Sunshine on Silver Lake by Annie Rains

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

With summer just around the corner, Emma St. James is eagerly planning a 5K run at Sweetwater Springs National Park. But first she needs the help of one charming, rugged, and handsome park ranger. Her brief high school romance with Jack Hershey may have ended in heartbreak, but Emma can't deny that he still gives her butterflies. So when Jack responds to her request with an all-too-tempting plea to pretend to be his girlfriend for the summer, how can she say no?

Jack would do anything for his sister -- even pretend to give up his bachelor life to care for his nephew. Passing his days with his high school sweetheart guarantees one long, hot summer -- but only because every moment together leaves him wanting a real relationship. He can't imagine spending another season without Emma by his side. Can he convince her to give their love a second chance before the summer draws to a close?

My thoughts-

I aboslutely love all of the Sweetwater Springs novels. I don't think I will ever get enough of this little town and it's inhabitants. I always breeze through these books in a day or two! This book was focused on Emma St. James, the owner of the local coffee shop and her lifelong best friend Jack Hershey. Emma and Jack both have a lot going on and both have had feelings for each other for pretty much their entire lives but something that happened ages ago halted romance before it was able to begin. I loved watching this story unfold. I also liked the story of Jack's nephew coming to stay with him for the summer, and I am hoping that we get to know him and Jack's sister Amanda more in future books. If you love sweet small town romance I recommend this series to you. They can stand alone, but I have loved them all so I definitely recommend reading the entire series!

The Paris Library by Jane Skeslien Charles

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal.

Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them.

My thoughts-

I read a lot of historical fiction set during this war torn era. I like when there is a story in a different time period to help us better understand the character and to maybe add a little mystery. I loved the way this story was set up, introducing us to Lily and her lonely neighbor Odile in 1980's Montana. We see Odile as an adult and wonder what has brought her into this isolation and away from all of her family. The part of the story set in Paris in the late 1930's and early 1940's is heartbreaking as all WWII stories are, but I love that the theme of this story is Odile working at the American library and sharing these books even when she isn't supposed to. I also got quite a kick out of all of the fantastic books that were name dropped in this one. It would be a fun challenge to read all of the books mentioned in a year. At the end of the novel, the author talks about how some of these characters are based on real people, which makes the story even more compelling. I recmomend this book if you enjoy historical fiction, are a lover of classic books, or are a Francophile. 

Everyday Stress Relief by Ruth C. White

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Stress is a natural part of life, and there’s no way to eliminate it entirely—but we can control how our bodies respond to stressful situations. Everyday Stress Relief is the guide to understanding your own stress and finding personal strategies that work to calm your body and focus your mind.

Learn what causes stress and how your body reacts to stress triggers. Then, let research-backed exercises and thoughtful advice give you the tools to effectively manage and mitigate the effects that stress has on your everyday life.

My thoughts-

I think pretty much everyone is extra stressed these days, but even just in our daily lives there can be big stressors that can cause all kinds of mental exhaustion. I like that this book was set up by different kinds of stress that can occur and offers a suggestions for countering that stress with breathing techniques, physical exercise, mantras, ect. I feel like this book could be helpful for literally any person that exists so I recommend it to absolutely anyone. We, especially in the United States, tend to go, go, go, and not really pay enough attention to self care. Everyday Stress Relief is a great place to start to change that.

The Village Shop for Lonely Hearts by Alison Sherlock

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

After losing her job in New York, Amber Green isn’t looking forward to visiting her godmother in the sleepy village of Cranbridge. With its empty lanes and rundown shops, it’s hardly a place to mend her lonely heart.

But when Amber discovers that Cranbridge Stores, owned by her godmother Cathy and son Josh, is under threat of financial ruin, she realises that her skills as a window dresser might just be able to help save the struggling shop.

When disaster strikes, Amber and Josh must unite to save both the shop and the village from flooding.

Can Cranbridge Stores become the heart of the village once more?

And as the village begins to come back to life, perhaps Amber will discover a reason to stay…

My thoughts-

I have definitely been traveing vicariously through books as all of my travel plans keep getting canceled because of the crazy time we are living in. The Village Shop for Lonely Hearts transported me to a quaint little village in England. I absloutely adored this story. It was a cute boy meets girl after long time apart and girl is now way hotter. There are some cute moments and laughs. This is just the bright spot I needed in my reading repetoire right now, and I cant wait to revisit the town of Cranbridge and Amber and Josh (hopefully) when the next one comes out! 

