 October was another strange month of limited travel (thank you Covid-19) and random, half hearted events. I think most people are really feeling the strain of the pandemic. Now just about everyone I speak with has either lost someone or knows of person who was very ill. Halloween was all but canceled this year. Trick or treating was frowned on and parties were illegal, well depending on where you lived. This was the first year we didn't hand out candy, dress up or do anything.  A little bit of Halloween fun spotted around town.  Book Reviews: I've actually been reading every night and have about 30 books I need to write up. In October I did manage to review a trilogy of quick, reads by Erin Kellison. (Read about it here)  I had plans to write up all my September adventures, but just didn't have the time. So I put all the pictures in a quick video. It's less than 4:00 minutes, but it covers the kooky and upbeat vibe of Roswell. Watch it here: I spent most of the month working to make up for taking September off. I did find time to bake and write a bit. And to makes things more bizarre right before Halloween we had a freak blizzard!  Right before the storm blew in....  It was like this for 3 days.  Which called for Vegan Pumpkin bread!  A cold weather veggie suppers. See you with more book reviews and updates soon!
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Happy Weekend! The weather here is turning off cold and we have a good chance of snow Sunday. I'm going to head to the trails and take advantage of the sun before the storm blows in, but wanted to get this book review to you first. It's been busy this month, and I wanted to just turn off my brain for a while. You know? Not read for work or anything too heavy, just clean my palette, with an easy story. (And who doesn't want a bit of fantasy to get lost in right now?) So after some diligent searching I decided to start a new book about Dragon Shifters. It was so good that I read all three in the series!  Last weekend I started the Dragons of Bloodfire trilogy The first book: Tempted by Fire Tempted by Fire is a quick and fun dragon shifter story. Honestly I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised! I enjoyed the story, the characters and the world building. The authors writing style is pleasant and very easy to read, making this a very relaxing weekend escape Let's face it, there is nothing new on Netflix anyway, why not read?  Author Erin Kellison is a New York Times best seller and I can see why. She didn't have me setting on the sidelines being told a story, she immersed me in the storyline. The plots move pretty fast (no one likes a book that drags) but there is enough action to keep you reading.
The books could be read alone or as a trilogy.
The review is based on all three books: Quick Book Review - Weekend Edition: Dragons of Bloodfire
More reviews out soon~  Today I am reviewing a set of short stories belonging to The Iron Druid Chronicles. This series of urban fantasy novels, is written by Kevin Hearne and wildly popular in the United States. Set in modern day, the druid's world contains witches, vampires, werewolves, demons, elementals, as well as various deities from many pantheons. During the course of this series the Iron Druid, his dog and cast of characters, have adventures with gods and goddess, travel to different plains and search out good food. There is action, adventure and humor aplenty with well written dialogue and unexpected twists. WHY YOU SHOULD READ THE SERIES: There are 9 well written novels in this series and if you include short stores and novellas the count reaches 18. The world Kevin Hearne creates is inviting, exciting, beautiful and horrific. If you are looking for a nice action filled read then grab this series. I would recommend you begin with book one, but I also don't think its mandatory. Each book stands alone in its story telling, but to really understand these short stories a basic understanding of the characters is needed. THIS BOOK: This is a "stand alone" collection of short stories from the Iron Druid's world; with all but two of the stories starring Atticus and Oberon. I really enjoyed the stories set in ancient Egypt and the carnival misadventure in modern day Kansas. The book reviews for this book are the most mixed for the entire series. For some people short stories just don't work, but if you are a fan of the series, don't hesitate to read this one.  Quick Book Review - Tuesday Edition:
Besieged - Iron Druid Chronicles
More reviews out soon~  Did you know its National Read A Book Day? Yes, it’s observed annually on September 6th or basically everyday at my house, lol. But don’t confuse it with National Book Lovers Day which is celebrated on August 9th. National Read a Book Day invites us to spend the day reading. This is a perfect day to read aloud either to children or to grandparents, your pets or even to your plants. WHY SHOULD YOU MAKE TIME TO READ? Reading is has been proven to improve memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults who spend time reading show a slower cognitive decline.  Pick up a classic or try out a new book, either way you're likely to reduce your stress levels and end up engrossed in an adventure. (And let's face it...couldn't you use a positive distraction right about now?)
