Books read Aug 2015

The Rumor by Elin Hildenbrand
This Nantucket book is about two bff's, one is a writer, the other is taking over the garden.
Madelaine is a writer with writer's block, her husband a pilot for local airport....Grace has lost the baby weight and is on track with the landscape designer, benton Co. She's married to Eddie, a real estate agent...
Hope is the younger twin of Grace and it's high school time and she's so far away from her twin, Allegra and has many things to use against her. Allegra has Brick as her boyfriend, which is Madeline's son.
Alternating chapters of all these people, it's a bit hard to keep track of from the very beginning but gets easier as their lives mingle with one another.
Before long the grapevine has started a rumor about Madelaine and Eddie....and other rumors about others as small town living at its best. everybody knows everybody's business....things really get out of hand over time but that's normal for a small ocean side community as the island I live on also....
Liked the book because it's about different generations of life on the island from their perspective. Held my interest.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Aloha! Traditional Hawaiian Poke Recipes: Delicious, Easy To Make Recipes That Will Impress Your Family And Friends
Thought the name was interesting and it's food we eat often so thought I'd check this book out.
Thought it would be more like American stateside poke dishes, desserts. The Hawaiian version starts out with fish and many spices.
No nutritional information and no pictures.

Children's book: Zoe's Trip to the Zoo, Fun zoo book for children, Educational animal book, Bedtime story for kids, beautiful picture book for kids, Children Book ages 3-8, Early reader book.
Colorful children's book about Zoe a girl who has 5 pets and when she turns 4 her parents will take her to the zoo. She's seen lots of animals in books.
Her dad tells her all about the animals they encounter, so many facts. After a tiring day they arrive home to Zoe's other gift...
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Tomato Planting How to grow tasty tomato (Gardening made easy, seed plants, container herb gardening) (gardening,companions gardening,container gardening,planting guide Amanda Johnson B Book 2)
Very informative details of the different tomato varieties, their nutritional value. Sections on how to choose the spot and till the soil.
Container gardening, how to harvest, prune and fertilize. Everything you could possible need to know about growing tomatoes is in this book.
More works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Mistletoe, Merriment, and Murder by Sara Rosett
Have enjoyed other mystery books by this author and this one is around Chrimstas.
Starts out with a military spouses gift exchange at Elle's house and she meets up with another pro organizer, such as her career and finds out Gabrielle is taking her clients from her and has gotten the new job.
Things around town are dire, house breakin's, and now a murder. Elle is suspected as the clues lead to others who have allibi's. She helps to solve the mystery with clues of her own and asking others questions.
Love how the community works, helping one another, especailly Helping Hands organization to provide food and other essentail thing.
What I also liked about this book si the organizing tips for Christmas especially in every other chapter and other tips and notes.
Lots of characters but it's easy to keep them all straight. Excerpt from the next new book at the end.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review

Three Months in Florence by Mary Carter
Wanted to read this book because I will probably never get to Florence myself and wanted to learn about.
The book delivers the city to you and other places as well. There is also another story that starts out with Alex, the professor and how he meets up with Lena and after 16 years of marriage he gets the opportunity to teach in Florence, just him, not Lena and the kids.
She does meet up with him via the computer and he tells her of all he's seen and experienced and she is upset because they were to go there, had the whole trip planned out, for their honeymoon and now he's there by himself.
She has a meltdown and ends up in Florence and things take a drastic turn as she discovers his new life with out them. Things become heated even further entwined within the story of the city and it's culture. Twists and turns and you can't even see what is going to happen next.
Keeps you very interested in their story, from their past and about the travel. Really GOOD read.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review

Before and ever Since by Sharla Lovelace
Great book and what I really liked was that there are two stories here. First the present day story where Em and Holly's mother is selling her house and traveling the world with her sister Bernie in her RV.
It's a surprise to the girls as they clean out their rooms and attic of their things. Em is now divorced from Kevin and her 21 year old daughter Cass is on her own. They all meet at the family house to help and Ben, a neighbor helps with the heavy things and repainting, etc.
Em and Ben were an item at one time and that's where the second story comes into play. There are excerpts throughout the book of their time when they were teens, Em becomes pregnant and Ben leaves so she ends up with Kevin.
Only Holly knows the truth but other hear them talking and things get out of hand and Cass ends up with a medical emergency that draws out the truth.
There is also a mystery of their dad's hidden treasure box-he was saving for their trips around the world but they never got to take them.
Bit of steamy sex but more important solving all the mysteries that arise. Excerpt from The Reason is You is included at the back.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review

Superfoods Cooking For Two: Over 150 Quick & Easy Cooking, Gluten Free Cooking, Low Cholesterol Cooking, Low Fat Cooking, Whole Foods Cooking, Cooking ... Cooking (Superfoods Today Book 20)
Why superfoods are good for your body is discussed and what not to eat also has a section.
Each recipe has a color photo and what allergies one might have that they'd be able to eat the food from the recipe.
No malnutrition information. Each recipe has fresh herbs and ingredients.  Lots of categories and even desserts.
More works  by the author are highlighted at the end. Definitely a keeper in this book!

