes from impressions created by  the movie Gone With The Wind.
I recommend it for all students of the Civil War.


View all my reviews

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

 The Whole Town's TalkingThe Whole Town's Talking by Fannie Flagg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I requested this book from my local library because I enjoy Ms. Flagg's stories about characters who feel real to me.
There is an updated "Our Town" theme to the storyline that works for this book.
I recommend it for all readers, especially fans of this author.


View all my reviews

Monday, December 26, 2016

In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the SandboxIn Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox by Carol Burnett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I requested this book from my local library when I heard it was published in 2016 because this is a book I would have purchased for my mother to read. She so enjoyed the show plus all the performers who contributed to the show. This book mad me sad because Mom died before she could read this book, and it reminded me of times we laughed together.



View all my reviews

Must Love MistletoeMust Love Mistletoe by Christie Ridgway
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This ebook was a recent Free Friday selection from Barnes and Noble to download to my Nook.

Whatever happened to being able to tell how racy a romance might be from the amount of skin revealed on the cover photo? With only one bare arm on the cover I expected only a chaste romance, like one of the Hallmark movies. This was racier and I found myself skimming parts until the sex scene was finished.

I recommend this only to readers who prefer the romance genre and who do not blush as much as this prude.


View all my reviews

Thursday, December 22, 2016

The Killing Ground: Wilderness to Cold HarborThe Killing Ground: Wilderness to Cold Harbor by Gregory Jaynes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another book in the Time-Life series, "The Civil War, "and it has been in my home library since 1986. Pictures in this book include reproductions of photos taken by Timothy O. Sullivan and Matthew Brady.

During this campaign, Grant lost 50,000 men and Lee lost 30,000 men.

i recommend this book and the others of the series to readers who want more information about this period of our history.


View all my reviews

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps ProjectListening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project by Dave Isay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I listed to a copy of my library's audiobook after Emily added it to her want-to-read list.

My library's audiobook file was only 54 minutes long so the book may have more stories than this. I wanted to hear it as I enjoy those stories in the voice of the storytellers.

I recommend it for all readers.


View all my reviews

Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable ManLeonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man by William Shatner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I heard about this book when it won the 2016 Goodreads book of the year in its category, and I immediately put it on my requested list from my local library for I have been a Trekker since 1966.

This is definetly a memoir from Shatner's point of view. It is still an enjoyable read.

I recommend it for any reader.



View all my reviews

Friday, December 16, 2016

From This Day Forward (Song of Blessing Book #4)From This Day Forward by Lauraine Snelling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My father enjoys these "Dakota books" so much this year that I gave him the recently published hardback book for Christmas (not a spoiler because he started reading it as soon as it was delivered) and I purchased the Matchbook copy for my Kindle.

By now, these books about the people of Blessing and their stories are familiar. Reading the book reminds this reader of a good reunion.

While this book can be read as a stand alone for readers who enjoy a chaste romance set in historical times or as Christian fiction, a new reader may be suspectible to boredom when Ms. Snelling updates us on circumstances and people that may seem unrelated to the story of Deborah MacAllister and Toby Valders. My strong recommendation is for the reader to start with An Untamed Land and to read all of Snelling's series about the Bjorklund family and the people of Blessing in order to really get to know the immigrant Bjorklund pioneers.


View all my reviews

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

  Battles for Atlanta: Sherman Moves EastBattles for Atlanta: Sherman Moves East by Ronald H. Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has been in my home library since my husband and I subscribed to Time-Life's Civil War series in 1985. I have always learned from the pictures and their captions. Now that I am retired, I take the time to read the text for a better understanding.


View all my reviews

Monday, December 12, 2016

Say No More (Jane Ryland, #5)Say No More by Hank Phillippi Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I requested this from the library when I heard it was published in 2016. I enjoyed the previous Jane Ryland mysteries.
This mystery can stand alone; but I recommend readers of mysteries try all the books by Ms. Ryan.


View all my reviews

Saturday, December 10, 2016

The Normans: From Raiders to KingsThe Normans: From Raiders to Kings by Lars Brownworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This ebook was free when I downloaded it from Barnes and Noble to my Nook library in 2014.
I learned more about the Vikings and Normans than I previously knew from a cruise to Norway and my Western Civilization college classes. There is an adequate bibliography and endnotes. This is the type of ebook which makes reading nonfiction easier because a touch can take you to the endnote and back again to the story and a different touch can define words this reader may not use daily.
I recommend it to students of history who want to know more about this subject.


View all my reviews

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Spies, Scouts, and Raiders: Irregular OperationsSpies, Scouts, and Raiders: Irregular Operations by Time-Life Books
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has belonged in my home library since I subscribed to the series in 1985. I always enjoyed the historical pictures and now I take the time to read the well-written text.


View all my reviews

Monday, November 28, 2016

Loving Liza JaneLoving Liza Jane by Sharlene MacLaren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This ebook was free when I downloaded it from Barnes and Noble to my Nook library in 2012.
I recommend it to readers who enjoy the genres of Christian, historical, and chaste romances.


