Welcome to my last Sunday Book Review of the year. Today I’m sharing my review for – The Physics of Relationships by Chas Halpern. An interesting tale of a middle-aged widow and the various relationships she shares with interesting characters in her life.
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Blurb:
A highly readable, intimate story about loss, aging, female friendship, family, and renewal…told with grit and humor.
Lexi is a sixty-year-old widow whose solitary life is thrown into turmoil when a desperate young woman moves in with her, soon followed by the unexpected arrival of her best friend, who has separated from her husband of forty years. The mix of these three very different personalities – a powerful omnivore seeking to live life to the fullest; a sweet, self-denying vegan; and Lexi, a thoughtful, still grieving widow – leads to some surprising (sometimes humorous) situations that force Lexi to re-examine her life. In the physics of relationships, Lexi observes that nature abhors a vacuum. She begins to wonder if she herself has somehow manipulated her circumstances to fill that vacuum…simply to imitate the life she had before the death of her husband.
“[The Physics of Relationships] was a joy to read. I loved the flow of the writing, the profundity of the observations, and the humor. You have truly sketched a very accurate, forgiving, and endearing picture of a woman at this stage of life. Thank you for writing this book.” -Kaiya Cade Smith Blackburn
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My 4 Star Review:
Lexi is a twice married, now widow in her early 60s who is re-evaluating and analyzing her current life. She divorced Greg, her first husband when her two children Tasha and Brandon were young children, and shortly after, married the love of her life, Lawrence. Lexi reaches a point of discovery with the relationships in her life. Her kids are off living their lives when daughter Tasha asks her mother if she wouldn’t mind taking in an old friend of hers, Danielle, who needs a temporary place to stay. Lexi welcomes her into her home, and eventually begins to wonder if she will ever leave. While Lexi is always trying to do the right thing to make others happy, she begins to wonder if Danielle is a good thing for her to have company in her now lonely home. Lexi wants Danielle to get her jewelry business going, and save up some money for her future move, until then Lexi won’t take any rent money, and daughter Tasha begins to feel a bit of envy that her friend has struck such a harmonious relationship with her mother.
Amy is Lexi’s best friend. She’s a bit eccentric and in my opinion, can be quite overbearing. Amy is going through a bit of wondering why she bothers staying married to her husband Phil when life has become too mundane for her liking. Amy decides she’s moving in with Lexi until she can decide what she will do with her own marriage. She is good company for Lexi, and sometimes pushes Lexi out of her comfort zone as we continue to read and wonder if Lexi will succumb to all Amy’s wishes. In this story we are taken in with how Lexi handles the various relationships of the people in her life. As Lexi is a cheerleader for everyone and always weighing the best way to handle life issues and delicate relationships, we discover the give and take of friendships, relationships, marriage, divorce, and children in this adult coming-of-age story as Lexi takes us through her thoughts in this well told ‘memoir-like’ story about life and loss and living, and the forgiveness she ultimately finds with her ex-husband Greg.
As Lexi discovers more about herself and her caring for others, she realizes she’s not looking for intimacy, rather, people in her life that fulfill her and bring her joy. Famous words of Lexi, ” The older you get, the more pain you carry with you. It’s just part of you. Your heart expands to accommodate the hurt.”
I’m delighted to share my review for friend and blogger, and cook extraordinaire – Carol Taylor’s brand new debut release of A Homemade Christmas. Wonderful holidays recipes made simple and easy.
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Blurb:
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! But what would Christmas be without delicious homemade food that reminds us of our childhood? “A Homemade Christmas” is a collection of recipes passed down through the generations, gathered from friends and travels, which will help readers revive memories of Christmastime. This book will allow readers to:
Enjoy the comfort of homemade holiday meals with family and loved ones
Create lasting memories of joy and warmth
Transform their home into a winter wonderland
This book includes:
Delicious recipes from Great Britain and around the world
Easy-to-follow instructions
Step-by-step guides to making the perfect holiday dishes
This book is the perfect way to make your home feel like a winter wonderland. Happy Holidays.
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My 5 Star Review:
Carol Taylor is known for her wonderful recipes – both, healthful and delicious. Her recipes are her own tried and true experiments with food, and in this book, Taylor generously shares some of her Christmas concocted recipes perfect for the holiday season – or any other season really. I was delighted to pick up a paperback copy for easy referencing.
