jbarrett5 book reviews, etc

Maslow's Basement by Don Thompson
Choices you decide yourself.
Story starts with Roger Carrington and his life when he was C- the choices he made, and after he gets out...
Like this book for many reasons: Stairway might've helped my nephew who died on streets of Seattle many years ago: location love that city and visit several times per year.
Love hearing how it all came about.
He is able to use his expertise and help other businesses over the years, free advice and he gets compensated.
Such a positive motivational attitude book to get anybody on the right track for the good of humanity. Hope to be able to read more of this authors works.
Received this review copy from AIA Publishing and this is my honest opinion.

Murder at Beechwood by Alyssa Maxwell
In this book we find Emma and she's just so involved in all mysteries that arise. the men had all gone out to go sailing and have a race but two fell in and only one was presumed dead as the body was not found. Love learning all about technical things to do with sailing as others in the family have sailed.
Love hearing all about the most important aspect of the Newport, RI coast, sailing. It's still as strong as back in 1890s were.
The mystery of the baby left at Emma's doorstep is also a puzzle and she asks others to help her find out who the mother is. Such tragic moments and it's amazing how it all comes together. Learned so much more about the town and locations that I am familiar with.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Murder at Wakehurst by Alyssa Maxwell
1899 Emma goes with her cousin and his wife to the event as her uncle had passed away.
The hierarchy comes into play, now that the head of the family is dead, who will really inherit
it all.... She is so surprised she even was mentioned in the will. Her will accompany her cousin and his wife to the party at Wakehurst to keep Neilly in check with his drinking. While at the event Emma wanders off when the hears the dogs barking and she knows what it means.... She does discover a body and she has many clues as to things that transpired that night. SHe is also a bit upset that the regular detective is NOT covering the case. As a reporter she has a lot of information from questioning others who were there... So many twists and turns and a lot of characters are involved in the many mysteries in this book.
Love the elegance of the mansion, one I've yet to visit and all the finery that is detailed so highly I can picture that also. Never saw it ending as such, wow. Love nature and discussion about Sachuest Point where we currently hike today.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

California Golden by Melanie Benjamin
This story is about a family, who's left years later are the mother Carol, Ginger and daughter Mindy.
First part of the book is about the girls, next part their mother and then all three of them for the ending chapters.
Carol just loves the water and surfing and even takes her daughters out of school to be close by to her at the beach. Kids really suffer, not having a real home life, or education.
They grow up fast on their own and others take advantage of them, sexually and another for her body and surfing.
Story follows each as their lives do get tangled together again years later.
Life in 60's on west coast is whatever you want you can get. Cults were abundant and so many harmful things to children.
Story left me with many tearful emotions as i read it, I grew up during these times but on east coast.
Hard book for me to read with the drugs and the cult activity as parts of that have personally harmed our family over the years.
Especially love how just a photograph of a famous surfer and her girls the author was able to create this story. So much history and so fun at the same time.
Resource listings are available at the end, acknowledgements and about the author. Can't wait to read more of the author’s works, she does her homework.
Received this review copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#CaliforniaGolden #NetGalley

Stairway to the Sea by Joanne DeMaio
In this book we find Shane and he's now back at Stony Point, CT. He and Celia are able to meet up often.
We also are able to catch up with the others in the group and what's new with them. Love learning yet even more secrets from the very past and some have moved forward and others not.
Never tire of the descriptions that are so detailed you can hear the ocean waves upon the shore. Another glimpse into Neil's notebook as Maris is taking it to the editor...
Decisions some have to make that are hard as life goes on... So many emotions as you tell them the decision they must take but they take their own and own up to it.
Can't wait to read more of the gang and how they are really there for one another. Can’t wait to read more of what Jason will find at the outside cathedral…

SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper by Howard E. Wasdin, Stephen Templin
Enjoy this story because it's action packed with things SEAL's do when they are working. Also enjoy his off hours and spending it with family and friends.
Love terminology that is explained and there is a glossary of the terms as well.
Lots of missions are described to the finest detail, I wonder if these are secrets that nobody knows about but they do now, is that ok with Navy? Never heard of so many of them and appreciate understanding them. Like when they repel from a helicopter and what the aircraft must do to retain length and why.
Also I've seen SEALS's coming out the water locally and never realized what they did with their flippers. So cool to find out. TV shows never show that.
Story starts when he's very young and what he has to endure. Love when he decides to better his life by joining the military. Like hearing about the Forts that he trained at: one being in Clarksville and the other at Benning. both places our son was located.
Like the laughs between the guys and about his son Blake but especially what they did to the dog that was biting them...
Found this book to be outright truthful and the missions are straight forward even if they go sideways. Lots of parts of this book that everybody could enjoy, hope you get a chance to read this one.
I was hoping to find out more about what my son had to survive during his time in the Army when he was not stateside and this story is amazing.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Pink Lemonade Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
Have been waiting a long time to read this one.
Mike is getting ready to retire and others in town fear he will leave the area so Hannah and her friends along with Stella throw a party for him and then Stella takes him for a vacation to the lake, first time he's ever had one. Hannah and Norman bring them pots of food.
The gang keep Mike out of the murder that occurs telling him they got it handled.
Love how the whole crew is in on his vacation, keeping him in town and we find out other secrets along the way.
Hannah and Norman are helping with the investigation by questioning others and what they might've overheard or seen.
Could be any number of people... love how they determine who's the killer. Hannah drops clues as she talks to Stella and that's a good thing.
Love haring of the summer solstice sale that every shop in town is having, the baseball facts and rules and snack bar at the games.
Catching up with all the residents and their specialists is so fun, nobody is left out, cats and ladybugs, so cool!
Can't wait for more. Will be trying a few new recipes to me...
I received this review book from The Kensington via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#PinkLemonadeCakeMurder #NetGalley

