Recommended Reads:
Below are very enjoyable books (accompanied by a personal review) that I think everyone should read.
To learn more about each book, click on the cover image.
If you are an author and would like me to review your book, please contact me! :)
To learn more about each book, click on the cover image.
If you are an author and would like me to review your book, please contact me! :)
Teas for Life: 101 Herbal Teas for Greater Health by Diane Kidman
My husband and I love teas and have been trying to adjust our lifestyle to be as healthy as possible. I was very excited to get my hands on Diane Kidman's book, "Teas for Life..." so that I could begin to learn more about natural herbal teas. I absolutely love this book for two reasons: 1) it is very informative! As a beginner in the herbal tea world, I really had no clue where to begin, but Diane covers everything I need to know, from detailed information about the herbs (that are very conveniently organized in the book for quick access), which parts are the best to use and how to extract the necessary essentials from the herbs with proper brewing instructions. 2) I absolutely LOVE her humor! It was such a pleasant treat to find myself laughing out loud as I read through the book. Who says reference books have to be stuffy? Not Diane! She made learning about herbal teas FUN!
I highly recommend this book for ANY household! Again, there is such a wealth of information in its pages, even you don't think you will use it often, it is still a GREAT resource to have on hand!
I highly recommend this book for ANY household! Again, there is such a wealth of information in its pages, even you don't think you will use it often, it is still a GREAT resource to have on hand!
Sonoran Dreams: Three Short Stories from Exile by Robb Grindstaff
I find myself once again enamored by the fluid imagination of Author, Robb Grindstaff. Tales rich with detail and emotion unfold in this brilliant collection of shorts. “Sonoran Dreams” offers readers three very different stories that all have one common element - a haunting plot that develops in the setting of the Sonoran Desert. Though each story is but a handful of pages, through carefully crafted plot points and precise detail, each story encompasses all the elements and intrigue of a full-length novel.
Desert Rain: Grindstaff delves into the depths of darkness in this story about a woman (Cordelia) who awaits the arrival of a life-long haunt; a being who betrothed her at a birth and is determined to consummate their union… no matter how many times she kills him. Despite the horrific plot, it reads with poetic perfection as readers experience every terrifying moment, in gruesome detail, in which Cordelia must face her unwanted suitor.
Desert Walk: When the recession robs Denny of everything he had, his home, his car, his wife… and threatens to destroy his business, a moment of self-reflection sends him on a pilgrimage through the desert to rediscover himself as he tries to find Hope. This tale of rising up from “rock bottom” offers a unique and clever dual perspective as readers struggle with Denny through his trials in the desert and suffer with his wife who is desperately trying to find him.
Desert Nights: The third and final tale in the “Sonora Dreams” collection takes readers to a late night party with a group of restless teens who often gather under the power lines in the desert to pay homage to a friend they lost in their youth. When alcohol and loud music can’t hold their interest, the introduction of a gun to the party creates another unexpected tragedy for the group of friends.
What makes this collection of stories truly unique and enjoyable is the variation of flavor Grindstaff offers readers not only in the plot and themes, but in how he reveals each tale: pushing readers into the vivid, sensory-filled experiences of Cordelia in Desert Rain; interchanging points-of-view while pulling from past and present events in Desert Walk; creating a compelling set of characters (that truly have such enormous depth, even though we only get to spend one brief night with them) through which the story comes to life… Grindstaff shows a multidimensional art in his writing ability - the mark of a very skilled story-teller with a remarkably unique voice.
I hope this is just a sampling of more short story collections to come from Robb Grindstaff.
*Recommended for YA-Adult readers
Desert Rain: Grindstaff delves into the depths of darkness in this story about a woman (Cordelia) who awaits the arrival of a life-long haunt; a being who betrothed her at a birth and is determined to consummate their union… no matter how many times she kills him. Despite the horrific plot, it reads with poetic perfection as readers experience every terrifying moment, in gruesome detail, in which Cordelia must face her unwanted suitor.
