Ruth Anne Benziger's Blog, page 32
May 17, 2020
Book Review: Her Eyes Underwater by Ramona Simon
A frightening and thrilling look at the endless possibilities of first encounters.
If someone seems too good to be true…
In the vast and pristine wilderness of 1970s Montana, people have been disappearing.
Julia Strauss, a restless university student with a taste for adventure, is unaware and unconcerned. During a chance encounter at a café, she finds the excitement she’s been searching for in the form of the captivating Alex Bowman. He’s handsome, polite, mysterious, and everything she desires in a man.
She becomes intrigued following their baffling first interactions and pursues him eagerly. She feels a need to both solve him and have him for herself.
Unbeknownst to her, his cultivated persona melts away to reveal something frightening and unforgiving when they’re apart. This true-crime inspired story reveals the secrets that can hide behind an elegant mask and the flaws that people ignore in the haze of infatuation. Will Julia discover the truth before it’s too late?
This is the first book in an as-yet-unnamed series, but can be enjoyed on its own.
My Thoughts
This book had an interesting premise, I like that it was based on real events. I found it difficult to get into the book. I found the first part was a little slow. I took some breaks in reading and returned to find myself struggling to get into it. However, as the action began to pick up and we found more about the story, I was able to read the rest of the book rather quickly.
There was suspense, intrigue, and romance and it had qualities that are right up my alley for the genre I enjoy reading. I’d say overall, this book was well-written and the second half was engaging.
I found the ending quite exciting and it blows the mind a little.
I received a free copy of this book by book sirens in exchange for an honest review
May 15, 2020
Book Review: Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts
Little else in life is as dangerous as fire jumping. Flying past towering pillars of smoke, parachuting down to the edge of an all-consuming blaze, shoveling and sawing for hours upon hours, days at a time, all to hold the line and push back against the raw power of Mother Nature.
But there’s also little else as thrilling – at least to Rowan Tripp. The Missoula smoke jumpers are one of the most exclusive fire-fighting squads in the nation, and the job is in Rowan’s blood: her father is a legend in the field. She’s been fighting fires since her eighteenth birthday. At this point, returning to the wilds of Montana for the season feels like coming home – even with reminders of the partner she lost last season still lingering in the air.
Fortunately, this year’s rookie crop is among the strongest ever – and Gulliver Curry’s one of the best. He’s also a walking contradiction, a hotshot firefighter with a big vocabulary and a winter job at a kid’s arcade. He came to Missoula to follow in the footsteps of Lucas “Iron Man” Tripp, yet he’s instantly more fascinated by his hero’s daughter. Rowan, as a rule, doesn’t hook up with other smoke jumpers, but Gull is convinced he can change her mind. And damn if he doesn’t make a good case to be an exception to the rule.
Everything is thrown off balance, though, when a dark presence lashes out against Rowan, looking to blame someone for last year’s tragedy. Rowan knows she can’t complicate things with Gull – any distractions in the air or on the ground could be lethal. But if she doesn’t find someone she can lean on when the heat gets intense, her life may go down in flames.
My Thoughts
Rowan Tripp is the daughter of “Iron Man, Tripp” Missoula fire jumper. Raised in the world of fire jumping, she’s learned to be independent and trust her instincts. Her father raised her on his own after she was abandoned by her mother as a baby. With her issues deep within, she’s focused on work and keeps her relationships brief.
The book begins with her jump partner, Jim dying by an error on a jump. A year later, she’s having nightmares and feeling plagued by what happened.
Gulliver Curry is a rookie with great instincts, a prolific mind, and the ability to read people and circumstances. Nicknamed, “Fast Feet,” he’s fast on his feet and a team player. From the beginning, he’s attracted to Rowan and has no qualms about her being the boss.
Working together to fight fires, Rowan and Gull discover each other. Rowan is dealing with coming to terms with her father’s new relationship, and she won. Gull is working to experience work and life with a woman he can enjoy.
The romance of the book is gradual and real, there are raw and real moments, some drama thrown in to make it interesting. Throw in the death of Dolly, Jim’s ex, her priest, and the mystery of someone tampering with equipment, you got yourself a hell of a story.
The story keeps you guessing who the murder is, though I knew pretty early on. I guessed it but the circumstances, relationships, and fire fighting engages the reader. Nora did an exceptional job researching and providing vivid images that make up for the mystery. I love this book and I love revisiting it.
