Blogs & Podcasts for Book Loving Feminists!

Once again, I've found another wonderful article on Bustle's website titled 6 Blogs & Podcasts For Book-Loving Feminists by Julia Seales. In the article, Julia Seales writes:

I’m hugely addicted to blogs and podcasts about books. There’s nothing like putting on a great podcast that keeps you company while you multitask, and I love switching between audiobooks and podcasts.

Whether you’re looking to educate yourself and learn more about feminism and books, or you are looking for lit-themed material that will fill you with a sense of empowerment, you can find the perfect blog and/or podcast that will satisfy that need.

I'm looking forward to checking out the six blogs and podcasts mentioned in Julia Seales article.

Click on top link to learn which podcasts and blogs made the list!!

Book Themed Teas to Drink for Book-lovers and Tea Drinkers!!

I love drinking tea and am also (very obviously) a book-lover and avid reader... So, when I cam across an article on Bustle's website titled, These Book-Themed Teas Are Perfect For Cozy Reading Days by Kristian Wilson, I couldn't resist reading the article. In the article, Kristian Wilson writes:

NovelTeas have been around for a while now. What started as tea bags emblazoned with literary quotes has now turned into a quirky brand of loose-leaf teas based on classic works of literature. The tins are the result of two Kickstarter campaigns. The original book-quote tea bags are still available for purchase on Amazon.

NovelTeas tea tins start at $24, and a three-tin set sells for $59. Fans who already own the tins can purchase refill pouches for $14. At this time, only three NovelTea flavors — Don QuixoTea, War and Peach, and The Picture of Earl Grey — may be purchased as pouches. The brand's three other offerings are only available for pre-order at this time, but, according to the NovelTeas website, Kickstarter fulfillment rollout has begun.

All six tea flavors being offered by NovelTeas sound delightfully delicious!! Click on top link to read the entire article.

Automaton by Amanda Clemmer

Unabridged Steampunk Audiobook

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Automaton by Amanda Clemmer from Audible and narrated by Rebecca Hansen. Listening time for Automaton by Amanda Clemmer is 4 hours, 12 minutes.

Automaton by Amanda Clemmer is a steampunk novella. It was okay overall. This novella contains a little bit of action and also a little bit of mystery... But overall it was boring and slow moving for me. I also didn't like the narrator for this novella.

The following is a summary for Automaton by Amanda Clemmer from Audible:

Last Thursday, I awoke to learn that I died almost a month ago. I was rebuilt from a highly experimental process of clockwork and cloning, and I don't know why. One man knows my secret - my creator, the lead of the Leona Scientific Laboratory. He says knowledge isn't free. I say that unless I know why I'm here, he's the one who's going to pay. 

My friend Jack Beasley has offered his help. He has inside knowledge about the laboratory and the man who runs it. I think he also knows something about me that he isn't sharing. There's no one I can trust now, not even myself.

I am giving Automaton by Amanda Clemmer a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

War Dances by Sherman Alexie

Hardback Edition

Alright, I've been a fan of Sherman Alexie's writing since I read his book, 
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian a few years ago. I've since read Sherman Alexie's novel Flight, which I loved reading as well. 

I have even had the wonderful opportunity of hearing Sherman Alexie speak at the 2016 Bay Area Book Festival with Daniel Handler. It was awesome to have Sherman Alexie sign copies of my his novels while at this event.

So, this year I decided to read War Dances by Sherman Alexie, which is a collection of poetry and short stories written by Sherman Alexie.

I love Sherman Alexie's writing and as much as I enjoyed reading War Dances, it isn't my favorite book by Sherman Alexie to date. 

The following short stories from War Dances are my favorites: 'Breaking and Entering', 'War Dances', 'The Senator's Son', and 'Salt'. 

"If it is true that children pay for the sins of their fathers, is it also true that fathers pay for the sins of their children?" is one of my favorite quotes from War Dances, which came from the short story 'The Senator's Son'.  

The following is a summary for War Dances by Sherman Alexie from Amazon:

In his first new fiction since winning the National Book Award for The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, best-selling author Sherman Alexie delivers a virtuoso collection of tender, witty, and soulful stories that expertly capture modern relationships from the most diverse angles. War Dances brims with Alexie’s poetic and revolutionary prose, and reminds us once again why he ranks as one of our country’s finest writers. 

With bright insight into the minds of artists, entrepreneurs, fathers, husbands, and sons, Alexie populates his stories with average men on the brink of exceptional change: In the title story, a son recalls his father’s “natural Indian death” from alcohol and diabetes, just as he learns that he himself may have a brain tumor; “The Ballad of Paul Nonetheless,” dissects a vintage clothing store owner’s failing marriage and courtship of a Puma-clad stranger in airports across the country; and “Breaking and Entering” recounts a film editor’s fateful confrontation with an thieving adolescent. 