Desert Walk: When the recession robs Denny of everything he had, his home, his car, his wife… and threatens to destroy his business, a moment of self-reflection sends him on a pilgrimage through the desert to rediscover himself as he tries to find Hope. This tale of rising up from “rock bottom” offers a unique and clever dual perspective as readers struggle with Denny through his trials in the desert and suffer with his wife who is desperately trying to find him.
Desert Nights: The third and final tale in the “Sonora Dreams” collection takes readers to a late night party with a group of restless teens who often gather under the power lines in the desert to pay homage to a friend they lost in their youth. When alcohol and loud music can’t hold their interest, the introduction of a gun to the party creates another unexpected tragedy for the group of friends.
What makes this collection of stories truly unique and enjoyable is the variation of flavor Grindstaff offers readers not only in the plot and themes, but in how he reveals each tale: pushing readers into the vivid, sensory-filled experiences of Cordelia in Desert Rain; interchanging points-of-view while pulling from past and present events in Desert Walk; creating a compelling set of characters (that truly have such enormous depth, even though we only get to spend one brief night with them) through which the story comes to life… Grindstaff shows a multidimensional art in his writing ability - the mark of a very skilled story-teller with a remarkably unique voice.
I hope this is just a sampling of more short story collections to come from Robb Grindstaff.
*Recommended for YA-Adult readers
Quest of the Swords: Swords of Blood by Jennifer L. Stone
Young Stormi of the Claver clan is used to a life filled
with hardship and fear. Her family
lives in solitude in a small clearing that borders the land of those loyal to
the Finin clan, sworn enemies of the Clavers. Fueling war between the Claver and the Finin clans is a
curse that consumes both clans with deadly hatred for one another – a curse
created by an evil Goddess who delights in their bloodshed.
When the rogue prince of the Finin clan, Rylan, kidnaps Stormi, she is certain her demise is close at hand until she learns that her captor has a plan to break the evil curse. Stormi must travel with Ryan to the temple of the evil goddess to retrieve their clan swords – a deadly quest by any means. Despite the curse, Stormi and Rylan are able to control their hatred and work together to free their people from the evil Goddess’s spell.
Filled with twists and turns throughout the book, Quest of the Swords: Swords of Blood offers a brilliant tale of love, hate, vengeance, war and ultimately the strength of human will. Author Jennifer Stone brings to live the world of Thylum, weaving an epic adventure of good vs evil that will captivate readers from page one. This page-turner is a must read for any adventurous soul.
*Recommended for young adult readers.
When the rogue prince of the Finin clan, Rylan, kidnaps Stormi, she is certain her demise is close at hand until she learns that her captor has a plan to break the evil curse. Stormi must travel with Ryan to the temple of the evil goddess to retrieve their clan swords – a deadly quest by any means. Despite the curse, Stormi and Rylan are able to control their hatred and work together to free their people from the evil Goddess’s spell.
Filled with twists and turns throughout the book, Quest of the Swords: Swords of Blood offers a brilliant tale of love, hate, vengeance, war and ultimately the strength of human will. Author Jennifer Stone brings to live the world of Thylum, weaving an epic adventure of good vs evil that will captivate readers from page one. This page-turner is a must read for any adventurous soul.
*Recommended for young adult readers.
Mikolay & Julia in the Attic by Magda M. Olchawska
Mikolay and Julia love to have adventures. Their mummies are both witches and Mikolay and Julia attend a special Magical Weekend School for children with magical abilities.
One day, while Mikolay and Julia are searching for a wand in the attic, Mikolay spots a strange shadow and follows it through the wall. Mikolay and Julia find themselves in a creepy place full of cages. As the two search for the shadow, they discover a cage filled with children who were kidnapped from their mummies and forced to perform in a Flying Circus! Heartbroken that these children can’t hug or snuggle with their mums, Mikolay and Julia take action to free the children and all the performing animals. But when the humans who are holding the children prisoner arrive, plans of rescuing everyone are put in jeopardy! With the help of a friendly coven of witches and an old friend, Farina the fairy queen, Mikolay and Julia are able to save the day, making sure all the children get home safely to their mummies while the animals are sent to the fairy forest to live happily with Farina.
