In Medical Judgment, Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she’s about to lose her life.
About Medical Judgment
After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn’t think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her—and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer.
Her late husband’s best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it’s too late, and they’re both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone.
With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won’t protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her?
My Thoughts
Fast paced, full of suspense and action that will keep you turning each page long into the night. I love how Richard builds up the story, Sarah has lost more things than any normal person could handle to lose when she lost her husband and daughter. Now someone is targeting her! You would think this would force her to break but instead she shocks us by fighting back. Fighting for her home, her life and the family she lost. But she always seem to be one step behind.
Tied into this are two men, one her late husband’s best friend and the other a recovering alcoholic, who want to protect and love her. It is perhaps their over protectiveness that forces Sarah to fight back for herself. She learns that she has to be able to protect herself and understandably she feels like she can not trust anyone.
An excellent, fast paced and exciting novel from start to finish. This is one book that does not disappoint!
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers’ debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and Romantic Times’ Reader’s Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Graduation is a special time of the year where as parents we can reflect on how much our child has grown both physically and mentally over the last couple of years and as the student it marks an important milestone in their life. Whether it is a kindergarten, elementary, high school, college or university – a graduation marks an important stepping stone in a person’s life and should be celebrated as such.
Many of us want to buy the graduate in our lives a special gift to mark this time. Something that offers wisdom, advice but still keeps it light and fun. I have always found that books are the best way to say the words that sometimes are hard for us to be able to get out. Raincoast Books has a fantastic collection of books that will help you to #WishYouMore to your special graduate during the upcoming graduation season.
Advice from My 80 Year Old Self
What advice would your 80-year-old self give you? That is the question artist Susan O’Malley, who was herself to die far too young, asked more than a hundred ordinary people of every age, from every walk of life. She then transformed their responses into vibrant text-based images. From a prompt to do things that matter to your heart, to a reminder that it’s okay to have sugar in your tea, these are calls to action and words to live by-heartfelt, sometimes humorous, and always fiercely compassionate. This stirring celebration of our collective humanity unveils the wisdom we hold inside ourselves right now.
Susan O’Malley (1976-2015) was an internationally exhibited artist and curator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As curator and print center director at the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, she worked with hundreds of artists and organized more than fifty exhibitions and public programs. As an artist, she made work that brings a sense of interconnectedness into our lives, from conversations with strangers to installations in public places. The impact of her work has traveled far and wide. O’Malley’s artwork has been exhibited in public projects across the United States-San Francisco, New York, Nashville-and around the globe in the United Kingdom, Poland, and Denmark. She exhibited at alternative spaces and cultural institutions including, in California, the Montalvo Art Center, Kala Art Institute, and Palo Alto Art Center, as well as the Contemporary Art Museum (Houston, TX), and the Parthenon Museum (Nashville, TN). Her participatory installation Finding Your Center , a collaboration with Leah Rosenberg, was recently featured in Bay Area Now 7 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and her project A Healing Walk is permanently installed at Villa Montalvo. The powerful optimism of her work lives on.
I fell in love with Advice From My 80 Year Old Self the moment I opened it. It is a wonderful collection of short quotes and sayings from a broad age and both gender groups. They are honest, they are real, some make you laugh and some make you cry. Most of all they bring home the reality that most of us don’t live in the moment. We so easily find ourselves caught up in work, social media that we miss those special moments that are around us everyday. I know that I am guilty of this and it has reminded me to put away my phone, put away my work and to be present in every moment and put away my to do list. This was an honest and heart warming book that held so much meaning for me. It is one to open up when you are unsure of yourself, when you need that motivation and to even copy that one quote that inspires you every time. It is bright, bold and unique. Reading the afterword, I was saddened to read that such a talented artist and visionary had passed suddenly at such a young age before her book was published. Her work is an inspiration to all and is especially important for youth and adults alike. I wouldn’t even wait for a graduation to give this as a gift but to give it as a gift to all youth to know that they are not alone, to have faith, to be present and to be inspired. It is a message we all need to know and understand and this book is done in such a way that all age groups will love and appreciate its meaning.
Keep Curious and Carry a Banana
For more than seventy-five years, the world of Curious George has delighted readers with its playful charm and deceptively simple wisdom. Fans of the Keep Calm and Carry On craze will find comfort in this Georgified version of the popular book format. Each inspiration is humorously accompanied by an illustration from the original works of H. A. Rey’s Curious George books.
Sure to make readers chuckle as only George can, this book is packed with inspiration and humor. It’s the perfect gift for all the curious people in your life!