Stitching a Life by Mary Helen Fein

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

It’s 1900, and sixteen-year-old Helen comes alone in steerage across the Atlantic from a small village in Lithuania, fleeing terrible anti-Semitism and persecution. She arrives at Ellis Island, and finds a place to live in the colorful Lower East Side of New York. She quickly finds a job in the thriving garment industry and, like millions of others who are coming to America during this time, devotes herself to bringing the rest of her family to join her in the New World, refusing to rest until her family is safe in New York. A few at a time, Helen’s family members arrive. Each goes to work with the same fervor she has and contributes everything to bringing over their remaining beloved family members in a chain of migration. Helen meanwhile, makes friends and—once the whole family is safe in New York—falls in love with a man who introduces her to a different New York—a New York of wonder, beauty, and possibility.

My thoughts-

Stitching a Life is fiction but is based on the author's grandmother's immigration story. The fact that it is rooted in truth and some of these things are things that her grandmother may have gone through makes the story resonate with me more. I spend a lot of time researching my family tree and one of my favorite things to discover in both my tree and my friends when I help them research their roots is the family member that came to the United States.  I imagine their stories, and I imagine Helen's in great detail with this beautiful young adult novel. I can imagine the fear of having to leave her family behind, of having to travel all alone to meet her father in the United States, the anxiety about being in a new country. This was a great story that I urge anyone who enjoys historical fiction or learning about the past to read.

The 30-Minute Gluten-Free Cookbook by Jan Withington

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Whether you have a gluten intolerance or you’ve recently decided to cut gluten from your daily diet, making the switch to gluten-free has never been faster, easier, or more delectable. The 30-Minute Gluten-Free Cookbook is the perfect way to start eating smarter and healthier with tons of recipes you can make at home in just minutes.

From Mexican Chili Corn Pie to Teriyaki Chicken Burgers, this complete gluten-free cookbook takes the guesswork out of being a glutenless gourmet. Discover everything you need to whip up delicious dishes you’ll enjoy. With this all-in-one gluten-free cookbook, you’ll feel great with good food that tastes great too.

My thoughts-

My family all tend to do better on a gluten free diet. I know for me in particular that when I eat foods that contain gluten it causes digestion issues and acid reflux a lot of the time so I definitely try to limit the gluten at our house. I tend to follow a more ketogenic/low carb lifestyle but some gluten free recipes can definitely plug in to those ways of eating and lots of gf recipes for my kids to give a try. We are a pretty busy family between scouts, soccer, and other multiple after school activities between my 3 kids (when we are not on lockdown for a global pandemic, that is) so time saving recipes are my jam for regular weeknights.  There are tons of great recipes in this book for all different times of day, and I like that they lean on the healthier side of things because even eating gluten free you can eat in a not so healthy way. Even though the recipes are healthy they sound like they would be delicious, especially the pistachio cranberry energy bites (which would be a big hit around my house with adults and children alike), sheet pan chicken fajitas, pepperjack stuffed chicken, and pressure cooker beef stew. I am also excited to try a few of the desserts, particularly the lemon curd with mixed berries, which sounds like a perfect end to a summer day. 

The Essential Middle Eastern Cookbook

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Fresh herbs and spices, creamy yogurt, savory skewered meats, and flaky baklava—Middle Eastern cuisine is famous for its vibrant flavors. Now, you can recreate iconic dishes in your own kitchen with The Essential Middle Eastern Cookbook. Packed with 100 classic recipes made simple, this complete Middle East cookbook gives you a true taste of one of the world’s most influential culinary regions.

Try your hand at delectable dishes like Tabbouleh, Lebanese Chicken Fatteh, Spiced Beef Tagine, and homemade Pita Bread with Hummus. All of the ingredients in this Middle East cookbook are easily found in your neighborhood grocery store, yet they stay true to the authentic flavors and textures of each traditional meal. Let’s eat!

