How a Woman Becomes a Lake by Marjorie Celona

 A woman calls police, telling them she has found a little boy lost in the woods, but when a police officer arrives on the scene, there is no sign of either the woman or the child. The mystery slowly unravels throughout the book, which is told through the perspectives of several key characters. The reader will learn about the complex relationships these characters have with others close to them, and that sometimes, spontaneous actions and decisions have far reaching and unexpected consequences.

I found the plot to be fast-paced and I read it quickly. Although I had an inkling about what may have transpired, I was still surprised by how everything played out. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Marjorie Celona, and Hamish Hamilton for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  

Songs for the End of the World by Saleema Nawaz

I found it amazing that this book was started six years before COVID-19 because it eerily mirrors so much of what the world is going through right now! In the book, one of the characters is an author who writes a book about a deadly global virus that ends up coming true...just like Saleema Nawaz wrote this book which also ended up coming true. I liked how the characters all seem to be connected somehow, whether by purpose or coincidence. I found this an effective way of showing how a person conducts themselves in a pandemic world really can affect everyone they come in contact with.

I found myself really getting into the various character threads for the first half of the book, and couldn't wait for their stories to pick up again. However, when, or if, they did, those characters seemed like different people and I found myself disappointed. Obviously people change through time or circumstances but I felt like I missed out on it. I also found myself wanting more closure for a couple of characters at the end.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I gave this book a rating of 3.5 stars.

The Book on Pie by Erin Jeanne McDowell

 

The Book on Pie by Erin Jeanne McDowell is brimming with information on everything you need to know to make a good pie. The author explains what ingredients work best, provides loads of helpful tips, and offers troubleshooting suggestions when things go wrong.  This book provides chapters on all kinds of different doughs and crusts (including gluten free and vegan recipes), decor and toppings, fruit pies, custard pies, cream/chiffon/cold-set pies, and even savory pies.  Each recipe includes at least 3 different recommendations for different doughs, crusts and finishes to try, so the same pie could be a new adventure every time you make it.

I had a hard time choosing which pies I wanted to make first. Birthday Cake Pie sounded so intriguing, but I ended up making Peanut Butter-Banana Cream Pie and Black Forest Pie because I had bananas and cherries on hand. 

I made the All-Buttah Pie dough for the Peanut Butter-Banana Cream Pie, and the Chocolate All-Buttah dough for the Black Forest Pie.  Both were very easy to make, but even though I followed the author's instructions, I found they still shrunk a bit too much when blind-baked. The author suggests using pie weights when you bake the crusts but I don't have any, and even though I docked each one with a fork, they still floofed a bit in the middle.. I consider myself a pretty good baker but I had a hard time with both fillings.  I couldn't get them to thicken or get bubbles to the top even after stirring constantly for several minutes, and then they both got very lumpy (which she explains in the book).  The recipe does say to strain the filling into the pie, but I'm not sure this was the reason intended!  Having said that, both fillings were sooo good, and overall both pies were delicious.  The Peanut Butter-Banana Cream Pie recipe doesn't tell you when to add the vanilla, but I added it in order presented and I'm sure this error will be fixed before printing. I gave this book a rating of 3 stars.

Truth, Lies and Second Dates by MaryJanice Davidson

Ava Capp is a commercial airline pilot with a sarcastic personality. She left Minnesota after someone close to her was murdered, but returns years later for the 10 year memorial anniversary. However, it seems as though the murderer has also resurfaced, in order to finish what they started. Will Ava be able to withstand the accusations and finger-pointing directed her way, and finally put the past behind her? Will the handsome Medical Examiner be able to trust her enough to help find the real killer?

The author talks about tropes in her introduction, and I liked that there were many instances where this book broke traditional stereotypes. The author includes footnotes within each chapter: I liked the idea of this at first as it made the book feel autobiographical, but after a while I just found it irritating to flip back and forth while reading a fictional book. I didn't really find this book to be much of a mystery, but others may find this the perfect book to escape 2020 for a while.

I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martins Press for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #NetGalley #TruthLiesandSecondDates. I gave this book a rating of 2 stars.

The Room Where It Happened by John Bolton

I found this book incredibly boring. Even though I knew it would cover American policies and politics, but at times it read more like a work diary. The author seems to hold himself in very high regard, and only others are to blame when things go wrong. Sound like someone else in the White House? I gave this book a one star rating.

Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump

I feel Mary Trump clearly and believably explains how Donald's personality and characteristics are a direct result of his parents' treatment of him and his siblings growing up. However, I would say the book seems to deal more with how her grandparents and Donald treated her "weak" father. What a family. Is Mary bitter? Oh yeah! Does she have reason to be? I'll leave that up to you. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Fable by Adrienne Young - Young Adult Review

 

Danger and adventure, both on land and on sea, abound in this book by Adrienne Young.  Fable is a strong and compelling heroine who will capture your heart as treasure. She has already suffered loss and abandonment in her seventeen years, but she maintains a strong moral compass in her constant fight to survive. It is hard to know who she can trust, as each character has their own secrets and hidden stories, but the author slowly peels back the layers until you learn who is a fake and who is a diamond in the rough. This book had me hook, line, and sinker, and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Wednesday Books for allowing me to read an advance copy of this fabulous book in exchange for my honest review. I gave this book a rating of 5 stars.

Prayers to Calm Your Anxious Heart by Julie K. Gillies

This is the perfect book for anyone who is spiritually-minded and feeling anxious about the pandemic and turmoil of 2020. Each devotion begins with a short piece of scripture, is followed by a relevant and inspiring message applicable to anyone's everyday life, and finishes with a suggested prayer that encompasses the scripture and message discussed. Space is given at the bottom of each entry so that the reader can write down their own thoughts and feelings. I like that there are no calendar dates assigned to these readings, so that you can read as many as you want on your own timeline, or can flip through the book and read a devotion that is relevant to how you may be feeling on any particular day. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Finding Annie by Katherine Turner

Annie abruptly left her hometown twelve years ago, leaving those she loved, including Rob, behind. Annie has come back, to housesit for her mother, but when she sees Rob will she be able to deal with the memories and emotions, both good and bad, that caused her to leave in the first place? Or will Lucas, the grandson of her mentor, be able to break through her defenses and give her hope for the future?

This books deals with the serious issues of neglect, abandonment, and sexual assault, and how victims are profoundly affected. The author made me feel genuine heartbreak, empathy and compassion for more than one character in this book, and I wanted them all to find the love and healing they deserved. The author also makes the characters in this book all the more realistic by presenting them with flaws.

The level of profanity in this book was too much for me. I can deal with swearing, especially in moments of emotion or drama, but it seemed like a couple of characters in this book couldn't say anything without dropping the f bomb. Unfortunately, for me, this took a bit away from the impact of the story.

I gave this book a rating of 4 stars, and received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens.

The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell

This was the third book I've read by Michele Campbell, and it didn't disappoint! The book is fast-paced with lots of twists and turns, and was hard to put down. I was able to figure some things out fairly early, but there were still other curve balls I didn't anticipate. I also loved how the title worked for more than one character. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Michele Campbell for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Watermark by Jennifer Farquhar

I have to say I picked this book up by accident, thinking it was a different book with the same title.  I decided to read it anyway, and am I ever glad I did!  

Jennifer Farquhar has written a compelling story about how a tragedy, and its consequences, drove Marina (Mina) and her family into a complete tailspin.  Mina left her home for twenty years, but now that her mother is gone, Mina returns with her own son to sell her family home. Mina hopes she can get back out before her past consumes her completely.

When Mina was young, her friend Bird told her many Native stories and beliefs, especially about Lake Huron.  These stories become intrinsic to the story and Mina's thought processes. I grew up along Lake Huron myself, and swam in its waters many, many times. I will never again swim in Lake Huron without thinking about this book and what might be lurking, good and bad, in the water with me.

I gave this book a rating of 5 stars.

The Undercard by David Albertyn

What a timely book to be reading right now!  

Tyron, Antoine, Keenan, and Naomi were friends growing up in Las Vegas, but when Tyron returns home after having served in the Marines, it seems everything has changed. Antoine spent some time in prison, but is now a boxer in the undercard before a highly anticipated big match. Keenan became a police officer who was just acquitted for killing an unarmed black teenager. Tyron has always loved Naomi but she married Keenan instead, and with everything that's happened, their marriage is a shambles.  There are also murders, crooked businessmen, dirty cops, and a march for Black Lives Matter in this fast-paced book. Tyron finds he has to make tough choices between his head and his heart, his loyalty to his old friends, and standing up for what he believes is right.

It is easy to see why this book was a finalist for the Canadian Forest of Reading Evergreen Award. I gave this book 5 stars.

Juvenile Review - That's Not Mine by Anna Kang

We've all heard children fight over who had something first. This book has two friends fighting over a chair they both feel is theirs. They try to outwit each other to regain control of it until they finally realize it isn't worth fighting about. I love the ending! A great book for resolving this issue between siblings or classmates. I gave this book a rating of 5 stars.

