BluJeansBooks

About BluJeansBooks

https://blujeansbooks.co.za

I could read at age two. Not very well. But I could. Still reading. Was lucky to find a soulmate that loves books and reading as much as I do!

Posts by Hantie Hartzenberg:

liefdesparadys
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Liefdesparadys deur Madeleine Malherbe

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‘n Lesersindruk deur Karen Brits gelees en geskryf vir BluJeans Books.

Lesersindruk van Liefdesparadys deur Madeleine Malherbe

Liefdesparadys deur Madeleine Malherbe

Amelia is nie ‘n vloskoppie wat hartgebroke sit en wag vir haar ridder nie, maar ‘n jong
prokureur wat ryk geërf het, toevlug vir ‘n ou universiteitsvriendin bied én omgewingsbewus is.
Sy weet wat sy wil hê: ‘n manlike stapmaat sodat sy veilig in die natuurreservaat kan gaan stap.
Sy skryf daarom ‘n briefie wat sy onder die ruitveër van ‘n mede-natuurliefhebber se motor
indruk. ‘n Interessante ontmoeting volg tussen Amelia en Tino Pantani, ‘n Afrikaanse Italianer.
‘n Paar misverstande volg en selfs ‘n bietjie drama toe Amelia ‘n kliënt van vandalisasie
beskuldig en daadwerklik die natuurreservaat moet red. Gelukkig weerhou die skryfster haar
van die eindelose gekyf tussen die manlike en vroulike protagoniste. Selfs die goue Labrador,
De Leeuw, speel ‘n rol. Die storie vloei maklik en geloofwaardig, omdat mens die karakters leer
ken.

Soos altyd in Madeleine Malherbe se romansas is die milieu ‘n karakter in die verhaal:
verfrissend om van ander plekke te lees. Voorwaar ‘n ondergewaardeerde skryfster!

Nartjie

When the going gets tough…

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Written by ChatGTP and Wanda Hartzenberg

Money troubles is often the start of… depression. Do not fall for that trick. Read here.

Keep the Faith in Yourself

Finding Hope in Hard Times: Lifting Your Mood Through Financial Struggles

Let’s face it—financial difficulty can weigh heavily on us. It can feel like a cloud hanging over every aspect of life, making even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming. But even when our wallets are thin, it’s possible to find moments of peace, hope, and a sense of control. It’s not about quick fixes but about making small, meaningful changes that can shift your mindset and gradually improve your circumstances. Let’s explore how to overcome the gloom and bring a little light into your life.

1. Acknowledge Where You Are—Without Judgment

Before we can move forward, we need to pause. Take a breath and acknowledge the reality of your situation without blaming yourself. Everyone experiences rough patches. What matters most is how you handle them. Journaling can help with this—write down your thoughts, feelings, and fears, but also include what you’re grateful for, no matter how small. Focusing on gratitude can shift your perspective and reduce stress.

2. Start with Small Wins

It’s easy to feel stuck when money is tight, but remember that small actions can make a big difference. Set achievable financial goals. It could be as simple as putting aside a little each week or finding ways to reduce unnecessary expenses. Every time you take a step towards financial stability, however small, you’ll feel more empowered. Celebrate each little victory.

3. Embrace Free Joy

You don’t need money to lift your mood or create positive energy. Take advantage of the little things that are free: walking in nature, spending time with loved ones, or rediscovering hobbies that don’t cost a cent. Even activities like decluttering your home can create a sense of accomplishment and give you a mental boost.

4. Connect with Others

Isolation can amplify feelings of depression, especially when facing financial stress. Reaching out to family, friends, or support groups can help you feel less alone. Share your concerns, but also share your wins, however small they seem. It’s important to stay connected, not just for emotional support but to remind yourself that you’re part of a community.

5. Focus on What You Can Control

While you can’t magically change your financial situation overnight, there are aspects of life that are in your control. Set up a budget, find ways to reduce spending, or explore side gigs that can bring in extra income. But also, control your self-care: make time to rest, exercise, and enjoy the little pleasures that brighten your day. Taking care of your mental and physical health will improve your outlook.

6. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Stress and anxiety often cloud our judgment, making it hard to think clearly. Meditation, even for just five minutes a day, can help you stay calm, focused, and present. Deep breathing exercises, yoga, or simply taking time to be still can help reduce anxiety, giving you the mental clarity to face financial challenges with more strength and positivity.

7. Visualize a Better Future

It might sound overly simple, but visualizing success—financial or otherwise—can shift your mindset. Picture the life you want, the steps you need to take to get there, and feel the emotions that come with achieving those goals. Keeping a positive outlook, even when times are tough, can motivate you to work towards a better tomorrow.

8. Seek Out Inspiration

Sometimes we all need a little reminder that we’re not alone in our struggles. Read stories or watch videos of people who’ve faced similar challenges and emerged stronger. It’s empowering to know that others have been where you are and have found ways to thrive.

9. Be Kind to Yourself

When money’s tight, we often get caught up in a cycle of self-blame or feeling inadequate. But financial difficulty doesn’t define your worth. Be kind to yourself, take breaks, and practice positive self-talk. Life has its ups and downs, and this difficult phase doesn’t determine your future success.

10. Remember: This Too Shall Pass

Everything in life is temporary—both the good times and the bad. Financial hardship may feel like it will last forever, but it won’t. Keep focusing on the small, actionable steps you can take today, and trust that things will get better with time.

Conclusion: Keep the Faith in Yourself

Financial struggles are tough, but they don’t have to define your outlook on life. By focusing on the small things within your control, embracing positivity, and taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally, you can find hope even in the darkest times. Remember, you are stronger than you think, and with the right mindset, better days are ahead.

Ben goes
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Ben Goes to School

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New, via Luca via Lapa

You can order your book from us or directly from Lapa here.

Jesus loves us and that makes us special.

Book Review: Ben Goes to School by Zuléka Smit, Illustrated by Johann Strauss

Are you ready for an adventure with Ben as he takes his first big step into the world of school? Ben Goes to School by Zuléka Smit is a heartwarming story perfect for young readers who might be feeling a bit nervous about their first day. With beautifully colorful illustrations by Johann Strauss, this book brings to life the challenges and joys of school life.

Meet Ben, Our Hero! Ben is like many kids who feel a little scared when they start school. The other kids aren’t always nice, and Ben feels all alone. But guess what? Ben has a superpower—something even cooler than flying or turning invisible! His mom reminds him that Jesus loves him, and that makes him very special. This message helps Ben feel brave and ready to face the day.

A Surprise at School Just when Ben thinks school might not be for him, something exciting happens! The teacher announces a school concert. Could this be Ben’s chance to shine and make new friends? You’ll have to read to find out!

Why We Love This Book Parents, this book is not just a story—it’s a gentle reminder of the importance of love, kindness, and faith. Zuléka Smit’s experience in education shines through in her writing, making it relatable for both kids and parents. The strong Christian message is woven into the story in a way that feels natural and not preachy, making it a great choice for families who appreciate stories with a moral foundation.

For Little Readers Kids, you’ll love the bright and colorful pictures! Johann Strauss has done an amazing job of making Ben’s world look exciting and fun. The story is easy to read and understand, with just the right amount of words on each page.

A Must-Have for Your Bookshelf Whether you’re just starting school or have been going for a while, Ben Goes to School is a book that belongs on your bookshelf. It’s a reminder that even when things seem tough, you are never alone—and that makes you super special!

So, why not add this charming story to your collection today? Ben’s adventure might just be the encouragement your child needs to face their own school challenges with a smile!

J.D. Robb
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Addicted to love- or the In Death series by J.D. Robb

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Listened to and review written by Wanda Hartzenberg and ChatGTP – English is not my first language.

Why Eve Dallas and Roarke Have Me Hooked—No Escape Needed!

