Bridget's all time favourite books
Wildflowers in Winter

Wildflowers in Winter

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Literary Fiction

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Wildflowers In Winter by Naomi Wark is the often-overlooked story of an elderly woman named Edna that suffers from Alzheimer's and her sense of self and family are questioned b... efore her time runs out. This sometimes heartbreaking but always touching tale takes a deep dive into family dynamics confronting secrets and bias as the family is forced together once again.

This book hit some deeply familiar topics I have experienced in my own family. It was interesting to me that I could identify with Edna and the family members at the same time even during points of conflict. Dealing with the difficulties of life rather than shoving them away is the main theme throughout and is a lesson that many could benefit from and learn from these days.

I recommend this book for people with tough family dynamics. Older women will be familiar with Edna's views and attitudes while the younger generations will be drawn toward Edna's family easily. This book might surprise you in the things you will recognizee yourself and inspire you to keep your family close to your heart.
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MARS  The mother country

MARS The mother country

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Publication Date: Jul 22, 2020

Science Fiction

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It starts with an explosion in the vicinity of the outer layer of Earth's atmosphere. A meeting is called with the four friendly extraterrestrial races that make up the Galacti... c Alliance. In 2028 a manned mission to Mars had uncovered evidence of an ancient civilization. Now an odd couple, an archeologist and a mathematician are called on a journey to unearth ancient discoveries to reveal the secret history of mankind.
This action-packed sci-fi adventure by Esteban Corio will capture you from page one and doesn’t let go until the end. I was drawn to the ancient civilization aspect of the story but was quickly captivated by the brilliant cast of characters Mars: The Mother Country has to offer. This book is story-driven and thought-provoking. An easy read even for those that aren’t accustomed to sci-fi regularly. The chapters are short and easy to follow for readers on the go.
I would recommend this book for fans of Ancient Aliens and Erich von Daniken. You will be fully emerged into the world created by Esteban Corio and find yourself pondering the what-ifs of our universe. Ancient mysteries, extraterrestrials, science, and math are manifested into this plot of heroes and heroines set out to prevent and protect. I would suggest finding a nice window to read this book at night so you can gaze out from time to time and wonder if there is possibly something else out there beyond the stars that could change our planet forever.
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Tango of water and flame (Dance)

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Publication Date: Jul 30, 2021

Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy

4.4 (4 ratings)

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Tango of Water and Flame
Book Review
Oct 25
1

This is the story of Helga, a martial healer that is a professional in her field at the hospital. For 13 yea... rs she has dreamed of working with the same top secret creatures as her grandfather that only martial healers can work with. On the anniversary of her history of working with the hospital and the handsome Professor Dunn in the main maternity hospital for women to correct any problems that arise, the Professor reveals to her she will soon be transferred to another job because of the need of martial healers with the creatures called Grenons that her grandfather worked with.
Helga must choose to be transferred or not. Her family would not like the night job and she must not tell them about what she is doing. The Department usually marries off martial healers to keep the operations secret and the Professor has offered to play the role of both finance and husband. She also must undergo a trail period of 3 months with extensive training dealing with Genons, Clevres, and Lonquies - magical creatures with dangerous features, as well as exams and tests to prove loyalty and knowledge.
When Helga and the Professor get called out to help with a bomb threatening the Lonquies population they become aware that the martial healers could be under attack. The bomber's identity is unknown and the rumors about experiments on newborns is growing. Could it be the father of the newborn that could not be saved by the Professor that had vowed to seek his revenge?
This story is compelling and interesting. The magical world that Helga works in is enchanting as well as scary in this paranormal romance. I enjoyed the working romance of Helga and the Professor and her friendships with her colleagues Inga and Paul. Anna Molman weaves a tale of sci-fi, paranormal, romance, and crime that women have been wishing for. You will identify with Helga's delimas of balancing work, family, friends, and romance as well as her working with the magical creatures.
I recommend this book especially for women who enjoy sci-fi and the paranormal. There is magical and martial art elements to the novel that will appeal to the female warriors in all of us. I suggest reading this book as a nightcap after dinner when the darkness falls and your imagination can run wild as you are submerged into Helga's world of wonderous things.
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DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them

DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them

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Publication Date: Mar 31, 2020

General Nonfiction

4.9 (94 ratings)

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When I first heard about a group of 4th grade elementary students and their reading teacher single-handedly started their own animal shelter I had two reactions: “That's craz... y!” and “Give me that book!” Having worked for Petsmart Petshotel and salon for 10 years I already knew the labor of love it takes to be the type of person taking on such a task. What I didn’t count on was getting so much more than a puff piece story on how Mrs. Trull and her reading class saw a problem with the community and did something about it. DAWGS by Diane Trull with Meredith Wargo is full of touching success stories, a personal photo of a dog or cat that has been adopted from the shelter starts each chapter and is followed by accounts and experiences Diane Trull has had in starting and running the shelter for nearly 20 years.

