Book Review: The Officer Breaks the Rules

Book Title: The Officer Breaks The Rules (Semper Fi 2)
Author: Jeannetter Murray

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Romance
Format: ebooks, paperback

Cost: $6.99

Purchase: Amazon| Barnes & Noble| The Book Depository | Publisher
Pages: 336

How I got it: NetGalley

My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating:N/A




Synopsis:

Captain Jeremy Phillips believes in doing his duty...both as a son and as a friend. This means that he should obey the "friend code" and stay away from his best friend's little sister. Too bad Madison O'Shay doesn't believe in his code and is ready to break all of the rules As a Navy nurse, Madison is finally stationed next to the man she's been dreaming about for years. And she's ready to launch a full-scale attack to show this thoughtful, handsome Marine that they belong together.

My Review:
So apparently there is a book before this one & I'm sooo going to have to get it and the one after this?? Yes I NEED that one I can't wait to dive in. Navy Nurse Mad has been in love with Marine Jeremy ever since her brother brought him home from basic training many years ago.  But how does she show her brother's best friend that loving her doesn't break the rules??

I enjoyed the role reversal of the story. And that Madison didn't have to compromise her career, I loved it!!  This story was funny, quirky, immediately draws you in & keeps you hooked in. I really fell into the story because it was so beautifully written.  I also loved the wit and conversations between the characters. I really enjoyed Jeremy's journey to accepting what he wanted for himself and not what his Dad wanted for him, he struggled with his desire for Mad because he didn't want to ruin his friendship with his best friend but he so wanted her.  Jeremy got real clear when he realized that Madison was willing to move on and the thought of losing her made him get his stuff together real quick.

The growth that takes place between the characters as a couple and for Jeremy as a man was awesome and inspiring to read. I really loved Matthew & can't wait to read his story.

I really loved how well this book captured the love of service that many Navy Nurses feel; I enjoyed reading the military speak especially Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (WTF, incidentally this was used in my favorite show Scandal this season. & this was really perfect because I'm really trying to break my extremely bad habit of cursing up a storm).

I like how the author also confronted the aspect of them getting into trouble with the military for breaking the rules, even though they are in different branches, it's still a big deal.  So the title is very appropriate for all the rules he was breaking, his own personal rules, the military rules, his dad's rules, his belief of societies rules. Yeah this is one of my Favorites and I will be getting a physical copy for my shelf.  I highly recommend this book.

***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

Celtic Tree Month of : Alder

Alder 3/18-4/14

The alder is native to Europe & Britain, it is found growing in swampy land near banks of streams & river.  It's a cousin of birch & hazel & generally grows near them in forests.  It needs the rivers to proprogate itself,  it grows up to heights of 70 feet; it matures after 30 years.  It grows up to 150 years old.  The ripe seeds falls in October and November.  

In the Norse legends the month of March was called the "the lengthening month of the waking alder", the specific time was called "Lenct", & was a time of enforced fasting as the last of the winter's provisions became scarce.  This practice eventually became known as Lent, once the church came into power.  

In Irish legend the alder was the first male created, & the first female was made from the rowan tree.  It's also known as the faerie tree, said to grant access to the realms.

Correspondences: 

Irish: Gaelic Name:  Fearn
Ogham/ Rune: ; |=, Ansuz
Ruling Planet:  Venus
Abilities: Divination, prophetic, Protection of self & country, 
Seasons:
Spring, Autumn
Aspect: Colors: PurpleHeart Chakra
Birds:  Hawk, Seagull & Raven
God/Goddess:        Cronos, Vernostonus, Bran, 
Element:   Water & Fire

Ogham/ Rune: ;

Ansuz means the mouth, the voice of the Goddess, signals, true vision. The other Rune is Isa standstill, time to turn inward. 

Uses: These are some ideas of how to incorporate Alder into your life

• The bark, fruit & leaves can be used as a dye
• Black Alder's inner bark can be used to make a wound wash especially for deep external wounds, & as a tea for internal injuries
• Fresh bark is an emetic (vomiting agent)
• If your going to be faced with an argument or dispute, bring a piece of alder bark with you for protection

Old Healing Lore:

• Make a tea of the leaves or bark and use on burns or inflammation
• Freshly picked leaves are great insect repellents
• Native American Tribes used the alder for a variety of purposes from treating diphtheria, to cramps & vomiting, and for rheumatic complaints,  the innder bark & leaves were used for fevers, to stop internal bleeding. It was also used a wash for sprains, bruises, headaches & back pain.

