Bookreview: Confessions of an Expat in Paris

 written by Vicki Lesage

"A nice memoir with humour."

Summary

From champagne bottles to baby bottles, this memoir offers a humorous glimpse
of an American expat's years abroad...

Party girl Vicki moved to Paris hoping to drink wine and fall in love. She 
accomplished both goals but not without bumps along the way: romantic
encounters gone awry, uniquely French situations threatening her sanity,
and two adorable yet tireless kids keeping her on her toes.

Journey along with Vicky as she gets her feet wet, settles in, and finally 
finds her way in Paris. All with a drink in hand and a smile on her face.
Until she must make a decision: Should she stay in her adopted city
(with all its ups and downs) or should she return home (with its
different ups and downs)?

Discover the real Paris through Vicki's eyes as she shows you the funny
side of life, love and raising a family in the city of Light. And each chapter
is paired with a delicious cocktail recipe. 

My review

It was an honest memoir: a lovely, clear and fluently written book.
It was easy and relaxing to read too. 

I enjoyed reading and sometimes the scenes made me laugh. 
However I wanted to read more about Paris than about the author's life.

I would like to recommend this book to all readers who like memoirs,
and travel stories with lots of humour.

Therefore, I would like to give this book a 4 star rating on 5. 

The author

Bestselling author Vicki Lesage proves daily that raising two French kids
isn't as easy as the hype lets on. In her spare time, she writes, sips bubbly, and 
prepares for the impending zombie apocalypse. She just moved back to the
US after living in Paris for 11 years, with her French husband, rambunctious
son, and charming daughter in tow, all of whom mercifully don't laugh
when she says "au revoir". She penned the Paris Confessions series in between
diaper changes and wine refills. She writes about the ups and downs of her life

on her site on this link. 

BookSirens

I received a copy free by BookSirens for giving my honest review. Thank you very
much for this excellent reading chance

Bookreview: Living the Quieter Algarve Dream

 Living the Quieter Algarve Dream

written by Alyson Sheldrake

"A sunny memoir for anyone who likes Portugal"

Summary

Have you ever longed for a quieter life? Ever wanted to escape the crowds,
walk on deserted beaches, and experience all that a different country has to
offer? 

Alyson and her husband Dave Sheldrake moved to the Western Algarve far
from tourists, to live in a rural market town. 

In this part guidebook, mostly memoir, find out why the Algarve is a favourite
destination for so many, and why this couple has made it their home. 

My Review

Portugal always has fascinated me. Till now, I only visited Lisbon, Sintra and
Porto, however I really want to discover more from this lovely country. So, I
was very pleased to receive a free copy via We Love Memoirs on Facebook. 

I immediately was into the story, which is a splendid mix of a memoir and
a guidebook. I particularly liked the fact that the author wrote so much about
history. I also learned something about moving.

"Living the Quieter Algarve dream" offers a glimpse about the couple's live
in the Algarve. It was very interesting and it gave lots of information.

I also noted that "Living the Quieter Algarve dream" was written very 
fluently and that the chapters were clear and structured. I really liked
the colourful pictures in the book. 

To conclude: I would recommend this book to all people who love 
Portugal and to them who want to move to that lovely country. Therefore,
I give with lots of pleasure and without no hesitation a 5 star rating!

The Author

Alyson Sheldrake was born in Birmingham in 1968. She has always loved
art and painting, although she found little time for such pleasures, working
full time after graduation. She joined the Devon and Cornwall Police in 
1992 and served there for thirteen years, before leaving to work in the
field of education. She became the Director of Education for the Church
of England in Devon in 2008.

Once her husband Dave retired from Police, their long-held dream of 
living in the sun could become a reality. Alyson handed in her notice and
with her dusty easel and set of acrylic paints packed and ready to move,
they started their new adventure living in the beautiful Algarve in 
Portugal in 2011.

Alyson is the author of the award-winning and popular Algarve Blog and
has also been a keynote speaker for several years at the annual
'Live and Invest in Portugal' international conference. She is also a 
feature writer for the Tomorrow Algarve magazine.

She is an accomplished and sought-after artist working alongside her
husband Dave, a professional photographer.

Her first book Living the Dream - in the Algarve was full of useful
advice, enjoyable adventures and humorous accounts of their Algarve
life in the sun. 

