Day: March 16, 2023

A Body That’s Divine

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If human eyes could look at God’s body, what would we see? In God: An Anatomy, Francesca Stavrakopoulou catalogs the anthropomorphic references to God in the Bible, from his feet to his scalp, in order to gain a clearer picture of what the deity enshrined in its pages looks like. A professor of the Hebrew […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/04/06/a-body-thats-divine-god-an-anatomy-stavrakopoulou/

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The Architect of Subtraction

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1. Several of modern design’s most familiar shibboleths were not first stated as they are now commonly quoted. For example, Louis Sullivan’s supposed pronouncement “Form follows function” appears in his prophetic essay “The Tall Office Building Artistically Considered” (1896) as “Form ever follows function,” a small but important distinction. Many Anglophones translate Le Corbusier’s definition […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/04/06/the-architect-of-subtraction-adolf-loos-martin-filler/

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The Garden Between Days

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after John Singer Sargent The lilies above the girls in white look like girls in white,dancing. The girls hang paper lanterns in the garden, carefulwith the candles inside. They watch the small flames flicker, kept safefrom the drifting wind by white and red paper.The sky is cooling; the gnats and flies have grown stillamong the […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/04/06/the-garden-between-days-zuyi-zhao/

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An Airplane or a Helicopter

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an argument arosewhat is that loud buzzing in the skyas if from an old abandonedgarden behind the houseon the market square—an airplane or a helicopter?—a helicopter!—no, an airplane!—no, a helicopter!—yes, an airplane!—yes, a helicopter! and thenso that there would be no two ways about ita helicopter peeked in through the windowand decided the argument now […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/04/06/an-airplane-or-a-helicopter-oleh-kotsarev/

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Purchase

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John Bronzina, Ithink you could save me.You have green eyesand have completedyour training for CPRfor children and adults.John, I am in the lattercategory, and thoughmy breathing is finenow, things change rapidly.You know this because youhave a card for emergencyroadside service. John,it is expired. Youhave a dental appointmentin six days. Don’tmiss it. You havecredit cards and […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/04/06/purchase-andrea-cohen/

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A Sinister Revenge by Deanna Raybourn

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A Sinister Revenge, written by Deanna Raybourn, is the 8th installment in the Veronica Speedwell series, which is delicious and captivating. These historical books have amazing characters and are packed with intrigue, love, and excitement. An intriguing case & danger await you….

A Sinister Revenge by Deanna Raybourn

A Sinister Revenge
by Deanna Raybourn
Series: Veronica Speedwell #8
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

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Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

Veronica must find and stop a devious killer when a group of old friends is targeted for death in this new adventure from the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

Veronica’s natural-historian beau, Stoker, has been away in Bavaria for months and their relationship is at an impasse. But when Veronica shows up before him with his brother, Tiberius, Lord Templeton-Vane, he is lured back home by an intriguing job offer: preparing an iguanodon for a very special dinner party.

Tiberius has received a cryptic message—along with the obituaries of two recently deceased members of his old group of friends, the Seven Sinners—that he too should get his affairs in order. Realizing he is in grave danger but not knowing why, he plans a reunion party for the remaining Sinners at his family estate to lure the killer out while Veronica and Stoker investigate.

As the guests arrive and settle in, the evening’s events turn deadly. More clues come to light, leading Veronica, Stoker, and Tiberius to uncover a shared past among the Sinners that has led to the fatal present. But the truth might be far more sinister than what they were prepared for.

historical MURDERMYSTERY ROMANCE smartfunny

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Despite romantic troubles, Veronica & Stoker agree to attend his brother, Tiberius, Lord Templeton-Vane dinner party to hunt for a murder. It seems Tiberius has received a message that includes the obituaries of two recently deceased members of his old group of friends known as the Seven Sinners. Tiberius in fact believes one of them wants to kill him, blaming him and others for their friend’s death.

Oh, how I hated seeing Veronica and Stoker at odds, but it proved humorous watching these two trade barbs, looks and yes, even the occasional kiss. Don’t worry overmuch, the two are simply stubborn.

