Review: Winter's Tale By: Mark Helprin

Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Release the veil that covers your eyes and enter into the world created by Mr. Helprin, filled with beauty, truth, the just, and the impossible. The depth of which he will take you into this adventure, feeling lead throughout time and dimensions, and the characters leaping off the pages surrounding you - or visa versa. Vivid, brilliant, effervescent, and soulful are only a few words to describe this epic book.
So many lives intertwine over time, but the life of Peter Lake is the main link in the chain. He is a burglar who loses his heart to Beverly Penn, woman who is dying, yet sees the world in all it's glory. A secret, sacred place filled with magic, The Lake of Coheeries holds a key, as a cloud wall that can reach from the river to the sky and catch and release whatever dares enter into it appears to be a gate, a white horse, the balance of good versus evil, and the necessity of it all are all found within these pages.
This book shines, beckons the reader further into the world created and you go willingly and wonderfully let go into the prose. Warning: you will not be the same afterwards and will often want to return.

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Review: Rebel Spring By: Morgan Rhodes

Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book following Falling Kingdoms is just as addicting! The new land know known as Mythica, brought together by uniting Limeros, Paelsia, and Auranos under the rule of The Blood King, Gauis.
Gauis has proven to stop at nothing in Falling Kingdoms, yet we find that he has a destiny, a plan, that he must follow that has been given to him by none other than a Watcher. To fulfill his destiny he must pour blood into the land and build a road from the temple in Auranos to the one in Limeros.
He is cold and calculating, placing his captive Princess Cleo in an arranged marriage with his son, giving speeches to the people, and moving people like pawn pieces across a board.
There is a band of rebels that will make this hard and that have their own destiny in the greater plan of Mythica. The search for the Kindred is on and as Lucia awakens the elementia power within her time is short.

WOW! I didn't want to give a lot away, but give a teaser - but this is a great series. Think Game of Thrones for Teens (and their moms). With a lot of adventure, schemes, plots moving at the same time, you know that the build up to finale is gaining momentum and like George RR Martin Ms. Rhodes isn't afraid of killing anyone off to build the story - and this is a Great one! Pick up these books, I know you will love them and I can bet that like me you will be marking the calendars awaiting for the next release!

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Review: Homemade Condiments : Artisan Recipes Using Fresh, Natural Ingredients By: Jessica Harlan

Homemade Condiments: Artisan Recipes Using Fresh, Natural Ingredients by Jessica Harlan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**** A First Reads, Thank You Goodreads *****

A great how-to and addition to the home cook's shelf. Filled with recipes that range from the basic ketchup to illustrious Magic Shell, tips, conversions, and uses - this will make condiments simple. Whether you choose to use this everyday (because of the ease) or for special occasions, you will wow those with your new found knowledge, and they will delight in its taste.
Personally, I found this a delight, with Ms. Harlan's voice throughout guiding me through the recipes with personal stories and tips as if she was in the kitchen with me. I also love the fact that I can help my family eat healthier, bring freshness and natural way of condiments into our home, something that I often overlooked.

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Review: Why Are You So Sad? By: Jason Porter

Why Are You So Sad? by Jason Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

***** This is a First Reads, Thank You Goodreads ****

Ray is slipping. Slipping down a hole of which nothing seems to be saving him from going deeper into. We, the reader, are privy to his thoughts, which range from hearing people in the cars next to him on his commute to work to the strangeness he experiences within his marriage. One day sitting outside of LokiLoki, where he works as a pictographer, he creates a questionnaire - for surely, he can't be the only one that feels this way.
Darkly humorous, filled with twists, and some intense insight, Mr. Porter takes us on a journey into the mind and the life of Ray, guides us, and leaves us. Ray's observations on life and his co workers spoke to me on a deeper level as his survey did to them.
I really loved this book, the style of writing, the depth. There is something special here that is deeper than the pages and it speaks volumes of the author's talent. this book is one to read over, to share at a book club, and to keep on your shelf.

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Review: Healing Your Life With Water By: Diana E Ruiz

Healing Your Life with Water: How to use your Mind Body & Water Connection to Awaken Your Inner Fountain of Youth by Diana E. Ruiz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**** This is a First Reads, Thank You Goodreads ****

This is a basics, techniques, how to, and break down of a natural way of living based mainly on the concept of water. Our bodies are mainly built with water, using the alkaline way of living (including diet), we can change the response within – helping our immune system, our mental health, our relationships – internal and external. Ms. Ruiz easily explains, gives examples, and cites helpful sources to help you get on your way.
This is not a new concept, but this is one that constantly needs to be revisited. Great for those looking to make a change, to rev up or go in for that “oil change”. Energy medicine, lightwork, et al should all be part of someone’s life, this book brings part of that natural medicine into the home and makes it simple and easy.
Worth the read and the exercises, it will work. The New Year New You is within reach, give it a try. You will find this as a handy go to guide and reference.


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Review: The Ocean At The End Of The Lane: A Novel By: Neil Gaiman

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where have I been? I have found quotes by Mr. Gaiman on Goodreads that have reached into me, letting me know, this is someone I must read – What took me so long?!! I am simply in love with the prose and the way the words weave, the story, the simple magic that reminds the reader why you fell in love with reading to begin with.
A story told in first person that reflects back on the summer after turning seven. Finding himself driving after a funeral down past where he used to live, down the dirt lane, to the end, to the Hempstock Farm, to sit and remember bits and pieces by the pond he knows as Lettie’s Ocean. Enter a world of old, of before, suspend your belief, know that fairy rings are there for reasons. This is an adult “fairy tale” to term it loosely. Find yourself lost where monsters hide behind beauty and even unlock the evil within those you trust the most and the greatest courage lies within children.
I did not want this story to end, and when it did, I wanted to reread it. I wanted to lose myself within the world that Mr. Gaiman created. A short read, but one that you will find highly satisfying and will definitely stay with you. I am now hooked and want everything this man has ever written, you will too.


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Review: A Patriot's History of The Modern World Vol 2 By: Larry Schweikart and Dave Dougherty

Patriot's History ® of the Modern World, Vol. II: From the Cold War to the Age of Entitlement, 1945-2012 by Larry Schweikart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The last six decades of history are documented and broken down in this volume of Patriot's History. Wonderfully broken down and easily explained, this is what history books should be like in school.
Timelines introduce each chapter and amazing information is relayed to the reader. Some of which, since I went to a private institution, I was lucky to be informed and educated of, but that is where it stopped - until now.
Winston S Churchill once said, "History is written by the victors." At one time I believed this and over time I became cynical, but now I see writer's like Mr. Schweikart that unveil the truth of history and deliver it in an inspiring and educating way.
This is the perfect addition to one's personal library, for one's own further knowledge or for the family's, it would also be great for reports, and being used as a reference.

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