Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Book Spotlight and Giveaway -Cerebral Palsy A Story by Ilana Estelle I Read Book Tours
About the book
Born the second of premature twins, Ilana knew she was different from a young age, but for all the wrong reasons. Part memoir, part motivational guide, this is Ilana's open and honest journey, from an angry confused child, knowing something was wrong, but not knowing what, to the 'real' her - a courageous woman using her experiences and lessons to create inspiring messages about mental and physical health, positivity, resilience and change.
Buy the book
Amazon ~ Amazon.UKB&N ~ BAM ~ IndieBound ~ Waterstones
Add to Goodreads
Visit the tour
Giveaway
Rocco by Christy Barritt Book Review
About the book
Former Navy SEAL and new Blackout recruit Rocco Foster is on a simple in and out mission. But the operation turns complicated when an unsuspecting woman wanders into the line of fire.
Peyton Ellison’s life mission is to sprinkle happiness on those around her. When a cupcake delivery turns into a fight for survival, she must trust her rescuer—a handsome stranger—to keep her safe.
Rocco is determined to figure out why someone is targeting Peyton. First, he must keep the intriguing woman safe and earn her trust. But threats continue to pummel them as incriminating evidence emerges and pits them against each other.
With time running out, the two must set aside both their growing attraction and their doubts about each other in order to work together. But the perilous facts they discover leave them wondering what exactly the truth is . . . and if the truth can be trusted.
And I thought
A page turner! This the first opportunity I have had to read any of Christy Barritt's books. I am so glad I got the chance.
I loved getting in on book 1 of this series. I already have the remaining 3 on my wish list!
I loved the Suspense that started on page 1. It is always great when a writer just gets into a good story without alot of setting up or filling alot of background.
Each of the main characters Rocco and Peyton needed some background set up for the reader but author Christie Barritt developed the characters and their backgrounds flawlessly even while shots are fired and car chases ensue.
I loved the great happy ending with a bit of a cliff hanger.
And I loved that there is a subtle underlying story that will pull all the books in the series together.
No spoilers.
I will share the secrets when I get a chance to read the remaining books!
The series ...
Book 2 available on Amazon click Here
Book 3 available on Amazon click Here
Monday, May 31, 2021
Sunday, May 30, 2021
Undercover Princess by Lenora Worth
About the book
Undercover Princess .... a modern day fairy tale
Born to an Italian father and native Texas mother, Nico Lamon returns to Texas to launch an exclusive deal with the iconic Castle Department Store. Guilty for not being there when his father died, Nico has brought the House of Lamon back from the brink of bankruptcy. He devises a marketing gimmick that will benefit both the Castles and the House of Lamon: find the perfect woman to be the fashion line's spokesperson and to wear the gorgeous Valentine shoes he personally designed. When he spots Eleanor in the crowd, he won't stop until she's that woman. His woman.
Eleanor Castle returns to Castle Department Store undercover as head of security, but she's really back to reclaim her heritage and save both the store and her aging father. Eleanor has a plan to stop her evil stepmother from her devious doings and she won't stop until she knows her face is safe. But when Nico spots her at a gala and decides she's the one who should wear the shoes and that she's also the one he wants in his life, Eleanor has to reevaluate her undercover plan. Nico slips a red shoe on her foot and captures her heart. How can she fall for a prince of a man without exposing herself and her bruised heart?
And I thought
Undercover Princess was a real modern day Cinderella story and a great read. I loved this book.
It was a predictably Sweet Clean Romance with a tiny bit of suspense.
Isn't predictable what we expect and hope for in aRomance? I am always turning the pages to get to a Happy Ever After ending.
I especially enjoyed the Texas setting since I am a Texan. The Dallas setting is the location for the Castle dynasty a chain of high end Department stores.
I loved the description of the Dallas store. It's history and it's secrets.
Eleanor/Ellie is a determined and gutsy main character with a plan.
And has a penchant for playing dress up and disguising herself which keeps her real identity a secret from wicked step mother Caron at least she hopes.
Like any good Cinderella story wicked Caron is a true evil step mom and villain with plans to take over the Castle dynasty
Nico is an Italian dress and shoe designer with Texas roots a past and a need to settle down and win Ellie's heart.
