Hush Little Fire: A Novel by Judith Newcomb Stiles

(Thank you to the author and TLC Book Tours providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Secrets implode and generations of lies boil over into deadly consequences when a suspicious fire breaks out Christmas Night on Cape Cod.

This enthralling and darkly humorous debut novel of abortion, adoption, and long-buried truths will captivate readers who loved Lessons in Chemistry and Where the Crawdads Sing.

When Mary Newcombe dutifully returns to Cape Cod with her twelve-year-old son to celebrate Christmas with her adoptive mother, Birdie, the only part of the trip she looks forward to is digging beach clay for pottery to stoke her beloved kiln. But while she’s home, a suspicious fire destroys the town health clinic, and Mary becomes a leading suspect.

Mary can’t remember the night of the fire (too much eggnog) and, as always, her mother isn’t talking. Birdie has kept secrets from Mary her entire life, beginning with the truth about Mary’s birth mother. When Mary discovers her adoptive father socked away a small fortune performing pre-Roe v. Wade illegal abortions in the clinic that burned to the ground, she’s done with being kept in the dark. As the days tick by and pressures mount to find the arsonist, Mary digs deeper into Wellfleet’s history, and more secrets start to unfurl.

Meanwhile, Mary’s cousin Jimmy is acting strangely and suddenly, so is her son. As the FBI zeros in on Mary, and another fire burns in the harbor, it's time for Mary and Birdie to face a long brewing reckoning.

A cross-generational mystery told through the perspectives of four women living on the underbelly of Cape Cod, Hush Little Fire is the perfect read for fans of Bonnie Garmus and Dennis Lehane.

my thoughts:

Stories chock full of family drama are the BEST! Hush Little Fire by Judith Newcomb Stiles is most definitely one of the best. I loved it to bits!

It's Christmastime in beautiful Cape Cod and Mary is in town with her son to visit her mom, Birdie. She's looking forward to the holiday and ready to throw some pottery. Except a fire breaks out and destroys the local health clinic. Oh, and Mary is the prime suspect. Say, what? Yep, looks like Mary may have had one too many eggnogs and doesn't remember what happened. So, could she be involved? Well, it turns out her dad used to run the health clinic as an abortion clinic back in the day. Plus, Mary is adopted and the question of who her birth parents are weighs heavily on her mind. So, looks like Mary's trip to the Cape may have many more layers to it, then a simple holiday visit. Hmm....then again, who exactly are these folks she calls family and friends...can she trust them? Yikes! Looks like Mary will have to work hard and quickly to find out the truth, because another fire is burning and her time may just about be up. And, that is all I will share about this intriguing story filled with unlikeable characters that you can't help but fall in deep with. I know I enjoyed my time in Cape Cod with Mary and company. It was such a treat to read! Make sure to grab a copy and check it out!

Thank you to the author and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Grand Cosmic Story: An Illustrated Timeline 13.8 Billion Years And Beyond by Ethan Siegel, Mark A. Garlick, Jon Lumberg, and William Lidwell

(Thank you to publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

Wow! What a beautiful and fascinating read! I'm a huge fan of the National Geographic books, so I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of their awesome book, The Grand Cosmic Story: An Illustrated Timeline 13.8 Billion Years And Beyond by Ethan Siegel, Mark. A Garlick, Jon Lumberg, and William Lidwell. This dynamic group of scientists and artists created a history timeline of our cosmos and it is a fantastic read. I absolutely LOVED it! Flipping through the pages and looking at all the art and illustrations made for such a delightful treat. Plus, learning about the history of our universe was magical.  I truly enjoyed spending time with this book and looked forward to reading it bit by bit every day. Oh, what fun!

It's a large book, so it makes for the perfect coffee table book. Anyone interested in astronomy and cosmology will enjoy turning the pages in this hefty tome. However, you don't have to be interested in astrophysics to like this book - I'm serious. This book is for everyone. It's written in such an accessible manner, provides loads of historical information, and is chock full of creative artwork. Whether you just want to look at lovely illustrations, or learn about the Big Bang, this book is for you. 

I would happily recommend The Grand Cosmic Story to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. Make sure to grab a copy and check it out - you are going to LOVE it to bits!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Photographs: Iconic Images From National Geographic, Foreword By Jimmy Chin, Text By Cathy Newman

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

Wow! What an awesome book! The Photographs: Iconic Images From National Geographic is AMAZING! It's truly a wonderful read chock full of gorgeous, jaw-dropping images taken by the most talented and gifted photographers in the world. There are over two hundred and fifty photographs to peruse and believe you me, you are going to take your time turning the pages in this marvelous tome. It is an absolute treat of a book. Talk about the perfect Christmas gift for anyone and everyone on your list. They will fall in love with this book - who wouldn't? Or they will love to have it on display on their coffee table, so that anyone who visits can have the opportunity to check it out. I mean it, this book is a must-have and must-read. 