Brazen and wise War Dances takes us to the heart of what it means to be human. The new beginnings, successes, mistakes, and regrets that make up our daily lives are laid bare in this wide-ranging new work that is quintessential

I am giving War Dances by Sherman Alexie a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee

eBook Edition

I read the eBook edition of Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee. Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee is approximately 248 pages. This is the 30th book I've read this year so far.

I was able to download Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. Below is my unbiased review of Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee.

Bonnie Dee is a new to me author. Wow, what a great storyteller! I really enjoyed reading her novel Bone Deep. I can even envision myself rereading this novel again down the road.

Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee contains a good story filled with characters you grow to care about... The two leading characters, Sarah and Tom, are my two favorite characters in Bone Deep. I loved reading about their story of falling in love, which included both highs and lows that can plague new love. I loved how Sarah saw past all of Tom's tattoos and his life at the carnival. Sarah sees Tom for the truly, gentle, loving person that he is. And despite the small town prejudices people have, Sarah sticks with Tom through the good, the bad, and the difficult situations they encounter.

Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee is definitely a really good historical romance novel. Yes, there are also some very hot sex scenes in Bone Deep and they are tastefully, well written ones. Gotta love romance novels that have it all.... A good storyline filled with the right amount of realistic conflict and resolution in the plot to keep readers engaged, good characters that readers grow to care about, and of course, the right amount of romance and chemistry between the leading characters. Cheers to Bonnie Dee for writing such a wonderfully captivating romance novel that I found difficult to put down!

The following is a plot summary for Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee from Amazon:

Love sees deep below the surface.

In the aftermath of WWII, widowed Sarah is dragged to a carnival by friends where she’s riveted by the unearthly gaze of the tattooed man in the freak show. When this sensitive soul hides in her hayloft after escaping imprisonment by the evil carnival owner, Sarah shelters Tom on her farm. Deeply drawn to the quiet yet powerfully magnetic man, Sarah fights her attraction while learning about his mysterious past and gentle nature.

When a child goes missing, Tom uses his psychic gift to find her, but his assistance doesn’t stop the locals’ mistrust of such an exotic stranger. Small-town prejudice tears the lovers apart and a very real threat from the carnival owner endangers them both. Can Tom and Sarah rise above obstacles of fear and hatred to create the family both have always craved?

I am giving Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars!

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Codename: Ace of Spades (Blake, the Good Guy) by J. Tanner

Short Story

Codename: Ace of Spades (Blake, the Good Guy) by J. Tanner is a short story approximately 30 pages in length. I downloaded Codename: Ace of Spades (Blake, the Good Guy) by J. Tanner for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. 

Below is my unbiased review of Codename: Ace of Spades (Blake, the Good Guy) by J. Tanner.

The first few paragraphs of Codename: Ace of Spades (Blake, the Good Guy) by J. Tanner were promising, but things quickly went south from there. This short story was awful and I didn't like it. This short story was pointless to me.

I am giving Codename: Ace of Spades (Blake, the Good Guy) by J. Tanner a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Waking Kate by Sarah Addison Allen

eBook Short Story

I read a contemporary fiction short story titled Waking Kate by Sarah Addison Allen. 

Waking Kate by Sarah Addison Allen is approximately 32 pages in length. I was able to download this short story for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. Below is my unbiased review of Waking Kate by Sarah Addison Allen.

I enjoyed reading Waking Kate by Sarah Addison Allen. It was good short, but not great. I sometimes feel like short stories leaving me longing for more depth or at least a longer storyline... I guess I am use to reading novels that give a whole new layer and dimension to the stories they share.

The following is a plot summary for Waking Kate by Sarah Addison Allen from Amazon:

From New York Times bestselling author Sarah Addison Allen comes Waking Kate, a haunting and luminous short story about a young woman who soon will face an unforeseen change in her life. One sticky summer day as Kate is waiting for her husband to come home from his bicycle shop, she spots her distinguished neighbor returning from his last day of work after six decades at Atlanta's oldest men's clothing store. Over a cup of butter coffee, he tells Kate a story of love and heartbreak that makes her remember her past, question her present, and wonder what the future will bring. A magical story on its own, Waking Kate is also a short fiction tie-in to Allen's 2014 bestseller Lost Lake.

I am giving Waking Kate by Sarah Addison Allen a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Would You Want to Be 'A Writer in Residence' For the Mall of America?

I discovered an interesting article online from the Star Tribune titled, You could be 'writer in residence' for the Mall of America by Lauire Hertzel. In the article, Laurie Hertzel wrote the following:

Universities have writers-in-residence. As do libraries. As does Amtrak. So why not a shopping mall?

In honor of its 25th anniversary, the Mall of America is looking for a writer to be in residence for five days, to write about a week in the life of the nation’s largest mall.

Before you scoff, think of the possibilities: the workers, the shoppers, the diners, the strollers, the teenagers, the visitors from abroad. The possibilities are rich indeed.

The chosen writer will be flown in (if not local) and housed for four nights at a nearby hotel and given a $400 gift card for food and drink. He or she will also receive a $2,500 honorarium.

