Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques - George C. Morgan and Drew Smith

 
Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques
by George C. Morgan and Drew Smith
Copyright ©McGraw Hill Education Books
ISBN 978-0-07-181650-2
 
This book is a godsend in assisting me to advance my research even further than I had already done! Directed toward the researcher who is either a professional or who has been doing this for some time and is more literate in the field of genealogy than just a beginner, this book helps make us aware of those little known areas of hunting and searching that we might not otherwise have known of.
 
The back cover touts:
"* Examine the brick wall in detail to find potential weak spots  that can be exploited into a breakthrough
 
* Use brute force techniques that leave no stone unturned
 
* Research the family, associates, and neighbors (FANS) of your brick wall ancestor
 
* Consult with your family, friends, and colleagues to get a fresh perspective on your research
 
* Use crowdsourcing - genealogy societies, online forums, social media, blogs, wikis, and podcasts
 
* Apply technological solutions, including DNA testing and specialized genealogical software
 
* Getting tips on hiring a professional genealogical researcher with the appropriate credentials and references
 
* Revisit your brick wall problem after honing your research skills
 
* Review your evidence, develop a research strategy, and keep a meticulous research log"
 
 
I found the text insightful and well worth the purchase of this book.
 
I give Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques ....
 
 
 
...Five Stars and...
 
 
 

 
 
...a big Thumbs Up!
 
 
 
****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was under no obligation for review.
 


Work From Home Make $200 A Day

WORK FROM HOME
MAKE MONEY ONLINE
MAKE $200 A DAY
By Ahmed ALSAMANOUDI
Copyright©2013 Ahmed Alsamanoudi
Distributed by Amazon.com
 
Don't waste your money on this one folks. The author attempts to cash in simply from the title he chose. He offers no proof of his income making skills. His principles are not sound. And the book is totally unedited and full of so many grammar and spelling mistakes as to make it unreadable in some areas.
 
I give it one star, simply because I can't give it a lower one!
 
 
 

 
And a big thumbs down.


****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and not under obligation for review.

Slow Cooker 500+ Recipes by FlavorfulApps

Slow Cooker
500+ Recipes
by Flavorful Apps
Distributed by Amazon.com
Copyright© FlavorfulApps.com
 
Okay, so I was looking for diversity and ease in preparing meals that my hubby and grown daughter could simply ladle from the slow cooker when I got this eBook from Amazon.
 
All I can say is WOW! WOW! WOW!
 
The recipes are super easy to follow and use every day ingredients. And they are about as diversified as you can get!
 
The chapters include:
Beans and Grains
Beef Dishes
Chicken Dishes
Other Meats
Vegetables
Soups
Stews
Desserts
 
 It also includes a section for lists and notes, and a search function, which makes it highly useable!
 
I found the recipes a godsend! And I can't do anything less than highly recommend this book for your Kindle. I give it...
 
 
... Five Stars and...
 
 
 

 
 
...a big Thumbs Up!
 
 
 
****DISCLOSURE: This eBook was a private purchase and was under no obligation for review.
 

Slow Cooker Revolution by America's Test Kitchen

 
Slow Cooker Revolution
by America's Test Kitchen
Copyright © 2011by the Editors at America's Test Kitchen
ISBN13: 978-1-933615-69-1
 
Since I work evenings [2p.m. to 10:30p.m.] and don't make it home until around 11 or so at night, my hubby and grown daughter are often left to fend for themselves with dinner. How can I say this as politely as possible? They are lazy. Well, lazy when it comes to cooking. Even if I leave a well planned menu and instructions on how to cook it, the ingredients may languor on the counter, or in the fridge, until I have to throw them away.
 
So, it was with high anticipation that I purchased this book. In hopes that I could make sure they ate something more nutritious than Cheerios™ or packaged burritos from the gas station!
 
I have always trusted America's Test Kitchens, finding recipes and equipment reviews to be right on. So, I didn't hesitate to purchase this book when it came up on one of my recommended reading lists!
 
I was NOT disappointed!
 
200 recipes that are to die for! Some, I will admit, are a little more laborious than a simple drop the ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, but nonetheless, these are some awesome recipes! From lasagna to rustic potato and leek soup to chicken with white wine, terragon and cream, to weeknight beef chili to easy barbecued ribs!  And the desserts! Cherry cobbler, nutella bread pudding, chocolate fondue, and pears poached in red wine.
 
Easy to follow recipes, and simple ingredients. What more could a working woman ask for? I can get the meal started and put it in the slow cooker, and when it's dinner time, they simply have to serve it up!
 
I highly recommend Slow Cooker Revolution by America's Test Kitchen.
And I give it....
 