The story is filled with likeable characters. Employees of Castle that help Ellie keep her secrets while she gets 'the goods' on Caron.
And even a step sister Annabelle (she gets her own story in book 2) and brother Aidan (book 3) that turn out to have sweeter spirits than their mother.
I loved this first book in the series! This is a series that I would purchase the print copies and add to my library.
Books 2 and 3 are on my wish!
The series ...
Available on Amazon click Here
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Happy Homemaker in Texas Island Edition
Welcome to my first HHM post in my new home!
Happy Homemaker is a blog party hosted by Sandra. She provides the prompts. I add a few of my own.
The Prompts
The weather ...
Gorgeous sunny. Perfect for the beach. It rained with thunder last night. I had to put a t-shirt on Domino and wrap her body. She calmed down after a cookie with Pea Nut Butter!
On the breakfast plate ...
I cooked an Omelet with Mushrooms and a bit of leftover grilled Onion and BellPepper from last night and Cheddar Cheese.
What I am wearing ...
Worn out shorts and a t shirt.
We will go shopping as soon as we get paid!
On the To Do List ...
I write my post on Saturday and link to Sandra's party on Monday.
...On Sunday I have an appointment at a community garden. I am so excited to join this group. They even have Chickens!
...On Monday we need to go buy some Chicken for the dogs. I make their food. A crock pot is on the list to buy on payday!
We found a Mexican Market in town to try.
...On Tuesday go to Post Office I have to mail a Junk Journal Page I made for a SWAP.
The rest of the week no plans.
In the craft basket ...
No basket anymore. Everything is still in boxes. I do have a few things that I left out to make a Junk Journal Page that I have to mail on Tuesday.
On my reading pile ...
Reading for fun and to review and promote.
Reading this one for a Book tour in June.
The menu ...
Monday Pizza on sale today
Tuesday ...
Pan Seared Red Snapper, Oven Roasted Zucchini and New Potatoes
Wednesday ...
Spaghetti and Garlic Bread and Salad
Thursday ...
Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Friday ...
Chili Relleno Casserole, Beans and Rice
Saturday ...
Shrimp Alfredo, Salad, Garlic Bread
Thanks for visiting and taking a peek at my weeks plans!
Go over to Sandra's and see more HHM posts on Monday.
Sandra's blog is over Here
Friday, May 28, 2021
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Flower Friday
Good Morning and Welcome!
Today I am joining a few blog parties and sharing some pictures I've taken around our new home.
I won't be doing any planting for a few weeks but I found some lovely blooms.
Let's take a stroll . . .
This is a closed up house. I wonder if it could be purchased.
Maybe you could be my neighbor!
We went into town for the Cowboys doctor appointment today. We found this park . . .
I stepped inside the gate to find lots of plants to purchase for a donation! There was a pot of Canna's but I left them for someone else since I am not quite ready to plant.
I loved the fence and gate. And the tile. If you look close you can see the pots that are available for a donation.
Gorgeous Zinnias. I couldn't help but think about the ones I grew and had to leave behind. They were only about 4" tall.
Wow the season is different here.
The Sunflowers are already taller than I am. I will have to come here weekly to see the progress.
Gorgeous Canna's in the corner.
I am so glad I found this little park. I will go back soon.
The there is a beautiful Gazebo in the center. Perfect for a beautiful morning of reflection.
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Good Morning
I posted this picture this morning because it reminded me of the flowers I see when I walk the dogs.
A couple of months ago I saw this on FB . . . 
The post I saw was about a Kindergarten class that planted seeds in the cracks in the sidewalks around their school.
And give them a chance to see seeds sprouting.
When I arrived to my new neighborhood in Galveston I found that the same thing was done here.
The dogs and I have walked our block and found several areas with flowers growing.
I hope to get out later today or tomorrow to take pictures to post on Friday for a blog party.
But soon I hope.
Our car decided to have a problem on Sunday when we got home from the grocery store.
The key wouldn't turn off. So it is in the shop.
We are waiting for it to get fixed. I found a place that gives rides so this morning I went out for fresh fruit and a few things.
Tomorrow we will get a ride to the Cowboys first Dr. Visit.
We are enjoying island life.
This new journey has been amazing.
I hope you enjoy visiting!