Flirting with Fire by Jane Porter
This story starts out with Margot and she's working at Sally's playhouse til a medical emergency with Sally.
Margot agrees to take on the playhouse production along with help from Max who's flying in from a movie he had just finished.
They have ideas and discuss that and other things about their pasts. They are getting along well til a twist in the story: his ex shows up and his father to boot!
The playhouse is going well but Margot backs off with time with Max til he's got his life in order. She's heartbroken about it but moves on.
Love time she's able to spend with her father and friends from out of town.
Love the twists and turns and how smooth the story line goes. Never saw it ending as it did with all the discussions of their own dreams....
Love scenery, nature, relationships and how things come together.
Adult situations. This book is all Heart and Soul, something for everyone.
Events that tug at your heart til your eyes are swollen with tears and how things really get worked out so both are on the same wavelength-didn't see it happening.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Triumph: Life on the Other Side of Trials, Transplants, Transition and Transformation by Gregory S. Works
Like how this book is meant for those approaching care of their kidneys when they are failing.
Have cousin who needed transplant and I had NO idea exactly what he went through as we were tested to be a donor.
So many decisions and solutions, outcomes that could've gone either way but he strayed lyoal to his faith and that along with support has helped him get to where he is todya. Especially hard on th efamily when things happen on a minutes notice.
So many resources and waht to expect and who to reach out to for further help along the way, very informative.

Scavenger Hunt by Chad Boudreaux
Really enjoyed this book because of the scope of things that were covered.
Starts out with Blake and he's being recruited to combine with others to form a team that falls under the Scavenger Hunt project. He's a lawyer and all of them are either with
dept of justice, FBI, CIA etc. There are a lot of external branches that don't seem to fit what they are dealing with. Blake is new to all this and he starts seeing things and asking a lot of questions from others because people are dying...
Over time everything comes together and you can see how everything is then linked.
Fast paced action, thriller, political, worldwide, how things work in Upper espionage fields.

Christmas Tails of the Heart: A Heartwarming Collection of Sweet and Inspirational Romance Books Featuring Pets, Puppies, and Horses by Josie Riviera
3 books in this bundle set.
...
A Christmas Puppy to Cherish by Josie Riviera
Story starts out with Max and he's returned after 30 years to stay in Cherish for a month til his job starts after the holidays.
He has a lot of past to deal with having grown up in foster homes, some good but most bad ones.
He heads to music store and is able to buy a replacement harmonica and after speaking to the shop owner he is looking for a guide hiking to show him the sights.
She knows Sarah will be the perfect one as she also loves to hike and be outside-he runs the flower shop there.
They get along just fine, having so many of the same things in common. Love the bear and how she wards off an attack while they are hiking.
Love hearing about all the animals, birds, dogs, etc throughout the book as well as proverbs quoted and scriptures.
Sarah is holding a medical secret to herself and I love the Christmas gift she gives herself and others in turn.
Lack of communication will not allow them to stay together.... Amazing what one puppy can do.
Love hiking ornament, so precious!
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
...
A Christmas to Cherish by Josie Riviera
Always enjoy reading a Christmas story, and it's just July here. Book starts out with a few words from the author and list of her other works.
Started with Emmanuelle, a professional harpist and she's on her way to Dorothy's store. She's starting her new life after years of troubles.
Loved hearing about all the Christmas decorations.
She prays to God to help her get through the transition and to let things lay in the past.
Her ex took everything from her...
Story also follows Nicholas who's a deputy and is free from his ex girlfriend after she left him at the altar on their wedding day.
Dorothy hopes to get Emmanuelle to stay and work at her music studio. She knows her and Nicholas have spent many an hour over the year and they have many common interests.
This book is filled with holiday events, mystery and danger and twists and turns and love and believing in God.
Like the location and hope to read more from this locale. A note from the author about the book is included at the end, bonus recipe! acknowledgements, about the author, and other works by the author.
Excerpt from The Love Song to Cherish is included.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
...
Sweet Peppermint Kisses by Josie Riviera
Chiara Johnson is driving to her new employment-a woman who has suffered some injuries from a horse fall.
The horse escaped from the fence area and ran out into the street and the boys in the car were injured and she stopped to help them out. She's late for her interview so the local cop escorts her to explain why she's so late..
Gertrude is the woman healing from her injuries and her brother Vance is the one in charge. He is writing an app about dating-she's gotten burned once from using one in the past. He takes a liking to her and he's allowed her to dress up the place with holiday decorations.
Love the idea of the book club-and there's only 2! Love hearing how they recycle items around the house.
She is also physically attracted to him and he wants her to bring her younger sister to help them celebrate the holidays. The family never celebrated...the grandparents always just maintained the horse farm and house to do anything else.
Misunderstandings and jealousy and her sister is missing-she fears heading to the ice that's not frozen yet... Like hearing how they celebrate with the children, what a treasure.
Love how the book got it's name and also the recipe at the end. Surprise ending.
Note from the author is included about the book. Great short story, can't wait to try the treats!
Recieved this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
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Lexington The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America's Legendary Racehorse by Kim Wickens
Wanted to read this book because it's about horses, racing and I enjoy watching the KY Derby and other triple crown races involved. We rode a horse in NH for very first time for each of us and it was fun to learn how to control them. I was very frightening, not knowing what to expect...
Liked reading this book because I learned so much about horse racing and betting in KY in 1800's. Very enlightening. Love learning about the silks and when they came into play, the gambling and how they ran the horses in New Orleans.
Hated hearing of the moon blindness all due to human error.
War comes ot the south and the horses of in danger of being taken by some who dress as northern troops.
Love how the story follows the trail of Lexington and all the horses he was a part of
and their journey. Love hearing how the horses were moved from one location to another.
Love learning about the black horsemen who also not only trained but were the jockeys at times. So much research has gone into this book, love reading the back, references, bibliography and so much more. To understand this horse sired so many others who've won the triple crown. I just can't wait to go visit the National Museum of Horses on our way through KY.
A KEEPER !
Received this review copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books via
NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#Lexington #NetGalley

