Summer 2018 Kindle eBook Promotions

🌴 Summer 2018 Amazon eBook Promotions 🌴

Stop by my author/book site for a list of all the eBook promotion dates/links and additional information. 

🍉While you're there, check out the recipe page too! 🍅

🌴 🌴 🌴

Happy Summer, Cooking and Reading!!!

NeuTab® G7 7 inch GSM 4G Quad Core Tablet (Phablet)

I was not happy with this NeuTab phablet (phablet: a combination tablet with cell phone option) for a number of reasons. It is now on its way back to Amazon.ca for a refund.

I had bought this primarily to use as an ereader and replacement for my Kindle Fire (which I loved but the battery died).

What DON'T I like:

To begin with, the screen on this phablet is quite narrow for reading books on it, not ideal for this purpose.

The booklet that comes with it is basically useless. For eg: they say to insert sim card but no diagram is shown how the sim card compartment is even accessed, on the back of the unit. No photo of the parts of the unit either. I had assumed it was just a slot on the side of the tablet but it is actually enclosed and you need to snap off the plastic cover to get to it. I didn't want to break something trying to do this so I went to YouTube to see how to go about this. I shouldn't have had to do that!

Then, after charging the unit, I tried to adjust the volume for the keyboard, it was set with an annoying "tap, tap..." sound. couldn't find how to adjust that, the sound option only adjusted the volume on the tablet, not the keyboard.

I also tried to find the clear history option, again couldn't find it anywhere. Tried security tab, etc... not there.

I also noted smudges and marks on the back of the unit when it arrived. Not pristine as expected. Perhaps a refurbished unit, not sure about that but it was being sold as "new".

I then tried to get some answers from the NeuTab customer support. 
Now, over a week later still no reply and no option to phone them either.

Not a good start and I am not impressed by this company at all.

If I have to wait and wait... for an email for support, I know it's not a company I want to interact with, right from the get-go. That is where Amazon usually leads by a mile. If only they would get those Fire tablets back at Amazon.ca!

Overall rating for this product: Unsatisfactory. 1 out of 5

A Body at Bunco (Myrtle Clover cozy mystery series, book 8 )

A BODY AT BUNCO 

When I noted this cozy mystery by Elizabeth Spann Craig (click to visit her site/blog) at Amazon recently, it was the word "bunco" in the title that caught my attention first.  

Many years ago, my mom hosted bunco parties. 
At that time, I was a little girl, sneaking out of bed to see what was going on with all these ladies moving around our living room and porch, the tables, the treats...what a nice memory it brought to mind. :-)

And In case you haven't heard of BUNCO, it's a dice party game that is apparently still quite popular now.

A Body at Bunco was a real treat and Myrtle Clover is my kind of main character.

 Myrtle is spunky, sassy, opinionated (in a good way) and lives life on her own terms. 

And In spite of being in her 80s, she is not portrayed as some achy, whining older woman (which has all too often been the case in other books I've read), who is past doing anything constructive or exciting, Myrtle is still living life full-tilt and making the most of every day! ;-)

The story has LOTS of twists and turns and red herrings left along the way. Had me guessing who the real killer(s) was too, I like that. I don't like stories with obvious finales almost right from the start, that are too obvious.

Another plus with this series, the stories can be read in any order. Too often books in a series don't make sense, unless they are read in order from book 1...I appreciate that. 

I will definitely be reading more from the Myrtle Clover series! :-) Just delightful.  

Overall rating for this book: Very Good. 4 out of 5

Taming the Hour of the Wolf by H. R. Warren

A unique, helpful and interesting book. 

If you suffer with many or even just occasional sleepless nights, check out my full review of this book:

TAMING THE HOUR OF THE WOLF

Have a great day and sweet dreams! :-)

Overall rating for this book: Excellent. 5 out of 5

Believe by Louise

I just love this little eBook! 

I re-read it several times a week, on my Kindle Fire HD. 

A quick pick-me-up that always makes me smile! :-)

Read my full review here.

Overall rating for this eBook: Excellent. 5 out of 5

Matinee DVD

If you enjoy humorous movies that showcase the nostalgic early 60's: Matinee is one you won't want to miss. Absolutely hilarious from start to finish.

Filmed in the 90's, John Goodman is at his best in this one, supported by a stellar cast of actors (including a lot of terrific young actors) who were all perfect in their roles. 

I also love movies that have a "film inside a film" feature, as was the case here, featuring "MANT" (half man, half ant) as part of the fun. ;-)

Not only is this movie fun, it has some sweet reminders of a simpler time and slower pace of life. A feel good film your whole family will love. 

If you happened to have been around during the 60's (I was just starting school!) this film will appeal even more. 

It's also the kind of DVD to keep on hand when you've had a less than great day and need some big-time laughs and a perfect film escape. 