Title: Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb: Smiles, Suicides, and a Whole Lot of Virtual Reality

Subtitle: Why Eve Dallas and Roarke Have Me Hooked—No Escape Needed!

Let me introduce you to my latest literary obsession, one that has me more addicted than chocolate during a midnight craving. The book? Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb. The fourth in the In Death series, and trust me, once you start, you won’t be able to stop. It’s that good.

Now, let’s get to the heart of this gripping story. Imagine this: three people—a brilliant engineer, an infamous lawyer, and a controversial politician—decide to check out of life early. They all go out with smiles on their faces, which, let’s be honest, is a bit creepy. It’s enough to make you rethink the whole “turn that frown upside down” mantra! But what could possibly connect these three strangers, who seemingly have nothing in common?

Enter Eve Dallas, our fearless police lieutenant with instincts sharper than my cravings for these books. While everyone else is ready to write these off as suicides, Eve’s not buying it. And good thing too, because the autopsies reveal something that makes my skin crawl—tiny burns on the brains of the victims. Yikes! Turns out, it’s not some weird genetic quirk but a high-tech method of murder. Yes, murder. And where does our investigation lead? Straight into the trippy world of virtual reality games. Who knew that the same tech that makes you smile and feel all warm inside could also turn your brain into its own worst enemy?

Now, let’s pause for a moment of honesty—I’m totally addicted to these books. Seriously, if I could live in Eve Dallas’s world, I would. Eve is the kind of character you can’t help but love—smart, tough, and with a heart buried beneath that badge. And then there’s Roarke. Oh, Roarke. Excuse me while I wipe away the drool. He’s the kind of guy who could sell me on just about anything, even if it’s just to hear his voice one more time (thank you, Susan Ericksen, for bringing him to life in the audiobook!). Whether I’m reading or listening, I can’t get enough of their dynamic, their banter, and the simmering tension between them that keeps me coming back for more.

What’s the best part, you ask? These books never get old. I can read and reread—or in this case, listen and re-listen—to them, and they’re just as captivating the fifth time around as they were the first. It’s like comfort food for the soul, only with more crime scenes and a lot more virtual reality.

So, if you haven’t dived into the In Death series yet, what are you waiting for? Get your hands on Rapture in Death and prepare to be hooked. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself binging the entire series faster than you can say “Eve Dallas and Roarke forever.”

Happy reading—or listening—and may your brain remain burn-free!

A nice declutter check list via Money Saving Mom
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What clutter is costing us and better still, how to save money by decluttering.

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Compiled by Wanda Hartzenberg, nicely worded by ChatGTP and the free printable is from Money Saving Mom.

Link to Money Saving Mom here

Clean up you act and your bank balance

  • Finding Lost Treasures: Remember that time you bought a second wrench because the first one went on an extended vacation in your garage? Decluttering helps you reunite with your long-lost tools and gadgets, saving you from purchasing their identical twins.

  • Avoiding Double Trouble: Clutter is like a magician—it makes things disappear! Then, like magic, you buy the same item again. Declutter, and you’ll stop conjuring up duplicate purchases faster than you can say, “Abracadabra!”

  • Cash in the Junk: Your unused stuff isn’t just taking up space; it’s a goldmine waiting to be discovered! Turn that ‘70s lava lamp and that questionable exercise bike into cash. Cha-ching! Decluttering might just pay for your next vacation—or at least a decent cup of coffee.

  • Bye-Bye Storage Bills: Why pay for a storage unit when you’re basically paying rent for stuff you don’t even see? Declutter, and you’ll be free from the clutches of storage fees, and your wallet will thank you.

  • Dodging Late Fees Like a Ninja: Clutter loves to hide important bills, only to pop them out at the last second like a bad surprise. Declutter, and you’ll never have to pay for your electricity twice in one month again because you misplaced the bill!

  • Home Maintenance on Easy Mode: Clutter can turn your home into a game of hide-and-seek—with dust, leaks, and pests playing the starring roles. Declutter, and you’ll spot those pesky problems before they turn into expensive disasters. Bonus: fewer dust bunnies to wrestle with!

