Book Review: Justice Betrayed

I have enjoyed the Memphis Cold Case series by Patricia Bradley, and her latest Justice Betrayed was no exception! 

This book can also be read as a stand alone.  Rachel Sloan has had her ups and downs when dealing with her family.  She is still trying to find her mother's killer and doesn't know how to handle her dad or grandmothers.  She really isn't looking for love but working with Boone makes it hard to ignore him.  And Elvis?  There are plenty of them, but don't call them impersonators, they're tribute artists.  Any reader who enjoys suspense with a bit of romance will be caught up in this book.

Thanks to Revell for giving me this book to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Blind Betrayal" - book review

I love to be able to continue reading books in a series so I was excited to read Blind Betrayal by Nancy Mehl, the third book in the Defenders of Justice series.  Though, besides a couple of updates on characters, I really feel Blind Betrayal can be read on its own (stand alone).

The book really read like a movie or fast paced TV show.  It's cool to read about the Witness Protection program and how far the Marshals will go to protect their witnesses.  I'd highly recommend this book and will warn you that you might stay up late reading!

Thanks to Bethany House for giving me this ebook (not final text) to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book review "Why I Hate Green Beans"

The book, Why I Hate Green Beans:  And Other Confessions about Relationships, Reality TV, and How We See Ourselves was a great book.  It was so funny!  "Being seen for who I was?  That's all I ever wanted." (P. 31). Isn't that what we all want?

I've never seen Lincee's blog or read anything by her, and I've watched maybe half of one episode of any of The Bachelor shows, but I loved this book.  I laughed so much!

You might think the book is all about insecurity or how others see us but it's about so much more.  Relationships, online dating, TV shows (yes, The Bachelor), and relating to others' children are all discussed.  But the under layer is her relationship with Christ and how He sees us.  And green beans, I totally relate but my tastes have changed as an adult and I'll eat roasted or sauteed green beans sometimes.

Thanks to Revell for giving me this book to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book review, "Blind Spot" by Dani Pettrey

I thought this was the best book in the Chesapeake Valor series so far.  Blind Spot is the third book in the series.  I think you need to read book one Cold Shot and book two Still Life before reading Blind Spot.  There is too much activity and little introduction of characters to not read the whole series.  And the books are so good that you'll want to read the whole series!

Blind Spot has parts that remind me of a Jason Bourne movie.  I compared the first two books to the TV shows Bones and CSI (reviews here and here).  I liked Declan Gray's character more than I expected and Tanner Shaw is really surprising but absolutely cool.  I don't want to give away anything, but there is more about Luke.  :)

Thanks to Bethany House for giving me this ebook (not final text) to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Update - lots of new diabetes stuff going on! :)

Well, I've been meaning to write about this for a while.  :)  I got an insulin pump!!  That of course isn't shocking news in the diabetes' community but since I've only had insulin pens since 2012, it was big for me.  I chose the t:slim.  (My oldest daughter had a Medtronic pump then went on the t:slim.)  I tried to get the Enlite system a couple years ago but couldn't get the sensor (CGM) part approved through my insurance and the local representative ended up dodging my calls and I lost interest in Medtronic.

I thought it would be easier if my daughter and I were on the same kind of pump plus I *love* the touch screen on the t:slim.  I'd love to have the Dexcom sensor of course.  I was shocked when the supplier said I could get the G4 t:slim system and Dexcom!!  Wow!  Big wonderful surprise!!  So last October I met the trainer at our local library and began pumping and using a Dexcom sensor.  I'll write another post on advantages and disadvantages.

Like others, I love having the CGM information available but sometimes it's very overwhelming to have so much data or I don't feel like I'm using all of the information well.  It's amazing how accurate the Dexcom sensor is but I do get disappointed when it's off.

My advice of shots vs. pumps?  Some parents feel bad that they don't have their child on a pump.  Just because we put our daughter on a pump doesn't mean your child needs one.  Our oldest didn't have good control on shots.  She changed from taking Lantus to Levemir twice a day and still wasn't getting good control.  It depends on you.  Are shots working for you?

Shots were working OK for me but sometimes (because I don't keep a log) I would forget if I bolused for the dessert I want to eat (cookie) or dessert I should eat (single piece of dark chocolate).  I like having a history on my pump of what exactly I bolused for.

Are you willing to wear something 24/7?  Omnipods might be tubeless but it's still attached 24/7.

Are you responsible?  Will you take your pump off and forget where you put it?  Not that most 5 year olds would, but it's something to think about.

How is your insurance?  I used to get insulin pen samples from my doctor sometimes and that helped me to stretch our medical expense dollars.  Shots are generally much cheaper than pumps.

