Samhain: Rituals, Recipes & Lore

Samhain: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for Halloween 
(Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials) by Diana Rajchel    

• Series: Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials (Book 6)
• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (September 8, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738742163
• ISBN-13: 978-0738742168

Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials series explores the old and new ways of celebrating the seasonal rites that are the cornerstones in the witch's year.

A well-rounded introduction to Samhain, this attractive book features rituals, recipes, lore, and correspondences. It includes hands-on information for modern celebrations, spells and divination, recipes and crafts, invocations and prayers, and more!

Samhain—also known as Halloween—is the final spoke in the wheel of the year. At this time, the harvest has finished and the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. This guide shows you how to practice the serious work of divination and honoring the dead along with the more light-hearted activities of Halloween.

The book starts off talking about the wheel of the year, and then goes into, what I find most interesting, the history of Samhain. It talks about traditions throughout many different regions of the world; which are not limited to, but include: Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada and the United States. I am a big history lover, so this was a joy to read. I knew some of the traditions and lore, but not all of them. So interesting!

Then of course the book goes into how Samhain is celebrated now, touching base with the different religions. The tone keeping from making any one religion feeling awkward or left out. Although changed to adapt modern times, it is nice to see that not all from the past has been lost.

There are plenty of recipes in the book to try, and rituals to perform whether alone, or with others. This was my first book that I have read which centers around just one holiday. This is a unique series of books, and I love the covers. At first I was hesitant because I didn't think that Samhain could fill up an entire book its self, but I was wrong.

If you are a Pagan, and follow a Pagan path, I would recommend this book to you. For others, probably not, unless you are interested in the history of Pagan traditions. It's a good reference book to have on your bookshelf. 

Although this book was given as a copy to review by NetGalley, my review is written with honesty and without any ties to the author herself. I did not receive any monetary gain from doing so.

Elizabeth I and Her Circle

Elizabeth I and Her Circle 
by Susan Doran

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press; 1 edition (June 1, 2015)   
  
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199574952
• ISBN-13: 978-0199574957

This is the story of Elizabeth I's inner circle and the crucial human relationships which lay at the heart of her personal and political life. Using a wide range of original sources - including private letters, portraits, verse, drama, and state papers - Susan Doran provides a vivid and often dramatic account of political life in Elizabethan England and the queen at its center, offering a deeper insight into Elizabeth's emotional and political conduct - and challenging many of the popular myths that have grown up around her. 

It is a story replete with fascinating questions. What was the true nature of Elizabeth's relationship with her father, Henry VIII, especially after his execution of her mother? How close was she to her half-brother Edward VI - and were relations with her half-sister Mary really as poisonous as is popularly assumed? And what of her relationship with her Stewart cousins, most famously with Mary Queen of Scots, executed on Elizabeth's orders in 1587, but also with Mary's son James VI of Scotland, later to succeed Elizabeth as her chosen successor?

Elizabeth's relations with her family were crucial, but just as crucial were her relations with her courtiers and her councillors. Here again, the story raises a host of fascinating questions. Was the queen really sexually jealous of her maids of honour? Did physically attractive male favourites dominate her court? What does her long and intimate relationship with the Earl of Leicester reveal about her character, personality, and attitude to marriage? What can the fall of Essex tell us about Elizabeth's political management in the final years of her reign? And what was the true nature of her personal and political relationship with influential and long-serving councillors such as the Cecils and Sir Francis Walsingham? And how did courtiers and councillors deal with their demanding royal mistress?

This book is a must read for anyone who wants to learn more about Elizabeth I, daughter to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

It's a rather quick paced read, and ends at 416 pages. It's well researched, and the author has made it as easy to get through as slicing a piece of cake, IF you are academically driven. That is very unusual to say, because most books that include sources in the passages take a bit of dedication to muddle through, and even then, you may have to read through it again to catch everything. This one is actually written in a way that makes it flow nicely, and it kept me quite interested from the get go.

It isn't in chronological order, but it is divided into sections and the bibliography is beautifully done. It's a collection of political portraits, going into interesting details about her relationships with those she chose to surround herself with, and those she didn't. I have read several books about Elizabeth, so I was surprised to learn a few things that I didn't already know. Bravo for the author!

For being a woman, and not the son that her father so much wanted her to be, she knew enough to surround herself with very clever advisers. She may not have done everything right, but she had heart, and didn't back down from anyone. Her father would have been proud.

Like history? Non - fiction? Add this to your list. I am certain that you won't regret it.

Although this book was given as a copy to review by NetGalley, my review is written with honesty and without any ties to the author herself. I did not receive any monetary gain from doing so.

