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Made in Scotland: My Grand Adventures in a Wee Country
Made in Scotland: My Grand Adventures in a Wee Country
Billy Connolly | 2019 | Biography
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Had me laughing almost from page one, Great story telling technique, down to earth (0 more)
Great and Insightful
First let me say that i think Billy Connolly is a genius. I know a lot of people know him as a comedian, but he is so much more. I have seen him act, sing, make people laugh and write fantastic books, this is one of them. I love how it starts with someone asking a question and it just develops from there. His way of writing makes it feel like you are just sitting somewhere in a cafe and talking to a friend. Its warm and welcoming and very down to earth. I have seen the tv programme that accompanies this book and if you have , then you definitely need to read this as well. From being at school to working in ship builders, from one night gigs to sell out shows. Everyone who reads this will see that no matter where Billy Connolly lives in the world, his heart will always live in Scotland. A fantastic book :)
  
I jumped in at the middle again – this is book #4 in the series, but the first one that I read. Although some characters did share a history, I had no problem figuring out who was who, or how they related to each other, so you don’t have to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one.

Cafe owner Willow, her animal rescuer boyfriend Jackson, and winemaker (and Willow’s ex-boyfriend) Simon are a great team. Each brings a unique set of qualities to the table, and they work well together.When Lily, one of Willow’s employees, is accused of murder as well as a second attempted murder, the police are convinced that there’s no need to look for other suspects. The three friends decide to investigate on their own, both to keep Lily out of jail, and to stop the real killer from finishing the job he started.

Dandelion Dead is a fun read, both for the mystery and the info on edible plants and natural remedies.

<i>NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.</i>
  
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Elizabeth Ritchie (17 KP) rated Red Plus Zone in Books

Nov 10, 2018 (Updated Nov 10, 2018)  
Red Plus Zone
Red Plus Zone
Andrew Ritchie | 2014 | Crime, Mystery
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The characters. (1 more)
The unique storyline.
Hands down, one of the best books I have ever read!
This is the first Crime book I have ever read in my entire life, and I've got to say it will also be the last. The last, due to the fact that no other crime book past, present or future, will ever come anywhere close comparing to the absolutely astounding story of Red Plus Zone.
All I wanted to do with my days was read this book. When I was at work or busy with house chores etc, all I could think of was this book, and what it would be like to live in the post apocalyptic world described by the author, what it would be like being Sam McCall as a post apocalyptic detective. The book is so well written and the story line is so captivating that I connected with all of the characters, I felt their emotions and I felt their pain, and at times I felt like I was actually living in the post-shattered world (which isn't a good thing when you ask a waitress in a cafe what time zone we are in).
  
Ready Player One (2018)
Ready Player One (2018)
2018 | Sci-Fi
What took me so Long!
I can not belive how long it took me to see this film. I am a huge nerd, and a lover of Easter egs, so this should have been a cinema go for me (ypu remember what cinemas were, don't you?)
A film that takes a very interesting look at a possible future where VR is king. Not going to lie, I would be totally up for this future (-evil corperations, but what are the odds we can get rid of them). It is interesting, since this came out the year before the pandemic, how amazing would it be to meet up with all the people we have not seen in a year, in a virtual cafe, or game together. All we have now is Zoom and Among Us.
I digress, this film had me hooked from the first moment. The characters are compelling, though J suspect they have been "Hollywooded" a little bit, and the story is really good.
You know what I have to do now, don't you?
Read the books. And wouldn't you know it, some very considerate person put them in my Amazon shopping basket....
  
172 of 235
Kindle
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe ( Dream Harbour 1)
By Laurie Gilmore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Jeanie���s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes��


This was one of those I was a bit unsure of picking up as it’s a popular book and I hoped it would live up to the hype. It didn’t disappoint it was so so sweet and a little spice thrown in. I loved the little town and the characters were all likeable. I do need a llama called Harry Styles now though 😂
  
Smashed, Mashed, Boiled, Baked - and Fried, Too! by Ragavan Iyer is a beautiful. It has wonderful pictures, beautiful fonts. It has section at the end that lists the recipes out by categories including entrees vs sides, apps etc as well as by allergens.

This cookbook outlines potato appetizers, soup, main entrees, side dishes, and desserts from a full spectrum of cuisines and cultures, plus each recipe is beset with 'Tater Tips' or details pertinent to the history, procurement, variety, storage, and perishability of the potato being used. Iyer is cheeky, yet endearing and incredibly informative, like a friend that you adore grocery shopping with after a hearty cafe lunch.

