War of the Wolf (The Saxon Stories, #11)

War of the Wolf by Bernard Cornwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would have probably given it 5 stars but I am annoyed that he killed off Stiorra and that her death didn't get more attention. She deserved a more dramatic death then the few paragraphs he gave it.

Uhtred was summoned to AEthelstan's aid under false pretenses. AEthelstan didn't send for him and didn't need aid. To late he discovers it was a plot by Skoll to ensure he wasn't at Jorvik (aka Eoferwic) when Skoll attacked. Uhtred learns that his daughter (Stiorra) lead the defenders of Eoferwic (as Sigtryggr was away at King Edward's behest) and that she was killed by Skoll and his son.

King Edward summoned King Sigtryggr to a Witan and AEthelstan suggested that Uhtred be there. Uhtred assumes that AEthelstan is going to ask him to swear allegiance to him again, but instead he proposes a different bargain. AEthelstan ask that Uhtred kill AEthelhelm (AElfweard's Uncle) upon King Edward's death in exchange he promises not to attack Northumbria as long as Uhtred lives. Uhtred agrees to this bargain, which gives AEthelstan a better shot at becoming King upon his Father's death. King Edward marries Sigtryggr off to Eadgyth (King Edward's daughter and AEthelstan's twin sister).

Sigtryggr and Uhtred discover where Skoll lives and take their armies to avenge Stiorra. To late they realize that attacking Skoll's fortress was a mistake. Badly injured Sigtryggr and Uhtred try to find a way for some of their men to escape when Skoll's wolf warriors attack, Sigtryggr and Uhtred's disciplined armies are able to defeat the undisciplined wolf warriors and thanks to a stroke of luck Uhtred is able to snatch victory from certain defeat.

Uhtred's man Berg had taken his family's flag into battle as his family was known for their fierce warriors, it was his hope the flag would frighten the wolf warriors who knew his family's reputation. When he was separated from Uhtred during the first attack Uhtred feared he was dead or taken prisoner, but the truth was even stranger. Berg's elder brothers found him and he convinced them to switch sides. So after Uhtred and Sigtryggr defeated the wolf warriors the Snaelanders kept the North gate closed so Uhtred and Sigtryggr were able to finish off the wolf warriors and then opened the gate for Uhtred, Sigtryggr and their men and turned on Skoll. Uhtred fought Skoll in single combat and defeated him, he took Skoll's sword from him and allowed Sigtryggr to kill him.

Now Uhtred waits at Bebbanburg for King Edward to die...

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The Backsplash Finished & K-Cups

 I love the backsplash it accents the granite counter top nicely. And I am very pleased with the metal border it ties in with the stainless steel appliance nicely.

 I love the rugs I found they complement the colors in the Kitchen and Laundry Room wonderfully.

And I love this drawer for my K cups.

Vendetta (Catherine Ling, #5)

Vendetta by Iris Johansen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Questions for Book Club

1.) Were you surprised at the lengths Rachel was willing to go to, in order to stop Max Huber?
2) Who was your favorite character in the book and why?
3.) Did the identity of Nemesis surprise you? Do you think they can be trusted?
4.) Is Cameron's "gift" believable? Did it add to your enjoyment of the book or detract from it?
5.) Rachel's relationship with her Father is complicated, by the end of the book do you think she understood the choices he made better?
6.) Why do you think Hu Chang is so important to Catherine and Rachel?
7.) Do you think Claire was telling the truth about Venable being alive?
8.) Did you enjoy the book? Do you feel like you were able to read it and enjoy it without having read the other 4 books in the series?
9.)Who was your favorite couple in the book Brandon and Rachel or Catherine and Cameron? Why?

When Venable is killed his daughter, Rachel becomes the target of Max Huber. Thankfully Venable sent Brandon to save Rachel with his dying breath. Unfortunately Brandon arrived to late to save most of the members of the medical team but he did manage to save Rachel.

An alliance is formed to bring Max Huber and Red Star down once and for all. Rachel will go to extreme lengths to rescue Maria and make sure Max and his plans are finished.

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A Painted House

A Painted House by John Grisham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Grisham paints a picture of life in Arkansas in the 1950s as viewed through the eyes of 7 year old Luke. The book revolves around his family (the Chandlers) and the migrant workers that come to pick the cotton. Conflict soon arises between the Mexicans (especially Cowboy) and the Spruills (mainly due to Hank).

While Luke's life is mainly a monotonous one of picking cotton he dreams of playing baseball for the Cardinals and of his Uncle Ricky's return from Korea.

But the life of a cotton farmer isn't easy and when the rains come in the fall the cotton crop is destroyed by flooding. Luke and his parents flee North for the security of a factory job, while his Grandparents stay on the family farm.

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Kitchen Backsplash Continued

 This is the view from the Family Room, it;s going to look amazing when Bo is finished.

It really brings out the different colors in the granite. ~Alasandra

Kitchen Backsplash - June 3, 2018

On June 3rd they started on my backsplash, it was worth the wait. and I love my plug ins on the backsplash so glad Kevin at Wade Tile suggested them. Wade Tile dd my lovely granite counter top and trim.

The Tile was laid by Billy of Moore's Floors. He used the tile leftover from the kitchen floor and Master Bathroom and cut it to the size he wanted.

I love my cutout over the stove. ~Alasandra

Brief Cases (The Dresden Files, #15.1)

Brief Cases by Jim Butcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I prefer real books do I didn't read the ebook (I detest ebooks)

Love these short stories two of my favorites were Bigfoot On Campus and Zoo Day.

Bigfoot on Campus has Harry once again visiting Irwin at his Father's request (his Father is Bigfoot). It was neat getting to see Irwin grow up in the 3 short stories included in the book, this time the Son of Bigfoot has gotten himself into a real pickle he is in love with a White Court Vampire, and her Father is furious that she didn't kill him when she feed for the first time. This time Harry may not be able to save him on his own.

Zoo Day was possibly my favorite as we get Mouse's POV as well as Maggie and Harry's each of the three had their own "monster" to deal with. Mouse's POV also hints that something sinister is after Harry and Maggie. I can't help but wonder if Mouse's brother will be foolish enough to come back.

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