HonourablyMum

HM Book Review: The Spire by Richard North Patterson

2015-05-27T13:12:00.000+08:00

A 'who dun it?' by Richard North Patterson. A story about love, loyalty and deception. A fairly good read.

HM Book Review: Relentless by Dean Koontz

2015-05-15T13:02:00.000+08:00

I can't say enough about this book. Dean Koontz has been and will always be one of my favourite authors. Relentless is a story about a family I fell in love with as soon as I 'met' them. The story unfolds terrifyingly fast, shifting your emotions at every turn as you join this quirky and loving family headlong into deathly danger. I am definitely rereading this book again.

HM Book Review: Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs

2015-04-26T12:47:00.000+08:00

A very detailed, descriptive book. I am sure I have retained some knowledge in forensic science after this. I sure hope I will never need it though. The storyline was captivating well.

HM Book Review: Gravity by Tess Gerritsen

2015-04-05T08:16:00.000+08:00

This has to be the best one yet by Tess Gerritsen. Gravity is an amazing book. The storyline, the plot, the characters, the whole nine yards was simply captivating. I know it deserves a second read down the line.

HM Book Review: Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts

2015-03-16T12:17:00.001+08:00

I was excited when I started reading this book as it had a little bit of everything: romance, mystery, magic and vampires. It was interesting enough to capture my attention until just about half way through the book. Then it dragged on with too many flashbacks without really moving forward with the story. Then, the big shocker...there was no ending. I guess being the first of a trilogy, I've got to read the other two books to get to the big finish. But I'd expected some sort of ending for this after it dragged on for so many chapters. A bit of a let down for me.

HM Book Review: The Midnight Club by James Patterson

2015-03-01T12:39:00.000+08:00

It's my second James Patterson book within this last week and what a fantastic read The Midnight Club was. A fast paced, intriguing race to catch the elusive Grave Dancer who manages to be ten steps ahead of everyone. The budding romance between the lead characters adds an endearing twist.

HM Book Review: Cradle And All by James Patterson

2015-02-19T09:22:00.000+08:00

I don't know if it's a new record, but it only took me a couple of days to complete this book. That's because James Patterson is a masterful writer and has written Cradle And All as simply as possible, without sacrificing the elements of love, suspence and an apocalyptic nightmare.

HM Book Review: The Thing On The Shore by Tom Fletcher

2015-02-15T17:28:00.000+08:00

I guess my lucky reading streak had to end at some point. It is not that the storyline was uninteresting. It just took its time getting to the point. I prefer a fast paced book with twists and turns that keep coming at rapid succession, which this book lacked. I guess with a title like that, I expected more.

HM Book Review: The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly

2015-02-02T18:17:00.000+08:00

I can't seem to lose. Another good book. Following the hunt for The Scarecrow with journalist Jack McEvoy and FBI Agent Rachel Walling was exciting. Even more interesting for me, personally, was realising how exposed we truly are in this age of the internet, where predators like The Scarecrow like to hunt.

HM Book Review: Bloodprint by Kitty Sewell

2015-01-23T16:50:00.002+08:00

The third book I have read for the year and again, a winner. In the beginning I was doubtful that I would really get into the book, but after the first few chapters, I was hooked. The bond between mother and child across generations, not withstanding the trials of time, distance and seperation. The family traditions you try to run from, but to which you inevitably turn to in times of need. I too could use a charm or two...

HM Book Review: Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

2015-01-13T17:01:00.000+08:00

I quiet enjoyed this book after the previous one as it was a rather light read for me. The story was interesting enough and well written. The fact that someone could sense the dead kept you turning the page to see what's next. I have a couple more books from this author and I look forward to those too.

HM Book Review: The Expats by Chris Pavone

2015-01-08T21:00:00.000+08:00

This is the first book I read in 2015, and boy, was it good. The Expats by Chris Pavone was a delight to read at so many levels. The story line was fantastic. I loved the mystery, the double life, the juggle between the female characters' various roles as wife, mother, friend and career woman. I especially could relate when she questioned the domesticity of her role as homemaker. Last but not least, the description of the characters travels around Europe as a family was simply amazing, that I was left with a great desire to want to visit these places someday. I must reread this book someday.

HM Book Review: The Witness by Sandra Brown

2014-12-09T19:55:00.000+08:00

Sandra Brown does not disappoint with this book. The Witness is a suspense novel on the extent a mother will go to protect her child. A definite page turner.

