tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147435719417956872024-03-26T02:18:18.321-07:00CHOCOLATE & CROISSANTSEsmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.comBlogger1105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-65455886666453374422023-03-05T16:22:00.008-08:002023-08-25T21:34:18.242-07:00<p> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: xxx-large; text-align: justify;">2023 Reading Challenge</span></p><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Ok is this a reading challenge or a place for me to keep track of the books I read. I would say it is somewhere for me to keep track of what I read. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "cousine"; font-size: medium;">50 States Reading Challenge I always fail miserably at this one, however it is fun to see what state books are set in. </span><br style="font-size: medium;" /><br style="font-size: medium;" /><br style="font-size: medium;" /><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alabama </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alaska </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Arizona</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Arkansas</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">California Romantic Comedy</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Colorado</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Connecticut: </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Delaware</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">District of Columbia Becoming , Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Florida </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Georgia </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hawaii </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Idaho</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Illinois</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Indiana</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Iowa</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Kansas</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Kentucky</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Louisiana </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maine </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maryland: </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Massachusetts The Huntress K. Quinn The Woman in the Library</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Michigan</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Minnesota The Magnificent Life of Marjorie Post</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mississippi: </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Missouri </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Montana </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nebraska </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nevada </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">New Hampshire </div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;">New Jersey</span><span style="color: #333333;">: </span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">New Mexico</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">New York Verity </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">North Carolina </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">North Dakota</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ohio </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oklahoma</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oregon</div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Pennsylvania</span><span style="color: #333333;">: House of Eve</span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rhode Island</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">South Carolina </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">South Dakota</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Tennessee</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #ff00fe;">Texas </span><span> </span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Utah</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Vermont </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Virginia: </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Washington</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">West Virginia</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wisconsin</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wyoming American Wolf </div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;">JANUARY </span></span><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">1. American Wolf N. Blakeslee 4 croissants Wyoming </span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">2. The Last Anniversary L. Moriarty AUstrailia 4 croissants</span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">3. Atomic Habits J. Clear 4 croissants</span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">4. Becoming M. Obama 4 croissants DC</span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">5. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow G. Zevin California and Massachuttes 3 croissants</span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">6. The City of Tears K. Moss Holland 4 croissants</span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">FEBRUARY</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">7. Verity C. Hoover 2 croissants NY</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">8. Rules of Civility A. Towles 4 croissants </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">9. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">10. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">11. T</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">12. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">March</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">13. The Huntress K. Quinn Massachuttes, Austria, Siberia, Poland 4 stars. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">14. The Wind Knows my Name 4 croissants I. Allende</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">15 The Lobotomist's Wife 4 croissants </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">16. Romantic Comedy 3 croissants C. Sittenfield NY </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">April</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">May</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Code Name Saphire P Jenoff Belgium</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">The whalebone Theater England </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">House of Eve</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;">20 The Bloated Belly</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">June</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">24 Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker 3.5 croissants J. Chiviarini Washington DC</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">25. The Year of Yes 2 croissants The Diamond Eye 4 croissants K. Quinn</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">26. The Soviet Sisters A. Scott 4 croissants </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">27. Wrong Place Wrong Time. 3.5 croissants G. McAllister England </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">26. Lady Tan's Circle of Friends 3.0 croissants L. See</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">July </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">28. The Woman in the Library 4 croissants S. Gentill Massachuttes </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">29. Dinners with Ruth. N. Totenberg 4 croissants Washington DC </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">30. The Magnificent Life of Marjorie Post Minnesota 4 croissants </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">27. The Spanish Daughter </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">28. Kitchens of the Great Midwest</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">29. Th</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Bloomsbury Girls N. Jenner England 4 croissants</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: xx-large;">e 30. Summer Place</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">31. A Perfect Union</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">September</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">the Last House on the Street. D. Chamberlain 3 croissants N. Carolina</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Meant to Be Emily Griffin 2 croissants New Jersey</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">The Christie Affair N. De Gramont England 3 croissants</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">October</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">35. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Bloomsbury Girls N. Jenner England 4 croissants</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 36. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">A Hundred Suns K Tanabe Vietnam 4 croissants</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">37. Sparring Partners Grisham</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">38. Remarkably Bright Creatures 4 croissants</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">39. The Many Daughters of Afong May 3 croissants</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">42. Every Summer After C. Fortune 3 croissants</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">November</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">43. The London House K. Reay England 3 croissants</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">44. Counterfeit K. Chen 4 croissants</span></span></div>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-74907475275498136562022-01-07T20:25:00.020-08:002023-03-05T16:32:50.924-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: xx-large; text-align: justify;">2022 Reading Challenge</span></div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Last year was an unusual year in my reading. I logged 92 books</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">I would like to say that I will do that again, but it remains to be seen. There was a lot of downtime last year. So we shall see were my reading takes me this year. I always find it fun to track the books I read and where they are located. They are typically located in Europe as I adore the WW11 genre of historical fiction. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "cousine"; font-size: medium;">50 States Reading Challenge I always fail miserably at this one, however it is fun to see what state books are set in. </span><br style="font-size: medium;" /><br style="font-size: medium;" /><br style="font-size: medium;" /><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alabama </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alaska </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Arizona</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Arkansas</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">California </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Colorado</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Connecticut: </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Delaware</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">District of Columbia</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Florida </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Georgia </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hawaii </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Idaho</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Illinois</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Indiana</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Iowa</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Kansas</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Kentucky</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Louisiana </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maine </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maryland: </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Massachusetts </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Michigan</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Minnesota</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mississippi: </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Missouri </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Montana </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nebraska The LIncoln HIghway</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nevada </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">New Hampshire Count the Ways </div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;">New Jersey</span><span style="color: #333333;">: Meant to Be</span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">New Mexico</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">New York The Missing Hours, Rules of Civility</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">North Carolina The Tobacco Wives, The Last House on the Street</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">North Dakota</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ohio </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oklahoma</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oregon</div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Pennsylvania</span><span style="color: #333333;">: </span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rhode Island</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">South Carolina </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">South Dakota</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Tennessee</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #ff00fe;">Texas </span><span> The Diplomat's Daughter</span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Utah</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Vermont </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Virginia: </div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Washington</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">West Virginia</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wisconsin</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wyoming</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;">JANUARY </span></span><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">1. The Christmas Cookie Cookbook by cidermill press 3 croissants (checkout recipe for Biscotti di Mandorla</span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">2. A Table for Friends S. McAlpine 3 croissants</span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">3. The House of Gucci S. Forden Italy 4 croissants</span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">4. The Missing Hours J. Dahl NY 3.5 croissants</span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">5. The Lincoln Highway A. Towles 4 croissants</span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">6. The Cellist D. Silva 4 croissants</span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">FEBRUARY</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">7. Apples never Fall Moriarty 3 croissants</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">8. Rules of Civility A. Towles 4 croissants </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">9. The Last Letter from Your Lover Jo Jo Moyes 4 croissants</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">10. London E. Rutherford 4 croissants </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">11. The Diplomat's Daughter Tanabe 4 croissants Texas</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">12. A Vintage Affair I. Wolf 4 croissants England </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">March</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">13. The Kitchen Front J. Ryan England</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">14. The Magnolia Palace F. Davis NY</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">15 The Tobacco Wives N. Carolina</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">April</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;">17 I must betray you Romania 4 croissants</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;">Daisy Jones and the Six 1 croissant Taylor Reid</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;">All the Stars in Heaven 4 croissants A. Trigiliani</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">May</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;">19 The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;">20 The Bloated Belly</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">June</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">21. West with Giraffes 4 croissants</span><span style="font-size: xx-large;">. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">22 The Diamond Eye 4 croissants K. Quinn</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">23. City of Friends J. Trollope 4 croissants England </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">24. Violetta I. Allenda 4 croissants Chile </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">25. The Patron Saint of Second Chances C. Simon 3 croissants Italy </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">July </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">24. On a Night of a Thousand Stars Argentina</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">25. The Alice Network K. Quinn France 4 stars </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">26. The Good Left Undone A. Trigliani 4 stars</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">27. The Spanish Daughter </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">28. Kitchens of the Great Midwest</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">29. Th</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Bloomsbury Girls N. Jenner England 4 croissants</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: xx-large;">e 30. Summer Place</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">31. A Perfect Union</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">September</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">the Last House on the Street. D. Chamberlain 3 croissants N. Carolina</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Meant to Be Emily Griffin 2 croissants New Jersey</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">The Christie Affair N. De Gramont England 3 croissants</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">October</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">35. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Bloomsbury Girls N. Jenner England 4 croissants</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 36. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">A Hundred Suns K Tanabe Vietnam 4 croissants</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">37. Sparring Partners Grisham</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">38. Remarkably Bright Creatures 4 croissants</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">39. The Many Daughters of Afong May 3 croissants</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">42. Every Summer After C. Fortune 3 croissants</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">November</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">43. The London House K. Reay England 3 croissants</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">44. Counterfeit K. Chen 4 croissants</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">45. The Women of Chateau Lafayette France S. Dray 4. croissants </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">December</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">46. Count the Ways J. Maynard 4 croissants New Hampshire</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">47. In the enemy's house H. Blum 4 croissants </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">48. Cloud Cukoo land A. Doerr 2.5 croissants </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-40311094065441710742021-10-18T21:13:00.011-07:002021-10-25T20:47:41.709-07:00Christian Dior Designer of Dreams <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOBt8BBBK5the-cnZWlEHV0UezRVfSZ36L2SiBiVc7dJXRBtTQXqpNbkxRVwUOpbNaDvCHIzzwqdV0Ef2EV9KJVtMu_hjfcWnHsppMYw3OWBzt1zlbTwcD_TG0p7NzMmdeI5KhyphenhyphengmQRXS/s442/shopping.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOBt8BBBK5the-cnZWlEHV0UezRVfSZ36L2SiBiVc7dJXRBtTQXqpNbkxRVwUOpbNaDvCHIzzwqdV0Ef2EV9KJVtMu_hjfcWnHsppMYw3OWBzt1zlbTwcD_TG0p7NzMmdeI5KhyphenhyphengmQRXS/s320/shopping.webp" width="217" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">For anyone who likes fashion or is interested in Christian Dior, this latest release from <a href="https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847871759" target="_blank">Rizzoli</a> has been published on the occasion of the retrospective of the exhibit at the <a href="https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/christian_dior" target="_blank">Brooklyn Museum</a> which is running through February 20, 2022, this new title chronicles the history of the House of Dior from 1947 to the current day with a special focus on the House's legacy in America. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The book tells both the story of Dior, along with iconic photographs from American photographers and designs by his successors. It is interesting to learn how Dior's personal life impacted his fashion sense. Launched in the fall of 1947 Dior-New York, made the line accessible to both specialty stores, and Dior-vetted department stores. In doing so, Dior introduced American women to the concept of polish and poise from head to toe, with Dior stockings in seasonal colours and shades matched to the collection, hats, lowcut pumps (apparently a revelation at the time) and gloves that would completement the silhouette of a coat or dress. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This is not to say that Dior was initially welcomed by everyone. In introducing his "New Look" to America, Dior was picketed by Chicago's "A Little Below the Knee Club" as Dior lowered the lengths of skirts. While the length of the skirt was lowered, Dior had his own way of emphasizing a women's figure, whether it be with a cinched belt or his signature bows. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The photography in the book is gorgeous, with a collection of both colored and black and white photos. Each featured fashion photographer has a brief write up about their photography. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For a man who looked to nature for inspiration and was very superstitious, no-one could have predicted, when he has his fortune read at 14 and was told "Women will be good to you and it is thanks to them that you will succeed" how true this would be. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The book is a beautiful tribute to a man who paid attention to every detail of women's fashion. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thank you to <a href="https://www.rizzolibookstore.com/christian-dior-designer-dreams-0" target="_blank">Rizzoli Publishing</a> for providing me with a copy of Christian Dior Designer of Dreams. </span></p><span color="transparent" face="sans-serif" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); cursor: text; font-size: 14.6405px; left: 280.805px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; top: 1034.31px; transform-origin: 0px 0px; transform: scaleX(0.995885); user-select: text; white-space: pre;">a</span>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-54747090978637127632021-09-21T20:19:00.005-07:002021-09-21T20:24:38.595-07:00The Hands on French Cookbook and Giveaway<p></p><figure class="aligncenter size-large" style="clear: both; display: table; margin: 0px auto;"><img alt="The Hands On French Cookbook Banner" class="wp-image-9929" data-attachment-id="9929" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-caption="" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="the-church-of-tango_banner" data-large-file="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/the-church-of-tango_banner.jpg?w=570" data-medium-file="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/the-church-of-tango_banner.jpg?w=300" data-orig-file="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/the-church-of-tango_banner.jpg" data-orig-size="667,333" data-permalink="https://francebooktours.com/?attachment_id=9929" scale="0" src="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook-banner.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; background: url("/wp-content/themes/pub/dark-wood/images/imgback.png") repeat; border-radius: inherit; border: 1px solid rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 556px; padding: 6px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></figure><figure class="aligncenter size-large" style="clear: both; display: table; margin: 0px auto;"><br /></figure><figure class="aligncenter size-large" style="clear: both; display: table; margin: 0px auto;"><br /></figure><figure class="aligncenter size-large" style="clear: both; display: table; margin: 0px auto;"><br /></figure> Elisabeth De Chatillon is On Tour with The Hands on French Cookbook. <p></p><p>If you think French food is complicated, decadent and heavy it is time to think again!!!</p><p>If you think learning and exploring another language is difficult or boring, think again!!!</p><p>And should you think cooking French food and learning French at the same time is impossible, teacher and home cook elisabeth De Chatillon is here to prove you wrong. It may sound too good to be true, but The Hands on French Cookbooks is full of healthy, simple French recipes that you can make for family and friends while you learn not only the French language but also a little bit about French culture in a relaxed, fun and tasty way. </p><p><br /></p><p>This book is the best of two worlds bringing France and it's food into your home. </p><p><br /></p><p>To win your own copy of <a href="//giveawaytools2.com/giveaway.php?sk=93435568270" target="_blank">THE HANDS ON FRENCH COOKBOOK</a> enter on the title or<a href="//giveawaytools2.com/giveaway.php?sk=93435568270" target="_blank"> here</a></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><img alt="The Hands On French Cookbook_Elisabeth de Châtillon" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-10130" data-attachment-id="10130" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-caption="" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="The Hands On French Cookbook_Elisabeth de Châtillon" data-large-file="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook_elisabeth-de-chatillon.jpg?w=201" data-medium-file="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook_elisabeth-de-chatillon.jpg?w=201" data-orig-file="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook_elisabeth-de-chatillon.jpg" data-orig-size="201,186" data-permalink="https://francebooktours.com/2021/05/19/elisabeth-de-chatillon-on-tour-the-hands-on-french-cookbook/the-hands-on-french-cookbook_elisabeth-de-chatillon/" height="371" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" src="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook_elisabeth-de-chatillon.jpg?w=150" srcset="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook_elisabeth-de-chatillon.jpg?w=150 150w, https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook_elisabeth-de-chatillon.jpg 201w" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; background: url("/wp-content/themes/pub/dark-wood/images/imgback.png") repeat; border: 1px solid rgb(51, 0, 0); float: left; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; max-width: 556px; padding: 6px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="400" /></strong>Author De Chatillon was born in France and has an MA in Education and Marketing, teaching both in the US and Europe. She is an accomplished home cook who enjoys sharing her love for French cooking by feeding her family and freinds simple, good food. Her book, THe HANDS ON FRENCH COOKBOOK was born from her combined love of teaching and cooking. When she is not in the kitchen cooking or working she is on her yoga mat, mediating , ocean swimming, traveling or spending time with her husband and cat Minou. </p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To see other blogs that are hosting the tour click <a href="https://francebooktours.com/2021/05/19/elisabeth-de-chatillon-on-tour-the-hands-on-french-cookbook" target="_blank">here</a>. If you want to purchase it go to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hands-French-Cookbook-Connect-through/dp/0578683822/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1621453983&refinements=p_27:Elisabeth+de+Ch%C3%A2tillon&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Elisabeth+de+Ch%C3%A2tillon" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hands-on-french-cookbook-elisabeth-de-ch-tillon/1139357768" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a>.</p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="The Hands On French Cookbook" class="image wp-image-10131 aligncenter attachment-150x214 size-150x214" data-attachment-id="10131" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-caption="" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="The Hands On French Cookbook" data-large-file="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook.jpg?w=280" data-medium-file="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook.jpg?w=210" data-orig-file="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook.jpg" data-orig-size="280,400" data-permalink="https://francebooktours.com/2021/05/19/elisabeth-de-chatillon-on-tour-the-hands-on-french-cookbook/the-hands-on-french-cookbook/" height="320" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" src="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook.jpg?w=150" srcset="https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook.jpg?w=150 150w, https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook.jpg?w=105 105w, https://francebooktours.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/the-hands-on-french-cookbook.jpg 280w" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" title="Sept 20-Oct 1" width="224" /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p></p><div class="post-content" style="background-color: #0f0100; border: 0px; color: #cccc9a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><h2 style="border: 0px; color: #cc9752; font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -1px; margin: 0px 0px 4px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-transform: capitalize; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></h2></div>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-32973986182990692002021-05-02T09:53:00.003-07:002021-05-11T07:15:05.059-07:00The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e3-zlM3N5TYXYnLEeb9exwx8nzPv5v3Q-J8pJx12wU2HyT-m2BByJLTF8rt7kZCXLKU25fABeuP4sEjhXXWSjRQvw-fUU0SnRKrhHRgSSMDJe8mCIZTrvFI2gE-AfBTDbxVC9a13Xp1w/s500/51Bs0GlLM1L._SY498_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e3-zlM3N5TYXYnLEeb9exwx8nzPv5v3Q-J8pJx12wU2HyT-m2BByJLTF8rt7kZCXLKU25fABeuP4sEjhXXWSjRQvw-fUU0SnRKrhHRgSSMDJe8mCIZTrvFI2gE-AfBTDbxVC9a13Xp1w/w400-h400/51Bs0GlLM1L._SY498_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am not sure where I initially saw the title of this book. However, everything about the book drew me into it. I liked the title, cover and the the story.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Grace and her friend went to stay with Grace's mum's friend after her uncle threw her out of his home, refusing to give her a character letter so she may work in London. Both Grace and her friend Vivian arrived in London without job references and with war on the horizon. While both young woman hoped to work at Harrod's, Grace had limited employment opportunities. As such, she came to find herself at Grace found her employment opportunies her mum's friend secured a position for Grace in a bookstore, Primrose Hill.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Readers will love the characters in the book, Mr. Evans the stodgy owner of Primrose Hill who is both hesitant to have Grace in his shop and make any changes to his ancient bookstore. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mrs. Stokes, Grace's mum's friend who is a rock for Grace and then comes to rely on Grace as the war progresses. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">George, a young man with a love for reading who comes into the shop and shares his ideas for a bookshop with Grace. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Grace herself who discovers herself both between the shelves and pages at the bookstore and brings the community together.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is a wonderful book. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-65589972123668643202021-04-11T20:34:00.003-07:002021-04-11T20:35:12.499-07:00The Wine Lover's Bucket List: 1000 Amazing Adventures in Pursuit of Wine by Simon Woolf<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLZG2l3jqxzjN2rsts5pfrRLmjC80iURB5aTdHme9Zlcrz7gTGW0recRAPQyNYykrBfzOko5Bmrt6rByc7JWvnJvVzmx-RIwAm0j8lPD7afc4DeJH49OOVtDJ-R5pXSJnJTglSBed5qOP/s1000/wineloversbucketlistandgoldcorkscrew9_1000x.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLZG2l3jqxzjN2rsts5pfrRLmjC80iURB5aTdHme9Zlcrz7gTGW0recRAPQyNYykrBfzOko5Bmrt6rByc7JWvnJvVzmx-RIwAm0j8lPD7afc4DeJH49OOVtDJ-R5pXSJnJTglSBed5qOP/s320/wineloversbucketlistandgoldcorkscrew9_1000x.webp" /></span></a></div><br /> <p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;">When it comes to food and wine I am always up for an adventure. </span> <span style="font-size: large;">Adventure usually means travel, beautiful scenery and new experiences. I must confess I am not an oenophile. When on vacation in Europe I will enjoy a glass of wine with dinner; however while at home I do not traditionally have wine with dinner. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Strange as that may sound, I have visited the Bourgone and Australia's wine region. I enjoy cooking with wine and am fascinated how it is used in cooking. What I think makes Woolf's book enjoyable is the adventure's do not necessarily focus on consuming the wine. There is an adventure for everyone in the book. You could choose to visit Chateuaneuf-du Pape for the coloring of grapes festival a 3 day festival with knight tournaments, dancing and music or go to Baja Mexico and enjoy both wine and fine-dining restaurants, you could drive Germany's wine route or take a 2.5 hr hike to Friedenbrucke for amazing views. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Should you choose you could take a vacation based on wine. The book is brokend down by regions, North America, Canada, Mexico and South America, Western Europe, Italy, Central and Eastern Europe, Iberia, Russia, the Causcasus and the Middle East, Australia, Africa and Asia. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The books tells you about sommaliers who have wine tasting classes, small vinyards, vinyards offering accomodations, winemakers, boutique wineries, festivals and hip wine bars. How fun would it be to blend your own wine and create your own label or hike through Austria and discovery food and wine stands on a mile long walk through vinyards. This is truly a unique book for anyone that has some amazing ideas on how to enjoy both the culture of another country and a great glass of wine. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or occaisionally enjoy a glass of wine there is an adventure for everyone. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to <a href="https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780789339010" target="_blank">Rizzoli Publishing</a> for providing me with a copy of the book. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-44643322238102375742021-02-12T09:52:00.002-08:002021-02-12T09:52:55.430-08:00The Girl From Berlin Ronald Balson<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgXxNBvuzHoCwDBYW_HI1WCVKsMvxpjgxdxwSVReK7KuKqGH6kB2XRO-WavL-KBmDqzL8J-jDaY0LFHiBGnWK2zyXwnrtM_4wSJMxfW7tn2uL2P8Mj-poKfDVenAP6_e8_YxQi_ss5mmY/s475/38232482._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgXxNBvuzHoCwDBYW_HI1WCVKsMvxpjgxdxwSVReK7KuKqGH6kB2XRO-WavL-KBmDqzL8J-jDaY0LFHiBGnWK2zyXwnrtM_4wSJMxfW7tn2uL2P8Mj-poKfDVenAP6_e8_YxQi_ss5mmY/w260-h400/38232482._SY475_.