Review of A Reckless Courtship: A Chronicle of Misadventures by Martha Keyes

I must admit, I was rather sad when I finished reading the third book in the series, "A Chronicle of Misadventures".  I thoroughly enjoyed all of the misadventures of the brothers.  I felt a bit lost and wondered what could I possibly read next that would even come close to this series.  Suffice it to say, even though I am always reading a book, they are not all as captivating as this series.

We met the Yorke brothers in the first book, "Reputation at Risk".  An underlying concern for the family in all of the books, is Silas Yorke's situation.  He has been accused of murder and subsequently left England to hide out in France.  His time in France was quite difficult.  He had to find a way to survive in a foreign country without any friends or family, plus he suffered illness. Unfortunately, most of his family believed he must be guilty since an esteemed member of Parliament claims to have witnessed the murder.  It takes time for the family to conclude that Silas was falsely accused.  

We follow Silas's plight through each book.  We can almost feel his desperation to prove his innocence and return to his normal life, home and family.  When he sneaks back to England in the second book and hides in his brother, William's guest house, we come to adore this impetuous and somewhat mischievous character. 

Book 3 is all about Silas and his misadventures incognito in London. 

 

Synopsis of A Reckless Courtship

 A Reckless Courtship: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 3)Check PriceSilas Yorke is determined to find someone who will help him prove his innocence.  His accuser, Lord Drayton, would rather see him hanged or stay excelled in France, than to see him free.  

Silas has been told that Sir Walter Bence has fallen out with Lord Drayton over a failed joint business venture.  Silas assumed a false name and returned to London with his youngest brother, Frederick, who plans to introduce him to Bence in the hopes that they can join together against Drayton.  

As luck would have it, there is a masquerade in Vauxhall Gardens.  The brothers believe Silas can go into the crowd and not be recognized by anyone, especially since he will be wearing a domino (a long hooded cloak with a mask).  It would be the perfect opportunity for Frederick to innocently chance upon Sir Bence and introduce him to Silas.  Plus, they have two friends that will also be attending the party, so Silas should be able to blend in without a problem.  One of the friends is even meeting his aunt, cousin and her friend there.  The group should give Silas plenty of cover.  

When the group gets separated momentarily, Silas is late for the introductions to the women, but that matters not.  He is there for only one reason.  However, when one of the young women gets her costume caught in a bush and inadvertently left behind, Silas steps forward to help her.  She is rightfully leery of any stranger and insists she can manage for herself.  She does manage to get untangled and Silas simply says, "when I see Fairchild, I shall inform him his cousin is safe" which informs her that she really would have been safe to accept his aid, but he has already disappeared.  Now, Arabella realizes she must find her group which had moved on ahead.  When she is approached by two inebriated men, she is quite frightened and runs, headlong into Silas's arms.  She smacks his arm and states "what sort of gentleman leaves his wife in a maze such as this?"  Silas willingly plays along, the men apologize and take off in the opposite direction.

 

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And, that is how A Reckless Courtship begins, but their odd meeting is not the only thing reckless about Silas continuing to pursue Arabella!     

  

 

Reputation at Risk: a Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 1)

Secrets of a Duke: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 2)

A Reckless Courtship: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 3)

Review of A Reckless Courtship: A Chronicle of Misadventures, Book 3 by Martha Keyes by:

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Book Review- Peaches and Peril

 

                                                 Peaches and Peril by Karen C Whalen

I just finished another delightful book by Karen Whalen.  This one is part of her Dinner Club series of mysteries.  It features Jane Marsh and a cast of interesting characters. This book had me guessing who the murderer was till almost the end of the book.  It was a great page-turner.

Book Synopsis

This book begins when Jane Marsh and some of her fellow dinner club members went for a weekend to enjoy the Peach Festival in a small Colorado town and look to finalize preparations for Jane's upcoming wedding.  In the beginning we find the characters at a Murder Mystery game  at the B&B where they are staying.  Each of the attendees is in costume for their character in the "Murder Mystery Game" and they all have notes about their characters.  Jane messes up early on by mistakenly revealing that she is the killer.  This pretty much brings the mystery to a halt and the participants end up calling it an early evening.  Now the real mystery will begin when Jane comes across a dead body in the B&B.

The police are called and everyone that has attended or worked at the B&B, including the members of the Diner Club, become suspects.  The book continues with Jane trying to figure out the killer.  There is much at stake including the reputation of the B&B and the small town election for mayor.  This is a small town where everyone knows everyone, and everyone seems to have an opinion.  