“Our goal is to come away from this project with an evocative story about Mall of America that represents the contemporary guest experience after 25 years of evolution as a leading retail and entertainment establishment,” the MOA said in a news release.

Sounds like a great opportunity for writers if you ask me! Click on the above link to find out more information.

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

First Position by Quenby Olson

eBook Short Story

I love watching ballet performances! And since I was on a short story kick this past week, I decided to read a ballet themed romance short story by a new to me author!!

I read First Position by Quenby Olson in one sitting. First Position by Quenby Olson is approximately 34 pages in length. I was able to download this short story for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. Below is my unbiased review of First Position by Quenby Olson.

I liked this sweet and charming story! I would have loved to see First Position by Quenby Olson turned into a full length novel featuring Therese and Luca Durante. It would be fun to see where their romance leads to in the future.

The following is a plot summary for First Position by Quenby Olson from Amazon:

Therese has a problem. Everyone at the ballet academy where she teaches is thrilled to have Luca Durante, the reigning star of the ballet world, as their guest artist for the school’s performance of The Nutcracker. There’s one difficulty: Therese has a history with Luca, and though she hasn’t seen him for seven years, she still remembers every moment from when they danced with each other. Will Therese be able to maintain a professional distance until the season is over? Or will Luca remind her why they moved so well together all those years before?

I am giving First Position by Quenby Olson a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Scargill Cove Case Files (The Arcane Society #9.5) by Jayne Ann Krentz

eBook Short Story

I was on a short story kick recently and since I've read something by Jayne Ann Krentz in the past, I decided to read The Scargill Cove Case Files (The Arcane Society #9.5) by Jayne Ann Krentz.

The Scargill Cove Case Files (The Arcane Society #9.5) by Jayne Ann Krentz is approximately 36 pages in length. I was able to download it for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon! Below is my unbiased review of The Scargill Cove Case Files (The Arcane Society #9.5) by Jayne Ann Krentz.

Alright, when I first downloaded The Scargill Cove Case Files (The Arcane Society #9.5) by Jayne Ann Krentz to my Kindle, I didn't realize it was part of a series until after I had finished reading it!!

I thought the The Scargill Cove Case Files (The Arcane Society #9.5) by Jayne Ann Krentz was an intriguing short story to read, but I felt like some background information was missing from the storyline... It wasn't until later on that I realized that I would probably have enjoyed reading this short story more if I had already read a few of the full length novels that comprise The Arcane Society series.

In a nutshell, I thought The Scargill Cove Case Files (The Arcane Society #9.5) by Jayne Ann Krentz was an okay short story. It's a quick read and an intriguing one at that.

The following is a summary for The Scargill Cove Case Files (The Arcane Society #9.5) by Jayne Ann Krentz from Amazon:

Chilling paranormal suspense in a small California town—by the New York Times bestselling author of the Arcane Society novels! 

As the director at Jones & Jones, a psychical investigation agency, Fallon Jones solves crimes of a different nature. Jones’s latest case involves a body found in the basement vault of a local bookstore, and scratchings on the inside of the door that seem to be a coded message, in this novella by Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author of In Too Deep and the Arcane Society novels.

I am giving The Scargill Cove Case Files (The Arcane Society #9.5) by Jayne Ann Krentz a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter #1.5) by Katie Reus

eBook Novella

I recently read the eBook edition of Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter #1.5) by Katie Reus. Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter #1.5) by Katie Reus is a paranormal romance novella, which is approximately 144 pages in length.

I was able to download Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter #1.5)by Katie Reus to my Kindle from Amazon. Below is my unbiased review of Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter #1.5).

Overall, I liked reading Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter #1.5) by Katie Reus... It was a good novella, not a great one. If you like paranormal romance novellas that feature werwolves, vampires, etc., then you will most likely enjoy reading this novella.

What I didn't like about Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter #1.5) was the abrupt ending. Also, the side story was just okay as it felt more like a distraction/obstacle in wedging the two main characters from actually hooking up. 

Also, there was a scene in Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter #1.5) where the leading female character, Esperanze Cordona, doesn't act in a way in which I thought her character would behave, which was awkward. Otherwise, I thought Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter #1.5) by Katie Reus was a decent read!

The following is a summary for Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter #1.5) by Katie Reus from Amazon:

This alpha shifter is ready to stake his claim… 

Lupine shifter Nikan Lawless has it bad for Esperanze Cordona, the sweet and curvy female who only views him as a friend. Lately, however, he’s started to see sparks of interest. So when he’s assigned to act as her bodyguard during a weekend education conference, he knows it's the perfect opportunity to seduce her out of the friend zone—away from the prying eyes of their pack. 

To put his plan into motion, Nikan cancels one of their hotel rooms. Is it underhanded? Yes. But he’s playing for keeps with this female. When a dangerous man from Esperanze's past shows up in need of help, Nikan must shield her from a group of rogue shifters and convince her that they're destined to be mates. Since she’s a beta and he’s an alpha she’s afraid things will never work between them. But he knows they’re meant to be together and he’ll do what it takes to make her his forever.