“Mikolay & Julia in the Attic” is the second book in a picture book series written by Magda M. Olchawska. Once again illustrated by Joanna Gniady, the brilliant pictures present a wonderfully unique compliment to the story. Through Mikolay and Julia’s adventure, children are presented with the valuable lesson of being careful not to talk to or go places with a stranger. I love that this book offers parents not only a fun way to spend time with their children, but also gives them an opportunity to discuss the lesson found within the story in a way that kids can relate.
“Mikolay & Julia in the Attic” is a wonderful story that children are sure to want to read again and again. I look forward to reading another adventure with Mikolay and Julia.
*Recommended for ages 4-8
One day, while Mikolay and Julia are searching for a wand in the attic, Mikolay spots a strange shadow and follows it through the wall. Mikolay and Julia find themselves in a creepy place full of cages. As the two search for the shadow, they discover a cage filled with children who were kidnapped from their mummies and forced to perform in a Flying Circus! Heartbroken that these children can’t hug or snuggle with their mums, Mikolay and Julia take action to free the children and all the performing animals. But when the humans who are holding the children prisoner arrive, plans of rescuing everyone are put in jeopardy! With the help of a friendly coven of witches and an old friend, Farina the fairy queen, Mikolay and Julia are able to save the day, making sure all the children get home safely to their mummies while the animals are sent to the fairy forest to live happily with Farina.
“Mikolay & Julia in the Attic” is the second book in a picture book series written by Magda M. Olchawska. Once again illustrated by Joanna Gniady, the brilliant pictures present a wonderfully unique compliment to the story. Through Mikolay and Julia’s adventure, children are presented with the valuable lesson of being careful not to talk to or go places with a stranger. I love that this book offers parents not only a fun way to spend time with their children, but also gives them an opportunity to discuss the lesson found within the story in a way that kids can relate.
“Mikolay & Julia in the Attic” is a wonderful story that children are sure to want to read again and again. I look forward to reading another adventure with Mikolay and Julia.
*Recommended for ages 4-8
Mikolay & Julia Meet the Fairies by Magda M. Olchawska
Like most kids their age, Mikolay and Julia go to school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but they are not just ordinary children. Every other weekend, they also attend Magical Weekend School for children of magical creatures. When not attending school or learning how to use magic, Mikolay and Julia like to explore and have adventures.
One of these adventures begins when Mikolay and Julia use magic to enter a mouse-sized hole in the wall, even though using magic outside of school could get them into trouble. When they discover a wardrobe full of musical fairies, they learn that a terrible creature is destroying the home of the fairies. Mikolay and Julia are compelled to help, even though it means using more magic and risking getting into trouble. They discover a very sad situation in the forest where the fairies live; trees are uprooted and animals are lost and hungry – and worse, humans are behind the destruction! Mikolay takes a big risk to save the day by using a powerful charm to protect the forest and save the fairies’ home.
Coupled with brilliant, unique illustrations by Joanna Gniady, author Magda M. Olchawska presents a well-told story that is sure to engage young children. The story is easy to follow and present a very important message to children about protecting our forests (or earth in general). I would love to see more adventure of Mikolay and Julia. They are relatable characters that kids will enjoy and look up to.
*Recommended for ages 4-8
One of these adventures begins when Mikolay and Julia use magic to enter a mouse-sized hole in the wall, even though using magic outside of school could get them into trouble. When they discover a wardrobe full of musical fairies, they learn that a terrible creature is destroying the home of the fairies. Mikolay and Julia are compelled to help, even though it means using more magic and risking getting into trouble. They discover a very sad situation in the forest where the fairies live; trees are uprooted and animals are lost and hungry – and worse, humans are behind the destruction! Mikolay takes a big risk to save the day by using a powerful charm to protect the forest and save the fairies’ home.