The book has some direct, no-nonsense or complicated recipes with ingredients most would have in their home. Each recipe is complemented by a photo image of what the dish represents. From chapters on starters to side dishes, to nibbles and edible food gifts, to pastries and desserts, and right down to some leftover recipes, this book has something delicious for everyone. I personally loved the ease of cooking garlic and butter peas, spiced red cabbage, and yes, even deliciously dressed Brussel sprouts. At the end of the book, the author has also included a temperature and measurement conversion chart from UK to US temps and measurements. A Homemade Christmas would make a beautiful addition to anybody’s recipe shelves.
It’s Christmas Shameless promotion time! And it’s a busy time of year for most. So,here we go!
Is it extra shameless to share some new-er book reviews that I came across for my books at the same time I want to wish you all happy holidays? I hope not. But besides the thrill it is to receive each and every good review for our books, I also like to showcase the wonderful writers who’ve taken the time to read and review my books, as well as treasured regular readers. I know well how many good books we all have on our bottomless readers, and how easily it is for them to sneak down the pipe as we continue to squash in new books that catch our eye and attention. So I am always grateful when I learn another person has plucked out one of my books and enjoyed – and took the time to review.
Without any further ado, I hope you enjoy these reviews 💜
This book is a collection of stories about some of Kaye’s first-time experiences with life’s most natural events. Told through the intimate conversational writing we’ve come to know from this author, poignant personal steppingstones to learning moments are revealed. She encompasses the heart of each matter with sincerity and sprinkled inflections of humor.
From first kiss to first car to walking in the desert with four-inch heels, Kaye’s short coming-of-age stories take us through her awakenings and important moments of growth, often without warning. Some good and some not, life lessons are learned through trial and error, winging it, and navigating by the seat of her pants.
Robbie’s Review:
Fifteen First Times is a memoir of fifteen significant moments in the author’s life. It is a very entertaining book as most of the experiences are fairly universal for women so I could easily relate to the author’s emotions, anxieties, and joys. It was enlightening to read about the same experiences I had in the author’s different environment and lifestyle. Such experiences are so huge and often devastating when they occur, but when we look back on them, they really weren’t that awful after all. Hindsight definitely helps in life.
My favourite story was when the author had a small accident in her father’s car as a result of a defiant response to her grandfather’s spoken and non-verbal critisism of her driving. I had a similar experience but I did a lot more damage to my mom’s car and I’ve also never forgotten it. I got such a horrible shock at the time.
The author’s experiences travelling as a young woman were intriguing for me. I was quite sheltered by my father and never did anything like she describes. It certainly helped her achieve independence and learn some important life lessons.
Fifteen First Times is a wonderful way to remember the highlights of young life from a humorous and witty perspective.
When I read D. G. Kaye’s books, I always get the impression I’m having a conversation with the author. In her latest, Fifteen First Times, the author once again gets up close and personal.
In fifteen chapters, Debby discloses her love affair with shoes, close encounters with boys, the fright of her first menstrual period, the glory of travel and much more. Brimming with chutzpah, the author divulges also how she engineered Christmas cheer in a home where Hanukkah was respected.
The vignettes come with lessons learned, takeaways for readers: “My big European vacation taught me many lessons about life—friendship, flirting, culture, how ridiculous I must have looked wearing four-inch spikes in the desert, consequences for not obeying laws, and how much my father had spoiled me.”
Growing up with a narcissistic mother, we are thankful for the presence of dear Aunt Sherry and a devoted Dad. As expected, the book concludes with an homage to her beloved husband: “My G was the first true love of my life. He loved me through all my war wounds unconditionally. We laughed our way through hard times and shared a most beautiful life together.”
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, but most of all you will be able to relate to Debby Gies’ coming of age memoir and conclude with the author that “hindsight gives us insight.” This brief book with a stunning cover by Unicorn Cats Publishing gets five stars.
Fifteen First Times is Kaye’s delightful memoir. It feels like chatting with her about life over a cup of coffee. Some of her experiences remind me of my first times. These stories could be common to some people, but they are unique to Kaye. Some stories are cute, some serious, some happy, and some sad.