My thoughts-

I am married into a Middle Eastern family so I also married into the delicious food of their culture. My husband's family comes from Iran, but we also know that there are plenty of great dishes to be discovered from all of the other surrounding countries, and we often try new cuisines together (whether they be Middle Eastern or from some other far off place). We love discovering the many delectable dishes that are available if you just have a sense of adventure and the patience to look for them. The Essential Middle Eastern Cookbook combines flavors from all over the Middle East, allowing us the opportunity to try new things from many different places, as well as having some of our favorite Persian recipes (Shirazi salad, Gorheh Sabzi, and Kashke Bademjan). There are plenty of Turkish, Lebanese, and recipes from all kinds of other places we can not wait to try. If you have never had food from the Middle East and are intimidated by the different flavors, I urge you to be adventurous and give it a try!

The Royal Abduls by Ramiza Shamoun Koya

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Ramiza Shamoun Koya reveals the devastating cost of anti-Muslim sentiment inThe Royal Abduls, her debut novel about an Indian-America family. Evolutionary biologist Amina Abdul accepts a post-doc in Washington, DC, choosing her career studying hybrid zones over a faltering West Coast romance. Her brother and sister-in-law welcome her to the city, but their marriage is crumbling, and they soon rely on her to keep their son company. Omar, hungry to understand his cultural roots, fakes an Indian accent, invents a royal past, and peppers his aunt with questions about their cultural heritage. When he brings an ornamental knife to school, his expulsion triggers a downward spiral for his family, even as Amina struggles to find her own place in an America now at war with people who look like her. WithThe Royal Abduls, Koya ignites the canon of post-9/11 literature with a deft portrait of second-generation American identity.

My thoughts-

This book was an emotional one for sure. Books about life during and right after 9/11 are always difficult and emotional, but this is the first one that I have read from the perspective an Indian family, and I know that is even more difficult. I can never pretend to understand what it was like to be seen as a terrorist just for the color of my skin, but my step dad (who was born and raised in Pakistan) and my husband (who is 1st generation Iranian American) can so I have heard these stories and heartbreaks first hand. The Royal Abduls packs a lot of emotional punches and had some pretty heavy content so it is not for the faint of heart, but for a reader who likes to gain perspective on other people's experiences, this book is for you. I did feel the ending was a little anti climatic and open ended, but the author obviously intended it to be so, I just like my stories to be neatly tied up at the end so I know how things turned out, but overall this was a beautifully written book. 

The Easy Puerto Rican Cookbook by Tony Rican

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Puerto Rican cooking is rich with diverse flavors and textures that come together to create a unique culinary experience you could only find on the Island of Enchantment—until now. The Easy Puerto Rican Cookbook is packed with 100 classic recipes made simple, so you can create mouthwatering meals in your own kitchen with ease.

Discover dozens of weeknight-friendly recipes, including a number of dishes that take 30 minutes or less to prepare and serve. Simplify your routine with recipes containing five ingredients or fewer, one-pot meals, slow-cooker dinners, and more. The authentic recipes in this Puerto Rican cookbook focus on whole foods, so you get all of the incredible flavors of traditional cuisine without the salt, fat, and processed ingredients.

My thoughts-

I think this may be the most well organized cookbook I have ever seen. I wanted to read the book to learn more about Puerto Rican food and gather some new recipes but I was impressed by the sheer volume of content, and was particularly thrilled to see catergories like "under 30 minutes" and "one pot" in addition to the traditional categories that you normal find in cookbooks. I was thankful for the introduction at the beginning that briefly goes over Puerto Rican culinary history as I don't know a lot about this particular type of cuisine. The recipes seemed accesible for the most part, although there were some odd ingredients here and there that may not be on the shelves at your local grocery store and may need to be ordered online. There were distinctly Puerto Rican flavors throughout (lots of plantains and sofritos in this book!), which is exactly what I was hoping for. I can not wait to try out some of these recipes. 

A Fine Line by Tim DeRoche

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

In 1954 the Supreme Court ruled that little Linda Brown couldn't be excluded from a public school because of her race. In that landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the court famously declared that public education must be available to all on equal terms. But sixty-six years later, many of the best public schools remain closed to all but the most privileged families. Empowered by little-known state laws, school districts draw attendance zones around their best schools, indicating who is, and who isn't, allowed to enroll. In many American cities, this means that living on one side of the street or the other will determine whether you leave eighth grade on a track for future success or barely able to read. 

In A Fine Line, bestselling author Tim DeRoche takes a close look at the laws and policies that dictate which kids are allowed to go to which schools. And he finds surprising parallels between current education policies and the redlining practices of the New Deal era in which minority families were often denied mortgages and government housing assistance because they didn't live within certain desirable zones of the city.