Enjoy your day!
To Do List Tuesday
Good Morning and Welcome to my new digs . . .
. . . In sunny Galveston!
When I can I like to share and talk about my To Do List on Tuesday.
Since our lifestyle has changed so much my To Do List has changed to!
It will take me a few weeks to get the house organized. We made a huge downsize and we are still trying to decide what to keep.
But let's talk about To Do Lists.
I like lists. I like making a grocery list. I like planning a Menu. For alot of things I make mental lists. I made a lot of mental lists over the last few weeks as I planned our move.
My lists have changed now. I am making lists of places I want to go.
1. A day window shopping on The Strand
2. A day visiting the Beach Where you can ride horses
3. Touringthe Hotel Galveston
And I have a list of restaurants to try.
I am also just jotting down lists now on scraps of paper. And maybe I'll save them for a Junk Journal.
Do you make lists? Do you use pretty paper like this . . .
This fun list I found on Pinterest. It is available to purchase but the link didn't work.
You can find fun printable on Pinterest too. This one is available from an Etsy Shop.
And alot of people make lists in their planner like my fb friend.
Today she wrote about using sticky notes. She has such a pretty planner.
Well. I have a long List of things to do today. I hope you enjoyed coming by.
Leave me a comment and let me know you stopped on.
Monday, May 24, 2021
Menu Monday-On The Island
Good Morning I am so excited to Welcome you back!
What do you think?
Today is the beginning of our first full week on the island.
We went grocery shopping on Saturday.
This was one of our stops...
The Cowboy was super excited to buy seafood at the pier straight off the boat.
We also shopped at Kroger which is only a few blocks from our Bungalow so it is convenient. But we learned Friday afternoon isn't the best time because it is on Seawall Drive right on the major tourist drive with all the hotels.
We will shop during the week!
So we have fresh fish and Srimp and Chicken Thighs from Kroger.
And here's the Menu
Monday
Chicken Thighs and Shrimp
I will cook with Sweet Ginger Teriyaki Glaze.
Serving with Fried Rice and a fresh Veg that we will pick up tomorrow. The Cowboy has a doctor appointment near a local grocer we will check out.
Tuesday
Pan Seared Snapper
Asparagus
Baked Potatoes
Wednesday
Sausage Potato Gnocchi Soup
Salad
Fruit
Thursday
Kielbasa on a bunch
Bean Soup (with Spinach)
Friday
Keep It Simple on Mom
C.O.R.N. Clean Out Refrigerator
On the weekend we will probably wing.
Speaking of Wings. We had the best Pizza and Wings we have had ina long time Friday night.
(the day we arrived)
Darn I was so tired. But it was delivered from here ....
Oh gosh it really was so good. And they have a special on Mondays. So when we get paid on a Monday Pizza will be on the menu.
Yaga’s Cafe and Bar, located at 2314 Strand, wrote the book on mo’ bettah food and vibes on Galveston Island. From burgers to hot-from-the-oven pizzas to weekend live entertainment to the jammin’ outdoor patio, Yaga’s Cafe and Bar is the place to go!
Here are some pics from their website. I wanted you all to see just how good it was even though I didn't get pics.
And they have way more than Pizza...
Pizza delivery 5 stars. Can't wait to visit the Cafe. Maybe lunch tomorrow we will be near by at the Cowboys first Dr. Visit.
I hope you have a great week.
And I hope you will enjoy the Island with us and our new Island Life Style.
.
Sunday, May 23, 2021
Rambee Boo's Lake Vacation I Read Book Tours Review
About the book
Book Details:
Book Title: Rambee Boo's Lake Vacation by Reena Korde Pagnoni
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 24 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Waman Books
Release date: April, 2021
Format available for review: print (USA), pdf
Tour dates: May 24 to Jun 11, 2021
Content Rating: G for everyone.
Book Title: Rambee Boo's Lake Vacation by Reena Korde Pagnoni
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 24 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Waman Books
Release date: April, 2021
Format available for review: print (USA), pdf
Tour dates: May 24 to Jun 11, 2021
Content Rating: G for everyone.
Book Description:
The Rambee Boo Crew take a summer vacation to the Lake. Rock and Rambee are having so much fun that they don’t realize that Rambee Boo keeps dropping his Sock. Will Sock make it home with the duo at the end of the trip?