...Five Stars and...
 
 
 

 
...a Big Thumbs Up!
 
 
 
 
****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and under no obligation for review.
 

Monday, November 18, 2013

One Small Candle: The Pilgrims' First Year in Americva by Thomas Fleming

 
One Small Candle: The Pilgrims' First Year in America
by Thomas Fleming
  • File Size: 1003 KB
  • Print Length: 176 pages
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: New Word City, Inc. (October 1, 2011)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B005S1AWAO

  • I purchased this book thinking it might be a fun read just before Thanksgiving. And I wasn't disappointed! A wonderful telling of the events leading up to the Pilgrims' leaving Europe, and their voyage to this country, as well as the struggling first year in America.

    Well written, with historical facts from those gentlemen who kept diaries and journals at the time, and extrapolations of what the events might have been like. I found the work entertaining, and brought to light some things I had never heard of before regarding this group of individuals who settled in New England.

    Flemings' work is excellent for readers of all ages. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to appreciate the Thanksgiving season a bit more.

    I give this book....
     
     
    ...Five Stars and...
     
     
     

     
     
    ...a big Thumbs Up!
     
     
    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was in no way obligated for review or consideration.
     

    Monday, November 11, 2013

    The Philosopher's Kiss - Peter Prange

     
    The Philosopher's Kiss
    by
    Peter Prange
    Copyright © 2003 Droemer Verlag
    Translation © 2011 Steven T. Murray
    ATRIA Books 2011
    ISBN 978-1-4391-6748-9
     
    A wonderful, delightfully written historical novel that takes place in 18th century Paris. This gives us a first hand look at the making of the infamous Encyclopedia, for which so many were persecuted. And especially gives a look at the man responsible for the undertaking Denis Diderot and his consort Sophie Volland.
     
    I found this novel a treat to read. For one day I was able to immerse myself in a story of love, betrayal, intrigue, political horror, and faith.
     
    I highly recommend The Philosopher's Kiss. And I give it....
     

     
     
    ....Five Stars and...
     
     
     
     
     
    ... a Big Thumbs Up!
     
     
     
    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and I was under no obligation for review.
     
    

    Saturday, September 28, 2013

    The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day - Jeff Hertzberg, MD

     
    The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day
    by Jeff Hertzberg, M.D. and Zoe Francois
  • Hardcover: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books; First Edition  (October 22, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1250018285
  • ISBN-13: 978-1250018281

  • I am in awe at how easy it is to make artisan bread in just a few minutes a day right in my very own kitchen! And I am NOT a chef or baker!

    This book makes it super easy to make a starter, which is kept in the refrigerator, and from this all kinds of breads can be made. From sweet breakfast breads, to herb breads, to the best sour dough bread I've ever eaten!

    I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to make delicious and healthy bread at home! [It even has recipes for gluten free breads!]

    I give The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day...
     
    ...Five Stars and....
     
     

     
    ...a Big Thumbs Up!
     
     
     
    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.



    Sunday, September 15, 2013

    The Apostle Murders by Jim Laughter

     
    The Apostle Murders
    by
    Jim Laughter
    copyright 2011 by Jim Laughter
    Deadly Niche Press
     
     
    When "Preach" gets a higher calling from God to fulfill a mission, it becomes a "deadly mission".
     
    Tracked cross-country by a crackpot, [screwball] team of FBI agents, it takes a rookie agent to understand a killer, and get inside his head to get one jump ahead of him. But not before a string of brutal killings leaves the team frustrated and stumped at every turn.
     
    I couldn't put this one down folks! You're gonna love The Apostle Murders  by Jim Laughter.
     
    I give this book...
     
     
    ...Five Stars and...
     
     
     

     
    ...a big Thumbs Up!
     
     
     
     
    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was not under any obligation for review.
    

    Thursday, September 5, 2013

    Books for Your Kindle for Free!

    I am always being asked how I am able to afford so many books to read, both in print and digital. Let's face it...books are not cheap! Even digital books when written by popular authors can cost as much as the printed version!

    But a while back, I received an invitation to visit Book Bub. And I signed up to receive their daily emails. And now I seldom ever pay full price for a digital book, and most often I get them absolutely free!
     
     
    Book Bub is free to join. You simply type in your email address, and you will begin receiving daily offers from them. Each day you will get a wide variety of discount books [most $2.99 or less!] and a good selection of books that are absolutely free!
     
    And this is how I get so many digital books, without ever spending a dime!
     
    As for the print books?
     
    We'll save that for another day!