The Photographs is a history book- showcasing the scope of National Geographic's coverage, topics, and reach all over the world. There are quotes, interviews and biographies throughout the book, which provide fascinating details and facts. And the stunning photographs themselves evoke a sense of wonder as you gaze at them one by one. This is a mesmerizing and unforgettable read. I absolutely LOVED it. I found myself dipping in and out of every day, sometimes three to five times a day. I couldn't help myself. I loved looking at these iconic images that reflect our world, our society, and our cultures.  The Photographs is such a beautiful book.  Make sure to grab a copy for yourself and a loved one. You most definitely won't want to miss out on this fantastic book!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides by Everett Potter

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book)

Wow - what a beautiful book! 100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides by Everett Potter is a must-read for railfans. Chock full of gorgeous photographs depicting the beauty of riding the rails, this is THE perfect book to flip through for inspiration when planning a train trip. Especially, as it's filled with ALL the travel info you'll need/want about the 100 ultimate rides. Journeys to South Africa, India, Italy, and The Grand Canyon - reading about these exciting and amazing adventures will spark the wanderlust gene in us all. You'll fall in love with so many far-flung places that you'll fill up a notebook trying to figure out where you want to go and when. Potter provides the inside scoop on the trains themselves, along with intel about which ones have the most comfortable seats and delicious meals. His writing is informative and exciting - you can't help but get lost in his vivid and detailed descriptions of the train stations, the towns you'll stop at, and the adventures you'll have along the way. It's truly an inspiring book. Talk about top notch armchair travel. 

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read, or looking for a wonderful holiday gift - 100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime is a terrific travel guide and gorgeous coffee table book. Make sure to check it out! You'll have fun just flipping through all of the awesome rail trips Potter writes about in his book - they are unforgettable! I know I loved spending time with this book and dreaming about all the places I want to go. In fact, I'm pretty sure I heard the book shouting, "All Aboard!" at me, as I turned its pages :)

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Water Grave: An Abbey Rhodes Mystery Volume 1 by Mitchell S. Karnes

(Thank you to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Six years ago, Hannah Leah Abelard needed a fresh start. She changed her name to Abbey Rhodes and enlisted in the United States Army as a part of the "Ever Vigilant," 18th Military Police Brigade. They taught her how to be a great cop. Abbey moved to Tennessee three years later and joined Metro Nashville's Police Department.

Now, in her third month with Homicide, Abbey is thrust into a case that may bring the walls she built crashing down around her, exposing a dark past she thought she'd left behind. A young pastor is found dead in the bottom of his baptistery and Abbey is forced to investigate the one place she swore never to return—the church. The case takes Abbey deeper into a tangled web of lies and secrets where the most dangerous ones may be her own.

my thoughts:

Whoa! Talk about the perfect crime thriller mystery! Chock full of twists and turns, gripping story lines, biblical themes, complex characters, a brutal murder mystery, and so much more, Water Grave: An Abbey Rhodes Mystery, is Mitchell S. Karnes' first book in his terrific new series. I absolutely LOVED getting caught up in this thrilling detective murder mystery - it was exciting, intriguing, and just such an enjoyable read. Plus, I thought Hannah was a great character to get to know - her past and present are layered, along with her spiritual journey.  Oh, and did I mention the unexpected twist that made me drop my jaw - wow! Water Grave is most definitely a must-read for fans of mystery - you will fall in deep with this new series! I know that I can't wait to find out what's next for Hannah. 

Make sure to grab a copy ASAP - you won't want to miss out on this exciting new crime thriller! I would happily recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. 

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

I'll Tell You Everything: A Novel by Rebecca Kelley

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

When her estranged daughter asks to hear the one story she doesn’t want to tell, a woman spins lie after lie to protect her perfect life in this gripping novel.

Amy Linden has a loving husband, an adorable son, and a glamorous career as the hotelier of a grand mountain lodge. Then Ramona Crawford, the daughter she gave up for adoption twenty years earlier, pays her a surprise visit. Ramona wants to know the identity of her biological father—and Amy completely understands. There’s just one the truth would destroy Amy’s carefully curated life.

Amy shares a sad tale about a teenage romance with a boy named Freddy and the painful decision to give Ramona a better future than they could provide. At first, the pieces fit together and give Ramona both closure and a chance to get to know her odd but charming mother. But then Ramona gets a different story from Freddy, and Amy’s memories seem to change…and change again.

Will Amy ever reveal the full story of that fateful summer at the lodge? And if so, can Ramona live with the truth?