One cute story was that Kaye’s father gifted her a trip to Europe as her eighteenth birthday present. She had a fascination with shoes. She wore 4” spike high heels, carrying oversized luggage on her trip. I could visualize her dragging her luggage, trailing behind a group of young folks who were hopping and skipping in front of her. Her great outgoing personality came to her rescue. She made friends with the tour guides who always looked out for her. In Rome, Ricardo, the tour guide, carried her luggage to her room.
The story I considered as serious was about Kaye’s first boyfriend. At seventeen, she met a singer, Tony, at the nightclub. They seemed to click right away. She listened to Tony every Friday night and spent time together afterward. Tony would pick her up in his red Dodge on a date. She thought it was real love. Tony’s friend broke the bad news to her that his parents had pre-arranged his marriage.
One happy story was about Christmas. Kaye loved Christmas and all the decorations, toys, Santa, and reindeer. But they didn’t have a Christmas tree at their house. Her mother said, “Jewish people don’t have Christmas trees.” When she moved away from home, the first thing she wanted was her own Christmas tree. She was so excited that she “went overboard” with decorations.
The sad story that made me cry was about her best friend Al. Al was a happy-go-lucky friend, divorced, with two children. She jokingly said her painful leg might not support her body one day. Kaye and another best friend didn’t pay attention initially. By the time Al went to the doctor, she was diagnosed with a tumor close to her spine. Surgery couldn’t take care of it. It went downhill at a fast speed. She was put in hospice. Kaye wanted to visit her, but Al’s daughter said her mom was gone. Kaye mourned for her friend of her own age and realized “death has no age limits.”
Kaye wrote a beautiful tribute to her late husband, who was her first real love and will remain the greatest love of her life. I recommend this book to memoir lovers.
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Reading Through the Soul: Words We Carry By D. G Kaye
“Words We Carry” by DG Kaye is an emotional read. You will be able to relate to this book in one way or another. It is a wonderful trumpet read.
“Words We Carry” by DG Kaye is a thought-provoking and insightful book that explores the impact of words on our self-esteem and personal identity. In this memoir, Kaye shares her own experiences growing up with a mother who constantly criticized her appearance and how these words affected her self-image and confidence.
The book is broken down into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of our relationship with words. Kaye delves into various topics such as the influence of childhood experiences, the power of negative words, and the importance of self-acceptance. She offers personal anecdotes and relatable stories that make the book engaging and relatable.
One of the strongest aspects of “Words We Carry” is Kaye’s candid and honest writing style. She openly shares her vulnerabilities and traumas, making the reader feel a deep connection with her. Her writing is accessible and easy to follow, making the book suitable for readers from all walks of life.
Kaye also provides practical advice and helpful tips for overcoming the negativity and self-doubt caused by hurtful words. She encourages readers to develop a strong sense of self and teaches them how to surround themselves with positive influences.
Overall, “Words We Carry” is a compelling and empowering read that sheds light on the often overlooked issue of the impact of words on our self-esteem. It serves as a reminder that the words we use towards ourselves and others hold great power and can shape our lives in profound ways. Kaye’s personal journey and insightful observations make this book a valuable resource for anyone who has struggled with self-esteem and wants to start the journey towards self-acceptance and self-love.
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Words We Carry
Lizzy
5.0 out of 5 stars Relatable, validating, and very well written Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is the first book I’ve read by D.G. Kaye, but as soon as I read the first few pages, I knew it wouldn’t be the last. There was so much I could identify with in the blurb, so on a whim, I downloaded it.
The issue of self-esteem, which the author speaks so knowingly about, is one that affects more people than I believe most of us even realize. Low self-esteem manifests itself in many ways and that can make it more difficult for some to see. Yet, I believe it visits a preponderant number of people at some point in their lives, if not throughout. Reading this book was like talking to a new friend and sharing common experiences. Kaye’s uplifting yet honest writing style makes it very easy to turn the pages.
Even with the issues that I hadn’t personally experienced, I knew many who did (and still do), and I really appreciated Kaye’s down-to-earth approach to examining these issues and offering simple, relatable advice for those seeking to better their lives. As I especially connected to some aspects of the author’s relationship with her mother, I’m absolutely planning to read her book Conflicted Hearts. Our situations, while very different, are also very similar in ways.
Kaye discusses subjects in this book that took me back years and also resonated with me in the present. There are many reasons that I would recommend this book. Not only do I appreciate the common-sense advice, but I believe the author’s words are extraordinarily validating and will help many who feel alone in their pain. This book is also beautifully written. Excellent.