The sequel, Living the Quieter Algarve Dream continues their story. 

She also has a website, check this link. 

Check also her wonderful Algarve Blog on this link.

We love Memoirs 

I've received a free copy of Living the Quieter Algarve Dream
via the We Love Memoirs group. 

We Love Memoirs is the friendliest, most caring group on Facebook.
It is the place where memoir readers and authors can chat together.

I really like that group. 

Source picture: Book Cover

Bookreview: Treefrogs Can't Sing

I was very honoured when Lally Brown offered me huge breaking news!

The release of the cover of her newest book "Treefrogs Can't Sing" took place
in my Author in the picture blog of Lally Brown. Check this link.

The book "Treefrogs can't sing" is available on Amazon on this link.
Don't hesitate to buy this wonderful sunny memoir. 🌞 And on Amazon
it has a number 1 rating! 

Note to hubby: I really want to go to the Caribbean again as soon as it is
possible 😜

Summary

"Treefrogs Can't Sing" is a delightful light-hearted memoir of
Lally Brown's three years life in the British Virgin Islands with
a toddler and a baby. It is an exotic adventure full of fun, with a
special mix of characters. 

My Review

This is the third book I read from Lally Brown, so I had a "small" idea
of which I could expect and the book "Treefrogs Can't Sing" fulfilled my
expectations for 100%. Sometimes it even makes me laugh. 

I really enjoyed the characters - the interaction with the kids, the cat, 
other animals and the people of the island the most. 

It is written very visually, I easily could imagine the events and the
feel of the island. "Treefrogs Can't Sing" also is written fluently
in clear chapters. 

Although this book is the sequel of "High and Dry in the BVI" it is
easy to read as a stand alone. 

So if you love memoirs, just as I do, don't hesitate to buy this book. I
would recommend "Treefrogs Can't Sing" to friends, family and colleagues
and for all who would like to have some Caribbean sunshine in December.

I give with lots of pleasure a five star rating to this wonderful and sunny 
memoir. 

The Author

Lally Brown is an author/photographer addicted to small islands. She lived
in Montserrat, St. Helena, BVI, TCI (Turks and Caicos Islands) and the
Isle of Wight. She likes memoirs, true stories and red squirrels. 

Please Lally, write soon some other books! 

Lally allowed me to read and review this wonderful book. Thank you very much.

Source picture: Book Cover 

Bookreview: From Wheels To Wellness

 

From Wheels To Wellness

Tips and Tricks for a healthy Van Lifestyle 

Written by Kristine Hudson 

"Useful information!"

Summary

First, you commit to van life.

Then, you pick out your vehicle and start the process of creating
your ultimate home on wheels. You put the key in the ignition, wave good-bye
to stationary life, and head on down the road.

You may not be sure what to pack for your new lifestyle. After all, who knows
 what lies ahead in destinations unknown?

Author Kristine Hudson is a voice of reason from the unknown.
As a "been there, done that" van dweller, she has some notes to share
with those who are drawn to the nomadic lifestyle. 

Before you hit the road, think about the following:

✓ Have you considered what you'll do if you get sick on the road?

✓ Do you know what to pack in case of emergencies?

✓ What thought have you given towards meals?

✓ Are you ready to face the barrage of new insects, pollens, wildlife,
 and scenarios that await you?

If you're worried there's something you haven't thought of when preparing for
life on the road... If you're not sure what to do about doctor's appointments,
dental care, and prescriptions while you're away from home... 

If you think you'll just "take care of it" whenever an emergency pops up...

This book will help you gain a firm grasp of all the good intentions
that are left behind when we head out for a rugged and glorious van lifestyle. 
From figuring out how to receive basic preventive care on the road, to food prep
and storage, and everything in between, Kristine Hudson provides a comprehensive
look at all of the things about health and wellness that are quickly forgotten in the
quest for true freedom. Whether you're just starting to question how you'll maintain
your physique on the road, or starting to fret about maintaining a chronic condition
while you're on the roam, this book provides hints and tips hand-selected from the
author and legions of other van lifers.

Filled with true stories and supportive tricks from wanderers with decades of
combined experience, this book won't replace your first-aid kit...but it will help you
remember to pack one in the first place.

