All That We Carried Book Review

 I don't know what drew me to All That We Carried by Erin Bartels to begin with but I decided that I wanted to read it.  By the time that it shows up at my house, I didn't remember anything about the book so I decided to start without having any background which is my favorite way to start a book. The cover hinted that it was fall weather with the leaves changing on the trees.  It was off to a quick but confusing start with two sisters and a little bit of a mystery which was answered quickly with information from their past. I was ready to find out what the book would bring even though I had read nothing by the author before.

Ten years ago, sisters Olivia and Melanie Greene were on a backcountry hiking trip when their parents were in a fatal car accident. Over the years, they grew apart, each coping with the loss in her own way. Olivia plunged herself into law school, work, and a materialist view of the world--what you see is what you get, and that's all you get. Melanie dropped out of college and developed an online life-coaching business around her cafeteria-style spirituality--a little of this, a little of that, whatever makes you happy.

Now, at Melanie's insistence (and against Olivia's better judgment), they are embarking on a hike in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In this remote wilderness they'll face their deepest fears, question their most dearly held beliefs, and begin to see that perhaps the best way to move forward is the one way they had never considered.

Michigan Notable Book Award winner Erin Bartels draws from personal experience hiking backcountry trails with her sister to bring you a story about the complexities of grief, faith, and sisterhood.

The sisters Olivia and Melanie Greene were very different people and had been separated for about 10 years.  Olivia spent that time at law school and working hard as a lawyer.  She spent a lot of her time busy and wanted to be productive.  Melanie dropped out of college and decided to be a life coach after getting over her difficult past.  She picked up different pieces of religion to form her spiritual basis for life.  They decided that they would go on a hike to try to get over the difficult past together.  Melanie decided on the idea but Olivia took over with her forceful nature.  They both have different ideas on how they want to do it and Olivia has everything planned to the minute while Melanie wants to feel all of the things and make sure not to miss a moment.  The beginning of the book sets you up to hope that both sisters influence each other so that they end up somewhere in the middle between to relaxed and too stressed.  Together they need to get over their shares past to move on but you have to pick up the book to find out if that happens and how.  Although I was entertained, it felt like it was a little slow going book that was harder for me to get into but many character development books are similar.  I hope that you check out this book and enjoy it for yourself.

**I received a copy of the book for my review but I was not required to provide a positive review.

Menu Plan Monday 1/25

 

 

Pasta with garlic bread

Chicken Fried Steak with White Rice

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Swiss and tater tots and curly fries

Ground beef Taco Rice or Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Pizza (Pepperoni, Garlic Chicken, Buffalo Chicken and Pizza Knuckle Roll Ups)

Fried Rice, Potstickers and Egg Rolls

Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and Homemade French Fries

 

Last week was a good week.  We had chili on the menu which we crossed off because we had so much leftover from the last batch that we were just finishing it up so we replaced it with Fried Rice, Egg Rolls and Edamame which was crossed off earlier in the month. I mixed up the leftover Southwest Chicken Tortilla soup to make it a little creamier with some cheese and cream cheese.  It was tasty! But the best meal of the week was our Steak with au gratin potatoes from Omaha Steak and I made homemade twice baked potatoes.  It was a clearance steak that I got from Harris Teeter which was a filet originally priced at $17.99 per pound!! We enjoyed our yummy meals a lot!  We are at the end of another month and lots more meals that were prepared. 

January was my first month with the printable monthly menu planner which is a little different for me.  It was super easy to come back and do the next month's menu because I just used the same menu and erased the things we weren't having and replaced them with other meals. So it might have even made it easier to plan after I took the inventory.  Ready to start February!!

Fortune and Glory: Tantalizing Twenty-Seven Book Review

 I was excited to finally get to the top of the reserve list at the library and I got to read the newest Stephanie Plum novel. Fortune and Glory: A Novel (27) (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich is the newest book in the Stephanie Plum series even though they have rebranded a little, it still says Tantalizing Twenty-Seven at the bottom of the book to show that we didn't miss one!!

 

 

The twenty-seventh entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series isn’t just the biggest case of Stephanie Plum’s career. It’s the adventure of a lifetime.

When Stephanie’s beloved Grandma Mazur's new husband died on their wedding night, the only thing he left her was a beat-up old easy chair…and the keys to a life-changing fortune.

But as Stephanie and Grandma Mazur search for Jimmy Rosolli’s treasure, they discover that they’re not the only ones on the hunt. Two dangerous enemies from the past stand in their way—along with a new adversary who’s even more formidable: Gabriela Rose, a dark-eyed beauty from Little Havana with a taste for designer clothes. She’s also a soldier of fortune, a gourmet cook, an expert in firearms and mixed martial arts—and someone who’s about to give Stephanie a real run for her money.

Stephanie may be in over her head, but she’s got two things that Gabriela doesn’t: an unbreakable bond with her family and a stubborn streak that will never let her quit.

