One Weekend in Venice by Christi Barth (One Weekend, #1)

 One Weekend in Venice

by Christi Barth
(One Weekend, #1)
Publication date: May 24th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Cady Staunton and Jasper Holt have been best friends forever–and only friends, aside from one unexpected kiss in Vegas eight years ago. But everything changes during a destination wedding in Venice.

Their rock band may or may not be breaking up. Jasper is definitely hiding a secret from her. Actually, they’ve both always hidden their true desires for each other. They intended to keep it that way until circumstances–and another accidental kiss–lead them to take a leap.

They’ll use this weekend in Venice to test shifting from friendship to something…more. If it doesn’t work? They’ll go back to being best friends. Except…that never works. And there’s still the problem of Jasper’s big secret and what to do about their band. Will their friendship, let alone their attempt at love, even survive the weekend?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209321069-one-weekend-in-venice

Purchase:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yCU0ak

OR https://amzn.to/4bZjxtg

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-weekend-in-venice-christi-barth/1145177849

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/one-weekend-in-venice/id6478787226

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/one-weekend-in-venice

Pity Parade by Whitney Dineen (Pity Series, #4)

Pity Parade
by Whitney Dineen
(Pity Series, #4)
Publication date: May 23rd 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Trina Rockwell here. You know, your favorite TV host from Midwestern Matchmaker?I have a I am without a doubt, the unluckiest dater in the history of the entire world. I’m not even embellishing. I’ve inadvertently dated a mobster, a dead-beat dad, and a guy who puts salt on watermelon. What’s next, pineapple on pizza?As my past relationships reads like the who’s who of court jesters, it’s no wonder I’ve refused my producers desire to spotlight me as one of the singles on a new show they’re putting together.

The problem is that Midwestern Matchmaker just got canceled and unless I agree to their terms, I’m out of a job.

In order to keep doing what I love doing—matching midwestern singles, I either need to suck it up and parade my dating life on national television or I need to get married—STAT.

Guess which one I’m putting my money on?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197804759-pity-parade

Purchase:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3V4Zkfv

OR Pity Parade

 

Methi Wraps| Healthy snack for kids | #BlogchatterFoodFest

 Ingredients

Mixed Grain atta - 200g

Fresh Methi( cleansed, washed well, stems removed and chopped fine) - 500g

Ginger( scraped, and freshly chopped) - One-inch piece

Freshly chopped green chillies ( deseeded) - 2-3

Medium Tomatoes(diced) - 2

Carrot( medium-sized, scraped, sliced round or cut into matchsticks) - 1

 Small Cabbage( washed well-shredded fine) - 1/4 head

Spoons of sprouted mung(chopped fine) - 2-3

Salt - To taste

Oil - To shallow fry

For sauce

Tomatoes - 200g

Sugar - 1tsp

Lemon juice - 1tsp

Butter - 1tsp

Bay Leaf - 1

Cinnamon - One-inch piece

Black peppercorns powder - 1/2 tsp

Red Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp

Dried mixed herbs/ kasuri methi - 1tsp

Salt - To taste

Method

• Knead the dough, blend chopped methi, ginger, green chillies and salt in the dough.
• Divide into equal portions, shape into small balls, press flat and roll into five-inch disks with a belan.
• Line a non-stick tawa with a thin film oil and cook paranthas in batches.
• Heat butter in a pan and put in the bay leaf and whole spices.
• When these change colour, add pureed tomatoes, sugar, salt and powdered spices along with lemon juice.
• Cook on medium flame, stirring regularly till a thick sauce-like consistency is obtained and the tomatoes are cooked. 
• Sprinkle water to avoid scalding. 
• Discard whole spices.
• Sprinkle with dried herbs and stir.
• Place a large spoonful filling made of sprouts, tomatoes, carrots and cabbage in the centre of each parantha, roll it in a tube and carefully lower it on a bed of salad.

#methiwraps #healthysnackforkids #BlogchatterFoodFest #blogchatter #quickrecipes #homemaderecipes

Simha's Roar by Arun Krishnan | The Battle of Vathapi #3 | Book review

 Book: Simha's Roar

Author: Arun Krishnan

Publisher: Harper Collins

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 5/5

Book review:

"Simha's Roar" is the third and the last part of the Battle of Vathapi's trilogy. After reading the two parts, Nandi's Charge and Varahas Vengenance, I was excitedly waiting for the third part. I wanted to know how this battle was played and who won. The book vividly depicts the political, emotional, and personal trajectories of the Pallava and Chalukya emperors and those near and dear to them.

