Reading Fanatic Reviews
Books to Add to Your TBR list... or Not!Hey, ya’ll! I’m VERY behind getting my reviews up on the website! I’ve increased the reading and reviewing, leaving less of my leisure time available to update this website. I’ll do weekly posts with links to my reviews at Amazon; you can also check out my Amazon and Goodreads profiles.
By the way, I’m now a top 50 Amazon.com reviewer (#12 currently) and the top 8 US reviewer of all time on Goodreads (and top 9 in the world)… and the #6 US reviewer and #8 in the world in the past year. Cool stuff!
I hope to make updates to this site soon!
When Mediterranean Mindset Meets DASH Diet by Marcella Palmer
Available at Amazon only
Free with Kindle Unlimited
When Mediterranean Mindset Meets DASH Diet*
Good Book that Looks at the DASH Diet and Mindset
You can tell when you read the early parts of this book that the author is very passionate about the DASH diet as well as what she calls the Mediterranean mindset. She has blended these two concepts in this book. First she gives an overview of the DASH diet and its origins; she also explains how she came up with seven tenets of Mediterranean mindset. She then looks at the benefits of the DASH diet from a medical perspective. The next chapter seeks to bust myths about the DASH diet, like cost and restrictions. She does talk at some length about the foods that are best on this diet, and she even gives some recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At the end, she has a further tip section about how to incorporate the Mediterranean mindset with the DASH diet with very specific action plans to help you with meal planning, activity, and other concepts that support weight loss.
I’m a registered nurse, so I thought that some of what was stated in the medical section was not wholly accurate but would probably be good enough for the general reader. The book is a little repetitive in parts and could have been condensed some. Sometimes her enthusiasm overwhelms the idea she is trying to get across. In general, I agree that the DASH diet is a good one to follow as it is basically about eating whole foods. I disagree with a few of her statements. One was actually nonsensical to me. At one point, she talks about not adding sauces, salt, or other seasonings to your food—just try them as the chef intended. Well, if you’re the home chef, you will most likely be using some seasonings, or the food is going to be pretty bland and you won’t stick with a diet! There is certainly nothing wrong with most sauces or seasonings; you might need to watch for a few ingredients in sauces, but herbs and spices like oregano and cinnamon zazz up a dish. While salt isn’t strictly prohibited on the DASH diet, it is recommended to be consumed in small quantities and in balance with other minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. This actually shouldn’t be a problem if you eat home-cooked whole foods that have only been lightly seasoned.
The recipes seemed straightforward, and most appeared to be simple to do. I liked how the author emphasized vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options within the diet. Indeed, the DASH diet is very friendly for non-meat eaters as well as those who are omnivores. I thought the tip section at the back was fantastic. I love the idea of mini action plans. They would definitely all be helpful to the would-be dieter as he or she tried to live a more healthful life, whether that’s through your food or lifestyle choices.
A Death at Eastwick by L. C. Warren
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play, Scribd, 24 Symbols, Thalia, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, Indigo (Chapters), and Bol.de
A Death at Eastwick*
More Telling than Showing
I found this to be a somewhat clunkily written contemporary murder mystery. What makes it clunky? The author seems to do a lot more telling rather than showing, and I would rather see the story from the perspective of a character or two than be told it as if by a distant omniscient narrator. If an author tells rather than shows, it’s hard to form an emotional connection to any of the characters. I also thought that there were some pretty prodigious information dumps, especially in the beginning. I thought the blurb read as if the story might be somewhat historical, but it is completely contemporary. Other than these issues, it is a standard murder mystery. But these issues loom large, so I find it hard to recommend.