Loved everything about this one! :-)

Overall rating for this DVD: Excellent. 5 out of 5. 

Getting to Mr. Right by Carol Balawyder

This is a terrific new book written by my long-time blog pal: Carol Balawyder.

You can read my full review here:

If you are looking for a good book to curl up with this weekend, you might want to check this one out!

Happy Reading and Weekend! :-)

Overall rating for this book/eBook: Excellent. 5 out of 5

Cat Haiku by Deborah Smith

As any of my regular blog readers already know, I LOVE cats. I have long "been owned" by many felines over the years; currently by the fab Mr. Cheddar (who btw is co-blogger here at My Real Life Reviews). And as the author of two haiku poetry collections, I also LOVE haiku poetry. 

When I saw: Cat Haiku by Deborah Smith over at Amazon recently, I was eager to give it a read. This eBook did not disappoint, it's just wonderful! :-)

Deborah Smith is the author of several books/eBooks and also by her own admission a "crazy cat lady" who knows first-hand the joys, thrills and spills (pun intended) of being owned by several cats (she currently lives with 8 felines!), yes EIGHT!!!

She is not only a talented writer; her artwork featured in this book is both original and captivating. 

Here are a couple of poems from the book that I particularly liked:

Cats make bad soldiers:

No discipline, no order

And they won't salute.

***

I see beyond worlds

Deep hearts,

waking fantasies

in my eyes

are dreams

I can SO relate to these lines. 

And again, the artwork that accompanies each poem adds so much to this collection.

 I only keep my absolutely fav books on my Kindle carousel (home page) but this eBook will definitely be staying there for the foreseeable future. I love to re-read a poem or two, when I'm reading on my Kindle. These poems always bring a smile to my day.

If you love all things feline (like I do) and perhaps haiku poetry too (even better): Cat Haiku by Deborah Smith is an eBook you will not want to miss. Highly recommended.

Overall rating for this eBook: Excellent. 5 out of 5. 

Bertolli Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil

I started using this oil as part of the Shangri-La diet, taking 1 or 2 Tablespoons each day to curb my appetite. It works like a charm.

Bertolli Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil has a very mild flavor, unlike Extra Virgin Olive Oil, so it is easy to take a spoonful, straight. It might sound strange but this really is an easy way to cut down on other calories. 

You can read more about my experiences of following the Shangri-La diet here.  

Although I used the sugar-water option previously instead of the ELOO, I am happier with the oil this time as I think it's healthier and is still just as effective as I found taking the sugar water was. Again, to really understand how this diet works, read the book. 

I easily lost almost 20 lbs. following this diet a few years ago. This time, I've been following it for about 2 weeks and have already dropped over 5 pounds, again almost effortlessly.

 I no longer snack at night but otherwise I'm eating sensibly but whatever I want throughout the day. Snacking at night can really "pile on the pounds" and with this diet, I no longer feel the need to eat anything after supper. That is a BIG change for me and a definitely a very easy way to lose weight. 

Back to the oil. Although I prefer EVOO overall, for using with this diet and for baking and frying at higher temps. (the ELOO has a higher smoke point) I would definitely recommend  Bertolli Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil.

A couple more good points, it's reasonably priced and is still being bottled in glass at this point. I hope they continue to use this packaging and not plastic.

Overall rating for this product: Very Good. 4 out of 5.

Life On Foot: A Walk Across America by Nate Damm

I thoroughly enjoyed: Life On Foot: A Walk Across America by Nate Damm.

I read this book in a couple of days, wanting to see what would happen next in Nate's walking journey across the US.

Nate Damm's determination to walk from Maine to San Francisco made for an inspiring read and in so many ways. 

But what I liked most about this story overall were the stories of the many good people (including some very original and at time quirky characters) he met along the way, who helped him in various ways: lodging, food, money...That was an inspiration too and confirmation of just how many kind and generous people there really are out there, willing to help a stranger passing through and in need. Loved that.

There were a couple of things that I didn't like about this book but they were minor.

 First of all,  I was upset by one incident in the book that made Nate "giggle". This was regarding a man (who Nate didn't know) at one of the campgrounds towards the end of the journey. This man was having an altercation with police and they were threatening to taser him. That I did not find funny at all and it seemed out of character to the rest of Nate's story and how I was feeling about the type of person that I thought he was up to that point. Definitely showed a lack of sensitivity on Nate's part, how he reacted to seeing this incident with the police.

I also thought that Nate's diet along the trail was for the most part, really BAD. Lots and lots of junk food: hot dogs, sodas, etc...and a lot of booze too. That didn't take away from the actual story, but it also didn't seem consistent with someone who would need lots of stamina and to be in the good health each day, to continue to walk mile after mile.

