Tuesday, February 28, 2017

The Pharaoh's Cat



Publisher: 2015 by Maria Luisa Lang (self-published)

Pages: 180

Genre: fantasy

Obtained: from author in exchange for an honest review








Summary: Wrappa-Hamen, a stray cat in ancient Egypt, acquires the abilities of talking and walking upright like humans.  He knows there is a purpose for these gifts, but what is the purpose and how did he get these abilities?

Thoughts: This was a fun, unique book written in a simple, straight forward style that was easy to follow and well organized.  The author weaves in ancient Egyptian culture and customs throughout the story.  There are also wonderful descriptions of the landscapes and different settings. It is clear that the author did her research on ancient Egypt. The story moves from ancient Egypt to present day New York City and then back to ancient Egypt.  Again, the author does a great job with the transitions in settings so it is clear to the reader where the story is taking place at all times.
     The charming main character, Wrappa-Hamen, a cat with human characteristics, narrates his adventures.  The author does an amazing job with this character.  As I was reading, I never forgot he was a cat even though he sometimes acted like a human.  His adventures and reactions to situations are light and humorous.  Although the other characters in the story are interesting, I felt there could have been more to them.  Wrappa-Hamen was so well developed and such a wonderful character, the others seemed to lack something.
     This was an entertaining, short, light read that had a great pace.  Although it wasn't a very deep book, the theme of friendship was woven throughout.  This book would make a great gift to cheer up a friend, especially if that friend is a cat lover.
     The author has provided me with a copy of her second book, The Eye of Nefertiti, which I am looking forward to reading and reviewing soon.  Wrappa-Hamen's adventures continue in this book.


                                                                       




Company: French Creek Tea Company
325 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730
Phone: 605-673-5383, Anniesemp@gmail.com

Tea: HintaMint

Obtained: sample provided by French Creek Tea Company





     My mother and father-in-law took a cross country trip and brought back some tea for me from the French Creek Tea Company.  After doing a review on Annie's Blend, the owners, Royia and Duane Hrncir, sent me many more samples.
     HintaMint is a blend of black tea and peppermint.  The leaves are an assortment of sizes and colors- blacks, browns, greens, and white.  The scent of the leaves is delightful, strong peppermint.  I poured 12 ounces of water that had been boiled over 2 teaspoons of leaves and let this brew for 4 minutes.  The liquid was an orange brown and had a slight peppermint scent.   Even though I used a fine sieve, some of the leaves got through, but quickly sank to the bottom.  The taste was a light, delicious blend of peppermint and black tea.  The peppermint flavor lingered.
      This is one of the best mint blends I've ever had.  I loved that the peppermint flavor was just right- not too strong, as in some blends.
     I also like the packaging this company uses.  It is a lined, resealable bag.  They simply put sticker labels on the bag, but it has a sophisticated look.
     I have put the contact information for the French Creek Tea Company above since they do not have a site for online ordering.
                     

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