HM Book Review: Chasing The Dime by Michael Connelly

2014-12-09T19:53:00.000+08:00

Chasing The Dime by Michael Connelly will make you think twice about interfering with someone else's life. Once you've read this book, you may think twice about extending a kind gesture or satisfying your mobid couriosity. A great read.

HM Book Review: The Watchman by Robert Crais

2014-12-09T19:51:00.000+08:00

If you have ever wondered what it takes to be a bodyguard to someone, especially when they don't want your protection, The Watchman by Robert Crais will give you an interesting insight while spinning a terrific story.

HM Book Review: The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen

2014-12-09T19:45:00.000+08:00

The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen was indeed one of her better books. A gripping storyline and plot that will have you wondering what happens next. An enjoyable read indeed.

Tons Of Books Read, Need To Update ASAP

2014-12-09T19:41:00.000+08:00

As usual, life took over, time was scarce, fatigue was aplenty, but I managed to use any reserved energy for my beloved hobby. I have read a ton of books and will be updating my blog very soon.

HM Book Review: Rock Star by Jackie Collins

2014-03-20T12:50:00.001+08:00

Jackie Collins, what can I say. Her books are always yummy. You get to live vicariously through her fictional characters and experience the ups and downs of their world. As always, a thoroughly enjoyable read.

HM Book Review: The Cradle Will Fall by Mary Higgins Clark

2014-03-19T12:04:00.000+08:00

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Mary Higgins Clark. It was a pleasant read, straight forward yet interesting plot and well written. I look forward to reading another book by this author.

HM Book Review: Dark Of The Moon by John Sandford

2014-03-10T11:56:00.000+08:00

The first time I read the title of this book, I thought of the movie Transformers. If I am not mistaken, one of the Transformer movies had the same title. However, unlike the movie, this book by John Sandford had a slow and steady pace throughout the story. Towards the end, the last couple of chapters held all the action. It was an okey read for me though I enjoyed Virgil Flowers' sense of humour.

HM Book Review: Savage Nature by Christine Feehan

2014-02-23T12:50:00.000+08:00

I just completed reading Savage Nature by Christine Feehan. I truly indulged myself in this romantic paranormal novel, because, it had two of my favourite things, intense romance and the paranormal.

HM Review: Honeymoon by James Patterson

2014-02-16T13:06:00.000+08:00

James Patterson is one of my favourite authors. His books have always been page turners. I took less than three days to complete Honeymoon. However, I cannot say I loved this book. He has written better.

Quick Meals: Chick Peas And Tofu Curry

2014-02-15T18:31:00.002+08:00

This is one of our favourite vegetarian meals during the week. It is simple, tasty and nutritious. I usually serve it with multi grain chapatis as it goes really well with it. Here is the recipe:

2 cans chick peas - drained

2 tofu squares - cut into small cubes

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 medium red shallots - finely diced

3 cloves garlic - finely sliced

3 medium dried chillies - soaked in warm water and roughly sliced (optional)

2 tbs curry powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tbs chilli powder (optional)

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup low fat milk

1 tsp chicken seasoning powder

salt to taste

2 - 3 tbs extra virgin olive oil

Fry the cubed tofu pieces in oil until golden brown and set aside. Then add the rest of the oil and fry the shallots until tender. Then add the garlic, mustard seeds and dried chillies and fry until fragrant. Stir in the drained chick peas until evenly mixed and add the water. Add in the curry powder, chilli powder and turmeric powder and mix well. Bring to boil and cook until chick peas are tender. Add milk and cook further for 5 minutes. Stir in the fried tofu and add the chicken seasoning powder and salt. Remove from heat at desired consistency.

Note: The fried tofu is added towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from getting

smashed during cooking.

Instead of water and chicken seasoning powder, chicken stock can be used instead.

HM Book Review: The Scarlatti Inheritance by Robert Ludlum

2014-02-13T17:02:00.000+08:00

Just completed reading this fascinating book by Robert Ludlum, the first in his Standalone Novel series. The only thing I am asking myself now is why I took so long to get started on this book. My favourite character was the fiercely strong and courageous matriarch of the Scarlatti clan, Madame Elizabeth Scarlatti.

HM Book Review: Dry Ice by Stephen White

2014-01-29T16:57:00.001+08:00

Just completed reading Dry Ice by Stephen White.