Creating Sanctuary by Jessica Bloom

Available November 27th

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Creating Sanctuary is a first a truly beautiful book but is it also a wonderful reference for many levels of gardeners
 If you are interested in learning about creating a sacred space or even just a tranquil space in your backyard, this book has wonderful ideas for that. If your interests lie in creating a kitchen garden or an apothecary garden this book is for you. The way it is laid out and the writing encourages you to take what information you need to create your own place in your own time, and allows you to have a space that works for you. It's not a cut and dry blueprint, everyone has their own needs and this speaks to that part of a person that needs healing.
Bloom encourages the reader to use all of their senses, not just sight or smell but also touch and hearing and to use those senses to bring times to your garden that a uplifting and comforting to all five senses. She points out that we should be aware of how colors or scents affect us, is it a positive thought, do certain plants evoke memories?  I know I will always associate some plants with my grandmother and I find that I add those to my garden every year, just to feel close to her.
Other parts of the book discuss what kind of garden you are trying to create, all garden can be beautiful but why not create an area with a deeper meaning., Such gardens could be for memorials, spaces for healing, energizing you mind or just relaxation, a space to escape from the stress of the everyday world.
If you decide to delve into the world of plants for apothecary purposes or even kitchen purposes, the author shows how to harvest, preserve and collect seeds for the next growing season. Then there are recipes for teas, tinctures, essentials oils and lotions.
Over all a garden means so many different things to different people, and this book is a wonderful resource for creating your own Sanctuary. Becoming more attuned to the natural elements around us will help us to leave the stresses of daily life behind and enjoy our time just a bit more.  It is not just for the advanced gardener since it has information how to have an intentional design in mind, what to plant and where to harvesting your seeds. Creating Sanctuary is a great resource that I plan on adding to my library.

Thanks to Timber Press and Net Galley for an Electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Urban Arboreal - A Modern Glossary of City Trees

Release Date September 6th 

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Trees are one of those things that are so present in our lives but we blindly pass them everyday with no thought to their origin or age, we might notice simple things such as the change in leaf color, blooms or the absence of leaves. What if we slowed down and spent a bit more time taking in our surroundings, to be more present in our lives be more involved in our environment, what a difference it could make. This beautiful book will encourage you to become a Arboreal Tourist, to have a chance to touch history and be a part of something larger than yourself..

Urban Arboreal harkens back to victorian times with their engraved Botanical illustrations. Each of the 70 trees included in this coffee table size  is given with its location, common name and latin name. A bit of history is also included, some from when they were planted, the myths associated with them and how to find their locations. It helps the reader to gain a better understanding of the importance of the trees in our communities, and how they have touch so many lives before our own. They are so so endangered by urban sprawl, we must learn to recognize their importance as well as their grace to ensure that they are not taken from us forever, this book is a large positive step in that direction.

From New Zealand's Christmas tree, the crimson flowered Pohutukawa to the ancient Cotton Tree in Freetown, I was enchanted by all of the variations of trees living in urban areas. The drawings are exceptional and the stories are very diverse. This would be a wonderful gift for anyone interested in botany or travel, it covers both categories effortlessly.

Thanks to the Quarto Group and Net Galley for bringing this book to my attention and a free copy in exchange for an honest review

Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill

Just released August 14th 

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Wild Hunger is a spin off or second generation of the "Chicagoland Vampires" Series.

Elisa Sullivan has escaped Chicago to Study in Paris, partly for an education and partly to slip away from the notoriety for being the first child ever born to vampires. Her Parents, Merit and Ethan Sullivan are the focus of the original series and Wild Hunger is the first book in the Heirs of Chicagoland series, which introduces us to Elisa, as well as  Lulu the daughter of a very powerful witch, and Connor the son of the Apex to the Shifters.

The storyline starts with a literal bang and a then a jump, when Elisa is forced into the conflict between house and countries, on the eve of a trip home to attend a peace conference, hosted by her parents. Once she arrives home she is faced with one challenge after another, some personal and some public. Elisa is her own character, she does have a great blend of her parents characteristics; bold and fearless but she also views herself as something "other" or a monster, which can also be a throwback to how Merit viewed herself in the beginning of the original series. You are gifted with a small amount of back story between Connor and Elisa, which helps shape your understanding of their relationship. Connor is ever the tormentor but also a protector, and since they haven't seen each other in the last four years they have both matured and grown as people, which sets us the romance portion of the storyline.