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this unputdowable story chock full of secrets and reveals. Rebecca's Kelley's novel, I'll Tell You Everything, was an unforgettable read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The setting was secluded and rural, which added a great element of mystery to the story. Plus, the introduction of Ramona, Amy's daughter that she gave up for adoption twenty years ago, suddenly showing up and wanting to know who her biological dad is - talk about family drama! So, Amy tells Ramona about Freddy, her biological dad. Except, when Ramona talks to Freddy, Amy's story isn't matching up. Hmm...something's not right here...and Ramona is determined to find out. The question is, will Amy be willing to tell the truth? Crikey! This story was riveting. I found myself reading all night long, because I had to find out what was really going on with Amy. And, that is all I will share about I'll Tell You Everything. Aside from the fact that Kelley has written a terrific story that will grab you right from the start, keep you guessing, and leave you thinking, OMG! Such a great read!

Make sure to grab a copy and dive right in - this is one book you won't want to miss out on!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Memories Of The Lost: A Novel by Barbara O'Neal

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

An unsuspecting artist uncovers her late mother’s secrets and unravels her own hidden past in a beguiling novel by the USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids.

Months after her mother passes away, artist Tillie Morrisey sees a painting in a gallery that leaves her inexplicably lightheaded and unsteady. When a handsome stranger comes to her aid, their connection is so immediate it seems fated, though Liam is only visiting for a few days.

Working on her own art has always been a refuge, but after discovering a document among her mother’s belongings that suggests Tillie’s life has been a lie, she begins to suffer from a series of fugue states, with memories surfacing that she isn’t even sure are her own. As her confusion and grief mount, and prompted by a lead on the painting that started it all, Tillie heads to a seaside village in England. There, she hopes to discover the source of her uncanny inspirations, sort out her feelings about Liam, and unravel truths that her mother kept hidden for decades.

The fluidity of memory, empowering strength of character, beauty of nature, and love of family braid together in this artful tapestry of a novel.

About the Author

Barbara O’Neal is the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen novels of women’s fiction, including the #1 Amazon Charts bestseller When We Believed in Mermaids, This Place of Wonder, and The Starfish Sisters. Her award-winning books have been published in more than two dozen countries. She lives on the coast of Oregon with her husband, a British endurance athlete who vows he’ll never lose his accent. To learn more about Barbara and her works, visit www.barbaraoneal.com.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a beautiful story! Memories Of The Lost:A Novel by Barbara O'Neal is a magical and modern fairy tale that will stay with you long after you've turned the very last page. I know that I fell in deep with this romance/mystery novel - it was just too good to put down! I found myself reading late into the night to find out what would happen next, because I couldn't stop thinking about Tillie and Liam. 

Chock full of family secrets, lost memories, unknown connections, and art - this story will captivate you right from the start. Tillie has recently lost her mother and while going through her belongings comes across a death certificate which leads to so many unanswered questions.  Memories that she has no clue about being to surface. And her instant connection to Liam leaves her wondering about him and their relationship. So many questions and so few answers lead Tillie to England. And, the answers she finds are shocking and eye-opening. Whoa! What a story! 

I just loved getting to know Tillie and Liam - their instant attraction was palpable. And I loved getting to know more about their families and their connection to one another. Plus, I love any story that takes place in England, especially Devon. I lived in Exeter for years, so I love reading about Devon. And the magic within the story was whimsical and fascinating. Memories Of The Lost was such a treat to read. I really enjoyed every second I spent with it. Barbara O'Neal has written a truly special story that I will happily recommend to anyone and everyone - you will LOVE this book to bits! Make sure to check it out! 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Serabelle: Where the Wealthy Come to Play by Tavi Taylor Black

(Thank you to the author and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

An island sheltered from modern progress. Strict lines between servants and masters. Will crossing them leave her fatally exposed?

Bar Harbor, Maine. 1913. Mabel Rae is smart, reckless, and naïve. So when the ambitious seventeen-year-old joins the staff at a rocky cliffside cottage, she willingly lets the boisterous estate owner's improper advances sweep her off her feet. And the slender young woman dismisses the vulnerability of her position when she discovers she's pregnant with his unacknowledged child.

Brought harshly down to earth after she's caught up in the machinations of a family feud, Mabel decides it's time to take matters into her own hands. But with no money and few rights, she fears a forced marriage to the brutish gardener is her only socially acceptable option.

Is her future forever stunted, or can she become a beacon of change?

In a classic upstairs-downstairs tale, award-winning author Tavi Taylor Black spins an intricate web of idealism's battle against harsh reality. Set at a time when suffrage was at its height, temperance was gaining momentum, and war loomed in Europe, this spellbinding novel shines a light on inequities we still face today.

