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Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated The Art of Natural Cleaning in Books
Jun 5, 2019
I’ve always liked the idea of making my own chemical free cleaning products, and have come across books with a little bit about it stuffed somewhere towards the back as an afterthought, so when I came across this whole book dedicated to the subject, “The Art of Natural Cleaning: Tips and techniques for a chemical-free, sparkling home (Art of series)” (what a mouthful!) by chemical free Rebecca Sullivan (well, one has to assume she is) I was delighted to say the least.
First impressions are – it’s a lovely small, hardback book, and every other page is a coloured photo of either the finished product or the work in progress.
There are some lovely ideas, and these are set out into categories; Kitchen, Wardrobe and Laundry, Bathroom, Scent and Make It Shine. There’s a nice introduction from the author and a mini shopping list of which are easily sourced. Each idea, if it includes a recipe, is set out clearly with the ingredients you need and the method.
There are several “recipes” I like, but I love those in the Scent Chapter and have made my own natural chemical free air fresheners.
Overall this is a great book and I’ve enjoyed trying out some of these ideas. Incidentally, the book cover is made out of a very tactile (to me anyway) material, that has a slightly woven, textile feel to it. I’m not sure what the technical name is for it, but I like it. And can’t stop stroking it.
First impressions are – it’s a lovely small, hardback book, and every other page is a coloured photo of either the finished product or the work in progress.
There are some lovely ideas, and these are set out into categories; Kitchen, Wardrobe and Laundry, Bathroom, Scent and Make It Shine. There’s a nice introduction from the author and a mini shopping list of which are easily sourced. Each idea, if it includes a recipe, is set out clearly with the ingredients you need and the method.
There are several “recipes” I like, but I love those in the Scent Chapter and have made my own natural chemical free air fresheners.
Overall this is a great book and I’ve enjoyed trying out some of these ideas. Incidentally, the book cover is made out of a very tactile (to me anyway) material, that has a slightly woven, textile feel to it. I’m not sure what the technical name is for it, but I like it. And can’t stop stroking it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Death Over Easy in Books
Aug 3, 2018
Did Robbie Open Her Bed and Breakfast to a Killer?
Robbie Jordan, Pans ‘n Pancakes’ proprietor, has just opened the few rooms she’s been working on as a bed and breakfast, and it’s just in time for a visit from her father from Italy as well as the Bluegrass festival being held in the area. The biggest problem at the festival seems to be Pia Bianchi, a woman that annoys just about everyone who gets to know her. Then Pia’s body is found early one morning in a covered bridge in the area. With Robbie’s guests some of the police’s suspects, she finds herself in the thick of things again. Will she figure out what is going on?
This was a fun book in the series since it worked in several sub-plots that have been woven through the series – Robbie’s father and opening the bed and breakfast part of the business among others. These work themselves nicely into the mystery, providing a reason for Robbie to be involved and giving her access to gather clues. The suspects are great, and they provide us with some good twists before we reach the creative climax. The series has always featured some local (to southern Indiana) expressions to provide local color, but a couple of times, they started to annoy more than charm. Fortunately, those were rare moments that were over quickly. If you find yourself drooling over some of the food, you’ll be happy with the recipes at the end of the book.
This was a fun book in the series since it worked in several sub-plots that have been woven through the series – Robbie’s father and opening the bed and breakfast part of the business among others. These work themselves nicely into the mystery, providing a reason for Robbie to be involved and giving her access to gather clues. The suspects are great, and they provide us with some good twists before we reach the creative climax. The series has always featured some local (to southern Indiana) expressions to provide local color, but a couple of times, they started to annoy more than charm. Fortunately, those were rare moments that were over quickly. If you find yourself drooling over some of the food, you’ll be happy with the recipes at the end of the book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Stabbed in the Baklava in Books
Aug 29, 2018
Best Man Stabbed at the Reception
Lucy has taken over managing her family’s Mediterranean restaurant in Ocean Crest, New Jersey, and she is thrilled when they are hired to cater the wedding of socialite Scarlet Westwood. However, in the middle of the reception, Lucy’s chef and ex-boyfriend, Azad, gets into a fight with the best man, Henry. As the night is winding down, Azad finds Henry’s body in the back of their locked catering van. Naturally, the police think he is a great suspect, but Lucy disagrees. Can she figure out what happened?