A friend, Riley Sixkiller, who is also the former love interest of Lulu, is accused of murder, peace talks are side tracked and there are some not so friendly fae on the loose. Elisa and Conner must make choices between loyalty and friendship to save Chicago and themselves.

If you were a fan of the original series, you'll feel right at home, even though twenty plus years have passed since the ending of the original series, somethings have changed but the characters are the same. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the original series you can still start here. There are lots of references to prior battles and characters but there are also enough details given that you won't be lost. But I do suggest to pick them up as soon as you can so you can truly enjoy this book. Chloe Neill knows how to write action but the romance, friendship and loyalty still shine through. Strong and smart female leads with some violence but an interesting read for most any age.

I personally can't wait for the next installment comes out, there is a pesky premonition to contend with afterall...

Much Thanks to Net Galley and the Publisher for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sandstorm- By James Rollins

Sandstorm by James Rollins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First book in the Sigma Force series, I haven't read them in order and have enjoyed them but I', finally filling in the gaps. It helps to read them in order since it gives you a greater understanding of how the characters got to where they are now.
James Rollins loves science, legends and the unknown and it really shows in his books.

The story starts with a storm and a freak explosion in the Museum of Natural History in London which then sets off a series of events. A race to discover what caused the massive explosion which leads to an unexpected scientific discovery with serious consequences for world. This is the first investigation for a CIA operative, Painter Crowe with the newly created "Sigma Force." This starts in London and then into the vast Saudi desert in search of a lost city. Secrets are uncovered and theories are made and then discarded for even more obscure facts, religious and scientific. The story line is fast paced, has a small cast of main characters whose personalities cause them to be larger than life. It's your normal Action Adventure but with a bit more. Fun and educational read.
Then when you reach the end and expect it to be all an adventure from the author's imagination he goes on to educate you about the real science behind the story complete with references. There's Always a bit more to Rollins books, than a good story line.
Some romance, some history, a lot of action, something for everyone.


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Samhain Secrets by Jennifer David Hesse

It's Friday the 13th!!! What a better time than this to post this review!

It's Halloween season and Keli has a lot going on, she's finally made Junior partner in the law firm, it's also Samhain for Keli's Wiccan side, a former client is haunted in her new home and the aunt Keli has always hoped to meet has gone missing. When Keli is notified that her aunt has been killed, she steps up again to solve the mystery, with a some help from her friends.

This is the fourth book in the Wiccan Wheel Mystery series and Hesse can truly paint a scene for the reader. Just like the cover you'll feel the crisp night air and shiver in the graveyard with Keli while she's closing in on the ghostly sounds coming from a tomb. The characters are well rounded and the story rolls along a fast pace, it takes a couple of different storylines and ties them together well with an uplifting ending. Strong. smart female characters and a good community storyline..

The story line cover all kinds of topics, friendship, balancing work and personal relationships, and a mystery to boot. It's a fun quick read and I think it will appeal to a wide variety of readers. I had not read the first three books, but didn't have any problems diving in and enjoying the story. The ending leaves you  ready for the next book and hints at some new directions for Keli, I can't wait to see where she goes.

This book is due to be released late in August just time to coincide with the fall/Holiday season in the story.  Put it on your list, you'll want to pick this one up and be on the look out for the first three books in the series, I know I am.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Bookish Tuesday- Sky in the Deep

I'll start with saying that I will pick up a young adult book not really knowing what to expect, some are really good and some are okay. This one while short was a truly great read. I admit, I'm a viking fan, I watch the shows and I enjoy the storyline. When I saw this on goodreads getting up and down ratings I figured I should check it out. I seriously read it one day. And can I say as much as I loved it, I'm sorry that's its a stand alone novel. I'd love to see more of the Aska and Riki clans.

The story line follows traditional viking processes; family being very important, battles to the death and sacrifices to their gods. The Aska and the Riki are two clans that share an area, one in the mountains and one on the coast, and a history of a god fueled war. Every five years they meet in battle  and everyone fights. Men, women and young teens are trained in the warrior lifestyle and honor to your clan is everything.