May 12, 2020
Book Review: The SEAL’s Beautiful Nanny by Leslie North
Former Navy SEAL Colin Vale is looking for a woman. Not just any woman, though. He wants one who will be a good mother to his adopted daughter, Sofia. Someone steady and reliable who will give Sofia the kind of stable, happy childhood he didn’t have. That woman is not Lily Rhodes, Sofia’s new nanny—a free spirit whose top priority is chasing her dreams. But despite Lily not checking off any of the marks for what he wants, Colin can’t fight his attraction to her. To Colin, who thrives on regimentation, Lily’s priorities seem utterly alien. So why does he find her whimsical nature so darned appealing? Even while he goes out on a series of dates to find the perfect wife and mother, he can’t stop thinking about Lily…
As the oldest of eight children, Lily’s early life was full of responsibility and expectations. The last thing she wants is to settle down before she has a chance to explore, to live. That doesn’t mean she isn’t wildly attracted to Colin, though. How could any red-blooded woman not be attracted to a man like him? He’s the hottest guy she’s ever met and a loving father to Sofia… but this gig as a nanny is temporary, just a way to make money until she can do what her heart truly wants. The problem is, the longer she stays, the more her heart is turning in another direction—and that scares the daylights out of her. She doesn’t want to be tied down, yet how can she even think of leaving?
So when she’s offered an opportunity that would bring her time with Colin and Sofia to an end, Lily is forced to make a life-altering decision and decide what her dreams truly are.
My Thoughts
4 Stars
Colin Vale is an ex-Navy SEAL who retired to raise his daughter, Sophia. He puts an ad out for a nanny so he can have time to find the perfect mother to complete his family. Lily is a stark contrast to his regimented and tidy lifestyle. Where his home and life are organized, pure, and full of rules, hers are cluttered, messy, and free. While he set off to find a woman who was his perfect image, he can’t stop his attraction to his nanny and what she offers him and his daughter.
The romance of the book was typical for the genre, but that’s why we keep reading these types of books. I enjoyed the banter, the little touches of humanity. I haven’t read the previous books in the series, but I can see there were tie-ins from the previous book. I enjoyed the suspenseful aspects the author chose. It created a well-rounded story.
Overall, I’d say it kept me engaged. It was a short read and the ending left me satisfied as a reader.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2020
Book Review: Return to Hades and other Adventures by Iseult Murphy
Description:
A time cell. A dying alien. A former slave, desperate to get answers.Ebony, fugitive, with only the lonely life of a space dog scavenging in the junk belt to return to. A time travel technology that can kill. New perspectives. Old enemies. Any room for hope?Will Ebony find peace, or will she regret her return to Hades?A collection of 12 fantasy, horror and science fiction stories. Time travel with a space dog. Search for a missing child with a woman who can hear the song of creation. Find out where a leprechaun really keeps his gold. Get lost in worlds that will thrill, entertain and leave you wanting more.
My Thoughts:
This is my second novel reading Murphy’s work and it only gets better. Not only does she provide you with engaging stories, she entertains and leaves an imprint. Murphy is gifted in showing us a picture, keeping us engaged, and providing the reader with entertainment. In, “A Tracker Becoming,” the author paints a vivid picture full of action, imagery, and adventure. It was the first in this collection and sets the tone for the remainder of the collection.
Her characters, settings and adventures allows the reader to follow along. The versatility in genre shines through. The raw and realness makes you connect to the character and story in a way that leaves you wanting more. I often fond myself wanting to read more. In Murphy fashion, she’s incredibly talented and I look forward to reading more of her work.
May 9, 2020
Book Review: Mosaic by Dawn Hosmer
Description:
Mosaic is a collection of very short stories, ranging from scary pieces to those full of hope. Through these stories, I hope to provide glimpses into what it means to be human. Each of us is made up of many different pieces that, when fit together, make a beautiful, messy whole. Those tiny pieces in and of themselves don’t mean much and are easily overlooked. But, when we put them all together, a full picture of what it means to be human starts to form.
My Thoughts:
4 stars
Dawn Hosmer is an exceptional writer. After reading both her books, Bits and Pieces and The End of Echoes, I was hooked. I’ve enjoyed her tweets and it’s nice to get to see them in this collection. As promised, it gives you the life at different points. I really enjoyed these. There are several that I would love for her to elaborate on. Maybe a short story or even a a novel. That would be pretty awesome.
