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Posted in #BookTours

Waiting For You

Posted on by BookReviews

They say friends make the best lovers…

Waiting For You

Priestly Family Series Book 5

by Sharon C. Cooper

Genre: Contemporary Second Chance Romance



They say friends make the best lovers…

After a bitter divorce, Jackson Norwood never thought he’d fall in love again. Especially not with his best friend, Essence Priestly. His attraction to her is the most powerful thing he’s felt in a long time, and he doesn’t just want her as a lover. He wants her to be his wife. Yet she’s determined to keep their relationship strictly platonic.

Jackson means everything to Essence and her son, and she’s torn between her love for him and the fear of ruining their years of friendship. But after an impulsive, passionate weekend together, she can’t deny their chemistry is off the charts. Jackson woke up the part of her she thought died years ago, and Essence is tempted to let him have what he wants—her.

But drama from his ex-wife is enough to challenge the strongest connection. Will Essence and Jackson’s reinvented relationship buckle under the pressure? Or will their bond grow stronger and lead them to their happily-ever-after?

 

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“Nyla asked if I’d be willing to share a room with you. I told her it was fine and assumed the two of you had already talked about it. She even had my overnight bag delivered there.”

“I’m going to kill my sisters. All of them,” Essence said through gritted teeth, attitude dangling from each word before she turned narrowed eyes on him. “You know what they’re trying to do, don’t you? You have to know.”

It took everything within Jackson not to smile because she was adorable when she was mad. Which he didn’t witness often. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he lied, earning him a deeper glare.

Okay, maybe he knew now, but not at first. He hadn’t thought much of it when Nyla told him of the change because it wasn’t unusual for him and Essence to share a room. But now that he knew her sisters might be trying to push them together, Jackson was totally onboard with their scheming. They all knew how much he adored Essence and how close they were, but they also knew Essence was afraid to move out of the friend zone. It would be just like them to butt in.

He and Essence exited the elevator, and Jackson followed a few steps behind her as she practically stomped down the hallway to their room. She might’ve been pissed, and he probably should be thinking about how he was going to get her to lighten up, but damn her ass looked good in that dress. Watching her shapely hips sway back and forth rhythmically made his body stir in response. Hell, if he could get her to calm down, maybe they could have some fun tonight. It was a new year. A perfect time to start a new chapter in their story. And a little rendezvous in a luxury hotel would only add to the fun.

As if she could hear his thoughts, Essence glanced over her shoulder at him without missing a step. If eyes could shoot invisible daggers, she was definitely shooting them at him, and he felt them square in the chest.

So much for living out a few fantasies tonight. Clearly, the hotel room would be for sleeping only.

Normally, Essence was sweet, kind, and would do anything for anyone. She also had a good sense of humor and took her family’s antics in stride. She didn’t usually trip over stuff like this, especially since she and he often shared a hotel room. The two of them, and sometimes Tray, vacationed together more often than not. Staying in the same room was a norm. So, it was out of character to see her this pissed.

Essence already had her keycard out when she stopped in front of their hotel room door. Seconds later, she stormed inside the room. She didn’t seem to care if he followed her in or not.

Jackson sighed, catching the door before it slammed in his face. This was going to be a long night. He didn’t want to argue, and Essence had every right to be mad—just not at him. She was probably looking forward to relaxing in a beautiful hotel room after a long day. Hell, a couple of long weeks, and here he was crashing any solitude she thought she’d get.

Or maybe she was mad because she had planned to invite that punk ass Romero to the room after the reception.

That thought had Jackson wanting to question her about the guy. Had their relationship moved up from just casual dating? Instead of asking, he kept his mouth shut. She was angry at her sisters, and he didn’t need her to take it out on him. He didn’t have siblings, but he’d been around hers enough to know they all drove each other nuts sometimes.

“Oh, and if you think we’re sleeping in the same bed, think again,” Essence snapped, tossing his duffel bag, which had been on the edge of the king size bed, to the sofa.

Jackson yawned, then slid out of his tuxedo jacket and laid it across the arm of the sofa. Next went the bowtie. “Essence, I don’t know what’s going on with you, but I do know one thing. I’m not sleeping on the sofa.”

 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon. C. Cooper




USA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper loves anything involving romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, as well as romantic comedy. She enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and family game night. Her stories have won numerous awards, including The Rochelle Alers Best Series award for her Atlanta’s Finest Series (2022) and The Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year award (2021). When she isn’t writing, Sharon loves hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work, or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, or to sign up to be notified of her latest releases, visit www.sharoncooper.net

  

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Posted in Homesteading & Self-Sufficiency

The Off-Grid Living Blueprint

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Complete & Proven DIY Solutions to Achieve 100% Self-Sufficiency. Secure All Essential Resources, Fortify Your Home & Safeguard Your Family’s Future Through Any Crisis 

The Most Complete & Effective Playbook for Off-Grid Living and Crisis Survival.
30+ Powerful Guides. 70+ hands-on DIY projects. Achieve 100% self-sufficiency.