Feel the Heat 
Lily DuLuca spends her time at the family restaurant and she decides at the cook off to make her move.
Jack Kilroy is a chef....and he can't believe what he cooks has a strange effect on her...he hopes to persuade her to also turn up the heat.
Steamy sex, food and recipes and a good story line make this a good read.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

All Fired Up
This audio book picks up where the first one left off: The wedding where we find Cari and Shane.
Pastry chef Shane is following Jack around and hopes to open his own place in London.
The men are brothers and Shane has to tread lightly before the news is broken to Jack. They both live above the restaurant, Cari and Shane and they are secretly married...
Steamy sex scenes.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Hot and Bothered
Jack's sister Jules has had a baby by Simon, he's on his way back to London.
She's hooked up with Tad and their past they do share, over time, the hard times and memories.
Hot steamy sex scenes.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Thug Waffles: Waffle Recipes To Die For - Dangerously Delicious, Criminally Sweet & Savory Belgian Syrup Wafer Kitchen Cookbook
Some of the recipes look to be a good healthy chocie, others have too many bad ingredients and fat. There are no pictures and
no nutritional information. Potato waffles would be my first chocie to make.
Like that cornmeal and wheat flour is used.

Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner
4 Philadelphia women bond with each other about marriage and becoming a mother.
Becky's mother in law is not one of her liking.
 Kelly  struggles with a spouse that is unemployed.
Aindie copes with a superstar athletic and Lea hides a terrible secret.
Together they can overcome all struggles as they lean on each other.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The Christmas Bouquet
Have read other works by the author and have enjoyed them.
Kaitlyn Winters caught the bouquet at the wedding of a friend but she's fallen in love with Noah,
Noah MacInroy, the O'Biens are trying to convince her to take a chance on love. Noah is on board with marriage and a child but she's not totally sure of it all.
Love catching up with the other O'Birens and what they are up to. Kaitlyn thinks the family will want to kill Noah but they've agreed to sit down and have a meal with him and not pester him to death.
So many choices they could make as others push them to work/live in town...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The Mystery of Collinwood by Marilyn Ross
I used to watch the show Collingwood after school, every day religiously about vampires and werewolves.
The main opening screen was actually filmed in Newport, RI, closeby to where we live.
This story is about the seafaring business the Collins run out of northeast Maine. I never heard this part of the story line but it even sounds interesting.
After the hurricane that hits visitors come and things are very mysterious as Victoria tries to figure out if she is really a Collins.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Harmony Cabins by Regina Hart
Book starts out with Andrea posing as Penny Lane and arriving in Trinity Falls, Ohio for a month.
Jack is not only the owner but the desk clerk and he has past issues that he needs to get over and finds himself fascinated by Andrea.
The town has it's problems with the race for a new mayor. Lots of drama going on and it's easy to keep the characters straight.
Love all the things Jack and Andrea do together as he finds out about why she is in town for a full month...
Sex scenes. Things become complicated with the townsfolk as the festival is upon them....excerpt from the next book in the series, about other townsfolk is included at the end.
Good read, kept my interest.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review

Good recipes for hard times by Louise Stewart
Audio book by an author that grew up during the depression. Speaks of the food groups we need and how you can get them from various sources.
Recipes using eggs and very high fat.  Lots of tips while preparing bread to make it come out perfect.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

A Lucky Life Interrupted, a memoir of Hope by Tom Brokaw
Have followed this news journal reporter for many years and like how he tells the news and his stories.
Follows his story of his life, back pain and his medical conditions.  Love how he started the journal and love the little things that kept him going. so good to laugh.
So many have crossed his path and he tells you of them and his treatment plan along with all his travel and awards he earned.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Ever After by Jude Deveraux
Hailey has come into an inheritance, a house on the island. Problem is her sister has taken it upon herself to take over Haley's life and her work.
The upheaval is discovered and to hold to the agreement Haley must  travel to the island and she's already been paid to do therapy on Jaime. He has outfitted the barn into a work studio and they share moments at night when he's going through PTSD terrors at night that he can't recall the next
day. She cuddles up to him to soothe him as they spend a lot of time together. Now his family is blowing through and it's a large one gathering for the wedding.
Love mystery of past residents and how they come to light with new ventures. She goes out on a limb to try to cure one of his illnesses, not knowing if it will work....good read, kept my interest.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

 One-Day Crochet: Projects: Easy Crochet Projects You Can Complete in One Day
Details on what to use: yarn and color photos of hooks and charts of sizes along with diagrams on how to make the easiest of stitches.
Ten  projects to choose from. Some are fast and easy to do in a day, others take longer.
Like how the first project is a hat but with instructions for 4 different sizes.  Each pattern has a colorful photo along with very detailed instructions on how to make.
Love the projects as they are so easy to make, fast and very useful as gifts.
Other works by the author are highlighted.