This book is a gem, a book that all couples planning to marry or already married should read. Personally, I found every word truthful. Why? My husband and I built our relationship on a strong foundation of friendship first, then love came along. Kaye writes about making sure the foundation your relationship is built is secure, secure enough to withstand anything, and everything thrown at it so the foundation doesn’t form a crevice. Part of a piece of mortar can fall off, but be right there and prepare it ASAP. Those couples who have a great foundation can weather any and all storms tossed at them. There will be many storms amid times of splendor, and if your foundation is strong, you will survive each and come out stronger and more in love than you thought possible. I know. I have this in my life. Without that strong foundation, we wouldn’t have made it, or if we did make it, the hard times would have been much worse. Both my husband and I’ve had desperate life-threatening issues, and each time, our love grew stronger. Even if you don’t think you can love a person more, that your heart already overflows, we find out how much more we love each other. Five stars.
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I am grateful for all the lovely reviews and hope you enjoyed. You can check out all my books on Amazon.
I want to take this moment to wish you all a beautiful Christmas and festive season. And hope you will all share with me for good wishes to all. I wish for the world to find a peace, revisit their hearts, look for the truth, and to keep our heartlights in the on position. May 2024 be a better year for everyone, and don’t forget to keep your dreams in the forefront to bring them to fruition.
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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy and Healthy New Year! 💜
I’m resharing my last post for 2023 of my Spiritual Awareness column at Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Blog Magazine. At the end of this post I’m sharing an important message to the world from the Archangel Michael.
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Explore the spiritual side of our natures and the universe as D.G. Kaye shares her experiences and research into this element of our lives.
Welcome back to my Spiritual Awareness series. I wasn’t quite sure how I would end off the year here, but it hit me when I came across two powerful videos from a YouTube channel I subscribe to called Above and Beyond. As you all obviously know by now if you’ve been following this series, I’m very connected with my angels.
When I was diagnosed with a tumor on my heart valve, now some fifteen years ago, is when through my terror of digesting such news, I got more in touch with my angels. I always believed in angels, but didn’t know exactly how they became, and the individual parts they play in their hierarchy. But my fear inspired me to pray to the angels.
I began gorging on spiritual books – angel books, and from those books, I was led to more inspirational books from the likes of Louise Hayes’ inspirational healing books, Ester and Jerry Hicks, one of my favorite books by them – Ask and it is Given, Doreen Virtue, and many more.
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Explore the spiritual side of our natures and the universe as D.G. Kaye shares her experiences and research into this element of our lives.
I immersed myself in talking to my angels, especially in my darkest moments where I would rescue myself from paralyzing fear and pull my thoughts back to the light. That’s how I got through. And I began to realize the many signs along the way that were messages letting me know I was going to be fine.
My open-heart surgery was to happen at our St. Michael’s hospital, which has some top cardio-thoracic surgeons in the land. And when I walked in there for the first time to have the first of what would become a whirlwind of tests and scans I’d have done there in preparation for the upcoming surgery, what bestowed my eyes was a huge statue of Archangel Michael. I knew in that moment I would be in good hands. So, with the above all said, my spiritual self who understands a little bit about the higher realms, had learned where to send my fears.
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We are currently in the process of a massive worldwide change with the taking down of the patriarchy, transiting through and into the age of Aquarius. It’s like a purge of evil, lies, fake news, hate, and all its ilk in battle with the truth globally, and the good are fighting to bring back truth where it belongs.
In this wake of chaos – losses, hurts, and wars – all of it, like an unleashing of all the evils of the world are now coming to a head. Remember, to build back strong, we must start at the bottom to begin again with a stronger foundation – kind of like how when God got angry at the world the first time and flooded the earth. And to start over, Noah built an ark and took two of each animal species to rebuild and re-procreate.
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The world right now feels as though it’s spinning out of control on so many different fronts, it also feels as though we’re nearing that start over point again with all the greed and hatred in the world right now. We are all living in turbulent times in one way or another. It almost feels as though the 2020s brought everything good and evil to the forefront, giving us a chance to make right our wrongs. Protests have become the only way to communicate our wounds to our governments.