Juvenile Review - You Are Not Small by Anna Kang

Cute and clever! This book goes to show that size is relative and depends on each person's experience and perspective. A great book to read to primary classes! I gave this book 5 stars.

Juvenile Review - Eraser by Anna Kang

Another good message from author Anna Kang. No one appreciates Eraser's contributions, making her feel insignificant. It is only when the other school supplies try to do a big project without Eraser that they realize her value. A great tool for teaching primary students that everyone has something of value to add to the whole. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Frying Plantian by Zalika Reid-Benta

Frying Plantain was nominated as a finalist in the Canadian Forest of Reading Evergreen category.
This book is a collection of twelve short stories about Kara Davis, as she grows through elementary school to high school graduation. She lives with her mother, who seems to anger easily and keeps close control of everything Kara says and does. Kara's grandparents came from Jamaica and have a very unstable marriage.  These coming of age stories deal a lot with relationships, culture and racism.  I felt the last story ended the book abruptly without tying the whole book together. I look forward to reading more from this author! I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Healthy Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Cookbook by Nancy Loseke

My husband loves to grill and smoke meat, so Healthy Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cookbook was exciting to look at. The author clearly knows what she's doing, and provides helpful information and tips about the pellet grill and smoker that both beginners and the more experienced will learn from. The recipes include nutritional information with each recipe, and, while there aren't photos for every recipe, the ones that are included are tantalizing. There are even sections for soups, salads, and side dishes.  We tried two recipes from this book: Naked Juicy Lucy Burgers and First-Timer's Pulled Pork.  The burgers lived up to their name - juicy - and our family really loved the smoked flavor and the sauce. However, we were disappointed with the First-Timer's Pulled Pork. We couldn't really taste the smoke even after 8 hours on the grill.  We also found the sauce too runny, but we normally cook our pulled pork in sauce in the slow cooker. This recipe calls for low-carb beer or sugar-free dark-colored soda, but no where in the recipe does it tell you what to do with it! It is listed separately from the sauce ingredients but there is no mention of putting it on the meat when you season it with salt and pepper. This omission could be why we were disappointed, and was the reason for my rating of 3 stars instead of 4.
I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to look at a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #NetGalley #HealthyWoodPelletGrill&SmokerCookbook

Greenwood by Michael Christie

Greenwood by Michael Christie was nominated as a finalist in the Forest of Reading Evergreen category. It follows generations of the Greenwood family, specifically Jacinda (Jake), Liam, Willow, Harris and Everett.  What makes this book different from others is that it begins in the year 2038, giving a brief synopsis of the appropriate family member as the story works its way back to 1908. The story then winds forward again though the years and generations, filling in the gaps and expanding upon why the characters became the way they did. I found this an interesting device as some of the characters seemed shallow or unlikeable until I fully understood their history and the events that created their personalities. Through the telling of the story, the author provides a lot of interesting facts about trees and the repercussions of not looking after these vital resources.  I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.

Healthy Instant Pot Mini Cookbook by Nili Barrett

This is a delightful cookbook for Instant Pot recipes intended to feed 1 or 2 people. The author includes an introduction to Instant Pots for new users, as well as recipes for breakfast, entrees, soups, stews, sides, veggies, snacks, appetizers, and desserts. The recipes contain"nourishing, whole foods" and offer suggestions for keto and vegan substitutions. Each recipe also provides the nutrition information per serving, and helpful tips to make meal preparation even easier. There are photographs included for about a third of the recipes in the book. I made the Layered Chicken Enchilada Casserole and Classic Beef Stroganoff recipes. Both meals were delicious and easy to make. My husband commented that the Stroganoff was especially flavorful. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.
I would like to thank #NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of #HealthyInstantPotMiniCookbook in exchange for my honest review.

Diabetic Dessert Cookbook by Elena Troyanskaya

This diabetic cookbook contains 3 chapters: the first chapter offers dieting tips and recommended foods to eat, the second chapter has pie and cake recipes, and the third chapter provides cookie and brownie recipes.

My husband's two favorite things to eat are peanut butter and bananas, so as soon as I saw the Peanut Butter Banana Cake recipe, I knew I had to make it. It was delicious! The cake was light, tasty, and very moist. I then tried the Banana Peanut Butter Cookies recipe. The cookies were also very good, and no one would be able to tell they were "diabetic."

I wanted to try the New York Cheesecake recipe, but although it listed instructions for the crust, there were no crust ingredients listed in the recipe. There are also no photographs of any of the recipes in the book. The omission of these two factors kept me from giving this otherwise tasty cookbook a rating of 5 stars.

I received an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I gave this book a rating of 4 stars.