I am giving Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter #1.5) by Katie Reus a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Hollowland (The Hollows #1) by Amanda Hocking

Unabridged Audio Version

I'd been wanting to  read a novel by Amanda Hocking for about 4 to 5 years now.

I finally made the leap this year and decided to listen to the unabridged audio version of Hollowland (The Hollows #1) by Amanda Hocking and narrated by Eileen Stevens. Listening time for Hollowland (The Hollows #1) by Amanda Hocking is 7 hours, 36 minutes.

If you love young adult, dystopian, zombie novels, then you'll really enjoy reading Hollowland (The Hollows #1) by Amanda Hocking!! Normally, I am not into zombie novels, but Hollowland (The Hollows #1) by Amanda Hocking was really well written and very engaging... So, I couldn't help but enjoy my time spent listening to this novel. I also thought Eileen Stevens was a good narrator. I look forward to seeing which other novels she narrates.

I loved the characters in Hollowland (The Hollows #1), especially the leading female character, Remy! Remy is a strong leading female character... Remy's fearless, a strong leader that others look up to, and very confident. I like how Remy is very focused and goes after what she wants. I also enjoyed the three other supporting characters in this novel as well. The plot and storyline flowed nicely for Hollowland (The Hollows #1), which was filled with a lot of action that kept the reader engaged.

The following is a plot summary for Hollowland (The Hollows #1) by Amanda Hocking from Audible:

Hollowland - the first book in the young adult dystopian series The Hollows... "This is the way the world ends - not with a bang or a whimper, but with zombies breaking down the back door."

Nineteen-year-old Remy King is on a mission to get across the wasteland left of America, and nothing will stand in her way - not violent marauders, a spoiled rock star, or an army of flesh-eating zombies.

I am giving Hollowland (The Hollows #1) by Amanda Hocking a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Darkness Blooms by Christopher Bloodworth

eBook Novella

I read the ebook edition of Darkness Blooms by Christopher Bloodworth. Darkness Blooms by Christopher Bloodworth falls into the horror genre catefory and is approximately 74 pages in length.

I was able to download Darkness Blooms by Christopher Bloodworth for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. Below is my unbiased review for Darkness Blooms.

I usually don't read many books that fall into the horror genre as I am not a huge fan of the horror genre in general. However, after seeing that Darkness Blooms by Christopher Bloodworth had a 4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon based on 70+ reviews, I decided to give it a try. After all it was a free download and the story sounded intriguing. 

Boy, was I sorely disappointed after I finished reading Darkness Blooms by Christopher Bloodworth. It was a complete time waster and I wish I hadn't spent time reading it. I almost quit reading it on several occasions, but only finished it because it was such a short read. Essentially, you have man-eating plants that are out to kill humans and these said plants seem to be very intelligent and work together to kill humans. The leading character, Sylvia, has a weird relationship with her family... And how she chooses to deal with these plants is the primary premise of this novella. Darkness Blooms by Christopher Bloodworth was just a very bizarre read in my opinion.

The following is a plot summary for Darkness Blooms by Christopher Bloodworth from Amazon:

Rooted in blood, darkness blooms...

When Sylvia receives a call from her grandmother telling her that her grandfather has disappeared, she returns home for the first time in years.

She finds something that she could not have expected. Something her grandfather was growing in his greenhouse. Something that's not from here.

I am giving Darkness Blooms by Christopher Bloodworth a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Lantern by Chess Desalls

eBook Novella

I read the ebook edition of Lantern by Chess Desalls, which is a young adult novella approximately 76 pages in length.

I was able to download Lantern by Chess Desalls for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. Below is my unbiased review of Lantern by Chess Desalls.

First off, I love the cover artwork/design for Lantern by Chess Desalls... It's beautiful and looks amazing!

I enjoyed reading this young adult novella set at Halloween. I also liked the elements of steampunk, romance, and mystery that were found in Lantern by Chess Desalls! I especially enjoyed the leading character of Tori and also the character of Jared. Chess Desalls's writing is really well done in Lantern.

The following is a plot summary for Lantern by Chess Desalls from Amazon:

Five days before Halloween, all sixteen-year-old Tori has on her mind is vacationing with her family and scoring lots of candy. Her grandmother’s estate, with its Gothic spires and trails that lead out to the woods, holds an unexpected secret: a lantern that lights up for Tori and nobody else. Certain that it’s a ghost or a prank, she investigates further and discovers a mysterious life that shines in the darkness.

I am giving Lantern by Chess Desalls a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

A Christmas Valentine by Jamie Carie

Paperback Edition

A Christmas Valentine by Jamie Carie is a romance novella that I received for FREE through the Goodreads giveaway program. Below is my honest, unbiased review of A Christmas Valentine by Jamie Carie.