The Rambee Boo Crew take a summer vacation to the Lake. Rock and Rambee are having so much fun that they don’t realize that Rambee Boo keeps dropping his Sock. Will Sock make it home with the duo at the end of the trip?
And I thought
Such a fun little story.
Rambee Boo is one sweet little dog that loves his sock.
This books is part of a delightful and charming series.
Rambee Boo and his adventures will charm your little ones.
I love the covers on all the books in the series the illustrations are fun. And the covers give you a little glimpse of the story.
This one is short only 24 pages perfect the parent to read before bedtime.
The book is thin and the cover is not hard so it is not a book for a child to handle without damaging.
I loved going to the Lake with Rambee Boo and I look forward to adding the set to my family book shelf.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on Good Reads and retail sites.
Buy the book
Amazon ~ Waman Books
Visit the tour
Death By Do Nut-A Chat w/ AUTHOR Rebecca M Douglas-GreatEscapes Tours
A chat with author Rebecca M Douglas
May 24 – My Journey Back the Journey Back – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Hello. thank you for visiting the blog today. I am happy to meet you through the Great Escapes Tour!
Before we get into books and Do Nuts let's chat a bit.
1. I suspect you have a Sweet Spot for Do Nuts. Do you have any other treats that keep you focused when writing?
Honestly, I don’t really like donuts. After writing this book, it might be a case of I really don’t like donuts, given the trouble they cause! Mostly I fuel my writing with coffee and tea; I’m rather more padded than I’d like at this point and am trying to avoid treats. Though one of my friends has threatened to provide me with the recipe for the espresso brownies JJ is always after, which could be disastrous for my waistline! When I have the recipe, I’ll be sharing it with my newsletter followers.
2. Do you have a furry companion or office assistant?
My only furry assistants are toys. I have a beautiful plush skunk who sits by my computer when I’m at home, and rides on the dash when I’m traveling. I call him Stinky, and he’s the mascot for my other world, the Ninja Librarian’s world of Skunk Corners.
3. If you could take your character anywhere in the world where would you go?
I really want to take JJ hiking. I’ve tried, in a couple of stories, but it hasn’t worked out. She’s no sissy, but she doesn’t know now to carry a backpack. I think she’d like the mountains once she got used to it.
Seriously, I want to take JJ to the library—any and all libraries! Because many of my mom’s friends like the books, and are often a bit vision-challenged, I’ve made the books in large type, in hopes that JJ really can go everywhere.
4. If you could spend an afternoon hanging out with one of your Characters where would you go? Who would you take? What would you do?
We’d be at the Have-A-Bite Bakery, of course! I’d take JJ and Kitty, and even though I really like Ron, he’s not invited because I know I’ll get much better gossip from the girls without him. They could fill me in on all the nitty-gritty about the town and the school, and I’m sure I could give them a great book in exchange.
5. I love covers. I am a bit of a junkie. Can you tell us if there are any clues in the cover?
No secret clues. My covers are meant to be an artist’s impression of the murder scene. My cover artist, Danielle English, is fantastic at turning my vague ideas into beautiful covers!
6. I am so glad you are touring with Great Escapes. What is your favorite part of the tour?
I love doing the interviews, and I really like seeing how people react to the stories.
7. You have just written 'The End" what do you do to celebrate?
I celebrated a bit ahead—I spent April rafting the Grand Canyon! I had the book pretty much ready to go, so it wasn’t too premature but I did come home to the proof-reader’s corrections and then had to assemble the final manuscripts in all formats.
8. Can you gives us a sneak peek at your next project?
The next project is a fourth flash fiction collection, a set of mystery short stories. But that’s cheating—there isn’t much to be done, and it’s a project that’s been underway for a while. For a real “next project” I’m working up a new series. I’m not quite ready to share details, other than that the sleuth is going to be a little less conventional than JJ, and a very different personality from her. I’m trying not to hurry matters, so I don’t have plot or setting wholly nailed down, though it will be a village cozy of some form.
Thanks so much for chatting. Best wishes on the tour!
Thank you for hosting me!
Visit the tour
To read reviews, interviews, guest posts click Here
Friday, May 21, 2021
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