Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Enough Already

Book Review 

Valerie Bertinelle

4*/5



I feel like I have grown up watching Valerie grow up. Her basic theme is why has she always had a goal of losing 10 pounds. If only… I would be happy, I would feel better, I would have a better life… Once she stopped weighing herself EVERYDAY, a weight was lifted off her shoulders ( pun intended). She also discusses her son, Covid, cooking and a full chapter regarding her former husband, Eddie Van Halen. He suffered through cancer for years. She kept in touch with him throughout his battle. ❤️

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Laconia Library

 Laconia, NH

A large town needs a large library. In 1903 the current building was dedicated to Napoleon Gale. This man was a banker who left a considerable amount of money to have a public library built. Many libraries have started as private collections that one would need to be a paid member to borrow books. The early 1900’s saw the change to offering all people the chance to browse, borrow and read from town book collections.

https://www.laconianh.gov/377/Laconia-Public-Library-History










Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Elin Hilderbrand

 Author Review 

4*/5
Here’s an author who I have read 5 of her 21 books. They are all based in Nantucket, MA. If you haven’t been, it is a quiet, picturesque island off the coast of Massachusetts. The books are considered romance novels. However I think they are much more than that. You learn about the people; their likes, disappointments and challenges. Some have a little touch of mystery as well.


New Bedford Public Library

 New Bedford, MA

This is another example of a library as a free museum. Some of the details are in the 3rd picture. The building is an excellent display of amazing architecture. There are displays of art throughout the rooms as well as a room dedicated to art. My pictures only cover a small portion of the art and details of the building. https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/library/















Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Sandwich Library

 Sandwich, MA

The building dates back to 1909. Walking in the front door you would never guess that it is over a century old. It was renovated in 2021 for about 3.5 million. An article has said it was a dark, cramped building that has bloomed into a light, airy and comfortable space. There is room to bring groups together and places to work or read alone. Notice a wall of local artists paintings all for sale. There’s also a fun round window in the children’s section to look through. https://www.sandwichpubliclibrary.com/





Thornton W. Burgess Green Briar Nature Center

East Sandwich, MA



I can find a library anywhere! As I was on the hunt for the most beautiful hydrangeas I came across a place that was dedicated to a local author. His books and life were surrounded by storytelling and the environment. In 1976 a group of locals founded the center in his name. His most well known works was The Adventures of Peter Cottontail. There is a collection of his books here. There is also a gift shop crammed with books about the environment as well as locally produced jam. https://thorntonburgess.org/





Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever

Book and Author Review 

Rebecca Rule


 Yes, it is a children’s book. I slid into this story by winning a raffle. Excellent illustrations by Jennifer Thermes. A fun story by an author I have read previously. She also wrote Headin’ for the Rhubarb. A humorous set of stories about people and places in New Hampshire. I noticed she had a speaking event coming up in a town near me. I enjoyed my evening and came home with a prize. 

A Cover Versus a Story

 Book Review  The World According to Bob By James Bowen 3.6/5* When you look at the cover you think a cute little story. I mean a cat with a...