Since Valentine's Day falls during the month of February, I thought that A Christmas Valentine by Jamie Carie would be the perfect book to read during this month and I was glad I chose to read this book.

Jamie Carie is a new to me author. I enjoyed her writing very much. I also enjoyed reading about the leading characters of Lana and Sophia in A Christmas Valentine. The storyline for A Christmas Valentine is clean, wholesome fun!! If you are a romance lover at heart, you'll fall in love with this novella told from the point of view of two different women who become friends. Each woman finds and falls in love with the man of her dreams by the end of the novella.

Below is a plot summary for A Christmas Valentine by Jamie Carie from Amazon:

Lana Deerling has it all: a great career as a television producer for the hit show Let’s Cook!, a spectacular L.A. apartment, and a wonderful boyfriend…except that he just broke it off, and now news has reached her about her past. Will she be able to hold on to everything she has worked so hard for? Sophia Blessing has it all too: her dream of opening a bookshop—A Little Piece of Heaven—in Saugatuck, her own cottage by Lake Michigan, and close family and friends…except her bookshop is in trouble. Can a mysterious phone call and Sophia’s passion for art be her hope for the future? Dare she dream again? In a twist of fate, these two women meet. Will a house swap over the week of Valentine’s Day provide some answers? What they find on the other side of the country might surprise them, and possibly change their lives forever.

I am giving A Christmas Valentine by Jamie Carie a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Mystic Wolves: Accidentally Wolf Book 1 and His Perfect Wolf Book 2 by Elle Boon

Erotica eBook

I read the ebook edition of Mystic Wolves: Accidentally Wolf Book 1 and His Perfect Wolf Book 2 by Elle Boon on my Kindle, which marks my 20th read for 2017.

I first became acquainted with Elle Boon's writing when I read her holiday themed short story, A SmokeJumpers Christmas, last December. I liked Elle Boon's writing quite a bit along with the preview of the first book in the Mystic Wolves series. 

If you like paranormal erotica/romance, then I think you'll like reading Mystic Wolves: Accidentally Wolf Book 1 and His Perfect Wolf Book 2 by Elle Boon. The writing is good, the characters are well developed, and the sex scenes are HOT! I wish that the first book, Accidental Wolf, was a bit longer in length. I felt like His Perfect Wolf was the better book of the two novels and much more well developed.

The following is a summary for Mystic Wolves: Accidentally Wolf Book 1 and His Perfect Wolf Book 2 by Elle Boon from Amazon:

Mystic Wolves Books 1&2 Accidentally Wolf, Book 1 His Perfect Wolf, Book 2 Accidentally Wolf…Zayn finds Cora suffering from mating fever. His alpha and brother told him to keep his dick and fangs to himself, but the wolf in him and the man can’t fight the urge to claim their mate. From the moment Cora lays eyes on Zayn she wants to climb him like a tree. She’d never believed in insta-love, but going from being human to an Accidental Wolf more than happily, was easier than she’d ever thought. When danger strikes, Zayn will do anything to keep Cora safe, even if it means defying his alpha and risking his own life. His Perfect Wolf…Niall has given up on finding love, he’s watched his brother Zayn fall for his mate, and decided he needed a mother for his son, and a mate for his own. When he finds Alaina, his wolf stands up and takes notice, even though she was unconscious. Alaina woke up with no memory, but the one thing she knew was, she wanted the big bad alpha. Danger followed her to Mystic, and the man she knew was hers would have to battle a pack of shifters bent on revenge. Niall may not have wanted a mate, but Alaina was the Perfect Wolf to heal him. If he could keep her safe long enough to prove he was worthy, and defeat the man who claims to be his mate’s father.

I am giving Mystic Wolves: Accidentally Wolf Book 1 and His Perfect Wolf Book 2 by Elle Boon a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It by Dr. Josh Axe

Hardback Edition

I became interested in reading Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It by Dr. Josh Axe when I became allergic to several antibiotics over the past 15 years and also developed many food allergies/sensitivities/intolerances almost 3.5 years ago. 

In July 2013, my world literally changed overnight when I found myself dealing with food allergies and sensitivities and other intestinal symptoms that I never had to deal with before in my life. It was like my body became hypersensitive to everything I consumed including supplements and over the counter medications (pain relievers, cold meds, etc.). My life became a nightmare because I never knew which food, supplement, etc. I consumed would cause a negative reaction.

After attempting to work with my family practice doctor and getting no where fast with my health (other than doing a basic elimination diet), I moved on to alternative holistic practitioners in an attempt to figure out what was going on with my health and how to fix the issue at hand.

Essentially, I was diagnosed with leaky gut syndrome through a process of elimination based on my symptoms. There's been a bunch of different protocols to follow in order to help heal leaky gut and move forward with my life... But alas, I've been scared to try many (if any) of the protocols because I've been scared of potential negative repercussions happening while trying the protocols. So, I've been stuck in a holding pattern for approximately the past 3.5 years. I am tired of being stuck health wise and need to move forward with my life.

