Peasreads: Whale Fall by Elysia Rourke

I couldn't put this book down once I started it. It is a middle grade book, but like Black Beauty not just for middle grade. I often thought "What age is this? How is this a children's book?" It is heartbreaking. It is real. It is raw. There is hope, heartbreak, heartache, longing. It is so well written. The pacing was really good. The story telling just drew me in. Are some parts predictable? Yes. Of course Whale gets captured, but her story is captivating, her journey is one that grips you. There is strength in how she loves and lives. 

I refuse to go to shows with animals like this anymore and have for years. This gut wrenching story will help readers of all ages see through a lens of empathy and compassion. Especially with World Animal Day on October 4th.

Grab some tissues.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

 A debut novel in the tradition of Black Beauty and The One and Only Ivan, in which a young orca who dreams of becoming the matriarch of her pod instead finds herself living a life in captivity.

“Heartbreaking, but unputdownable. Read with a box of tissues. Whale’s story doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of animals in captivity, but it is a testament to the power of faith, storytelling, and hope.”—Shakirah Bourne, author of Josephine Against the Sea and Here Lies A Ghost“

Whale, a young orca, dreams of becoming the matriarch and storyteller of her own pod one day, just like her grandmother. But her dream becomes a nightmare when she is captured by the Two-Legs and taken to a sea pen far from her ocean home. At first, angry and scared, Whale can only think of escape and finding her way back to her family. But as the months wear on, and Whale becomes restless and lonely, she finds herself befriending her keeper, Red, named for his bright red fur. Whale starts to look forward to their daily feeding rituals and playtime as they learn to communicate. As time goes on, she even counts on Red’s singsong laughter to fill her day.

But just as Whale gets used to life with Red, she is ripped away from the sea pen she’s lived in for more than a year. She’s taken on a long, painful journey in a container to somewhere new—the suffocating waters of an aquarium. Whale is given a name—Ingrid—and along with whales who don’t speak her language, she is made to perform. The grueling work is hard on Whale’s body, but if she doesn’t perform, she doesn’t eat.

Whale’s only solace is the memories of her pod and her grandmother’s stories of Great Mother and how whales came to be. Whale longs for the promise of Whale Fall, where the Great Mother will at last reunite her with her family—her body becoming one with the ocean. But also she tries to find joy in the here and now and in the comfort of her adopted pod. And, before rest, there is still one unexpected dream that will come true for Whale.

A deeply moving story of family, determination, and hope as a majestic creature weathers the storms of a life in captivity.

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I received this egalley from Penguin Young Readers was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are  my own. 

Peasreads: Birth of the Witch A Coven of Three Trilogy Book 1 by Nora Roberts

 

Birth of the Witch

A Coven of Three Trilogy Book 1 by Nora Roberts

If you've read Nora Roberts and you enjoy her writing style. Especially for her Magical Reaslim trilogies, you'll enjoy this one.  I loved it. The characters have depth and history. They grow throughout the story. It's age-appropriate as we start off with a thirteen-year-old. Each setting that they travel to or live in is described so well. The scenery and the locals. It brings a great picture to the mind's eye. I always want to visit Ireland after reading her books. The story itself and how things unfold are done well; I kept thinking, NOW the two main characters are finally going to meet up or find the items they were tasked with collecting. Each chapter built up well, with all the characters still living their lives. 
At 432 pages, this took me one day to read. I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy because what a cliffhanger. 

Description

The first novel in the enchanting new epic by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Bride Trilogy, Nora Roberts

Niamh McShane was born a witch and died a witch in the same moment, at the tender age of thirteen. A victim of the madness that spread from Salem Town to her home on Piety Island, in her last hours she found comfort from the weavers imprisoned alongside her, who saw within her light and power and gave her some of their own.

More than three hundred years later, on the same island, Neve McShane wakes with excitement on her thirteenth birthday and unwraps gifts from her aunts: sneakers, an iPhone, and a stunning antique pendant. Then she receives something else: a revelation that will change her life.