  • Impulse Purchases? Not Today!: Clutter makes you feel chaotic, leading to those “treat yourself” moments that end with you buying something totally unnecessary. Declutter your space, and suddenly, that weird cat-shaped mug doesn’t seem like a must-have anymore.

  • Energy Efficiency, Unleashed: Your heating and cooling systems work overtime when vents and radiators are buried under clutter. Declutter, and your home will breathe easier, cutting down your energy bill—no need to fund your utility company’s next holiday party!

  • Moving Day, Light and Easy: Moving is already a workout; no need to bench press boxes of things you don’t need. Declutter before you move, and you’ll save on moving costs and sweat. Plus, you’ll only unpack what you actually want to keep—no mystery boxes here!

  • Grocery Shopping Like a Pro: Ever found a can of soup in your pantry that expired during the last decade? Declutter your pantry, and you’ll know exactly what you have, preventing you from stocking up on canned beans like you’re preparing for the apocalypse.

  • Stress? Declutter It Away!: A clutter-free space is like a spa day for your brain. When your home is calm and organized, you’re less likely to soothe your soul with expensive retail therapy. Your wallet (and probably your sanity) will thank you.

Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about saving money while keeping your sense of humor intact! So grab a trash bag, channel your inner comedian, and watch the savings pile up faster than the clutter used to.

Onvergeetlike liefde
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Dina Botha skryf ‘n romanza wat werklik herinner aan onvergeetlike liefde.

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Lesersindruk deur Wanda Hartzenberg vir BluJeans Books

Bestel jou kopie vanaf BluJeans Books of Lapa direk. Lees meer hier.

Review vir BluJeans Books

Resensie: Onvergeetlike liefde deur Dina Botha

Onvergeetlike liefde is ’n besonderse lekker lees vir hierdie genre, en ek sal dit beslis aanbeveel. Beide die hoofkarakters, Mariette en Hannes, toon merkbare groei deur die storie, wat die leser se aandag hou sonder dat hulle ooit pateties oor kom. Hul reis van hoërskoolliefdes tot die komplekse volwassenes wat hulle geword het, is boeiend en bevredigend.

Die verhaal volg Mariette en Hannes, wat mekaar se eerste liefdes was op skool. Kort ná matriek stuur Mariette egter vir Hannes ’n kort, onverklaarde afsêboodskap en stap weg van hul verhouding. Twaalf jaar later kruis hul paaie weer. Hannes is nou Hank Grey, ’n bekende Hollywood-ster, terwyl Mariette ’n agentskap bestuur wat lyfwagte en beskerming aan BBP’s bied. Wanneer Hank tydens die verfilming van sy nuwe rolprent deur ’n bekruiper geteiken word, wend hy hom tot Mariette se agentskap vir beskerming. Terwyl hulle nou weer saamwerk, begin die vlamme van hul vergete liefde weer brand. Maar wat het destyds veroorsaak dat Mariette so skielik weggestap het? En sal Hank haar liefde weer kan wen?

Met slegs 148 bladsye is hierdie boek ’n vinnige, maar diepgaande leeservaring. Dina Botha slaag daarin om ’n storie van verlore en hervonde liefde te weef, met karakters wat aanklank vind en ’n intrige wat jou laat aanhou lees. As jy in die bui is vir ’n romanse wat emosionele diepte en ware karakterontwikkeling balanseer, is Onvergeetlike liefde beslis die moeite werd om te lees.

Adrenalien die waarheid
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So die waarheid is uit. Adrenalien die waarheid ‘n lesersindruk

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Aai, ek wou graag nog Ballade vir 'n enkeling gelees het en nou is ek te bang.