One other thing that seemed a little "strange" was that at the end of the journey, only a few friends and his mom were there to greet him. Would there have been no media to record the finish to this amazing walk? I know other people have walked this trail but I would have thought at least a couple of reporters would have been on hand to write up Nate's story that day.

Overall though, a very entertaining read and a journey I'm glad to have shared, via my Kindle Fire! ;-)

"Best wishes and good luck to you Nate, on all your upcoming adventures." 

Yours is a story I will never forget. 

Overall rating for this eBook: Very Good. 4 out of 5. 

Louis Armstrong's All Time Greatest Hits

I got a copy of: Louis Armstrong's All Time Greatest Hits on a whim and I'm sure glad that I did. 

Every time I play this CD, it brings a smile to my day and makes me feel happy and relaxed. :-)

I have never really listened to Louis Armstrong much before this, except for hearing: It's a Wonderful World and Hello Dolly, when they've played on the radio, over the years. 

Love the songs, love the music, the vocals and of course Louis on trumpet is the ultimate treat.

If you click through to Amazon, you can preview each of the songs.

La Vie En Rose brings tears to my eyes (but in a good way) every time I hear it. How I love that song. My fav on this CD.

The duet with Bing Crosby: Gone Fishing, makes me laugh. 

Hello Dolly has me up and dancing! 

Listening to this CD also piqued my interest to find out more about the life of Louis Armstrong.

You can read more here (Wiki page) about his long career, personal life and many accomplishments over the years. Sounds like a special man, over and above being such a talented performer. 

One of the things about truly great music and musicians is that they never get stale. 

Fifty plus years later, after most of these recordings were originally made, still so relevant and fresh.

If you want a CD that will bring a smile to your day, make you want to dance around the living room with someone you love or just to dream a little dream on a rainy day, buy this one.

 I think you'll be glad you did! ;-)

Overall rating for this product: Excellent. 5 out of 5

Horizons Past by Bill Stephens

I really enjoyed the novel: 

Horizons Past by Bill Stephens.

The characters are original and believable.

This is not the cookie-cutter type of romance novel that is all too prevalent now. 

No washboard abs or phoney, "doesn't ring true"  dialogue here. ;-)

The main character Trish, is a young movie actress who falls hard for a reclusive beachcomber, who is in his early sixties and is trying in vain to escape from his past and the demons that haunt him. When they first meet, Trish is badly in need of a break from tinsel town.

An intriguing and engaging plot from the first page to the last. Only a couple of passages that I found a bit far-fetched, but not enough to take away from the enjoyment of the story overall. 

And I loved the ending, it was perfection! 

And don't you just love when a book ends on the right note (whether it's happy or sad)? I sure do. 

All too often, otherwise good stories are ruined with a rushed and/or implausible ending. Author: Bill Stephens did a great job in that respect too.

Overall rating for this ebook: Very Good. 4 out of 5. 

Modern Rustic: Greenhouses and Gardening by Eric Beuning

I was really impressed by all the information provided in:

Modern Rustic: Greenhouses and Gardening by Eric Beuning

As a novice gardener, I like gardening guides that are written in an easy to understand way. This one is.

Author Eric Beuning provides chapters on:

-choosing the right greenhouse and all things to consider (and there are a lot of things to keep in mind!)

-potential problems with greenhouse pests

-planting seedlings and preparation of a garden for planting

-heirloom vegetable recommendations (and who doesn't love heirloom veggies, tomatoes in particular) ;-)

and many, many more.

Every one of the 77 pages in this ebook is full of valuable and easy to implement gardening and greenhouse tips. 

And with gardening season just around the corner in most areas, it's a perfect time to download a copy of this ebook! 

It's been too long since I've actually had a garden (hopefully this summer!) but when I do get started again, Modern Rustic will be a guide I know that I'll be referring too, again and again.

Overall rating for this ebook: Excellent. 5 out of 5. 

77 Outrageously Effective Anti-Aging Tips & Secrets by Amy Waldow

I read a lot of health-related books, especially those that make natural healing and aging successfully, a priority. 

I have yet to find any better than:

77 Outrageously Effective Anti-Aging Tips & Secrets by Amy Waldow.

This is an excellent resource book for anyone who wants to look and feel their best, no matter what your age.

I really appreciated how the information was presented in this book. 

Very well organized and easy to navigate to your own particular subject of interest.

And what a range of topics there is! 

Everything from: skin care, detoxification, exercise, superfoods, relaxation techniques...the list truly does go on and on.

There were several things that I learned in this ebook that I had not read elsewhere too. 

Ever wondered what a Chi Machine was for? 

The true power of Color Therapy? 

Using aromatherapy for menopausal symptoms?

 You'll find these answers and a lot more in this wonderful reference book.

