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Category: Books

Masking for Trouble Book Review + Giveaway

Masking for Trouble Book Review + Giveaway

Halloween season with small kiddos ensures that one of the big items on my family’s October to-do list is picking out the perfect Halloween costumes. It is always a tough process for me. Finding one that fits them just right, will stand up to the weather (Halloween can be cold in Iowa), and works for school classroom parties. I usually end up at Target or Wal-Mart with the boys encouraging them to just pick something! Margo Tamblyn, the protagonist in this…

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Tangled Up in Brew Book Review + Giveaway

Tangled Up in Brew Book Review + Giveaway

I can’t get enough of fall themed mysteries this time of year. I just finished Tangled Up In Brew by Joyce Tremel and wanted to share a little about this perfect fall read. And give you the chance to win a copy for yourself! This is the second book in the “A Brewing Trouble Mystery” series and follows the adventures of Max, a female brewpub owner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During this adventure (the first one I’ve read in the series), Max…

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A March to Remember + A Giveaway

A March to Remember + A Giveaway

Do the election season blues have you down? Don’t think you can possibly handle one more political commercial, debate, or phone call? I have the solution. Pick up a copy of Anna Loan-Wilsey’s new book, A March to Remember and read a fun, fictional account set in our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. There was a lot I liked about this book. One of those items was the main character, Hattie is a list maker like me! She would write out and organize…

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A Jump Into Cozy Waters

A Jump Into Cozy Waters

I have a lot of crazy ideas. I also have wonderfully supportive people in my life who are really good at saying, “That sounds like a great idea. Go for it!”  Putting these two things together can be a dangerous (but awesome) thing. It is no secret that I love to read. I also love the extras that authors have been putting in the back of many cozy mystery books these days. Recipes, decorating tips, etc. This got me thinking about other…

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Fall Reading Fun

Fall Reading Fun

It is no secret that I love fall. The colors, the cooler weather, and everything that comes with it. I started with fall themed reading even before the weather had turned. Sitting down with a good book is my favorite way to relax and let my mind wander at the end of a long day. And it beats so much of the stuff that is on TV! Here is what I’ve been reading the last couple of weeks. Hallowe’en Party by…

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What I’ve Been Reading + A Reading Round Up

What I’ve Been Reading + A Reading Round Up

It has been a crazy week around our house. Between work, a couple of family day trips, and our senior dog having some health issues, I haven’t had a whole lot of time for reading. In fact, many nights include me picking up a book, reading the same sentence about three times, and then putting said book down and falling asleep. But I have managed to finish a couple books. So I wanted to share what’s on my nightstand with…

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5 Ways to Utilize Your Public Library

5 Ways to Utilize Your Public Library

It is no secret I love to read. It is also no secret I am cheap thrifty. Combining these two things makes the public library my best friend. I love the library. I love using it personally and for the kids. Today I thought it might be fun to discuss five ways to make sure you’re fully utilizing your local public library. Check out ALL the libraries in your area. Depending on the size of your area, you may have…

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It’s Party Time – A Bakeshop Mystery Edition

It’s Party Time – A Bakeshop Mystery Edition

My sister, Lisa, and I had a little fun this weekend. We had a Sunday Sister Party (along with my three boys). The inspiration came from the Bakeshop Mystery books that we are both reading. We made three recipes straight from the pages of the books and then a couple of our own creations, inspired by the series. The Menu: Beef Stew (because we are Iowa girls like a little hearty food) Braised Green Beans Homemade Basic Bread Caprese Salad Chocolate…

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My Recent Reading Recap

My Recent Reading Recap

Recent reading recap. Try saying that fast three times! I love to read and want to make an effort to share a little more about all things reading on the blog. My hubby and I were recently discussing the merits of speed reading. He is excited to try a new speed reading technique he found online. I’m skeptical. For me, part of the enjoyment of reading is savoring the book. Picking it up and putting it down. Seeing what it challenges…

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Summer Readin’ – Fiction Fun

Summer Readin’ – Fiction Fun

Summer is a great time for light hearted reads. I love to always have a book going in the summer. Something that is easy to pick up and doesn’t force me to think too hard. I want something that is fun, enjoyable, and leaves me feeling good at the end. I’m a sucker for blog posts where people share what they are reading. I’ve found a lot of great books that way. In that spirit, I wanted to tell you about two books…

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