Resensie: Adrenalien en Adrenalien: Die Waarheid deur Leon van Nierop

Sjoe, Leon van Nierop het ons weer vir ‘n wilde rit gevat – en nee, ek praat nie net van die spooktrein wat aanhoudend teen ‘n muur vasry nie. Hierdie twee boeke was soos om ‘n rit op daardie trein te neem, en eerlikwaar, ek dink die trein het die spore verloor lank voordat hy by die eindstasie aangekom het.

Kom ons begin by boek een, Adrenalien. Die titel beloof opwinding en spanning, en ek was gereed vir ‘n regte riller. Maar helaas, die enigste adrenalien wat ek gevoel het, was toe ek besef hoe vinnig hierdie boek oor ‘n klomp haaie spring – nee, nie net een haai nie, ‘n hele trop van hulle! Op ‘n stadium het ek amper verwag dat Free Willy self by die toneel sou inspring, net om die absurde toneel af te rond. (Vir die wat nuut is tot die term, “jumping the shark” kom van ‘n ou TV-reeks, Happy Days, waar die karakters begin absurd raak het. Dit is ook presies wat met hierdie storie gebeur het—dit het heeltemal die kluts kwytgeraak.)

Die storie volg Gustaf Prinsloo, wat in ‘n donker hoekie van sy eie verstand worstel met sy demone en ’n fliekprojek in die Bosveld. Nou ja, ‘n donker hoekie is dalk waar hierdie storie hoort, want dit is beslis nie iets wat lig en subtiel is nie. Alles word so reguit en in jou gesig vertel dat jy amper wens die karakters het ‘n bietjie van hulle adrenalien vir jou kon oorgee—of dalk net ‘n bietjie geduld, sodat jy die storie kon verwerk sonder om oor elke absurditeit te struikel.

Wanneer ons by boek twee kom, Adrenalien: Die Waarheid, moet ek erken dat daar ‘n flou straaltjie lig in die tonnel was. Leon van Nierop het ‘n bietjie gegroei in sy skrywersvernuf – maar ook net marginaal. Dit is soos om ‘n ou trein te sien wat ‘n nuwe laag verf kry, maar die enjin bly dieselfde. Hierdie keer besef Gustaf dat hy nie alleen kan skryf nie, en die verhaal kry darem ‘n bietjie meer diepte. Maar die spore is steeds onduidelik, en die trein bly sukkel om momentum te kry.

Nou, terwyl ek deur die tweede boek gegaan het, het ek darem iets gevind om ‘n ekstra ster te gee: die groei in die skrywer se vaardigheid (al is dit so klein), en natuurlik die omblad van die boek—dis amper ‘n meesterstuk op sy eie, en dit verdien ‘n ster. So, hoewel ek nie heeltemal kon aanbeveel dat jy jou adrenalien hier kry nie, gee ek darem drie sterre vir die poging.

In die geheel gesien, as jy regtig wil weet wat in Gustaf se wêreld aangaan, moet jy albei boeke lees. Maar wees gewaarsku: hierdie treinrit is nie vir almal nie. Dis soos om jou koffie met ‘n bietjie sout te drink—jy sal dalk eers daarna uitvind dat dit nie jou smaak is nie.

Adrenalien-ou-reeks
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Ag eina nee. Ek kan nie Adrenalien aanbeveel nie!

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Dit was letterlik 'n train smash.

Resensie van:

Adrenalien

Leon van Nierop

Sjoe, waar begin ‘n mens? Hierdie boek was vir my ‘n ware treinongeluk – en nee, ek praat nie van die spooktrein wat letterlik ‘n paar keer weer en weer in die storie teen ‘n muur vasry nie. Dit voel amper of die skrywer elke keer as hy by ‘n moeilike punt in die storie kom, sommer oor die spreekwoordelike haai spring. En nee, nie net een haai nie—op ‘n stadium spring hy oor ‘n hele trop haaie én Free Willy saam! (Vir die wat wonder, “jumping the shark” is ‘n term wat kom van ‘n ou TV-reeks, Happy Days, waar die karakters begin absurd raak het—en die reeks het dit nooit weer reggekry om ernstig opgeneem te word nie. Dieselfde kan ongelukkig gesê word van hierdie boek.)

