Review: Only in California: Weird and Wonderful Facts About The Golden State by Heather Alexander, illustrated by Jen Taylor

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The first in a collection of state-by-state books from the best-selling 50 States series, Only in California! explores the most amazing sites, cities, history, and natural landscapes of the Golden State.

From the bright lights of L.A. to the natural majesty of the Redwood forests, this beautiful book is a deep dive into what makes California so great. Full bleed illustrations capture a sense of place, while pull-out spot artworks zoom in on the most fascinating facts.

Locations also include: San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Tahoe, Central Valley, San Diego with its famous beach and boardwalk scene, the coastal kelp forests, Napa and Sonoma wine country, Yosemite Valley with El Capitan, the lowest point in North America, Death Valley, Big Sur, Palm Springs, and many more!

Each book in the state-by-state subseries covers the following areas: 

- Weird and wacky stats and facts
- Historical timeline
- Local sports
- Museums, amusement parks, and cultural events
- Food and drink
- Animals and plants
- Inventions
- Fun festivals
- Changemakers and superstars
- Quiz questions 

 

Get ready to take a whirlwind adventure around the Golden State, filled with fascinating facts, beautiful illustrations, and much, much more!

My Review

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a matte cover, glossy accents, and embossed title. The pages are also matte and heavy weight. The information on each page is interesting and relevant. It made me want to explore more of the great state I live in! I loved seeing my hometown San Diego represented, as well as some National Parks. There are pages that focus on the state overall with statistics, and others explored more specific themes and locations. I especially liked the ones featuring places I have visited. Fun Festivals and Weird, Weirder, Weirdest are full of fun and zany activities, facts, and landmarks. The Changemakers pages were heavy on liberal figures, I would have liked to see it more balanced with some conservative people as well. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed of.

There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheel-chair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress--someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership--she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.

If she proves to have a knack for ranching and agrees to remain single for life, the ranch can be hers. Neither stipulation worries Molly. She’s resourceful and hardworking. And she gave up dreams of marriage long ago when she dedicated her life to her brother’s well-being.

However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s handsome and charismatic young doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness.

But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.

My Review

Another series I'm reading completely out of order! Fortunately the author wove in enough of the backstory and plot that I didn't feel lost. Molly and Donny have a rough background, yet their loyalty to each other keeps them going. Molly's grit and determination are admirable, and she throws herself into working on the ranch and learning all she can. Her brother struggles with being an invalid, and the doctor has some methods of inspiring him that Molly disagrees with. The bickering, fighting, and immature behavior and thoughts of all three main characters were a bit off-putting. I didn't connect with the emotions of the characters in this book, but it was an interesting read and showed how the times were changing with medicine and the introduction of automobiles.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in The Brides of Last Chance Ranch series . . .

Review: Little Homesteader: A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom by Angela Ferraro-Fanning

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This charmingly illustrated seasonal treasury of nature-based crafts, baking recipes, and gardening projects for the winter celebrates the homesteading lifestyle with self-sufficient and eco-friendly fun.

Locally printed on 100% recycled paper, Little Homesteader: A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts and Wisdom offers:

- Easy yet delicious winter recipes and treats that introduce young readers to local and seasonal eating. - From berry cookies, to hot cocoa recipes to warm up after a winter walk, the easy-to-make recipes will inspire kids to get into the kitchen.
- Suggestions for using up unloved parts of produce, such as carrot tops to make a kitchen windowsill garden, demonstrate a naturally zero-waste way of living.
- Accessible and fun crafts, such as making salt-dough ornaments and foraged foliage wreaths, have instructions broken down into clear steps illustrated in AnneliesDraws’ cute and wholesome style.
- The seasonal gardening and growing projects, such as planting bare root berry bushes in the ground or in containers, can be done in a big back yard or on a balcony, making this eco-friendly activity book a fun resource, whether readers are based in town or country.
 

Woven alongside the cooking, crafting, and planting projects are little snippets of seasonal information and self-sufficient wisdom from homesteading teacher Angela Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead, with a focus on enjoying and celebrating the best of what the winter season has to offer.

My Review

I'm a fan of this adorable series of high quality books for young ones. The illustrations are simple yet fill each page with beauty and the joy of the season. The information is basic, yet includes facts and details that many adults may not know. I enjoyed the learning and the fun ideas that are perfect to do alongside children. From plants and produce to animals and insects, many aspects of the winter season in nature is explored. Like the others I would have liked more content, and I hope that the publisher will release all four books combined together in a collection!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Little Homesteader series . . .

Book Tour & Excerpt: These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Synopsis

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she can find her.

To track the mysterious weaver down, Lorna sees no other way but to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her old life, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.

In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances.

 

Excerpt

Lorna strolled through the dappled shade at the weekly market on the lawn of the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village. She wasn’t paying much attention to the wares for sale. She’d just needed to get away from her office, away from the weaving room. If only she could get out of her own head as easily.

“Miss Blankenship!” Lorna turned and slowed her pace. A young woman caught up to her. “Miss Blankenship, I thought that was you.” The girl tried to calm her breathing and laid a hand on Lorna’s arm. “I hope this isn’t too much of an imposition, but I wanted to show you something.”