I really like how this book balances out the negative and positive experiences that the shelter has had over the years. From facing city council numerous times, being honored at a Hollywood gala, numerous break-ins resulting in theft and death, reuniting lost dogs with their owners, relocation by a city ordered deadline, and phone calls from actress Burnedette Peters, this book has every emotion combined.

More importantly, this book is informative and brings forth the urgent need to be aware in every community of the tax payers costs for their city to euthanize healthy adoptable domesticated animals and the benefits of having pets spay and neutered. This is an ongoing problem not just in Dalhart, Texas, but in every city in the United States.

I recommend this book for any and every person that has ever loved an animal. With that being said, I would strongly encourage people that have never owned a pet, are scared of or have limited experience with animals, to take a long hard look at this book. The information in this book may make you sit up and pay attention to the animal control process in your own city. I know that there were many times when I was reading this book it really hit home because I am in Texas, too, and I am aware of the attitudes of certain individuals and groups when it comes to animal rights and animal control procedures.

I recommend reading this book with your favorite pet, whether it be dog, cat, hamster, or goldfish. I read this book with my reading companion, Uncle Roadie, a standard poodle that is so old he was begging for table scraps at The Last Supper. I dedicate this review to him, for without which I would not have my family.
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Unleashed ChaosA Novel of the Breedline seriesRevised Edition: Unleashed ChaosRevised Edition

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Publication Date: Feb 19, 2021

Supernatural Suspense, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult

4.6 (4 ratings)

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The Breedline species - humans that can shift into wolves - have conquered the Chiang-shih demon releasing the evil half brother of Jace and Jem Chamberlain named Sebastian. Ja... ce is forced to seek revenge on Sebastion and protect Tessa who is pregnant with his twins. Meanwhile, a mysterious guest arrives at Jem and Mia's wedding with a healing gift and past of running from scientists who have discovered and are interested in his abilities and possibly threatening Breedline's existence forever.

This was my first shape-shifting novel and I listened to the audiobook simultaneously while reading it on kindle. I found the narrator's voice to add to the story and fit the ambiance of my entire experience. The skinwalker aspect appealed to my Native American heritage and I found the wolf side to be very authentic from my 10 years of experience of working with dogs. The story has some strong male characters that are well developed with an otherworldly quality that is specific to Breedline. The story was well written and easy to follow for newcomers to the genre like me.

I would recommend this book for people interested in the paranormal as well as shapeshifters and biology. Animals lovers will be attracted to the wolf side of the Breedline. I have become a fan of this series and am looking forward to seeing what is in store in the next books ahead.
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Conspiracy of Cats

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Publication Date: Aug 18, 2021

Thriller, Suspense, Mystery

4.8 (11 ratings)

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Jos Ferguson travels to Africa to visit her late Uncle Peter's estate, called the White House. Once she arrives she quickly discovers why Uncle Peter's former housekeeper has c... alled her there. It seems Uncle Peter was murdered and he needs Jos' help to seek revenge on his killer.

B.C. Harris is brilliant in this strong debut holding the audience captive through this paranormal mystery. A wonderful cast of characters are brought to life ( and in one case risen from the dead). I enjoyed so many aspects of this book! Quickly I identified with Jos through her family dynamics and also felt a strong sense of a family duty theme throughout the novel. As an American I enjoyed the mental trip overseas to lands I have not physically visited and learned a lot of cultural things.

I would recommend this book for fans of Christopher Pike. The ominous feel will grip any paranormal fan and will draw in fans of horror as they are delightfully scared with delight by this hidden gem they have discovered.
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The Everlasting Spring: Beyond Olympus: Colton and Blue Star

The Everlasting Spring: Beyond Olympus: Colton and Blue Star

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Publication Date: May 13, 2021

Historical Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Action & Adventure, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Western Romance, Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, Literary Fiction, Christian Fiction, History, General Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality

5.0 (2 ratings)

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Everlasting Spring: Beyond Olympus Book 2 Colt and Blue Star is story set in the Old West. When Colton commits a crime out of revenge for his mother he set out on a journey wes... t to join the pioneers. He soon meets Jim Hunter who will change the course of his life forever. Colt joins the Gold Rush and heads out to California. There is great peril along the way where he meets Blue Star, an enchanting woman who was kidnapped by Paiutes before she escaped. Colton fights in many battles relating to the Civil War and takes on many jobs in between in this epic American story.