I came across Dr. Josh Axe's website when I started learning more about leaky gut syndrome. Shortly after discovering Dr. Axe's website, I learned that Dr. Axe was publishing a book about leaky gut. Interestingly enough, I also discovered that both Goodreads and Dr. Axe were offering readers the chance to win a FREE copy of Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It. I never dreamed in a million years that I would received a free copy of Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It by Dr. Josh Axe from both Goodreads and Dr. Axe, but lucky me, I did!! 

Below is my unbiased review of Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It by Dr. Josh Axe.

Alright, I feel that Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It by Dr. Josh Axe is really well written and much of the information presented makes good sense to me.

I also like how each chapter in Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It is organized and the information is presented in bite sized chunks that are easy to assimilate.

I do wish there were more food recipes provided in chapter seventeen to help those stay focused with their specific leaky gut type (there are five leaky gut types, which are explained in Dr. Axe's book)! It would be helpful to have several recipes to choose from for each meal to help stay focused and on track... Besides, who'd want to continue eating the same few recipes over and over?

I am looking forward to optimal health and trying the advice and various protocols presented by Dr. Axe in his book Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It. 

I have no medical training at all, so whether or not the protocols and information presented in this book are accurate or advisable for anyone else, I cannot say. If you have any health issue or concern, please speak with your healthcare provider.

The following is a summary for Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It by Dr. Josh Axe from Amazon:

In order to keep us in good health, our gut relies on maintaining a symbiotic relationship with trillions of microorganisms that live in our digestive tract. When our digestive system is out of whack, serious health problems can manifest. In Eat Dirt, Dr. Josh Axe explains how modern improvements to our food supply have damaged our intestinal health. Because leaky gut manifests differently in every individual, Dr. Axe identifies the five main gut types and offers customizable plans to dramatically improve gut health in just thirty days. With a simple diet plan, recipes, and practical advice, Eat Dirt will help readers restore gut health and eliminate leaky gut for good.

I am giving Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It by Dr. Josh Axe a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Everblue: Mer Tales #1 by Brenda Pandos

Unabridged Audio Version

I listened to the unabridged audio version of the young adult novel Everblue: Mer Tales #1 by Brenda Pandos and narrated by Erin Mallon and Chris Ruen. This is the 18th book I've read in 2017.

Listening time for is Everblue: Mer Tales #1 by Brenda Pandos is 9 hours, 39 minutes.

Alright, where do I even begin?? I didn't enjoy Everblue: Mer Tales #1 by Brenda Pandos at all and almost didn't finish reading this novel. It's a super cheesy read... I like young adult novels and paranormal romance novels, but this one was really bad.... I don't understand the 4.3 out of 5 star rating Everblue: Mer Tales #1 has received on Amazon from over 625 reviewers. 

The plot/storyline for Everblue: Mer Tales #1 by Brenda Pandos is flat and one dimensional. The characters are lackluster. AND the ending of Everblue: Mer Tales #1 was a cliffhanger ending, which is so annoying!! With the exception of decent narrators, there wasn't anything appealing about Everblue: Mer Tales #1 by Brenda Pandos. I won't be reading any of the other novels in the Mer Tales series by Brenda Pandos.

The following is a summary for Everblue: Mer Tales #1 by Brenda Pandos from Audible:

She wanted her life to change.... He wanted his to stay the same. 

Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Swimming and spending time with Tatiana, her best friend, are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college, and Ash hopes to finally ditch her longtime crush for Finley, Tatiana's twin brother. But when Tatiana and her family fail to return home after a family emergency, Ashlyn chooses to do something drastic to find them. 

Finley Helton and his family are good at blending in as they run their sailing charter business in Lake Tahoe. But together, they guard an ancient secret. When a not-so-routine meeting forces Finley, Tatiana, and their mother to return to Natatoria and Fin's father on a dangerous mission, Fin can't stay caged up for long. 

Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, and a simple lifesaving kiss could change their lives forever.

I am giving Everblue: Mer Tales #1 by Brenda Pandos a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars... Sadly, this novel is my first one star review of 2017.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Bruja Brouhaha by Rochelle Staab

Cozy Mystery Novel

Bruja Brouhaha by Rochelle Staab is the second cozy mystery novel in the "A Mind For Murder Mystery" series. This is the first novel I've read by author, Rochelle Staab.

I enjoy reading cozy mystery novels  in general. So, I am always open to new cozy mystery series and new to me cozy mystery authors.

I love the book cover design and artwork for Bruja Brouhaha by Rochelle Staab, along with the premise of this cozy mystery novel. I also like that Bruja Brouhaha by Rochelle Staab incorporates Santeria as an element of the plot, but I wasn't overly wowed by the storyline. Bruja Brouhaha by Rochelle Staab is good, but not as great as I hoped it would be.