Serabelle is a darkly humorous work of historical fiction. If you like intricate relationships, lyrical prose, and stories that tackle serious issues, then you'll love Tavi Taylor Black's vivid portrait of the Gilded Age.

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this excellent story by Tavi Taylor Black! Serabelle: Where the Wealthy Come to Play is historical fiction at its very best! 

Set in the early 1900s in Maine, this is the story of Mabel Rae, a young woman working at the luxe Serabelle, a large estate owned by the Ainsworth-Hunt family. Unfortunately, she catches the eye of the owner and winds up pregnant. Soon, she is caught up in a family drama that leaves her learning one hard truth after another. Fortunately, she does have a friend who manages to help her out, except the option isn't a guaranteed happily ever after. So, the question is, will Mabel Rae ever find happiness? Whoa!

I really enjoyed this story and reading about Maine - such a beautiful setting. Plus, it's always fun to find out about different time periods, like the early 1900s - makes for a fascinating history lesson. And, the characters were definitely interesting to get to know. All in all, this was such a treat to read! I would happily recommend it to everyone. Definitely check it out!

Thank you to the author and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Our Kept Hearts: Book One of the Waldron Hearts series by Tennille Marie

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for provding me with a copy of this book!)

 
about book:  (summary from Goodreads)

A heart-warming coming-of-age debut novel where sisters learn that even motherless daughters must grow up and become women one day. 

Arkansas, 1953. Nine-year-old Hazel McKay knows little girls need a mother. So, when her mother decides to leave her and her little sister, Ruthie, without any reason except she wants more, Hazel feels like her life is falling apart. With their father working out of town most days, Hazel and Ruthie are left on their own in the little house in the middle of the woods, where they find more than just animals and birds hiding in the forest. 

Meanwhile, not far away, ten-year-old Joel lives with his alcoholic father. Caught in a struggle to survive his father's volatile nature and the desire to satisfy his curiosity about the little girls that live in the house in the woods, Joel finds a world of friendship and love he never knew existed.

Together, the three encounter school dances, heartbreaks, first loves, and a world turned upside down by the threat of nuclear war. With a new beginning on the horizon, Hazel, Ruthie, and Joel find their happiness is in jeopardy when tragedy strikes, and they are forced to make a choice. Bury a secret so deep no one will ever know the truth or lose everything they hold dear.

NetGalley Reviews are in -

"What a story!"

"Can't wait for the next book."

"I absolutely loved this coming of age story by Tennille Marie. It was one of those beautiful stories written with so much heart and love. Her characters were so honest and real. I was totally mesmerized right from the beginning."

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this unputdownable story by Tennille Marie. It's the first book in her new Waldron Hearts series and it is fantastic! And, did I mentioned that it's her debut novel! Talk about hitting it out of the park! 

So, what did I love about this book?

1. The characters were the best! I really enjoyed getting to know them and rooting for them - Hazel, Ruthie, and Joel. 

2. It's a coming of age story, which I just loved. We are talking about heartbreak, friendship, family - all of it. 

3. The writing. It is top notch! I found myself easily immersed in the lives of these characters and wanting to find out what would happen next. Plus, the 50s and 60s time period - such a great setting!

4. Sisters. A book about sisters will always win my heart. Probably, because I have a sister. 

5. Everything. Overall, this was just a damn good story. And, I can't wait to read the next book in the series! I loved Our Kept Hearts to bits!!

Make sure to check out this amazing debut novel by Tennille Marie - you are going to fall in deep with Our Kept Hearts! 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Hypnotized By Love by Sariah Wilson

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

The power of suggestion does wonders for the heart in an absolutely captivating romantic comedy by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Chemistry of Love.

Hypnotist Savannah Sinclair is known for helping clients overcome their deep-rooted issues, from anxiety to addiction. But her nontraditional approach also attracts plenty of skeptics?including her high school nemesis and rival, Mason Beckett, who just so happens to be the boy who broke her heart.

Mason’s life hasn’t gone according to plan. His latest novel was a flop, and the only gig he can land is writing a scathing exposé of his hometown hypnotist, Savannah. But in order to write an authentic article, he has to be a willing participant. Hypnosis is the last thing he expected: he’s shedding his negative nature and opening himself up to new experiences…and when a fire alarm interrupts their session, Mason walks out into the real world entranced and sporting a sunny disposition and a tendency to say yes.

Hypnotized Mason is fearless, revealing things he’s never told a soul, acting completely out of character, and leading Savannah on a frantic chase to keep him safe. He likes his new self. The problem is, so does Savannah. She can’t fall in love with a man who’s in a trance, but can she keep him still long enough to get him to snap out of it?