Disasters, blackouts, rising costs, and stressed infrastructure are today’s reality—and they’re accelerating. If you care about protecting your loved ones and building a safe, sustainable, resilient, and independent life, you need to be prepared. Your family’s future isn’t optional.

Whether you’re creating a full homestead, converting a cabin, or upgrading a suburban home for resilience, this book gives you proven plans, tools, and step-by-step projects to build true self-reliance—safely, sustainably, and within your budget.
Master securing every essential—and scale your setup to thrive for the long term.

Here’s just a tiny fraction of what you’ll build and master inside:

  • Foundations of Off-Grid – Choose the right land and layout, harden structures for extreme weather, budget wisely, and plan long-term resource management
  • Water Self-Sufficiency – Capture rain, tap springs and wells, store it safely, purify it with proven methods, distribute it efficiently…so your family never goes thirsty
  • Energy & Power Independence – Design solar, wind, micro-hydro, and generator hybrids; size batteries; wire safe distribution; and optimize loads for 24/7 power
  • Food Preparedness – Build productive gardens, orchards, and food forests; raise livestock; hunt, fish, and forage; preserve harvests with canning, dehydrating, smoking, and root cellaring
  • Security & Property Defense – Layered perimeter tactics, smart deterrence, and practical home defense principles to stop threats before they start
  • Medical Readiness – Assemble real-world first-aid and trauma kits, create emergency protocols, and be ready when help is hours—or days—away
  • Essential Skills & Tools – Carpentry, general repairs, tool use, vehicle maintenance, and more—to keep your wheels turning when towing or tech support isn’t available
  • Communication That Doesn’t Quit – Use radios (including Ham), mesh, and low-power comms to stay connected even when networks are down
  • Waste & Recycling Solutions – Master composting toilets, greywater recycling, and biogas; handle batteries and chemicals safely; and turn “trash” into valuable resources
  • Cooking, Heating, Cooling & Lighting – Cook with rocket stoves and solar ovens, heat efficiently, cool naturally, and light your space with efficient off-grid systems.
  • Community & Financial Resilience – Start or join an off-grid community, master barter systems, and develop income streams that thrive beyond fragile supply chains
  • Health, Hygiene & Mental Fitness – Build a resilient body and mindset, maintain sanitation naturally, and navigate long stretches off-grid with clarity and calm
  • Outdoor & Wilderness Survival – Plan bug-outs, build emergency shelters, find and purify water anywhere, grow survival gardens, hunt, trap, and forage, navigate without GPS, generate emergency power, start fires, and tie essential knots to stay safe—no matter what
  • 70+ Hands-On Projects—built into every module—so you learn by doing and see progress fast
  • And much much more.


While other books skim the surface, this is the one you’ll actually use when it matters. You’ll have the knowledge, systems, and confidence to safeguard your loved ones in any situation and live better, freer, and more prepared every day.

#Homesteading, #ModernHomesteading, #SimpleLiving, #SelfSufficiency, #SustainableLiving, #CountryLiving, #BackToBasics, #GrowYourOwnFood, #HomesteadLife, #PreparedLiving, #HomesteadGarden, #FoodPreservation, #CanningAndPreserving, #RuralLiving, #HomesteadingBooks, , #BookBlog, #ReadingCommunity, #Bookstagram, #HomesteadReading,

Posted in #non-fiction

Whiskey Master Class

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The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Scotch, Bourbon, Rye, and More

Go beyond the glass and discover the secrets behind your favorite style of whiskey.

Over the past three decades, Lew Bryson has been one of the most influential voices in whiskey—a longtime editor of Whisky Advocate and author of the definitive guide Tasting Whiskey. In this book, Lew shares everything he’s learned on his journey through the worlds of bourbon, Scotch, rye, Japanese whiskey, and more (yes, there are tasty Canadian and Irish whiskeys as well!). In this book, you’ll find it all:

  • An overview of the different types of whiskeys, including the rules and identities of each. He also includes information on craft whiskeys, which tend to be more creative and freewheeling than the styles made by traditional producers.
  • Exploration of the key whiskey ingredients, with a close look at the flavor contributions of malt, peat, corn, rye, wheat—even water matters.
  • Distillation for non-distillers and the beauty of barrels: Whiskey is both an art and a science, and what’s in the glass is affected by things like pot stills vs. column stills, barrel char, and of course, time.
  • Numerous interviews with master distillers, still makers, and other artisans at the top of their field.
  • Tasting notes throughout so you canidentify the whiskeys you might want to try next.

