Everything or Nothing by Lou Aronica
What I liked about his book is that it's from the male point of view and there's not a lot of drama if told from a female point of view. It also follows other characters and different age groups and the problems they face.
Maxwell Gold, head of Chamber of Commerce is running for mayor for his local town of Oldham, CT and when available takes care of his young child. His wife has divulged some information that he finds troubling and understands why she's not by his side in the campaign.
Familiar with the area but it's interesting to learn about the process of running as we just went through a national election. Found it interesting to learn of how he will accomplish the goal of attracting the same like businesses to his town keeping the same feel and atmosphere intact.
His sisters are around the help fill in. Story moves right along-not dull or boring.
Liked hearing the options available and which one was selected and why. Few characters so it's easy to keep track of everyone.
Excerpt from The Hearts of Men series is included: The Forever Year, When You Went Away, The Journey Home, Anything, Crossing the Bridge, Flash and Dazzle, Spinning, A Winter Discovery, Leaves, Recovery, An Anniversary Feast, Blue, Until Again, and Differential Equations, .
I received this book from the author via The Story Plant in exchange for my honest review
A Heartwarming Thanksgiving by various Harlequin Authors
Love the idea of this book because so many new authors for me to discover along with old ones that I like to read their stories. Also each story comes with a recipe for the holiday meal.
Read all the books and can't select just one book as my favorite. Each one teaches me about new places and things I want to see for myself. A turkey farm, sounds so easy but we've never been to one.
Each one also has a feeling of not only family but others who enjoy helping others.
Some favorite novellas: a pregnant woman who meets up with a man from high school days who not only delivers her child in an airport...
An old woman who's spent 12 years as a widow and has found another love draws the other members of the family together for the ceremony.
Soldiers home for the holidays...loved hearing about all the careers the characters have, learning new words and learning about new places as they are so detailed you want to step into the book.
Love parts where others bring those less fortunate home for a hot meal as that is something we do.
Other heroes stories: policemen, firemen and men served in the military along with school teachers and other service people and their stories.
Also liked the one about the family tree and what it symbolizes about the past and the future.
Some lengths some go through, amazing!
I received this book from Prism Book Tours in exchange for my honest review
My Review:
Tidewater Summer- by Jo HuddlestonBook cover and summary made me want to read this one as I've been there but knew enough when to leave.
Starts out with Rose Marie and she's engaged to Walter who's gotten a promotion at the bank. When she doesn't want to go out to the movies he takes Amy. When he returns he'd been drinking and he starts lashing out at her. She gets her friend to stay over and Walter shows up the next day to take her to church...
She can get away with not seeing him as her aunt lends her the cottage for her school vacation from teaching kids. Gated community that is self contained.
She fears his hands around her neck. Love hearing of the beach area, author describes it so perfectly you can just picture yourself there.
Rose needs to contact the serviceman as she has no water. Franklin seems to know his work. Frank comes to the rescue and he realizes she's scared-not sure of what but he'd like to get to know her better.
He prays for her to find peace. Island life-love this part as we experienced it ourselves. Everything is done on island time-no hurry required. They do spend time together and she learns that Walter knows where she's at...
Comparing tidal pools to turmoil with Walter is a direct hit! I still pay attention to moon phases and tide tables, so important!
She misunderstands his words and he leaves...like hearing both sides of the same situation. Rose sees him in a new light the night of July 4th and learns what he contributes to the community.
Terrifying scary scenes of abuse. Frank thinks he has the solution for the botched proposal...
Liked this book so much, brought me back to my island, the warm breezes, sea oats, sand dunes and endless water and sun and moon, very descriptive.
Love jewel she finds and treasures. Rose hopes she's not making a mistake, things are moving fast.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review.
Kampala Peppermint Twist by Milou Koenings
Start out with Amy and she's attending a family friends wedding as the maid of honor. She's lost her job, her boyfriend who was her boss and it's Christmastime and her mother in Africa finds out.
Isabelle invites Amy to come visit and she gets a plane ride-despite getting injured before she even gets on the plane. Love all the plans and how much the author tells you about Amy's past and her parents work in Africa.
So unpredictable for a Christmas holiday as they are in Africa, no snow and no cold. Love how she quickly helps others to only discover the doctor she already knew from the plane-she had gotten the wrong impression of him.
A huge gala party for the holiday and again she meets the doctor who not only dances with her but they get to know one another better. With all the help she's been giving the area she's neglected to explore and he invites her...
Precious gift she is able to give her mother-awesome idea for tinsel! Loved the travel and points of interest-so descriptive and informative!
Love how the book got its title, so unexpected from traditional Christmas holidays.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Baking With Sourdough: Recipes and Everything You Need to Know to Start Baking
Lots of interesting facts about the start of sourdough, history and how to make a slow starter.
More healthier and better source of protein. Recipes and directions for various starters are included.
Recipes are then given using parts of the starter you just made.
No pictures and no nutritional information. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Pickled! The Ultimate Recipe Guide - Over 30 Delicious & Best Selling Recipes
Used to pickle for my grandmother when they were traveling. I'd go over everyday and put spices in cheesecloth and follow the directions.
Each of these recipes starts with prep, ready in and cook time along with servings.
Ingredient list and how to make the dish are included.
All kinds of foods are pickled. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Holiday Candies and Cakes (Delicious Mini Book Book 10
Each recipe has a color photo along with the ingredient list, instructions on how to make.
No nutritional information.