About Sariah Wilson

Sariah Wilson is the USA Today bestselling author of The Chemistry of Love, The Paid Bridesmaid, The Seat Filler, Roommaid, Just a Boyfriend, the Royals of Monterra series, and the #Lovestruck novels. She happens to be madly, passionately in love with her soul mate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters—which is why she writes romance. She currently lives with her family and various pets in Utah, and harbors a lifelong devotion to ice cream. For more information, visit her website at www.sariahwilson.com.

my thoughts:

Sariah Wilson's latest novel, Hypnotized By Love, is rom-com at its very best! I LOVED the book to bits! Talk about a funny, romantic, sweet, and hypnotizing story!

Savannah is a hypnotist who helps people overcome their personal struggles, like anxiety. Mason is an author who has taken a job writing an article about Savannah's hypnotism. The two grew up together, thanks to their BFF moms, but miscommunication ended their friendship and any chance of a romantic relationship. Fast forward to the present day where Mason is booking hypnotism sessions with Savannah for his article. Let's just say, Savannah is not a happy camper and things go from bad to worse for her when, due to a fire alarm, Mason leaves her office hypnotized. And not it's up to Savannah to keep him safe from his 'new' self...or is it? Especially when it turns out that Mason's feelings for Savannah are chock full of love. Yep, he tells her he loves her, always has. Say what?! The only thing is that Savannah doesn't believe him. And, that is all I will share about this love story. 

Wilson's new story is such a fun treat to read. I love the enemies to lovers trope, so I definitely enjoyed reading this book. It was fun to get to know Savannah and Mason and see how their relationship kept moving along, in spite of her insecurities and his hypnotized state of mind. I would happily recommend Hypnotized By Love to fans of Sariah Wilson and to anyone looking for their next rom-com fix - you will fall in love with this book!!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Path Of The Panther: New Hope For Wild Florida by Carlton Ward Jr.

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Path of the Panther is a story of new hope for the recovery of an iconic endangered species and its Everglades home – and a global example of how protecting wildlife corridors can sustain balance for nature and people.

The panther is the state animal of Florida, the last big cat surviving east of the Mississippi River, and an emblem of the Endangered Species Act. It was driven to extinction in the eastern United States, except for a small remnant population that persisted in Florida’s Everglades. Panther numbers had dwindled to fewer than 20 individuals by the 1980s, but heroic conservation efforts have helped panthers come back to nearly 200 today. The biggest obstacle for the panther’s continued recovery is access to enough of its historic territory throughout Florida and beyond. 

The tale of the Florida panther has grown from the unlikely survival of a rare cat to a story of hope for all of wild Florida. Path of the Panther in now a call to action to recognize and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor – a network of public and private land that connects the panther’s current range in south Florida to suitable habitat throughout the state of Florida and adjoining states. 

The Florida Wildlife Corridor is the panther’s path to recovery and a western-scale conservation opportunity that remains largely hidden in the east. It is now as a Last Wild Places partnership with the National Geographic Society. With 27 percent of Florida already protected as public land, this project aims to inspire the additional one million acres of conservation needed over the next decade so that Florida can be a leader in the goal of protecting 30 percent of the plane by 2030. 

Photographer Carlton Ward helped put the Florida Wildlife Corridor on the map by trekking from the Everglades to Georgia in 2012 and from the Everglades Headwaters around the Gulf of Mexico to Alabama in 2015. Through these National Geographic–supported expeditions, he and his team have witnessed that a path for the panther’s recovery still exists. But with 1,000 new residents moving to Florida every day, and more than 100,000 acres of habitat lost to development each year, to window to save it is closing quickly. Through Ward's intimate photographs, expert essays and compelling maps, the Path of the Panther book, combined with a National Geographic magazine article, National Geographic Society Last Wild Places campaign, and feature documentary film, is poised to awaken people to wild Florida and inspire them to save it.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a beautiful and fascinating book. As a Floridian, I absolutely LOVED reading Path Of The Panther: New Hope For Wild Florida by Carlton Ward Jr. - it was such a special book to get lost in. I really enjoyed learning so much about my state - history, nature, the panther, the Everglades, and the hopes/plans for the future of wild Florida. Oh, and did I mention that this is a National Geographic book? Well it is, and that means top notch quality. The kind of book that will inspire and that you will eagerly set out on your coffee table or bookshelf. Yep, a definite must-read!

Ward has created a wonderful book chock full of informative essays, gorgeous photographs, amazing maps, and so much more. This book has it all! I mean it, this book makes for a compelling and motivating read - the information regarding conservation and recovery is just awe-inspiring. And learning about the history of the panther and its home in Florida is fascinating. I really enjoyed my reading experience with this book. I just loved getting to know so much about the state I call home. 