View all my reviews

Sunday, November 27, 2016

The Saucy Lucy Murders: Book One in The Saucy LucyThe Saucy Lucy Murders: Book One in The Saucy Lucy by Cindy Keen Reynders
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This ebook was free when I downloaded it from Barnes and Noble to my Nook library. I enjoy cozy mysteries so my rating for them starts with 3 stars. I dropped a star because this book exceeds the number of murders I think is appropriate for a cozy mystery.
I recommend it only for fans of the author.


View all my reviews

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Changes of HeartChanges of Heart by Paige Lee Elliston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This ebook was free when I downloaded it from Barnes and Noble to my Nook library. I chose it because it was a chaste contemporary romance.
It was an entertaining, quick read with likable characters. I knocked off a star because the ending was so abrupt. Where was the courting and the story behind the choice Maggie made?
I recommend it for fans of the genre.


View all my reviews

Tuesday, November 08, 2016

Wyatt: Return of the CowboyWyatt: Return of the Cowboy by Cathy McDavid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This novella was free when I downloaded it from Barnes and Noble to my Nook library. I put it in line next to Cowboy Dad when I noticed I had multiple books by Cathy McDavid.
This is an entertaining romance, only 58 pages long.
I recommend it to fans of the genre.


View all my reviews
 Razor Girl: A novelRazor Girl: A novel by Carl Hiaasen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I requested this book from my library as soon as I heard it published release date, and it was finally my turn to read it.
I look forward to Carl Hiaasen's books because he has such a true satiric eye on our culture, and at the same time, this reader shakes her head and thinks he must be reporting because why would the author make this stuff up? He even gives a minor character the name Juveline because an arresting officer misspelled juvenile on her report.
I recommend this to fans of Carl Hiaasen.


View all my reviews

Saturday, November 05, 2016

 Cowboy DadCowboy Dad by Cathy McDavid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This ebook was free when I downloaded it from Barnes and Noble for my Nook library.
This romance is entertaining and its characters are interesting. I like these characters because they are not whining; they are just tryuing to figure out where and who they want to spend the rest of their lives.
I recommend it for all readers of the romance genre.


View all my reviews

Thursday, November 03, 2016

 Meet the AnnasMeet the Annas by Robert Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This ebook was free from Barnes and Noble when I downloaded it to my Nook library in 2012.
It was entertaining with interesting characters from a time in the early 1960s.
I recommend it to all readers who want a mystery that is different from genre mysteries.


View all my reviews

Sunday, October 30, 2016

 The Struggle for Tennessee: Tupelo to Stones River (Civil War (Time-Life Books))The Struggle for Tennessee: Tupelo to Stones River (Civil War by James H. Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is part of a series that has been in my home library since 1985. Now that I am retired I have the time to read the text that accompanies the many pictures.
I highly recommend the series to readers who have an interest in the Civil War.


View all my reviews

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Bootscootin' Blahniks (The Bootscootin' Books #1)Bootscootin' Blahniks by D.D. Scott
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This ebook was free from Barnes and Noble when I downloaded it to my Nook library in 2012.
I am finding I enjoy books catergorized as "chaste romances" better than I did this one because I was disappointed in the storytelling of the author.
I recommend this book only to fans of the author.


View all my reviews

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Kim Kim by Rudyard Kipling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I downloaded this ebook to my Nook library when it was free from Barnes and Noble. It is one of those classic books I should have read by the time I was in high school or college, and I waited until I was retired.
I am really glad I read the ebook version because I could open a note that explained something such as a location or tradition and return to the story with just two clicks. I can hold my finger over a word and be given its definition. These are so useful for books written more than a hundred years ago.
This classic is still relevant as Kim is playing the Great Game concerning influence not only in India but also Pakistan and Afghanistan.


View all my reviews

Saturday, October 08, 2016

The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up: A Breakthrough Medical Plan to Prevent and Reverse Heart DiseaseThe 30-Day Heart Tune-Up: A Breakthrough Medical Plan to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Steven Masley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I watched a PBS show during a pledge drive that piqued my interest and I borrowed it from my local library.
I need more than 30-days to make these suggestions for a lifestyle change into habits. I thought I was doing enough exercise and choosing the right foods, and there is room for improvement. I also need to add daily meditation or other relaxation activity to reduce cortisol levels.
I recommend this for all readers.


View all my reviews
Ten Years Younger: The Amazing Ten Week Plan to Look Better, Feel Better, and Turn Back the ClockTen Years Younger: The Amazing Ten Week Plan to Look Better, Feel Better, and Turn Back the Clock by Steven Masley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars




View all my reviews

Wednesday, October 05, 2016

An Obvious Fact (Walt Longmire #12)An Obvious Fact by Craig Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book went on my request list as soon as I heard about its release for I am a fan of Walt Longmire books by Craig Johnson.
This book may be read as a stand-alone for new readers; but why deprive yourself of the pleasure of reading all eleven books in this series about the sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming, his best friend Henry Standing Bear, Vic and Cady.


View all my reviews

Sunday, October 02, 2016

The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain ScienceThe Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science by Norman Doidge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I requested this earlier book after I read The Brain's Way of Healing which was published in 2015.