In Eelyn's first battle season her brother, Iri is wounded and left for dead, however he is rescued by his adversary's family and nursed back to health. Five years later, Eelyn again back in battle sees her brother and is captured by Fiske, the person who caused her brothers injuries and also saved his life.  As a captive she learns much more about herself, her brother and the war that has plagued the clans for centuries.

The interactions between characters is well written and feels true. Eelyn's feelings of betrayal from her brother, the animosity between the clans, the shame of being caught and losing honor. The world building makes you feel like you could visit this spot and see the beauty and simplicity of the way they lived. Day to day tasks involve you in the life of the clan, it's battles yes but it's also the coming home and building lives after the battles.

Over all it's a fast read that moves along smoothly, while it starts with a battle and ends with a battle, there is so much more in between. I give four stars only because I wanted more, of the story line towards the end. Wonderful building of the process and then the addition of another enemy but the change to fighting together was a bit sudden. 

Bookish Tuesday -Hunted by Meagan Spooner

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I am of a generation before Beauty and the Beast was a Disney Fairy Tale, the version was I given as a child had the snarling dangerous beast, even the pictures scared me, let along the story. However it was one I wanted to read even if it caused nightmares and made hide under the covers at every strange noise outside my window.

This story is of the older version of the tale with a Russian influence. The details are gritty and very true to the time frame. While it does have a romantic flair but closer to the original tale than the watered down version we are giving our children today. I had picked a rainy cool day to read this book and it was the perfect setting for this tale. I almost read it one sitting and hated that I had other things that had to be done, I was so wrapped up in the storyline.

It is a young adult novel but it reads like a fairy tale. Beauty is a strong female character and not so winsome as Belle. She's been allowed by her father to break out of the stereotypical female role, by being allowed to hunt, think for herself and expect a sutor that will treat her as an equal.  Yeva, who's nickname from her father is Beauty, is faced with a the dilemma of staying with her sisters, who aren't the typical evil sister of Disney, or venturing into the woods for her missing father. She chooses the woods to find her father and he fathers killer. She find not exactly what she is looking for but more than she would have expected.

The storyline is filled with duality, Man or Beast, Woman or Hunter, Dragon or Lady, what is expected to make you happy or what will really make you happy. If you are interested in folklore, fairy tales or strong female leads, I'd recommend you add this to your list!

It's good for all ages, some blood and gore but nothing exaggerated and no "adult content", totally suitable for younger readers.

Bookish Tuesday- Hold Back the Dark

Kay Hooper's Hold Back The Dark is number 18 in the Bishop/SCU series and it was wonderful until it wasn't. I'm a fan of Kay Hooper and have read all of her books and the Bishop Novels are seriously my favorites. Kay Hooper lives in North Carolina as do I and many of her books are located in the western part of the state, imaginary towns but they have the feel of the area. The Bishop novels can be read as stand alone but to get a full understanding you'll want to start at the beginning. The author does include a great appendix that gives information on the characters and their abilities which helps but to really understand some of the issues you'll need to start from scratch.

Hold Back The Dark starts out with a bang, almost a literal bang, and ends with a thud. Another hundred pages wouldn't have hurt either. We're introduced to a great new cast of characters and brought up to date on our old favorites, then the story really gets good or gruesome, depending on your point of view and then it's over. Just like that, it leaves you wondering how many pages were cut and why. It doesn't have a cliffhanger, there is a conclusion and a set up for the next part of the series but nonetheless it wasn't as satisfying as a normal Kay Hooper novel.


The basis of the story is that something horrific is happening in the town of Prosperity, that results in an all out call for help from a mysterious source to psychic all over the United States. Bishop and his team, plus new characters are responding to the call. Once they arrive there are quickly a series of murders. done by the most unlikely of killers. Tragedy strikes in the small town, one after the other and the team has to move quickly before the town is taken over and the evil escapes.

I'm hoping that there are new books in the works with more details and that the new characters are brought back for more cases. It's worth the read if you're a Kay Hooper fan but as a stand alone, not so much.