“Not at all,” Lorna said, slipping her mask of professionalism back into place. The girl looked familiar, but she couldn’t place her. “I’d be delighted to see your wares.”

“Oh, it’s not mine,” the girl said with a blush as she steered Lorna toward a table tucked against the wall of the church. “It’s just that I know you’re the best weaver in all of Asheville, maybe in all of North Carolina”—Lorna allowed a faint smile at the praise—“and I knew you’d be interested.” The girl faltered. “Well, I thought you would be. Of course, my eye isn’t as good as yours, but this cloth . . .” She finally let her words spin out.

“What’s your name?” Lorna asked.

“I’m Bernice Collins. I’ve been working in the weaving room for about six months.” She ducked her head. “I haven’t worked with you directly but I know who you are.”

“I’m glad you’re taking your training seriously enough to examine the work of others,” Lorna said, patting her hand. “Now, show me what you’ve found.” She tried to mask her weariness. The last thing she wanted to do was examine some inferior homespun produced in who knew what backwoods holler. While the traditional fabric had certainly started on small homesteads, where women did everything from shearing the sheep to spinning the thread to weaving the rough cloth, what they made at Biltmore Industries was finer and of a much higher quality. She’d make short work of this and then slip inside the church where she might find a moment’s privacy and stillness.

“See?” Bernice lifted a shawl from a table that mostly offered squash, eggs, and some coarse knitted items. She held the garment out as if it were an offering. Lorna blinked. Then she stretched out her own hand to take the fabric. It was soft—­luxurious even—­and the pattern was perfect. The finely rendered plaid in the colors of autumn showed crisp definition while still blending and flowing together in a way that gave it a softness and subtlety she’d rarely seen before. For just a moment, despite the heat and humidity of the August day, she felt the bite of an autumn morning and smelled the earthy, tobacco scent of fallen leaves.

If Mrs. Harshaw could see this, she just might change her mind about plaid.

Lorna turned to the woman standing behind the table. “Did you make this?”

“Why do ye need to know?” she said with a scowl. “If ye like it well enough, buy it.”

Lorna pulled out her purse, and the woman stuck out a gnarled hand. Fishing out some coins, Lorna eyed the woman. “What if I wanted more like this? Do you have others?”

“Could be. But I ain’t got ’em today.”

Lorna extended her hand but didn’t release the coins. “Perhaps I could visit the weaver to buy other cloth directly.”

“Oh, aye, and leave me out of it.” The woman snatched Lorna’s money. “I’m not the one makin’ the cloth, but if you want more, you’ll have to talk to me.”

Lorna felt frustration bubble. If the weaver, clearly highly skilled, had other designs, perhaps she—or he for that matter—could be persuaded to share a unique design with Lorna. Otherwise, she was going to be hard-pressed to satisfy Mrs. Harshaw. She thought quickly. “Tell the weaver I’d like the finest piece of cloth she has.” The woman’s expression suggested her guess that the weaver was a woman had been correct.

“Might need a few coins to persuade her to part with her finest,” the woman said in a wheedling voice.

Lorna tamped down her irritation. She fished out another coin and handed it over. “When can you bring it to me?”

The woman snorted. “Don’t come to town but for market. I’ll be back next week with yer pretty piece.”

“Very well,” Lorna snapped. She could wait a week if it meant saving her reputation. “I’ll look forward to seeing what she sends.” The woman grunted and turned to another customer.

Bernice tugged on Lorna’s sleeve. She’d forgotten about the girl. “It really is very fine, isn’t it?” she asked. “Will you try to make something like it?”

Lorna smiled mechanically and pushed the shawl into the bottom of her basket. It would never do for word to get around that she was getting her ideas from other weavers. “I suppose it might provide inspiration,” she said with an airy wave. “But my drafts are all my own.”

Bernice smiled and nodded with a movement bordering on a curtsy before she scurried back to the Biltmore Industries table with its tea towels and carved bowls. Lorna stared after her, not really seeing the market or the people. She’d just uttered the biggest lie of her life. A lie that grew bigger every day she wove one of the patterns she called her own. Because the truth was, none of them were.

Excerpt from These Tangled Threads courtesy of Sarah Loudin Thomas © 2024, Bethany House Publishers.

About the Author

Sarah Loudin Thomas (sarahloudinthomas.com) is the author of numerous acclaimed novels, including The Finder of Forgotten Things, The Right Kind of Fool, winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year, and Miracle in a Dry Season, winner of the 2015 INSPY Award. She worked in public relations for Biltmore Estate for six years and is now the director of Jan Karon's Mitford Museum. A native of West Virginia, she and her husband now live in western North Carolina.

Review: Little Homesteader: A Fall Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom Angela Ferraro-Fanning

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This charmingly illustrated seasonal treasury of nature-based crafts, baking recipes, and gardening projects for the fall celebrates the homesteading lifestyle with self-sufficient and eco-friendly fun. 