It is an extraordinary story of American democracy gone wrong, and it will make you question everything you think you know about our public education system.

My thoughts-

When my oldest child was 5 we decided it was time to buy a house. Both my husband and I were in our late 20's and just starting out so we didn't have a huge budget to spend so we ended up in a town with a school district I was aprehensive about, and I still am not a huge fan of 7 years later. The school I had wanted her to attend was literally 5 minutes down the road, but the houses on that side of town were astronomically more expensive. I feel kind of dense now, but I never really realized until I read this book that housing prices can be  directly related to the type of public school your child will end up attending and it is infuriating! There are definitely some discrepencies in the public school system in the United States and A Fine Line lays them out for you. It is evident a lot of research has been put into this book and a ton of thought has been put in by the author about how to fix these problems. We didn't get into the school we wanted and we are not in a financial struggle. There are people with far less that have even worse choices in bigger inner city school districts. Unfortunately I think it will be an uphill and very long battles, but the more people that are educated about these unfair practices, the more people that can join the fight to remedy them. 

Elephants by Tom Jackson

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Other than the size of their ears (African elephants have much larger ears), how else do African and Asian elephants differ? Well, both male and female African elephants, rather than just some male Asian elephants, have long tusks. And African elephants also have two, rather than one, finger-like digits in their trunks to help grip. African elephants have more wrinkly skin, and their heads are more rounded, whereas Asian elephants have twin-domed heads. Elephants is an outstanding collection of photographs and captions showing these majestic animals in their natural habitat. You’ll discover how, yes, African and Asian elephants differ, but also about the different species or subspecies in each continent. You will learn how herds of female elephants and their young are formed, how they feed and use their tusks – elongated incisor teeth – as weapons or for moving objects or digging, how they use their ears to cool themselves and how intelligent they are – they’re up there with primates and dolphins. They have captured the popular imagination for thousands of years and have been domesticated by humankind., Featuring the surviving species and subspecies, from African bush elephants to Asian pygmy elephants, the book explores how these fascinating animals hunt and feed, reproduce and rear their young, compete, defend each other from predators, and protect the herd. Featuring 150 outstanding colour photographs, Elephants is a brilliant examination of the world’s largest land mammal.

My thoughts-

The beauty of the magnificent elephant is captured in this book full of gorgeous photography. Sprinkled throughout every few pages are facts about elephants. I loved the close up pictures on the body parts as part of the descroption for learning about each part of an elephant and what it does. The book teaches about both African and Asian elephants, and about the species nomadic lifestyle (did you know an elephant's life is pretty much mostly devoted to searching for food? It makes sense since they are such massive creatures!). My adored everything about this book, but my absolute favorite thing was the last chapter about the precious babies. They are so adorable! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning about wildlife. 

Let's Fix Lunch! by Kat Nouri & Stasher

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

My thoughts-

I aboslutely loved this combined concept for this book. Part cookbook, part environmentally concious tips for the concerned citizen, Let's Fix Lunch combines it's efforts to both help the environment, as well as provide delicious lunch recipes. The idea behind focusing on lunch recipes is that many people order take out for lunch and that causes a lot of pollution with the wrappers, and plastic cutlery and such, so making your own lunches is healthier for you and the environment. The cookbook makes it easy to want to make your own lunch with fantastic recipes. I was surprised but well pleased to even find a recipe with Persian roots in this eccletic book. At the end of the book there is also a nice little bonus section that lists a bunch of different ways you can further reduce your carbon footprint in many different ways. I recommend this book to anyone looking to take better care of the environment, or who just wants some fantastic new and different recipes for lunches.

The One-Pot Paleo Cookbook

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

People have praised the paleo diet as an approachable and appetizing method of losing weight and managing chronic conditions—but the stressful daily grind can lead paleo followers to rely on highly processed, high-carb dishes. The One-Pot Paleo Cookbook combines the hearty flavors and health benefits of the paleo lifestyle with a variety of easy-to-make, single-vessel recipes to keep you on the paleo path.

The One-Pot Paleo Cookbook explores the basics of the "cave-dweller diet" with details on paleo-approved foods and an overview of how the paleo diet can reduce heart disease and inflammation, encourage healthy weight loss, and improve digestion. Utilizing a simple set-it-and-forget-it process and fuss-free recipes, these 100+ mouthwatering, macro-friendly meals are perfect for staying on the paleo diet—all you need is one dish.