All the shit in the world is rising to the top because it’s being displayed in so many facets. With the world gone awry with everything from climate change, crime, wars, and corrupt politicians rising to unprecedented levels, no doubts there is so much angst and anger in the world being highlighted on the world platform. Darkness is plaguing us on many different levels. Love is the only answer to dispel the hatred, just as the light is stronger than darkness. We cannot turn off the dark, but we can collectively keep sharing a light, being a light among the darkness. Surely if a world can push up the garbage and negativity to shine upon us, we have the power to overcome it with love and compassion by being a light on the world stage instead of living in the darkness.
This is why I wanted to share the video below because I think the message from Archangel Michael is relevant for the current state of the world. And it would be wonderful if everyone in the world would take a time-out for five minutes and listen to his message.
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We are all ascending whether we realize or not, from the 3rd dimension to the 5th. Love is the answer. Love is the only answer. No more cover-ups and lies. Karma is moving at a much quicker speed at this time of the world. It is time we all search within, send out love into the world – not hatred, and keep our beating hearts and lights shining to help lead those who are lost or have forgotten the righteous path to humanity. . . Please visit Sally’s blog for the conclusion and short video messages.
My Sunday Book Review today is for a short story by Margaret Atwood – My Evil Mother. This was a short read with an unusual story – even for Atwood.
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Blurb:
A #1 Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestseller.
A bittersweet short story about mothers, daughters, and the witches’ brew of love—and control—that binds them, by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments.
Life is hard enough for a teenage girl in 1950s suburbia without having a mother who may—or may not—be a witch. A single mother at that. Sure, she fits in with her starched dresses, string of pearls, and floral aprons. Then there are the hushed and mystical consultations with neighborhood women in distress. The unsavory, mysterious plants in the flower beds. The divined warning to steer clear of a boyfriend whose fate is certainly doomed. But as the daughter of this bewitching homemaker comes of age and her mother’s claims become more and more outlandish, she begins to question everything she once took for granted.
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My 4 Star Review:
A short tale about a ‘supposed’ witch raising her daughter solo and using threats of witchcraft to both discipline and protect her. Mother makes up stories about folklore and potions, and evil spirits she says that still live among their circles. Mother decides who her daughter should date, telling her scary stories of omens to come with each of her relationships.
In later years the daughter finds her estranged father and confronts him asking why he left her and her mom, learning mom was off her rocker, as she tried to convince her daughter that her dad became a garden gnome. In later years, dad apologized and admitted his alcoholism and that he’d always sent her presents and cards on her birthday, but she never received them. Amends are made and she grows up and marries but keeps her own children safe from her delusional mother, who in her aging and loneliness, grows frail and unable to take care of herself, but daughter makes sure she’s looked after, and passing on to her own daughter that her grandmother was a self proclaimed witch and her beliefs were only theories, decidedly, not wanting to pass on any of her mother’s shenanigans.
A short story about a mother/daughter relationship with two people who are definitely not looking at life through the same lens. Also, a little ‘out there’ for Atwood, and the title isn’t a great reflection of the story.
Wrapping up the year with my December picks for Writing Tips – Diana Peach at the Story Empire on Tightening our Prose, Just Publishing Advice shares new Author Scams and Book Publishers to avoid, Dan Holloway at ALLI talks about U.K. writers calling for A.I. protections, WordPress Support from Hugh Roberts, Diana Stout on Self-Editing, and Ruth Harris with some worthy Pro Writer Tips.
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Diana Peach is at the Story Empire sharing tips on how to avoid Redundancies in Writing
Self Publishing News at ALLI from Dan Holloway talking about U.K. Publishers and Writing Groups calling for protection tools against A.I.,Self-Editing, and Writing Advice from the Pros
Welcome to my Sunday Book Review. Today I’m reviewing two heartfelt short stories and poetry. I won a copy on Writing to Be Read of Small Wonders – Reflective Poems by Kaye Lynn Booth. Robbie Cheadle blogs about poetry and books with Kaye at Writing to Be Read. And I’m sharing my review by the sister writing duo, Anita Dawes and Jaye Marie, A Midnight Clear – And other stories.
a magical tale of the spirit of Christmas… a tragic romance in London… a message from Merlin… living with depression and a dog… hilariously funny kitchen escapades… Eleven very different stories from two very different authors…
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My 4 Star Review:
In this book of eleven stories we’ll find a nice mix of stories – some dark, and some that will nip on the heartstrings by two different authors. From a reminiscence of love lost in – A Midnight Clear, to an Eye for an Eye – where two children struggle as they watch their mother drowning in grief after losing her husband, to pet stories – both imagined and real, and many other touching stories in between, finishing off with a karmic story.