May 5, 2020
Book Review: Chesapeake Bay Saga by Nora Roberts
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Description:
A champion boat racer, Cameron Quinn traveled the world spending his winnings on champagne and women. But when his dying father called him home to care for Seth, a troubled young boy not unlike Cameron once was, his life changed overnight…
After years of independence, Cameron had to learn to live with his brothers again, while he struggled with cooking, cleaning, and caring for a difficult boy. Old rivalries and new resentments flared between Cameron and his brothers, but they tried to put aside their differences for Seth’s sake. In the end, a social worker would decide Seth’s fate, and as tough as she was beautiful, she had the power to bring the Quinns together–or tear them apart…
My Thoughts:
Cameron Quinn is a man who races and lives in the fast lane. On one of his nightly sensual adventures, his world crashes down on him. He races home to the only father he’s ever known who is fighting to live after an accident. As he’s dealing with the death of his father, he meets Seth, the newest Quinn boy to be taken in by Raymond Quinn. Like his brothers, they were given a home after experiencing terrible childhoods. Cameron is forced to give up his fast-paced lifestyle to care for the newest Quinn and stay in his small town of Chesapeake.
Anna Spinelli is Seth’s caseworker and meets Cameron Quinn on her first home visit. Determined to move him to foster care, she has little faith the Quinn brothers can raise a ten-year-old boy with their lifestyles with the trauma he’s endured. Quickly, she’s drawn to the family and the need for Seth to have the best home for him. Dealing with an ugly past of her own, she yearns for him to adjust and be well taken care of. In the process, she deals with her own feelings when she gets tangled up with Cameron.
Bonds, obstacles, hearts, and the future will be tested and the Quinns will have to stick together.
I absolutely was gravitated toward this story because of my social work heart. Anna was my favorite and I ended up relating to her in this book. I feel for Seth and like each Quinn brother for different reasons. Cameron’s heart was something I loved watching change.
Rising Tides
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Description:
Ethan Quinn shares his late father’s passion for the ocean, and he’s determined to make the family boat-building business a success. But as well as looking out for his young brother Seth, the strong but guarded Quinn is also battling some difficult home truths.
Grace Monroe, the woman Ethan has always loves but never believed he could have, is learning that appearances can be deceptive. For beneath Ethan’s still, dark waters lies a shocking past. With Grace’s help, can he overcome the shadows that haunt him and finally accept who he is?
My Thoughts:
Ethan is as steady as the water he catches crabs in. He’s patient and quiet. He uses few words because when he speaks, it means something. As Cam and Anna are off in Italy, he cares for Seth. In the mean time, he deals with his own past. His feels get tangled and mixed with what happened to him as a boy and how he can help Seth deal with what’s happened to him. They may be similar pasts, but Ethan had it worse. He doesn’t speak of it until Seth really needs to hear it.
Grace is a single mother to two-year-old Aubrey. She works for what she has and is proud of what life she’s forged. Estranged from her father, she is too proud to ask for help. She works three jobs to pay for her home and care for her daughter. Ethan has known her since she was a girl and starts to impose his ideas on what she should be doing.
Their feelings get mixed up in Seth and in each other. I found watching these two guarded people break down their walls was a treat. They each had things to deal with but only could when they did it together.
Inner Harbor
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Description:
Third in the sweeping Chesapeake quartet, about three brothers who come together in a time of need. They honored their father’s wish to raise young Seth as their own. And with all of the brothers home again, the Quinn family has never been so strong. But in the months to come, their strength is tested–once again.
Phillip Quinn has done everything to make his life seem perfect. With his career on the fast track and a condo overlooking the Harbor, his life on the street is firmly in the past. But one look at Seth and he’s reminded of the boy he once was…
Phillip intends to fulfill his father’s dying request and considers Seth to be a duty. But he never expected he would grow to love Seth, and soon his promise to his father has become more than just an obligation. Seth’s future as a Quinn seems assured–until a stranger arrives in town. She claims to be researching St. Christopher’s for her new book, but the true objects of study are the Quinns. Her cool reserve intrigues Phillip. He is determined to uncover her motives, but she is holding a secret that has the power to threaten the life the brothers have made for Seth. A secret that could tear the family apart… forever.
