Review of "What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business" (third edition) by Peter M. Thall

Musicians are artists. And usually have some of that artistic temperament. But does this mean they can't be business savvy, too? In this day and age, they must be - and that is where this book is of great help.

This is the third edition by Author and Lawyer Peter M. Thall, who is widely considered an expert in this field. The author has covered just about every topic you'd need to know to be informed and savvy, including information about publishing rights, advances, management, marketing, merchandise, touring information, songwriting credits and royalties, copyright laws...the list goes on and on.

The print is small, and the book is close to 400 pages - yes, it's that comprehensive. As both a singer-songwriter and an avid reader, I am so thankful this book has been written. Kudos to the author for his confident voice and experience to back up this information. Yes, the internet would allow you to research this yourself - but with this book in existence, why would you want to?

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill" by Julie Klassen

The first in the author's new series, Tales from Ivy Hill (her first series ever), this is an excellent introduction to the many interesting characters connected to Ivy Hill. Their stories are equal parts intriguing and fun. This installments focuses primarily on Jane Bell, newly widowed and inheritor of her late husband's coaching inn, the Bell. Jane struggles to not only adapt to sudden widowhood, but to the fact that as the innkeeper, there are certain roles she must learn - and quickly, as she discovers that her husband had taken out a substantial loan before his death - and it is now overdue.

Other storylines include Jane's seemingly cross mother-in-law Thora, childhood friends Mercy and estranged Rachel, the newly arrived-in-town James Drake - a future suitor? competitor? admirer? and the mysterious farrier, Gabriel Locke.

Jane must navigate these new relationships and grows in confidence and strength through this process. She finds that she is more capable than she imagined, and it is a pleasure to grow with her.

I can easily recommend this book and am excited for the next installment in this series!

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "A New Way To Dinner" by Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs

First of all, this book is gorgeous. Beautifully bound, illustrated, and printed - it is an excellent addition to your cookbook collection. It would also make a lovely "coffee table" book.

Instead of the traditional approach to a cookbook and meal planning, authors Amanda and Merrill have created a very strategic way to multi task. Taking some ingredients and dishes than can largely be prepared a head, they provide a game plan, your shopping list, thoughts and ideas about the recipes, approximate prep and cook times, and much more. The strategy is also geared towards utilizing items that are in season and many can be frozen for later use.

I really can't say enough about the cleverness of this book! I was so impressed. Additionally, when you throw in the incredibly useful and well researched information, and then include some delicious sounding meals - this concept and cookbook is a total win. Bon Appetit!

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "A New Way To Dinner" by Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs

First of all, this book is gorgeous. Beautifully bound, illustrated, and printed - it is an excellent addition to your cookbook collection. It would also make a lovely "coffee table" book.

Instead of the traditional approach to a cookbook and meal planning, authors Amanda and Merrill have created a very strategic way to multi task. Taking some ingredients and dishes than can largely be prepared a head, they provide a game plan, your shopping list, thoughts and ideas about the recipes, approximate prep and cook times, and much more. The strategy is also geared towards utilizing items that are in season and many can be frozen for later use.

I really can't say enough about the cleverness of this book! I was so impressed. Additionally, when you throw in the incredibly useful and well researched information, and then include some delicious sounding meals - this concept and cookbook is a total win. Bon Appetit!

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "A New Way To Dinner" by Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs

First of all, this book is gorgeous. Beautifully bound, illustrated, and printed - it is an excellent addition to your cookbook collection. It would also make a lovely "coffee table" book.

Instead of the traditional approach to a cookbook and meal planning, authors Amanda and Merrill have created a very strategic way to multi task. Taking some ingredients and dishes than can largely be prepared a head, they provide a game plan, your shopping list, thoughts and ideas about the recipes, approximate prep and cook times, and much more. The strategy is also geared towards utilizing items that are in season and many can be frozen for later use.

I really can't say enough about the cleverness of this book! I was so impressed. Additionally, when you throw in the incredibly useful and well researched information, and then include some delicious sounding meals - this concept and cookbook is a total win. Bon Appetit!

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Fatal Frost" by Nancy Mehl

The first book in Nancy Mehl's new Defenders of Justice series focuses on the drug trade in St. Louis. It's escalating largely due to the involvement of a major cartel, and US Marshal Mercy Brennan is right in the thick of it. Although she is unaware of how closely the cartel is watching her, after she is shot in a raid her long estranged police officer father reaches out to see her. Mercy is not convinced of his apology or sincerity during their meeting, but she quickly discovers that her connection with him (though tenuous) has tied her into the cartel's schemes more deeply than she thought possible.

Her boss creates a plan to draw the cartel and local drug dealers out and protect Mercy at the same time. However, their safety is quickly compromised, there is a mole in the Marshal's office, and it is unknown who can be trusted. An unexpected ice storm complicates the entire plan - will any of the good guys make it out alive?

Although I generally enjoy Nancy Mehl's books, this felt like a second or third book in the series rather than the first. The back stories of the characters (Mercy's relationship with her best friend Tally and former boyfriend Mark) were presented in a way that seemed like a recap rather than an introduction. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and hope that it will resolve my confusion.  :)

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Waves of Mercy" by Lynn Austin

This is my first time reading anything by Lynn Austin, but this book has made me a total fan. Well written, compelling, and interesting - it has it all.

Anna Nicholson was engaged to a prominent banker in Chicago society. He broke off the engagement when Anna refused to stop attending a local church (not the "acceptable" one for her station). Although she was initially devastated, when she arrives at her luxury hotel for a vacation in Holland, Michigan, she is wrestling with thoughts of should she apologize and work things out? If she does, will it be for love? Duty? Fear?

Holland, Michigan resident Geesje de Jonge emigrated to America as a teen 50 years before, and has a pretty compelling back story. When the town plans it's Semi-Centennial celebration, she is asked to write down her experiences for their town's book of history. Although it is difficult for her to remember and write things down, she begins to use the time as a way to work through the deep challenges she went through. And in the end, she just might find some healing and solve a great mystery of her past, while helping Anna discern some truths as well.

The book bounces back and forth between Anna and Geesje's perspectives, both present and past. The women are tied together in inexplicable ways - and the author's resolution is satisfying and well done. I can easily recommend this book, and am eager to read more from this author.

I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.