Accelerated Weight Loss – 70 Positive Affirmations by Marcella Palmer
Available at Amazon only
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Accelerated Weight Loss - 70 Positive Affirmations*
Good Affirmation Process Along with Targeted Affirmations
The mind can be an incredible tool when applied with intent to many different topics. The power of affirmations comes from this space. They can help your brain accept a new, more positive reality. This book begins with an explanation of the author’s technique for working with affirmations. She has a 5-step process that should help to imprint any affirmations better than if one had just simply spoken some aloud once or twice. In fact, I quite like her affirmation procedure. It wouldn’t really take that long, and the effect could definitely be magnifying. The affirmations themselves all have to deal with weight loss and having a healthy body, as the title suggests, and some affirmations are specific to the DASH diet. From the way things were worded in the book, it sounds like there are audio files that go along with this or will be provided by the author in some way. I was not given access to that as a reviewer, so I cannot speak to what that might be. I would hope that she would give the reader time and space to follow the 5-step process that she recommends. All in all, this appears to be a decent book of affirmations for weight loss, especially if you are following the DASH diet.
Crises of Democracy by Adam Przeworski
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Thalia, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, Indigo (Chapters), and Bol.de
Crises of Democracy*
Thought-Provoking Book about the Past, Present, and Future of Democracy
If you are concerned about the state of democracy, both in the United States and in the mature democracies of this world, you will not find quick answers and immediate solutions in this book. Indeed, the title of the book shows its focus, that is, crises and disasters. This book looks at the past and current crises of democratic states to give us context for what is happening around us and give us a snapshot of the modern state of democracy. He does go into some detail describing both crises and democracy in the introduction before delving into democracy’s somewhat perilous and full-of-strife past. I found his discussion of the vulnerabilities of democracy and the two conditions that most threaten it, unbridled and inherently unequal capitalism coupled with theoretical political equality and the quest for political power, particularly enlightening and much food for thought. He then goes on to talk about current events in modern democracies that could be considered crises. Given the troubled history of democracy, it is easy to follow the thread that shows us how we got to where we are. What is less clear is how we move on in the future, though the author does give some thoughts on the future of democracy. In the Trump and Brexit era, many books are taking a deeper look into these events and what may have brought us to this place, but I appreciated the author’s willingness to simply present facts (and opinions) and ask insightful questions. The book is certainly thought-provoking, and I think it is an important book for those of us who care about democracy and our future to read.
A Foolish Wager by Rose Pearson
Available at Amazon only
Free with Kindle Unlimited
A Foolish Wager*
Not a Good Hero
I found myself frustrated with the hero in this book. The heroine is one who has suffered much in her life mostly because of one childhood mistake. She loved climbing trees as a child, but as we see and the prologue, one day she takes a misstep that ruins one of her legs forever. She had already had a strained relationship with her father, and this made it worse. After her father’s death, her uncle very much wants to marry her off, but her first season was fraught with heartache and disappointment because not only could the ton not see beyond her disability, but she was openly ridiculed for it. What chance would she have to secure a gentleman?
For such a beleaguered heroine, I would love to have seen a completely swoon-worthy hero. But that is not what we got in this story. Instead, the hero is quite the rake, in previous Seasons only interested in women for what he could get from them—and this was wagered on in his gentlemen’s club. From maidens, he likes to steal a kiss, and from widows and unhappily married women, he likes much more. He and the heroine literally run into each other. They both find each other intriguing–though she isn’t beautiful or perfect enough for him—but he only pursues her when blackmailed by a man (with knowledge of one of his affairs with a married woman) who wishes to capitalize on a bet at White’s so he can replenish his coffers. The wager he lays down is that the hero will not only kiss the heroine but will make her fall in love with him. The hero is not as introspective about this as one would hope, and I was actually disgusted when, after thinking about it for a bit, he decided that he had no choice but to go forth in the matter, even knowing it would break her heart–thinking something along the lines of, “Oh, well, it can’t be helped.” Ick. He goes into it knowing how bad it will be for her but still goes ahead. That is not hero material in my book.
Dragon Prey by Hannah Steenbock
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Thalia, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, Indigo (Chapters), and Bol.de
Dragon Prey*
Dragons Aren’t All Cute and Cuddly
This book is a part of a greater universe called Cloud Lands, but I have not read any of the others of this series/universe. In fact, this is the first book by this author that I have read. Let me say right off the bat that you don’t have to have read any other books in this universe to understand this one. I enjoy fantasy and don’t read straight-up fantasy as often as I would like. I think fantasy is such a complex genre, and oftentimes independent authors don’t do it well; so I have been turned off by it at times at my favorite book review sites.