If you are looking for a cozy mystery with lots of characters and possible suspects this is the book for you.  I didn't guess the killer till almost the end and it was fun to follow Jane's logic on who might be the culprit.

Here is a link to the book on Amazon.

Peaches and Peril

More Book Reviews by Karen Whalen   

      Karen has written three different series of cozy mysteries.  The are: A Tow Truck Murder Mystery, A Dinner Club Murder Mystery and A Sea Oaks Beach Murder Mystery.  I have written reviews on several of the books.  Here are links to my reviews.

• Book Review- Washed Up on Sea Oaks Beach
•  Book Review of Everything Bundt the Truth
• Booty in the Backseat- Book Review
• Reviewing Murder at Sea Oaks Beach
• Book Review-Stiletto to the Pedal
• Book Review - Friends Come to Call
• Book Review - Toes on the Dash                   

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This Back Massager With Heat Makes a Fantastic Gift

The self-heating mug I reviewed recently isn’t the only thoughtful gift my husband got me for my birthday last month. He also gave me a wonderful shiatsu-style electric back massager with heat to help with my chronic stiff neck and back pain. It really helps work out the knots in minutes!

I haven't stopped using this heated back massager since I received it, so I am anxious to share my product review with others who might benefit from it or who might want to give one as a gift.

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat is a versatile, affordable aid designed to deliver relief from muscle tension, pain, and stress. Combining deep-tissue shiatsu-like kneading with soothing heat and customizable settings, this massager offers a convenient solution for anyone seeking relaxation at home, at work, or on the go. I love that it can be used to massage not only my upper and lower back (depending on which way I orient it) but also my neck, where I also carry a lot of tension, by lying down on it.

I use my back massager with heat in bed, at my desk, in my living room, and in the car. I can lay against it or on top of it, depending on the position that best suits my needs.

Key Features & Specifications

• Dual Heating Zones and Heat Levels: This device features two built-in heating zones for warmth on both the back and the neck (the two places I carry my stress). It also offers two adjustable heat levels, low (104°F) and high (113°F), to help loosen tight muscles and improve blood circulation.
• Heat Can Be Turned Off: While I love the heat for soothing sore muscles and knots, it's nice that it can be turned off during warmer weather.
• 3D Shiatsu Massage Nodes: Four rotating, bi-directional massage nodes mimic the sensation of a real massage therapist’s hands, delivering a deep-kneading experience that targets tight or sore areas.
  
  Helpful tip: The nodes are quite firm, and if my muscles are really tight and sore, I sometimes put a sheet of 1/2-inch open cell upholstery foam (I bought mine at a fabric store) in between my back or neck and the massager.
• Adjustable Intensity: With three levels of intensity (low, medium, and high), you can tailor the massage to match your individual comfort and pain relief needs.
• Ergonomic Design: Larger than most standard massage pillows, this massager measures approximately 15" x 13", providing better coverage and a more ergonomic fit for the back, neck, shoulders, and even thighs.
• Remote Control Operation: A simple wired remote lets you switch the heat and massage settings easily just by pressing each button repeatedly to rotate through the settings without having to reposition the massager.
• Safety Features: It includes a 15-minute auto shut-off timer.
• Portable and Travel-Friendly: Comes with both an AC wall adapter and a car adapter, making it ideal for use while commuting or traveling.

The remote control is simple and intuitive

Pros

• Effective Pain Relief: I have found that this heated massager provides significant relief from chronic back and neck pain thanks to the combination of strong kneading pressure and heat therapy.
• Multi-Purpose: Its shape and flexibility make it suitable not just for the back, but also for the neck, shoulders, thighs, and calves.
• Easy to Use: The intuitive controls and included adapters make it easy to use and incorporate into a daily routine, if desired.
• Affordable: Compared to other massage devices with similar features, the Boriwat massager is competitively priced. At the time of this review's publication, it was on a terrific limited-time deal that brought the price down from $89.99 to just $39.99 — a 56% savings! A fantastic time to buy one.

Cons

• Potential Longevity Issues: As with many electronic devices, there are occasional reports of the unit wearing out or malfunctioning after several months of frequent use. I have not owned mine long enough yet to comment on its longevity, but the many 5-star reviews suggest that this is not a common issue.