Every chapter contains a variety of unique, often behind-the-scenes photography. And with whiskey as the subject, this is a class where you’ll want to do the homework!


Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Tasting Whiskey:

2015 IACP Food Writing/Cookbooks award nominee in the Wine, Beer, and Spirits category

“Tasting Whiskey is both accessible to novices and compelling for the expert.”
— Wine Spirits

“Whether you’re a novice drinker or a malt connoisseur, Bryson has something to teach you — and you’ll enjoy every word.”
— Clay Risen, author of American Whiskey, Bourbon and Rye

“An instant whiskey classic…”
— Fred Minnick, author of Bourbon and Bourbon Curious
 

“Let’s just say that there is nobody, whether a complete newcomer or the most seasoned old-whiskey hand, who won’t walk away from this fine book with a new, deeper understanding of the topic.”
 ―David Wondrich, author of Imbibe! and Punch

“Lew Bryson knows more about whiskey than anyone I’ve met. But that’s only one reason to read Whiskey Master Class. He writes with clarity and humor in a way that will engage novices and connoisseurs alike.”
 ―Clay Risen, author of Single Malt: A Guide to the Whiskies of Scotland

“Lew writes about whiskey the same way our family is proud to make whiskey—with honesty, craft, and a lot of heart. Whether you’ve been a whiskey fan for years or just getting into it, you’ll learn something new from Lew’s explanation of making whiskey. And damn sure you’ll have some fun while doing it.”―Fred Noe, Beam Seventh Generation Master Distiller

“In whiskey, Lew Bryson is not only a god, he is a hero. With this book, he’ll grow the base of whiskey knowledge and will help eliminate know-it-all know nothings.”―Fred Minnick, editor-in-chief of Bourbon+; author of Bourbon and Bourbon Curious

“Lew uses a cozy, conversational style of writing that makes the reader feel as if they are sitting in front of a quiet fire with an old friend, enjoying the perfect dram. It belies his decades of experience of writing on all things beer and whiskey, and makes Lew’s technical explanations feel less like an impenetrable fog of science and more like a welcome footnote. This is a must have for anyone looking to enjoy whiskey just a little bit more.”―Todd Leopold, Leopold Bros. Distillery & Malthouse

“Like all great educators, Lew wears his knowledge modestly and dispenses his deep wisdom with a deceptively light touch. He is one of the great voices in the whiskey world. Listen to it.”―Dave Broom, author of The World Atlas of Whisky

“Lew is a true whiskey guy. To enhance your knowledge in the magical world of distilling, my friend Lew Bryson is the perfect place to start. His many years in the whiskey business and his insatiable thirst for knowledge ensures his fans and readers continue to gain great insights and understanding. Lew makes drinking good whiskey great!”―Colum Egan, Master Distiller Bushmills Irish Whiskey

About the Author

Lew Bryson has been writing about beer and spirits full-time since 1995. He was the managing editor of Whisky Advocate from 1996 through 2015. He is currently a senior drinks writer for the Daily Beast, and also writes for scotchwhisky.com, Artisan Spirit, and Bourbon+. Bryson is the author of Whiskey Master Class as well as Tasting Whiskey. He has also written four regional brewery guidebooks: Pennsylvania Breweries; New York Breweries; Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Breweries; and New Jersey Breweries (with Mark Haynie). He was selected as the 2008 winner of the Michael Jackson Beer Journalism Award (Trade and Specialty Beer Media). He has served as a judge for both the American Craft Spirits Association and the Great American Beer Festival. Lew Bryson lives north of Philadelphia with his wife and two Welsh Corgis.

Posted in Gardening & Growing

Easy Container Gardening in Any Climate

Posted on by BookReviews

The Ultimate Guide to Grow Your Own Organic Herbs and Vegetables, Create a Sustainable Environment, Maximize Yields, and Utilize Any Size Space

Grow a luscious garden in any climate, even if you’re limited on space or have never planted a seed before!

Are you an urban dweller yearning for a touch of green in your life? Do you dream of savoring fresh, organic herbs and vegetables, but feel held back by space constraints or lack of gardening experience? Or perhaps you’re a health-conscious individual committed to sustainable living and beautifying your surroundings?

You’re not alone—many others share these aspirations and struggles.

Most city residents believe gardening requires a large outdoor space. Many beginners fear their attempts might be futile. And, unfortunately, some even think container gardening is too intricate or costly to pull off.