My thoughts-

There are some delicious recipes in this cookbook. Eating healthy is always easier when you have delicious new recipes to keep things from getting boring. I thought most of the recipes sounded fantastic. I don't follow a paleo diet but I think that is a tremendously  healthy way of eating and the whole foods you use are great foods that are good for you and taste fantastic. I am particularly excited to try steak with tomatoes and green beans. That sounds like a lunch I would go to often. I also thought the ground beef and cabbage stir fry and the pot roast dinner sounded like great healthy versions of comfort foods. I recommend this book to anyone who wants some new variations on dinner, especially when we are stuck home right now cooking more and variety can really help eating healthy way less boring. 

Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge by Debbie Mason

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Welcome to Highland Falls, a small town where love is always in the air.

In just a few months Abby Everhart has gone from being a top influencer to an unemployed divorcée living out of her car. So inheriting her great-aunt's homestead comes at the perfect time. Abby heads to Highland Falls, North Carolina, to spruce up Honeysuckle Farm before putting it on the market for some much-needed cash. But instead of finding a charming getaway, she discovers a serious fixer-upper, complete with a leaky roof, overgrown yard, and a reclusive -- albeit sexy -- man living on the property.

Ex-Delta Force soldier Hunter MacKenzie has faced war and loss, but nothing has quite prepared him for an outgoing redhead who's determined to turn his life upside down. Hunter doesn't want to get involved with anyone, especially a city girl who plans to sell the only place he's ever felt at home. But the sparks between them are undeniable. Spending time with Abby is easy. Convincing her to stay for good is another matter entirely.

My thoughts-

We are in the middle of a really strange moment in time where we are all kind of stuck in limbo at home until further notice. It's a scary and weird time, but I am trying to make the best of it by catching up on a ton of reading! I think that right now is the absolute perfect time to read a lighthearded(ish) romance novel and I found the perfect book for that in Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge. This is the beginning of a series which made me want to read it anymore because I love these small town series where everyone knows everyone and we can watch several beautiful stories unfold. I will be honest that it took some time for me to not think Hunter was a jerk, but his backstory will definitely explain why he is so closed off from the world. I love Abby! She is the perfect character to get invested in and I love her bubbly and talkative and affectionate personality. This book is equal parts funny and serious, and the romance scenes are pg so it's a good read for someone who loves love stories but doesn't like passionate scenes to go overboard on the details. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighthearted and easy read or who likes romance novels. 

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Eva Traube Abrams, a semi-retired librarian in Florida, is shelving books one morning when her eyes lock on a photograph in a magazine lying open nearby. She freezes; it’s an image of a book she hasn’t seen in sixty-five years—a book she recognizes as The Book of Lost Names.

The accompanying article discusses the looting of libraries by the Nazis across Europe during World War II—an experience Eva remembers well—and the search to reunite people with the texts taken from them so long ago. The book in the photograph, an eighteenth-century religious text thought to have been taken from France in the waning days of the war, is one of the most fascinating cases. Now housed in Berlin’s Zentral- und Landesbibliothek library, it appears to contain some sort of code, but researchers don’t know where it came from—or what the code means. Only Eva holds the answer—but will she have the strength to revisit old memories and help reunite those lost during the war?

As a graduate student in 1942, Eva was forced to flee Paris after the arrest of her father, a Polish Jew. Finding refuge in a small mountain town in the Free Zone, she begins forging identity documents for Jewish children fleeing to neutral Switzerland. But erasing people comes with a price, and along with a mysterious, handsome forger named Rémy, Eva decides she must find a way to preserve the real names of the children who are too young to remember who they really are. The records they keep in The Book of Lost Names will become even more vital when the resistance cell they work for is betrayed and Rémy disappears.

My thoughts-

Historical fiction will always be my favorite genre, particularly novels set during WWII. Just when I think there isn't a new angle to take for one of these stories, along comes The Book of Lost Names, a story about the resistance, and not just the resistance but the forgers making the documents for the resistance. I have read stories about couriers but never about the actual forgers. I can not imagine having to make the decision to help people you know are being wronged and putting your life on the line day after day to help them, but there were actual real life people who did that and I love reading stories like these because they always help me to remember that ordinary people did extraordinary things during a time when there were such abhorrent things going down every minute of every day. I loved this particular story for bringing to light the things the forgers had to do, and of course for the beautiful loved story of Remy and Eva. The Book of Lost Names is my absolute favorite WWII novel I have read probably since The Nightingale. I will be recommended it to everyone I know. 

