Pam

DNF at 8% wasn't connecting with the story. I hope to try again in the future.

I made it to page 154.

I hope to give this one another go at some point in the future. I wasn't feeling it at the current time, and I was struggling to connect with the characters.

Is this a case of the right book at the wrong time, or just the wrong book, period? I had such hopes for this book, as it feels like something that could be lots of fun to read. But I had to stop after 9% of the book because the only character we were with the whole time was whining. Yes, I understand that divorce is a shock and something to whine about. But it felt wrong when she was fantasizing about her life without him only a few pages prior.

I made it to page 60, and just had trouble getting into the story.

DNF at 35%. I just found d the story to be dragging one.

Listened to 38% of the audio book. I struggled to really care about some of the characters.

DNF @ page 40. Set the book down and have no desire to go back.

Made 75% of the way through the book before giving up. Why? Because I found I didn't care what happened to the characters. But also there were little details that didn't sit well. Like when can a vegan eat regular, commercially made bread and eat at McDonald's?

DNF @ 37%.

I wish this had been touted as a short story collection, because that's what it is. Sure it's centered around a single character, and we rarely get her POV. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more as a short story collection. But the chapters are forever long. Even with the audiobook version, several chapters were over an hour long.

As a volleyball fan I love to read about players and where they come from, what makes them tick. I never realized what she went through, where she came from. It made me respect her even more.

Was a DNF for me. Read 19% of the book and struggled to connect to the story and characters.

Read a different version, one that is not listed on here, and apparently is a very abreviated version. But I'm ok with that. The version I read was an enjoyable ready.

I only managed 4% before DNF. The story wasn't grabbing me at all.

I may revisit this book in the future. It's more of a coffee table book than one you can curl up with and read.

DNF at 23%

Just found the story to be slow, and that I didn't care what happened.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book at no charge from Book Reviews 4 U as a member of their BR4U CREW. A review was not mandatory for receiving the book. The free product did not influence my opinion.

Cooking with Judith contains around 50 recipes in just over 100 pages. It was published through a small, independent publisher, Mile High Press, and it shows. I don't mean that in a bad way at all, but the cookbook gives off the same vibe as a community cookbook sold to raise money. You know the one, I'm sure we all have at least one in our collection.

Briles includes a story behind each recipe, who she shares it with, and when it would be perfect to serve. She also includes notes throughout the recipes, explaining her reasoning for specific ingredients and any available substitutions.

Although I didn't make any of the recipes, there were a few in the book that caught my attention. I mean, who wouldn't want to try some Mexican Spaghetti Carbonara or Oktoberfest Pork Tenderloin?

DNF @ 19% I found Lucy a tad too insufferable to care about her situation.

DNF @ 48%

While I don't mind spice in my books, this just feels a bit ridiculous.

I want to thank Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of 30-Minute Meals with Six Sisters' Stuff. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

Six Sisters' Stuff is a popular blog that is run by, well, six sisters. Their blog focuses on creating memories and delicious meals. This is the first cookbook of theirs that I have read, but I had heard of them before requesting a copy. As a busy mom, I enjoy finding meals that taste great but don't take a lot of time to make. While all of the recipes can be made in 30 minutes, there are a couple that require a bit of preparation (Mango Pineapple Frozen Whip).

The 100 recipes are divided into nine chapters.
Each is listed below with a few recipes.

Appetizers
Bacon Wrapped Tots
Chicken Taco Roll Up
Warm Bacon Cheese Dip
Beef
Asian Inspired Beef and Snow Peas
Creamy Beef and Tomato Pasta
Multicooker Ravioli Lasagna Soup
Chicken
Air Fryer Wings
Bacon Ranch Chicken
White Cheddar Corn Chowder
Meatless
Fresh Cajun Pasta
Pork
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Pizza Skillet Pasta
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Seafood
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Turkey
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Sides
Twisted Cheese Breadsticks
Orange Cream Yogurt
Dessert
Lemon Brownies
Puff Pasty Donuts
White Chocolate Cinnamon Pretzels
The recipe I did try, Creamy Beef and Tomato Pasta, was simple to pull together and felt so decadent for a 30-minute meal. Several of the recipes rely on ground meat. As such, I think that you could use any ground meat and still end up with delicious results.

My biggest issue with this book is the lack of variety in recipes. Several had Mexican influence, which isn't a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination. The same could be said for the number of pasta recipes. I have a picky eater, and I'm not sure there are enough recipes that would satisfy her.

Overall, I enjoyed reading through 30-Minute Meals with Six Sisters' Stuff. I look forward to making more of the recipes in here. This cookbook would be a perfect addition to any kitchen.

I actually didn't read the whole book word for word. I didn't enjoy the characters, they seemed too self-centered, and unable to communicate, which is ironic given their former careers. I'm unsure who I thought was the most self-centerd–Nick or Amy?

I want to thank Workman Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Eat to Thrive During Menopause. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

I was excited to give this cookbook a read when I came across it, because I am in the throes of hormonal changes. Any help I can get during this time is truly appreciated! Unfortunately, this book didn't do it for me. The recipes are easy to read and understand. But I need more than that.

While I appreciate the science and the explanation behind including certain foods in one's diet, there's a distinct lack of alternatives offered. Some of the ingredients are not easily accessible. And I say that as someone who lives in a culturally diverse area with many shopping options. If the ingredients are available, they aren't always affordable.

Another issue I have with the recipes in this book is the lack of variety. I understand that certain ingredients are used repeatedly because of the benefits they offer. But if I were to make several of the recipes, I would be the only person in my house to eat them. And that takes it back to the ingredients used.

Overall, this cookbook, which contains under 100 recipes, is a pass for me. But that doesn't mean it won't work for you!

This installment of Charley Davidson's life is a but darker, and edgier than the first. But no less enjoyable and entertaining. You learn a bit more about Charley's family and her abilities (as does she). Still not sure she did the right thing in the end, only time (and the next book) will tell.

Yet another fantastic story from the life of Charley Davidson. The story has some great twists and turns-from finding out who Mistress Marigold is (and what she does) to the nail bitter ending.

Like usual, I listened to the audio version of the books. When I got near the end, and Charley was going through her own personal hell, I thought I was going to throw-up from the stress and drama of it all. As I got closer to home, I had to know the rest of the story, so I pulled into a parking lot and let my tears turn to smiles.

What one would expect from a chick-lit/romance book–love, strife, sex. Not that I'm a prude, but the sexy scenes were a little too much in my opinion.

DNF @ 26%. Why? I found Emma to be insufferable. Charlie and Logan aren't much better.