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
Have read other books by this author and know she researches the background material.
Enjoy this read as it starts out when she's trying to prove herself to her father, yes she can succeed as an artist.
She accepts the bag of celebratory items as she heads home but is struck down in the crosswalk and wakes up in the hospital.
The surgeon is discussing her brain surgery... She has found some side effects after surgery, she can't see human faces, at least she can see her pet's face.
How will she ever be able to paint a portrait NOT being able to see the posers face....so many more obstacles. Love how the past comes to the future and things get worked out so they know who the culprit was all along.
Amazing thing for me was finding out this a real issue with brain surgery...Not being able to see much the first thing i notice in a person is their head. i can't make out the finer details but also the other senses kick in for me to recognize who's at the door.
some tell me who they are cause they know my lack of vision totally.
Great story and super amazing how it all comes to an end and how she justifies who are who.
Look forward to more works from thsi author, so descriptive I can see the scenes in my minds eyes.
Received this review copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

A Blazing Truth: A Modern Catholic Novel: Book 3 by Hilary Walke
Like how this book starts out with references and resources on the net that you can follow along with.
Story picks up where the last one left off, but even if you've not read the prior books you are brought up to date on past events. Located in England.
Like how some people handle themselves especially when it comes to preaching the Bible. Others take it upon themselves to dictate what the parish will be discussing, even though it goes against ahe Catholic religion.
Follows a lot of priests in different positions in the church as they scramble out of sorts when they have been cancelled. Never heard this phrase before and don't recall it happening in US when I was growing up in Catholic schools. Like when they are reinstated and combine forces with those who were put in their place. Glad they found out who the rat was in this case but there is a death among them, he felt God left him.
Like locations and people involved that I've followed throughout, even new ones and how to provide solutions and get along for the good of the Church.
Highly recommend this one.
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

The Crystal Butterfly by Hannah Byron
This story starts out with Edda and she is studying at a ballet school. When the Russian ballet dancer joins the troop events occur that caused a medical emergency for Edda. She has to recuperate at home with her family. She is bored so bored that she persuades her mother to go to Switzerland to the finishing school where she had gone. She eats, drinks and sleeps ballet dancing.
As the war comes to the area things do change. As you discover how and who takes in the Jews to help save them or pass them from house-to-house to safety.
There are many things I really love about this book one is the information about the history another is Ballet. Mix those together with a bit of romance and the war and you have got a story for everyone to enjoy. Super love Ash and his family business.
Such emotion tragedies fear, travel, fashion, the ballet, relationships, struggles, strategy to overcome death. Really appreciate the ending and the epilogs because the author tells you what she changed with the time frame and links to find out more about other subjects that took a small part in this book.

The Crystal Butterfly by Hannah Byron
This story starts out with Edda and she is studying at a ballet school. When the Russian ballet dancer joins the troop events occur that caused a medical emergency for Edda. She has to recuperate at home with her family. She is bored so bored that she persuades her mother to go to Switzerland to the finishing school where she had gone. She eats, drinks and sleeps ballet dancing.
As the war comes to the area things do change. As you discover how and who takes in the Jews to help save them or pass them from house-to-house to safety.
There are many things I really love about this book one is the information about the history another is Ballet. Mix those together with a bit of romance and the war and you have got a story for everyone to enjoy. Super love Ash and his family business.
Such emotion tragedies fear, travel, fashion, the ballet, relationships, struggles, strategy to overcome death. Really appreciate the ending and the epilogs because the author tells you what she changed with the time frame and links to find out more about other subjects that took a small part in this book.