She’ll need both to survive because this search for “fortune and glory” will turn into a desperate race against time with more on the line than ever before. Because even as she searches for the treasure and fights to protect her Grandma Mazur, her own deepest feelings will be tested—as Stephanie could finally be forced to choose between Joe Morelli and Ranger.

Stephanie is following right where she left off in the last book because she and her grandmother were trying to find the treasure that her grandmother's late husband was supposed to be guarding. Unfortunately, this has put them as targets to get kidnapped and worse.  The mobsters that worked with Grandma Mazur's late husband are out for the same thing.  No one knows all the pieces to the puzzle so they are all searching to try to find it the fastest. During this hunt, Stephanie is also working her normal job as a bail bonds hunter so that she can pay her bills.  Stephanie is currently broken up with her long time boyfriend who she believes is now dating a beautiful new women.  Although Stephanie is very jealous, she is also spending a lot more time with Ranger.  It is funny to watch how crazy this gets but I promise that it is filled with laughs and adventures as all the books are written.  I hope that you check out this book and the rest of the series.  They are super entertaining and make you just feel for Stephanie in the scrapes that she gets herself into.  This book is no different and I hope that you pick it up for yourself and follow along with her adventures.

Menu Plan Monday 1/18

 

 

Pasta with garlic bread

Chicken Tacos with White Rice and Corn Bread

Fried Rice, Egg Rolls, Edamame, and Potstickers

Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup

Homemade Pizza (Pepperoni, Garlic Chicken, Buffalo Chicken and Pizza Knuckle Roll Ups)

Steak with baked potatoes or au gratin potatoes

Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and Homemade French Fries

 

I really need to rethink this Monday post because it is a tough day for me to remember to post I guess because this didn't go up this week either.  We have already had three of the meals and this didn't get published yet.  The week is going to plan.  I originally had chili on the menu but the last chili we took out had lots of leftovers which we more recently finished so I didn't have an interest in pulling out another one so I grabbed a meal that we had crossed off before in favor of the Lidl pizza that I bought so I knew that we had everything we needed to have Fried Rice and all the fun stuff.  We are going to have a new creative version of Chicken Tortilla Soup tomorrow if I can get everything in the crockpot and make it tasty by dinner.  Looking forward to the rest of the week for all the dinners we have planned. I already have the February meal plan mostly hammered out and the inventory taken so I am super ahead of the meal planning game.  Do you have any fun meals on the menu coming up??

Angel Eyes Book Review

 I was excited to see a new book on the shelf in the new release section while the library was open briefly.  Robert B. Parker's Angel Eyes (Spenser) by Ace Atkins was the 47th book in the Spenser series.  Turns out that I am horrible at finding books electronically but I had the next book in this series on hold so I knew that I had to read it before my hold for the next book came in because I love these book and I have read them all in order. Super happy that I found this one before I started reading the latest in the series.

In the latest thriller featuring the legendary Boston PI, Spenser heads to the City of Angels to meet old friends and new enemies in a baffling missing person case that might shake Tinseltown to its core.

Gabby Leggett left her Boston family with dreams of making it big as a model/actress in Hollywood. Two years later, she disappears from her apartment. Her family, former boyfriend, friends--and the police--have no idea where she is and no leads. Leggett's mother hires Spenser to find her, with help of his former apprentice, Zebulon Sixkill, now an L.A. private eye.

Spenser barely has time to unpack before the trail leads to a powerful movie studio boss, the Armenian mob, and a shadowy empowerment group some say might be a dangerous cult.

It's soon clear that Spenser and Sixkill may be outgunned this time, and series favorites Chollo and Bobby Horse ride to the rescue to provide backup. From the mansions of Beverly Hills to the lawless streets of a small California town, Spenser will need to watch his step. In Hollywood, all that glitters isn't gold. And not all those who wander are lost.

Spenser heads to California to find a missing girl, Gabby, who has family in Boston that is looking for her. The great thing is that means that we get to see some friends from other books including Sixkill, Chollo and Bobby Horse.  Spenser is looking to get to the truth and in the process ends up offending many powerful people. It starts up quickly with the crime scene that is Gabby's house which has been tossed.  Spenser doesn't find any clue from searching in the house and talking to her ex-boyfriend so he goes deeper.  There is a Armenian mobster, high level Hollywood type and a cult leader who pretends to be God-like.  It is hard to tell who the bad guy is that he is looking for because there are so many bad guys.  Spenser does a great job making them all angry and is of course involved in a few shoot outs.  This was another nail biter where you just didn't know what was going to happen next but I enjoyed every second.  Pick it up and find out all the ups and downs in this mystery of what happened to Gaby and where is she now.  I hope that you check out this book and all the books in the series.  Just in case you aren't up to date, this series was written by Robert Parker who passed away but it was so popular that another author picked it up and continued writing in the series name.  It is crazy to follow along but it does seem like the author is very much speaking in the same voice of the character.  I hope that you decide to read this book and the others and enjoy them as much as I have.