    Inferno - by Dan Brown

     
    INFERNO
    by
    DAN BROWN
    copyright 2013 by Dan Brown
    published by Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.
    eISBN: 978-0-385-53786-5
     
    Always a fan of Dan Brown, I found this book no less exciting than those that preceded it.
     
    This book was eagerly awaited, and it did not let me down! Full of adventure, excitement and intrigue, as well as an avenue that will turn history on its ears. Inferno is a book that once begun, you cannot put down until it is completed.
     
    My Kindle Fire  stayed hot until the book was completed. Yes.... it's one of those kinds of books!
     
    Brown doesn't disappoint in this latest novel!

    I highly recommend Inferno and give it....

     
    ....Five Stars and....
     
    ...a big Thumbs Up!
     
     
     
    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was a purchase from Amazon.com as a Kindle Edition, and as such was under no obligation for review or comment.
     

    The Messiah Matrix - Kenneth John Atchity

     
    THE MESSIAH MATRIX
    by
    KENNETH JOHN ATCHITY
    copyright 2012 Kenneth John Atchity and Imprimatur Britannia, Ltd
    Published by Imprimatur Britannia and Story Merchant Books
    Kindle Edition
     
    I was so thrilled with this book that I read it in only 12 hours without stopping!
     
    Do you think you know the foundation upon which the church was built? Thing again! Atchity brings new light to age old traditions that could shake the very foundation on which Christianity was built!
     
    Or will it? Just how strong is your faith and your belief?
     
    Atchity writes a page turner in such vivid detail that you, too, won't want to put it down. You will be mesmerized through each and every page. And on the edge of your seat as the intrigue and excitement builds.
     
    I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy the writings of author Dan Brown. The style and technique are quite similar. And the detail and research performed are extraordinary!
     
    I give The Messiah Matrix ...
     
    ...Five Stars and...
     
    ...a big Thumbs Up!
     
     
     
    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was a free download on Amazon.com and I was not required to provide a review.
     
    

    Wednesday, September 4, 2013

    Pinning Your Family History (Kindle Edition) - Thomas MacEntee


    Pinning Your Family History
    by
    Thomas MacEntee
     
    Copyright 2013 Thomas MacEntee
    Published 28 Aug 2013
     
    What a great book of advice and information for those genealogists and family researchers who want to try a different way of sharing on the internet. Among the many ways to pin, Thomas lists the sites most popular at the time of the writing of the book. No excuse not to know how to pin your favorite family information!
     
    I found the short book, only 30 pages, easy to read and understand, and I'm not the technology guru that MacEntee is!
     
    I highly recommend Pinning Your Family History for anyone who wants to learn what pinning is, and how to do it. And especially for those who want to pin their family history, whether in photos or documents.
     
    I give this book ...
     
    ...Five Stars and....
     
     
    ...a big Thumbs Up!
     
     
    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was a free download on Amazon.com and was under no obligation for review.
     
    

    Saturday, August 31, 2013

    My Gift To You - Gail Yvonne Davidson

    MY GIFT TO YOU
    FOR YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE
    by
    GAIL YVONNE DAVIDSON
    Copyright 2013 Gail Yvonne Davidson
    ISBN: 978-1-4797-9881-0
    Ebook: 978-1-4797-9882-7
    Published by Xlibris Corporation

    I was gifted this book yesterday, by the author herself. And I have found that it is a gift I will treasure for many, many years. [I am ordering copies for my granddaughters now!]

    Life has a way of teaching us many lessons. It is important how well we listen, and take to heart, those lessons that will determine just how we turn out in the end.

    This book contains beautiful life lessons for readers of ALL ages, but especially for the young person who is just starting out on their own, say in college, or a first job.

    Davidson begins with a little story [she says she has a never ending supply of stories] and follows that with the lesson. Each lesson is then highlighted with a reference from Scripture. Each lesson is very short, and will take about 5 minutes to read. There are thirteen [13] chapters in all.

    The book can be read in a single sitting. Or the lessons can be read one at a time. I found the book suitable for group study as well. 

    This book is available in both print and Kindle versions on Amazon.com and Xlibris.com.

    I give this book...

    ...Five Stars and...

    ...a big Thumbs Up!


    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by the author, and was a gift, under no obligation for review.




    Saturday, August 24, 2013

    The Way Back by Tom Pawlik

     
    The Way Back
    by
    Tom Pawlik
    Kindle - Amazon.com
    Copyright 2013 - Tom Pawlik
     
     
    I am so ashamed of myself for not getting to this book earlier! I received a pre-publication of this book from Mr. Pawlik last spring, and just got to reading it today. So, to Mr. Pawlik, I apologize.
     
    What a treasure!!!
     