Forever and Ever, Amen by Randy Travis with Ken Abraham

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

From a working-class background in North Carolina to a job as a cook and club singer in Nashville to his "overnight success" with his smash 1986 album Storms of Life--which launched the neotraditional movement in country music--Randy’s first three decades are a true rags-to-riches story.

But in 2009, this seemingly charmed life began a downward spiral. His marriage dissolved, he discovered that his finances had unraveled, and his struggles with anger led to alcohol abuse, public embarrassment, and even police arrest in 2012.

Then, just as he was putting his life back together, Randy suffered a devastating viral cardiomyopathy that led to a massive stroke which he was not expected to survive.  Yet he not only survived but also learned to walk again and in 2016 accepted his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame by singing the hymn that explains his life today: "Amazing Grace."

Filled with never-before-told stories, Forever and Ever, Amen is a riveting tale of unfathomable success, great joy, deep pain, and redemption that can come only from above.

My thoughts-

When I think of Randy Travis I think of my childhood. Whether my older brother and I were listening to the radio at home or if we were spending the summer at our aunt's house in Houston listening to the radio with her, Randy Travis was a big part of our childhood. We loved all of his songs. He doesn't live to far from where I do in north Texas and I knew he had a big rough patch before his stroke, and an interesting story before he became famous and I wanted to hear about it from his own mouth, so I appreciate that he wrote this book, not only to give us a glimpse at his rise to stardom, but the testimony of a broken man giving his life to Christ.  This was a great read for me right before Easter. I can't believe all of the things that Randy Travis has had to overcome in his life, but I am glad he did. He seems to be in a good place now. I hope it stays that way forever and ever, amen. 

The Kitchen Pantry Scientist: Chemistry for Kids by Liz Lee Heinecke

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

This engaging guide offers a series of snapshots of 25 scientists famous for their work with chemistry, from ancient history through today. Each lab tells the story of a scientist along with some background about the importance of their work, and a description of where it is still being used or reflected in today’s world. A step-by-step illustrated experiment paired with each story offers kids a hands-on opportunity for exploring concepts the scientists pursued, or are working on today. Experiments range from very simple projects using materials you probably already have on hand, to more complicated ones that may require a few inexpensive items you can purchase online. Just a few of the incredible people and scientific concepts you'll explore:

My thoughts-

Many books with science expirements for kids are just small easy projects that might entertain very young children but even then only for a few minutes. The Kitchen Pantry Scientist: Chemistry for Kids is full of interesting science expirements using things that you can find in your pantry. The absolute coolest things about this book is that the expirements are tied to the beginning of the chapter of the book which each feature a famous scientist and their contributions to the field. My boys are 10 and they would love every expirement in this book, and since we are at home from school right now social distancing just like much of the rest of the world, we may actually have time to give them a try. My only complaint is the book isn't long enough. I recommend this to any parent with kids who enjoy science or who are looking for something outside the box today thats fun but educational. 

Admission by Julie Buxbaum

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

It's good to be Chloe Wynn Berringer. She's headed off to the college of her dreams. She's going to prom with the boy she's had a crush on since middle school. Her best friend always has her back, and her mom, a B-list Hollywood celebrity, may finally be on her way to the B+ list. It's good to be Chloe Wynn Berringer--at least, it was, until the FBI came knocking on her front door, guns at the ready, and her future went up in smoke. Now her mother is under arrest in a massive college admissions bribery scandal. Chloe, too, might be facing charges, and even time behind bars. The public is furious, the press is rabid, and the US attorney is out for blood.

As she loses everything she's long taken for granted, Chloe must reckon not only with the truth of what happened, but also with the examination of her own guilt. Why did her parents think the only way for her to succeed was to cheat for her? What did she know, and when did she know it? And perhaps most importantly, what does it mean to be complicit?