The following is a plot summary for Bruja Brouhaha by Rochelle Staab from Amazon:

Practical psychologist Liz Cooper and occult professor Nick Garfield are enjoying the sixteenth wedding anniversary celebration for their charming hosts Paco and Lucia Rojas, devout Santeria practitioners who own the historic Botanica Rojas near MacArthur Park. But the small group of friends is left horrified and confused when the evening ends in tragedy. 

Devastated by loss, Lucia, a Santeria priestess, blames the locals for the escalating crime in her beloved community. She casts a vengeful hex on the neighborhood, leading strangers and friends alike to dub her bruja--Spanish for witch--and turn on the elderly woman. Lucia may be in harm's way, and it's up to Liz and Nick to unravel a mysterious disappearance and solve a murder before more lives are lost...

I am giving Bruja Brouhaha by Rochelle Staab a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

A Secret Wish by Barbara Freethy

Unabridged Audiobook

I listened to the unabridged audio version of A Secret Wish by Barbara Freethy and narrated by Amy Rubinate. Listening time for A Secret Wish by Barbara Freethy is 4 hours, 9 minutes.

Okay, I thought the premise of A Secret Wish by Barbara Freethy sounded like a good one, but found this novel to be an only mediocre read. With one of the main characters, Liz, going off with man she doesn't know and finds instalove in less than 24 hours... And Angela's life and Carole's life also have some unrealistic happen in their lives as well... So with that being said, I enjoyed A Secret Wish by Barbara Freethy for the light read that it is. 

The following is a plot summary for A Secret Wish by Barbara Freethy from Audible:

From number-one New York Times best-selling author Barbara Freethy comes an emotional and compelling story of love and family. A Secret Wish is Book 1 in the Wish Series. 

One night in San Francisco, three women make a birthday wish believing it can't possibly come true. Liz is turning 30. A successful nurse, she has a good career, but no man to share her life. All her friends are married, and she's alone, still trying to outrun a tragedy from her past. Then she meets a handsome stranger. 

Angela, a member of a large, loving Italian family, is facing 35 with no baby in the nursery. Eight years of infertility treatments have put a strain on her marriage. Will she have to choose between her husband and having a child?When she is mugged by an unexpected assailant, her life takes a new turn. 

Carole, a corporate wife, is staring down 40 candles. Having grown up poor, she worked hard to get ahead, but when her kids bail on her birthday, and she discovers her husband with another woman, she realizes that she may have nothing at all. She goes back to where it all began, the mother she left behind, and the man whose heart she once broke. Three women, three birthdays, and an unforgettable night that will change their lives forever.

I am giving A Secret Wish by Barbara Freethy a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Memory Illusion: Why You May Not Be Who You Think You Are by Julia Shaw

Unabridged Audio Version

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Memory Illusion: Why You May Not Be Who You Think You Are by Julia Shaw and narrated by Siri Steinmo. Listening time for The Memory Illusion: Why You May Not Be Who You Think You Are by Julia Shaw is 8 hours, 12 minutes.

I enjoyed listening to this nonfiction book on how memory works. It's a fascinating read. It was incredible to learn how easily false memories can occur.

I also thought that Siri Steinmo was an excellent narrator for The Memory Illusion: Why You May Not Be Who You Think You Are.

The following is a summary for The Memory Illusion: Why You May Not Be Who You Think You Are by Julia Shaw from Audible:

Think you have a good memory? Think again.

Memories are our most cherished possessions. We rely on them every day of our lives. They make us who we are. And yet the truth is they are far from being the accurate records of the past we like to think they are. True, we can all admit to having suffered occasional memory lapses, such as entering a room and immediately forgetting why or suddenly being unable to recall the name of someone we've met dozens of times. But what if we have the potential for more profound errors of memory, even verging on outright fabrication and self-deception?

In The Memory Illusion, forensic psychologist and memory expert Dr Julia Shaw uses the latest research to show the astonishing variety of ways in which our brains can indeed be led astray. She shows why we can sometimes misappropriate other people's memories, subsequently believing them to be our own. She explains how police officers can imprison an innocent man for life on the basis of 300 denials and just one confession. She demonstrates the way radically false memories can be deliberately implanted, leading people to believe that they brutally murdered a loved one or were abducted by aliens. And she reveals how, in spite of all this, we can improve our memory through simple awareness of its fallibility.
Fascinating and unnerving in equal measure, The Memory Illusion offers a unique insight into the human brain, challenging you to question how much you can ever truly know about yourself.

Dr Julia Shaw is a psychology lecturer and memory researcher at the University of Bedfordshire and is one of only a handful of experts in the world who actively conduct research on complex memory errors related to emotional personal events - so-called 'false memories'. Dr Shaw has published research articles in various international academic journals, written textbook chapters, and presented at many international conferences. She is also heavily involved in teaching classes on memory at the undergraduate and graduate levels, for which she has won two teaching excellence awards.

Besides her teaching and research, she has delivered general business and police-training workshops, has given guest lectures at universities around the world, has evaluated offender diversion programs and works with the UK police to advise on historical sexual and physical abuse cases. She has also been featured as an expert on TV and radio and in UK and international newspapers.