Makes a Great Gift

Boriwat Back Massager with Heat, Neck Massager for Pain Relief Deep Tissue, 3D Kneading Massage Pillow for Back, Neck, Shoulder, Legs, Gifts for Women Men Mom Dad

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat can be a worthwhile addition to your wellness routine, whether you're dealing with tension after a long day or managing chronic discomfort. It's an excellent value for the price and provides effective relief for sore, tight muscles. It is easy to use, and can be taken almost anywhere, thanks to its included car travel adapter that fits into your car's cigarette lighter socket. It would make a much appreciated gift for anyone looking to relax and relieve pain from the comfort of their home or while traveling. If you can grab one for just $39.99 during the limited-time deal, you'll be getting a terrific bargain!

This Back Massager With Heat Makes a Fantastic Gift by Margaret Schindel

Read More Product Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Gift Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Health Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

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Reviewing Comvita Propolis Extract

Comvita Propolis Extract

I'm been using Comvita Propolis Extract for over 30 years now, let me tell you how and why I use it.

I first came across Comvita propolis products when I was living in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand (Comvita's home was about 45 minutes away from my home). I managed one of the largest health stores in New Zealand for approximately 10 years and as well as Comvita being a great brand (they now are a certified B Corporation which is hardly surprising as they have worked in harmony with nature since they began in the mid 1970s) they were also local so, of course we supported them.

Their most popular products back then were their propolis lozenges, which we had in bulk bins and had problems keeping stocked up especially in winter, and their mauka honey which is what they received international recognition for. My favourite product, however, was their propolis extract.

Propolis is what the bees use to protect the hive and keep it healthy as it helps to resist bacteria and I remember being in a training seminar and having someone tell us how amazing it was for sore throats.

What I was told to do was to put 2-3 drops of propolis extract into a little warm water, swirl it around and then gargle and swallow. The use of the warm water and the gargling were to help with the sore throat and the swallowing helped to make sure it didn't develop into anything worse.

I brought some and tried it out and it worked! I continued to use it up until a couple of years ago when I ran out and for some reason I didn't get anymore (pre-Covid I had stocked up when I went to New Zealand, but I hadn't been back since 2019). I decided to look online last month with a view to buying some online and found a local pharmacy stocked it so now I'm just waiting for a sore throat!

Why Does Propolis Work on Sore Throats?

Although propolis can be used for a lot more than just sore throats, this is the traditional use for it. It works because:

• Propolis is antibacterial and antiviral so will help to fight infections (a very good reason for swallowing!).
• Propolis is anti-inflammatory - it reduces swelling and this is also why it was recommended to use warm (NOT hot water) as it was supposed to also help with the inflammation.
• Propolis has a slight anesthetic property which is probably why it's recommended to gargle with it in order to numb the irritation slightly.

You can use it twice a day for sore throats, but I've never used it more than once a day - I actually have never needed to as it's always worked the first time.

What Else Can Propolis Do?

When I brought my recent bottle of propolis extract here in Australia, the packaging was slightly different and there was no mention of sore throats instead it only mentioned mouth ulcers, general well being and topical use. This sent me to look at what it's recommended for elsewhere around the globe.

Note: Personally I have only taken this for sore throats and I believe it has kept some colds and flus away as well.

Oral Health - apparently it's very good at fighting the bacteria that causes plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. As I mentioned in Australia it's recommended for mouth ulcers.  For these things it's recommended to use as a mouth wash.

Immune Support - As it also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that stimulate the immune system it's believed to reduce the duration and severity of colds and flue. Some people also use it preventatively, especially during seasonal changes. In this case it is recommended to use 1/2 tsp in 30 ml warm water once a day.

Wound Healing - topically it is supposed to promote skin regeneration and reduce the risk of infection and is recommended on minor cuts, burns and cold sores. In this case they recommend apply 1/2 tsp to the dressing and cover the wound.

I have also seen that there has been some early research to suggest it may protect the gut lining and help with digestive health. There is also some talk about it helping to reduce oxidative stress and mentions it being very useful for people with inflammatory conditions.

A Consideration

If you are allergic to bees, pollen or honey then propolis could cause an allergic reaction. I personally would not recommend trying it in this instance as there are other products you could try which wouldn't put you at risk of a reaction.