My Thoughts:
Sybil really was someone that I had a hard time connecting with until we find out what her connection to Seth is. I found that the emotion buried inside of her flowed out into the story. I also feel that Phillip was very forgiving when most wouldn’t be. Many would’ve dismissed her actions and never looked back. Instead, he had compassion for her upbringing and showed empathy. He understood her because he related to her. They made the perfect pair and it was endearing to see him struggle to fall. Finding a woman as perfect as your mother just made my heart squeeze. He wanted someone who could fill those qualities and it was sweet that he had that yearning. This series coming to an end with Seth (as a boy) feeling safe, made my heart full. Watching Phil fall for Seth when he didn’t want to, that brought tears to my eyes.
Chesapeake Blue
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Description:
Seth Quinn is finally home.
It’s been a long journey. After a harrowing boyhood with his drug-addicted mother, Seth had been taken in by the Quinn family, growing up with three older brothers who’d watched over him with love.
Now a grown man returning from Europe as a successful painter, Seth is settling down on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, surrounded once again by Cam, Ethan, and Phil, their wives and children, and all the blessed chaos of the extended Quinn clan. Finally, he’s back in the little blue-and-white house where there’s always a boat at the dock, a rocker on the porch, and a dog in the yard.
Still, a lot has changed in St. Christopher’s since he’s been gone—and the most intriguing change of all is the presence of Dru Whitcomb Banks. A city girl who has opened a florist shop in this seaside town, she craves independence and the challenge of establishing herself without the influence of her wealthy connections. In Seth, she sees another kind of challenge—a challenge that she can’t resist.
But storms are brewing that are about to put their relationship to the test. Dru’s past has made her sensitive to deception and slow to trust. And Seth’s past has made him a target of blackmail—as a secret he’s kept hidden for years threatens to explode, destroying his new life and his new love.
My Thoughts:
Seth’s story takes place 18 years after the third novel and is probably the one that I gravitated to the most throughout this series. To finally get to see him be happy and move on from his painful past, gives me joy. The Quinn brothers and their family really do show that through love, anything can mend and grow stronger.
Drusilla is the granddaughter of a senator and born from a wealthy family. To get away from the expectations of her family and be her own person, she settles in St. Christopher. She runs a flower shop where Seth meets her. Seth struggles with his past, deals with what is, and plans a future he can finally look forward to.
The ending to this series was bittersweet. I absolutely love the Quinn family and it was hard to say goodbye to them. In fact, I’ve read this series three times now and it will be one to go back to again when I’m in need of a great family story.
May 3, 2020
Life on the Homestead
Well…it technically isn’t a homestead, but I like to think we’re on our way in that direction.
I talked briefly about some changes we’re making here in another blog post.
I’m going to begin this post as the start to a series on my homestead fun.
We’ve started a garden and we got our baby chicks. So, here is an update.
Baby Chicks
On April 23, our chicks were born. We got them the day after. They’ve been in a brooder box and they’ve been doing really well. Our dogs are interesting in all the cheeping. They sure get loud when we feed them.
This was the day we brought them home.
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Introducing the chicks. I chose the names from all my favorite Nora Roberts characters.
[image error]Rowan[image error]Olivia[image error]Anna[image error]Fiona[image error]Grace
Wednesday, the chicks will be 2 weeks old. These photos will show they’ve started to get their feathers. It’s pretty interesting to see how the feathers change their color. They all have quite the personalities. I’ve discovered Rowan is a Rhode Island Red. The others are Easter Eggers. I’m excited to see how much much they grow.
[image error]Fiona[image error]Anna[image error]Rowan[image error]Grace[image error]Olivia
Garden
We started planting in pots and we’ve had some hits and misses. We killed some flowers. I’ll admit, they are very sensitive. I have garlic, pineapple, carrots, and broccoli growing from scraps.
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I have basil, cilantro, thyme, sage, and parsley growing in containers and will be transplanted outside in the garden soon.
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We attempted to build a fence around the garden area and it failed. It failed because we chose material too weak. The dogs managed to get in and snapped the poles. So, we’re starting over with stronger fencing and stronger poles. For now, I’ll provide you with what it looked like before and after my dog got in and ripped open the soil bags.