Bookish Tuesday- Wolf Moon By Steve Morris

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Wolf Moon by Steve Morris is the 2nd instalment in the Lycanthropic Series about the Werewolf Apocalypse. While this book is totally awesome you'll need to start with Wolf Blood, book one of the series. The title says it all this really is the rise of the werewolves and it is everything you'd want in a horror/supernatural suspense novel.

Wolf Moon hit the ground running, New Years was a horror and the werewolf infection has turned into a plague and London has been turned into a war zone.

After the nightmare of New Years, London has been turned on its head. Many are still trying to get out of London while others are  digging in  preparing for the worst. Along with the  people who are trying to flee the city, are the infected and the plague is moving right along with them, undetected it has moved on to other countries and the government has to finally admit they have a problem The Prime Minister,  and the military are trying everything the can to stop the werewolves but it is an uphill battle. 

Leanne has declared  herself to be the Queen of the Werewolves and war on everyone who isn't. To facilitate this she has enlisted the help of the Wolf Brothers, a motorcycle gang to help her fulfil her  dream of world domination. Good Luck to anyone who gets in her way.

The government is working to contain the infected in the hospital allowing them to believe they are in control, but it's all another illusion.

Neighbors and Neighborhoods are turning on one another, No one can be trusted, when supply chains are disrupted and necessities are scarce.

The police are doing spread thin and one Liz has survived an attack, what will happen to her the next full moon.

James, the student turned werewolf, has vowed to never kill again. Will he be able to hold on to his vow and his life since he has turned his back on Leanne.

Not everyone will make it out alive and everyone will have lost something.

Great addition to the genre and a great series, I can't wait for the next installment. While it is fantasy, at least we hope, you can totally see how it the story would unfold if it happened in your neighborhood. Not only is the action wonderfully detailed and gory, the characters are rounded out and you feel for their plight.

Get your copy today and you'll want to leave a light on tonight just in case!

Bookish Tuesday- The Woman Who Couldn't Scream

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Let me start out first by saying no one does suspense like Christina Dodd, her books have layers on top of layers of intrigue and twists and turns, until you've run up to the end and WOW, you just didn't see that one coming! If you like strong, smart female leads and a continuing underlying storyline with a satisfying conclusion in each book this series is for you.

This is book four in the Virtue Falls universe and it can stand alone but some characters will read better if you have their story from the beginning.

In this installment we are back in Virtue Falls and I was thrilled to be catching up with my favorite Characters. Kateri Kwinault is finally Sheriff, and unfortunately Rainbow is in trouble. Stag is back and better than ever and then we are introduced to a new/old friend Merida, who can not speak, that has troubles of her own. While this is her story she brings some background into the early life of Katerim, who's story is intertwined with hers.


Kateri Kwinault, newly elected and the first female sheriff of Virtue Falls, Washington is having a bad week. It starts with a drive by shooting that injures her and puts her best friend Rainbow in a coma. Just days later during a harrowing car chase she is injured when her deputy loses control hits a tree and reopens her stitches.

Add to that the City Council is not happy and they haven't even realized that they have a serial killer that is slashing his victims faces. That'll put a damper on tourism, in a town that depends on it. Then a beautiful but mysterious woman comes to town. Merida can not speak but is not immune to the interest in her from the small town. Merida is in Virtue Falls to plan her revenge on the people who destroyed her happiness and took her voice but nothing is as simple as what it seems.

Merida has reinvented herself yet again as she arrives in Virtue Falls, along the same time that Kateri's half sister. All three are from different worlds but share a past.

One thing that will really draw you into Christina Dodd's books are her strong female characters. Often leading ladies are only there to be rescued by the leading hero. Dodd's female leads are the rescuers as well as being canny, strong and intelligent.  Add a bit of the mystical to the panoramic beaut of the Pacific Northwest and you have an excellent setting for a series, one you won't want to miss.

While it is listed as romantic suspense it is a cut above. Kateri is growing into her role as sheriff, Merida's mystery is more complex than you suspect at first and prior stories are expanded upon.

Bookish Tuesday- Another One

This is my First book by the Author Tony Faggioli and I try not to jump into a middle of a series but Another One  was definitely worth it.

Is the the fourth book in the Millionth series but the first in the "Parker Trilogy" It follows characters first introduced in the " Fasano Trilogy". It helps to have read the first three but you can start here without any problems.