Magical

• Alder makes you confront your fears.  In the Ogham when Alder turns up. it is time to use the alder shield to protect you from the excess of emeotions. Call on alder's spirit to face down fear & anger

Lore:

• Once used in the shields of the warriors, the alder tree is associated with a local warrior hunter God named Vernostonus in Scotland, his name translates to "The Red One" since when cut the tree bleeds red.
• Tyrol (a German belief) states that the tree is associated with the dead & magicians after a young boy witnessed a dead woman being brought back to life when the wood was supsitited in her body for a part that was missing.  
• In Scotland, there are tales of peope being taken by the faires and alder logs being left in their place. One such tale is of a groom who dies then returns to his bride and tells her he has been taken by the fairies when his tomb was opened, in place of his corpse was a log of alder.
• In Irish tales it is associtaed with the white fairy horse  & water sprites. 

Fun Facts:  

• When cut the wood turns from white to red making it look like blood
• Before there were insect repellant or glue traps, wet alder leaves were gathered and strewn on the floor, insects got stuck to teh leaves and died
• Alder was once used to create musical pipes, which were believed to be so harmonious that the top branches of Alder trees became known as the "oracular singing head of Bran" the raven god. 
• The whistles made from Alder was believed to be able to 'whistle up' the North Wind
• As a water tree, the Alder doesn't rot, so it was used to make boats, canal gates, bridges & platforms and piles. Out of water the wood will split making it an unlikely choice as fence post.  In Scotland it is nicknamed the "Scottish mahogany" as it was used to make furniture.  

Learn More Here then check out the resources below.


Resources:
Tree Legends for the Tyrol Lore
Celtic Tree Mysteries by Stephen Blamires
A Tree in Your Pocket by Jacqueline Memory Peterson
Alder Image (Your dictionary.com)
Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine

Welcome the New Month!!

Book Review: Running for My Life

Book Title: Running For My Life
Author: Lopez Lamong

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Format: Hardcover

Cost: $24.99

Pages: 226

How I got it: From the Publisher's 

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: N/A

Synopsis:

"Running for My Life" is not a story about Africa or track and field athletics. It is about outrunning the devil and achieving the impossible faith, diligence, and the desire to give back. It is the American dream come true and a stark reminder that saving one can help to save thousands more. Lopez Lomong chronicles his inspiring ascent from a barefoot lost boy of the Sudanese Civil War to a Nike sponsored athlete on the US Olympic Team. Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong's incredible life, every reader will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might appear hopeless. "Lopez Lomong's story is one of true inspiration. His life is a story of courage, hard work, never giving up, and having hope where there is hopelessness all around. Lopez is a true role model." ―MICHAEL JOHNSON, Olympic Gold Medalist "This true story of a Sudanese child refugee who became an Olympic star is powerful proof that God gives hope to the hopeless and shines a light in the darkest places. Don't be surprised if after reading this incredible tale, you find yourself mysteriously drawn to run alongside him." ―RICHARD STEARNS, president, World Vision US and author of "THe Hole in Our Gospel"

My Review:
When I was prepping for the Olympics ( to watch, not compete) the Visa commercial came on about Lopez Lamong and how he ran. I was so intrigued I started looking into his story, the publishing company for his book happened to be Thomas Nelson which is the originator of the Booksneeze book exchange program I was so happy. I had to snag that book immediately.

When I started reading I was immediately drawn in by his story.  I was both heartbroken and devastated when reading the book. To think that people who would do that to children, & to know that it wasn't being covered by the news, that the information wasn't being shared with the western world.

The book has strong religious overtones, but considering that his how he dealt with the trauma of his life, you can't escape how instrumental it is to his survival.

Reading about the life he had in the refugee camp and what happened there, about the food situation especially, just really made me sad.  How could the organization thing that one meal a day really helped?? I mean considering the option of starving, yes it helped, but to give only one meal?? What happens to all the money we donate?? Who the hell is getting it then?? Is it like the Reservation and Bureau of Indian Affairs, where when they were first created, white supervisors would take the food, blankets and aide sent by the government to the Native Americans forced onto the reservations, and would sell the best cuts, then give the rotting meat, the infested blankets and dirty tools to the Tribal members, until it was exposed and brought to the attention of the President.  Is that what is happening, because I don't understand how these organizations collect so much money each year and can only afford enough food for these refugees for one meal per day and meat only once a year.  I think we need to start asking questions about this.

I remember that moment in the Olympics as well; the moment that sparked his interest, that gave him something to hope for, watching Michael Johnson tear up that track was inspiring for me as a kid as well.  His story of writing the plea, of being on the plane and being too afraid to eat, to the language barrier, it all just pulled your heartstrings and pulled you in.

 I laughed when reading about his many discoveries when he immigrated to America, & I totally understood his determination to do more for himself and for the others that weren't allowed to immigrate as well.The devastation & fear he felt on September 2001, I totally get it, feeling you were safe then discovering that violence goes everywhere must have really thrown him for a loop. I know it did many of us that day.