If you pick only a few or many of these 77 "gems" it's never too early or too late to start putting to good use, the tips for aging well that are included in this book. 

I'm already using some of these myself and plan to add more in the future. 

I'm also keeping this ebook on my Kindle Carousel (front page) as a good reminder too. ;-) 

Overall rating for this ebook: Excellent. 5 out of 5. 

Living with Gusto by Elizabeth Day

As is often the case, I "found" the book:

Living with Gusto by Elizabeth Day 

at just the right time; when I know I was meant to read it. 

Don't you love when that happens? I do! ;-)

I had actually accidentally deleted this ebook from my Kindle (unread) a few months ago. But when I noted the great cover at Amazon again recently, I decided to get another copy and to finally read it. I am so glad that I did.

I had over a week recently, with no computer or internet distractions and this was the perfect opportunity to read and savor every page of this wonderful book.

I was moved to tears at times. I laughed, I smiled...I nodded my head, while reading along. So much that I could relate to and learn from.

This book is for anyone who needs to find that: spark, muse,inspiration and will to try again, one more time. 

It contains so much practical advice how to turn the corner on despair and hopelessness. Beautifully written too.

I was inspired to write this poem, when I completed this book:

It's Enough

The path, when viewed.

Littered with all kinds of debris.

Past failures, wrong turns.

The might haves.

The could have beens.

But through the darkness and uncertainty.

The clouds of one more grey and dreary day.

Beyond the routines, remainders and reminders.

The light still shines.

Focus there.

Like a moth to a candle.

Dwell on it, in the now.

One step: bravely and soundly forward.

Resolute, not tentative.

Standing tall.

Unafraid.

It’s enough.

That one foot forward will lead to the next.

Savor, the feeling of letting go.

And of believing, once again.

It’s enough.

To leave tomorrow, to tomorrow.

The future, still to come.

Seize this day!

Savor and squeeze ever bit of goodness,

From these minutes.

These hours.

It’s enough.

All we really get.

And all, we really need.

The light beckons and warms.

Shines brightly and breaks through.

We glimpse again, our “lost” horizon.

It’s enough.

To grasp only the “small” picture, for now.

The puzzle pieces revealing,

such unexpected beauty.

Finally, as they fall into place.

Some names, places, faces.

Left behind and to the past.

They have served their purpose.

Now, with other roads to travel.

None to be regretted.

To know and to accept.

They have come and gone, for a purpose.

Leaving us, wiser and stronger.

If nothing else.

It’s enough.

GHH/2014

Thanks to author Elizabeth Day for sharing this intimate and unforgettable story. 

Overall rating for this ebook: Excellent. 5 out of 5. 

How to Make Scones by Anna King

I love scones in a big way!

 I was really excited about this new scone Kindle book: How to Make Scones, when I saw it at Amazon. 

But beyond the beautiful cover, things go steadily downhill fast.

Although a lot of the recipes sound delicious initially, while reading through the TOC, how they are formatted is so distracting it's hard to focus on what's actually in each recipe, let alone trying them. Big gaps between amounts and actual ingredient which makes a lot of them carry over to a line or even two below. Did the author of this ebook not actually note this? It's hard to miss and makes for a very poor first impression.

This ebook needs to be proofread, big time!

Some of the amounts also seem  (very) out of wack, unless these are suppose to make a LOT of scones, not just the typical 8 triangle circular type that most of us are accustomed to.

Example: in the Aged Cheddar Dill Scones there is: a whooping 1/2 lb. of Cheddar cheese, a full cup of whipping cream, 3/4 lb. of butter and 4 large eggs. 

Ouch. Scones might not be "health food" but they don't have to be artery-clogging nightmares either. ;-(

Deleted from my kindle already.

Overall rating for this ebook: Unsatisfactory. 1 out of 5. 

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean Soft Powered Toothbrush

My Oral B power toothbrush needed replacing and as the heads often cost more to replace than a whole new toothbrush (if on sale) I decided to give the:

 Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean Soft Powered Toothbrush a try instead. 

It WAS on sale at the time, but it's no bargain.

The cons:

Heavy, uncomfortable feel to it, when using this brush. It has a thick handle to accommodate the 2 batteries required.

When using brand new batteries, it is IMO, too powerful. Feels like it's vibrating inside your mouth. I'm all for going for super clean teeth but this is just uncomfortable and not necessary.

The battery compartment needs a Sumo wrestler to pry it open!!!

My husband is very strong and even he struggled to open this compartment, when the batteries needed replacing. And they needed replacing very quickly.

The pros: 

None that I can think of.

I'm going back and staying with Oral B power brushes from now on. You DO get what you pay for and this one is a very bad design and not worth buying, even on sale.

Overall rating for this product: Unsatisfactory. 1 out of 5.