[Off soap box] I like my pump and CGM a lot, I think I love it!  I thought I would but wasn't completely sure how it would work out for me.  :)

Book review, "Threads of Suspicion" by Dee Henderson

If you look back at my other Dee Henderson book reviews here and here, you'll learn that Dee Henderson used to be my favorite author but I feel like she strayed from writing books that I absolutely loved.  I really liked the first book in the Evie Blackwell series Traces of Guilt and I really liked the newest book Threads of Suspicion.  Cold cases always sound interesting to me.  Why were the original detectives or police force or private investigators not able to find answers and/or convict the right criminal (OK, perpetrator)?  I like happy endings and I like to see these families get closure.  Unfortunately, some families get closure but not happy endings.  :(  [side trail over, back to the book]  Evie Blackwell is now working on the official Missing Persons Task Force.  She is dating her boyfriend Rob Turney.  Evie is paired with David Marshal first and he is an interesting character.  He's looking into what happened to a P.I.  They help each other chase leads and narrow possibilities.

Some sound bytes I liked: "The passage of time nearly always brought out undiscovered truths about people.(ch 2)" "Life reveals truth.(ch 2)" David says, "Sometimes love comes easily, and sometimes it's the most challenging decision a person ever makes.(ch 8)"  David says, "When it's time to decide, you pray, you think, you listen to your mind and heart, and then you make the decision.(ch 8)"

There are twists and turns, and one gory circumstance (you've been warned).  I'm looking forward to reading about Evie working with others on the whole team, I'm assuming that will come in future books!!  I don't think you need to have read Traces of Guilt to read Threads of Suspicion but it will help to have read Full Disclosure or Unspoken (so you know the Ann character).

Thanks to Bethany House for giving me this ebook (not final text) to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

book Still Life

Still Life by Dani Pettrey is the second book in the Chesapeake Valor series.  I think you would be lost with the characters and background if you haven't read the first book, Cold Shot.  There is an update on Finley and Griff but I won't tell you lest I give part of the story away.  :)  Avery and Parker have an interesting relationship and I was impressed with the story.  I'm glad this isn't a picture book, the artistic photographers sound like they want to create very gruesome work.  The first book reminded me of Bones, but this one reminded me of CSI just a little because of the crime scene photography.  There are twists and turns to keep you guessing.  If you're wanting a lot of info about their friend Luke, I think we'll have to wait for the next book.  Blech!  I hate waiting.  I felt like one story line wasn't finished but I'm sure it will be continued in the next book.  There were a few grammatical errors so hopefully those are fixed in the final copy.  I'm a big fan of Dani Pettrey's books so if you haven't read them then get started!!

Thanks to Bethany House for giving me this ebook (not final text) to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Death of Mary Tyler Moore

I don't know much about Mary Tyler Moore, except she was a champion for diabetics.  Specifically type 1 diabetics, as she was one herself and became a JDRF spokesperson.  She passed away last week and it's hard not to reflect on her life and success as an actress.  I didn't realize we had something in common:  we were both diagnosed as adults (her at age 33, me at age thirty-something).  :)

Favorite Things #3

I've been wanting to do some blog posts about some of my Favorite Things!  #1 was here and #2 was here.

#3 are Thermos water bottles.  I like the stainless steel ones with plastic straws.  I first bought a character one after my son broke two water bottles (nice brand) two weeks in a row.  I didn't think the Thermos one would last his rough behavior but it did!  So then I started buying ones for my other kids and myself.  It's amazing how ice will stay for hours in these.  :)

I found out on Amazon, that you can order replacement straws directly from Thermos!  You can also order replacement lids if you need it.  You need your model #.  Thermos 1-800-831-9242.  $2 for replacement lids, $1 for straws (you can order 5 per week per model).  S&H is maybe $3.50?

Here's the kids, there's all kinds of characters available

Here's the 16 oz Purple one I like, also available in gray

 Here's the 18 oz one that I think is discontinued

model #HS4010 for 18 oz pop of pink (for my reference!).

I would suggest only serving water in these as the straws seem to get gunky and moldy pretty fast if a different beverage is served.  :)

book Cold Shot

Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey sounds like a very doomful title but it does have a reason.  I won't tell you, lest I ruin the explanation part of the book.  :)  I LOVED Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series and I liked this new book, the first in the Chesapeake Valor series, but I didn't like it as much as the previous series.  What I'd wish I'd known when I started the book is that Finley is a forensic anthropologist like Bones.  The explanation is that she's an anthropologist working on the Gettysburg battlefield so I didn't understand why she would be investigating a dead body until I learned that she really is a forensic anthropologist (so totally my fault).  I also had trouble keeping the characters straight (again, totally my fault).

I think I liked the Alaska series because the location was so exciting and foreign to me.  The Gettysburg location was interesting but the rest was ho hum.  I liked the relationships - Griff and his friends, Griff and Finley.  I like the mystery of Luke and I'll definitely stay with the series to read the next book.

Thanks to Bethany House for giving me this ebook (not final text) to review.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”