This book deals more with the research necessary for scientists to overcome beliefs and presumptions that the brain, once damaged, is unlikely to restore skills and functions than The Brain's Way of Healing.It lays the foundation for possible treatments that have been used in the last eight years.

This book is not for all general readers for the amount of detail Doidge gives about the research may bore some readers. It is not for readers who are squeamish about the use of animals in scientific training.


View all my reviews

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

 Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop TalkingQuiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I selected this book when it went on a friend's "want to read" list and I requested it from my local library.

The author does a good job of making recent research about personality, behavior, and neurological studies accessible to readers of a general background. It is like having a deep conversation with another friend.

I recommend it for all readers.


View all my reviews

Friday, September 23, 2016

Once a Cowboy (The Cowboys, #3)Once a Cowboy by Linda Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This ebook was free when I downloaded it from Barnes and Noble to my Nook library.

I was entertained by this romance that begins with a mystery for private investigator Alex Donavan who works with her father Buck and they both live with Alex's spunky grandmother Naddy. This book is entertaining.

I can recommend it to readers who enjoy this genre from Harlequin.


View all my reviews

The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America's ChildhoodThe Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America's Childhood by Jane Leavy
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This ebook was free when I downloaded it from Barnes and Noble to my Nook library.

I did not finish the book because I did not like the author's style of piecing together the myths of what the sportswriters wrote about then with what she could document when she searched for what really happened.

I gave up after the chapter about Maris and Mantle.


View all my reviews

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Kindred Voices: Listening for our AncestorsKindred Voices: Listening for our Ancestors by Geoff Rasmussen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received the pdf version of this book as a bonus for purchasing other materials from Legacy FamilyTree products during a limited time offer. If I had to pay full price for this ($14.95 for the paperback or $9.95 for the e-version, I would give it this 3 stars rating.

As a long-time user of Legacy FamilyTree software, a subscription member of the Wednesday webinars sponsored by this company, and a fellow cruiser (the trips that started in Oslo, Norway) I am well acquainted with Geoff Rasmussen and his stories about the serendipity in his search for lost ancestors. Geoff tells an interesting story, even if the reader has heard it before. I was unaware how much these stories reinforced his religious faith.

Because I received this as a pdf file and read it from my Dropbox account on a Nook reader, I had no problem enlarging the photos of the genealogy records, that another Goodreads reviewer, Mary Alaga, mentioned she had with the Kindle version. I do not know if these documents are easy to read in the paperback version.

His chapter 7 "21 Ways to Start Family History Today" contains many excellent suggestions and links, without being a shill for the company for which he currently works by leading those Webinars Wednesdays and teaching classes on their sponsored cruises. I recommend this link, http://familytreewebinars.com/archive... where you may search 75 (as of this writing) free webinars about different topics in genealogy and documenting family history.





View all my reviews

Thursday, September 08, 2016

Trials of the Earth: The True Story of a Pioneer WomanTrials of the Earth: The True Story of a Pioneer Woman by Mary Mann Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read an excerpt from this book on B&N Readouts, and I requested it from my local library.

I cannot say enough good things about this autobiography whose manuscript went unpublished for more than 50 years. Thank heavens for the persistence of people mentioned in "Acknowledgements." The "Preface" was written by Helen Dick Davis in 1933 who explained,
The memories of the busy difficult days of her wifehood and motherhood have been minutely stored in her brain , as bees store honey, so that every smallest event of every day of her life is there: what they had to eat each Thanksgiving dinner, what became of every neighbor they had in the wilderness of the woods, It has been my task to strain the comb from the honey, removing the less interesting material and leaving the dramatic and moving events that happened to Mary Hamilton herself, her husband, and her children.
These people will come alive for you as you read this story. I laughed out loud, worried in suspense, and cried at times.

I recommend this book to all readers: especially, people who enjoy well-written autobiographies, people who are looking for the next selection for their book club discussion, and students of American history.


View all my reviews

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

A Man Called OveA Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was recommended to me by Emily. She may have read this for her book club.
Near the beginning this book has a scene that reminds me of the Bill Murray movie, St. Vincent;but, Ove and Vincent are not the same curmudgeon. I like the author's style as Backman tells an anecdote in a chapter that gives depth to the characters and Backman continues to build these layers into a narrative that holds the readers' attention.
I recommend this to all readers.


View all my reviews

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Shamrock AlleyShamrock Alley by Ronald Malfi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This ebook was free when I downloaded it to my Nook library. I enjoy a good suspense story.
This is based on a true story about the author's father, a Secret Service agent who went undercover to track a counterfeiting ring.
The reason I gave it only 3 stars is the graphic description of the violence done by the criminals. I considered it too violent to be entertaining.


View all my reviews

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

A Tapestry of HopeA Tapestry of Hope by Tracie Peterson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This ebook was free when I downloaded it from Barnes and Noble to Nook library.
For readers of historical Christian fiction genre, this book will do. I was disappointed because the synopsis of the story was better written than the book. The characters are flat.
I recommend it only to fans of the authors.


View all my reviews