I would happily recommend Path Of The Panther to anyone and everyone looking for their next nonfiction read - you are going to fall in LOVE with this book! Make sure to get your hands on a copy and check it out! 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Love You Save: A Memoir by Goldie Taylor

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

"A deeply inspiring, must-read memoir about the transformative power of books to heal and unite us."—Gabrielle Union

Acclaimed journalist and human rights activist Goldie Taylor shares the harrowing yet deeply hopeful story of her troubled childhood in East St. Louis—a memoir of family, faith and the power of books
 
At age eleven, Goldie Taylor is out riding her bike when she is raped by a young man from the neighborhood. Unable to cope, her mother sends her to live with her aunt in East St. Louis.
 
Aunt Gerald takes in anyone who asks, but the conditions are harsh. Goldie sleeps on the living room floor, amid cousins who abuse her. But in her trauma and pain, Goldie discovers a secret. She can find kinship among writers like James Baldwin and Toni Morrison. She can find hope in a nurturing teacher who helps her find her voice. And books, she realizes, can save her life. 

Goldie Taylor's debut memoir shines a light on the strictures of race, class and gender in a post–Jim Crow America while offering a nuanced, empathetic portrait of a family in a pitched battle for its very soul.

Profoundly moving, exquisitely rendered and ultimately uplifting, The Love You Save is a story about hidden strength, perseverance against unimaginable odds, the beauty and pain of girlhood, and the power of the written word.

my thoughts:

Wow. Just, wow. The Love You Save: A Memoir by Goldie Taylor is a beautifully written book that is brutally honest and intensely authentic. This is a story about a young girl who endured horrors in her childhood and still managed to find hope for her self and her life. In fact, she wound up becoming an acclaimed journalist and activist. She is the epitome of the magic of hope, strength, faith, and determination. 

Taylor has written the story of her childhood in an honest and unflinching tone. She shares and shares, and the more she shares, the more your heart breaks for this little girl. We read about rape, abuse, and violence. And we read about books, the written word, talent, friendship, and hope. We read about a young girl who discovers her voice and finds a way to use it to create a better future for herself. Talk about a heartrending read. 

The Love You Save is an important story. It's a thought-provoking, eye-opening, and powerful read. It's the kind of book that reminds you that no matter what, "hope is the thing with feathers." 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone - make sure you get your hands on a copy! Make time to read this must-read story. 

Thank you the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Blue Zones American Kitchen: 100 Recipes To Live To 100 by Dan Buettner

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Best-selling Blue Zones Kitchen author Dan Buettner spent years uncovering the Blue Zones--the five places around the world where people consistently live to or past, 100--and sharing lifestyle tips and recipes gleaned from these places. Now, creating your own Blue Zone at home is easier than ever, thanks to plant-forward recipes in this inspiring book--all developed right in our own backyard.

In Blue Zones American Kitchen, Buettner uncovers the traditional roots of plant-forward cuisine in the United States. Following the acumen of heritage cooks who have passed their recipes from generation to generation, Buettner uncovers the regions and cultures that have shaped America’s healthiest food landscapes, from Hmong elders living in Minnesota to Quakers in New England. Along the way, he illuminates both traditional and revolutionary ideas in vegetarian food with recipes from chefs like executive chef James Wayman, “the Gullah chef” Bill Green, and “the Cod Chef” Dave Smoke-McCluskey.

With wisdom from more than 50 food experts, chefs, and cooks around the country, Buettner’s road trip across America sheds light on some of its most under-recognized plant-forward communities as Buettner shares the ingredients, recipes, and lifestyle tips that will make living to 100 both delicious and easy. And the proof is in the pudding: 49 Blue Zones Project Cities have demonstrated that eating the Blue Zones way can alleviate obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and more.

Filled with 100 tasty recipes, from Pennsylvania Dutch apple dumplings to Southern Hoppin’ John, Blue Zones American Kitchen will change your diet--and your life.

my thoughts:

A cookbook based on the Blue Zones in the United Sates - how could I not want to read this book!?! Especially, when the books is published by the National Geographic Society.  I was in from the start.  And, let me just say, how happy I was to read this wonderful cookbook.  It was chock full of delicious plant-based recipes, beautiful photographs, and fascinating stories about the blue zones right here in America - how awesome is that?! I absolutely LOVED flipping through and reading about Latin American and Native American cuisine. This was truly a gem of a book.

So, what exactly are the "blue zones"?  Well, they are the regions in the world where people are known to live the longest. You know, the places you hear about where the residents are well into their early 100s.  Yep, this book is devoted to recipes inspired by the "blue zones" within America and the different cultures that created such tasty and healthy recipes. We get tips, recipes, stories, and so much more in this book - all of which help in teaching us about the foods we need to be eating if we want to live to 100. After all, the goal is to live a long and healthy life, right? Well, this book will have you excited to think about the foods you eat and the life you want to live. I know that I can't wait to try out some of these yummy looking recipes and, I'm also more interested in trying to learn more about the way food impacts our health and how we can use it to our benefit (inflammation, mental health, etc.).  I would happily recommend The Blue Zones American Kitchen to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss out on this fantastic book!!