I love Curious George ever since I was a young girl, so I could not wait to see what this book held. In Keep Curious and Carry a Banana, George uses his wit and humour to see the light in every situation. Your favourite childhood character comes alive on the pages with some of the best quotes and sayings. This book stayed true to the original Curious George in illustration, colours and humour. It is a fun book but full of wisdom that will suit youth of all ages (even adults definitely need a healthy dose of George!).
Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone
No matter how hard they try, parents never have time to teach their children everything they need to know before they leave home. Luckily, Becky Blades has compiled the best tidbits of advice into one thought-provoking, conversation-starting book. Covering everything from posture to finances, with a hint of motherly sass, Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone is the perfect gift for leaving-the-nest kids, or anyone in your life who could use a little bit of coming-of-age common sense.
Letters to Me, When I Grow Up
This kids’ version of the bestselling Letters to My Future Self brings young writers a fun new way to capture their childhood. Twelve prompted letters bound into a keepsake book invite kids to share stories, draw, or make lists reflecting on what they know now, and what they imagine for their future. When they’re grown, this paper time capsule becomes a cherished-and likely hilarious-look back on who they once were and who they have become.
The Big Trip
This comprehensive companion, now in its third edition, provides essential pretrip planning advice, regional overviews with maps and itineraries, and practical resources for finding work abroad. Now in full colour packed with inspirational images.
I Wish You More
A New York Times bestseller!
Some books are about a single wish. Some books are about three wishes. The infallible team of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld have combined their extraordinary talents to create this exuberant book of endless good wishes. Wishes for curiosity and wonder, for friendship and strength, laughter and peace. Whether celebrating life’s joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet and uplifting book is perfect for wishers of every age.
Inspire, motivate and show your love to a child in any stage of their life with these inspirational books from Raincoast Books. You can use them to guide, to educate and to start a conversation. The important part is in the meaning of the words. Whether a graduation or another important milestone in a child’s life, celebrate with meaning.
One lucky winner will win their choice of three of the above six books. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below – good luck!
Disclosure: I received Advice From My 80 Year Old Self and Keep Curious and Carry a Banana in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The iconic Sophie la Girafe will turn fifty five on May 25th this year. Sophie is a simple giraffe who was born on May 25th, 1961 in France on Saint Sophie’s Day. She has taken the world by storm with her simplicity and gender neutrality and has become a much desired item on baby shower lists around the world.
Who is Sophie la Girafe?
Sophie was first introduced to the world in France as a teething toy at a time when most baby toys consisted of farm animals and pets. Sophie looks exactly the same today as she first did when she was introduced to the world fifty five years ago. Her fame quickly spread across Europe and eventually to North America as she is made from 100% natural rubber from the sap of the Hevea tree and she contains natural materials and toxic free paints making her an ideal teething toy for infants (SophieLaGirafe.Co.UK).
Oh How Sophie la Girafe Has Grown!!
As Sophie’s fame has grown, with over fifty million teethers sold, she has expanded into the world of books with her loveable friends. She now proudly adorns many books geared towards infants and toddlers that will quickly become a cherished family favourite. DK Canada has a large selection of Sophie la Girafe books that can be found in their boutique. From first words and numbers to peekaboos and touch and feel, the boutique has a wealth of books that cover all the important firsts for your baby.
Happy Birthday Sophie: Pop Up Peekaboo
This book stars Sophie and her friends in adorable party scenes, each featuring flaps to flip and lots of colorful surprises.
In this book, infants and toddlers are introduced to the world of Sophie and her five special friends. They are invited to touch the soft, shiny and bumpy textures and share in all the fun at Sophie’s house.
Both of these books are perfect gifts for parents to be and for young infants and toddlers. If your child loves Sophie la Girafe they will be delighted to see her and her friends come to life in these hard cover books. In Sophie and Friends touch and feel, you can begin to teach your child about textures as they learn to spot and feel the differences. In Pop up Peekaboo, your child will be inspired with the imaginative play as you turn each page. Each page holds a new exciting surprise for your child as they lift the flap. Make reading fun for your little one and watch as they grow with these adorable books featuring one of their favourite characters. I love how the books are in soft, pastel, gender neutral colours that stay true to Sophie la Girafe. The entire book collection will be an important part of your child’s first library. With simple sentences that allow the focus to be on you and your child, both of you will love reading time!
Help celebrate Sophie la Girafe’s birthday online with DK Canada by following the #sophielagirafebirthday hashtag on Twitter.