In these stories of life, I found some were sad and dark, focusing on aging, grief and loss, broken children, but nonetheless, real life and sure to tug at the heartstrings, as well as a fun nonfiction story about mice in the house.
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Blurb:
The world is filled with amazing things, if we will just stop a moment and take notice. In this vast universe, we are but tiny individuals, filled with awe and amazement. From reflections on first love, to reflections on growing old. The poems within these pages express a lifetime of unique reflections in Small Wonders.
Whether chasing moles in the garden or fantasizing about the life of a cat, Kaye Booth’s poems find playfulness, humor, levity, and often beauty. Small Wonders is a delightful compendium of poetic forms—from pantoums to Shadormas. Each poem is an invitation to see the world with new eyes.—Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, author of All the Honey and Hush
My 4 Star Review:
This is a book of poetry that felt very personal. There are some heartfelt verses along with a few entertaining limericks to entertain. Many of the poems I felt were written on personal reflections, such as topics of aging, life, and love, caregiving, and sharing of fond memories like the author’s Vette. Each set of poetry and stories are categorized in chapter headings, and Booth also explains the various forms of poetry she chose to use, introduced before her poems.
Some of my favorites were from the author’s reflections on life and love poems – Angels Among Us, (I love everything angels), To the Slow Motorist – no explanation necessary, (one of my peeves), the ode to the author’s old ‘Vette, and No Place to Go But Home where this quote resonated, “. . . No place to go, but home . . . Your face haunts me from every corner. No place to go, but home . . . What used to be such a happy place has become a place of sadness . . . No place to go, but home . . . It’s so empty and alone Without your smile . . . “
All poems in various forms are categorized under chapter headings – Fun with Poetry, Reflections of Nature on nature, writing, love, aging, and more!
This post is a reblog of Sally Cronin’s personal reviews for four books in her Book Reviews series. I was delighted to find my book reviewed by Sally and grouped with some other fantastic author talent – Stevie Turner, Alex Craigie, and David Moscow.
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I will be sharing my previous reviews from 2022 in a monthly post and hope that if you have these books on your TBR already it might nudge them up the pile.. or encourage you to go across to buy them.
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My review for Fifteen First Times
The author has a natural conversational style of writing that draws you in as if she is talking to you personally. Her memories prompt the reader’s own experiences at similar ages, and raises a smile or two at the similarities between girls of a certain age, however many thousands of miles they live apart.
This is particularly true in this collection of stories as Kaye shares episodes from her childhood such as playing in her mother’s stiletto shoes which would fuel a lifetime’s love of footwear, a first kiss, and taking that first puff of a parent’s discarded cigarette.
With the smiles comes the tears, as we identify the moments of loneliness and isolation as a girl becomes a woman without the support needed from a mother, a dysfunctional family life, and the loss of a much loved friend who shared the formative years between teens and late twenties.
At the end of the collection is a wonderful tribute to her late husband, who made her laugh every day and was the first and last love of her life.
D.G. Kaye writes with poignancy but also great humour, which makes these first times all the more delightful and memorable. The experiences are not just relevant to girls growing up, as many are relateable to boys and young men coping with the cultural and social expectations of the day, and finding their way in life and relationships. Take a walk down the memory lane of your own life in very good company. Highly recommended.
This is a riveting story of how dreams and expectations can be shattered in seconds and how rebuilding your life can be full of twists and turns.
The author has the great knack of exploring human nature with all its complexities in a creative way. She brings the characters to life so well you almost feel you have met them or someone like them in your own life.
You also have to consider how you would react under similar circumstances and it is fascinating to follow the paths Olivia and James follow after their life changing encounter. There are few choices for them it seems and they both carry the weight of regret, guilt, despair and a desire for revenge and atonement. Romance seems highly unlikely to be on the cards for this ill-fated couple, but you can never underestimate the human spirit and its will to survive.
There are some interesting bit players who are woven into their story who push the couple in and out of their relationship, but it is heartening to discover the strength and ingenuity of the human spirit as they towards a better understanding and respect for each other.