Have you heard of propolis extract? Is it something you'd think of keeping on hand? Once I open a bottle of the extract I actually keep mind in the box (so that it's dark) and in the fridge (as it should be stored below 30 C which isn't always possible in my house!). It lasts for a few years and in my opinion is a great investment.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing an Attractive Option for Small Space, Indoor Plant Grow Lights

I have added another  tool to my indoor plant garden that has been very helpful. I have a small home and limited space for the amount of plants and seed-starting that I would love to grow.  I need a few tools that work very well rather than large or mediocre systems. My newest addition, a gooseneck, table lamp style grow light is good-looking, adjustable to fit in a variety of spaces, and my pepper starts are growing great with it. 

In 2023, I wrote a review about LED light bulbs that were very helpful for starting and growing plants in my window garden. They are effective. I use an open shelf for the plants and hang the bulbs from the top racks.  I can choose the strength and color of the bulbs to suit the plants and I can adjust the height by loosening or tightening the cords. Imagine a pendant light that hangs from the ceiling and you can choose the height above your work space. These bulbs and cords are very effective but not very pretty to look at.

I have added another light to aid my plants inside. It is the gooseneck, table lamp style. I like that I can set it on a flat surface then move the four light arms, in any direction, to light a specific plant. I ordered the four light, SYEIORAOM brand light. They also have a 6-light version. And there many different brands to choose from; including versions that have a shelf clamp rather than a table lamp base.

The site advertises the SYEIORAOM adjustable gooseneck LED light as:

• LED grow light with full spectrum, Red White light
• 72 LED light beads
• Telescopic pole; adjusts height
• flexible goose neck that can bend and adjust 306 degrees
• 59" long power cord with a convenient on/off toggle switch
• attractive modern style

This table-top lamp is more attractive than my hanging bulbs. It would be attractive on someone's desk at work, in a dorm room, or on a countertop herb garden. I have used this for 3 solid months and I have a planter of pepper plants are that healthy, and happy soaking up the light. 

Previous Reviews:

Single Bulb LED Lights: I wrote about the hanging grow bulbs. I continue to use them due to their effectiveness. You can see that review here.

Miracle LED Grow Lite Bulbs

Hydroponics for Small Spaces: I also wrote about my recent first experience with a small hydroponics system. I am sorry that I waited so long to try this growing system in my small space. I had fresh salad greens during cold months and now I'm using it to start seeds that will be transplanted outside. You can read my reviews of that hydroponics system here:

My First Indoor Hydroponic Gardening System

and the One Month Update here:

Indoor Hydroponics Gardening: One Month Update

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Gracie Always Knew - A Doll's Lesson - A Flash Fiction Story

In March of this year, I wrote my first flash fiction story.

It was about an 82-year-old woman named Gracie, rocking in her chair on her porch, reflecting upon her life. 

Today is another flash fiction story about Gracie, who is eight years old. Long before those 82 years of life experience kicked in.

This flash fiction is about the early signs of who Gracie would become, and the first quiet stirrings of the peace she would one day find within herself—peace that would stay with her all the way to that rocking chair at 82.

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Gracie Always Knew - A Doll's Lesson

Gracie held her favorite doll, its painted smile forever unchanged. 

She studied it closely, realizing that while she had learned to run faster, dream bigger, and feel deeper, the doll had stayed exactly the same. Time moved through her like the changing seasons—shaping her in quiet, steady ways—while the doll stayed exactly the same.

That's when she understood: time only changes the living.

She gave the doll a pretend life, imagining it full of thoughts and adventures. But sometimes, late at night, another thought crept in—what if someone imagined me into being, giving me my lines, feelings, and story?

Church was as much a part of her life as brushing her teeth or saying goodnight. And with church came God, expected, unquestioned, and ever-present. 

But the older she got, the more she wondered: Where is God? Why is God? Her questions had grown more detailed now, shaped by the things she was starting to notice about the world and about herself. Those questions were still too big to hold, but she carried them anyway.

She thought often about who she was becoming. 

There was one thing she wanted to be more than anything—kind. Really kind. The type of kind that came from the inside, not just because someone was watching. At eight years old, she failed at that many times. But it remained ever-present in her spirit.

Most of the time, she was kind. But not always. Sometimes, she snapped at her little brother and was mean to her little brother! 

Sometimes, envy crept in like a thief. She felt that and knew jealousy was not something to cling to. Still, deep down, she understood those moments didn't define her. They were passing clouds, not her sky.

Something inside her—some glowing ember she couldn't name—kept telling her that kindness mattered more than almost anything else. It was what made people beautiful. Not their clothes, or their hair, or even their words. 