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">In general I liked the concept of the story-however there were aspects of the story were unrealistic and annoying. </span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">Catherine an attorney and her husband Liam (private investigator) are asked to go to Italy to assist a friend's aunt in a battle to keep her Tuscany property from a corporation attmepting to seize it. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">I was surprised to find out the author is a trial attorney. Catherine goes to Italy in the capacity of an attorney. As an attorney myself this is so unrealistic-one needs to be licensed and admitted to the regulating agency, in addition to the fact that Italy does not have the same legal system as the US. It is doubtful any attorney would ever agree to such an arrangement, let alone be effective. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">Liam the husband sounds like a tough guy who is not afraid to use his fists. I listened to the book and wanted to wince every time he spoke. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">Under the tutor of her father Ada is a child prodigy on the violin. Between sexism and racism Ada comes to realize as an adult she will not be able to play with an orchestra. As faith would have it she is invited to play in Italy and escape with her mother from the hardships enforced in Berlin against Jews. The story switches between present day with Catherine and Liam attempting to assist Gaby with keeping her property and Ada and her career as a violinist. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">It is a good story and I will likely read the author's other books as I enjoy this genre. As stated above I have issues with scenerios that are unrealistic</span></p>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-85237567736610924242021-01-19T07:30:00.055-08:002021-12-27T20:52:31.236-08:002021 Reading Challenge<p> </p><div class="article-header" style="background-color: white; display: table; font-family: cousine; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 749.937px;"><h1 class="title entry-title" style="color: #333333; display: table-cell; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 40px 0px 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 709.94px;"><a data-id="1106981950546527305" data-item-type="post" href="http://chocolateandcroissants.blogspot.com/2019/01/back-to-blogging-and-2019-reading.html" rel="bookmark" style="color: #333333; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;">Back to Blogging and 2020 Reading Challenges</a> <span class="blog-admin" style="display: inline;"><a class="edit" href="https://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=914743571941795687&postID=1106981950546527305&from=pencil" style="background-image: url("data:image/png; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; height: 21px; opacity: 0.8; outline: none; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; top: 3px; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; width: 21px;" target="_self" title="Edit"></a></span></h1></div><div class="article-content entry-content" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: cousine; font-size: medium;"> .</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: cousine; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: cousine; font-size: medium;">It is January and a new year. So hopefully, I will have more time to blog and reconnect with my blog friends. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: cousine; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: cousine; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.rosecityreader.com/p/2020-european-reading-challeng.html" target="_blank">2020 European Reading Challenge</a></span> is being hosted by Rose City Reader. There are prizes to be one. This is an easy one as it seems most of my books are set in Europe. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: cousine; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.</blockquote><br style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">NOTE:</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: cousine; font-size: 13.2px;"> Even after Brexit, the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom" style="background-color: white; color: #236304; display: inline; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;">United Kingdom</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: cousine; font-size: 13.2px;"> is still one country, in Europe, that includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. So one book from any one of these four counts as your one book for the United Kingdom. I'm not going to be a stickler about it because challenges should be about fun not about rules. </span><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><i><span style="color: #351c75;">However, when it comes to winning the Jet Setter prize, only one book from one of the UK countries will count</span></i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: cousine; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span><br /><br style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION</span></b><br /><br /><ul style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">FIVE STAR (DELUXE ENTOURAGE): </span></b>Read at least five books by different European authors or books set in different European countries.</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">FOUR STAR (HONEYMOONER):</span> </b>Read four qualifying books.</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">THREE STAR (BUSINESS TRAVELER): </span></b>Read three qualifying books.</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">TWO STAR (ADVENTURER): </span></b>Read two qualifying books.</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">ONE STAR (PENSIONE WEEKENDER):</span></b> Read just one qualifying book.</li></ul><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">The Historians Sweden</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">The Girl from Berlin Germany</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">Dear Mrs Bird England</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">The German House Germany</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">The Midnight Library</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">The Last Garden in England </span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">Our Darkest Night Italy</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">The Book of Names France</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">Dirt France</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">Splendid and the Vile England</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">Anxious People Sweden</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">Eternal Italy</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">The Paris Dressmaker France </span></span></div><div><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 13.2px;">The Elephant of Belfast Ireland</span></span></div><br style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">JET SETTER PRIZE</span></b><br /><br style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: cousine; font-size: 13.2px;">The participant who reads </span><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><i>and reviews</i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: cousine; font-size: 13.2px;"> the greatest number of qualifying books (more than five) will get a $25 gift card to </span><a href="http://www.powells.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #236304; display: inline; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;">Powell's Books</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: cousine; font-size: 13.2px;"> (can be used in store or on line). Participants living outside the US will get a $25-equivalent gift card to the Amazon store in your country, if possible. If you live in a country where neither Powell's nor Amazon will work, then sorry, you are out of luck.</span><br /><br style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: cousine; font-size: 13.2px;">Each book must be by a different author and set in a different country. This means that only one book from one of the four UK countries will count. </span><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><i>Only books reviewed count towards the prize.</i></b></div><div class="article-content entry-content" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span face="" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div class="article-content entry-content" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="article-content entry-content" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: cousine; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></b><span face="" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Based on True Story</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"> is hosting the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.spiritblog.net/january-2020-foodies-read/" target="_blank">Foodies Reading Challenge</a>.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> This is an easy one for me. </span></span></span></div><div class="article-content entry-content" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="article-content entry-content" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #626262; font-family: "open sans", serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Since we are starting another year let’s review the rules:</span></div><ol style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #626262; font-family: "open sans", serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: start; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Every post must feature a book about food. Posts that don’t center a book will be removed.</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Every entry is entered into a monthly drawing to win a gift card. Once you win a prize you are not eligible to win for 6 months.</span></li></ol><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "cousine"; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "cousine"; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "cousine"; font-size: medium;">50 States Reading Challenge I always fail miserably at this one, however it is fun to see what state books are set in. </span><br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alabama Transcendent Kingdom</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alaska The Great Alone</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Arizona</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Arkansas</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">California Dear Edward/When the Stars go Dark </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Colorado Hidden Valley Road</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Connecticut: </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Delaware</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">District of Columbia</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Florida That Summer</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Georgia An American Marriage</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hawaii </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Idaho</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Illinois</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Indiana</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Iowa</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Kansas</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Kentucky The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek K. Richardson</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Louisiana The Book of Lost Friends, The Vanishing Half </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maine </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maryland: Sunflower Sisters, The Invisible Husband of Frick Island</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Massachusetts </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Michigan</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Minnesota</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mississippi: A Time for Mercy</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Missouri </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Montana The Paris Library</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nebraska The Children's Blizzard</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nevada </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">New Hampshire </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;">New Jersey</span><span style="color: #333333;">: Florence Adler Swims Again</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">New Mexico</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">New York The Lions of Fifth Avenue</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">North Carolina </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">North Dakota</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ohio </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oklahoma</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oregon</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Pennsylvania</span><span style="color: #333333;">: Plain Truth, The Orphan Collector</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rhode Island</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">South Carolina The Invention of Wings</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">South Dakota</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Tennessee</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #ff00fe;">Texas </span><span style="background-color: white;"> The Book of Friends, The Four Winds The Last Thing He Told Me</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Utah</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Vermont Rescue</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Virginia: The Yellow Wife</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Washington</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">West Virginia</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wisconsin</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wyoming</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.92px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;">JANUARY </span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. A Time for Mercy Grisham 3.5 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. Billion Dollar Whale T. Hope 4 croissants Malyasia</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. Florence Adler Swims Again 4 croissants New Jersey</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">4. Plain Truth J. Picoult Pennsylvania 3 croissants </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">5. The Things we Cannot Say K Rimmer 4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">6. The unexpected Mrs. Pollifax D. Gilman Albania 4 croissants </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">7. The Book of Lost Friends L. Wingate Louisiana/Texas 3 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">8. The Lions of Fifth Avenue F. Davis 4 croissants New York</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: x-large;">FEBRUARY</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">9. The Girl from Berlin R. Balson Germany/Italy 3 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">10. Dear Mrs. Bird A.J. Pearce England 3.5 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">11. The Good Wife Samra Zafar Pakistan, Canada 3.5 croissants </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">12. Hidden Valley Road, Colorado 4 croissants </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">13. The Historians C. Eckback Sweden 3 croissants </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: x-large;">MARCH</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">14. The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane 4 croissants China</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">15. The Midnight Library 4 croissants England </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">16. Rescue Anita Shevre 3 croissants Vermont </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">17. The Order Daniel Silva 3.5 croissants Italy</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">18. Dear Edward A. Napolitano California 4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">19. Jetsetters A Ward 4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">20. The German House A.Hess 4 croissants Germany</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">21. The Great Alone K. Hannah Alaska </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">22. The Midnight Library 4 croissants England</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">23. The Yellow Wife 4 croissants Virginia S. Johnson</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">24. The Burgess Boys 4 croissants Maine</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">25. The Children's Blizzard M. Benjamin Nebraska</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: x-large;">APRIL</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">26. Our Darkest Night Italy Robson 4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">27. Anxious People F. Backman Sweden 2.5 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">28. The Book of Names 3 croissants France </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">29. The Splendid and the Vile 4 croissants England</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">30. The Four Winds K. Hannah Texas 4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">31. Dirt B. Bulford France 4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">32. Pachinko Japan/Korea 3.4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">33. When the Stars go Dark California 3 P. McClain</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">34. When we were Young and Brave. H. Gaynor China 4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: x-large;">MAY</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">35. The Last Bookshop in London M Martin 4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">36. The Children's Blizzard David Laskins 3 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">37. Eternal Lisa Scottoline Italy 4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">38. The Paris Dressmaker K. Cambron Paris 3 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">39. The Elephant of Belfast Ireland S. Walsh 3.5 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">40. The Vanishing Half Louisiana B. Bennett 4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">41. The Apothecary 3.5 London </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">42. Where the Grass is Green and the Girls are Pretty L. Weisberger 1 croissant</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">43. An American Marriage T Jones 3.5 croissants </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">44. That Summer J. Weiner 4 croissants </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: x-large;">JUNE</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 45. Sunflower Sisters Martha Hall Kelly 4 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">46. The Yellow Envelope K. Dinan 3 croissants India</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">47. The Orphan Collector E.Wiseman 4 croissants Pennsylvania</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">48. The Library of Legends J, Chang 3 croissants China</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">49. The Orphan of Warsaw K. Rimmer 3 croissants Poland</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">50. The Woman with the Blue Star P. Jenoff 3 croissants Poland</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">51. The Guest List L. Foley 4 stars Ireland</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;">JULY</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">52. Sisters of the Resistance C. Wells 4 stars France</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">53. Miss Graham's Cold War Cookbook 3.5 stars Germany C. Rees</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">54. People we Meet on Vacation E. Henry Ohio 1 star </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">55. Jackie and Maria G. Paul 4 stars Greece</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;">AUGUST</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">56. The Personal Librarian 4 stars</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">57. The Paris Library 3.5 Janet Charles Montana</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">58. The Rose Code 4 stars K. Quinn England</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">59. The Woman Who Smashed Codes 4 stars </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">60. The Architect's Apprentice E. Shafak Turkey 4 star</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">61. Band of Sisters 4 stars France L. Willig</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">62. The Forgotten Home Child G. Graham 4 stars Canada</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">63. The Grace Kelly Dress 3.5 B. Janowitz NY</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">64. The Invisable Husband of Frick Island 3.0 C. Oakley Maryland</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">65. The Code Breaker California W. Isaacson 4</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">66. The Girl From the Channel Islands 3.5</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">67. The Nature of Fragile Things 4.0 Meissner California</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">68. Transcendent Kingdom Alabama 3.0 Y, Gasaii</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xx-large;">SEPTEMBER</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">69. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur India 4.0 A. Joshi</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">70. Kew Garden Girls England 4.0 P. Lovell</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">71. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek 4.0 K. Richardson</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">72. The Last Thing He Told Me 4.0 Texas L. D</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">73. While Paris Slept 4.0 R. Druart</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xxx-large;">OCTOBER</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">74. The Invention of Wings S. Monk 4.0 South Carolina </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">75. The Forest of Vanishing Stars K. Harmell 2.5 Poland</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">76. Band of Sisters L. Willig France 4.0</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">77. Last Summer at the Golden Hotel E. Friedland Vermont E. Friedland 3.5</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">78. All the Ways we Said Goodbye B Williams 3.5 France</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">79. Not a happy family. S. Lapena 4.0 New York</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">80. Malibu Rising T. Reid 3.0 California</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">81. The Debutantes 4.0 G. Blalock England</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: xxx-large;">NOVEMBER</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">82. The Dressmaker of Khair Khana G. Lemmon 4 stars Aghanistan</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">83. The Girl from Channel Islands J. Lecoat 3.5 stars England</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">84. The Invisible Husband of Frick Island C. Oakley 3.5 Maryland</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">85. Good Company C. Sweeney California 3.5 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">86. Glitter on the Green J. Dunn South America 3.5 croissants </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: xxx-large;">DECEMBER</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 87. The Therapist B.A. Paris London 3.5 croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">88. The Women's March J. Chiaverini 3. croissants</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">89. Crying in H. Mart M Zanner 3 croissants </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">90. The exiles C. Kline Baker 4 croissants Austrailia </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">91. Three Sister's H. Morris 4 croissants Israel/Germany</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">92. The Brillant Life of Eudora Honeysett A Lyons 4 croissants Britain</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">93. </div></div>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-51142210962704276212020-10-10T21:03:00.005-07:002020-10-11T21:16:20.105-07:00Milk Jar Cookies Book Review by Courtney Cowan <p> </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bpZvfvxNCW-WFhcho41vVog6u-50F8yptH0KgyuP7OT_4T3GrbRWSybopHfIEBe5jVo-vdYzfUTN5SOYg1n0bG2LHvaDE5kn_ds4KKIHtflVO_EEzNJL0aM4W8CeouWkE0NZItoDmv9l/s450/MilkJarCookies.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="362" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bpZvfvxNCW-WFhcho41vVog6u-50F8yptH0KgyuP7OT_4T3GrbRWSybopHfIEBe5jVo-vdYzfUTN5SOYg1n0bG2LHvaDE5kn_ds4KKIHtflVO_EEzNJL0aM4W8CeouWkE0NZItoDmv9l/s320/MilkJarCookies.webp" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Heading into autumn with crisp nights and shorter days always brings out a desire to bake more. Nothing is better than settling down with a cup of tea, a book and a cookie or a scone or a slice of pie or maybe a slice of cake...and a glass of milk.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Cowan has made a career out of cookies with her own brick and mortar store in LA from where you can order her cookies online. While I must confess I have not tried out any of the recipes. (Blame it on a recent accident that resulted in surgery-one handed baking can be quite challenging). I have tagged many of the recipes for when I am back amongst the able two handled world. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I like <a href="https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9781599621500" target="_blank">Cowan's</a> approach to baking-What she likes about baking is how it has the ability to spread joy in three ways-and these days we can all use more joy in our lives. Baking brings joy to the baker while they are busy doing the delicious work, two-seeing, smelling and tasting the fruits of your labor and three sharing your baked goods with others. There is a fourth way, I get pure joy from reading her book the recipes. As I ponder over the ingredients and look at the photos I can almost smell the cookies baking in my oven. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">There is a good variety of recipes from cookies to pies to bars along with cakes and muffins. One recipe I am going to try are the lemon ricotta pancakes and the pumpkin pie cookies. Each recipe has a code to scan so you can listen to music that is appropriate for that recipe. All the recipes seem easy to follow and should you need to make it gluten free the adjustment is there. The only negative I have is some of the recipes call for shortening or corn syrup-two ingredients that are banned from my shelves. In Cowan's defense she chooses shortening due to the fat content. That said I am sure I can easily substitute them out. Some of the recipes have suggestions on a variation-oatmeal raisin cookies can turn into a cranberry cookie at Christmas to make it more festive. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Many of the recipes call for fresh fruit-I like that concept as I always enjoy biting into a pie of fruit-and baked fruit tends to have a great burst of flavor. I think this is clever and not something I have seen in many baking books. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">For those of you who want to see what you are baking each recipe is featured with it's own gorgeous photo taken by Ashley Maxwell that will have you wanting to bake each and every recipe. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Do I recommend this book-absolutely. There is a good selection of recipes that are easy to follow with lovely photos. Should I find myself in <a href="https://milkjarcookies.com/" target="_blank">Los Angeles</a> which I will pay a visit to her brick and mortar store to grab myself a bite.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you to<a href="https://www.rizzoliusa.com/" target="_blank"> Rizzoli Books</a> for giving me a copy of the book to review. </span></p><p><br /></p>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-83599491473876401272020-01-12T20:03:00.009-08:002020-12-29T20:59:29.273-08:00<div class="article-header" style="background-color: white; display: table; font-family: cousine; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 749.937px;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">Well, blogging in 2019 did not really happen for me. 2019 is not a year that will go down in my memory. With a death in the family, the loss of our pet and many many visits to the hospital. One can only hope that 2020 will be better. .</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">It is January and a new year. So hopefully, I will have more time to blog and reconnect with my blog friends. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.rosecityreader.com/p/2020-european-reading-challeng.html" target="_blank">2020 European Reading Challenge</a></span> is being hosted by Rose City Reader. There are prizes to be one. This is an easy one as it seems most of my books are set in Europe. </span><br />
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Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.</blockquote>
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<b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">NOTE:</span></b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.2px;"> Even after Brexit, the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom" style="background-color: white; color: #236304; display: inline; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;">United Kingdom</a><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.2px;"> is still one country, in Europe, that includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. So one book from any one of these four counts as your one book for the United Kingdom. I'm not going to be a stickler about it because challenges should be about fun not about rules. </span><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><i><span style="color: #351c75;">However, when it comes to winning the Jet Setter prize, only one book from one of the UK countries will count</span></i></b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span><br />
<br style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION</span></b><br />
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<ul style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">FIVE STAR (DELUXE ENTOURAGE): </span></b>Read at least five books by different European authors or books set in different European countries.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">FOUR STAR (HONEYMOONER):</span> </b>Read four qualifying books.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">THREE STAR (BUSINESS TRAVELER): </span></b>Read three qualifying books.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">TWO STAR (ADVENTURER): </span></b>Read two qualifying books.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">ONE STAR (PENSIONE WEEKENDER):</span></b> Read just one qualifying book.</li>
</ul>
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<br style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">JET SETTER PRIZE</span></b><br />
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<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.2px;">The participant who reads </span><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><i>and reviews</i></b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.2px;"> the greatest number of qualifying books (more than five) will get a $25 gift card to </span><a href="http://www.powells.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #236304; display: inline; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;">Powell's Books</a><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.2px;"> (can be used in store or on line). Participants living outside the US will get a $25-equivalent gift card to the Amazon store in your country, if possible. If you live in a country where neither Powell's nor Amazon will work, then sorry, you are out of luck.</span><br />
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<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.2px;">Each book must be by a different author and set in a different country. This means that only one book from one of the four UK countries will count. </span><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><i>Only books reviewed count towards the prize.</i></b></div>
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<span face="" style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i><span face="">1. The Ambassador's Daughter France</span></i></b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><i><br /></i></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i><span face="">2. Windfallen, The Family Upstairs England</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i><span face="">3. The Orphan's Song</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i><span face="">4. CIlka's Story Austria</span></i></b></span></span></div><div class="article-content entry-content" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><i>5. The Woman in Cabin Ten Norway</i></b></span></div><div class="article-content entry-content" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><i>6. The Things We Cannot Say Poland K. Rimmer<br /></i></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: cousine; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></b><span face="" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Based on True Story</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"> is hosting the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.spiritblog.net/january-2020-foodies-read/" target="_blank">Foodies Reading Challenge</a>.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> This is an easy one for me. </span></span></span></div>
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<span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #626262; font-family: "open sans", serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Since we are starting another year let’s review the rules:</span></div>
<ol style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); box-sizing: border-box; color: #626262; font-family: "open sans", serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: start; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Every post must feature a book about food. Posts that don’t center a book will be removed.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Every entry is entered into a monthly drawing to win a gift card. Once you win a prize you are not eligible to win for 6 months.</span></li>
</ol>
<span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "cousine"; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "cousine"; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;"><span face="" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "cousine"; font-size: medium;">50 States Reading Challenge I always fail miserably at this one, however it is fun to see what state books are set in. </span><br />
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Alabama</div>
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Alaska</div>
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Arizona</div>
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Arkansas</div>
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California The Stationery Shop</div>
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Colorado</div>
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Connecticut: Mrs. Everything </div>
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Delaware</div>
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District of Columbia</div>
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Florida Camino Winds</div>
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Georgia The Guardian</div>
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Hawaii Honalulu</div>
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Idaho</div>
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Illinois</div>