Thankfully, these are all misconceptions.

With the right guidance, anyone can master the art of container gardening, regardless of their living situation or prior knowledge. Even if you’ve failed before or think you lack a green thumb, this book will guide you every step of the way.
Here’s just a glimpse of the insights and secrets you’ll uncover inside:

  • Detailed step-by-step guides for starting a container garden, ensuring your success from the get-go
  • How to maximize limited space with innovative vertical gardening techniques
  • The best container choices that blend functionality with style for any size space
  • Secrets to choosing the perfect plants for containers, including a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers
  • Proven watering schedules to avoid over or under-watering your plants
  • How to grow perennial plants in containers and tips for overwintering them
  • Top soil mixtures for container gardening that ensure robust plant growth
  • Organic pest control methods to keep your garden healthy and chemical-free
  • Guide to edible and multifunctional flowers that add both beauty and utility to your garden
  • Strategies for maximizing yields in small spaces with succession planting techniques
  • Tips for creating a mobile container garden that can be moved indoors during winter
  • Common container gardening mistakes to avoid so you can enjoy thriving plants
  • Repurposing recycled containers and how to prep them for gardening
  • Ensuring your garden remains truly organic with proper planning and care
  • Ideas for visually stunning and productive container gardens
  • Seasonal plant rotation tips to keep your garden producing year-round

And much, much more!

If you’re worried this guide might not work for you, consider this: Even if you’ve struggled with maintaining plants or think gardening requires a natural talent, the simplified, step-by-step format of this book is designed with YOU in mind. It breaks down the process into actionable, achievable steps and offers robust advice that’s easy to apply.

Plus, with tips on both indoor and outdoor container gardening, this guide has solutions tailored for every living situation. Whether your light source is limited or you need portable solutions, you’ll find practical and aesthetically pleasing ideas right here.

#VegetableGardening, #GrowYourOwnFood, #KitchenGarden, #HomegrownVegetables, #GardenHarvest, #SeedStarting, #RaisedBedGardening, #OrganicVegetables, #GardenPlanning, #BackyardGarden, #GardenToTable, #FreshFromTheGarden, #FoodGardening, #GardenTips, #VegetableGardenBooks, #GardeningBooks, , #BookBlog, #ReadingCommunity, #Bookstagram,

Posted in #non-fiction

Famous Last Words

Posted on by BookReviews

Confessions, Humour and Bravery of the Departing

One last thing before I go . . . True stories of doomed figures from British history—and what they announced to the world as the Grim Reaper drew near.
 
Nothing focuses the mind more starkly than impending death. In this book, you can mount the scaffold and share in the final utterings of the condemned, and join the stricken in their deathbeds as their deeply entrenched secrets are finally unshackled.
 
Famous Last Words collects a fascinating selection of destinies, culminating in their often flamboyant, always captivating comments just before they shuffled off this mortal coil. Revealed inside are tales of sangfroid bravery, astonishing ironies, and overdue confessions often betraying grave miscarriages of justice. Writer and poet Sir Walter Raleigh had some typically forthright and goading words for his executioner as the hesitant axeman displayed fear and reluctance to perform his stately duties. The final words of convicted murderer Ernest Brown may have been a candid confession to another killing he had committed deep in the Northumberland Moors some two years previously. And what of Britain’s first actor to have had a knighthood bestowed upon him? Discover the staggering irony that saw his final words on stage prophetically turn out to be his last in life . . .


Kirsty
4 out of 5 stars
Fantastic example of micro-history
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 12, 2022
Format: Kindle
Verified Purchase
From medieval beheadings, Victorian hangings, deathbed confessions and even heartbreaking suicide notes, Wood has created a thoroughly dark and entertaining book looking at various individuals who left a mark on history as they departed from the world.


The level of research that has clearly gone into this book is compelling with the narrative gripping and never falters.


A fantastic example of micro-history, each chapter details a specific individual making it perfect to devour in one sitting or to steal away with in bite-size reads.


While the welcome addition of well known figures such as the tragic Lady Jane Grey and the adventurous Sir Walter Raleigh are included, I feel one of the strengths in this book lies with the diligent recording of more obscure figures who were just as (if not more!) fascinating than their better known counterparts.


The stand out distinction for Wood's writing however, was his dark humour which was very effective with certain cases for example Thomas David Cunnington. While suicide is of course a tragic event, Cunnington was in total control of his being worrying at one point "I'm getting to think gas will run out" as he chronicled his surprisingly upbeat suicide letter. He was also very adamant not to have to see his suicide letter recipients if his attempt failed. Perhaps a very selected humour, but one I felt was distinctly British in nature.