It was great to be back in Ocean Crest, and I felt like we got to see a bit more of this resort town. I loved it, and I’d love to be able to visit in real life, just maybe between the murders. The mystery here is very strong, with several viable and well-developed suspects. I followed along with Lucy’s thoughts as she investigated figuring that her current theory would turn out to be wrong, but when she finally figured out the truth, it made perfect sense. Most of the characters are strong, although a few of the supporting characters still seem to be a bit weak, and the way that Lucy’s mother focuses on her love life annoyed me. The love triangle is still going strong here, although I have a feeling I know where it will go. There are three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. Overall, this is a fun second in the series.
It was great to be back in Ocean Crest, and I felt like we got to see a bit more of this resort town. I loved it, and I’d love to be able to visit in real life, just maybe between the murders. The mystery here is very strong, with several viable and well-developed suspects. I followed along with Lucy’s thoughts as she investigated figuring that her current theory would turn out to be wrong, but when she finally figured out the truth, it made perfect sense. Most of the characters are strong, although a few of the supporting characters still seem to be a bit weak, and the way that Lucy’s mother focuses on her love life annoyed me. The love triangle is still going strong here, although I have a feeling I know where it will go. There are three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. Overall, this is a fun second in the series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Killed on Blueberry Hill in Books
Nov 6, 2018
Death Leaves Marlee Blue
Summer may be winding down, but Oriole Point, Michigan, is getting in one more berry inspired festival to bring in the tourists. The Blueberry Blow Out Festival includes carnival games, booths, and friendly competition between the various berry growers in the area. At least it is supposed to be friendly. Marlee Jacobs is shocked when she witnesses a fight between her fiance, Ryan Zeller, and Porter Gale, the owner of one of the biggest blueberry farms in the country. Yes, there is bad blood between the two families, but this went much further than a rivalry normally would. When Porter dies a few hours later, people think it is complications from his diabetes. However, the police believe it is something more, and they are looking at Ryan as a suspect. Can Marlee clear him?
I love this series, and this book is another example of why. The characters are strong. The series regulars are fun, and a couple even made me laugh, but we spend more time with the suspects, and they actually felt better developed to me than the regulars. Not that I'm complaining. The strong suspects helped drive a complex plot where the red herrings provided their own complications, not just as a distraction from figuring out who the killer is. I enjoyed the book the entire way through, but the final third got so compelling I really didn't want to put the book down. Throw in a few blueberry infused recipes, and you've got a fantastic book.
I love this series, and this book is another example of why. The characters are strong. The series regulars are fun, and a couple even made me laugh, but we spend more time with the suspects, and they actually felt better developed to me than the regulars. Not that I'm complaining. The strong suspects helped drive a complex plot where the red herrings provided their own complications, not just as a distraction from figuring out who the killer is. I enjoyed the book the entire way through, but the final third got so compelling I really didn't want to put the book down. Throw in a few blueberry infused recipes, and you've got a fantastic book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Crypt Suzette in Books
Feb 25, 2020
Halloween Hit and Run
Val Deniston’s granddad has taken on another boarder, a young woman named Suzette Cripps. Suzette spends most of her time in her room, but she is planning to participate in the literary themed costume contest to celebrate the town’s new bookstore. The morning after the contest, Suzette is dead, killed by a hit and run driver. The police are investigating, but they think it was an accident. Val can’t help but think it was more than that. Is she right?
The mystery starts out quickly, and it is easy for us to share Val’s suspicion that this wasn’t an accident. There are plenty of suspects, and I felt like it took a little while for me to keep them all straight. This is a minor complaint, however, as they did get developed as the book went along. I’m in awe at how the clues were sprinkled into the book, and as Val used them to piece things together at the end, I felt foolish for not picking up on them myself. The book is set at Halloween, and the fall atmosphere is a lot of fun. We get a creepy Halloween inspired scene near the end as well. Val’s granddad is a hoot, and I really enjoyed his sub-plot involving ghost hunting. There are five more five-ingredient recipes at the end of the book. While it would be fun to read this book at Halloween, it works well at any season of the year. I enjoyed it in February, after all.
The mystery starts out quickly, and it is easy for us to share Val’s suspicion that this wasn’t an accident. There are plenty of suspects, and I felt like it took a little while for me to keep them all straight. This is a minor complaint, however, as they did get developed as the book went along. I’m in awe at how the clues were sprinkled into the book, and as Val used them to piece things together at the end, I felt foolish for not picking up on them myself. The book is set at Halloween, and the fall atmosphere is a lot of fun. We get a creepy Halloween inspired scene near the end as well. Val’s granddad is a hoot, and I really enjoyed his sub-plot involving ghost hunting. There are five more five-ingredient recipes at the end of the book. While it would be fun to read this book at Halloween, it works well at any season of the year. I enjoyed it in February, after all.
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