Reading this story made me grateful, grateful for the family, friends and experiences I have had. It made me thankful for the relative peace we have had growing up.  It has made me re-evalauate many of the people & things I have allowed into my life, & has reminded me that not everyone is so lucky.  Yet he did it, he made something of himself, when many here can't.  He has done more with his opportunity than many of us Americans have.   it's a humbling experience and one I don't mind sharing.

This is a definite must read and a book we should all pass on to our friends and book lovers.

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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

Blog Prompts: One Book..

If you could recommend just one book to a newcomer, what would it be?
Alright, we all know that's not very fair. So you can share up to 3 books that you feel all people looking to explore Paganism should read. Prompt

Today's post is a blog prompt. As you have seen I have a deep abiding passion, love, obsession with books.  A book is how I found this path, many books have kept me going and have given me the knowledge to deepen my walk, now there are many 101 books out there, but there aren't as many 402 books as we need, so I have found that I have ended up getting a lot of academic books to help substitute for the lack 

For those seeking information into paganism, I would highly suggest reading books about the myths and legends of the Pantheon you most favour. If you feel like you are home then I suggest going deeper into that Pnatheon, but for now I will list below my thoughts on what books to look into.

For newbies to the path a a plain pagag I would suggest  they check out:

Paganism : Goodreads | Amazon |

If you are interested in Celtic Paganism like I am these are the authors I trust:

Emma Restall Orr
John & Caitlin Matthews
Druirdy Handbook: Goodreads | Amazon

I also love the Complete Iditots Guide for Women's Spirituality, as it covered everything you could want to know about the women's spiritual movement & suggested a few books and resources.

Amazon | Goodreads

Well those are the ones I would recommend for those seeking, once you have chosen your path there are many places you can go to get even more information on books for that faith.

Good Luck & Goddess Bless

Erotica Book Review: Table for Three

Book Title: Table For Three ( New York Book 1)

Author: Lainey Reese

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $4.24 $11.90

Pages: 208

How I got it: Purchased from Publisher

My Rating:★★★★★

Erotica Rating: ★★★★☆

Synopsis:

She’s taking two bites out of the Big Apple. New York, Book 1 Riley Ramirez knew that moving to New York would change her life. She just didn’t expect it to start on her very first night in town. Her attraction to nightclub owner Kincade Marshall is instant, mind-blowing—and mutual. When she finds he is a Dom who requires her complete surrender, even when it comes to submitting to his best friend, Trevor Wellington, she finds herself willing and eager to embrace the sexual adventure. From their earliest days, Cade and Trevor have shared everything, including women. Yet it only takes one night with Riley to know she is their forever lady. Convincing her that this is more than a temporary fling, though, will take every tool in their sensual arsenal. As Cade and Trevor set their sights on Riley, however, they’re unaware—until it’s almost too late—that someone is targeting their fragile relationship. Someone who’s taking deadly aim at Riley. Suddenly their struggle to keep their forever woman is a fight to keep her alive… Warning: This book contains m/f/m ménage, bdsm play, lots of steamy p.d.a, and a fine dining experience that will leave you salivating for more.

My Review:

I got this book because a reviewer I love (Emily) gave it a high rating, & it sounded awesome (confession I only read the synopsis after i purchased it, because she loved it so it had to be good). OMgosh, I love this book. I loved this book, I laughed pretty hard @ nerdy moments, got really into the adventure of their love, & was really drawn in to their stories.

Riley is new to New York, and the first club she walks into belongs to slightly jaded Dom Cade, he thinks she doesn't belong there (and he is right) but he decides to get to know her and after he meets her knows that she is it, the one he and his best friend Trevor have been looking for.  This book for such a small tome really a had a great tale. I enjoyed it because the characters were well written, the adventure, the building of a couple trio was well written with all, even the 'side' characters.  

The villian in this story went all out, I mean really though?? Who does all that?? They don't even know you exist, but a woman scorned and all that jazz.  When Riley ends up in the hospital and all the nurses are betting on who is her boyfriend I had to laugh, because so sounded like a couple the nurses I know. 

Ummm I so need to read Brice's story, he was everything awesome. That scene with Cade & Riley, with Brice watching is just so hot. I can't even begin to describe how hot it was.  Riley was pretty good, someone I woul like to know, she had spunk, & according to her "gumption".  There is a slight BDSM theme in there, no real heavy stuff, but it is there, especially in that first scene between the trio & Riley couldn't  pick which was more dominant, yeah that was a good scene as well. And at dinner when Riley first met Cade, WOW!!  

I really enjoyed the book & it will definitely be a favorite re~read. I'm going to go buy the second book in the series, I'm sure it will be just as good. Happy Reading my loves

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