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Indiana</div>
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Iowa</div>
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Kansas</div>
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Kentucky The Giver of Stars</div>
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Louisiana</div>
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Maine Evvie Drakes New Life, The Last House Guest</div>
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Maryland</div>
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Massachusetts The Stationery Shop</div>
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Michigan</div>
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Minnesota</div>
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Mississippi</div>
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Missouri </div>
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Montana</div>
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Nebraska</div>
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Nevada Pretty Things</div>
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New Hampshire The New Husband</div>
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New Jersey</div>
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New Mexico</div>
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New York <b>City Of Girls</b></div>
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North Carolina Where the Crawdad's Sing</div>
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North Dakota</div>
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Ohio Hillilby Elegy J. Vance</div>
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Oklahoma</div>
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Oregon</div>
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Pennsylvania </div>
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Rhode Island</div>
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South Carolina</div>
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South Dakota</div>
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Tennessee</div>
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Texas</div>
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Utah</div>
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Vermont</div>
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Virginia</div>
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Washington</div>
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West Virginia</div>
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Wisconsin</div>
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Wyoming</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: magenta;">January</span></span></div>
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<span face="">1. City of Girls E. Gilbert 4 stars</span></div>
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<span face="">2. The Ambassador's Daughter P. Jenoff 3.5 stars</span></div>
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<span face="">3. Love and Ruin P. McClain 4 stars Cuba</span><br />
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<span face="">4. Mrs. Everything J. Weiner 3.5 stars</span><br />
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<span face="">5. The Guardian J. Grisham 4 stars </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: small;">6. Kiss the Girls and Make them Cry M Higgins Clark 3 stars </span></span></span></div>
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<span face="">7. Windfallen Jo Jo Moyes 4 stars </span></div>
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<span face="">8. The Orphan's Song L. Kate 4 stars Italy</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">March</span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #333333;">9. The Family Upstairs L. Jewell 4 stars </span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #333333;">10. Cilka's Journey H. Morris 4 stars</span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #333333;">11. The Tatootist of Auschwitz H. Morris 4 stars</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">April</span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #333333;">12. From Scratch T. Locke</span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #333333;">13. The German Heiress A. Scott 4 stars</span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #333333;">14. The Marriage Plot Eugenides </span><a href="https://millennium.newport.lib.ca.us/search~S16?/aEugenides%2C+Jeffrey./aeugenides+jeffrey/-3,-1,0,B/browse" style="color: #990000; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;">Eugenides, </a><br />
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<span face="" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span><span face="" style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">May</span></span>
<span face="" style="color: #333333;">15. </span><span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;">Hillilby Elegy J. Vance 3.5 </span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;">16. The Stationery Shop M. Kamali 4 stars Iran and California</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">June </span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;">17. Where the Crawdad's Sing D. Owens 4 stars </span><br />
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<span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;">July</span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;">18. Maybe You should Talk to Someone L. Gottlieb California</span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;">19. The New Husband DJ Palmer 4 stars New Hampshire</span><br />
<span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;">20 Honolulu A Brennert Hawaii 4 stars </span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;">21 Big Summer J. Weiner</span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;">22. The Giver of Stars Jo Jo Moyes Kentucky</span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span face="" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;">23. A Well Behaved Woman T. Fowler NY</span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 13.92px;">The Beekeeper of Aleppo Syria </span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 13.92px;">The Girl from Widow Hill M. Megan 4 croissants North Carolina </span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 13.92px;">The Lies that Bind E Giffin New York </span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 13.92px;">Pretty Things, Janelle Brown Nevada</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 13.92px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;">September</span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;">28. The Henna Artist India</span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;">29. The Woman in Cabin 10 NOrway </span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">30, Evvie Drakes New Life</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">31 The Winter Guest Poland P Jenoff</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">32. The Winemaker's Wife France K Harmel</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;">October </span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">33 The Last House Guest Maine </span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">34. Sex and Vanity K Kwan</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">35. The Daughter's Tale A. Lucas Correa Germany </span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">36. The Things we Cannot Say K. Rimmer</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">37. Camino Winds G. Grisham Florida</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">38. American Dirt Mexico</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">39. The Long Petal of the Sea I. Allende Chile</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">40. The Island of Sea Women L. Sea Korea</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">41. The Last House Guest. M. Miranda Maine</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">42. In 5 Years </span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.92px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 13.92px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 13.92px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 13.92px;"><br /></span></span>
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Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-1060749791847383552019-10-17T20:56:00.001-07:002019-10-17T20:56:14.645-07:00A Night With Janis JoplinSundays are the perfect day to enjoy a musical. This Sunday get ready to step back to the 60's as you sing and dance the day away while enjoying <a href="https://sandiegotheatres.org/a-night-with-janis-joplin/" target="_blank">A Night With Janis Joplin.</a> Mary Bridget Davies, will be starring as Janis Joplin this Sunday, October 2), 2019 at the Balboa Theater in San Diego for 2 shows, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Pull out your bell bottoms and get ready to be entertained. Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-29374522320743830242019-05-29T21:38:00.003-07:002019-05-29T21:39:54.021-07:00Magical Places by Nikki Van De Car Book Review<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht66EL2TfeitQqvjMk_htnslmZEcLigbS9eNzD2kd618FLXNMR7uVBsR4o5zpFnE0Hf3q2H-8C0srnLy1UDv0NZUoIK30ebre38adDrcUy_MxaWPGshVrTVPgT7Mc2KSpfZWcdLtN_A3ZC/s1600/9780762465972_cover_retail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht66EL2TfeitQqvjMk_htnslmZEcLigbS9eNzD2kd618FLXNMR7uVBsR4o5zpFnE0Hf3q2H-8C0srnLy1UDv0NZUoIK30ebre38adDrcUy_MxaWPGshVrTVPgT7Mc2KSpfZWcdLtN_A3ZC/s640/9780762465972_cover_retail.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are anything like me you spend time, daydreaming of places you would love to visit, thinking of the perfect place to get lost in one's thoughts and feel completely at peace. There is no reason why these places appeal to us. They are just the perfect spot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Author Nikki Van De Car, has compiled a book of <a href="https://www.runningpress.com/titles/nikki-van-de-car/magical-places/9780762465989/" target="_blank">Magical Places</a> which takes the reader on an enchanted journey through mystical sites, haunted houses and fairytale forests. These are actual places found around the world, Each one with their own folklore. Some of the places may be found in a city while others are out in the countryside. Whether or not you see fairies or dragons is up to you. What I can assure you is if you use your imagination and open your eyes you will be surprised and enjoy what each of these places have to offer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgAiIvyqPMWdiN0xEqBzyNXjLOV03IB6jNywlgC3HUuVsC76xEtkPw99btLTsc4ThBXtt3RmSKt4lSWt2Pf2gopqo94pIs30UzwUDnI0pB1MXxBf9XACkgBIaaT21yFEjMINYbEslZPlP/s1600/Mount_Shasta+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1600" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgAiIvyqPMWdiN0xEqBzyNXjLOV03IB6jNywlgC3HUuVsC76xEtkPw99btLTsc4ThBXtt3RmSKt4lSWt2Pf2gopqo94pIs30UzwUDnI0pB1MXxBf9XACkgBIaaT21yFEjMINYbEslZPlP/s640/Mount_Shasta+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In this beautifully illustrated book, Van De Car, takes you on a journey around the world, to some of her favorite locations. Whether you choose to visit them perched in your favorite armchair or make the journey you are sure to be delighted. With her description and brief history of each place, you will be sure to learn something new and interesting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to interviewMs. Van De Car. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How did you come up with the idea for the book</b>?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Haha--I didn't! This was actually my editor Shannon Fabricant's idea! It's something that we both sort of chatted about, from time to time, curious about the places in the world where magic still exists, however buried, but I didn't think of it as a book until she brought it to me! <br clear="none" /><i> </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Where is your Magical Place? what about the place is Magical, How did it speak to you?</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh my. Where to start. I certainly don't have just one, but the first that comes to mind is Waipi'o Valley on the Big Island of Hawai'i, where I live. This one didn't make it into the book, probably because it feels really personal, and hard to describe--but I'll try! The valley is six miles deep and one mile across, with a wide stretch of black sand beach meeting the rough ocean. The only way down into the valley is an extremely steep single-lane road--I believe the steepest road of its length in the US. When I've driven down, I was instructed to *unbuckle* my seatbelt so as to facilitate jumping out of the car on the way down the cliff if we should go over--and you can see the wreckage of fallen cars in the trees below. After that, I walked. The valley is inhabited by people who still live and farm in the old ways, completely off-grid, just as that valley lived for centuries. It was a seat of power for ancient Hawaiian kings, and stories are told about gods who came to visit and did their generally-unpleasant god things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The history and magic--in this case, mana--there is palpable. I'm not religious, but when I carried my three-year-old daughter down that steep road and watched her splash in the water where the river meets the ocean, it felt, for me, like a baptism.<br clear="none" /><i> </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have you been able to visit any of the Magical Places in the book? what did you enjoy about that place? Why did you choose the place?</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My wonderful parents just took me on a trip to see some of these places! We went to France and saw le Mont Saint Michel, the City of Ys and the Catacombs, and we went to the south coast of Iceland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">France was interesting--Mont Saint Michel was stunning, and despite how it's essentially a really nice mall now, you could walk its steep paths and imagine yourself back in time. Douarnenez, however, where the City of Ys supposedly sank beneath the waves, requires a more powerful imagination than I possess--it's one of my favorite stories ever, which is why I wanted to go, but Douarnenez is a lovely, modern town, with no evidence that a princess of the old world fought and died to protect her way of life and that of her people. I suppose it's a testament to how badly she lost. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Catacombs were something I was really looking forward to, in a creepy, "peering into the madness" sort of way. After all, the sign over the door says "You are entering the realm of the dead." It all felt very imaginary. But unlike Douarnenez, no imagination was required--and in fact, I had to keep from being overwhelmed. There are just <i>so many </i>bodies, on and on and on. The same number of people who died in the Holocaust are buried beneath the streets of Paris, and seeing their carefully arranged bones helped me to finally grasp exactly what six million people looks like. And so, by the end, it wasn't creepy--it was just achingly sad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Iceland was different. There, it wasn't just that specific places were specifically beautiful or magical--although they were, incredibly so--but that the entire country and culture felt suffused in myth. It's a dramatic landscape, and their Viking history is equally dramatic, but it's a history that is so entangled with magic and story that it felt like every rock could house a family of elves, and every waterfall be home to some not-quite-benevolent spirit. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"> How did you do your research for the book?</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I could, I went in person, but I also read books, poked around online, searching as often as I could for specific places with specific stories attached. It was so much fun.<br clear="none" /><i> </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Which Magical Place would you like to visit the most? Why is that</b>?</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't make me choose! I would love to see Krampusnacht in Graz, to dive into the To Sua Trench (though let's face it, I probably won't because I"m scared of heights), to walk in Hang Son Doon, to swim in the Hinatuan--there are so many beautiful, impossible places! One day.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Do you have a magical potion for meditation?</b> </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do, actually! This is from my next book, <i>Wellness Witch, </i>coming out next Fall (so a bit of a preview!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let it be known that this tincture likely won’t taste all that good—but fortunately, a little of it goes a long way. Mugwort is an herb with a long history; in Norse mythology, it is one of the nine herbs of power used by the god Odin. Yarrow enhances perception and psychic abilities, and was used thousands of years ago to stop bleeding on the battlefield. Anise will not only sweeten (slightly) the tincture, but will raise your vibrations, allowing your perceptions to soar. Mint invites clarity and positivity, to balance the power of the mugwort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";">·</span> 1 tablespoon dried anise or a quarter cup fresh</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";">·</span> 1 tablespoon dried mugwort or a quarter cup fresh</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";">·</span> 1 tablespoon dried yarrow or a quarter cup fresh</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";">·</span> 1 tablespoon dried mint or a quarter cup fresh</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";">·</span> Everclear or vodka</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If using fresh herbs, collect them by the full moon, and make the tincture that same night. If using dry or a combination, mix the dried herbs together and sprinkle them over a bowl that contains lapis lazuli, opal and calcite. Charge them overnight on the night just before the full moon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> On the night of the full moon, working in the moonlight if possible, chop your fresh herbs finely, and then mix all herbs together in a mortar and pestle, bashing them around, breaking them down as much as possible. Place them in a jar with room at the top, and then cover them with the Everclear or vodka. Allow the tincture to rest for one month, in darkness during the day, and in moonlight when possible, shaking occasionally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In the light of the next full moon, strain your tincture into a dark glass container, where it will keep for months or even years. You likely will not require more than a teaspoon at a time to enhance your spellwork or meditations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A perfect night of relaxation would be to have my magic portion and read through the book. Thank you to <a href="https://www.runningpress.com/titles/nikki-van-de-car/magical-places/9780762465989/" target="_blank">Hachette Book Group</a> for giving me the opportunity to review the book. </span></div>