She felt kindness was like sunlight through a window—gentle, warm, and easy to miss if you weren't paying attention, but everything felt better there.

However, the world didn't always agree.

Gracie had started to notice contradictions. 

Adults talked about love, forgiveness, and doing what was right. They sang about it in church, prayed about it at dinner, and nodded solemnly as Church leaders spoke.

But then the same people would gossip, lose their tempers, or ignore someone who needed help. It confused her. How could they forget so quickly?

She wanted to believe people meant well—that they were just trying, like she was. But part of her couldn't shake the feeling that some were only pretending—that they wore kindness like a costume and took it off when it no longer served them.

And then, with a quiet sigh, she admitted it—Sometimes, I do that too.

The realization didn't crush her, but settled into her chest with weight. Maybe being good wasn't about getting it right every time. Perhaps it was about not giving up when you got it wrong.

Gracie didn't like the idea of perfection—something about it always felt impossible, like a game no one could win. And yet, she couldn't help but chase it. 

Even at eight, she felt the pressure to be the one who got it right, who made things better, who didn't let anyone down. Somewhere along the way, without meaning to, she'd written herself a silent set of rules: Be better. Fix it. Don't disappoint. 

She didn't know it then, but that quiet urge to rescue and make things right would shape much of her life—until years later, when she finally began to see its weight and learn a different way of being.

You see, Gracie was, by nature, a rescuer. But she didn't know that yet. 

For now, at eight years old, she knew only this: being a doll would be so much easier. Dolls didn't have to ask questions, feel pain, or wrestle with what was right. Dolls didn't worry about being enough.

It was the first time she realized how heavy it could be to be real—and maybe the first clue that she was beginning to understand more than most eight-year-olds.

That's when Gracie wrote her first poem, at 8 years old. She called it "Thanksgiving."

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Am I Gracie? 

You can safely presume that I'm Gracie, and yes, that first poem called Thanksgiving is included in my published poetry book below. I penned it when I was in grade 3; it is childlike and reflects the idealistic mind of an 8-year-old.

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I hope you've enjoyed the story of Gracie's life lesson at eight years old. 🕮

If you're into a longer story, I've penned this short story, The Gift of Knowing (can you sense a theme here?).

___________________

*50 Years of Poetry - We Will Have Morning Smiles, Available on Amazon (A lifetime of my personal poetry). *Commissionsearned

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This is Why We Lied ~ Book Review

A Will Trent Thriller by Karen Slaughter

Karin Slaughter’s latest Will Trent thriller is filled with twists, turns, shocks and surprises. The story includes one very toxic family who run a lodge in the gorgeous northern Georgia mountains, 8 suspicious guests, and one killer. But since everyone appears to be guilty of something, who killed Mercy McAlpine?

Synopsis of This is Why We Lied

This Is Why We Lied: A Will Trent Thriller―A Gripping Murder Mystery Set in an Off-the-Grid Lodge Where Everyone is a Suspect (Will Trent, 12)

Will Trent works as an investigator for the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation). Throughout the series, he first met, then began dating, Sara Linton, an ER doctor in Atlanta. Sara eventually takes the position of Medical Examiner for the GBI. 

Now in Book #12, we find that Will & Sara have married. They choose the McAlpine Lodge in the Georgia mountains as the ideal getaway to celebrate their honeymoon. 

This family-owned off-the-grid mountaintop property appears to be the perfect place  to unplug and reconnect. Until…. A bone-chilling scream disturbs the night.

Who killed Mercy McAlpine?

Will finds the manager of the Lodge, Mercy McAlpine, dead. A  vicious storm is raging and the one access road to the property becomes washed out.  Therefore, it becomes obvious that the murderer has to be someone on the mountain.

As Will and Sara begin to investigate both the very strange McAlpine family, as well as the other guests, they realize that everyone is lying.  They are lying about their past and to their family and to themselves. Normal rules do not seem to apply at McAlpine Lodge.

Trapped on the mountain at the resort, Will and Sara are going to have to watch their step while they untangle a decades-old web of secrets and discover what happened to Mercy. The killer could strike again at any time, so the couple’s romantic honeymoon trip now becomes a race against the clock as they realize they have to return to their regular police duties to solve a murder! 

Summary

In addition to 12 books in the Will Trent series of police procedurals, with continuing characters Will Trent and Sara Linton, along with Will’s partner Faith Mitchell and their no-nonsense boss Amanda, Will Trent is now a television series. The TV series is in its third season and can be viewed Tuesday nights on ABC or streamed on HULU.  