Candy recipes are first, then cakes.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Low Carb Snacks: Healthy and Delicious Low Carb Snack Recipes For Extreme Weight Loss
Besides the introduction the book is divided into sections for early, midmorning snacks, and other times of the day and night.
Each recipe has a color photo along with a brief description of the dish.
Servings, prep time and cook time along with ingredient list. Not all have a photo but there are also dessert and drink recipes.
Detailed instructions on how to make and also a list of some nutritional information.
It lists fat but doesn't break it up into good or bad.
Some of the protein bars I'd like to try after we locate some of the ingredients as they are ones we've yet to use.
Some of the recipes are vague on what a serving is.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
The last promise by Evans_ Richard Paul
Story of Illiana and she marries and moves to her husbands homeland, Italy.
Story starts with him and he's noticed her in her bathing suit-her eyes. She has to translate a phrase a man is speaking to him about.
They start talking and adapting to the land and customs. They are both married, to others.
Story goes back in time....her son has asthma but she can't attend church as the custom is to use the special burning incense that starts her son coughing.
Her husband is away traveling for work 6 days a week...alternating chapters follow Ensel and when he arrives in Florence...he starts out as a tour guide at a gallery. She's heavily into the arts.
There are threats ... the son is in jeoardy. Surprise ending, didn't see that happening.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
The Christmas box by Richard Paul Evans
The ad is from an elderly woman who wants someone to move in, tend to a few things and live in the house.
Sounds too good to be true...Terry and Harry and their young child have outgrown their apartment.
Parken home is described in detail-sounds like a well kept house and roomy. Trial for a bit of time to make sure all are comfortable with one another.
The old woman is a collector of bibles and they have quite the discussion about them. She likes the company and wants to go with them to recitals and other events.
First gift is about giving. Love this story.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
A Christmas card by Paul Theroux
This story starts out with a family and the father has gotten them lost on the snowy road.
They notice a light and approach the house. The man wants the family to stay the night.
The man leaves a card for them when they leave in the morning. The card is magic and changes so only some can see the true image.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
The ultimate gift by Stovall_ Jim
Have read another book by this author and enjoy the reads.
Jason Stephens inherits from his uncle after his death. His uncle gives him many gifts through the legacy that Jason has to learn-sometimes the hard way.
They will cut him off if he tries to cut corners. The uncle has lined up places and other people he has to see to learn a lesson.
Jason didn't like getting up very early but the plane leaves early and it's not in first class.
Love first lesson of physical labor and how after a month he wants to just finish the whole length of new poles-he ends up with a vehicle in the long run.
Jason wants to know the end result and he has to follow the rules in the order they were meant...
Life lessons, priceless!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Property of a noblewoman by Steel_ Danielle
Story of a man who is works at an auction house box. Jane is also involved and when she hands over the death notice to her boss, she is handed the assignment to see it til it's done.
There are a lot of details they must follow the rules. The contents of the box sound amazing, I can just see the sparkling gems. Other pieces of information lead them to different places to try to find a relative.
22 pieces of jewelry that might have to go up to auction if relatives don't show up. They need them appraised.
Like the back story of their relationships and how they are turning in different directions.
Phillips mother's name is also Pearson but they were not familiar with relatives of the past.
Love that this story is more than just one story. Love how it's tangled all up together and where all the clues lead.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Tomorrow will be better by Betty Smith
Have read another book by the author and have enjoyed. In the 60's and she's growing up in Brooklyn, has finished high school and has dreams.
She attempts to get a job and lands one and still hopes to come out of life married and with kids and a husband who cares for her.
Story follows her through the childhood years and later as she struggles to survive, marriage and children.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Thanksgiving Feast: TOP 25 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas To Create An Inspired Feast For Your Family & Friends
Intro explains how to prepare well in advance so you will not be rushed. Each recipe includes the title, prep and cook times along with servings.
Ingredient list and how to make the dish are detailed. There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
What I do like is the dishes are basic and ones you will have every year for your own feast.
Some of the recipes are healthy.
The Christmas doctor, the true story of Dr. J.P. Weber by Tom Weber
Story of John born 1888 and after working at the railroad he travels to west coast, Portland, Oregon and his life is saved and he strives to become a doctor to help others.
The son of the doctor chronicles the life through stories of those who witnessed it first hand.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
I want to be a fisherman by Weiner_ Sandra
Love learning about trap fishing and daily life for them.
Story is about an 11 year old girl who fishes with her dad as trap fishing.
Describes in detail all the parts of making the nets and how they catch the fish and what happens after that.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Time for cranberries by Detlefsen_ Lisl H - Henry_ Jed
We live near the cape where they do harvest the cranberries every year and we've never seen it done.
Although this one is around a Michigan farm the process would be about the same.
Love the glossary of words used before the story. What a treasure-recipes using cranberries. I personally love them!
Love how they explain the process of the harvest.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Dog loves books - Dog loves drawing - Dog loves counting - Dog loves fairy tales by Yates_ Louise
4 stories about a white puppy. Because he loves book so much he opens his own book store.
Next book is about the white puppy who gets a blank book-a book for drawing. His sketches comes to live.
Next is about counting sheep, and he finds numbers in everything he does...
Next his life is in a fairy tale...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
A Christmas Homecoming by Melissa McClone
Have read other works by the author and am familiar with the locale of this book and other authors who write from the same area.
Elle works at the ranch, not only tending to the guests by Josiah-her brother's friend and she had a crush on him when she was younger.
He's returned home after the war damage and he's doing rehab. Love hearing of the winter activities as she is able to talk him into going.
