Two Dogs and a Book

Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore My rating: 5 of 5 stars Imagine you are given 10,000 chances to achieve perfection. Most people would not need this number of attempts. But, what if you tried 9,995 times and you are told that if you fail in reaching perfection in the remaining five times, your soul will be thrown into oblivion. This is what happened to Milo, a man who lived 9,995 lives and is now facing the end of all ends if he does not reach perfection in the next 5 lives. Milo is not alone in his journey; Suzie (a.k.a. Death), his beautiful lover, also seeks ways to help him achieve perfection and be together forever more. "Reincarnation Blues" is a unique and creative story filled with humour and thought-provoking passages. This is one of my favorite books for 2017. View all my reviews

The Baker's Secret by Stephen P. Kiernan My rating: 4 of 5 stars The Baker's Secret is a story of courage, ingenuity, and resistance in a time of war. The story takes place at the end of World War II in a small village in Normandie, France. Emmanuelle, a young baker, witnesses the oppression of the Nazis who are occupying her village and comes up with creative ways to help her fellow villagers. She will risk much and will lose much. Stephen P. Kiernan did not embellish the story and showed the true colours of the cruelty that took place under the Nazis’ oppression in France. This story shows that not all heroes come in army suits. There are the unsung heroes who sacrificed and risked much to save their fellow country men and women. Emmanuelle’s story will move you. View all my reviews

Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave My rating: 4 of 5 stars Would you believe if I told you that I read this book because Hugh Jackman recommended it? Yup, I totally did and I have no regrets! It is a fantastic read. It has the same flavour as the movie "Sweet Home Alabama". "Hello, Sunshine" is the story of Sunshine Mackenzie, a host of an internet culinary show, who, at the top of her success, loses everything in one day. She returns to her childhood home to face the consequences of her actions and slowly rebuild her life piece by piece. This is a fast and light read! Get in your favourite chair and surround yourself with your softest blanket during these cool days and let this book warm your heart. View all my reviews

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett My rating: 3 of 5 stars It took me a while to get into this book and I am glad I continued to read. Commonwealth is a story of broken families, mixed siblings and the heartaches of losing people you love. Ann Patchett's writing is extraordinary and intelligent. The characters are complex and each unique in his or her own right. A common thread unifies them. Pain and sorrow gather around them, giving strength to some and breaking others. This is not a book of actions; it is a book of reactions. Maybe it is not for everyone, but if you like books that make you think, I encourage you to give it a try. View all my reviews

The Mason Jar Cookbook: 80 Healthy and Portable Meals by Amy Fazio My rating: 5 of 5 stars I was always very intrigued when I saw someone with their full lunch in a Mason Jar. It always looked so pretty and healthy. This book by Amy Fazio is filled with awesome recipes for portable meals. The recipes are easy, healthy and yummy. View all my reviews

Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin My rating: 3 of 5 stars I received a copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Young Jane Young is the story of Aviva Grossman whose past changed her future. As a young woman, she had an affair with a married congressman which became public and ruined her life. Aviva was marked with a big "A" and had very little hope for the future. While watching "The Wedding Planner", she realizes that her only chance to succeed in life is to become someone else. Becoming Jane Young brings her out of the public eye, but her past is always threatening to surface and she has a daughter to protect. This is the second book by Gabrielle Zevin I have the pleasure to read. Gabrielle Zevin's writing style is light and educated. Young Jane Young was a quick and entertaining read. The relationship between Aviva and her daughter was a bit cliché and unrealistic