Review: National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States

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Centering about 62 national parks, Guide to National Parks of the United States is a really good guide to have exploring the parks included in the book. This truly is a must have giving you a thorough informative guide to everything that might make your experience at these locations a bit easier.

Each park is detailed by maps locating sites, trails, roads, campgrounds and where you can rest..You get detailed descriptions of the park and learn facts of origin, how to visit them, ideal times to visit and locations of the visitors center. It gives you suggestions on where to go and what to look for while visiting. They give you ideas on activities and local excursions. Each park is compiled in alphabetical order within its geographic region. What I find interesting was the ecological information included, expressing the preservations of certain areas.

The maps in the book are gorgeous and detailed. This is such a helpful guide to planning your trip. They include designated wilderness areas and national preserves intended to maintain the natural beauty of the park. This was something that I never knew before which for those of you concerned about environmental footprints, that is relaly helpful. In the back, there is a map key and abbreviated guide to assist with any uncertainty within.

Overall, I thought for those of you planning on visiting any one of these mentioned in the book will get a comprehensive resource to aid in your trip planning. This definitely should be a resource but to also complement it with their other guide, Secrets of the National Parks to get the most our of your experience.

Review: The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros

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There are no words to describe how beautiful this book was. From beginning to end, as a reader, you are swept off your feet with a story of what it means to be in love and to be loved, the depth of strength through loss and the power to choose the narrative of our happily ever after.

After a high profile divorce and practically giving up everything, Georgia Stanton finds solace in retreating to her great grandmother’s home in Colorado, hoping to start the next chapter of her life. Little did she know that would involve bestselling author, Noah Harrison. When an unexpected proposal is brought to the table involving her great grandmother’s last novel, Noah is the last person on earth that she wants it to have anything to do with it. Despite his reputation and declaration of his devotion as a fan of her novels, it doesn't matter. All Georgia knows is that no one could do her romance novels like Scarlet Stanton but herself.

With the opportunity of a lifetime and touching what seems like the holy grail of Scarlett Scranton novels, Noah is determined to prove that he is the only and right person for the job. With a bit of persuasion and an ultimatum on the table, he gets his shot to prove he can give not only give Scarlett the ending she deserves but change his preceding perception in the eyes of Georgia. By the way, just a little tease, the novel won’t be the only thing he works on in the book.

Told through dual narratives, we get to see Scarlett’s untold love story put together through the eyes in the present through her letters and manuscript. Her story contrasting the ones she created uncover loss and secrets from the past that affect the present. In the process, Noah is faced with the dilemma of following his heart or not and putting his career in jeopardy.

Overall, I loved the book. There is something about novels that involve this time period that draw me in instantaneously. Not only was the plot beautiful but the subplot of the book involving the relationship between Scarlett and Constance is definitely worth talking about. These were two strong female characters whose strength, loyalty and resilience to the obstacles they overcame were attention grabbing. I also will mention my love for the parallel favor of Georgia and her great grandmother. To be literal, the title suggests the sentiment as if her unfinished story was meant to be the beginning of the next chapter for Georgia.

I always love the dual narrative especially regarding this book in particular where we discover the past through personal letters and in this case her novel. It gives us a more intimate connection to the characters. The connection between Georgia and Noah through this experience is one that will make you smile. I can’t say enough how wonderful this book was.I would recommend adding this to your TBR pile.

Review: If It's Perfect (The Wedding Business #1) by Summer Dowell

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This was an entertaining and cute romcom. It’s an all-around wholesome, great time.

The book centers on Hope, a baker who has everything in her life planned out. But unexpectedly, she meets Dean, who is an oh so dreamy dentist, and she begins to fall hard. He’s exactly what she is looking for, but what about his past? Can she handle that?

In addition to having a sweet and adorable story, there are so many valuable life lessons woven into this book. Forgiveness and family are huge ones. And these life lessons blend well with the humor.

Both Dean and Hope were lovely characters. And the chemistry just leaped out the page. It felt easy and magical with them from the beginning and throughout the entire book. Yes, there were slight conflicts, but it didn’t hinder them as a couple.

I enjoyed reading their story. They were just adorable and relatable. I wouldn’t mind reading in their POV again.

Also, I really loved how descriptive the book was in terms of Hope’s cakes. For me, it really portrayed how passionate she was about her business. And it was also entertaining to read. It made me almost want to learn how to bake.

