Here are the books I read in August that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.
Size Always Matters: Don’t be part of a statistic, start losing weight today
By Sally Cronin
“Size Always Matters” is a book that reveals how and why to lose weight. Ms. Cronin, in her forties, realized she needed to lose 150 pounds to improve her health and live longer. She not only researched a healthy diet and applied it to her daily routine, but also helped others. I’ve constantly battled with the diet yo-yo, losing weight only to gain it back. I would think, I’ll get to it later, but my body is letting me know that now is that later. The book refreshed my knowledge, especially regarding Candida, but it also provided new insights. I love how Ms. Cronin covered the whole person, including our psychological reasons for overeating and our physical ones, too. This book isn’t only for weight loss, but also for overall health. I have used food and my diet to control health issues, and Ms. Cronin expertly explains the fundamentals of proper nutrition and necessary vitamins. Not only is there great information, but a way to find your ideal weight and delicious-sounding recipes. This book inspired me to cut out the food that has crept into my diet that doesn’t belong there and get rid of the extra pounds I’m carrying around. An excellent resource for weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. I highly recommend this!
Simple Pleasures: Haiku from the Place Just Right
by Elizabeth Gauffreau
“Simple Pleasures” is a beautiful gathering of 53 haikus and gorgeous photographs accompanying them. It’s incredible how much meaning can be packed into just a few words. I felt like I was walking along with the author and exploring where she lives and travels. Since the poems were all good, it made it hard to pick just these two haikus to share: stream water eddies/swirling whirlpools, sun-warmed rock/our feet touch the bottom and the pond in winter/windswept snow, crystalline sky/fridge air, silence. Ms. Gauffreau offers a nature that I so enjoy exploring. It was a soothing read that will be reread more than once. I can highly recommend this collection!
Bridge to Nowhere: A Rascal Todd Mystery
By Dan Antion
Rascal is a young journalist settling into her new job and boss. A building burns and she tries to prove it was arson. This leads to an eventual murder and a mystery for Rascal to solve and report. I enjoyed her enthusiasm for finding the truth. She is a strong character with an entertaining cat, Bonkers, who is focused on being fed. There are crossover characters from The Dreamer’s Alliance Series, which I also enjoyed reading. This book has a strong and vivid setting for Rascal to navigate, and although it isn’t necessary to have read the past stories to understand this one, I did like knowing the history. An exciting start to what promises to be a fun series!
NOTE: Still on my break, so haven’t been around much. As soon as I get my Christmas collection to the editor mid-month, I’ll be back. Although I will be on a writing break until the end of the year. xo
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn