REVIEW: 28 Day FAST Start Day-By-Day

 28 Day FAST Start Day-By-Day
Author: Gin Stephens

I've been a book reviewer for both indy and traditional publishers for about 9 years now. I don't often review the self-help, health or diet genre. Just kinda shy away from those, as over the years I have tried so many diet plans. And, none worked. Some made me literally sick. Others I just couldn't follow long term because they were so restrictive, or I just saw no results. I made a pact with myself after my last failed attempt (Keto) -- no more diet books!

In the past, the one lifestyle / eating change that did work for me long term was Intermittent Fasting. I did IF for two years and felt amazing. Then life happened. I was in a bad place in my personal life and IF was just not sustainable for me. 

But I got offered a review copy of Gin Stephens newest book at exactly the right point in my life to revisit IF. I accepted the review copy -- and started reading. 

OMG! The 28 Day FAST Start Day-By-Day is the first book by Gin Stephens I have read. I didn't even recognize her name when I first started reading. I did IF previously using books by Bert Herring. I started reading this new book....and it was like Gin was talking to me. And I believed what she had to say as she backs it up with science and logic. I read a bit in this new book. Then went directly to my library to check out a copy of her previous book: Fast, Feast, Repeat. I went back and forth between my review copy of 28 days and FFR, feeling more and more motivated to jump back in to a fasting / IF lifestyle. 

And, I did it. Right then. Set my type of Fast Start on a Saturday afternoon, and started my 28 days on Sunday. I'm going into the last week of the Fast Start now, and this is amazing! I already feel better. I can see changes in the way I feel, my skin is clearing up, and my weight is going down. I have more than 100 lbs to lose...so this is just a start to the journey. 

But, I can honestly give this book a resounding positive review because I'm actually following the steps and doing the things. 

I have actually messaged with the author several times. She is a genuine, lovely person and knows her stuff. This book is for real. It doesn't make empty promises, and IF is a lot of work. But it's worth it, and makes a huge difference if you put in the work and dedication it requires to fast clean, stick to an eating window, and change your relationship with food. 

The daily reading in this book is wonderful. The real life examples are motivating. And you can even keep a daily journal about your IF FAST start right in your copy of the book. I highly recommend this book for anyone starting an IF journey! Just be aware that you really need to also read Fast, Feast, Repeat as part of this 28 day FAST Start. Buy both books. You will not be sorry!

Love it!! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Where It All Began

 Where It All Began
Author: Lucy Emblem

I have no idea which author came up with it first. I just know I love prequel novellas that introduce readers to the characters, setting and back story of a series! As a reviewer, I read many of these. And, I enjoy each one. Nothing like a quick jaunt through the basics of a series (especially a cozy mystery series) to make me want to pick up the first book and start reading!!

Even better than a prequel novella for a new to me series is a prequel novella for a new to me series written by an author who is also new to me! Love, love, love! 

And, I'm happy to report I just got to have that experience. 

I read Where It All Began, an intro to Lucy Emblem's Tamsin Kernick Cozy English Mysteries series!

The basics: Tamsin takes a job house sitting for a rather eccentric man, famous for being an arctic explorer. She loves the mountain scenery of the Malvern Hills, the local village, and even the two unruly dogs she is taking care of while their master is off exploring. She helps her two new dog buddies, meets some new friends, and makes some important life decisions.

There are no murders or strange events in this intro novella. It's an introduction to the characters and the setting of the series, and includes some important character development for Tamsin (and the dogs!). 

With only 11 chapters, this is a quick read but it definitely had the desired effect! I want to read this entire series! And, the front cover is so cute!!

I already have book 1 loaded up on my Kindle and ready to go! 

**I got a free copy of this intro novella from a holiday themed BookFunnel Giveaway. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Dracula

 Dracula
Author: Bram Stoker

I love classic ghost stories and horror, but it's been a long time since I re-read some of the true classic horror. I decided this fall while I was trying to choose my spooky season reading to re-visit some tales I remember enjoying years ago. I chose Dracula first because the last time I actually read the book I was in college and read it because I had to read it. As a literature major, I read many things not because I wanted to but because I was required to read them. I loved the book, but it's different when you read something by choice and for a grade. 

This time, I delved into this 1897 novel from Bram Stoker because I truly wanted to read it.

In the past, I have read a physical copy of a classic story or novel while listening to an unabridged audio book at the same time. Often it is to compare two different editions of a story, but this time I did it because horror is just more engaging and chilling when it's being read out loud to me. I checked a hardback edition of Dracula out of my local library (illustrated by Edward Gorey) and listened to a full-cast audio version from Audible (cast included Tim Curry, Alan Cumming, Simon Vance and others). The audio was about 15 1/2 hours long. I decided since I truly wanted to enjoy this book that I was only going to read/listen when I had time to sit down with my book and concentrate only on the story. Sometimes I listen to books while driving or doing household chores, and I miss some things. I wanted to savor and enjoy this book, so only jumped in when I had time to give it my entire attention. 