This book is seasoned well with American history covering immigrants, pioneers, the Gold Rush, and several Civil War battles all told through the eyes on Colton. There was a lot of history in the book that wasn’t known to me and I was surprised to learn about as well as a lot of information about early mining projects. As a Texan I was happy to learn about the Civil War through the eyes of the north. The story of Colton and Blue Star is a great addition that had me wondering how exactly they'd be turning out in the end.

I would recommend this book for people who are fans of Westerns or interested in Civil War history. You will get a lot of American history in general reading this novel and it is presented in the most entertaining way. Based on truth and keeping with the theme of the series this novel is a testament to faith, love, friendship, and patriotism at it’s finest form.
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On Becoming Me: Memoir of an 80's Teenager

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Publication Date: Oct 11, 2021

Biographies & Memoirs

4.4 (9 ratings)

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Ahh, the 80’s. Whether you lived through them or just want to know what it was like you will want to take a step back in time and into the pages of On Becoming Me: Memoir of ... An 80’s Teenager. This diary-style memoir chronicles the friendships and the experiences of what it was like to be Kirsten spanning from 1979 to 1986.

Even though the diaries take place just a generation ahead of mine I found it interesting all the similarities and differences that it seems every girl goes through in their teen years. Obsessions of overweight, acne, boys, and the fear of not fitting in seem to be universal. Being in love with movie stars and certain song lyrics are too. I feel that other than certain subtle references this could be any American teen girl’s story. What makes her story unique is her perspectives and experiences that come across as genuine, heartfelt, and interesting.

I would suggest reading this book if you are a fan of The California Diaries or are craving some authentic 80’s nostalgia that can only be brought to us by those of us who lived and loved every single minute. Kirsten Pursell speaks a thousand voices of the last generation before we became subject to social media when you had to write letters by snail mail and telephones were plugged into the wall. Through her personal diary entries, letters, and photos you will be transported and emerged into her teenage world and hanging on to every single totally radical page.
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Harvard

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Publication Date: Oct 10, 2012

Contemporary Romance

4.4 (11 ratings)

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Helen “Harvard” Schmitt and Thor Himmel are running on similar paths in life, quite literally, and as fate would have it their paths are about to collide. The unexpected tw... ist forces them to see the path behind them to reveal the path ahead.

Harvard is a story about Helena and how she deals with things once her father dies, causing her to be unexpectedly back at her childhood mountain home far from the original plans she had set out to do. Thor Himmel is a hot college professor, but when tragedy strikes he sets out on his journey whose path leads him directly to the mountain.

Kirsten Pursell tells an extraordinary tale of how two people deal with life's unexpected turns. I really enjoyed how each chapter was either told by “Harvard” or Thor so you got varying insights and perspectives driving the story forward. This book made me think of deep thoughts about fate and how detours in life are sometimes exactly what we need to direct us where we are meant to go.

I would recommend this book for fans of A Tale of Two Cities or Sleepless In Seattle. I think because of the two different perspectives this book would be ideal for a book club with men and women both participating. The theme of letting go and entering unexpected doors of opportunities will stay with you long after the back cover has been closed.
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The Vedic Dharma: Explorations in the Vedic Natural Order (Rta)

The Vedic Dharma: Explorations in the Vedic Natural Order (Rta)

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Publication Date: Sep 04, 2019

Religion & Spirituality

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The Vedic Dharma: Explorations in the Vedic Natural Order (Rta) is the first volume in The Secret History of the Vedas series by James Kalomiris and is a comprehensive study of... the interpretations of the mantras of Vedic Dharma. Whether you are brand new (like me) to Vedic Dharma or a more seasoned reader this is a wonderful companion to the Vedas as a whole. This book can break down mantras and help give a better understanding of each.

This is the first book that I have found that could explain to me mantras in simple terms that finally made sense. I like how it is divided by individual mantras and then gives interpretations of each one. There are also charts provided that helped me understand and comprehend the complexities and helped me make connections with the information. I found this book easy to follow and liked that I could easily read small sections at a time.