He does find her attractive but he comes off as uninterested. She loves getting him under the mistletoe and kissing him.
Love hearing of the volunteer work she does and how he signs up to help out as well.
Like interaction with other males and how Josiah finds out more about Elle's past and that makes him want to help out a lot more...
Elle knows she has to stay away from him and another at the Bar V5 will try to attract Josiah-Elle wants to be far away from witnessing all that.
Josiah tries to stay up on the happenings with Wittech-the company he does computer work for. Like the suggestions of how to improve your brain memory.
She learns about his business after rescuing the lost cat and she realizes he also has financed the kids day-by supplying favorite foods, after all he's a millionaire.
With Christmas the whole day and their relationship changes and you wonder if they will ever get together....
Enjoyed the read and learning new things about Montana and the people at the Bar V5 ranch.
Excerpt from the next book is included. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Christmas wishes: a catalog of Vintage holiday treats and treasures by tim hollis
Very colorful fun pictures of the Christmas holiday. Starts out with intro about how big of an event Christmas was at the author's house, growing up.
Pictures along the way chronicle the years as they went by, as an infant.
Discussions of the toys throughout the years...I can recall some of them but a lot I'm unfamiliar with.
Candy and other 5 and dime store items were big hits. There is even a recipe for sugar cookies. I recall getting my turn to note pages of things I wanted from Sears catalog and Montgomery Wards catalog.
Christmas TV specials were a big hit.
vintage cookie recipes by Amy Renee
Each recipe includes the title, ingredient list and how to make/bake the cookies.
Lots of fat content with the butter. No pictures and no nutritional information. Sand tart cookies would be our choice to try.
Forgotten cookies would be another one to try.
Remembering the 40's in the heart of Appalachia_ school days 1942-43 by Truman Fields
Have always had an interest in the 40's and how people survived and in the Appalachia area and the mines.
This is the story of one man's life during that time and the struggles he went through.
School days and the punishment when they misbehave.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Crab Meat :The Ultimate Recipe Guide – Over 30 Delicious & Best Selling Recipes
Each recipe has prep, cook and ready time, servings and then ingredient list along with detailed information on how to make the dish.
No nutritional information and no pictures. Other ebook recipe books available.
Flirting with Fire
Chicago fire we watch on tv, this is a story of one firehouse there as a woman tracks down Luke.
Kinsey is a press secretary for the mayor and he's avoided her phone calls. They also have a more personal relationship as well.
Luke had been suspended and was ordered to stay away from the firehouse.
She's looking for community work from him now...
Luke's sister and brothers had followed their father into the same career and they all worked at the same firehouse.
Story goes back in time to when his mother set the fire and he got adopted by the family and they raised him, keeping him out of foster homes.
Story also follows Gage who's gay and he attempts to get a boyfriend...
Hoped the story was more about the fire fighting techniques used in solving arsons, but it's more about politics and sex.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Vintage Recipes: 46 Delicious Potato Recipes - Potato Recipes from 1945
Each recipe includes the title, ingredient list and how to make them. Some very basic recipes for baking a potato.
Lots of variety. Definitions are listed at the end along with glossary of some terms.
Vintage Recipes: Vintage Recipes from 1917 Cookies, Cakes, & Pies, Oh My! (Vintage Recipes From Decades Past: Cookies, Cakes & Pies)
What is amazing about the recipes is the large amount of supplies, 11 eggs for one cake (bread)?
Each recipe comes with title, list of ingredients and tips on preparing via translation of what it means in today's world,
There are few photos and no nutritional information.
Other books in this era are available, clickable links at the end.
35 Recipes For Comforting Winter Soups – Easy Homemade Soups For Wintertime (The Amazing Recipes for Soup and Ultimate Soup Recipes Collection) (Kindle Location 202). . Kindle Edition.
Classic and easy recipes to make the soup. No pictures and no nutritional information but you can tell from the ingredients that the recipes are very healthy to make and eat.
Wide variety of choices to select from. Besides the recipe of ingredients and instructions on how to make it there are suggestions for other sides to include to make this a full meal.
Can't wait to try the chicken and dumplings recipe.
The Reset Factor Kitchen: 101 Tasty Recipes to Eat your Way to Wellness by Mindy Pelz
Intro starts with why the author is leaning towards better health by food intake to name a few things.
Different diet detox plans are discussed and charts give you the answers to eating a lot better things.
So much information and when you do get to the recipes there are no pictures but it's only using healthy ingredients. Appreciate recipes for ketchup and bbq sauce.
Some recipes have pictures but it's the other information that's more important: tips and tricks, special diet info and dr. Mindy's notes.
.
Murder at Mistletoe Manor
Klarinda owns the manor with 7 rooms and she thinks it's odd that Myrtle-Jill of all trades has reserved each of the rooms for next Tuesday.
Pierre the chef thinks so also but welcomes the crowd. Things are a bit laid back as the first couple finds dust along a hidden woodwork groove.
As others arrive she finds that they were sent an all paid invitation for the night. She then receives a big pile of money with a note stating that it should cover the expenses.
Seems some people know one another-some think they won it by listening to a radio station or some other contest.
Things are in desperation: plow needs to be fixed to plow the driveway, plumber needs to fix one of the bathrooms, and there is not even a Christmas tree on display...
Strange events occur and 4 people are coming up dead.... Klarinda and Myrtle investigate the clues and draw their own conclusions....like how the clues are discovered and solved. Didn't see them coming to an answer..
Excerpt from another book is included at the end.