This book is a heck gives you a heck of a ride, trilling and haunting at the same time. Faggioli manages to bring all of his characters to life inside this book not just as words on the paper you start to see them a people. Not just as cops and criminals, priests and the down and out but people with their own needs and struggles. Nothing is what it seems from the outside looking in. It makes you think about the people you meet in the street and what they might be going through.

While this is a good vs. evil concept it is also more than that. It is a suspenseful tale of a Priest who is losing his faith, a gangster who strives to be more than what's been handed to him, and a military veteran turned police detective. Parker,

The detective has recently lost his partner, which is covered in the prior books, has seen things he doesn't understand and is dealing with the effects of PTSD. He's barely hanging on and has made it his mission to close the case his partner left behind.

 Father Bernadino is dying but must hold on and find the strength to fight his own personal demons and a few others in order to help save a young girl. His last stand will be his most important one yet, if he can just hold on.

Hector has just been released from jail with a little extra baggage that is often held at bay by his love for books.

While these characters are struggling against everyday influences and supernatural odds, they are all parts of an ongoing battle that must be won for everyone's future.

You'll cheer, you'll cry and you just might look behind you to make sure that you're really alone.

Book two of the Parker Trilogy will be coming out soon, but check out the others in the series while you wait, this book and all of the others are available on Amazon.

I did receive an advanced copy of this book because I am part of Tony's Advanced Reader Team but the opinion is all mine.

Bookish Tuesday- Wolf Blood By Steve Morris

Find this on Amazon or request from your local Book Store


Think American Werewolf in London minus the American but redone with a 21st century twist! There's no waiting around for the action to start, from the beginning you're into the quick paced storyline and it just escalates from there.

A Scientist, Norman Wiseman, with a wild idea has traveled to the Carpathian Mountains to do a bit of research into the legend and genetics of werewolves of all things. While we don't get a lot of back story on the research, since it has already happened when the story starts, a bit more does get revealed during the progression of the book, the doctor isn't long for this world but his students and test subjects do keep the story moving along. 

The students have become infected and after the first full moon they've turned on their professor, and once he's been digested the three then return to London. One of the students, Leanne takes up the reins as the leader of the pack, highly intelligent and ready to make over the world in her own image one bite at a time. She and her fellow interns,Adam and Samuel,  set plans in motion for the Werewolf Apocalypse.

Wolf Blood is the first in a series and there are multiple lines that intertwine and follow parallel to the main story line, including a headmaster who devours instead of disciplines, the police force dealing with the dismembered bodies left behind by the building pack, a high priced call girl/thief, a group of very diverse kids who become unlikely friends and the skeptical public, who enable Leanne's plans to move along quickly as the victims travel and spread the horror.

If your looking for a quick paced story line that will make you check that dark corner twice to ensure you're really alone this book should be on your tbr list. The second book in the series; Wolf Moon will be released very soon so gobble this one up and get ready for the next installment.

As for me I'll be over here on the edge of my seat in a well lighted area awaiting my copy of Wolf Moon.

I received a copy of this book for free from the author on a librarything giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

filed under- Urban fantasy, fantasy, horror, paranormal thriller,

Near and Far: a vegetarian cookbook by Heidi Swanson

It's been a while but I'm jumping back in and adding book reviews to the format of the blog. I do a lot of reading and I enjoy reading the reviews of others and of course your mileage may vary but If I help you find something new, good deal. If you have something you think I should see let me know too!

So back to the review and thanks for sticking around during my wandering..

Amazon

Near and Far; Recipes inspired by home and travel was more than an interesting cookbook, it was a feast for the eyes also.

It starts off with recipes from home, most of the ingredients can be found in your local farmers market or even in your own garden, and the second half are recipes from her travels.  Some ingredients I had on hand others not so much. But it was nice to experiment with new flavors. We are always on the lookout for new ideas with vegetarian options. I would recommend this to others who are looking to branch out their cooking styles without leaving home. 

The pickled greens were the item we tried first and it was it a hit. I'll be diving back in for more great ideas now that the holidays are on the horizon.

The author's photography make this book pretty enough to earn a spot on your coffee table as well as in the kitchen!


I received a free copy for an honest review but you can find your copy over at amazon and it's even on kindle, too.