If you are looking for some recommendations, check out some of my many book reviews. And don't worry I have recherché taste so there is probably something on this list you will like. The link to the posts is here: Book Reviews My Blog tells me there are over 205 posts there, not counting multiple books being reviewed in one post, so you should find something that will pique your interest. So there is no excuse not to celebrate this holiday! Happy Reading!  Happy Sunday! It's going to be a busy day around here and I'm rushing to get things done before we have to go out. The heat is miserable this week, so we plan everything for early morning or late evening. But so far I've been really great at procrastinating this morning. I've knocked out two cups of coffee and not much else...So before I buckle down and get something done today, here's a quick book review:  This novel has been on my list for years, and thanks to 2020 forcing me to slow down, I finally had time to read it! It was the first novel to win the Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick Awards, and is considered a science fiction masterpiece. Written in 1984, Mr. Gibson's Neuromancer came together at a time when the personal computer was just beginning to make its way in private homes, and many people were dismissing its staying power as a "fad". This book builds a complex, future reality that is far away from 1984 and uncomfortably close to 2020. Quick Book Review - Sunday Edition: Neuromancer by William Gibson
 Books two and three in the trilogy. While Gibson did not invent cyberpunk, but wrote several important contributions previous to this novel - including short stories “Johnny Mnemonic” and “The Gernsback Continuum.” But Neuromancer cemented cyberpunk as a damaged, dystopian society dominated by global computer networks, crime and personal enhancements.  It's a page turner!  If you are looking for a great read, go grab a copy today! This review contains affiliate links, but I never post about anything I don't love.
Have a great Sunday! Speak soon~ 
Hello and Happy Saturday!
I hope you're having a great weekend. I've officially moved outside, to enjoy this amazing weather. And the Sunsets - OMG the sunsets! I took the picture above yesterday with my phone. It doesn't do it justice, but you get the idea. Summer is here and I'm loving it!
So thats why I'm posting later than normal today, I'm too busy doing nothing outside, lol. But still I've got a quick review of another book you need in your life.  
This one is a bit different... I don't know about you, but I needed a laugh this month. So much has happened and we have lost so many people, this has left me just wanting (needing) to step away from the news and read something lighter. So no self-help or business building books, this week and also nothing dark or apocalyptic either. #ChangeofPace
This book is a light, fun read. Tim Conway's humor is not like typical, modern comics. He doesn't shame, or humiliate people or even poke fun at them. He had an optimistic joy for life and it shines through in this book. Quick Book Review - Tuesday Edition: What's So Funny? by Tim Conway
Speak soon~  I'm coming to you late today because I took the day to do some much needed mundane chores such as dusting, laundry, etc., #Goodtimes Actually it felt good to be physically active and see concrete results, so much of what I do online is less "physical" and requires longer timeframes to see results. (Unlike instantly seeing the laundry basket go down, lol) The sun came out for a bit but it is still cooler, with more rain on the way! I have hope though as the weather is supposed to become warmer starting Sunday. I posted a bit more in April and thought I would give you the rundown, if you missed anything...  Quick Book Reviews: Isolation Diary: Have a great evening and speak soon~
Happy Tuesday!
It’s kind of a grey day here in central New Mexico this morning, but I’m not complaining. I am grateful that we are having a bit of rain and the temps are dropping. 
It’s been a busy week already and it’s only Tuesday! Lol, I have a couple of baby showers to attend this month and a wedding (well NOT attend in person, but on Zoom), and I’m wrapping gifts for those, reading, painting, and there’s always work…
But I also found time to write up two quick book reviews for you today, both by Neil Gaiman. 
Quick Book Review - Tuesday Edition:
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Speak soon~
 Happy Thursday! It’s a chilly, rainy morning here in Central New Mexico. I thought we were going to beat the rain on our morning walk, but it started just as we got to about the halfway point! But all this rain equals amazing Spring flowers so I'm not complaining. There's lots to talk about this morning, so I'm just going to dive right in with another book review.  Thursday Short Review:
Deception Point by Dan Brown
This review contains affiliate links, but I never post about anything I don't love. Okay now I'm off to tackle the laundry and put on a pot of coffee. Have a great day! 
Happy Sunday!
I'm getting a late start this morning because I slept in. It was after 9:00 before I had my first coffee. Of course, the fact that I stayed up till 2:30 chatting on WhatsApp had nothing to do with it, lol. 
But regardless, it's a gorgeous day here and I'm going for a lovely, long walk this morning. But before I go run off, I thought I would knock out a few more book reviews, lol. I'm so far behind, that I really should be writing 10 at a time, lol - but we both know thats not going to happen. Today we will have to make do with two, instead.
Yesterday, while I was trolling for books on Amazon I noticed there was an Expanse novella that I hadn't read yet, so I scooped it up. Auberon came out in November 2019 and I have no idea how I missed it then? Oh yeah - I remember now, I was busy writing my book, lol. 
Sunday Short Review:
Auberon (An Expanse Novella) By James S.A. Corey
If you read the The Churn novella, you were given insight into Amos Burton and the Baltimore criminals. Erich from this novella is a main character in Auberon and his story is worth catching up on. Also read my review of Book One in this series here. Saturday Short Review II: The Churn: An Expanse Novella (The Expanse) By James S.A. Corey
I have paid links in this post, but trust me, I only make a small fee off them and never write about anything I don't personally love.
Okay I'm off for that walk now. Have a great Sunday! |
Author Welcome to my (I used to travel) blog, my healthy Vegan lifestyle blog and my life! It's a lot, but it's my passions and I just love to write about it. Here I share tips, stories and photos from my adventures and life. This is the place where people can find daily inspiration to travel and motivation to live healthier lives and laugh a bit too! 
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