• Will Trent Book Series
• Will Trent TV - Season 1
• Will Trent TV trailer

For more Book Reviews check out ReviewThisBooks.com 

*This is Why We Lied Book Review written by Wednesday Elf

 

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Review of Secrets of a Duke: A Chronicle of Misadventures by Martha Keyes

Last week, I published my review of the first book in the Chronicle of Misadventures series by Martha Keyes.  This week, I will be reviewing the second book in the series, "Secrets of a Duke" which is based on a true story.  

I must admit, if the author had not shared that the book is based on a true story, I would have thought the plot far-fetched. Knowing that it actually happened, makes me like the character, William Yorke, even more. 

We meet William Yorke in the first book.  He is the oldest brother of 4 and has already inherited his father's estate and holdings.  The novels are set in England during the 1800's where the first born son inherits everything instead of dividing property and assets between siblings.  That way, the family name maintains the wealth, a higher status in society and the original estate is not subdivided or transferred outside of the patriarch's ancestral bloodline.  If a man only has daughters, his property is entailed to the closest male heir, which could easily be a distant relative he may not even know personally.  Ideally, a Duke would raise his son to follow in his footsteps, teach him how to run the estate, prepare his son to succeed him in parliament, and choose an equally trained wife.

An entailment to a distant male relative is the basis of the plot of this book.  The Duke of Rockwood knew the Yorke family, but was not fond of them.  Therefore, the two families did not interact with each other, which left William unprepared to be the Duke's successor.

 

Secrets of a Duke Book Synopsis

 Secrets of a Duke (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 2)Check Price

At the end of the first book, "Reputation at Risk", we find out that William Yorke has unexpectedly become the Duke of Rockwood. No one could have anticipated that the previous duke and his sons would all die together in a tragic accident. Therefore, William is far from prepared to step into the dukedom and assume the Duke's responsibilities.  William hires a friend from his Oxford days to advise him and serve as his man of business.  Since their time at Oxford, Edmund had become a barrister (lawyer) and worked as the steward to an earl.  As a trusted friend, he was the perfect man to help William navigate the world of the titled nobility.  William did not wish to dishonor his family by making avoidable missteps.  There would be many watching and waiting for the opportunity to criticize his actions.

After attending the funeral and completing additional business, William and Edmund embark on their journey from London to his newly inherited estate.  When they stop at an inn for the night, William is surprised to see a woman serving as the ostler and holding the horses while they step out of the carriage.  He is even more surprised when that same woman knocks on his room door a bit later.  He had not realized he had dropped his signet ring in the entry of the inn.  Thankfully, she found it and returned it to him.  He was amazed by her integrity, but when she spoke, he was even more astonished by her refined manner of speech.  

The next day he observes that same maid being pulled to the market square.  Her cheek was cut, her hands were tied and a horse's halter was around her neck.  William was aghast!  When he asked a passing boy what was happening, he was informed that the men were selling her.  He simply could not stand by and let her be sold like livestock to the highest bidder in the crowd, but that was exactly what was going to happen.  Even though Edmund advised him against it, William determined to be the highest bidder.  He would buy her freedom.

Clara couldn't believe what was happening.  The embarrassment of being sold, plus having the Duke observe the auction, was shameful.  She had no idea how to respond when he actually bought her.  She was panic stricken when she realized he planned to simply leave her there and requested a job on his estate.  

Once again, against Edmund's advice, William decided to help her and hire her as a housemaid.

 

_____________

 

That is only the beginning of how William Yorke, the Duke of Rockwood, and a lowly housemaid became friends, confidants, and allies in working toward another loved ones freedom.

 

 

Review of Secrets of a Duke: A Chronicle of Misadventures by Martha Keyes by:

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Speedball Carver Review

I was becoming more and more intrigued to create prints from a carving. I had watched numerous videos on YouTube to learn about the techniques and methods that people used. I was hooked, and ordered my Speedball Linoleum Cutter.

I had some dense foam on hand that was used in some basic picture frames. It seemed that they were soon going to have a new purpose. My Speedball cutting tool arrived and I looked forward to cutting out my first print. Nope! Didn't work. The foam was a bit too dense. I had grown up with the adage of 'make do with what you got.' Well sometimes that works, and sometimes not. It was time to get something that I saw people have success with.