Charlotte's Web by EB White
Had never read this book and got a digital copy and my friend wants me to make the characters in knitted finger puppets so I thought I better understand the book first.
Starts out with Fern and she saves the little pig that was born, She tends to him when she's not in school. He gets so big he has to move to a farm where there are other talking animals.
He meets up with a rat, goose, sheep, and a spider. He finds out he is to be killed for the winter feast and the spider says she will save him from that.
A message in the web makes the farmer think the pig is special and they forget their chores and give the pig special treatment and meals...
Liked learning about all the animal facts. Fair changes all their lives...Felt kinda sad as the animals die, but then they leave their offspring behind, not sure how a child will take it.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Mistletoe A Clairmont Novella by S. Jane Scheyder
Liked the story line, set off the coast of Maine and each of the kids adult parents Liz and Christopher are trying to make them slow down-they had just gotten engaged. The parents can't understand why the rush, Cam needs to finish his law degree as Kelly works at the coffee shop.
The mistletoe gets to them, she can't get enough of Christopher's kisses and keeps going back for more.
Love hiking and other winter activities and descriptions along the way. Like hearing both sides of the same things happening.
The parents may get what they want.... great story, enjoyed.
Excerpt from another in the series is included at the end.
Cauliflower: The Ultimate Recipe Guide - Over 30 Delicious & Best Selling Recipes Kindle Edition by Jonathan Doue
Starts with prep cook time and servings. List of ingredients along with detailed directions on how to make the dish is included.
No pictures and no nutritional information but some recipes have healthy ingredients to start with.
Some of the Middle Eastern ingredients might be hard to find.
Features soups, salads and side and main dish recipes.
Other ebook recipe books available.
Cobbler - The Ultimate Recipe Guide Kindle Edition
Each recipe starts with prep, cook and ready in time along with servings.
Ingredients and detailed directions on how to bake. There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
Other ebook recipe books available.
60 Easy-To-Knit Pattern Stitches Leisure Arts, Inc.
I have made one of many sampler squares from the patterns in this book.
They were easy to follow and the results were great.
I would highly recommend this to anyone from beginner to intermediate to Advanced because the stitches can be done by any level because there are 60 squares you can select and choose which pattern do you want to learn how to make.
Great resource book
Instant Pot Desserts Recipes: Delicious and Healthy Desserts that Will Make Your Life Sweeter by Glenn, Mira
Have and use and love our instant pot so when the dessert book came out I had to get it, plan to try many of the recipes.
Love the intro as it states there are some with lower amounts of sugar-just right for us and to use your creative minds when selecting ingredients-experiment.
Each recipe includes a color photo, ingredient list along with instructions on how to make the dish.
Love details on how to even release the pressure as there are many methods. No nutritional information but most of the ingredients are a healthy choice.
Some recipes include time to prep and make along with servings.
Brownie cake would be a good choice for us but carrot cake wins hands down.
Bread pudding, wow haven't had that in years!
A KEEPER!
50 Quick and Easy Recipes For Breakfast – Including Pancake Recipes, Waffle Recipes and Crepes Recipes (Breakfast Ideas - The Breakfast Recipes Cookbook Collection 2)
Short intro and then onto the recipes. Each recipe includes the title, list of ingredients, and how to make the dish.
There are no photos and no nutritional information.
Available are pancakes, waffles and crepes recipes. Didn't see any that called out to me-we'd have to substitute the ingredients for healthier choice.
Some also have toppings suggestions.
The Magic Sleigh Bell
Story starts out with Travis and his sister Natalie and they are raking leaves when they find an object. They claim it's one of the bells from Santa's sleigh from last year.
Jim, the dad is looking for work and in no mood to celebrate the holidays. Susan tries to keep the kids busy and out of trouble.
While the parents are at an adult party the kids decide to follow tradition and put the decorations up throughout the house....the mess when the parents come home and they punish the kids til dinner is ready...
Travis decides he's never gonna get banished to his room again...
Story also follows Dasher and others at the North Pole and how they will take a spin around to try to find that bell...
Things get a bit out of hand but Natalie may have the answer...
Great story, really scary at times...
Finding You at Christmas by Kristin Wallace
Janie had helped raise the other siblings. Then she realized she needed a life and gets help from Brianne who will set her up with a date.
Bianca helped with the makeup and short slinky mini dress. On her way there she passes where her mother lost her life, her car dies, her phone is home and the biker pulls over to help and all she can think about is a murderer.
I recently discovered the magic of dancing and the part where they have a stolen dance is magic to me, hits me hard deep inside. Her father is to remarry soon and Janie will move into her own apartment and help with the new minister as she's the church secretary....
She helps with play rehearsals and he's back earlier than expected to the town where his new job will be.
Catastrophes occur and she keeps blaming herself...Like the book for many reasons: the locale and how they celebrate Christmas, a good story and true detailed feelings. Easy book to read. Descriptions are so detailed I can picture myself just walking into the scenes.
Excerpts from various other works by the author.
This book was given to me on InstaFreebie.
Thanksgiving On a Dime
With the holiday just around the corner I'm hoping to find just one or two more recipes to serve that others will enjoy.
Like this book for many reasons: it tells you how to get things ready on a time table so you won't be inundated with having too many things to do the day the meal will be served.
Even has a day to do table laundry! Lots of tips on how to avoid disasters and how to fix them in time.
Love the section on transporting food to the family event and what to do with leftovers.
No pictures and no nutritional information but you should be almost able to substitute for a healthier choice-if you want, on some recipes.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
A KEEPER!