This book is wonderful because of its diversity. There are a wide variety of ways to use it and it is a great way for beginners to be introduced to Vedic Dharma, but it is also a great tool to help teach interpretations to knowledgeable readers. This would be a wonderful gift for that bohemian friend or family member that thinks outside the box. This is the first book in the series and I cannot wait to dive into the following volumes. Namaste!
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One Thousand Names of Soma: Elements of Religious and Divine Ecstasy

One Thousand Names of Soma: Elements of Religious and Divine Ecstasy

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Publication Date: Jul 11, 2019

Religion & Spirituality

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Soma means a variety of things in the vedic dharma. This book helps break down the many definitions of Soma clearly and concisely and is both entertaining and educational. I us... ed to have a difficult time pinning down the meaning of Soma until I read this book. The book is divided into different categories that helped me absorb the information to where I could finally comprehend it. I would recommend this book for anyone who is seeking more insight on Soma. This book is a great teaching tool for beginners as well as seasoned followers because it is a thorough deep dive into Soma and all of it’s glory. This is the second book in the series and I cannot wait to check out the next volumes and discover the mysteries within. Namaste!
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The Vedic Alchemist: Better Liberation Through Chemistry

The Vedic Alchemist: Better Liberation Through Chemistry

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Publication Date: Jan 20, 2021

Religion & Spirituality

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The Vedic Alchemist explains how physical matter wasThe Vedic Alchemist explains how physical matter was created and explains the transmutation process. With the Vedas in mind ... and accompanying alchemy texts it is explained how things evolved from atoms into things we see all the time.

This is the fifth book in the series and one I have enjoyed the most. Before reading this book I had a generalized idea of what alchemy was but through reading and learning from the book I discovered there is so much more than I ever dreamed. Vedic alchemy is the story of creation not just of things but of how everything has come to be. This is a longer book than those previous but worth the read.

Jam packed full of information, this book is a must if you are into chemistry or alchemy. It truly is the best starter book on Vedic alchemy because all the information has been gathered here for you. I would suggest reading this book when you have set aside a block of time to give it undivided attention and you can absorb the information to it’s fullest. Namaste! created and explains the transmutation process. With the Vedas in mind and accompanying alchemy texts it is explained how things evolved from atoms into things we see all the time.

This is the fifth book in the series and one I have enjoyed the most. Before reading this book I had a generalized idea of what alchemy was but through reading and learning from the book I discovered there is so much more than I ever dreamed. Vedic alchemy is the story of creation not just of things but of how everything has come to be. This is a longer book than those previous but worth the read.

Jam packed full of information, this book is a must if you are into chemistry or alchemy. It truly is the best starter book on Vedic alchemy because all the information has been gathered here for you. I would suggest reading this book when you have set aside a block of time to give it undivided attention and you can absorb the information to it’s fullest. Namaste!
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The Vedic Astrologer: The Spiritual Legacy of the Nakshatras

The Vedic Astrologer: The Spiritual Legacy of the Nakshatras

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Publication Date: Sep 04, 2019

Religion & Spirituality

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The Vedic Astrologer is a comprehensive book that helps guide the worshiper in their spiritual journey. Rather than a reference to predict the future this book helps guide you ... on an astrological level. Through the charts provided the reader cannot only navigate their way through Vedic astrology but also see the differences and similarities between it and Western astrology.

I have heard Vedic astrology was different from Western but I never truly knew how much until I started reading this book. I appreciated how the charts gave me the overall big picture as well as the written information. This is truly a deep dive into the Nakshatras and what they are about.

I would recommend this book for fans of astrology and science that are looking to explore on a more spiritual level. The book is a perfect balance for people looking for insight and knowledge. I suggest reading this book on a quiet and clear night when you can gaze out your window and up to the stars to behold all the answers within them.
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All About Agni: The Many Fires of Agni

All About Agni: The Many Fires of Agni

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Publication Date: Sep 04, 2019

Religion & Spirituality

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All About Agni is all about the fire god second in line to Indra and the fire of the sun and lightning. This book has a wonderful breakdown of the five fires doctrine. It is gr... eat for beginners like myself because it explains things in simple terms and definitions accompanied by helpful charts that guide you along the way.

Agni can be complicated and complex, but I had no trouble understanding the five fires from what I learned from this book. I learned a lot of enlightenment from this book and I believe that it will stick with me long after having read it.

I would recommend this book for people looking to learn a clear vision of Agni. James Kalomiris is a master at teaching through the written word. I suggest reading this book in small intervals to let the compact information set for a bit before moving on. Namaste!
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