My Review

I must admit, I love to read travel stories and memoirs as well. 
Traveling with a Van sounds so exiting. However Kristine Hudson's
books show that one long Van travel took lots of preparation work!

She gave many helpful hints for the life on board of a Van. However
it is USA oriented, so for me personally less interesting. But it is 
still very nice to read!

This is a must read for permanent USA travelers and people who 
want to live on the road. For the helpful guide and her writing style,
I would like to give a 4 star rating on 5!

The author

For Kristine Hudson and her husband Brad, the adventure never ends!
If you enjoyed reading Ms. Hudson's insights on preparing for a life
on the road in "How to Live the Dream: Things Every Van Lifer Needs
to Know," you'll love catching up with her on her new Facebook page.

For ladies who are curious about the daily ins and outs of being a Boss
Lady after reading "How to Choose the Ultimate Side-Hustle: Making
Money and Being Your Own Boss," Ms. Hudson shares her regular
experiences with keeping herself organized while maintaining her
writing and editing career.

It may seem that waking up every day in a new place and having a
successful,  satisfying career may be mutually exclusive. "Like"
and "Follow"

BookSirens

I received an advance copy for free by BookSirens and I'm leaving
this review voluntarily. Thank you very much for giving me this chance!

Picture: Book Cover 

Bookreview: Back on Bonaire

 Rediscovering the diver's paradise as a father 

"Amazing book! I want to go to Bonaire !! 

(this is a hint to my husband😜)"

Summary

With its protected nearshore reef system, gem-clear seas, and sweeping conservation 

efforts, Bonaire has earned the title it boasts on its license plates: Diver’s Paradise. 

For Andrew Jalbert, who first visited in the early 1990s, there was a draw to the island 

that was hard to shake. He returned regularly over the next twenty-five years in a variety 

of capacities: as a scuba instructor, a sun-starved vacationer, and a writer/photographer. 

What he hadn’t expected at 43 years old, however, was to return as a father.

Back on Bonaire is the story of stitching together two very different lives: one of airports, 

scuba tanks, article assignments and underwater cameras; the other of car seats, 

kindergarten, skinned knees and the boundless curiosity of a child.

Jalbert merges both worlds in an enjoyable, funny and at times touching account 

of introducing his son to his beloved Bonaire. Along the way the reader gets a look 

at the island’s cultural and natural history, some of its people and the importance 

of preserving the ecology of Bonaire – for his son and future generations. 

My Review

Sun, sea, beach and an amazing beautiful diving place. I've never been to 
Bonaire before. But after reading this book, I'm more convinced to go and
I would like to have Andrew Jalbert as a guide. 

The book "Back on Bonaire" is written very well: clearly and with lots of
humour. 

"Back on Bonaire" is fit for people who like to learn from experiences from
others. I certainly will recommend this book to friends, colleagues and family.
I like to give it a 5 star rating on 5 and even more. 

The Author

Andrew Jalbert is an award-winning photographer, writer, and doting father.
Throughout his twenty-five years as an archaeologist, scuba instructor and dive
guide he has traveled extensively, publishing work on prehistoric sites,
shipwrecks, travel, dive safety, and marine conservation. Jalbert lives in Monona,
Wisconsin with his wife Becky and their son Luc.

Please do check the website of Andrew Jalbert on this link. 

BookSirens

I received an advance review copy for free. Thank you very much to BookSirens
for this splendid opportunity. I'm leaving this review voluntarily. 

Source picture: Book Cover

Bookreview: How To Live The Dream

How To Live The Dream 

Things every van lifer needs to know 

written by Kristine Hudson 

Summary

Are you bored with living in the city, going to work, and never seeing anything outside of your house or office?  Do you feel like the walls are closing in on you?  Do you finally want to say “goodbye” to the city streets and “hello” to the open road?

Everywhere on social media, you see breath-taking pictures of people who have launched themselves into van living with complete success.  They seem to live the ultimate lives of freedom, rebellion, and careless, peaceful existence.  Are you ready to join them?

Van Life is a lifestyle associated with freedom.  With four wheels on the road at all times, you can go anywhere and do anything.  No more stuffy conference rooms.  No more waiting.  And in many cases, no idea what to do next!