Disclosure: I received the above books free of charge in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Summer is just about here, we are finally getting warmer weather and the May long weekend has just passed by. Now what does this typically bring? If you are like our family it means lots of time spent outdoors, cooking on the grill and get togethers with friends. But sometimes you need to spice things up on the grill to keep it fresh and unique. If you are looking for new unique foods to cook on the grill, then Grilled Pizzas and Piadinas is for you. This book is full of recipes, ideas, suggestions and more just in time for the outdoor summer season.
About Grilled Pizzas and Piadinas
Chef Craig Priebe’s culinary creativity comes to life through his innovative Italian dishes. Focusing on his award-winning pizzas and piadinas, he uses a variety of ingredient combinations to deliver delectable meals right into the home cook’s kitchen.
Mouth-watering recipes for grilled pizza with meat, chicken, seafood, and vegetables comprise the first part of this book, followed by chapters on crispy grilled piadinas, fresh salads, and grilled desserts. A typical recipe of Priebe’s calls for smoky, thin, and crispy crusts and vibrant combinations of toppings such as grilled figs, Gorgonzola, and prosciutto.
Through quick and easy instructions for 75 recipes, full-color photographs, step-by-step techniques, and party menus, a beginner cook or a seasoned chef will be inspired to fire up the grill.
My Thoughts
We love grilling in the summer months, especially when you combine this with family and the pool. Out of habit sometimes the foods we grill can be routine and the same over and over. Sometimes I blame my husbands love of steak and chicken (he literally can eat this every day) but other times its just a lack of knowing what I can cook on the grill and not being adventurous enough to try new things.
Grilled Pizzas and Piadinas takes the guess work out of the way for you. The book contains 187 pages of party planning advice, recipes and all the gadgets you will need to become the boss of the grill. They spend about eight pages going over grills, grill care and maintenance, indoor grills, basic grilling tools and kitchen tools that you will need to make your pizzas. They also give advice on their preferred tools and even how to properly measures pantry items.
The recipes start with a basic grilled pizza dough with an alternative for a thicker crust variation that will be the base for every recipe that follows. Step by step instructions help guide you through the process of making the dough, which isn’t as easy as it sounds. I have made pizza dough a couple of times and sometimes it can come out too doughy or just not quite tasting right. This recipe makes a delicious pizza crust that your whole family will love.
The book also teaches you how to cook a pizza on a grill, which may seem obvious but honestly it wasn’t until I read this. They gave tips on how to figure out if your grill is too hot and what to do to avoid this. I have scorched pita breads on the grill in the past so it is helpful to know where and what to do if this happens.
The recipes are divided in sections by pizzas with meat/chicken/seafood/vegetables, piadinas, salads and desserts. Each recipe is easy to follow with simple instructions, ingredient list and with an introduction to the individual recipe with large, bold photographs following each recipe. My personal favourite recipe? The Verduran – mixed vegetables with olives and basil, yum yum!
If you are looking for new, fresh and exciting recipes to impress your guests – this book is the perfect recipe book for you. You will find plenty of new healthy ideas to suit a variety of dietary needs. You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.
Rating: 5/5
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
In The Beautiful Pretender, what happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?
About The Beautiful Pretender
The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.
Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.
Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?
My Thoughts
A unique storyline, that sees our main character having to stand in for the Earl’s daughter for who has decided to run away from home. Avelina is a young woman, who has only known a life of service and loyalty to her family. It is this loyalty to her family that is used against her as she is sent instead of the Earl’s daughter to the Margave’s home.
The Margave is in desperate need of a bride but he does not want just any bride, he wants one that is selfless, caring, kind and has a love for all people. He sets up a unique set of tests for the women attending his home to work their way through. It is two women who pass these tests with flying colours, I am sure you can guess who is one of them! Avelina tries all she can to have the Margave ignore her but it is her kind soul that sets her apart. Her upbringing has taught her compassion and love for all people regardless of their social status.
In an unexpected turn of events, a secret plot is discovered by Avelina. As she works to discover who is plotting against the Margave she is in turn exposes herself and her true position. A web of murder, lies and more are exposed that puts both herself and the Margave in danger.
The Beautiful Pretender is a unique novel that I fell in love with. It has an exciting plot line that you have never read anything similar before and just enough suspense and romance. An overall fantastic read for individuals of all ages!
You can find more reviews on the Litfuse blog tour page. You can purchase a copy of the book here.
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer’s Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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