"SOUP": 25 Recipes - Chinese,Moroccan, Italian,Thai, French, Jamaican & More
Short intro along with history of soup. Recipes start out with title and brief summary of the soup. Ingredients mostly healthy choices
and then the detailed directions. There are no nutritional information and no pictures.
Loaded potato soup would be our choice using low sodium, low fat ingredients or chicken soup as that's how we make it without soy sauce..
Dishes from all over the world.
Have enjoyed the previous months of this magazine as they tell you what new publications are due out and a brief summary of the books.
WOW 220 pages, gotta be the longest magazine so far.Love reading of the Thanksgiving traditions and memories from the editor-how priceless!
Loved interview with an author of whose book I will be receiving soon-so much insight into the author and her world.
Few other books I wanted to request from the Review Club but at over 400 pages and holiday baking there's no way I could offer my time to that one-this time.
Great Christmas book ideas and also a getaway to Australia-what a treasure-I've yet to request any of the books but something about the picture makes me want to read them.
Hardships some authors have opened up to us about and how they struggle but realize God has their backs with even everyday problems we all face. So inspirational.
Articles from contributors are inspiring and good reads along with things to be thankful for as it's Thanksgiving time and the autumn pages are beautiful.
We are getting ready to go to an amusement type park in a few weeks so reading about the state fair hit just the right spot!
So many good reads upcoming and I've jotted down the names of the ones that interest me from the things read in this magazine.
Enjoyed seeing recipes in this magazine also-great addition.
Really looking forward to reading Cheri's books after reading the interview in the magazine.
Took me several days to read because I wanted to read every article. Very enjoyable.
Short intro and then the recipes.
Each recipe includes: servings, prep and cook times, ingredient list and very detailed instructions on how to make them.
No nutritional information and you might be able to substitute some ingredients for a healthier option.
Kiss sugar cookie would probably be the ones I make this year from this book.
Candy and fudge sections also. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with helpful charts.
Casserole Cooking: 60 + Casserole Meals, Casseroles For Breakfast, Casserole Cookbook, Casseroles Quick And Easy, Wheat Free Diet,Heart Healthy Diet, Gluten ... cookbook-casseroles quick and easy Book 51
This ebook offers another ebook of superfoods as a gift.
Has labels that will direct you to which are best ones to use for certain allergies. There are code letters to guide you.
Each recipe comes with a color photo along with healthy ingredients. Also instructions but no nutritional information.
Book not only lists soups to make but breakfast items.
Glazed meatloaf would be our choice as we can get lowest fat content in the meat itself.
Very few recipes have a nutritional information snapshot but sat. fat is over 6 grams which we'd never be able to eat. Something fishy about just a few have this label as it's listed in grams for serving size.
Many different types of meat/poultry dishes along with desserts.
Many other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
AFTER SEPTEMBER BY STEPHANIE SMITH
Rose had enough-always running in to her ex and his new bride and nothing was holding her to stay now. Kids were in college so she sold the house and rented one in St. Croix to just get away from everything.
She ends up injuring her foot after waking up on the island and goes to the doctor who runs the local orphanage. They each have an attraction to one another.
Love island life and she discovers she has to find something to do. She had noticed a church on her jaunts around town on her bike-we just bought bikes-yes in our 60's and are enjoying them tremendously.
Author describes the house in such detail you can picture it yourself and want to move in. Ocean breezes was the perfect calming effect.
She had prayed to God to take away the pain and stop praying when the pains remained. She talks to Patrick, the doctor and a bit more relieved after he tells her his story and invites her to church.
Things are going well with them and then they are not. Things are not going as she had expected.
She had turned her back on God and she realizes she really needs him in her life...
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review.
THE CAUTIOUS MAIDEN BY DAWN CRANDALL
Story sounded interesting. Starts out with Violet and she's lost both her parents in the course of a year and her brother is in charge of the house.
He's turned it not only into an inn but a brothel. She is able to work but things become misunderstood so often she finds her reputation is damaged.
Vance comes to her rescue but she knows she will wed the minister and move to TN. Things get crazy and a lot of plans are waylaid. Great story with a paragraph from other quoted novels at the beginning of each chapter.
Just a handful of characters so it's easy to keep track of them. Loved all the different locations as I am familiar with some. Liked the timeframe of the story and the fashion and how the Bible sways Vance into learning more about the religion.
I was given the book by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.
Once a Bridesmaid (Always a Bridesmaid Book 2)
Read first in this series and enjoyed all the very detailed descriptions of things taking place and background scenery.
This story is about Lauren-the woman who lives in Boston and works at Always a Bridesmaid with Erin from the first book. She's staging a bachelorette party where the bride wants all male organ decorations.
As she takes them out of the tote I am just sitting here laughing my butt off!
Kyle the stripper shows up early and he wants to look around. She assumes he's the stripper and he is not!
She gets all wrapped up in Kyle and we are able to hear his side of the story also...he learns quickly after having sex with her that she won't do a repeat. They meet often as he's the photographer for the wedding...
Love finer details of the locale-the duck story! I was there often but never there-going to eye doctors in the city for several days a week for years and never ventured to see them. Also treasure the other events that had a place in the story: Gloucester during holidays and other city things. Also appreciate the ending how it all fits into place-the locations and what is real and what is not.
Things become confusing for Lauren and she breaks it off although many try to reason with her...can't wait for the third in this series.
Won this copy from Bookies author takeover
A Heartwarming Thanksgiving by various Harlequin Authors
Love the idea of this book because so many new authors for me to discover along with old ones that I like to read their stories. Also each story comes with a recipe for the holiday meal.