Her Foreign Affair

Her Foreign Affair
by Shea Mcmaster

• Print Length: 288 pages
• Publisher: Lyrical Shine (June 9, 2015)  
  
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00ONTR98K

Twenty-two years ago, she ran out on the love of her life—and took a secret with her.

When Randi Jean Ferguson fell for Courtland Robinson while studying abroad in London, she was ready for a life of tea and crumpets. But when she discovered Court was being forced into a shotgun wedding, there was no way she could stay—or tell him she was also pregnant with his child. Now widowed, Randi is just starting to consider finding Court—when he shows up at her door. With his son. Randi’s not ready to reveal everything to Court, but if she doesn’t will both their children end up scarred?

The best thing to come out of Court’s unhappy marriage was his son. But he’s spent the last twenty-two years thinking about Randi, his California girl, his first—and only—love. Now a widower, he takes a chance he’s only fantasized about and seeks her out. At last he’ll solve his heart’s greatest mystery—but that won’t be the only surprise in store for him.

Randi - at the beginning of the story, she was known as Jean, but later became Randi. She had a very sweet personality. Very self sacrificing. She had a great sense of humor, and I thought she was smart. She wasn't a push over, which really added to her character. I like women who don't take much crap from the men around them.I also adored the relationship she had with her father.

Court - first off, I have a thing for English men. He fits the bill perfectly. I liked his charm and the fact that he could be patient and wait for what he wanted. He wasn't pushy or rude. I quite fancied his choice of words at times, and found myself smiling from ear to ear. Totally lovable. When I picture the two of them in my mind, I do not see them as the ones on the cover though - but this is seldom the case anyway. Court had some fetish behaviors in the bedroom that made him crazy hot.

The beginning started out with some conflict that certainly threw the story into a quick paced momentum. Nothing slow about the book except the end could have been cut in half. The end for me was just okay because I was already satisfied prior to it continuing on for another couple of chapters.

For being a short time period, the author was able to creatively keep the pace, and added a few twists and turns that kept me wondering who was actually doing what. I was satisfied that she didn't hold off for several chapters before progressing forward with the answers.

The only thing missing from this book was the 'tear factor.' I didn't cry. Nothing moved me enough to make me sob, yet, I wish that it had.

Congrats to the author for writing a book that didn't let me put it down. I read it in three days, in between my duties as a mother and other life challenges that I resented at the time I was reading this book.

It really is a very romantic story, and the fact that the hero is an English gentleman made it even more nostalgic. If you like hot sex scenes, this will do it, because Court likes his playtime.

I was given an advance copy of this book for my time and review. No money was exchanged. My review is based on my own opinions, as both a book lover, and a writer. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading romance.

Make Mine a Ranger (Special Ops: Homefront Book 4)

Make Mine a Ranger (Special Ops: Homefront Book 4) 

by Kate Aster

• Print Length: 186 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00OO7Y1EG

"It's not him. It can't be him..."

24-year-old Bess Foster has a three-year-old daughter she cherishes... friends she adores... and an Army Ranger she's been fantasizing about for nearly four years.

But she also has a past that haunts her: an abusive ex-boyfriend she fled to protect her child. She thought she was free of him... till she saw his face again.

Sharing a house with a single mom and a preschooler might not sound like the best fit for an Army Ranger. But when First Lieutenant Tyler Griffon finds out that the waterfront house where his long-time friend Bess lives with her daughter has a vacancy, he can't resist the jaw-dropping view of the Chesapeake Bay.

And when he signs the lease, this Ranger will get more action than he bargained for...

***

Bess - She is shy at first, and a bit unsure of herself. She reminds me a little bit of myself except you won't catch me dead in a dress, ever! She is a fantastic mother, and has talent in the kitchen. Her character was believable and likable. I had no qualms with her at all. 

Tyler - His character is the nice guy, with muscles and hotness. Just the way they should be in a romance novel. The best part about him is that he is articulate enough to have clever things to say. This makes him interesting. He also has a tiny bit of an edge to him, but I think I would have liked to have seen it a little bit more sprinkled through the pages. He was almost too good to be true. 

Abby - What a cute little girl. I loved her character. 

Bess's friends - High class, a little lofty. I suppose I feel this way because I have never had friends in high places before, or ones that have everything they could ever want.

This was a pretty basic romance novel. It wasn't boring at all, and kept me moving forward without problems. I do however think that a bit more conflict could have been introduced to create more drama between the characters. 

The ending was beautiful. Perfect. Tyler made me fall in love with him.