    From the first page to the last, the book is rife with emotional turmoil, danger, intrigue, and the premise that life, good or bad, has a way of touching so many individuals.
     
    I found the book a rare treat. In a world where so many novelists seem pleased to toss out some garbage and expect us to proclaim it a literary winner, Mr. Pawlik really gives us a novel we can put our teeth into, stay on the edge of our seats, and yet come away with a tear in our eye!
     
    Already a Christy Award Winner, Mr. Pawlik has a talent that I hope to continue reading for many years to come.
     
    I highly recommend The Way Back  for readers of 15-years and older.. There is some graphic content [an animal killing humans, and racial bias] that may be too mature for the very young.
     
    I give this book
     
     
    FIVE STARS and....
     
     
     
     
    a big THUMBS UP!
     
     
     
    ****DISCLOSURE: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.
     
    
    

    Saturday, May 18, 2013

    The 7-Day Back Pain Cure by Jesse Cannone

    The 7-Day Back Pain Cure
    by Jesse Cannone
    Copyright © 2011 Jesse Cannon
    Published by Bush Street Press
    ISBN: 978-1-937445-11-9

    I came across an advertisement for receiving this book simply by paying postage, and since I am currently dealing with several months of being off from work due to extreme back pain, I felt it had to be worth a read at least.

    A lot of what Cannone writes seems simply good common sense [healthy diet, exercise, etc.] but then he throws in some information that I am anxious to put into practice! Not only does it make sense, but with a little research I have also found that these practices are considered sure-fire ways to alleviate back pain, and even banish it completely in most cases!

    I give The 7-Day Back Pain Cure...
    ...Five Stars and...

    ...a big Thumbs Up!


    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was privately obtained, and as such was under no obligation for review.



    Sunday, May 12, 2013

    An Uncommon Education - Elizabeth Percer


    An Uncommon Education
    by Elizabeth Percer

    Seldom do I find myself at a loss when attempting to read a book for a review. Usually I can make myself finish the read, even if it's one that I don't particularly enjoy. However, An Uncommon Education is one that I simply could not get past the block of boredom and being unable to read!

    Call it a clash in tastes, or personal preference, but this book has taken 6-months of my time, and I am nowhere near the half-way mark. That being said, I found nothing wrong with the writer's style, grammar, or story line! It just did not capture me.

    I would suggest that if the story line captivates you, that you go ahead and purchase the book and see for yourself. Then, please take the time to write your own review as well!

    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.

    Hillbilly Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus


    Hillbilly Heart
    by Billy Ray Cyrus
    Copyright © 2013 Billy Ray Cyrus
    Amazon Publishing

    American singing icon, Billy Ray Cyrus, brings us his memoir’s in this captivating tale of his journey to the top and maintaining that elevated status.

    Hillbilly to the core, Cyrus comes from Kentucky and the great roots of his family are steeped in music and religion. Cyrus tells a tale that reaches out from those roots and touches Americans where it counts most. At the heart.

    Hillbilly through and through, Hillbilly Heart, will entertain you. As to what is truth and what is fiction, only Cyrus knows for sure. Still, it makes for a great read.

    I give Hillbilly Heart

    Five Stars and a big…

    Thumbs Up!

    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.

    Saturday, April 27, 2013

    Aesop's Mirror - A Love Story


    Aesop's Mirror
    A Love Story
    by
    Maryalice Huggins
    Copyright 2009 by Maryalice Huggins
    Sarah Crichton Books
    Farrar, Straus and Giroux
    New York
    ISBN: 978-0-374-10103-9

    I purchased this book from the Dollar Tree at our local shopping center as something that looked a little interesting. I did not realize at the time I purchased it that it was a non-fiction account. When I got into the story, I was so pleasantly surprised by the story itself, and the content, that I could not put it down until I had devoured it!

    As a "semi-professional" genealogist, I was enamored with the tale of a furniture gilder who finds an unusual mirror that depicts Aesop's infamous tale of the fox and the grapes. Buying the mirror at auction, without really knowing what she had, Maryalice Huggins goes on to prove that this monstrous mirror was something more than expected. Through serious genealogical pursuit and proving provenance, she more than accomplished her task.

    This book touched me on so many levels, I could scarce begin to explain them all to you!

    I am a lover of antiques. Especially those that require a little digging to clearly define their provenance. And I am in love with the pursuit of genealogy. Huggins covers both in this well written work!

    I highly recommend this work for anyone interested in antiques, pursuit of provenance, and genealogy!

    I give Aesop's Mirror ...

    FIVE STARS and....



    a Big THUMBS UP!!!


    ****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and as such was under no obligation for review.