Final Thoughts

If It’s Perfect is a sweet and fun rom-com. It’s easy to read with enjoyable and lovable characters. 

Review: Fool Me Twice by Carrie Aarons

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I struggled with this book. I had a hard time connecting and responding to the characters. This is a book about love, friendship, forgiveness, and loss. Before starting her freshman year of college, Henley’s best friend dies of cancer. But before she passes, she gives Henley a bucket list to complete.

1.     Dye her hair

2.     Have sex

3.     Camp out in a tent

4.     Go bungee jumping

5.     Get revenge on Lincoln Kolb

Back in high school, Lincoln broke up with her best friend (Catherine) after finding out she had cancer. Henley has never forgotten how devastated Catherine was and is dead-set on getting revenge on Lincoln.  But something happens that she never would have seen coming. She begins to develop feelings for him.

Like mentioned previously, I struggled with this book. It had a cohesive story, and the writing was fine, but I necessarily didn’t connect to it. This could all be a case of “right book, wrong time”, to be honest. I’ve read some other reviews, and it looks like most people enjoyed it.

The characters were fine. I enjoyed Henley’s POV more than Lincoln’s. At times, Lincoln came off a little immature and too insensitive for my liking.

And a part of me wishes, that the connection between Henley and Catherine would have been explored. Their connection as more about telling rather than showing. The whole book is centered around Henley trying to get revenge on the guy who broke her best friend’s heart. So, it has to be believable that Henley and Catherine had such a deep relationship. But unfortunately, I felt that was lacking.

Final Analysis

Fool Me Twice works from a narrative standpoint; however, it still feels like it is missing something and doesn’t fully realize the character’s relationships.  

Review: Franklin Rock by Mark E Klein

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Franklin Rock, is definitely one of a kind. He always knew he was different but couldn’t understand what he was experiencing. After an episode in one of his college classes that gave him a glimpse in the future, he knew he had to speak with someone to find out what was going on. A former teacher, Professor Charles Neimeyer, seemed to know his story before he explained further. With time not on his side, he begins to give Franklin the tools to unlock this mystery but all is cut short with his sudden passing. After his death, Franklin receives a blank book which inspires his quest to uncover the answers he so desperately is searching for.

Honestly, when I began the book, I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue. Not because it wasn’t of interest but there wasn’t that instantaneous hook I’m always searching for. I ask you to give it a chance because once you get past that initial impression, it really blossoms into a wonderful read. You should go in with patience and an open mind mainly because of the theme. Experiencing the journey of Franklin is reflective and thought provoking. It challenges ideas and concepts that open your perspective to the relativity of time

Each time travel moment was an integral part of his unraveling which allowed the reader to have a parallel experience. Those moments through the lens of those intellectual thinkers embrace the meaning of life and really make his character more interesting. These memorable moments from the past you experience with him give you a glimpse in their world that you absorb for the moment. One in particular that I enjoyed was when he meets Dr. King. For me, time just stopped. There are no words to describe the lasting impression that moment had, especially the relevancy of how things are today. The wisdom and guidance Franklin gains in each encounter truly make his character more memorable.

Overall, the book promises more than it’s first impression. Franklin is one of the characters that you will love. He offers hope, humility and the type of character that inspires you to want to be better. I’d recommend checking this one out.

Review: Adobe Illustrator for Beginners 2021 by Hector Grant

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I’ve always wanted to learn graphic design and I’ve had a couple of classes, but I just didn’t get it. And since the world has paused, I decided to dive back into it. I found this book on Amazon, and it wasn’t that bad.

It was easy to follow. There was not a lot of jargon that made me feel lost or unsure about what I was doing. In addition, there were photos. So, when the author was talking about a particular tool within the program, it was easy to identify on my system which tool he was referring to.

This is a basic, extremely beginner’s book. So, there were a few things that felt pretty self-explanatory. I.e. the section on how to save the document. But I appreciate the effort.

The book is a little short. Therefore, it doesn’t get too deep into the program. Unfortunately, you’ll have to buy another book for that. I would have also liked for the book to come with activities. I think there was one activity throughout the book. And besides that, the author is telling you about the program.

Final Analysis

Adobe Illustrator for Beginners 2021 is a good starting point for anyone looking to learn Adobe Illustrator; however, it doesn’t not provide all the material.