Read all the books and can't select just one book as my favorite. Each one teaches me about new places and things I want to see for myself. A turkey farm, sounds so easy but we've never been to one.
Each one also has a feeling of not only family but others who enjoy helping others.
Some favorite novellas: a pregnant woman who meets up with a man from high school days who not only delivers her child in an airport...
An old woman who's spent 12 years as a widow and has found another love draws the other members of the family together for the ceremony.
Soldiers home for the holidays...loved hearing about all the careers the characters have, learning new words and learning about new places as they are so detailed you want to step into the book.
Love parts where others bring those less fortunate home for a hot meal as that is something we do.
Other heroes stories: policemen, firemen and men served in the military along with school teachers and other service people and their stories.
Also liked the one about the family tree and what it symbolizes about the past and the future.
Some lengths some go through, amazing!
I received this book from Prism Book Tours in exchange for my honest review
Sometimes Snow Falls in the Summer
Children's story about Ella and she learns of her grandmother's place where it can snow in the summer. She wants to learn more.
Colorful sketches of what's going on. She must be patient and learn that virtue as they travel to northern Michigan where the farm is.
She images what she should pack-given the weather might be snowy but it's summer.
She boards the plane to visit with her Nana and she finds the country is rather plain....
Love the part about her knitting-my favorite thing to do. Wow it did snow, find out how.
Other things for kids to do is included at the end.
Dumpling Recipes: The Ultimate Guide Kindle Edition by Kelly Kombs
Each recipe starts out with Prep, cook time, complete time and servings.
Ingredients and how to make the dish. There is no nutritional information and no pictures.
List of ingredients are not always on the healthy side and some things you can't substitute for a healthier option.
The various dumpling recipes themselves can be done with a healthy choice.
Sweet taste dumpling or herb inspired dumplings would be my choice.
Authors other works have a clickable link at the end.
Bruschetta Recipes: The Ultimate Guide
Starts out with what they are and where they originated from.
Each recipe has cook, prep and completed times along with servings.
Ingredient list along with directions on how to make.
There is no nutritional information and no pictures. Not familiar with some of the breads they want you to use in assembling the dish.
Some of the recipes are a bit healthier than others. You might be able to substitute for a healthier option.
Bruschetta with red peppers would be the one we'd try.
Authors other works have a clickable link at the end.
Always looking for different combinations of food.
Recipes start with list of Prep, cook and total time, servings, and ingredient list along with directions.
No pictures and no nutritional information.
Although they sound healthy some of the ingredients are not really that good, 2 16 oz. bottles of Italian dressing is pushing it too much per serving even for a light or fat free. There is too much sodium in the dressing.
Might be able to use olive oil as a substitute.
Pasta with shrimp would be great, except we'd bake the shrimp rather than deep fry it.
Obsessed by Wildfire by Autumn Jordan
Story about a fireman and his life gets entangled with Isabel. Love the mysteries surrounding the fires and the investigations.
Felt there was way too much sex in the book for me, very erotic.
loved the locale and learning new things. Excerpt from the next in the series is included at the end.
Best Ever Fruit Cobbler & Crisp Recipes (Best Ever Recipes Series Book 2)
Each recipe starts out with a brief description of the dish.
Has servings and then list of ingredients directions and toppings.
There is no nutritional information and no pictures.
Might be able to substitute some ingredients for a healthier option.
Blueberry cobbler would be our choice as we pick our own and freeze them for winter months and the rest of the ingredients are very healthy.
The crisp recipes I feel use a whole stick of margarine-that is too high of fat content for us to even consider.
Also has a section on whipped cream toppings.
20 Easy Slow Cooker Christmas Appetizer Recipes: Holiday Cooking For Your Gathering
Has great ideas but there are no pictures and no nutritional information and the ingredient list doesn't offer many healthy options.
Party mix without butter, salts or Worcestershire sauce is what we currently offer to our guests who come to visit. Along with veggie straws it is a big hit.
Like festive names of the dishes. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Slow Cooker Cookbook: 25 Amazing Recipes for Braises, Stews, Pot Roasts, and Other One-Pot Meals
Starts out with why you should use a slow cooker and the benefits of time and money saved.
Each recipe includes: prep and cook times, servings and then the list of ingredients, mostly healthy.
Directions on how to make the dish and a listings of some nutritional information is included on a handful of recipes.
The fat content is NOT broken up into healthy/unhealthy fats. Also does not include sugar and sodiums levels-more important to us than carbs.
The Ultimate Christmas Cookies (In The Kitchen Cooking Book 3) by June Kessler
Some recipes start with a colorful picture, all recipes include a brief summary of the item and ingredient list along with instructions on how to make and bake. Servings also.
No nutritional information and most use some portion of unhealthy fat in the way of butter or shortening.
Some have healthier option for butter. Other works by the author are clickable at the end.
Delicious Cookies and Bars (Delicious Mini Book Book 4)
Recipes that start out with ingredient list-nothing healthy but you might be able to experiment with a healthier option for fat content.
How to make and servings is included. NO pictures and no nutritional information.
Other works by the author are clickable at the end.
Cupcake-Cookies and Brownies (Delicious Recipes Book 10)
Some recipes start with a color photo and title and servings. Some photos are x'ed out as they were used without permission of the photographer and just grabbed online as their own?
Ingredient list and how to make and bake and servings and various frosting recipes which you don't have to use.
no nutritional information.
Might be able to experiment with healthier choices for butter.