In her debut publication, Kristine Hudson guides her audience from the wishful thinking stages, through the various levels of preparation required to put the key in the ignition and leave your “stationary home” behind.

Here are just a few of the things that “Every Van Lifer Needs to Know:”

•Whether van life is right for you- a look into balancing the reality with the dream

•Creating an environment of health and wellness no matter where you go

•How to choose your new home… and how to make it your new haven on wheels

•What you’ll need to prepare for life on the road

•How to plan your new lifestyle and secrets to transitioning to road life

•Storage solutions to maximize your space

•Planning a budget ...and much, much more!

Take a second to imagine how badly you want to hit the road… then think of how ready you feel!  No matter how deeply you wish to delve into the #vanlife lifestyle, author Kristine Hudson has tips that will help you become more prepared and confident about your plans.  If you’re ready to leave behind all of the noise, clutter, and frustrations of the stationary lifestyle and explore the country from a van, skoolie, or RV, click to add How to Live the Dream: Things Every Van Lifer Needs to Know to your cart now!

My Review

When I saw this book on the BookSirens website, I immediately wanted to read the book due to the
subject. However perhaps, I expected too much from "How To Live The Dream", so it hasn't brought me what I expected. 

However the book was written very clear and in short chapters, which I really like! I learned more about the nomadic lifestyle in the 21st. century. 

The author and the book inspired me because it was clearly stated that dreams should not be followed just like that. Dreams do have a cost and everything has to be planned extremely well! 

"How To Live The Dream" is special because due to the clearly defined chapters. It also has beautiful pictures and an amazing cover. I certainly would recommend "How To Live The Dream - Things Every Van Lifer Needs To know". That's why I give this book a 4 star on 5 rating. 

The author

For Kristine Hudson and her husband Brad, the adventure never ends! If you enjoyed reading Ms. Hudson’s insights on preparing for a life on the road in “How to Live the Dream: Things Every Van Lifer Needs to Know,” you’ll love catching up with her on her new Facebook page.

For ladies who are curious about the daily ins and outs of being a Boss Lady after reading “How to Choose the Ultimate Side-Hustle: Making Money and Being Your Own Boss,” Ms. Hudson shares her regular experiences with keeping herself organized while maintaining her writing and editing career.

It may seem that waking up every day in a new place and having a successful, satisfying career may be mutually exclusive. “Like” and “Follow” Kristine Hudson on Facebook to see her in action… and to catch a glimpse of her sometimes hectic, but always compelling, life on the road!

Kristine Hudson’s Van Life: https://www.facebook.com/eternalvantrip/

BookSirens

I received an advanced copy for free thanks to BookSirens. I'm leaving this review voluntarily. 

Source picture: Book Cover 

Bookreview: The Wolf & The Bee

Animals We Are: Book Two:

The Wolf & The Bee

written by Valerie Brandy

Summary

A tropical paradise. A wedding party. One of them is a killer.

Zoe is on the perfect tropical honeymoon with her husband, Mike, until itthe trip is interrupted by two dangerous "animals" they've met once before.Trapped on an island with their wedding party by a madman and his co-conspirator, Zoe has to solve a mystery in order to escape to the mainland. Someone in their wedding party betrayed them. Someone is working with their adversary. As the clock ticks, they'll need to sort through clues to decide who they can trust, before time runs out and their only means of escape is destroyed.

Action/Adventure, Thriller, and Travel Fiction fans will love this dangerous game, played out an island where treasure is buried not just under the sand, but in the heart of the person next to you. This book is the second installment in the "Animals We Are" series, but can be read as a standalone.

Review

First of all: the black and white book cover already looks frightening and gives an excellent idea of the story. Anyway i liked the cover very much. 

The story itself also really is fantastic with unexpected twist and turns. I read it on a rainy lazy afternoon and it was certainly no disappointment. 

All the created characters are very great and well developed. The author must have done huge research work to create them. 

So, if you are a fan of mystery and exiting books, don't hesitate to read: "Animals We Are: Book Two: The Wolf & The Bee". I give it 4 stars on 5. 

Author

Valery Brandy also has written other books from these series: the first part, the second and the third part. 

BookSirens

I received an advanced copy for free by BookSirens, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. 

Thank you for giving me this fantastic reading chance. 

Source picture: Book cover