As for the case, bets were placed, and each was working the case on their own. It seems a vexing reporter lady is also in their midst. The story’s mystery was well done with suspense, murder and a little mayhem. I must admit I was kept guessing, and loved how events clicked into place when all was revealed. Well done, Ms. Raybourn.

I loved seeing the Templeton-Vane brothers together and learning a wee bit more about Stoker’s life. It is always a delight to spend time with these characters and we were treated to some familiar ones. Like a certain pastry chef. My stomach grumbles just thinking about it.

While each novel in the Veronica Speedwell series features its own case/mystery, I recommend reading them in the order of their release. Relationships, characters and the overall story arc enhanced my overall enjoyment of each novel.

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About Deanna Raybourn

Deanna Raybourn

A sixth-generation native Texan, New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a double major in English and history and an emphasis on Shakespearean studies. She taught high school English for three years in San Antonio before leaving education to pursue a career as a novelist. Deanna makes her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband and daughter.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

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  • COYER Upside Down Chapter 1: It's a Cold Summer

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/03/a-sinister-revenge-by-deanna-raybourn.html

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Winifred the Wonder Witch

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Winifred the Wonder Witch faces two incredible challenges in this whimsical double feature! In the first story, The Witch who Lost her Magic, Winifred, the beloved Wonder Witch, struggles to regain her lost magic from the clutches of grumpy Gerald, the Giant. Enlisting the help of an unlikely ally, Winifred sets out on the quest to get her magic back, and absolutely nothing will stand in her way. In the second tale, Saving the Dragons, the young Princesses Madeline and Isabella do all they can to protect their endangered pet dragons. However, when a dreadful scheme by the evil black witches threatens their beloved pets, the princesses, with the help of Winifred and her friends, must use their wits to safeguard the dragons from harm.

Winifred the Wonder Witch by Margaret Harcourt West is a wonderfully whimsical tale of magic and adventure. Each concise narrative takes up about half the book, and gentle storytelling whisks the reader into a far-off world where anything is possible. There is a good focus on problem-solving, as witty Winifred thinks outside the box to protect her world from danger. Enemies can become friends, and allies can be found in the strangest of places in this lovely adventure. Charmingly illustrated by Hilbert Bermejo, these tales of friendship and fantasy are nothing short of enchanting, firmly securing a spot in my heart as Winifred soars high up in the skies.

Perfectly suited for ages 6 and up and all who love a gentle tale of magic, Winifred the Wonder Witch is an adventure that simply can’t be missed. With beautiful storytelling, an enchanting setting, and loveable characters, Winifred’s journey of overcoming problems as she fights to save the day is an excellent choice for bedtime or anytime. Together with Winifred, prepare to soar high as the Wonder Witch explores her wonderful world.

Pages: 42 | ASIN : B08XJNT6QM

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/16/winifred-the-wonder-witch/

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What Are Mondays Good For, Anyway? 

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Who likes Mondays? Monday morning means the fun from the weekend is over, and it is time to return to school. Bennie hates Mondays and dreads them each week. This Monday starts off with stinky green socks coming out of his favorite cereal box. At first, Bennie is irritated, but a small smile creeps across his face as he sees the humor in the situation. As his day continues, all the things he thinks he dreads about the day end up offering a glimpse of amusement. Can Mondays actually be good for something?

What are Mondays good for, anyway? by Nicole Frankel is a humorous picture book that teaches children to find the positive in things. Each situation that Bennie encounters could have been a disaster and made him grumpy all day. Instead, he finds something to smile or laugh about with each situation and, by the end of the day, realizes he has actually enjoyed his Monday. This story is a good reminder that just because something unexpected happens, it is not automatically a bad thing. It helps teach children to see things in a different light and look closer at situations. For example, Bennie could have been mad when he fell but instead saw the smile the fallen cereal made. Finding the good in all circumstances is a skill set that children need to learn early in life to help them through the more challenging areas as they grow.