The Heart of Hill Country Book Review

 I grabbed The Heart of Hill Country (Adams Dynasty) by Sherryl Woods at the library off the new release shelf and I knew nothing about it.  I was glad to get a chance to read two short stories which are great for at night when I get into a story and have trouble putting the book down to get sleep.  It was great to read this because it was a good story that kept me interested but there was a stopping point between the two stories.

 

 

The Littlest Angel

Angela Adams refuses to have anything to do with her unborn baby’s reluctant father—much less marry him! True, her pregnancy was unexpected, but Clint Brady didn’t have to act so dazed when she announced her impending motherhood. And while Clint admits his reaction could have been more enthusiastic, the thought of baby bottles and diaper pins was enough to rattle even a rugged rancher like himself. But now that the shock has passed, nothing is going to come between Clint and fatherhood—not even stubborn Angela!

Natural Born Trouble

Texan Dani Adams was through with single dads. Never again would she brush away their children’s tears or bandage scraped knees. Instead, she’d care for the sick animals brought to her veterinary practice. She’d find fulfillment—without the heartache. Then sexy single dad Duke Jenkins and his adorable twins moved to town, and he was determined to make Dani his kids’ mother! His soul-searing kisses, warm embraces and his children’s antics are quickly melting her resolve. But is Dani heading for another disappointment…or down the aisle to meet her groom?

 The first book was about Angela Adams who tells her boyfriend that she is pregnant and he doesn't take it well.  After his shock wears off, Angela is gone for good and he realizes that she is running away from him.  He hires people to look for her and follows clues around the country and even gets close a few times but he then gets really lucky when he goes to a diner and shows her picture to the waitress.  The waitress lives in the same small town where Angela grew up.  She promises to take Clint to meet Angela but the main problem is that Angela lied about her name and have been chasing someone he doesn't even know.  Clint goes to Angela's family farm and confronts her because he wants to be in his kid's life.  It was a great story that had you really pulling for them to make it out in a better place.  You have to pick up the book to find out what happens but I think that you will enjoy the journey.

The second book was about Dani Adams who works as a vet and is done dating, especially single dads.  Her last breakup was so hard on her because she not only lost the finance to another women but she also lost the children that she had loved and been raising with him.  Once the relationship was gone, she had no rights to see the children and the new girlfriend had tried to cut off Dani with little contact.  The whole family understands her reluctant nature but there is a pull that she can't deny with Duke Jenkins who just so happens to be the single dad to two little boys who are a bundle of energy and trouble.  Dani immediately falls for the boys and the father but feels like she is headed for the same trouble that she got into last time.  She refuses to follow the relationship and blocks it at every turn.  You have to see what her family does to make sure that she gets what she needs and not what she thinks she wants.

I hope that you check out this book and enjoy both stories because they are amazing and heartwarming.  The best stories you could hope for to take your mind off anything else.  I hope that you enjoy them as much as I did.

Menu Plan Monday 1/11

 

 

Pasta with garlic bread

Alice Springs Chicken with White Rice (Hash browns and Bacon)

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Salsa Sloppy Joes with circle fries and curly fries

Pizza Hut

Fried Rice, Edamame, Potstickers, and Egg Rolls

Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and Homemade French Fries

 

I made the post and thought it went out on Monday and it took me until Friday to see that it didn't get posted.  The week is busy but great news is that meals are going as planned!!

Menu Plan Monday 1/4

 

 

Pasta with garlic bread

Sweet and Spicy Stir Fry Chicken with White Rice and Green Beans

Ground Beef Tacos and corn bread 

Rosemary Chicken and Potatoes

Homemade Pizza (Pepperoni, Garlic Chicken, Buffalo Chicken and Pizza Knuckle Roll Ups)

Whole Chicken with mashed potatoes

Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and Homemade French Fries

 

I found a new calendar online so that I could type the menu plan and print.  Sadly, my computer was giving me problems so I lost part of the plan because I didn't save before it crashed.  Luckily I was able to put it back together again.  I have the whole month planned and printed.  I put the calendar on the other side so that everyone knows what is going on for the month.  Here is hoping that we are set for the coming month with everything even though the store was out of pepperoni and a few other things.  I need to get into the kitchen and make some treats.  It has been busy with everyone home for the two weeks of the holiday.  

 I am hopeful for the schedule to get back to normal but I am happy that I was able to get so many things checked off the to do list.  My son crushed all of the metal cans in the recycling.  My husband cleaned, painted, and added shelving to my laundry room.  I recycled glass and ran all my normal errands like the bank, library and more.  We worked with a lawyer to set up a will and a mortgage person to refinance the house while rates are still low.  We took down all of the Christmas decorations and still have some reorganization to get it all put away.  Super happy to have the things checked off the list even though there are a few more things to get done. How did your break go??