I am so glad that I was drawn to give this one a try. It is so well written. The descriptions and depictions of what is happening make you feel like you are there. The author pulled me right into the story with a dramatic event; I love that. The characters, particularly Sidren and Kreysha, were complex and well drawn. The danger to Sidren and her people, as suggested by the title, was palpable and kept me turning the pages. I found myself intrigued by Sidren and Kreysha’s evolving relationship and Kreysha’s interactions with the members of Sidren’s clan. The author has created a complex world and complex characters here, but she makes it feel realistic. Sidren and members of the clan react in completely relatable human ways, which doesn’t always happen in fantasy. I like the way that the author demonized only some dragons, subtly bringing up the concept of prejudice. This book is full of action; it will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen. This is a delightful introduction to this author and this universe. It won’t be my only foray.
Haunting Miss Fenwick by Alina K. Field
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, and Indigo (Chapters)
Haunting Miss Fenwick*
Strong, Smart, Capable Heroine… Loved It!
This book takes place on the Yorkshire coast during that small amount of time between the Regency and Victorian eras. I found it to be a delightful read. The hero thinks himself a bit crafty in the beginning, but he finds himself pitted against a very smart heroine. I loved that Tilly was so strong, capable, and intelligent. She’s a far cry from many historical romance heroines—and in a good way. Although the hero was trying to make her new home appear haunted, Tilly isn’t buying it. When she finds him out and discovers why, her personal sense of justice makes her want to help him despite the way he has been such a pest. (And he helps her out, too, so the relationship isn’t one-sided.) I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between these two characters. The way the author depicted it, especially in the beginning, made me smile more than once. I loved the dog, Wulver, too! There is a little suspense here, and a few surprising twists and turns despite some obvious factors. The characters are so well drawn, and the story is so well written. If you enjoy historical romantic intrigue, consider giving this book a try.
Rolf’s Quest by Aubrey Wynne
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Scribd, 24 Symbols, Thalia, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, Indigo (Chapters), and Bol.de
Rolf's Quest*
Fact and Fantasy in a Delightful Mix
I have read some other works by this author, and I found this one to be a particular delight. It is a slow-moving character piece for the most part, so if you are expecting some kind of massive action and drama, you will need to adjust your expectations. The author has artfully combined the real history of Henry II with a magical, fantastical storyline involving a direct male descendant of the wizard Merlin. In fact, Rolf is trying desperately to break a curse that involves both Merlin and the men in his line. Merlin is still alive, after a fashion, but living trapped in a rowan tree, cursed by a former lover. This woman in the distant past cursed not only Merlin but also men directly descended from him, especially the first-born sons. I won’t go into any more detail about the curse, but suffice to say that Rolf is Merlin’s last hope. His success hinges upon whether or not he can get the woman he loves through non-magical means. He has seen this woman in his dreams, so he knows who she is. However, when he meets the lady, she is on her way to meet the man she has been betrothed to since she was a child.
The book is actually a fascinating look at medieval times, including courtly life and the role of women. The heroine of the novel is rarely given any choice in anything, from who she is to marry to which kirtle she should wear. I enjoyed watching the slow unfolding of the story and that the heroine truly seemed to be a product of her times. I did find myself curious how this young woman was going to react when her heart led her one way but duty—which seemed truly ingrained in her character—required another. She is definitely different from most heroines in historical romance, where authors tend to give them almost more modern ways of thinking and acting. I appreciated that the author took the harder road for this one. This is an excellent story. If you like historical romance that includes true history mixed with a little magic and fantasy, you will most likely enjoy this book.