 

As per the plan, the chosen soldiers, Elango, Kannan, and Muthuvel, went to perform a hidden mission of visiting different parts of Bharatvarsha, from the Maurya empire in the north to Lanka in the south, in a game of intrigue and political maneuvers. These three fearless Pallava captains felt cornered and hopeless after suffering devastating losses at the Korkai, Parivipura, and Asanur strongholds. 

 

It is intriguing to read about the Pallava king Narasimhavarman in Kanchi. He is set ready to confront his nemesis, Pullikeshi, as promised to his father on the deathbed, in a battle that is not just for territory but for honor, revenge, and a promise. Is the mighty King Pullikeshi as invincible as he believes? Can the young king stand against this mighty lion and change the fate of seventh-century India?

I was laughing at the surprise attack on Jayanthavarman by the Thaamarai and Muthuvel inside the fort. With a majority of the Korkai soldiers having been killed or having fled the fort after the fall of the city, and with the royal family incarcerated in the dungeons, Jayanthavarman did not expect any attacks. Even the soldiers weren't particularly alert. The smile and comfort she felt after rescuing her parents from him were heart-touching.

The scene where Elango and Muthuvel meet after a long span mesmerized me of their first meeting in the first book. The look and the way they honour General IIannthiraiyanar are breathtaking. But the wait and longing for their counter-lovers the women made me feel the pain and mental trauma faced by the army wives or lovers.

The most touching part is the vivid depiction of battle scenes and the aftermath created by those battles. I felt the ego, anger, and selfishness that make the leaders long more for their landmarks. In reality, one leader should only check the well-being and safety of their kingdoms. The way they fulfill their duties leaves an indelible mark on the minds of the common people.

 

The third and last installment of this glorious trilogy is a triumphant finale that will leave readers spellbound, longing for more, yet satisfied by the epic conclusion of this extraordinary saga. With meticulous attention to detail and an unparalleled flair for storytelling, the author leaves an indelible mark on the genre of historical fiction.

 

The author's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring ancient India to life in all its glory and complexity. The denouement is poignant and worthy of the finale. His detailed descriptions bring the battlefield to life. We witness the long, arduous battles from a bird's-eye view, the intricate details of formations, the unforgiving terrain, and the challenges faced by warriors. The vivid descriptions transport the reader to a grueling period drama.

 

Overall, "Simha's Roar" does not disappoint. It is a grand, page-turning end to the trilogy. Highly recommended!

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ 
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla 
in collaboration with Zariya Healings.

Purchase: Nandi's Charge, Varaha's Vengeance, Simha's Roar 

#HarperCollins #TBRChallenge #bookreviews #bookreview #simhasroar #thebattleofvathapi #bookishleague #bookblogger #bookishlife2022_ #booklovers #historicalfiction #fiction #getlit 

FOREVER GRATEFUL: The Vital Role of Parents in Our Lives by Shujath Hussain | Book review

 

Book review:

This book explores the many ways in which parents influence our lives, from teaching us basic life skills to providing emotional support during difficult times. It also delves into the unique challenges that parents face in today's fast-paced and ever-changing world and offers insights and advice for parents who want to build strong and positive relationships with their children and vice versa.

Through heartwarming and insightful observations, this book reminds us of the incredible impact that parents can have on their children's lives and the importance of cherishing and nurturing these relationships for years to come. 

This book emphasizes the importance of parents and also shows appreciation for their contributions. As we traverse the complexities of the parent-child relationship, we will delve deeper into emotions, resilience, and deep gratitude. We have to honour the parents for their hard work and sacrifices to raise their children, from prioritizing their needs to providing for them.

The author's personal stories, interviews, and research will make the readers value their relationships with their parents. It aims to raise awareness about the parents' role in shaping character, values, and beliefs. It highlights how parents shape children's behavior, attitudes, and decision-making. The author examined the different types of parents and parenting styles in this book, and it helps to build strong and positive relationships with the children.

The book aims to raise awareness about parents' role in shaping character, values, and beliefs. It highlights how parents shape behaviour, attitudes, and decision-making. Different types of parents and parenting styles are examined, ranging from authoritative to permissive. It explores how these styles impact children's development and offers practical advice for improving parenting skills.

 

I particularly valued the book's inclusion of separate chapters on single parenting, the impact of cultural and religious values on children, the role of grandparents in a child's life, and the emotional and psychological impact of adoption on both parents and children.

Overall, it is a very engaging book and a must-read for the coming generation seeking to understand the vital role parents play in our lives. The book is based on the themes of parenting, family, and relationships.

