Two Dogs and a Book

Bellewether by Susanna Kearsley My rating: 5 of 5 stars I requested an ARC of this book because it deals with the French prisoners of war during the 7-year war (1756-1763). Being a French Canadian myself, I am particularly versed in the "Bataille des Plaines d'Abraham" which occurred in 1759 in Québec City. What I did not know was how French officers and soldiers captured in British territory were treated by the British during this time. Susanna Kearsley's books are always well researched and, although they are fiction, they bring insight into the historical context of the story. Bellewether has two timelines. In the present timeline, Charley Van Hoek, a newly hired museum curator, has been mandated to restore de residence of Captain Benjamin Wilde. While she is researching the history of Captain Wilde, she hears the legend of his sister Lydia who fell in love with Canadian lieutenant Jean-Philippe de Sabran while he was held captive on her property ac...

The Fates Divide by Veronica Roth My rating: 4 of 5 stars The Fates Divide by Veronica Roth is the second and final book in the Carve the Mark Series. I give it 4.5 stars because although the plot is genius, I found the names of the characters and places hard to keep track and had to make a list of names and characteristics, as well as a map of planets and cities to follow the story. Veronica Roth portraits very strong female role models in this book and is not afraid to go outside the stereotypes associated with female heroes. This YA book is a story of fates and how they can be changed. Great series! View all my reviews #books #bookreview #bookworm #bookish #booklover #thefatesdivide #veronicaroth

The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll My rating: 3 of 5 stars This is a 3.5 stars book for me. The characters are interesting, but the story is way too melo"diva"matic for my taste. All my life I tried very hard to stay away from toxic people and this book reminded me that it is a good thing and I should continue to do so. The Favorite Sister tells the story of a group of egocentric, deceitful, and lying reality-show women who are as fake as can be. Kudos to Jessica Knoll for writing a book about such superficial women and still succeeding to make it thought-provoking. Kudos also for surprising me in the end. I did not see this coming and it was a perfect ending. View all my reviews #books #bookreview #bookworm #bookish #booklover #thefavoritesister #jessicaknoll

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton My rating: 5 of 5 stars Only two mystery/thriller books have ever had the ability to leave me dumbfounded; Night Film by Marisha Pessl was one and The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton is the other one. What a ride!!! Stuart Turton presents us with a masterpiece of mystery à la Agatha Christie. The characters (with many ssssss) are well defined and ingeniously calculated. They each bring essential clues to solve this mystery. Aiden Bishop has 8 days and 8 hosts to crack Evelyn Hardcastle’s murder and be free. He will encounter allies and antagonists along the way but constantly will have to look over his shoulder to circumvent being murdered himself. When you think you have resolved the murder… think again! So many twists and turns and not to mention details dropped here and there which will lead you to think you know, but you don’t. The spectacular ending will leave you panting and come to realize ...

Build-a-Bowl: 77 Satisfying Nutritious Combos: Whole Grain + Vegetable + Protein + Sauce = Meal by Nicki Sizemore My rating: 5 of 5 stars I love reading cookbooks. First of all, I love cooking and secondly, I love discovering new ways to prepare delicious and nutritious meals. The past year or so, I often encountered meal-in-a-bowl types of recipes. I tried a few and love the concept. When I saw that Storey Publishing was offering an ARC of Build-a-Bowl: 77 Satisfying Nutritious Combos: Whole Grain + Vegetable + Protein + Sauce = Meal by Nicki Sizemore on NetGalley, I jumped on the opportunity to request it. The book is a fast read and it offers wonderful insights into the provenance and nutritional values of grains. Nicki also offers great tips on how to cook the numerous variety of grains listed in the book. The recipes are well detailed and easy to follow. She suggests great substitutions to change up the recipe or to make it vegetarian. There is something for everyone ...

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell My rating: 5 of 5 stars My! My! My! This was such a good book!!! At first, I was worried I would not be able to read it because "losing a child" stories always get me to the heart and I find them hard to read. The story broke my heart, but if I did not persevere, I would have missed out on a well written and complex story with so many twists and turns. Lisa Jewell's writing is fantastic and the story is well structured and keeps you on your toes. I totally recommend this book. View all my reviews #books #bookworm #bookreview #bookish #booklover #mystery #crime #thenshewasgone