Astonished, Neve learns that her aunts’ abilities go beyond simple kitchen magic and the potions they sell in their shop. Their tales of past lives aren’t just whimsical fantasies. They are witches, and so is she. Their lives–past and present–are bound together by that pivotal day centuries ago. Now Neve has been tasked with stopping a growing darkness. To prepare for the dangerous enemy that awaits, Neve hones her skills and searches for clues to aid her in her quest. And at night, she dreams of a young man from Ireland whose eyes met with hers for a fateful moment, centuries ago.

Find more book reviews here under Peasreads.

Amazon reviews Katereviews.

Goodreads reviews.

I received this egalley from NetGalley and Penguin Random House I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are my own.

Peasreads: The Irish Secret by the Shore by Clodagh Murphy

 

Classic friends-to-lovers, closed-door romance. Set in Ireland in a small town where everybody knows everyone and their business. Abbie knows what she wants in life, and she has built that life. She is surrounded by the people she loves. Her childhood sweetheart wants a different life and has left to pursue it. This is a story of learning to let go and allowing life to happen, letting go of the familiar and comfortable when it isn't healthy. It flowed well and was interesting. Some of the things that happened at the end had me questioning the characters (side characters), but it was part of the story and their characteristics. This was entertaining. Low-spoon reading. What does that mean? It means that it wasn't stressful and heart-heavy, and sometimes I really need reads like this.  There was conflict, and it was painful for the characters, of course, but it was almost cozy.  Side note, I loved reading about the Irish coast. 

Manic Monday: Jiffy Cornbread

Quick Jiffy Cornbread- so easy, and it's nice when you have leftover corn on the cob. It turns out best when cooked in a cast iron skillet. I also poke holes on top and pour melted butter and honey on top once it's out of the oven 

Serve with Sorta Senate Bean soup.

These photo are a double batch, and updated. I deleted the older photos. This was originally posted in 2008. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies (Crispy edges, chewy centers)

Another Chocolate Chip Cookie. This one is crisp on the edges and chewy on the inside. This is a recipe I would make again. I really like the texture. I might use a few tablespoons less sugar next time. 

Peasreads: Six Crimson Cranes and A Dragons Promise by Elizabeth Lim

Six Crimson Cranes: East Asian folklore, fairy tale elements. Exciting fantasy. Shiori is a strong lead character is brave, smart, strong. She has depth. A shape-shifting dragon, way cool. A curse that must be broken. A love story. A story about family bonds. So epic. A surprise ending. Perfectly woven together by Elizabeth Lim. I highly recommend this book to teens, young adults, and adults alike. This book is going down as one of my favorites. It is up there with Daughter of the Forest by Juliette Mariller. 

Quick Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta

Just a quick meal I threw together after work. I would have been much faster if I didn't have to peel and devein the shrimp. It was one serving with cooked pasta I had on hand, so use the ratios that make sense for how much shrimp and pasta you have.

Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta

Olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

Red pepper flakes

Shrimp

Garlic powder

Black pepper 

Lemon Pepper

Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon butter

Cooked pasta of choice

Baby Kale

Baby spinach

1/2 lemon, zested and juiced

1. Heat in a pan: Olive oil, butter, garlic cloves, red pepper flakes.

2. Sear shrimp that's been seasoned with: garlic powder, black pepper, lemon pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Remove from pan.

2. Add butter, cooked pasta, baby kale, and spinach to the pan. Cook until veggies are wilted. Return shrimp to the pan along with any juices accumulated.

3. Finish with lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley 

* Parmesan and Reggiano would be a good addition if you're not in a hurry and want to grate them.

Mee Korb

This popped up on my memories so I'm sharing it here.  Hashtags and all.

Used my Philips to make some egg noodles.

For some mee korb. With simple ingredients, no shrimp or Asian veggies; didn't want to go to the store.

Noodle recipe: HERE.

Nest method: HERE. 

#peasblog #eggnoodles #philipspastamaker #laofood #laofoodmovement #noodles #shesgot99problemabuthungryaintone