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Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-56465456732221508342019-03-16T11:00:00.001-07:002019-03-16T11:00:52.688-07:00Enjoying Mango Sticky Rice in Phuket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpi4BsL37R5-MUUxVv077JxYmQRSUg75ELKZtXCLcmQyOZkye2s3x2oLVp8Rz8jPA9ryFMgduvVmivyH1YlifWytlyOFsiq_b8DH2YLnb45qH60zPHx3Iw6ZOkEScBJjiCMduv-DdnI-c/s1600/20190302_211225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpi4BsL37R5-MUUxVv077JxYmQRSUg75ELKZtXCLcmQyOZkye2s3x2oLVp8Rz8jPA9ryFMgduvVmivyH1YlifWytlyOFsiq_b8DH2YLnb45qH60zPHx3Iw6ZOkEScBJjiCMduv-DdnI-c/s1600/20190302_211225.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Having just returned from Thailand, my new favorite dessert is mango sticky rice. The first time I had it was probably at one of the night markets. The <a href="http://renaissance-hotels.marriott.com/renaissance-phuket-resort-spa" target="_blank">Renaissance Phuket</a> was our final destination of the trip. By the time I was there mango was a daily staple. Luckily for me, mango was served each morning at the breakfast bar. One could easily sidle up to the fruit station and enjoy having fresh mango cut and served to you. Let me assure you, I was probably enjoying 3 mangoes a day. After enjoying my breakfast mangoes I would make my way down to the beach to enjoy a morning swim. This was the beach at the Renaissance Phuket. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mango sticky rice is such an easy dessert to make. You could also have durian sticky rice should you want. It is really just a matter of making your sticky rice, slicing your mango, adding on some toasted mung bean or toasted sesame seeds and a little coconut cream. The amount of coconut cream is going to proportional to the number of servings you are making. I would suggest about 4 tbsp coconut cream for each serving. If you were using about 1/4 cup coconut cream then add about 1 tsp sugar. Do not use too much sugar as your dessert will be too sweet. The mango should already be sweet. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhex-6SSheV21hqQhyphenhyphenmWr6st3UfhDQ_UXLBan6heMZNF6vYSxph2GuxsXEyP_s6VbkVSSbbiB3-f8SOUrWR8S6kMi2AmU-9i7xPKOlfUv_mBWvIc6CpeOgoXzBnaRpHYXq2htEL5S6qZA7e/s1600/20190305_093724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhex-6SSheV21hqQhyphenhyphenmWr6st3UfhDQ_UXLBan6heMZNF6vYSxph2GuxsXEyP_s6VbkVSSbbiB3-f8SOUrWR8S6kMi2AmU-9i7xPKOlfUv_mBWvIc6CpeOgoXzBnaRpHYXq2htEL5S6qZA7e/s1600/20190305_093724.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pond surrounding the breakfast restaurant</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you really want to be creative add butterfly pea to your rice. Butterfly pea is from the Clitoria ternate plant. It will turn your rice a beautiful shade of blue. If you look at the the first photo, you can see some blue rice in the picture. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BtOf_glOQQyyUmLKmvTiiNncavV5VkBYSJCnMKolwTAipJ_B0eIbgq5z9-eaBQMpdy5duufWy-0khDTSEMVEs-xKFnbLKaRX_7RF5WrQHj-Rq8osw60NB0Q2N-9ENieW8v471wG04HKy/s1600/20190306_132414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BtOf_glOQQyyUmLKmvTiiNncavV5VkBYSJCnMKolwTAipJ_B0eIbgq5z9-eaBQMpdy5duufWy-0khDTSEMVEs-xKFnbLKaRX_7RF5WrQHj-Rq8osw60NB0Q2N-9ENieW8v471wG04HKy/s1600/20190306_132414.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phuket Beach in front of the Renaissance Phuket</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One evening the hotel hosted an east meets west dinner. One of their desserts was mango sticky rice. I told the chef I was going to take all the mango off from the sticky rice. Once he realized how much I loved mango sticky rice, he insisted on peeling some mangoes for me. Honestly if I could have brought home a crate of mangoes I would have done so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my contribution to Weekend Cooking hosted by <a href="https://www.bethfishreads.com/2019/03/weekend-cooking-skinnytaste-one-done.html" target="_blank">Beth Fish Reads</a>. </span><br />
<br />Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-84949552871755823492019-01-27T20:39:00.003-08:002019-01-27T20:40:25.439-08:00Are We French Yet? by Keith Van Sickle Book Review and Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keith and Val are living my dream, splitting their lives between France and the US. After a job transfer to Switzerland, the couple decided to see if they could split their time between the two continents. Packing up their beloved dog, they rent a home in Provence where they have made friends, improved their French and embraced the culture. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The book is full of enjoyable antidotes regarding their adventures abroad. One knows the book is going to be full of the unexpected when it commences with Keith breaking his wrist the day before they set off to France and they go. This mishap has a happy ending as his French doctor invites him to a wine festival where they get to know a vintner. That is the way in Provence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Throwing himself into French politics, you hear about one party that shows an ad with a couple coupling. You will need to read the book to learn the subtle message. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even the French lessons have a story as Keith stumbles his way through the rules of French grammar and the little nuances. However, he is pleased with himself when he sees a fellow American giving him the eye, as he speaks in French. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The book is thoroughly charming and engaging. If Keith does not have you yearning for a summer in Provence, you will be wishing he and Val where your friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lucky for you, you can <a href="https://giveawaytools2.com/giveaway.php?sk=5100644846" target="_blank">enter here</a> for a chance for your own copy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy and good luck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to France Book Tours for hosting this tour. </span><br />
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<br />Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-65142530067402681172019-01-11T21:42:00.001-08:002019-01-11T21:42:47.868-08:00The Complete Milk Street TV Show CookBook Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am probably the biggest library geek there is. I love the library and visit it at least once a week. I am fortunate in that we have four city libraries, one that I can walk to. This past summer I was the grand prize winner of the summer reading program. My prize was a gift card to the mall. Fast forward to December. that is a month I spend a fair amount of time at the mall and it was time to spend the gift card. I discovered Milk Street. I am sure I am probably the last person to have discovered <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Milk-Street-Cookbook-2017-2019/dp/0316415847/ref=asc_df_0316415847/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312069235624&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1444934490151666600&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031550&hvtargid=pla-561772231135&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=58874700621&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312069235624&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1444934490151666600&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031550&hvtargid=pla-561772231135" target="_blank">Milk Street</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was one of two cookbooks I bought for myself with my library gift card. I like the book a lot. At this stage one of my criteria for cookbooks is that the recipes must be different. I get frustrated with recipe books that seem to have the same recipes I can find somewhere else or recipes that I already know how to make. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The book has a great selection of recipes with a variety of flavors. One recipe I have repeated a few times is the roasted cauliflower with tahini. Never would I have thought about tossing my cauliflower in tahini. We have enjoyed the recipe so much that I am on to my third container of tahini in two weeks. My first container was so old that the tahini was solid. Another recipe I enjoyed were Turkish meatballs. They are just ground beef, however with the combination of spices it was a different way of enjoying ground beef. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Apparently, there is a TV show, however it is doubtful I will watch it, only because I would much rather read than watch television. If you are not ready to invest in the cookbook, there is a magazine which looks like it has has a great selection of recipes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my contribution to Weekend Cooking hosted by Beth Fish Reads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-11069819505465273052019-01-06T20:10:00.001-08:002019-12-19T21:01:00.383-08:00Back to Blogging and 2019 Reading Challenges<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, I am not sure if this is an explanation for you or just a letter to myself. 2018 was my least productive year of blogging. If you were to ask me why the answer would be simple. WORK. I had a very stressful year at work. For me blogging was always supposed to be fun. I never wanted it to be a chore. The time just was not there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is January and a new year. So hopefully, I will have more time to blog and reconnect with my blog friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;">2019 European Reading Challenge</span> is</span> being hosted by Rose City Reader. There are prizes to be one. This is an easy one as it seems most of my books are set in Europe. </span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.</blockquote>
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<b style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">NOTE:</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"> Even after Brexit, the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom" style="color: #236304; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-decoration: none;">United Kingdom</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"> is still one country, in Europe, that includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. So one book from any one of these four counts as your one book for the United Kingdom. I'm not going to be a stickler about it because challenges should be about fun not about rules. </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i><span style="color: #351c75;">However, when it comes to winning the Jet Setter prize, only one book from one of the UK countries will count</span></i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">.</span><br />
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<b style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION</span></b><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">FIVE STAR (DELUXE ENTOURAGE): </span></b>Read at least five books by different European authors or books set in different European countries.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">FOUR STAR (HONEYMOONER):</span> </b>Read four qualifying books.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">THREE STAR (BUSINESS TRAVELER): </span></b>Read three qualifying books.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">TWO STAR (ADVENTURER): </span></b>Read two qualifying books.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">ONE STAR (PENSIONE WEEKENDER):</span></b> Read just one qualifying book.</li>
</ul>
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<b style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">JET SETTER PRIZE</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">The participant who reads </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i>and reviews</i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"> the greatest number of qualifying books (more than five) will get a $25 gift card to </span><a href="http://www.powells.com/" style="color: #236304; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-decoration: none;">Powell's Books</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"> (can be used in store or on line). Participants living outside the US will get a $25-equivalent gift card to the Amazon store in your country, if possible. If you live in a country where neither Powell's nor Amazon will work, then sorry, you are out of luck.</span><br />
<br style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">Each book must be by a different author and set in a different country. This means that only one book from one of the four UK countries will count. </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i>Only books reviewed count towards the prize.</i></b><br />
<b style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i><br /></i></b>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i>1. The Other Woman England</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i>2. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i>3. Seven Days of Us England</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i>4. The Lake House K Morton england </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i>5. We were the Lucky Ones Poland</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i>6. Two Steps Forward England </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i>7. Lilac Girls, Germany</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i>8. My Grandmother said she was sorry</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: magenta;">Based on True Story</span> </span>is hosting the <span style="color: magenta;">Foodies Reading Challenge.</span> This is an easy one for me. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Christmas Sweets Allison Leopold</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Zahav Israeli Cooking </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Bake Essential Techniques for Perfect Balking N. Malgieri</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">50 States Reading Challenge I always fail miserably at this one, however it is fun to see what state books are set in. </span><br />
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Alabama</div>
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Alaska</div>
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Arizona</div>
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Arkansas</div>
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California Bad Blood</div>
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Colorado</div>
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Connecticut: The Last Mrs. Parrish </div>
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Delaware</div>
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District of Columbia</div>
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Florida</div>
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Georgia</div>
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Hawaii</div>
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Idaho</div>
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Illinois</div>
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Indiana</div>
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Iowa</div>
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Kansas</div>
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Kentucky</div>
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Louisiana</div>
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Maine</div>
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Maryland</div>
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Massachusetts</div>
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Michigan</div>
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Minnesota</div>
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Mississippi</div>
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Missouri The Reckoning </div>
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Montana</div>
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Nebraska</div>
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Nevada</div>
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New Hampshire</div>
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New Jersey</div>
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New Mexico</div>
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New York You think it I'll Say it. </div>
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North Carolina</div>
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North Dakota</div>
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Ohio</div>
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Oklahoma</div>
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Oregon</div>
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Pennsylvania Sold on a Monday</div>