My thoughts-

I think when the college admissions scam broke, some of us were probably surprised that such a thing could occur, and then others of us were probably thinking that this has probably been going on forever and these were just the people that finally got caught. What I like about the book is the it is from the perspective of the daughters, one in the middle of the scam, and one who has nothing to do with any of it- and what they both are dealing with. I felt a great deal of sympathy for Chloe and I actually felt her character got way more than she deservedd from her so called friends. Yes, I get that she is priviliged and as a result she doesn't always think about how other people might have struggles she has never thought of, but at the same time she kind of does. She is mentor to Cesar, a little boy with way more worries in his little life than Chloe will ever have to deal with and she seems aware of this from the very beginning. The scam seems to help her grow as a person to see even more of the errors of her ways, and yes they shoulld have been angry at her, but I felt like her friends were unsympathetic and unforgiving. Her parents did something very bad, and it is interesting to see through the book how they work through it all both legally and emotionally. I thought it was a great book that I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction or young adult novels. 

One a Girl, Always a Boy by Jo Ivester

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Jeremy Ivester is a transgender man. Thirty years ago, his parents welcomed him into the world as what they thought was their daughter. As a child, he preferred the toys and games our society views as masculine. He kept his hair short and wore boys’ clothing. They called him a tomboy. That’s what he called himself.

By high school, when he showed no interest in flirting, his parents thought he might be lesbian. At twenty, he wondered if he was asexual. At twenty-three, he surgically removed his breasts. A year later, he began taking the hormones that would lower his voice and give him a beard—and he announced his new name and pronouns.

Once a Girl, Always a Boy is Jeremy’s journey from childhood through coming out as transgender and eventually emerging as an advocate for the transgender community. This is not only Jeremy’s story but also that of his family, told from multiple perspectives—those of the siblings who struggled to understand the brother they once saw as a sister, and of the parents who ultimately joined him in the battle against discrimination. This is a story of acceptance in a world not quite ready to accept.

My thoughts

I love to read memoirs and biographies, especially about compelling life stories. Jeremy Ivester's story was both heartwarming and gut wrenching at time, watching him struggle to come to terms with who he is. The absolute best thing about this book, written by Jeremy's mother, is that even when they strugggled through it at times, ultimately Jeremy's parents always supported whatever he wanted to do in his life to make himself feel more like himself. I also liked that several family members wrote smaller pieces througout the book, giving the family memoir a more well rounded voice and to give the reader a chance to see multiple points of view of the Ivester family as they grow and learn with Jeremy throughout his journey. It was hard to read through some of the struggles Jeremy had to go through at all of the different stages of his life to get where he is today. I can not imagine the bravery it took, even with support, to be able to say this is who I am, and this is what I need to do to be myself. I thought this was a great book that I would recommend to anyone, especially someone (like me) who may want to learn more about what it's like to be a transgender person to better empathize with those in the transgender community. 

The Perfect Father by John Glatt

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

In the early morning hours of August 13th, 2018, Shanann Watts was dropped off at home by a colleague after returning from a business trip. It was the last time anyone would see her alive. By the next day, Shanann and her two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, had been reported missing, and her husband, Chris Watts, was appearing on the local news, pleading for his family’s safe return.

But Chris Watts already knew that he would never see his family again. Less than 24 hours after his desperate plea, Watts made a shocking confession to police: he had strangled his pregnant wife to death and smothered their daughters, dumping their bodies at a nearby oil site. Heartbroken friends and neighbors watched in shock as the movie-star handsome, devoted family man they knew was arrested and charged with first degree murder. The mask Chris had presented to the world in his TV interviews and the family’s Facebook accounts was slipping—and what lay beneath was a horrifying image of instability, infidelity, and boiling rage.

My thoughts-

I remember hearing about this case as it unfolded and it was absolutely devestating when it came out that Chris Watts was responsible for the death of his entire family. I was already familiar with the case and was hoping to get more insight into it, which I did get at the beginning with the early years of both Chris and Shannan. At the beginning the book almost felt sympthetic towards Chris, but as the book went on it was evident that it was just giving all of the information that we may not have had before. After reading the book, I don't feel like I understand the case any better, but I don't know that it will ever be possible without Chris Watts telling someone exactly what happened and not changing his story. I felt terrible reading the story and thinking about his own parents trying to process what this person they raised, who was a "good guy" buy all accounts, did. The book was difficult to read in places and isn't for the faint of heart, but if you find true crime interesting I definitely recommend this book to you.