The MacInnes Affair by Blair McDowell
Available at Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play, Scribd, Thalia, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, Indigo (Chapters), and Bol.de
The MacInnes Affair*
Dramatic, Powerful Scottish Romance
I was drawn to pick this book at my favorite book reviewer site because I love all books about Scotland; I have Scottish heritage myself on my father’s side. I was further intrigued when I saw that one of the Scottish families in question had the surname of Glendenning. My own Scottish 4x great-grandmother, born in the 1700s, was named Jean Glendenning. I myself visited Scotland last year and hoped that the author would handle both the contemporary and historical aspects well. I loved that the modern heroine was from Canada. Though I am American, my Scottish ancestors came to this continent via Canada (though New Brunswick, not Alberta.)
For the most part, she did. I thought a few of the Scottish aspects wear off, but you wouldn’t really know that unless you had recently visited yourself or were knowledgeable about Scottish history. For instance, Highland cattle aren’t relegated to just a few on the Isle of Skye and at Balmoral; I got up close and personal with some myself in Applecross. Some aspects of the history around Culloden and its aftermath were not wholly accurate either. But these are minor quibbles. Other elements as she nailed completely, like the international flavor of travelers in Scotland. I was surprised at the different number of accents that I heard there. I loved her descriptions of the various plants; I recognized a few. I loved hearing the names of cities, towns, and places I went to on my trip mentioned in the story.
But the story really isn’t about all this, even though it does add a note of Scottish flavor to the story. Or should I say stories, as this book is a blend of two different storylines, a contemporary one and one that’s from the past. The modern heroine, Lara MacInnes, is a Canadian of Scottish descent who decides to take a trip to Scotland to research some family history after a bad breakup. Her mother’s friend runs a Scottish castle B&B; the castle has been in her husband’s family for a long time. Lara meets the son in this family, and that’s where the contemporary romance aspect comes in. Diaries from a Glendenning ancestor, Elspeth, who briefly married one of Lara’s ancestors show a complex world of secrets, deceit, and difficult choices. The contemporary and modern stories weave in and out of each other. The past story is heartbreaking. As someone with an interest in genealogy myself, I could understand as the contemporary couple’s need to find out more about the ancestral couple’s story. The stories complemented each other and were both well written. The story is immersive, and I enjoyed it thoroughly, even the parts that were sometimes hard to read because of Elspeth’s and Lachlan’s difficulties. The author brought the feels, for sure. If you enjoy Scottish romance, either contemporary or historical, you might want to give this book a try.
By Love Reclaimed by Amberlyn Holland
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Scribd, 24 Symbols, Thalia, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, and Bol.de
By Love Reclaimed*
Confusing
I will admit, when I first read the book blurb, I thought that this book’s romance set-up seemed like the regencies I read. This is a second-chance romance as well as a chance to save the heroine’s land from an evil sorcerer. I’ll admit that I had a hard time getting into the story. The author just throws us into it, with a big cast of characters with odd names (as is typical in fantasy). It would have been nice if she had a cast of characters’ page (or two) at the beginning so the reader would easily know who is who and what their relationships are. Also, since we’re being thrown right into the mix without any explanation or subtle clues, a brief summary and introduction to the world would have eased reading. Just recently I read another fantasy book where the author wrote the text in such a way that someone unfamiliar with the world and its characters would have no trouble understanding the worldview and character relationships right from the start; I love it when authors do that. If they don’t like that or don’t want to do that for some reason, they should at least do the mini summary and list of characters as I mentioned above.
As you can tell from what I’ve written, I wouldn’t consider this to be a stand-alone book. If the series interests you, I recommend starting at the beginning. If you plan to take any time off at all between books, take notes!
Jamie Brydone-Jack
Reader, Editor, Writer
I’m an avid reader, for both fun and work/business. I enjoy a wide variety of books, including literary fiction, romance, thrillers, cozy mysteries, and fantasy for fiction and history, contemporary issues, philosophy, music, medicine, and cookbooks for nonfiction. I’m a freelance copyeditor who also does beta and alpha reading. I have two websites that are all about romance and mystery. You can also follow my reviews at Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub.
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