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for a new and great read in 2023 - make sure to check it out!

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

(Inside The Curve) Stories From The Pandemic curated by Claudi Carreras

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In the globe-spanning chronicle of an unprecedented historic event, journalists and photographers share an extraordinary collection of stories of the COVID pandemic: from the isolation and devastation of quarantine to the joy of reunion. 

As COVID-19 continued to evolve and impact communities around the globe, the National Geographic Society launched a Global Emergency Fund for Journalists to cover this extraordinary crisis within their own communities. The fund put a particular emphasis on delivering news to underserved populations, particularly where there is a dearth of evidence-based information getting to those who need it. This pandemic has made evident the vulnerability, inequity, and the many environmental injustices in our society, but it has also shown us the incredible resilience of many communities. Selections from this powerful body of work will be featured in a global traveling exhibition entitled “Inside the Curve: Stories from the Pandemic.” The book, which will extend and amplify the exhibition, will illuminate some of the themes of the crisis that have impacted all of us, as well as unique stories of heroism and survival.

my thoughts:

National Geographic has published a book titled, (Inside The Curve) Stories From The Pandemic and it is excellent. Curated by Claudi Carreras this book provides stories and photographs that capture the horrors of the COVID pandemic, along with the enduring strength of communities that rallied together to help one another during such a terrifying and unknown time. It's truly an emotional book. 

In order to chronicle COVID, the National Geographic Society decided to create a fund, called the Global Emergency Fund for Journalists, that would enable photographers and journalists to write about and share about what was happening where they lived. By doing so, this would help the world see what was happening all over the world, and also what was being done during such a scary time. The goal of the fund was to bring news to the underserved communities. Throughout the pandemic it became very clear what populations were most vulnerable and where the inequalities truly existed. This book shows us all of that and more, which makes it a fascinating and thought-provoking read. 

People can see selections from this book in a global traveling exhibition called, "Inside the Curve: Stories from the Pandemic."  Talk about a brilliant way to highlight the pandemic and the crises it brought to our attention. What a terrific book! I found myself mesmerized and reflecting on these past few years. Such a heart-wrenching time for us all. 

I would most definitely recommend (Inside The Curve) to everyone - this is must-read reading for us all. Make sure to check it out!!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Blacktold: 33 Dynamic Essays from Andscape edited by Steve Reiss

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

ESPN's website, The Undefeated, publishes content that explores how race and identity impact American culture. This will be a collection of the best articles published on the site. Timely and relevant, BlackTold will cover current events such as the BLM movement, the Covid-19 pandemic, race and the NFL, and more.

Here's a sample of some of the articles that will be included:

"George Floyd's mother was not there, but he used her as a sacred invocation"

With his dying breaths, Floyd called for her as an assurance of memory. 

"The importance of Chadwick Boseman to African Culture"
In many ways, Black Panther helped normalize African heritage and style in popular culture by truly celebrating it.

"Naomi Osaka made sure Black lives mattered at the U.S. Open"
She's grown more sophisticated in how she discusses race, and more comfortable with doing so publicly. 

"Can a black heroine fix the racist stereotypes infecting 'King Kong'?"

In new Broadway production, actress Christiani Pitts steps into the role first made famous by Fay Wray.

my thoughts:

Wow! What an important and timely book of essays! Blacktold: 33 Dynamic Essays from Andscape is fantastic! Edited by Steve Reiss and with a foreword by Raina Kelley, this terrific book is chock full of smart, thoughtful, and insightful essays about race, Black culture, sports culture, entertainment industry, and so much more. It's the perfect book to dip in and out of - read an essay and reflect on it, don't rush through the pages. Take your time with this book, because it will take its time with you - meaning, that it will sit with long after you put it away. It's the epitome of that saying, 'food for thought'. 

As a person of color, I found that many of these essays resonated deeply with me. I felt all the feels and just couldn't stop thinking about so many of the issues that were brought up in this book. I found myself wanting to read more and learn more. That's why it's so important for books like Blacktold to be out in the world - they help open up dialogues about racial stereotypes, race in politics and sports culture, etc.. I would definitely recommend Blacktold to everyone - this is one book you don't want to miss out on. Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

National Geographic Birding Basics: Tips, Tools & Techniques for Great Bird-Watching by Noah Strycker

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Targeted to beginners and beyond, National Geographic’s fun, inspiring guide to the art, craft, and science of bird-watching combines practical know-how and expert knowledge. Browsable and bursting with helpful illustrations and photographs, Birding Basics offers new ideas for when, where, and how to get to know the birds in your world.