I am giving The Memory Illusion: Why You May Not Be Who You Think You Are by Julia Shaw a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Sexy in Stilettos: A Sassy Romantic Comedy by Nana Malone

Unabridged Audio Version

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Sexy in Stilettos: A Sassy Romantic Comedy by Nana Malone and narrated by Traci Odom. Listening time for Sexy in Stilettos: A Sassy Romantic Comedy by Nana Malone is 6 hours, 36 minutes.

I enjoyed listening to this fun, sexy, flirty romance novel... It's one hot and steamy read!! I enjoyed the characters and the storyline very much. I look forward to checking out the rest of the novels in the series. Hopefully, they're all available in an audio format through Audible. I also loved the way in which Traci Odom narrated this novel. She has become one of my favorite narrators.

The following is a plot summary for Sexy in Stilettos: A Sassy Romantic Comedy by Nana Malone from Audible:

What's worse than having to watch your sister marry your ex-fiancé? How about when that fiancé fires you from the family business?

Hyper-organized, event planner, Jaya Trudeaux is used to doing things by the book and never making waves. It's a strategy that's served her well until she finds herself in failure alley with no fiancé, no job and her thirtieth birthday looming. Maybe it's time to change her methods. Starting with an unlikely date to the wedding from hell.
The only thing that can tie carefree, playboy, Alec Danthers down is his formidable step mother. When she calls him home to help find his wayward brother, he never imagines an uptight, list making, sass-talking woman would make him think about putting down roots. 

Can Jaya put the lists down long enough to enjoy the ride that is Alec? Will Alec stop running long enough to recognize true love?

Warning: Sexy, sass talking women will make you laugh, cry and want a pair of killer footwear.

I am giving Sexy in Stilettos: A Sassy Romantic Comedy by Nana Malone a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase

Unabridged Audio Version

I've recently finished listening to the unabridged audio version of Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase and narrated by Traci Odom. 

Listening time for Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase is 8 hours, 30 minutes.

If you enjoy paranormal romance novels, then you will like reading Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase! Haunted on Bourbon Street is the first novel in the Jade Calhoun series and is a fun novel to enjoy for casual, fun reading. I liked the main character, Jade Calhoun and also the characters of Kane and Pyper as well.

One of the main reasons I chose to listen to the unabridged audio version of Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase was because I've listened to other novels narrated by Traci Odom in the past. I have truly enjoyed listening to Traci Odom's narration of other novels. I thought that Traci Odom did a decent narration of Haunted on Bourbon Street, but have heard her give better narrations for other novels.

The following is a plot summary for Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase from Audible:

Jade loves her new apartment - until a ghost joins her in the shower.

When empath Jade Calhoun moves into an apartment above a strip bar on Bourbon Street, she expects life to get interesting. What she doesn't count on is making friends with an exotic dancer, attracting a powerful spirit, and developing feelings for Kane, her sexy landlord.

Being an empath has never been easy on Jade's relationships. It's no wonder she keeps her gift a secret. But when the ghost moves from spooking Jade to terrorizing Pyper, the dancer, it's up to Jade to use her unique ability to save her. Except she'll need Kane's help - and he's betrayed her with a secret of his own - to do it. Can she find a way to trust him and herself before Pyper is lost?

I am giving Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Unabridged Audiobook on Compact Disc

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Landline by Rainbow Rowell and narrated by Rebecca Lowman. Listening time for Landline by Rainbow Rowell is 9 hours, 3 minutes.

Landline by Rainbow Rowell was my first experience reading or listening to anything written by Rainbow Rowell. I'd always thought that Fangirl or Attachments would be the first novel I'd read by Rainbow Rowell.

I liked the audio production quality and narrator for Landline.... I felt Landline was an interesting novel. I liked reading about how a Landline is used to help bridge the past and the present together. Today we are mainly using our smart phones for texting verses talking on the phone these days. So, I loved that Georgie talks to her husband Neal on the phone, but she finds that she is communicating with Neal from the past which makes for interesting reading. One is left wondering if Georgie McCool and Neal's marriage is going to disintegrate or bounce back and be better than ever.

I like the storyline for Landline, but I also felt that this novel moved too slowly at times. I only liked the two main characters, Neal and Georgie, and the other characters were sooo annoying to me. Sometimes, I also felt like we were stuck too much inside Georgie's head with her thoughts... But overall, Landline was a decent read.

Other perks about listening to Landline were the various songs mentioned throughout the novel and the author interview at the end of the audio version.

The following is a summary for Landline by Rainbow Rowell from Audible:

From the New York Times best-selling author of Eleanor & Park and Fangirl, comes a hilarious, heart-wrenching take on love, marriage, and magic phones.

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply - but that almost seems beside the point now. Maybe that was always beside the point. Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her - Neal is always a little upset with Georgie - but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go without her. When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything. That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts. Is that what she’s supposed to do?

I am giving Landline by Rainbow Rowell a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!