Coupled with brilliant, unique illustrations by Joanna Gniady, author Magda M. Olchawska presents a well-told story that is sure to engage young children. The story is easy to follow and present a very important message to children about protecting our forests (or earth in general). I would love to see more adventure of Mikolay and Julia. They are relatable characters that kids will enjoy and look up to.
*Recommended for ages 4-8
The Adventures of Zoom Zoom & Zip Zip bt Pat Sheets
Zoom Zoom and Zip Zip live along the Sabine River in East Texas with their owner, Pat Pat. They are very well cared for and get to have lots of fun, like swimming when it's hot and going on trail rides during which they get to see a lot of their wildlife friends.
In "The Adventures of Zoom Zoom & Zip Zip" author, Pat Sheets, presents a cute story through the eyes of these playful horses, showing readers what a day in the life of a beloved horse is like as well as educating readers about some of the wildlife that thrives in East Texas.
This is a great book for children who live in or are learning about East Texas and for anyone who loves horses. Zoom Zoom and Zip Zip are very enjoyable characters who show just how loving and special horses can be.
*Recommended for ages 4-8
In "The Adventures of Zoom Zoom & Zip Zip" author, Pat Sheets, presents a cute story through the eyes of these playful horses, showing readers what a day in the life of a beloved horse is like as well as educating readers about some of the wildlife that thrives in East Texas.
This is a great book for children who live in or are learning about East Texas and for anyone who loves horses. Zoom Zoom and Zip Zip are very enjoyable characters who show just how loving and special horses can be.
*Recommended for ages 4-8
Winter Fun With Zoom Zoom & Zip Zip by Pat Sheets
Zoom Zoom and Zip Zip are two horses that live a good life in East Texas with their owner, Pat Pat. It doesn't snow often in Texas, but on this winter day, snow has come and Zoom Zoom and Zip Zip can hardly wait to play in the winter wonderland outside. Along the way, they run into some of their wildlife friends that are native to the region along the Sabine River of East Texas.
This is an excellent book for small children, especially those local to the region of East Texas, and for people of all ages who have a fondness for horses. "Winter Fun with Zoom Zoom & Zip Zip" educates children about East Texas native wildlife while presenting a fun winter adventure. Author, Pat Sheets, takes care to tell the story from the point-of-view of the horses in hopes of showing kids how very special and loving horses can be.
This really is an enjoyable story with cute, hand-drawn illustrations that highlight not only the winter fun, but the animal friends Zoom & Zip meet along the way.
*Recommended for ages 4-8
This is an excellent book for small children, especially those local to the region of East Texas, and for people of all ages who have a fondness for horses. "Winter Fun with Zoom Zoom & Zip Zip" educates children about East Texas native wildlife while presenting a fun winter adventure. Author, Pat Sheets, takes care to tell the story from the point-of-view of the horses in hopes of showing kids how very special and loving horses can be.
This really is an enjoyable story with cute, hand-drawn illustrations that highlight not only the winter fun, but the animal friends Zoom & Zip meet along the way.
*Recommended for ages 4-8
Evil Unltd: Vol 1: The Root of all Evil
Dexter Snide, Evil Entrepreneur, brings a whole new meaning to the terms “genius” and “villain” in Simon Forward’s laugh-out-loud sci-fi farce, EVIL UNLTD: Vol 1: The Root of All Evil.
With a new spin on the “value” of evil, super-villain extraordinaire, Dexter Snide, has crafted the perfect plan to take over the universe and make millions by cashing in on Evil itself! With the assistance of his hand picked crew of truly wicked side-kicks, Dexter sets his plan in motion. But even for the craftiest of super-villains with the most fool-proof of plans, success does not always come easy. The minds and muscle (oh yes, and robot and monstrous hatchling) behind Evil Unltd must face the forces of good… and lesser evil… that threaten to stand in the way of the ultimate prize. Beefcake (and essentially indestructible) action hero Rolph Stengun plagues Dexter and his crew from start to finish as they progress through Dexter’s master plan. One disaster after another, it seems that Dexter’s evil plot may not come to full fruition - but let that be a lesson to puny minds everywhere… there is no thwarting an evil genius like Dexter Snide, who rolls with the punches (literally at times) and stops at nothing to bring Evil Unltd to each and every home in the Universe!