Nou kyk, ek is mal oor hierdie genre, regtig. Gee my ‘n lekker riller en ek is in my element. Maar hierdie een? Hierdie een ontbreek als wat ek gewoonlik waardeer: geen subtiele verwysings nie, geen “show, don’t tell” nie. Dis asof die skrywer gedink het dat die leser te dom is om sy of haar eie verbeelding te gebruik. Alles word so in jou gesig gegooi dat jy amper voel soos ‘n marionet wat aan toue getrek word.

Die hoofkarakter, Gustaf Prinsloo, skryf nie net nie—nee, hy bloei byna vir sy kuns. Dis net jammer dat die adrenalien en angs wat sy demone aan die gang sit, blykbaar ook sy vermoë om logies te dink totaal uitgedroog het. ‘n Afgeleë huis in die Bosveld, ‘n pragtige rolprentvervaardiger, en ‘n “derde dimensie”? Dit klink soos die perfekte resep vir ‘n knetterende riller, reg? Wel, nee. Dit is meer soos die perfekte resep vir ‘n trein wat heeltemal van die spore af is.

Wanneer sy eks-vrou uiteindelik opdaag en die werklikheid in die storie inskop, is dit so bietjie soos daardie oomblik wanneer jy agterkom jou koffie het skielik ‘n vlieg in. Jy wonder hoe lank dit al daar is, en jy kan net nie meer aangaan soos voorheen nie.

Kyk, Leon van Nierop het seker bedoel dat hierdie roman ‘n skop in die rigting van ‘n onthulling moes wees, maar ek was heeltemal op die verkeerde spoor. Twintig jaar ná Adrenalien het ek gedink ons sou uiteindelik iets dieps en insiggewends kry. Wat ons gekry het, was eerder ‘n skop onder die gemoed.

Met al die klappe wat hierdie boek kry, moet ek darem sê, daar was so twee keer wat ek ‘n bietjie gewens het dat Gustaf darem êrens ‘n ware monster sou wakker maak, dalk een wat die storie weer op die regte spoor sou kon sit. Maar nee, dit was toe nie die geval nie.

Ek gee die boek twee sterre, en dit net omdat ek een of ander nostalgie het vir Leon van Nierop se werk. Ek is jammer, maar ek sal eerder aanbeveel om jou adrenalien op ander maniere te kry—soos om na ‘n regte trein te gaan kyk.

21st birthday
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Happy birthday Woman’s Murder Club!

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21st Birthday

Book Review: 21st Birthday by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Rating: ★★★★☆

21st Birthday is a standout in the Women’s Murder Club series, and dare I say, it’s the best one yet. Detective Lindsay Boxer takes center stage again, this time vowing to protect a young woman from a serial killer long enough to see her twenty-first birthday. The stakes are higher than ever, and the tension is palpable.

When Tara Burke, a young wife and mother, goes missing with her baby girl, suspicion immediately falls on her husband, Lucas. He tries to paint her as a wayward wife, but when grisly evidence comes to light, the investigation quickly shifts from a missing persons case to something far more sinister.

As always, the Women’s Murder Club crew is on the case. Chronicle reporter Cindy Thomas is hot on the trail of the story, while M.E. Claire Washburn’s theories don’t quite line up with the SFPD’s. Meanwhile, ADA Yuki Castellano suspects Lucas is the textbook domestic offender—until an unexpected twist turns everything on its head. If Lucas’s claims hold even a shred of truth, the danger is far more widespread than anyone imagined.

This book is pure escapism at its finest, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Patterson and Paetro have crafted a gripping, fast-paced thriller that keeps you turning the pages late into the night. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to dive straight into the next installment, and I can guarantee that I will be doing just that.

If you’re a fan of the series or just looking for a thrilling read, 21st Birthday is a must. It’s a solid four-star read that delivers exactly what you’d expect—and maybe even a little more.

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