I feel that one of the most important messages in this picture book is that we need to find a reason to laugh every day. Laughter can be healing, and smiling is contagious. What are Mondays good for, anyway? Is a wonderful children’s book with children and adults laughing and relating to little Bennie. The reminder to find joy and laughter in situations will benefit readers, young and old.

Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0BVWL596S

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/16/what-are-mondays-good-for-anyway/

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The Marvelous Misfits of Westminster

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The Marvelous Misfits of Westminster by Andrea Hahnfeld encompasses the expression “expect the unexpected” in a nutshell. There aren’t many short stories that combine a dog show and a broken marriage with a second-chance grasp at a dream career, all while throwing in a side plot of mystery and suspense – not to mention, it’s got a target audience for all ages.

It’s been five years since protagonist Clement entered the Westminister Dog Show. A gentle character with a big heart and comforting energy, he never expected to be a judge again. However, one thing is clear – something’s brewing. After an unusual decision during the Best of Group event, one way too unacceptable to simply bypass, the board is upset, and it’s Clement’s job to set things straight. In a sticky scenario, the judge who has made the decision is Edith, Clement’s ex-wife. All too soon, the reasoning for Edith’s outrageous judgment comes to light in the form of Irving, who’s the size of a Shetland pony, matted and dirty, from a rare line of hero dogs. The issue: Irving’s dying. He’s also the key to saving Edith’s life from the shadow, a being that stole Edith and Clement’s child in the night and is now set to return at any moment. To accomplish this, Irving must breed with Salvatora – a notorious prize-winning show dog – who comes from a long line of survivors. The connection between Salvatora and Irving is vital, their offspring will save many lives, and Clement is destined to bring about their connection.

Many will connect with and enjoy following Clement’s character throughout the story. I loved that the story was told from Clement’s perspective because I could understand his motives and thoughts. The vivid details immerse the reader into the story, and I feel like I was alongside Clement at the dog show. This unique plot is different but captivating, and I found it hard to put it down because I wanted to know more. The author’s writing is imaginative, making this a read unlike any other.

Overall The Marvelous Misfits of Westminster is a well-written and original mystery with an unanticipated collision of themes and genres. I highly recommend this brilliant story with a well-paced plotline and strategic depth embossed into each character, to everyone, especially dog lovers.

Pages: 39 | ASIN : B091BJXMKC

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/16/the-marvelous-misfits-of-westminster/

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Titanian Warrior

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Titanium Warrior is the final book in the Titanium chronicles by Victoria Saccenti.  Hagen, the novel’s hero must find his eternal Phoenix mate or risk going rogue with blood lust and getting eliminated. The heroine, Faiza, and her sister are sold off by their parents to Master O, a strange wizard who Faiza suspects is not genuine with them. The protagonists’ destinies intertwine when Faiza’s vision of an injured man accompanying master O. is fulfilled. As Faiza figures out Master O’s diabolical plan, she must get them out of his clutches. Will Faiza be able to accept the destiny that connects her and Hagen?

Titanium Warrior by Victoria Saccenti is a story of eternal love, fated lovers, and everything in between. It is filled with adventures and action. Readers are quickly immersed in an exotic world which, although materially similar to the human world, is wildly different. This is a befitting recommendation for lovers of fantasy and paranormal romance, including readers who enjoy heart-warming tales.

The romance between our protagonists is passionate and believable. Although it might seem like an advanced reading with complex characters, it is engaging. The supporting characters are also well-developed, adding depth to the story. The use of suspense moves the story’s plot, and the pacing of the story is well-balanced. The novel explores several themes, including love, trust, betrayal, and redemption.

Titanium Warrior by Victoria Saccenti is a riveting, well-written, and blends romance, action, and fantasy seamlessly. It features an exciting display of supernatural forces and power in the modern world. A world with cars, computers, and technology that doubles as a world filled with Titanians, vampires, wizards, and different supernatural creatures that walk amongst humans. There’s also a unique, constant reference to supernaturals using technology to fight evil.

Pages: 284 | ASIN : B0BNZFHM28

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/16/titanian-warrior/

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