Purchase: Forever Grateful

#read #readers #review #bookblogger #bookishcommunity #TBRChallenge #nonfiction #parenting #bookishlife2022_ 

 

Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge: The Past, Present and Future of Excellence in Education by Rajesh Talwar | Book review

 Book: Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge

Author: Rajesh Talwar

Publisher:

Genre: Non-Fiction

Rating: 5/5

Book review:

This book takes the reader on a vivid excursion through the amazing establishments, investigating their previous wonders and their likely prospects. The author with a great list of assorted works, brings his sharp understanding and drawing style to this investigation of scholarly greatness.

The book handles topics like instructive greatness, advancement, and worldwide administration. The author accentuates the value, employability, and extension requirements in school systems. He utilises the conspicuous difference between India's innovative space accomplishments and its ordinary foundation battles as a setting for a more extensive conversation on the public turn of events.

This book is both rousing and provocative. The author's idealism about the eventual fate of instruction is irresistible. His conversations on the extraordinary force of schooling are especially moving, particularly for anybody enthusiastic about instructive change.

His style is clear and receptive, making complex thoughts simple to get a handle on. He sprinkles the account with authentic tales and distinctive depictions that rejuvenate the colleges' rich pasts. It's both educational and pleasant—no scholastic language here to impede you.

This is a reminder of India's schooling system. It presents a dream of India turning into a top player, yet it underlines the requirement for huge changes and embracing new innovations.

Overall, The book is written in a connected style and contains tales. On the off chance that you're keen on the eventual fate of Indian instruction, this is an intriguing read.

Purchase: Harvard

#books #bookishlife2022_ #bookblogger #TBRChallenge #nonfiction #read #readers #getlit #booklovers #education #change 

When the Moon Hatched: Book 1 (The Moonfall Series) by Sarah A Parker | Book review

Book: When The Moon Hatched

Author: Sarah A Parker

Publisher: Harper Collins

Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4/5

Book review:

This book is a lively mosaic of the most cherished dream and sentiment components. The world-building is fantastic and perplexing. Aside from that, we have a wonderful and novel enchantment framework, realms about to start a major world conflict war, a "preliminary fight" (love competitions, contests, preliminaries, tests, and such), a gradual process of sentiment, and mythical dragons.

The story revolves around Raeve and Kaan. 💧 Raeve is a grumpy, reclusive FMC who has plainly been damaged. She is involving her bloodlust and needs for equity as a professional killer known as the Elding Edge of the defiance bunch Fíur du Ath. While she shows up very forceful, cold, and cruel, she would safeguard any youngster, lady, or individual out of luck. To say I love her is a significant and misleading statement. She is life. Raeve is a wildcat with a harsh tone and a more honed mind. Raeve's responsibility is to kill. To finish orders and never get found out.

She likewise conveys a heart brimming with distress and wrestles with a dull past and the fierce loss of friends and family. The horrendous street she's on ultimately carries her to Kaan Vaegor, a male who prowls around her like a shadow and unwinds her like no other.

💧 Kaan is prodded as a horrendous ruler who just brings passing. However, even as Kaan wrestles with his own terrible past and a lamenting heart, he is wild, steadfast, defensive, and would do anything for Raeve. Could Raeve find a close friend in this wrecked male? or, on the other hand, a nemesis of he who wears a bloodstained crown of the Lord he killed.

The sentiment is invigorating and real. The gradual process is sizzling, and the talk is classic. The legend and the sorcery are shrewdly developed, particularly with regards to the mythical dragons; they are animals of fighting, and they have their own legends and stories too, and they are perfectly awful.

The story is described by numerous POVs, and just a single POV is told from the past, yet it's extremely essential to the plot. The book comprises 70% of Raeve's parts; however, you'll progressively get new POVs as the story advances.

I can't escape from the principal part that wanted to watch the start of the Ruler of the Rings broadened releases. The enchanted framework, legend, and characters generally felt new and fully explored.

Something really doesn't add up about Sarah A. Parker's narration that simply addresses me. Her composing is melodious, close to home, and vivid. She tosses you into the main part of this high dreamland with a path of breadcrumbs and trusts you to sort everything out and get yourself out the other side.

There are exciting bends in the road, realms about to start a major world conflict war, puzzling divine beings, natural powers, winged serpents, and other legendary animals. There's an overwhelming and painfully gorgeous sentiment, broad world-building that is flawlessly woven into the story, and an enchanted framework that is so extraordinary that I was hypnotized by the main line. But the triggers were too many for me. 

Overall, This is an extremely strong start to the series, and I can hardly hold on to get my hands on the subsequent book!

Purchase: When The Moon Hatched

#BookishLeague #bookblogger #iread #BookChatter #TBRChallenge #Fantasy #Fantasybooks #HarperCollins