Border Crossings A Journey on the The Trans-Siberian Railway by Emma Fick

I was thrilled to receive a copy of Border Crossings A Journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway by Emma Flick.  This amazing illustrated travel log takes you on a train ride through China, Mongolia, and Russia which make up the Trans-Siberian Railway.   This is one of my favorite non-fiction reads of 2022.  The book is filled with beautiful watercolor illustrations, amazing facts, and wonderful insights into the culture of the train and the people. I was so absorbed in the author’s trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway  that I felt like I was riding along with her.   

Some  Book highlights for me included:

The dining car and what they serve for dinner changes for the different countries you pass through. So they physically change the dining car itself.   

The size of the train track changes  in the different countries on the route, and the train rails must be changed.  It is called changing the bogies when they lift the car into the air.  

I highly recommend this book.  I had it out at one of my kids' activities and everyone wanted to borrow the book and buy a copy!  I highly recommend you get a copy as well.  

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.  

Emma Fick was born and raised in Covington, Louisiana; received BA in English Literature and Art History from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

In October 2014, began the "Snippets of Serbia" illustration project as part of a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Serbia.

In June 2015, published my first book of illustrations: "Snippets of Serbia."

Moved back to New Orleans in October 2015 to begin working on "Snippets of New Orleans," published in May 2017.

The Kew Garden Girls at War by Posy Lovell

 ❓Do you like WWII stories? I am not a huge fan, but I enjoy learning about women during WWII.

📚Review: The Kew Gardens Girls at War by Posy Lovell was such a fascinating read. Our story follows four women during WWII with a connection to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. Louisa wants to help with the war effort, and worked in the gardens during the last great war. Daisy is working at Kew while her new husband in the RAF is fighting. Her mom,Ivy, who worked there during the last war, thought it would be a great distraction for her. Beth is a nurse who desperately wants to become a doctor, and lives under the constraints of women at that time.

I am not a huge fan of WWII stories, but really enjoyed The Kew Garden Girls. The story was realistic of the time without being too heavy. The characters were very relatable and I cheered for each of them to find their way. The author walked us through what it was like to live during the air raids in London, the issues pertaining to women of that time, and the universal topics that have been with all women through time.

I loved journeying through life with the women in the story and they felt like friends at the end of the novel. The themes of perseverance, friendship, and hope that were woven through this novel spoke to my heart. I highly recommend it.

I was given a complimentary copy through NetGalley by the publisher and not required to write a review.

Mulberry Hollow by Denise Hunter

Mulberry Hollow by Denise Hunter is the second book in her Riverbend series, but definitely a standalone novel.  Mulberry Hollow exists right off the Appalachian trail.  Avery is a doctor running the only medical clinic in town while fighting her deepest fears.  Wes finds himself on Avery's doorstep when he is too sick to go on walking the Appalachian trail in  memory of his friend. 

There's nothing like getting lost in a Denise Hunter book. Her books have wonderful romance and characters that I always want to invest in.   Avery and Wes are two people who are working through the hard parts of their lives becoming something better.   I enjoyed watching them change and fall in love. Avery's  family is filled with people you want to know who care deeply for each other. I found myself wishing I could move to the town of Mulberry Hollow, and have dinner with Avery’s family. The other women who work in Avery’s clinic are funny, and help make the book delightful.    

The story's themes of sacrificial love, learning to live with another person's sacrificial act, and remembering that every day is a gift resonated with my heart.  I highly recommend this book.   

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.  

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 35 novels, three of which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who struggle with real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are currently enjoying an empty nest.

You can learn more about Denise by visiting her FaceBook page.

The Regency Book of Drinks by Amy Finley

 QOTD: Do you have a favorite historical time period? Mine is Regency. I love learning about all things Regency and enjoy books that share more about the time period.

I have often wondered about the beverages discussed during Regency times in the books I read. I ponder these questions. What is in the punch at Almack’s? What is proper to serve at a garden party? What do they serve at the club? These questions and more are answered in The Regency Books of Drinks. The book shares what to serve at a soiree, what glassware to use, how to make cocktails, how to make simple syrups, and non-alcoholic punches. My personal favorite was Chilling Favorites, Mastering The Art of the Punchbowl.

But for anyone who is a true Regency fan, the tidbits on each page will be more enticing than the drinks. You will enjoy the letters from Lady Thornburg, some games to play at a house party, the period illustrations, and the history behind the drinks. A true Regency learning experience that will hopefully be your cup of tea. . or punch.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

The Proposal by Jess Mastorakos

Have you ever seen or been a part of a flash mob?  I love watching them on YouTube, but have yet to see one in real life.  Everyone has dreams.  :-) 

Review:  The Proposal by Jess Mastorakos is the first story in her Brides of Beaufort series.  It is a delight.  Paul is a Marine currently stationed in Beaufort, South Carolina, and Shelby is a dance instructor who has HCM, a heart condition.  Shelby and Paul have known each other since middle school, and both believe they will always be in the friend zone with the other.  

“There was nothing but friendship between us.  Case in Point, the fact that she’s set me up with her coworker when I was home for Christmas “.  Paul.  

Oh, what a lovely romance between two best friends who are trying to navigate something different. The author does a great job with the alternating POV’s and had me rooting for Paul and Shelby from the beginning.  This story has sweet romance, airplane jumps, and flash mobs that will make you smile.  I loved the ending and can not wait for the other books in this series. I highly recommend it!  

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review. 

Jess Mastorakos writes sweet military romance. Grab a free book at jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you

Looking For Leroy by Melody Carlson

QOTD? Have you ever taken a long road trip? Have you taken one with an RV? The picture is in front of my neighbor's RV. They are huge fans, and love to go out on weekends when it is warm.

We have driven to Florida about 11 hours from here in our 12 passenger van, but never in an RV.  

Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson is a delightful read. Brynna is a third grade teacher putting her life back together after her divorce who finds herself with her friend Jan driving down the west coast in a camper. The trip brings back memories of an old love. Leroy is widowed and works at the old world Vineyard his family has owned for the last 180 years. Both remember their first true love.

The beautiful setting of the west coast and Sonoma wine country made the story almost magical. The author painted the sunsets and scenery in such a pleasing way, I felt as if I was there. The cast of characters were delightful and varied. I loved walking through life with Brynna as she discovered who she was and realized her worth. Leroy was a wonderful man who worked hard and was figuring out what was next in his life. Jan and Mike were comic relief and Leroy’s daughters were full of life.

The author wove this story together in a beautiful way that spoke to themes of second chances, forgiveness, and opening yourself up to God's love and purpose for your life. I enjoyed the many layers of depth in the story and will forever be able to picture the Vineyard in my head. I loved the humor and wisdom sprinkled throughout the book. I highly recommend Looking for Leroy.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review.

Melody Carlson was born March 2, 1956 in San Francisco, California. She grew up in Springfield, Oregon and went to Springfield High School and later Lane Community College. She currently resides in Sisters, Oregon. Some of her novels are being adapted for TV and film, including All Summer Long, which premiered for Hallmark Channel in August 2019.   Some of her most popular works are the Diary of a Teenage Girl, the True Colors Series series, The Happy Camper, and Christmas at Winter Hill. She has written more than 250 books for women and teens and children.