A thoroughly enjoyable read with plenty of elements, twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages to the end of the book. Highly recommended.
This is a thought provoking and inspiring exploration of the food we eat, the complexities of the production processes to bring it to our tables, and its sustainability. It also looks at a number of the factors at play including cultural, environmental and political, as well as the demands of a rapidly growing population.
The author during his travels and his foraging missions around the world, shares the fascinating history of the people, the land and food sources available and current day challenges. He also introduces us to extraordinary people making a difference in terms conservation, food production and the provision of water to their local and wider communities, but also raises serious questions about the future.
For crops to grow water is essential, but on the island of Malta, will their efforts to manage the limited water supply be put at risk by the over building and massive increase in population, complacency, swimming pools and a possible rise in sea water?
As the number of those hunting for their food declines in the United States will the funding for essential conservation projects dry up? And is ethical and responsible hunting for food, more humane than mass farming, where animal welfare is not necessarily part of the process?
The book is also highly entertaining, as the reader becomes the spectator, watching the author sourcing the ingredients to create specific meals suggested by his award winning guest chefs. Not an easy task for the film crew following him by any means. For example being waist deep in a river to farm oysters, searching for allusive octopus in Malta, hunting wild boar in Texas and fishing for cigar fish in the South China Sea.
In Kenya there is the search for the sausage tree fruit accompanied with laughing hyenas at dawn and innovative local regenerative agriculture. Garnished with a lifetime inspirational interview with Richard Leakey.
Certainly heading in search of the best pizza in the world resulted in an interesting encounter with a mozzarella maker, having first milked an unwilling water buffalo by hand, then a search for ancient wheat, tomatoes and anchovies.
Many of the ingredients featured, are ones we usually take for granted, and do not necessarily prepare to make the most of their taste or nutritional value. The chapters are an eye-opener and inspiration to regard our food in a far more mindful manner.
There are some wonderful recipes created by the exceptional chefs that prompted this search for ingredients at the back of the book, offering an opportunity to put this mindfulness to good use.
Moscow believes this exploration of how different cultures grow, harvest and prepare their produce is an important part of becoming closer to the food we eat. In contrast to the distance and lack of appreciation for the food production process imposed by shrink wrapped steaks from the supermarket. It also instils an appreciation for the millions of workers who make a living putting food on our plates, often putting their lives in danger in the process every day.
The message I took from this remarkable book is that there is hope for the future of our planet, but there needs to be more action taken to preserve and to find innovative ways to grow the food we need now, and in the future. We have to start taking an individual and collective responsibility to ensure the long term viability of the food providing our nutritional needs.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to have a clearer understanding of the complexities, sustainability and also the wonders of the food on our plates, and also enjoy an adventure story set in some of the more remote and less visited parts of the world.
A suspense novella that hits close to home for anyone who shares their life online, particularly if they have celebrity status.
For Emmie Hobson the nightmare has just become a reality. Her reputation as an author and presenter has taken years to establish, and she is much loved by both parents and the children who read her books and watch her television programme.
The unscrupulous editor of a celebrity focused magazine, works on the principle of not letting the facts get in the way of a good story. Manipulation of events, photographs and hearsay are the weapons of choice, and a total disregard for the devastating consequences of the vitreol, are the spoils of this vicious campaign.
Unfortunately fame is not admired by everyone. There are those whose lives are not as fortunate, who see the glitter, but not the hard work required to reach this level of success, and take great pleasure in bringing that person down.
The story explores the devastation this kind of onslought can bring to an individual, their families and those close to them. It highlights how difficult it is to counter the allegations, especially when those responsible keep throwing more fuel on the fire.
As always the author has a wonderful grasp of human nature and paints a graphic picture of how quickly this kind of online bullying can escalate. The characters are wonderful, and whilst feeling empathy for those being victimised, those who are behind the campaign will certainly infuriate and anger the reader.
It is a cautionary tale for all of us who share our lives online. Is this a sobering read? Absolutely. However, the author has one or two solutions up her sleeves and there are very satisfying moments that will have you cheering for the good guys. And they are out there, attempting to make themselves heard above the noise of the mob.
I can highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an emotion stirring story that carries you along to a well choreographed climax.
DGKayewriter.com 