It took me awhile...several weeks...to finish this book. Not because I wasn't enjoying it, but because I am incredibly busy right now at work and kept to my rule to only read this book when I had time to set aside just for reading. It might have been only for a few minutes here and there that I got to sit down and listen, but I thoroughly savored every word of this novel! 

We all know the story. Jonathan Harker travels to Count Dracula's castle on business as the count wishes to buy property in London. He discovers that Dracula is a vampire, but he is held captive in the castle while Dracula ventures to London. Jonathan escapes, joins up with several men and his wife Mina to confront the evil vampire. 

The story is chilling and still scary even after more than 100 years. I prefer the way Bram Stoker created the character, rather than all of the movie adaptations that changed fundamental parts of the story and characters. The horror is relatively tame when looked at with modern eyes, but I can only imagine how the tale was received when it was first published! It was probably viewed as quite graphic and racy! 

The story definitely kept my attention from start to finish. The last two chapters of the book are quite action-packed and gruesome. Stoker doesn't go into graphic detail but provides enough description for readers to envision the confrontation of the vampire and his evil minions. 

Loved it!! I'm going to do the same with Frankenstein next! I already have an annotated copy of Frankenstein and an audio version queued up in my phone! Not sure what I will delve into after Mary Shelley...but I think I will keep doing this for awhile. Very enjoyable!! 

Edward Gorey's illustrations in the physical book are wonderful! He is also the artist that created the old black and white intro to PBS' Masterpiece Mystery.

 

REVIEW: Sailing the Graveyard Sea

 Sailing the Graveyard Sea
Author: Richard Snow

Before reading this book, I had never heard the story of the attempted mutiny aboard the US Warship Somers in 1842 or Commander Alexander Slidell Mackenzie. Mackenzie reported when the ship reached port in Brooklyn, that 3 crew members had been hanged after the mutiny was prevented. But, later, it came out that the execution of the 3 crewmen may have been unlawful and that perhaps there had been no mutiny at all. 

This book outlines the history of the ship, the men involved, and the very public court martial that followed. 

Wow! What a tale! I'm not sure how I never heard of this incident! I enjoyed reading this account. The author presents the story of a training mission gone wrong using transcripts from the court martial. It makes for a very interesting read! Snow writes the facts in a very interesting way and the story kept my attention from start to finish. What a strange and very public case that definitely split opinions in its time. Some felt Mackenzie was a hero, and others thought he was a complete villain in the incident. 

Definitely a story I did not know at all before I read this book. I'm glad I learned the history of this naval incident and the good it eventually brought about that strengthened the U.S. Navy. 

I will definitely be reading other books by this author!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Scribner. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Snow Place for Murder

 Snow Place for Murder
Author: Diane Kelly

I love this cozy mystery series about the owners of a mountain lodge in NC! Great characters, nice mix of humor and mystery, and engaging plots make this series a very enjoyable cozy mystery series!

Snow Place for Murder is the 3rd book in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series. This time, a resort developer visits the lodge just before Christmas. Locals are angered, tempers flare, a blizzard rolls in.....and the developer is found frozen under the snow. Who put the resort plans on ice? 

Another great book in this series! The stories are always fun to read, engaging and enjoyable. The mystery moved along at a nice pace. There was plenty of sleuthing, local color and humor mixed in. 

Nice cozy to read just before the holiday season starts to get going! I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series! 

Also, the cover art is wonderful! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

The Fatal Folio

 The Fatal Folio
Author: Elizabeth Penney

The Fatal Folio is the 3rd book in the Cambridge Bookshop series by Elizabeth Penney. I like the characters, the setting and plots in this series, so was happy to read the latest installment! 

This time, Molly Kimball is busily cataloging her boyfriend's family library. The collection is massive and impressive. While working amid the stacks, she finds an original copy of a mysterious gothic novel titled, A Fatal Folio. Little does she realize that this mysterious story will lead to murder during Guy Fawkes Night festivities. 

The plot definitely kept my interest from start to finish. There were plenty of twists and turns, suspects, and sleuthing. Very enjoyable read! I really like this series and can't wait for the next book! I loved how the text of the gothic novel was intertwined into the story. 

This was a fun fall read! This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite cozy mystery series!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Murder at Home

 Home at Night
Author: Paula Munier

I did not realize when I accepted a review copy of this book that it was the 5th book in the Mercy & Elvis Mystery series. However, even though I was jumping in at book 5, I was easily able to follow the story and characters. 

This was definitely a great addition to my Spooky Season reading -- a rundown Victorian mansion, poachers and poisoners, an altercation with a masked intruder, a mysterious letter and a dead body. 

I loved the setting, the characters and the plot. The story kept my attention from start to finish. The dogs were my favorite characters, of course! There were many plot twists and much sleuthing. Altogether, a great cozy mystery! Loved reading this during Halloween season, but would be great anytime! 

I am definitely going to backtrack and read this series from the start! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**