Carrot and cardamon cupcakes would be my choice to make.
Other works by the author are clickable at the end.
Whole Food Essentials: TOP 25 Clean Eating Recipes for Weight Loss, Healthy Metabolism & Energy
Starts out with the definition of clean eating. Foods to avoid and you can watch the energy you'll get and loss of weight.
Each recipes comes with a color photo, cooktime and servings. Ingredient list of very healthy items, along with how to make the dish.
super healthy recipes. NO nutritional information but it's all healthy ingredients.
Free clickable gifts at the end.
A KEEPER!
Super Fish
Children's colorful book about how one super fish saved the other fish. They are as small as a penny.
After he was saved, the superfish went on to save a starfish that was trapped under a shipwreck.
The fish has everything documented on a camera if you don't believe him. They are able to show the super fish in action. So funny and silly.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Another story: Super fish the stare wars is also included. Another silly story where the octopus tries to get you to blink.
.
Christmas Recipes: Christmas Cookies: Delicious Christmas Treats for Your Family to Enjoy!
Each recipe starts out with the title, servings, ingredient list and how to put the item together. Most are using pre packaged foods.
No nutritional information and no pictures.
Grinch cookies using maybe EVOO might be our choice to try.
'Happier Holidays: The cookbook to eat, drink and stay merry!
Plan for a stress free holiday baking. Lots of things can be done prior to the event and list of things for the day of the event.
Tips for a budget. Starts out with a clickable video to watch how to make the turkey in various ways along with ingredients needed for each.
Other options for turkey are included: roasts, prime rib, duck, lamb, etc.
Stuffing section also includes clickable videos to watch. along with recipes.
Recipes for side dishes, salads, desserts and drinks are included.
No pictures and no nutritional information.
Great if this is your first time cooking for the family gathering as it includes so many recipes and tips.
Delicious Meals With Leftover Turkey: Creative Ways to Use Leftover Holiday Turkey
We plan to have a turkey in the next several weeks and know we will have a bunch of leftovers.
Holiday turkey quiz starts off this book. Safety guidelines for using cooked turkey and other guidelines that one should follow for the meats.
Each recipe starts with title, servings and ingredient list and how to make. No pictures and no nutritional information but you might be able to substitute for a healthier choice for fat content.
Like that they have breakfast items, lunch, side dishes and dinner including soups.
Answers to the quiz are included.
Cookies Cookbook: Tasty Cookies for Kids (Jane Biondi Italian Cookbooks Book 4
Starts right in with recipe, servings, list of ingredients and how to make/bake them.
Color photo and no nutritional information.
Oatmeal raisin cookies would be one of the healthiest.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Pie Pops - The Ultimate Recipe Guide Kindle Edition
Looks like a great idea if you want just a taste of pie on a stick. Looks very pretty and I can just imagine how long it's gonna take to make them but thought I'd check it out for this holiday season.
We are in charge of bringing two pies this year.
Each recipe starts with Total and prep time and servings and then list of ingredients.
Dough is frozen so it's not like having or using fresh dough that you can control the fat content.
Also list of instructions. No pictures and no nutritional information.
Some of the recipes take over 1 hour to make just a handful of the pops.
Regular pie pips would be our choice using our own dough recipe and something different for heavy cream, making this a healthy snack.
Crepes Cookbook: Top 50 Crepes Recipes Ready In Just 10 Minutes-Deliciously Upgraded Desserts, Breakfast, Even Fast, Fun Dinners
Starts out explaining about crepes and the utensils you will need.
Batter is very basic things you'd have on hand in your house along with other diets: gluten free, etc. Also explains how to make them with special folding and cooking instructions.
Pumpkin Pied: A Gray Whale Inn Short Story
Story set on an island off the coast of Maine where it's Halloween time and the Pumpkin Festival is about to begin.
So many mysteries surround the town.
There are many categories to judge. The corn maze one night is engulfed in flames and other Town folk think that will scare the buyers in purchasing the land.
Great story in a good setting around a good holiday with a handful of people this is part of a series but I didn't feel left out in the dark an excerpt from the next book is enclosed along with three recipes that won ribbons in the judging
Entwined with you by Sylvia Day and Jill Redfield
Have read other works by the author and enjoyed them. This one has a lot more sex than storyline.
It's on fire throughout the book. Ava and Gideon are together and at times it's like reading 50 shades, very erotic, very detailed.
Like storyline but the sex gets in the way too often. They both work in NY and her father finds out about a past incident that her mother had tried to keep from the ex husband-Ava's father.
It comes to light now and others are on her tail so that part of the book is interesting as we find out more details and what is being done to safeguard her.
Wow surprising ending....
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Star Wars BB8 and R2D2 Crochet Pattern: A stitch by stitch guide with pictures and easy to follow instructions
Have never had a crochet ornament pattern for star wars characters.
Each pattern starts out with a color photo, vague yarn needed and instructions on how to make.
Each part of the ornament is broken up into it's own section showing details with pictures along with written instructions.
Never states how much yarn but has suggestions for colors. No size hook is stated.
Thanksgiving Recipes - 250 Thanksgiving Recipes Cookbook
Starts out with categories of recipes along with link to get a free ebook and then listing of other books by the author.
Other diets are taken into consideration: paleo, vegan and low carb to name a few so there will be something for everybody at your table.
Recipes start with title, ready in minutes and servings and then list of ingredient.
Directions are included but no pictures and no nutritional information.