The author added an epilogue that wasn't necessary though. It didn't add to the book at all, and even took from the elation I felt reading the end of the book. 

Over all, I am impressed with the author. She writes very well for an independent author. In my eyes, she is probably one of the better writers out there, and she should be congratulated for that. I will probably read another of her books in the future. 

Pagan Portals - Kitchen Witchcraft: Crafts of a Kitchen Witch

Pagan Portals - Kitchen Witchcraft: Crafts of a Kitchen Witch 

• Print Length: 97 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1780998430
• Publisher: Moon Books (February 8, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.     
  
• Language: English

Pull up a chair, have a cup of tea, sit back and take a glimpse into the world of Kitchen Witchcraft. This little book will give you an insight into what a Kitchen Witch is, what they do and how they do it. It gives an overview of the Sabbats, working with the Moon, the elements and candle magic. Packed full of ideas for crafting such as washes and smudges for your home and your body, witch bottles, incense, medicine bags, magic powders and offerings. Take a stroll through a Kitchen Witch's garden and discover what you will find there and finish up with some lovely meditations. Follow the heart of a Kitchen Witch...

This book held up to it's promise. It gives us a glimpse into Kitchen Witchcraft. There is an overview of the Sabbats, moon correspondences, days of the week correspondences, elemental correspondences, flower and herb correspondences etc. There are a few simple candle spells that you can use for different reasons as well. Simple crafts that you can craft with magical intent, and even some meditations. I liked the section on gardening. I wish that it would have went into a little more detail with the potted plants though. 

The author is well known in the pagan community, and she is a respected person. I don't find any major flaws in her writing style, and think that this little book was full of useful information. Just what I was looking for. Short, and sweet but to the point. 

I would recommend it to anyone interested in Kitchen Witchery. There are others out there, possibly better, but this one is well worth the $3.00 price tag. 

Goddess In the Kitchen: The Magic & Making of Food

Goddess In the Kitchen: The Magic & Making of Food   

Paperback: 102 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 11, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1492707112

We all eat to survive, but is it not just as important to eat to really live? Can we really use the food we eat every day to manifest a better life for ourselves? This book fully explores the energy that we invest into food during its preparation, how emotions during cooking, serving, and eating affects the people who eat the food, and how you can successfully instill particular energy into a food to create a specific outcome. In addition to the fascinating subject of energy and food, this book also contains more than 75 delicious recipes from the author's own collection.

This book started out quite interesting. I was looking for a book that was available on kindle to read about kitchen witchery, and this one looked promising. It helps that it's available on kindle unlimited to borrow for free. I probably wouldn't have gotten it otherwise. 

I think the author began the book with enthusiasm and she has a way of writing that makes one feel as if they are sitting there with her and having a coffee, talking candidly. The topic of the book is very promising, but I did find myself skimming through some of the topics that were too simple and common sense. 

The better parts were when she talked about preparing a magical meal and putting intent into the food. I thought that the book was picking up again, but it let me down. 

As soon as it grabbed my attention, it ended with what the author calls,"75 delicious recipes from her own collection." I found the recipes to be VERY ordinary and ones that I have known in my head now for years without the need of a cookbook recipe. 

The end of the book has some correspondences with color, a list of hints while preparing food. The hints are a little helpful, the colors - every witch knows already. I think that had the book been planned out a little more it could have been much better. There are others out there that are worth the money, this one isn't. You will gain very little information from it about kitchen witchery. The description of the book is pretty much a summary of the contents of the book - nothing more inside to elaborate on the topics. If you aren't a witch, you might gain a small bit of information on the subject of being one, and without the stereotypical stuff. 

The Wise Woman's Journal

The Wise Woman's Journal 

• Print Length: 148 pages
• Publisher: Build Your Own Reality (August 31, 2014)   
  
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00N7EM7HU
• 
  

This little book was very interesting. I picked it up for a quick look at it being that it is available in kindle unlimited for free. I was more curious than anything. I read a lot of pagan books. This one pleasantly surprised me.

In the beginning it has an explanation of different pagan practices, and how rituals are performed. There are basic correspondences that you use for making incense, oils and candle magick. It tells you how to dedicate yourself to a deity and ask them to help you, how to set up an altar to spend time with them, recipes for basic incense & oils that can be used in all rituals. How to bless any space and make it ready for spiritual use. Then after all that, you get a month's worth of journaling prompts and meditation. If you are looking to incorporate your pagan beliefs into each and everyday, this will be helpful for you. If you are just starting out, this will save you a lot of research. Thumbs up.