Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Books I Am Reading, Sunday Storm.

I've been doing a lot of reading lately, well I read a lot all the time I suppose.  I found two series I absolutely love and having got the first book of each free, got sucked in to buying the rest of the series.

The first one is the Belial Series by R. D. Brady. It starts with The Belial Stone where a woman, Dr. Delaney McPherson, who has a PhD in criminology is very upset to hear her very close friend has committed suicide. Basically she doesn't believe it. She had spoken to him the night before about an archeological paper he had written and which he wanted her to review before he submitted it to his professor. Luckily he sent it to her email and she printed it to read. Shortly after, someone tries to kill her and wipes her computer at the same time. She is an expert martial artist and this saves her, but she is stunned by the fact that her opponent moves so quickly and even when hurt bounces back instantly as well as healing on the spot. This is the beginning of an incredible series of events which have taken place over several books - I am currently on the 5th.  Delaney finds there are many people out there who move and heal just like her opponent. Who they are she finds totally unbelievable at first. There is a fascinating connection to archeological finds and the Atlantis story too. I love these books and have found them very exciting.

The second is the Mark Taylor books by M.P. McDonald. The first one being called No Good
Deed.These stories are about a young man who when visiting  Afghanistan found an old camera in a bazaar. He is already a photographer and feels a connection to this camera. Only trouble is, when he comes home and takes pictures he frequently finds the camera has given him pictures of a crisis in the future and he then dreams these events and is compelled to rush to the rescue. One of the events was the 9/11 bombing and nobody would believe him. Later, he is accused as an accomplice and arrested and treated as an enemy combatant which means they can do anything they want to him, anything. The story then becomes even more exciting so much so that I have trouble putting it down to do what I have to or even to go to bed. So far I have only read two of these stories but the pace has been excellent in both of them.

So, if you want something good and exciting to read, I can recommend both of  these series.

I just learned that the storm I posted about yesterday, did, in fact, spawn a tornado. Luckily not close to us, but in the Southern Ontario area, at a place called Teviotdale. There are pictures on the local news of a house which lost it's roof. The storm did cause a lot of damage over a wide area. A friend posted pictures on Facebook including a shot of a lot of hail on their deck. I thought I saw hail but wasn't sure. I have heard from bloggers in the Niagara region, friends in the Hamilton area and now reports from the news. Not forgetting a friend in the Detroit area who saw it heading our way. One heck of a storm system.

Came across this recipe today and found it very unusual. I suspect Matt would throw up his arms in horror if I made it - maybe not. I think I might do it anyway. Balsamic, when reduced like this, is incredibly sweet and makes a wonderful topping for ice cream

Strawberry Bruschettas

1/2 cup (125 ml) balsamic vinegar
8-12 slices Italian bread
1 lb (450 g) strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
8 oz (225 g) goat cheese

Simmer the balsamic vinegar in a small skillet over moderate heat until reduced in volume by about half. Cool to room temperature. Combine the reduced vinegar with the strawberries, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Grill the bread over hot coals or under a preheated broiler until lightly toasted on both sides. Spread the goat cheese on the toasted bread and top with the strawberry mixture.

Servings: 4


Have a great day
 

26 comments:

  1. Those do sounds like exciting series. Especially the first one. :-)

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    1. I am loving them Misha. Both are equally good although the Mark Taylor series is probably faster paced.

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  2. Those books sound great! Esp No Good Deed. These summer thunderstorms are getting more severe and spawning tornadoes in places that don't normally have them. Meanwhile the west coast is so parched that they are on fire.

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    1. They are really good books JoJo. I think you are right about the storms. We do get the occasional tornado in Ontario, but it is rare and, as you say, the west coast is suffering from drought.

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  3. That recipe may just be what I need to use up my leftover French bread.

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  4. Never knew so many things could be put on bruschetta.
    I used to follow MP's blog.

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    1. Looks good though doesn't it Alex?

      Didn't know MP had a blog, certainly writes excellent stories. This is one of the best series I have read in a while, along with the Belial stories.

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  5. Both books seem interesting :) I found myself reading a lot more these days because of the warm weather, a great past time though :) Love the strawberries with the bruschetta!

    betty

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    1. I have been devouring these two series Betty. I switch from reading one book to the next book in the other series and back again.

      Yup, gotta try them.

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  6. I've got such a list of books to read now, but these two do sound exciting. I just finished A Women Lost, and A Woman Ignored, by T. B. Markinson, amazing books. I really need to read more, and oh my, the reviews I owe. Damn, just not enough time! :)

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    1. That's the trouble isn't it Yolanda, so many books, so little time. I should check those books out too.

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  7. Those books sound interesting and I'm trying to find some new authors to read so I'll see if I can get hold of them.

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    1. I bought them on Kindle Helen. If you don't have a Kindle, you can get the app for free on you computer.

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    2. I do have a Kindle so I have no excuses not to get them.

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    3. I think the first book of each series is free Helen. They were for me anyway.

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  8. Those books sound interesting, especially the first one.

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    1. They are both equally good Melissa. I think the second book is faster paced.

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  9. I'd say theres a good energy buzz from that mix of strawberry bruschetta ingredients. I've never had strawberry and cheese before but I'm game.

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    1. Well goat cheese is pretty mild Spacerguy then with the sweetness from the reduce balsamic, it would think it's delicious.

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  10. Can't stop looking at those Strawberry Bruschettas. Don't they look amazing. What did Matt think? I like the sound of the two books too, Jo. You did good reviews! Thanks.

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    1. I haven't even shown the recipe to him Denise. I have a luncheon coming up and was contemplating serving them. Don't know whether to or not.

      I wasn't sure if I had made the books sound as good as I think they are. So Thanks.

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  11. You've sold me on those books Jo. They sound great. I have two books waiting for me now so maybe after that :)

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    1. I am really enjoying the stories Pinky. Hope you do too.

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    1. Not much use to you though Ivy with the cheese.

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