Sweet & Simplified: 33 Delicious Desserts & How to Bake Them
Book starts out with what to expect from this book and what you will need in the way of supplies, baking pans. Recipes are broken up into difficulty levels.
Starts with tips and then the recipes.
Recipe starts with a color photo and prep, total time to make and servings, list of supplies and ingredient list,
along with instructions on how to make them. No nutritional information.
Might be able to substitute for fat content as many use butter or shortening.
Each level also has other than cookie recipes, cakes and other desserts are included.
And So Autumn Leaves
middle age book about a boy named Ben and the seasons he loves.
The Fall season and loves to rake the leaves. He and his dad have a great time.
One day he comes home from school to find the leaves in the yard gone.
Follow the trail to the shed where he meets a boy who he called Sam.
He tells Ben he has no name, he has no clothes, he is cold and Ben helps him.
They do a lot of different things together even as meals at Ben's house. Strange transformation takes place and he no longer resembles saying just like two seasons how they transform into the next season.
Scary Halloween Stories: Five New Stories Kids Will Love (Children's Story Book Book 1)
Children's book with drawings. The gang this year has decided to take their candy to those less fortunate to even trick or treat.
They see a lot of scary things in people's houses and on the lawns.
Lots of stories to frighten the kids but not give them bad dreams.
One-Pot Cookbook: Family-Friendly Everyday Soup, Casserole, Slow Cooker and Skillet Recipes for Busy People on a Budget (Free Gift): Dump Dinners and One-Pot Meals (Healthy Cooking and Cookbooks) Kindle
Mediterranean style soups, stews, stir fry and other dishes.
Easy to make and very nutritional although there is no nutritional information but fresh vegetables and spices are used.
There are no pictures and my favorite would be the beef stew
A KEEPER!
I See Christmas!: An Amazing Christmas Objects Book (Amazing Early Concept Books!)
Colorful children's book about Christmas. Each page has a different design that symbolizes the holiday.
27 different objects my favorite being the holly and ivy.
Dinosaurs One Knit Vest Pattern With 5 Motifs (Leisure Arts, Leaflet 601
This leaflet features 5 different poses that you are to duplicate stitch onto a basic vest pattern.
I will be enlarging the charts and using a different color of yarn to make these.
Another modification I will do is to make two front so the vest is reversible.
Paid a lot for delivering the pattern but it was for an order I got from a customer.
Simplify Thanksgiving: Quick and Easy Recipes To Make Thanksgiving Great
Starts with history of Thanksgiving and then right into the recipes. Basic no fuss recipes
Has title of the recipe and servings then list of ingredients along with instruction. No pictures and no nutritional information but list of ingredient shows a low sodium variety so the recipes may be on the healthy side or you could substitute for a healthier choice.
Think we will try scalloped potatoes this year as the instructions are so easy with a handful of ingredients.
Love this book because it has the simple basic things we grew up with for the big meal.
Slow Cooker Recipes: 25 Crock Pot Recipes To Make Your Weeknights More Comfortable
Cookbook that features prep and cook time and how many servings.
The recipes do not include a picture and there is no nutritional information.
Some of the ingredients are foreign to me in cookies: coconut milk full fat, tofu to name a few.
Each recipe is cooked in the slow cooker
WHY Did I Love (Hate) That Novel?
Analytical way of approaching this: Story from an author with four main Concepts about how a book is written.
Also comes with reviews and as an example a sample of what they are trying to tell you and questions at the end of that.
a Kooky, Spooky Stroll
Children's colorful book about a stroll down a trail at Halloween.
All the things that occur on this walk are from the same theme.
This is a rhyming book and as each page is read the story is depicted in front of you.
Celebrity cookbook
Has sections for breakfast, lunch dinner and desserts, just 2-3 per section.
Each recipe has a nice photo along with a brief description of the dish, servings and total time.
Ingredient list and directions on how to make it dish.
There is no nutritional information and some of the ingredients we'd never be able to have. some you might be able to substitute for a healthier choice.
Shrimp salads sound and look appealing.
SYNOPSIS
Ex-Spinster by Christmas (House of Haverstock #4)
by
Cheryl Bolen
Ever pragmatic, Lady
Caroline Ponsby has given up hope she’ll ever receive a proposal of
marriage from Christopher Perry, the wealthy man she’s adored for almost
two years. She is determined to be an ex-spinster by Christmas. To that
end, she has invited a prospective suitor to spend Christmas with her
family. She knows very well that Lord Brockton would love to get his
hands on her dowry, and she’d love to be a married woman with a home and
family of her own.
The very idea of his Lady Caroline throwing herself away on the likes of the vile Lord Brockton rankles Christopher Perry. A pity he cannot offer for her himself, but a duke’s daughter is too far above his touch, given his family’s humble origins. Nevertheless, Christopher attends the Duke of Aldridge’s Christmas house party with the intention of thwarting Lady Caroline’s grave misalliance
Ex-Spinster by Christmas (a House of Haverstock Christmas novella) by Cheryl Bolen
Margaret is happily married. Her sister Caro is looking for a husband with hopes of having children.
Caro has had many proposals but has declined all of them but she's in love with Christopher. She puts herself out there and she discusses marriage with Brockton.
Story also follows Christopher and how he wants to intervene so Caro won't become betrothed to another but he doesn't want her either, or does he? He'd have to give up his mistress....
Liked hearing how one helped save those in the fire. Without giving anything else away from the book this is a delightful story around the holidays. Loved hearing about the different houses and locations during the season.
So festive. Love that the whole family gathers and plays cards, as we used to do after a family gathering. So treasured a moment.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review