 

Locally printed on 100% recycled paper, Little Homesteader: A Fall Treasury of Recipes, Crafts and Wisdom offers:
- Easy yet delicious autumn recipes and treats that introduce young readers to local and seasonal eating. From pumpkin muffins to homemade apple chips, the easy-to-make recipes will inspire kids to get into the kitchen.
 -Suggestions for using up unloved parts of produce, such as ways to make use of apple cores and peel, demonstrate a naturally zero-waste way of living.

- Accessible and fun crafts, such as making a gratitude tree and a woven basket, have instructions broken down into clear steps illustrated in AnneliesDraws’ cute and wholesome style.
- The seasonal gardening and growing projects, such as planting herbs, can be done in a big back yard or on a windowsill, making this eco-friendly activity book a fun resource, whether readers are based in towns or the country.

Woven alongside the cooking, crafting, and planting projects are little snippets of seasonal information and self-sufficient wisdom from homesteading teacher Angela Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead, with a focus on enjoying and celebrating the best of what the fall season has to offer.

My Review

This series of books is adorable. I love the sweet illustrations and information that is at an introductory level for the younger crowd. We learn about apples and pears, pumpkins and gourds, mushrooms and herbs. There are simple recipes, activities, and crafts that focus on using the produce and nature of the season in a variety of ways. I only wish that the book was longer! It would be wonderful if the publisher combined all four books into one. The book size is large and I enjoy the feel of the matte cover and pages.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Little Homesteader series . . .

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Rancher's Secret Crush by Cari Lynn Webb

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Rancher's Secret Crush by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Rancher's Secret Crush
Series: Three Springs Texas #6
Author: Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: March 26, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Clean)

Everything good…  

Starts with unexpected kindness 

When city girl Elsie Parks comes to Three Springs to care for her nieces while her brother recuperates, she’s in for a surprise—he expects her to run the ranch! Thankfully, Ryan Sloan—the rugged cowboy next door—is happy to help. As they get into a groove working the farm together, their attraction grows like Texas wildflowers. But can this temporary detour become something more? 

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR  

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

 
The only awkward moment came when Ryan noted Elsie’s bare feet and swept her easily up into his arms. And her laughter got swept away by those butterflies flapping in her stomach. “Ryan. I can walk.”

“You shouldn’t. Not barefoot,” Ryan insisted. “Not around here.” He half gestured to the field and ranch yard beyond.

“I’ve been barefoot for a while now.” Elsie wiggled her mud-coated toes. But that only stirred those butterflies more. “And I’m fine.”

“You’re lucky.” Ryan frowned, tightened his hold on her and headed to his truck. “You have no idea what’s out here. Barbed wire. Nails. Thorns. I can keep going.”

“I got it.” Elsie felt him tense. And then she gave in. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she settled in closer. Just for a moment. Just to calm him. And herself. After all, she’d never been swept off her feet. Not in any sense. Right now, it was heady and thrilling. A little bit irresistible. And this seemed as close as she was ever going to get.

Best to take it all in.

 

More Books in This Series

   

   

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About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

Connect with Cari by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon gift card and signed copies of 2 backlist books by Cari Lynn Webb!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 26, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 2, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Her Temporary Cowboy by Tanya Agler

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Her Temporary Cowboy by Tanya Agler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Her Temporary Cowboy
Series: Rodeo Stars of Violet Ridge #3
Author: Tanya Agler
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: March 26, 2024
Genre: Clean Romance

He’s never known love… 

Until a chance encounter 

Rodeo cowboy Lucky Harper is only making a short stop in idyllic Violet Ridge. So how did he go from being an outsider to pretty rancher Elizabeth Irwin’s wedding date—and her fake fiancé—in one night? For the first time, this lone cowboy is suddenly part of a real family. But even he’s not lucky enough to find family and love by accident…or is he?  

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

 

If he were fortunate enough to be part of her family, one that incorporated its staff into its ranks, he’d lap up every minute with them rather than spending it in the stable. “Aren’t you happy about the wedding?”

Elizabeth had already started toward the horses. She stopped and turned toward him, a scowl on her very attractive face. “Of course I am. Evie makes Dad happy. It’s just that I’m more comfortable wearing these clothes.” She plucked at her jeans and plaid shirt layered over a tank top. “And I’d rather not twist my ankle in the strappy high heels I have to wear in the meadow. I’ve been told to leave my favorite red cowboy hat in the tack room, too.”

She tipped her red hat over her long auburn hair, which was tied back in a ponytail. The dark red highlights were more like the sky at sunrise than the deep orange and pink hues of the setting sun off in the distance. Her fresh heart-shaped face, with its wide apple cheeks and green eyes, had a timeless appeal.

So she was pretty. She was also practically in charge of this ranch and way out of his league.

More Books in This Series

 

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About the Author

Tanya Agler fell in love with romance novels when her grandmother brought one home from work. After years of reading happily ever afters, she decided to write a sweet contemporary romance with the support of her wonderful husband, four children, and her lovable dogs (Linus the Beagle and Corky the Yorkie). A graduate of the University of Georgia, she loves Cary Grant movies, walking, reading, and all things chocolate.

Connect with Tanya by visiting tanyaagler.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $20 Amazon gift card and a signed, print copy of Caught by the Cowgirl!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 25, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 1, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!