[image error][image error]Finished product followed by the fencing broken, the dogs ripped open a bag of soil, and dug through the dead flower pot.
These are just the small changes we’ve made. We’ll keep you updated on the progress we make. Our chicken coop will be built and ready to move early June.
We’ll have tons of projects that we’re doing. I recently made orange juice. I’ll add in some how-to’s and some other fun things . Topics include canning, cooking, gardening, raising chickens, and more.
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I hope you keep up to date on our little adventure.
Thanks for joining and see you next time on a new blog series I’m calling
Ruth Anne’s Homestead. 
April 30, 2020
ELSA KLAUS’ BRUNSWICK STEW
North Carolina’s best!
Step 1:
1 (3- to 4-pound) hen
Water to cover
2 celery ribs with leaves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried green onion
1 teaspoon Mei-yen powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients in a larger saucepan. Cover and bring to simmering boil over high heat. Reduce and simmer about 2 hours or until tender. Test with fork in thick part of thigh. Cool for a few minutes and cut off meat while chicken is still warm. If skin is very tender, grind and use 1/2 cup. Cut chicken into small pieces as for hash.
Step 2:
Diced chicken and broth
4 (16-ounce) cans butter beans
4 (16-ounce) cans tomatoes
1 medium-size to large baking potato, peeled and diced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 teaspoons sugar
2 slices smoked bacon, diced
4 (17-ounce) cans white cream-style corn
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup cold water
Salt to taste
In a large soup kettle or Dutch oven cook chicken and broth, butter beans, tomatoes, diced potato, black pepper, and sugar over medium-high heat until it comes to a simmering boil. Reduce heat to low and cook about 1 1/2 hours, stirring often. In a skillet fry bacon over medium heat until crisp; drain, and add with corn to chicken mixture and cook 1 hour, stirring almost constantly.
Dissolve flour in a cup of cold water and slowly stir into mixture. Add salt. Cook about 45 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Be sure to scrape bottom of pan often, for corn sticks easily. I put up in thoroughly washed quart or half-gallon plastic milk cartons. This freezes well.
Yield: 6 quarts
Recipe taken from: Southern Living The Southern Hospitality Cookbook by Winifred Green Cheney.
April 29, 2020
Pork Chops in Ginger Ale
2 large onions, sliced
1/4 cup butter, divided
5 (3/4- to 1- inch thick) pork chops
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato puree or chili sauce
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup ginger ale
Salt and black pepper to taste
In a skillet saute onions in 1/8 cup butter over medium heat until golden brown.
Remove onions and place in a 2-quart oblong baking dish.
In the same skillet brown chops in remaining 1/8 cup butter over medium heat.
Remove and place on top of onions. Sprinkle on brown sugar.
Blend tomato puree and flour together in a small bowl; add ginger ale and pour over chops.
Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper and cook in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour or until chops are tender. Test with a fork tine.
Yield: 5 servings
Recipe taken from: Southern Living The Southern Hospitality Cookbook by Winifred Green Cheney.
April 27, 2020
Beef Tenderloin Wellington
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (3- to 4-pound) prime tenderloin, fully trimmed
1/4 cup salad oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms
2 ounces cognac
1/2 teaspoon powdered rosemary
2 (5-ounce) cans imported pate de foie gras with truffles
1 1/2 pounds puff paste or 2 (10-ounce) packages puff pastry shells, defrosted
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
Salt and pepper the tenderloin on all sides. Preheat oil in a baking pan and roast in a preheated 450 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes making sure it stays very rare. Remove from oven and cool. Pour off oil from the tenderloin and using the same pan, add butter.
Saute onions and mushrooms until tender over a medium heat. Add cognac, remove from heat and cool. When cool, chop mushrooms very finely, add rosemary and foie gras with a fork and make a very fine liver paste.
When tenderloin is cooled, spread its entire surface with liver mushroom paste.
Roll out puff pastry to 1/4 inch thickness. If you use pastry shells, work them together so as to make one ball of dough. Roll this out also to 1/4 inch thickness and wrap coated tenderloin.
Trim edges of pastry, moistening edges with water and sealing by pressing together. Brush crust with egg beaten with milk. Make two holes on top of tenderloin to allow steam to escape.
Decorate with pieces of dough making grapes, flowers, leaves, etc., according to your artistic ability.
Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Yield: 8 to 10 servings