Not a field guide but a primer in best practices, authored by birding expert Noah Strycker, this breezy book features easy-to-follow advice on what to look and listen for, how to use field guides and birding apps, the best equipment to start with, and ways to engage with other birders around the world. Filled with fun facts and seasoned advice, this useful book will help you attract birds to your backyard, master bird identification, name a bird by its song, and witness the magic of migration. Sidebars feature fun facts, identification tips, and easy projects for exploring the world on the wing.

For everyone who loves watching the birds, whether out the window or on the trail, this colorful, easy-to-use guide to better birding has everything you need.

my thoughts:

Birding is a fantastic hobby to take up if you are looking for something new and fresh. For starters, birds. How freaking cool are they? Not only do they fly and soar up high in the sky, but they are beautiful creatures to watch. Plus, you get to go outside in nature to check them out - how is that not a great thing, right? And, lastly, binoculars. How cool and scientific will you look sporting a pair? I mean, c'mon, birding is seriously where it's at. Or at least I think so thanks to National Geographic's latest tome, Birding Basics: Tips, Tools & Techniques for Great Bird-Watching by Noah Strycker. Talk about a fun and informative read - I just loved diving right in and tabbing all the sections I wanted to take notes on. There are just so many awesome tips and facts included the book, along with some AMAZING photographs and illustrations. Strycker shares about equipment to use, seasons advice, and intel on birdsong. He writes in an engaging and accessible manner, that you can't help but find yourself excited and inspired to start birding. I know I had a great time reading through this book. And, I love how it looks on my coffee table - people can pick it up and find themselves lost in all things birding (talk about a cool pastime to learn about). This is definitely one book that I will be flipping through again and again - LOVED it!!

I would happily recommend Birding Basics to anyone and everyone interested in learning about birding - you are going to LOVE this book! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Stargazer's Atlas: The Ultimate Guide To The Night Sky by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Richly illustrated with luminous photographs and informative maps and graphics, this expansive book is the perfect guide for everyone discovering the wonders of the night sky, from those just learning the constellations to dedicated telescope observers.

Combining science, exploration, and storytelling, National Geographic Stargazer's Atlas invites readers to roam the night sky for constellations, planets and moons, eclipses, comets and meteor showers, auroras, and deep-sky treasures including nebulae and galaxies—many visible to the naked eye and all with binoculars or a backyard telescope.

Beginning with basic space science and including a complete set of night sky maps for all four seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, this fascinating book guides the reader toward the most rewarding observations. A unique chapter on astrotourism highlights ancient observatories, dark-sky preserves, and other global destinations for the sky-seeking traveler; a final chapter details current and future space missions and what they might discover.

Richly illustrated with awe-inspiring imagery—including photos from space missions and telescopes, science-based artists’ interpretations, and explanatory graphics—the book also contains 170 maps and charts of planets, moons, and constellations, from Earth’s moon to moons of Saturn. Practical advice throughout helps readers see what they have been reading about, building key observational skills such as “star hopping” from easy-to-find stars to fainter deep-sky objects and focusing on “deep sky treasures:” areas rich in observable phenomena.

Approachable and authoritative, gorgeous and fascinating, National Geographic Stargazer's Atlas will intrigue all who love to gaze up in wonder at the night sky—and find themselves wanting to know more.

my thoughts:

Looking up at the stars and wondering about the cosmos - talk about a fascinating way to spend your night. I absolutely love the memories I have of looking up at the night sky and imagining what the stars looked like up close and the planets filled with the unknown. It was exciting, scary, and so much fun.  The vastness that is the sky mixed with the darkness that creates night - the planet rotating and moving at its own speed as we sleep and dream.  Talk about fascinating food for thought.  And so, when I was given the opportunity to read National Geographic's latest book, Stargazer's Atlas: The Ultimate Guide To The Night Sky, I immediately said "yes."   I was so excited when I got my copy and grabbed a cuppa so I could settle in and learn about comets, constellations, planets, and all the things that have kept my imagination running wild for years.

Chock full of photographs, graphics, tips, and information - this book is THE book to read if you want to learn about watching the night sky and what's in it. You can find out about what telescope to use and the various star patterns that make up the constellations. Its so interesting, you can't help but get lost in the pages of this book - learning so much about the beautiful night sky that mesmerizes us.  I found myself completely engaged in this book - it was so much fun to read. I loved it!

I would happily recommend Stargazer's Atlas to fans of National Geographic and to budding astronomers/fans of stargazing - you will LOVE this book to bits!!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!