Author, Simon Forward, has a remarkable way with words, putting threads of descriptors together that spin a silky web of impeccable detail that will both amaze and stimulate the imagination.
Excerpt from the book: Ferret stared with wider eyes than any fuller-lash mascara could have afforded him. The undeniably imposing bulk of the Hatchling was framed by the circular maw of the beast thundering towards them. That gaping crater-like mouth was rimmed with contra-rotating arrays of scythe-like teeth. It was a giant, dentally-empowered steel worm.
It’s not only the brilliant use of description that keep the reader’s attention. Forward has a well-developed sense of humor and does not shy away from keeping the tone of the book light-hearted to down right hysterical, even during the most absurd encounters. Clever word-play and the occasional well-placed pun will leave your cheeks sore from smiling. It truly is the charm of the entire Evil Unltd concept.
The only “complaint” I have about this book (and it’s a mild one at that) is that there are a handful of instances where a scene seems to drag on with a little too much (seemingly unnecessary) detail or character thoughts, but these passages are few and far between. Forward quickly regains the pace of the book with the next sweep of action and those temporary lags are soon forgotten.
That being said, I highly recommend this carefully-crafted, clever and imaginative saga to anyone who loves a good laugh and especially to those who have an appreciation of sci-fi/action/comedy genius.
Well played, Simon Forward. Well played.
*Fair warning to readers, this is an adult book and there is some mild use of language and a few sexual allusions, but hardly anything that would shock or offend in this day and age of “adult content” standards.
With a new spin on the “value” of evil, super-villain extraordinaire, Dexter Snide, has crafted the perfect plan to take over the universe and make millions by cashing in on Evil itself! With the assistance of his hand picked crew of truly wicked side-kicks, Dexter sets his plan in motion. But even for the craftiest of super-villains with the most fool-proof of plans, success does not always come easy. The minds and muscle (oh yes, and robot and monstrous hatchling) behind Evil Unltd must face the forces of good… and lesser evil… that threaten to stand in the way of the ultimate prize. Beefcake (and essentially indestructible) action hero Rolph Stengun plagues Dexter and his crew from start to finish as they progress through Dexter’s master plan. One disaster after another, it seems that Dexter’s evil plot may not come to full fruition - but let that be a lesson to puny minds everywhere… there is no thwarting an evil genius like Dexter Snide, who rolls with the punches (literally at times) and stops at nothing to bring Evil Unltd to each and every home in the Universe!
Author, Simon Forward, has a remarkable way with words, putting threads of descriptors together that spin a silky web of impeccable detail that will both amaze and stimulate the imagination.
Excerpt from the book: Ferret stared with wider eyes than any fuller-lash mascara could have afforded him. The undeniably imposing bulk of the Hatchling was framed by the circular maw of the beast thundering towards them. That gaping crater-like mouth was rimmed with contra-rotating arrays of scythe-like teeth. It was a giant, dentally-empowered steel worm.
It’s not only the brilliant use of description that keep the reader’s attention. Forward has a well-developed sense of humor and does not shy away from keeping the tone of the book light-hearted to down right hysterical, even during the most absurd encounters. Clever word-play and the occasional well-placed pun will leave your cheeks sore from smiling. It truly is the charm of the entire Evil Unltd concept.
The only “complaint” I have about this book (and it’s a mild one at that) is that there are a handful of instances where a scene seems to drag on with a little too much (seemingly unnecessary) detail or character thoughts, but these passages are few and far between. Forward quickly regains the pace of the book with the next sweep of action and those temporary lags are soon forgotten.
That being said, I highly recommend this carefully-crafted, clever and imaginative saga to anyone who loves a good laugh and especially to those who have an appreciation of sci-fi/action/comedy genius.
Well played, Simon Forward. Well played.
*Fair warning to readers, this is an adult book and there is some mild use of language and a few sexual allusions, but hardly anything that would shock or offend in this day and age of “adult content” standards.