I placed another order for the Speedball print making blocks, called Speedy Carve. I figured since my first try didn't work, I wasn't going to go with a less expensive brand. I definitely wanted it to work. I ordered the Speedball Carving block.

The time came. I was going to make a real print. Something I actually dreamed about printing, and not just some little things to give it a try. I drew a picture of my cat, Tori, from a photo. She is gorgeous, no matter if I didn't draw every change in fur color!

The method I used was to first trace around my Speedy Carve block, so that I would have the appropriate dimension for my upcoming drawing.

With photo on my phone off to the side, I commenced to drawing, and shaded in the areas that I wanted to print, on my paper. The areas that you don't want to print, are the ones that get carved away.

I darkened my drawing with my pencil, and then laid it on the carving block, face side down. I used the smooth round side of a marker to rub over the back of my paper, to transfer the drawing to the block.

Cool, the image was easily transferred. As per tips from the videos that I watched, I went over my drawing on the block with a pen, as the pencil marks can easily get smeared away.

Then the carving began. I started with the smaller V shaped carving tool to carve right around the edges that I wanted to make my prints from. I used a larger V shape carving tool to carve out the larger areas. I even laid the large V carving tool on its side to cover more area. That worked pretty good.

Overall, the Speedball carving tool works really well, and glides smoothly along the surface of the Speedy Carve block. Per instructions from videos that I watched, I held the carving tool at an angle and with light pressure, pushed the tool along, away from my body, and my other hand.

I found that it helps to have good eyesight, good lighting, steady hands, and being able to see all the lines and areas that you want left intact. With a bit of a slip, part of what you want to print can easily go away. The black in one of the cat's eyes, was mistakenly made smaller, more like a slit when a cat is looking at a light. So guess what, the cat now has black slits instead of the wider eyed look. Oh well. She's still gorgeous!

I have since cut away the areas around the cat, and glued the carved block to a piece of wood. It gives me a solid piece to hold, and isn't wobbly or flexible.

I also found that I get a cleaner print when I press the carved block down into brayered paint that is smoothed out, rather than using the brayer to apply the paint directly to the carved block.

Hope you found some helpful tips here. If you want to try making prints yourself, I do recommend the Speedball Carving Took, along with the Speedball Speedy Carve.

Speedball Carving Tool Set Check for price.

Speedball Speedy Carve Check for price.

Thank you for visiting and for your comments. My plan now is to fine tune my print making of this cute cat, and then design some products with the prints in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle. Let me know if you have a cat color request and or product type that is available on Zazzle. I will be glad to oblige.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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De Facto Pathfinder ~ A Book Review

 Retired Army Veteran Cesare Giannetti has written an interesting book dealing with all kinds of reactions to military personnel who find themselves in difficult physical, emotional and mental places after serving for their country. De Facto Pathfinder is a book I know you will enjoy!

Chris Longo (our de facto Pathfinder) is himself a veteran of five years of service in the military.  Now a couple of decades later he finds himself in a dead-end dull state run agency that serves the veteran community.  He feels that he is not making any kind of difference in the lives of the veterans he is serving. Disillusioned,  he decides that he needs a new job and a new start!   He's really not sure of what or where this might lead, but, he has enough saved up to just coast for a little while.

Chris is still struggling after a couple of months when he gets a call from his previous employer with a job offer!  He's not interested in going back to doing what he was doing before as he never had a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction, so what could this new "job" be?

Well let's just say that the Department of Defense has a new program to help veterans that are in dire need of help.  He is offered the lead on a national pilot program that would have him travelling across the country to counsel these lost veterans and hopefully help them find their way back to a fulfilling life.

Each Veteran he meets has a great need for some intervention.  All of them are unique and yet all of them are in trouble making their lives make sense to themselves and their loved ones.

Chris is not a "doctor", "mental heath practitioner" or in any way a qualified psychologist, yet as he starts out on his new mission he finds that it's better for himself and those he's trying to help that he isn't a professional.  

I don't want to give to much of the book away, but must tell you that I found this book to be very interesting for both the people we meet and how Chris manages to find the "sweet spot" in each of them.  All together the stories of each life will keep you turning the pages and in the end I'm sure that you will come to some very interesting conclusions!  

This book is a real eye opener for everyone to read whether you are military or not!  There are life lessons be be learned that can help you too.

Put De Facto Pathfinder on your radar of books to read, I'm sure you won't regret it!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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