Overall, I want to make everything in this cookbook, and I also think that by making Iyer's, "ultimate mashed potatoes" I will become everyone's favourite person over the holiday season (they look SO yummy!). Unfortunately, I worry that with so many people on strict diets, or low-carb diets, this cookbook may not sell as as much as it should. However, if you have a potato lover or carb queen in your life, get this cookbook for them - they will love you for it!

I received this book from Workman Publishing Company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
Panic Attack - Single by Harriet Manice
Panic Attack - Single by Harriet Manice
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Harriet Manice is a singer-songwriter and photographer based in New York City. Not too long ago, she released a charming pop tune, entitled, “Panic Attack”.

“‘Panic Attack’ is a blend of Nashville storytelling and popular music. With a mix of acoustic and electronic instruments. The song provides the feelings one can go through dealing with anxiety and panic attacks. While the song raises an emotional and intense topic, the music generally stays upbeat, to give the hope that everything will be ok in the end. Just keep breathing in and breathing out.” – Harriet Manice

‘Panic Attack’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with a commercial pop aroma.

“What is happening? I can barely breathe. Feel the room is spinning quicking ’round me. Is this just a dream. Am I still asleep? Tell me how to stop this insanity.” – lyrics

This past year, Harriet Manice had the opportunity to perform at venues such as The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, Sidewalk Cafe, Prohibition in New York City, and Jane Pickens Theatre and The Breakers in Newport, RI.

She grew up listening to James Taylor, Eric Clapton, Simon & Garfunkel, Jim Croce, The Dixie Chicks, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/harriet-manice-panic-attack/
  
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
2014 | Bluff, Card Game, Deduction, Horror, Party Game
Easy to pick up (0 more)
Great game
If you like bluffing games and generally being deceitful you'll love this game.

Download the app that plays through each step of the night phase and you're away without having to endlessly read the rules.

At the start simply select on the app which cards are being played and deal them out amongst the players and place 3 in the middle, all cards must remain face down. Everyone must discretely look at their own card but do not tell anyone who you are.

When nighttime arrives the magic begins, step by step each player opens their eyes (or not depending on your card) when told to do so and performs a specific action. Once the night phase has ended everyone opens their eyes and then you have a preselected amount of time to figure out who are the werewolves. If you identify one of the werewolves correctly villagers win, if not werewolfs win.

Do you lie and try to convince your friends you were someone else or do you hope honesty is the best policy?

Me and my friends had so much fun playing this, we actually got told off by the staff at the gaming cafe for laughing too loud.
  
Aftermath (Southern Spirits #5)
Aftermath (Southern Spirits #5)
Bailey Bradford | 2015 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Darren made his appearance as a new waiter in Virginia's cafe. He was extremely skittish and avoided eye contact with pretty much everyone. It's obvious he is on the run, but from what?! In Aftermath we learn his story, and boy, is it a good one. I loved how Darren grew in his self-confidence, once he realised that he actually had people he could call friends, and was helped by Lee. The relationship between these two is hot and romantic.

The other part that I loved about this book is that Connor, our long-term friendly (pesky) spirit, makes a new friend in Stefan. I absolutely adored this side story!

Laine and Severo are the main supporting characters in this book, although Zeke does get a quick mention.

So very well-written, with a smooth storyline and pace. There were no grammatical errors that I found, although as I was completely entranced by this story, I might not have noticed them.

This series is absolutely fantastic and I am thoroughly enjoying every book. I can wholeheartedly recommend both this book and the series as a whole.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 2, 2015
  
I've been anxiously awaiting the sequel to Summer of Secrets, and this book was worth the wait. A few matters that were left unfinished in the previous book are accounted for here, such as Rachel and Micah's wedding, and the humbling of Bishop Hiram's brash behavior. The introduction of several new characters, such as Ben's two maidel aunts, served to add color to the community of Willow Ridge and even added a dash of humor to the several romance-heavy sub-plots.
I thoroughly enjoyed following along in the lives of Miriam Lantz and her daughters, especially when reading about all of the mouth-watering food that the Sweet Seasons Bakery and Cafe served up everyday. I plan on trying out of a few of the recipes in the back of the book, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a bread recipe that I've tried among those listed.
The background of Amish culture I have also continued to find fascinating, as I learned more of the nuances in speech, behavior, and traditional beliefs. While I find some things too restrictive, such as the clothing and lack of electricity, the adherence to gender roles, the respect they give to one another, their beliefs in the Bible, and their use of wholesome and naturally-grown foods are all things I greatly admire. This book only serves to bring it all to life and make it that much more appealing. I look forward to reading more of this series.