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Rhode Island</div>
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South Carolina</div>
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South Dakota</div>
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Tennessee</div>
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Texas</div>
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Utah</div>
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Vermont</div>
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Virginia</div>
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Washington</div>
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West Virginia</div>
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Wisconsin</div>
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Wyoming</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">January</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">1. The Other Woman Sandie Jones 3.5 croissants England</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">2. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine Gail Honeyman 4 croissants England</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">3. Christmas Sweets Allison Leopold 2 croissants</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">4. Seven Days of Us F. Hornack 4 croissants England</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">5. Zahav Israeli Cooking 2.5 croissants</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 255); color: magenta;">February</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">6. The Lake House 4 croissants England</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">7. We Were the Lucky Ones G. Hunter Poland 4 croissants</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 255);">March</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 255);"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 255);"><span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">8. Something in the Water C. Steadman Tahiti 4 croissants</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 255);">April</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 255);"><br />9</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">. Two Steps Forward England 3 croissants</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">10. Sold on a Monday K. McMorris Pennsylvania 4 croissants </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 255);">May</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">11. The Last Mrs. Parrish L. Constantine Connecticut </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">June</span><br />
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12<span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">. The Reckoning J. Grisham 3.5 croissants Missouri</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">13. Lilac Girls Germany 4 croissants</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">14. You Think it I'll Say it C. Sittenfield NY 3 croissants</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">July</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">15. Save me the Plums R. Reichl 3 NY croissants</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">16. Nine Perfect Strangers L. Moriarty 4 croissants </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">17. My Grandmother said she was Sorry 3 croissants England</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">18. Convenience Store Woman 2 croissants Japan </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">19. What Alice Forgot L. Moriarity 3 stars</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">August</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">20. Inheritance D. Shapiro 4 stars Connectuict</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #005025; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">September</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">21. Bad Blood J. Carreyrou California 4 stars</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">22. The Library Book S. Orlean California 4 stars</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">23. the Clockmaker's Daughter K. Morton 4 stars</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">24. Circling the Sun Kenya P. McClain</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">25. Lost Roses M. Kelly 3 croissants</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">26. The Lost Girls of Paris P. Jenoff 4 croissants</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #005025; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">27. Small Great Things J. Picoult 4 croissants</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">December</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #005025; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">28. bake Nick Malgieri </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #005025; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">29. All the Flowers in Paris S. Jio 3.5 croissants </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #005025; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">30. the Queen of the Big Time A. Trigiani 4 croissants </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #005025; font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;">31. A Gentleman in Moscow 4 croissants</span></span><br />
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Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-30335037905646822562018-12-06T02:50:00.000-08:002018-12-06T02:50:03.938-08:00The Wonderful Winter of Oz at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Christmas is almost here and it the perfect time to go see a holiday play.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP)<br />in association with Pasadena Civic Auditorium</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">presents<br /><strong><em>THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ</em></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Book by Kris Lythgoe </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo (NappyTabs)<br />Music Direction and Arrangements by Michael Orland (<em>American Idol</em>)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Directed by Bonnie Lythgoe</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">This Holiday Season, fly over the rainbow with Lythgoe Family Panto's <em><strong>THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ</strong></em>! Join <strong>Mackenzie Ziegler</strong> ("Dancing with the Stars: Juniors", "DanceMoms") as Dorothy, Tony Award winner <strong>Marissa Jaret Winokur </strong>("Celebrity Big Brother " Winner and Broadway's <em>Hairspray</em>) as Glinda, <strong>Kermit the Frog® </strong>as the Wizard of Oz, <strong>Jared Gertner</strong> (Broadway's <em>The Book of Mormon</em>) as The Scarecrow, <strong>Phil LaMarr</strong> ("Mad TV" and "Pulp Fiction") as The Tin Man, <strong>Juan Pablo Di Pace </strong>("Dancing With The Stars" and "Fuller House") as The Cowardly Lion, <strong>Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer</strong> (Nickelodeon's "The Fresh Beat Band", 'Cha Cha' on FOX's "Grease: Live!", National Tour of <em>In the Heights</em>) as The Wicked Witch of the West, <strong>Hailee Payne </strong>and <strong>Valerie Rockey</strong> (of "So You Think You Can Dance") and Rescue Dog <strong>Pickle C. Irwin </strong>as Toto.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">An updated version of the beloved classic, in the style of a traditional British family Panto, <strong><em>THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ</em></strong> features family-friendly magic, with a comedic twist, dancing (with “So You Think You Can Dance” alumni), contemporary music and more. </span><strong><span style="color: blue;"><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://4" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.258824); color: blue;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="4" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">December 15 - 30</a> at Pasadena Civic Auditorium (<a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://5" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.258824); color: blue;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="5" x-apple-data-detectors-type="address" x-apple-data-detectors="true">300 East Green Street, Pasadena CA 91101</a>). TIX: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/2yUBhpf&source=gmail&ust=1543965432937000&usg=AFQjCNED5yspQBEJ1E0giUXJB0P0mfMDUw" href="http://americanpanto-mail.net/9ce71eubsakaehuyhaiayjuarahmhbej/click.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">https://bit.ly/2yUBhpf</span></a></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Tickets start at $40 and Family Four Packs for just $99 can </span><strong><span style="color: blue;">be purchased at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, online at </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.thepasadenacivic.com/&source=gmail&ust=1543965432937000&usg=AFQjCNF_3ESuj_4XJc2LamnsqpvzRKRIGg" href="http://americanpanto-mail.net/5babfeubuataehuyhakayjuanahmhbej/click.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.thepasadenacivic.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="color: blue;"> or by calling <a dir="ltr" href="tel:800-982-2787" x-apple-data-detectors-result="10" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">800-982-2787</a>. Golden Tickets, which allow the ticket holder (children ages 4 – 12 only) a special on-stage experience during the production, are available for an additional $75.00 each. Group discounts (for groups of 8 or more) are available by emailing </span><a href="mailto:groups@americanpanto.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">groups@americanpanto.com</span></a><span style="color: blue;">. This will be the seventh holiday season of Lythgoe Family Panto in Pasadena, and the second at the Pasadena Civic.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Winter Wonderland:<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"> Audience members can enjoy this FREE pre-show celebration featuring crafts, games, Santa Claus (on select days), photo opportunities, and more! Starts one hour prior to curtain time. </span></span></span></span><br /> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Previously Lythgoe Family Panto established their reputation with productions including <strong><em>Beauty and the Beast: A Christmas Rose </em></strong>starring Kellie Berglund, James Snyder and Gedde Watanabe, <strong><em>A Cinderella Christmas</em></strong> starring Lauren Taylor, <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://13" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.258824); color: blue;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="13" x-apple-data-detectors-type="misc" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Alex Newell</a> and Morgan Fairchild, <strong><em>Peter Pan and Tinker Bell </em></strong><strong><em>- A Pirates Christmas </em></strong>starring <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://14" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.258824); color: blue;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="14" x-apple-data-detectors-type="misc" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Sabrina Carpenter</a> and John O’Hurley,<strong><em> Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight</em></strong> starring Olivia Holt and Lucy Lawless, <strong><em>Aladdin and His Winter Wish</em></strong> starring Ben Vereen, Jordan Fisher, and Ashley Argota – and <strong><em>A Snow White Christmas</em></strong> starring <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://15" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.258824); color: blue;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="15" x-apple-data-detectors-type="misc" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Ariana Grande</a> and Neil Patrick Harris.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Lythgoe Family Panto produces fun, musical theatre the whole family can enjoy. Known for their creativity and involvement in television hits “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” the Lythgoes are dedicated to bringing affordable theatre to families across America. Based on the Grimm fairytales and others, each story has been modernized with topical scripts for parents and well known pop songs for kids. The Lythgoes pride themselves on creating a memorable experience a family can share together. In 2017 over 6000 title 1 students were introduced by the Lythgoe’s to live theatre, through the medium of Panto.</span></span></span></div>
Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-23339351975086022792018-08-21T22:00:00.001-07:002018-08-21T22:00:39.823-07:00The Paris Secret by Karen Swan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvM-Jm6XAEfU5pU4VNqczTwLsG8OOzSMOYfXsZjkxdY7dJKcKVYwB6qEwP9uk7lSrGXTTlt2SdjQdPDRyrXE_cRCHH8hMfq-kebTx7K_FOP9XYq6Wmr9ubQeON8SBNkUWDvUVwamMZSGr/s1600/x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvM-Jm6XAEfU5pU4VNqczTwLsG8OOzSMOYfXsZjkxdY7dJKcKVYwB6qEwP9uk7lSrGXTTlt2SdjQdPDRyrXE_cRCHH8hMfq-kebTx7K_FOP9XYq6Wmr9ubQeON8SBNkUWDvUVwamMZSGr/s320/x400.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The book is based on an actual apartment in Paris that was closed and never opened again until the passage of 70 year. The apartment was closed after World War 11.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In The Paris Secret, Flora works for an auction house. Sent to the apartment to inventory it's contents, Flora discovers a collection of paintings. The story that Flora must write is their provenance. Who did the paintings belong to and why are in the apartment. As Flora attempts to discover the painting's provenance she become entangled in the family drama. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love the premise for this book. It is quite interesting to think there is an apartment in Paris that was abandoned for 70 years. Who did the apartment belong to, what happened to the owners. How come the other owners in the apartment building did not realize no-one lived in this apartment. One must admit this is quite the interesting story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As Flora researches the provenance of the paintings she discovers a horrible family secret, regarding the family's business dealings during the war.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While I enjoyed the story line, I did not love the book. Flora is supposed to be a high powered art dealer at an auction house, however she falls for the bad boy son of the family who owns the apartment. Save me, that story line is so old. Flora and Xavier do not exchange more than 10 words which are insults at best and yet find themselves in bed. I find this part of the story to be rather insipid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do I recommend reading this book? Yes, I think it has an interesting story line. I just wish authors did not feel the need to have their female characters falling weak at the knees when a male struts into their periphery vision.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062672834/the-paris-secret/" target="_blank">Harper Collins</a> for providing me with a copy of the book.</span></div>
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Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-21342360990673972272018-07-30T20:14:00.001-07:002019-07-06T17:09:02.178-07:00The Paris Wedding Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ePZMfM10mSns1s6luST_OeLnvbudscMjRabZ77_lS5-5vkpsd7mdsxZ62Z58ylXuOrR3f4HLzM6szqUhcNcpRxcPc4raDPvdPNlDILwF8Jne7Kxt69cDGOeLG64953wyNaH9ecSTYLbz/s1600/41elWBdLgzL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ePZMfM10mSns1s6luST_OeLnvbudscMjRabZ77_lS5-5vkpsd7mdsxZ62Z58ylXuOrR3f4HLzM6szqUhcNcpRxcPc4raDPvdPNlDILwF8Jne7Kxt69cDGOeLG64953wyNaH9ecSTYLbz/s400/41elWBdLgzL._AC_US218_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The premise behind the book was intriguing, however for me I found the book to be very frustrating. On the cusp of her mother's death, Rachel receives an invitation to her former boyfriend's wedding in Paris. Still in love with many unanswered questions she debates whether or not to attend the wedding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Given she had dedicated the last decade to caring for her mother, Rachel attends the wedding, dragging along her best friend. What should be a remarkable time, staying at a 5 star hotel in Paris turns out to be a tumultuous experience for Rachel. Upon seeing her former boyfriend she realizes she is still in love with him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I found the book to be rather frustrating as on more than one occasion, her former love is on the threshold of a revelation to Rachel. Holding out for a confession of Matthew still being in love with her, Rachel does not partake in the many activities. Who goes to Paris and wants to catch up on their sleep when they are jet lagged? Where the storyline angered me is when the drunken boyfriend shows up in her hotel room in the middle of the night confessing his feelings and asking her to elope. After being stood up by him hours earlier and on the eve of his wedding dump the guy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Parts of the storyline are believable and others are outright frustrating. For me, I prefer a stronger female character. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062696205/the-paris-wedding/" target="_blank">William Morrow</a> for a copy of the book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-35573790202119950552018-07-19T17:18:00.004-07:002018-07-19T17:19:13.687-07:00Atelier des Lumières, Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JJMDHmM6OuJLO2SGzBQ31gTVWC2frVBkseYSPiUf7zLKKyK1fFrJe4we6lMCuqJ5RYK7nrs7Epzls8b465tY1T6bA4Dw0AIB0PQLP3peC9iHrnABQJzxbCA0CIRgHUpetQ9iI_lo062c/s1600/DSC09598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JJMDHmM6OuJLO2SGzBQ31gTVWC2frVBkseYSPiUf7zLKKyK1fFrJe4we6lMCuqJ5RYK7nrs7Epzls8b465tY1T6bA4Dw0AIB0PQLP3peC9iHrnABQJzxbCA0CIRgHUpetQ9iI_lo062c/s1600/DSC09598.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a new museum in Paris that is absolutely incredible. The museum has only be open a few short months. Known as the <a href="http://atelier-lumieres.com/" target="_blank">Atelier-Lumieres</a>, the museum features art accompanied by music. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymnHniTaFnb7AD6Oa2NDHeVxPTHXJSRVpapP4f_ehS2sMfwGTf4hthUanXF3hLrIp76jBq3-09_7gm2gnt0a2tPo1X0nWaZAED2XQNu7kFT9UM0TtcZErYt9-lvM5Fld8ycbc038Z2xEh/s1600/DSC09600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymnHniTaFnb7AD6Oa2NDHeVxPTHXJSRVpapP4f_ehS2sMfwGTf4hthUanXF3hLrIp76jBq3-09_7gm2gnt0a2tPo1X0nWaZAED2XQNu7kFT9UM0TtcZErYt9-lvM5Fld8ycbc038Z2xEh/s1600/DSC09600.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Currently the exhibit is focusing on the works of Gustav Klimt, as he was a major contributor to the Austrian art scene. Located in an old warehouse the art is projected onto the floors and walls. Depending on what painting is being portrayed, it slowly grows onto the surface, until the entire painting is illuminated. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn-byEzX9MghiKz8vC0FBEwc_Ceaz5hrJDBgfqPRYbxiCH9s3tG7MBC7BZCHGQRYpdcuOa0DANeYNKgfG8dyDkmK7uFNuO3hEC2vV0_f5_3gMOY0-YEpIznDyDxVXzL26QzEtmAv9BlCF/s1600/DSC09602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn-byEzX9MghiKz8vC0FBEwc_Ceaz5hrJDBgfqPRYbxiCH9s3tG7MBC7BZCHGQRYpdcuOa0DANeYNKgfG8dyDkmK7uFNuO3hEC2vV0_f5_3gMOY0-YEpIznDyDxVXzL26QzEtmAv9BlCF/s1600/DSC09602.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What makes, the exhibit truly unique is the choreography to music. Given Klimt was Austrian, there was Austrian waltzes and marching music played in tune to the illuminations. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzas2QFs4tWvmDMkERy6wDN5gnLQhWXDgU6AaYrQggVPvZF-GhdlpZKYhwVQZcLtpErWofZ-BZ75bwoQ8LOJoxM1G7_lLHHk9cE_3CQkxps5vCDCaln5JP05uZn0yc2qX2chKptNZ63UdP/s1600/DSC09604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzas2QFs4tWvmDMkERy6wDN5gnLQhWXDgU6AaYrQggVPvZF-GhdlpZKYhwVQZcLtpErWofZ-BZ75bwoQ8LOJoxM1G7_lLHHk9cE_3CQkxps5vCDCaln5JP05uZn0yc2qX2chKptNZ63UdP/s1600/DSC09604.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDshLRDYnGXPtMJtkLuYlOwEhqZfHz4BVMGbfLGIIf2e5zsUruytN2fe-nYB65R9gw31lSBopaA6mDEuoncwdZrDG7bvNHaTGccaqfpFAoBAWpjUYxlTcGHpgWKEKL8t4FzwT1UXX7KE9/s1600/DSC09616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDshLRDYnGXPtMJtkLuYlOwEhqZfHz4BVMGbfLGIIf2e5zsUruytN2fe-nYB65R9gw31lSBopaA6mDEuoncwdZrDG7bvNHaTGccaqfpFAoBAWpjUYxlTcGHpgWKEKL8t4FzwT1UXX7KE9/s320/DSC09616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">When I first arrived at the exhibit, I really did not know what to expect. I had purchased my tickets for the opening hour and initially was standing in an empty warehouse staring at blank walls. As the paintings began to come to life I was mesmerized. Next to me were two small girls who took each other's hands and began to waltz to the music. The exhibit was unlike anything I had ever experienced. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-b0wAyN0RwSRLAn8LOs4HD06hiVgN9kCxGm5i_QwJ7W0LYj9XEYEfq2-7jaqdIYa0Ji2hTAtwywqP1uVecBeoi3RpJHPztv22GAAExi5hOOxujJPWnVfiYIV9ienqAVpiVbq3-dPKKVF/s1600/DSC09618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-b0wAyN0RwSRLAn8LOs4HD06hiVgN9kCxGm5i_QwJ7W0LYj9XEYEfq2-7jaqdIYa0Ji2hTAtwywqP1uVecBeoi3RpJHPztv22GAAExi5hOOxujJPWnVfiYIV9ienqAVpiVbq3-dPKKVF/s1600/DSC09618.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLk1e_X-UhKt4GPtxSt4xgPITbGuFL-JMsfMfM0hE0ZW6oZAyiTgYY_5-Mffye7NPWO-g_CykyTVLVaEIv_ARfJnbNvKnxuWHsdo0djUz_KtgrUCO2S8RLnkBbPpMfLDtejrZanW1kx94/s1600/DSC09619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLk1e_X-UhKt4GPtxSt4xgPITbGuFL-JMsfMfM0hE0ZW6oZAyiTgYY_5-Mffye7NPWO-g_CykyTVLVaEIv_ARfJnbNvKnxuWHsdo0djUz_KtgrUCO2S8RLnkBbPpMfLDtejrZanW1kx94/s1600/DSC09619.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My suggestion would be to purchase your tickets in advance given the museum is still quite new. Plan on staying a minimum of an hour. I believe you can stay as along as you wish. Most of the time you will be walking around, or leaning against the pillars. There are very few seats in the auditorium. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoouMFQvgTjjuBSg72qeYGy90ZcB7vVjixY5O5T8aFRVT01W2FEX6RLL2rsCMK0o0ndOmx-6Byhjz76rk61UI4xk6BllDEkaQBSnv4SkfcjD71kXoabSqIXH2wHjf_1l1X6tjMxRwMf8R/s1600/DSC09621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoouMFQvgTjjuBSg72qeYGy90ZcB7vVjixY5O5T8aFRVT01W2FEX6RLL2rsCMK0o0ndOmx-6Byhjz76rk61UI4xk6BllDEkaQBSnv4SkfcjD71kXoabSqIXH2wHjf_1l1X6tjMxRwMf8R/s1600/DSC09621.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The museum is located at 38 rue Saint Maur, Paris. Afterwards it is a short 15 minute walk to Pere Lachaise. I would highly recommend this museum, as it is unlike anything I have ever experienced. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my contribution to Paris in July hosted by Thyme for Tea. </span><br />
<br />Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-81904831307661805442018-07-13T21:14:00.002-07:002018-07-13T21:14:49.898-07:00Market Day in L'Isle sur la Sorgue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89XrQ5xBCPX_UgEo9HbPmbPHaM222lyFgvqpdHa6zrdSOOjNzJ9uYBp6dakRq_JwKIn6hJUzaKBsnuXIaTeGFVqo3xEaIlHAz7GvrlbxmZ4o2iM3s3EQ3bLPin-NQCJDfEhWIof8Xl-TN/s1600/DSC09891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89XrQ5xBCPX_UgEo9HbPmbPHaM222lyFgvqpdHa6zrdSOOjNzJ9uYBp6dakRq_JwKIn6hJUzaKBsnuXIaTeGFVqo3xEaIlHAz7GvrlbxmZ4o2iM3s3EQ3bLPin-NQCJDfEhWIof8Xl-TN/s1600/DSC09891.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday is market day in L'Isle sur la Sorgue. If there ever was a town where I wish I had a container where I could ship my items home from this town would be on the list. Known for its antiques the market here is delightful. I have a true appreciation for a market that has a little of this and a little of that. Eclectic yet not junky. Just the right amount of antiques and interesting items, handcrafts, food of course, flowers and some artwork. This is the market. My advice to you is to get here early. I would recommend arriving at any market early. Parking will be much easier. We parked in a payed public lot about a 5 minute walk. The market is also less likely to be as crowded which gives you the opportunity to stroll about and then potentially return to your favourite vendors. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAL4fQMnJcWkpRXFgLvqRCUILwnEVMaEj45EEMmwFw9QoXkTOZBHJPsDo8AwHQMejjhO53CNhvwgSyJVmu6VEv0m7RKvABGuhyphenhyphenn2_rAkYsIIw0LzCa2GOopojFKCArAkhP4QNNMOUPAou/s1600/DSC09898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAL4fQMnJcWkpRXFgLvqRCUILwnEVMaEj45EEMmwFw9QoXkTOZBHJPsDo8AwHQMejjhO53CNhvwgSyJVmu6VEv0m7RKvABGuhyphenhyphenn2_rAkYsIIw0LzCa2GOopojFKCArAkhP4QNNMOUPAou/s1600/DSC09898.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here the market is located along the canal. The town is quite charming with it's canals and waterwheels. In addition to the market most of the stores are open which adds to the fun. Typically there are about 300 vendors at the market. During my visit to Provence I stayed in St. Remy de Provence. We were about 45 minutes away from L'Isle sur la Sorgue. Located to the south of Avignon, it is about 25 km. During the spring and summer there is a huge antiques fair. I easily could have spent hours wandering in and out of all the stores here. The antiques shops and galleries had some amazing pieces. Even if you do not buy a thing, you will have strolling. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe3s8hK5U7ksw_idOErM6LqIIqzsdh1I2vkt_F3NbE1e-B3VSpomdP0pnSWImn6lTjPRL6iR1qwPBpRmJElor0-VWbi7dAAhQnMwohCYM73GxVp29qTNi2u3P1sX4jtYgay4XVOS4hE6w/s1600/DSC09899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe3s8hK5U7ksw_idOErM6LqIIqzsdh1I2vkt_F3NbE1e-B3VSpomdP0pnSWImn6lTjPRL6iR1qwPBpRmJElor0-VWbi7dAAhQnMwohCYM73GxVp29qTNi2u3P1sX4jtYgay4XVOS4hE6w/s1600/DSC09899.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">At the market I purchased a few handpainted prints. These are one of my favourite souvenirs. They are a fond reminder of my visit. Funny thing is I have yet to hang them. There was also a large collection of market baskets, pottery and clothing being sold. I visited about 6 different markets when I was in Provence and noticed that while some of them had the same vendors the prices varied depending on what town they were in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also bought the best wine bottle toppers. Imagine a cork, however it goes on the outside of the bottle. Your open bottle of wine can lay sideways. They are perfect for laying your wine bottle in the fridge or in your picnic basket. The town also had a number of restaurants. Once you are done with the market you can sit down for lunch, or visit a boulangerie and grab some food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are here in August you will want to come and see the <a href="http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/en/traditions/floating-market-lisle-sur-sorgue" target="_blank">floating market</a>. While I did not get to experience it, it is my understanding the fishermen recreate the tradition of crossing the canal to sell their wares calling out to customers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These photos are from the back of one of the stores. Which one I cannot remember. I adore how someone went through the effort of setting up the furniture in the river. On the day we were there there was a fair going on in the park on the other side of the river. For a brief movement close your eyes and imagine you are looking out onto the river with music coming across. It was just plain fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From all these photos you probably think we had a lovely summer day. Well we did until we got to the car park. As I went to pay, the rain started falling. No sooner did I get in the car and there was a torrential downpour. The shower only lasted about 6 minutes and we were spared from getting wet, but you would never have guessed it was coming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my contribution to Paris in July hosted at <a href="https://thyme-for-tea.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thyme for Tea. </a> </span>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-50609447457972606812018-07-05T21:29:00.003-07:002018-07-07T07:10:27.818-07:00Bonnieux France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Things have been rather quiet on the blog as I have recently returned from France. On this latest trip I split my time between Paris and Provence. Belle Provence. I fell in love with the region. With its hilltop villages, les alpilles, gorges and valleys the area is truly beautiful. If I was asked to pick a favourite village I would be hard pressed. Each village had its own charm and quaintness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One village I enjoyed was Bonneiux. We arrived there late Saturday afternoon so the town was rather sleepy. Which was perfect for wandering about by yourself. Fortunately we were there before the lavender bloomed when is when I would expect the tourists all arrived. We were able to take our time and stroll about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The church's 12th century sprire rises above the town overlooking the lush valley. It is the perfect village to stroll about. Going up and down the stairs you really do not know what you are going to find. The day we were there, there was an art exhibit from some exchange students in the US. These are really my favourite sort of villages. Small and quaint, they let my imagination run wild. Who has lived in the home or walked these streets. What was life her like 20 years ago, 100 years ago? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my contribution to Paris in July hosted by <a href="https://thyme-for-tea.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thyme for Tea</a>. </span>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-65458804622312504782018-06-09T12:10:00.001-07:002018-06-09T12:10:09.179-07:00Apt, France and their Saturday Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chances are you have never heard of Apt, France located in Provence, unless you were visiting the area and determined to visit as many markets as possible. That is how I came to find myself inApt, one slightly drizzly Saturday morning. I knew the reputation of Provence for their markets (marché), and was determined to visit as many as possible. Apt and Arles were reputed to have two of the better and larger markets on a Saturday. We chose Apt, only because there were other villages in the Luberon we wanted to visit. It was the right decision. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Apt, itself is not really a pretty town. You will be underwhelmed as you drive in. The market was another story. Winding it's way through the old town it was vibrant, eclectic and everything I expected. I am not sure how much money I left behind in Apt. Let's just say I came home with a new bedspread, yes you did read that right, some baskets, dried mushrooms and tomatoes, along with a lovely photograph I need to have framed. Oh, did I mention some fun headbands and soap. this was all from our first market. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been buying baskets from the French markets for over 15 years. Long before there was a ban on plastic bags, I would show up at my local grocery store with my baskets. I use them for everything. A picnic in the park, one has gone to jail with me when I went to visit a client and forgot my briefcase behind (no file in a cake), to the grocery store. The market in Apt was incroyable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I always enjoy markets that have a little of this and that. A little clothing, soaps, knick knacks, and food. Unfortunately we did not spend as much time here as I would have liked. We were a little late in arriving. We lost the power that morning at our apartment. It started drizzling and some of the vendors packed up a little early. Parking also took a bit. I do not mind driving standard, however the French park wherever they find a spot, which can be a bit challenging as you try to maneuver the rental car into the tight squeeze. Especially when one has to reverse in a stick. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The market was great fun and we quite enjoyed ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Did I mention the confit garlic that I became addicted too?</span><br />
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<br />Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-35625193464124221832018-05-11T21:31:00.000-07:002018-05-11T21:31:26.682-07:00Gratitude Restaurant, Newport Beach, California<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is funny sometimes how a restaurant can be right under your nose yet you never visit it. Why? Often you may just not really have a reason. Gratitude is just that restaurant. I cannot explain why we had never gone there. However, a few weeks ago we went for lunch and really enjoyed it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Neither my husband nor I are vegetarian. Although I think that it would not be that difficult for me. For my husband not so much. I try to eat vegetarian at least once a week. Long term I am not sure if I could give up meat and fish all together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you probably guessed Gratitude is a vegetarian restaurant. From the two times I have eaten here I have really enjoyed their food. I find it to be full of flavour, filling and unique. Tonight I opted for the bolognese dish with blackened tempeh. The pasta was made out of quinoa. For a damp, rainy Friday night dinner it was perfect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have eaten at vegetarian restaurants before and Gratitude is by far my favourite one. The goal for me would be to learn how to blacken my tempeh like they do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my contribution to Weekend Cooking hosted by Beth Fish Reads. </span><br />
<br />Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914743571941795687.post-84478065542365529992018-05-04T20:04:00.000-07:002018-05-04T20:04:07.315-07:00Burma Rivers of Flavor Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJ0Id983PQlDe3qY6QBXMTUMc-1pZbZ-wFFCaX9Q2C-5wU210YqI2tUDnLnQ3iL5Y9o5mBCxk7lijdqNH8yqNL7V9YTV9C5WdQjfPNUd-OoRP1LVmUUvmUmBu_SYJIwpauwhpVe8-glJP/s1600/610hYW2ptKL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="388" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJ0Id983PQlDe3qY6QBXMTUMc-1pZbZ-wFFCaX9Q2C-5wU210YqI2tUDnLnQ3iL5Y9o5mBCxk7lijdqNH8yqNL7V9YTV9C5WdQjfPNUd-OoRP1LVmUUvmUmBu_SYJIwpauwhpVe8-glJP/s320/610hYW2ptKL.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are looking for a cookbook that I am sure will be different from others that are in your kitchen list me suggest Burma, Rivers of Flavor. About 18 months a go a Burmese restaurant opened up in town. I had never tried Burmese food before and was quite excited to go. We started off with a tea salad which was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is Burmese food? Burma has been influenced by the countries surrounding it, Laos, Thailand and Bangladesh. Their curries are not as spicy as either Indian or Thai curries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soups, peanuts, rice and noodles, chicken, vegetables and shrimp all play a role in Burmese cooking. Ginger and crispy fried shallots also play a large role.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lappet Thoke (Burmese tea salad) is Burma's national dish. What makes the salad a little tricky is you need to use fermented tea leaves. These leaves can be ordered from www.minthila.com They are hard to get outside Burma. To the tea leaves you add roasted peanuts and friends split roasted soybeans along with Napa cabbage and 2 tablespoons dried shrimp. If you can find the tea leaves the salad is probably one of my favourites. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As for the book, it has a varied selection of recipes from Burma that should satisfy you appetite no matter what you are in the mood for. It is definitely a book worth checking out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my contribution to Weekend Cooking hosted by Beth Fish Reads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Esmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01558695355351437784noreply@blogger.com6