Angel for Hire by Justine Davis
Alexandria runs a farm and the townsfolk have some opinions about the animals she keeps on the farm.
She needs to hire another to pull her out of troubles. Michael Justice has been sent to her to help on the farm, he's an angel in disguise.
Like the story line and how the farm got started and how wounded warriors run it along with Alex.
Liked hearing of how the neighbors help one another with Michael's help. He was not to fall in love with her. steamy sex scenes.
He opens up to her as to how long he can stay...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

All the Pretty Hearses 
Judith has donated for the auction a night with dinner at her bed and breakfast. A murder happens and she hopes to find clues to find the culprit.
Another mystery with food making children sick is another of her things keeping her plate piled high.
And her husband Joe is involved with a murder scene that lands him in jail...lots of names and careers appear in conversations that make some parts of the book confusing.
Amazing how it all comes together, wow!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Top 35 Amazingly Delicious Chicken Recipes To Impress Your Loved Ones (The Best Recipes For Your Festive Table Book 1
Other works by the author are highlighted,  book is broken up into sections according to the section of the chicken you want to use.
No pictures and no nutritional information but has very detailed list of ingredients and how to make the dish.

 Diet Cookbook: Yammy Diet Cupcakes Healthy Dessert Recipes. Naturally, Delicious Desserts That No One Will Believe They Are Low Fat & Healthy (Diet Cookbooks, ... Loss): Eat and Love (Cookbook series 1)
Few pictures and no nutritional information, not sure if some of the ingredients could be substituted for low fat products where you'd get the same cupcake outcome.
Each recipe does come with instructions on how to make the cupcake and the frosting and decorations.
Pumpkin pie cupcakes would be my choice to try.

How To Bake British Cakes, Crumpets, Buns & Biscuits (Authentic English Recipes Book 9)
Recipes with ingredients and how to make the item and serving size. Few pictures and no nutritional information.
These sound so tasty! Even some for bread machines. Lots of measurement information at the back, very useful.
My choice would be English muffins as we eat them daily.

 Slow Cooker Soups and Stews Cookbook. Easy Recipes to Prepare with your Slow Cooker.
Detailed information about the slow cooker over the years and even how to care for it.
Each recipe has a detailed list of ingredients and preparation time and servings. There is no nutritional information and no pictures.
Appears as if some could be used if on a low fat healthy diet with substitutions of low fat broth, etc

 Diet Cookbook: Healthy Dessert Recipes under 160 Calories. Naturally, Delicious Desserts That No One Will Believe They Are Low Fat & Healthy ((Diet Cookbooks Collection)) by R. Federbush
Recipes that are a good value on calories. Each recipe has a picture and some of the measurements are in metric system.
Calories is the only concern in this book where I'd be more concerned about fat and sodium for our diets. These are healthy choices where I have learned to not use frosting on a cupcake but yogurt as suggested here also for a topping.
Love the varied categories and especially the Q&A at the end. Very thorough cookbook.

Cookie And Cookie Bar Recipes (Cookie, Cookie Bar And Frosting Recipes Book 1)   
 Recipes have a color photo and list of ingredeint with details on how to make the item. No nutrtional information.
Lots of recipes to choose from.

 Muffin Tin Recipes: The Ultimate Collection
Book with no pictures and no nutritional information but you should be able to substitute some ingredients for a healthy choice.
Each recipe has a list of ingredients, along with time to make, and bake and serving size and very detailed instructions.
.Lots of choices for a dish and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

 American Recipes: The Most Delicious American Food Recipes with Simple and Easiest Directions and Mouth Watering Taste
Each recipe comes with a color photo and ingredient list along with nutrtional information and how to make the item.
Lots of choices and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

 Dump Cake Cookbook Pro: Turn A Dump Cake Recipes Superstar in Your First Try!
Like the idea of just dumping all the ingredients in and making the cake.
Each recipe comes with serving size and prep time, ingredient list and how to make the cake.
Some pictures at the end. No nutritional information but there are healthy choices in the recipes. Some recipes start with a cake mix making these cakes very quick and easy to make.
Chocolate dump cake looks to be the most healthiest as olive oil is used.

All the Single Ladies by Dorothea Benton Frank
Have read other works by this author and know I won't be disappointed. What a great read!
Story of Lisa and other nurses who work at the nursing facility. Love the ideas of outfitting one seniors house with bars, proper footwear etc.
So many upheavals just when things are going good... tragedy brings the women together to form a stronger bond. Deaths of old people still leave those remaining heartbroken, as in this book.
Fast paced and will keep your interest til the end. Surprises all along the way. Love learning new things from food to antiques.
I received this book from Library Thing in exchange for my honest review.