Books read Dec 30

Family tree by Susan Wiggs
Have enjoyed other works by this author and know this one will be another good one.
Starts out with Annie and Martin and he's just left for work. They had an argument about the bison but she gave in. She had so much advice from her grandmother that really made life matter.
They run their own cooking show...CJ is there to do an interview about her grandmother's cookbook. She had stated there's one key ingredient in each dish. Loved hearing about this as I put together two cookbooks for my mother in law in 2000s.
Martin does the cooking on the show and Annie produces it.  On her way to tell him they are expecting she finds him with the female co host....
Story also follows Fletcher who lives in VT with his son. Teddy watches The Key Ingredient because he knows who is producing it and glad she doesn't appear in front of the screen...he had a crush on her when she lived in town...
Chapters go back in time and forward to the present making all the pieces of the puzzle fit.
Love the area and maple syrup process as we've seen it, experienced it for ourselves just last year. So much to learn. Author makes you feel like you are there with detailed descriptions of the food served. It makes your mouth water!
Love history of the town, so New England and details of the therapy. So many struggles for them all over the years and nothing goes as planned.
Love technical culinary interjections, priceless!   Loved everything I learned from this book.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

National park explorers. Books 1-6 by Sara Gilbert
Love this collection of audio books as it not only describes several of the most popular national parks but
also has a bit of history and things that live in the parks and what they are really known for. Pictures are described also. Activities for children to do to help explain what happened in the areas that the book focuses on.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The guitar, an introduction to the instrument by Thomas A Hill
Book starts out with glossary of words relating to the string instruments.
All about the parts of the guitar and lots of resources at the end to help you achieve leaning about the guitar. 
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

A Season of joy, favorite stories and poems for Christmas  by Arico_ Diane
Good stories of the meaning of Christmas with stories for children so they can understand.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Mediterranean Diet: Mediterranean Diet Cookbook & Diet Guide, A Practical Beginner's Guide And Delicious Recipes For Healthy Living And Rapid Weight Loss!
Lots of information about the Mediterranean way of life and how you can benefit from it.
Tells you what to stay away from and what you should be eating. One chapter gives you a list of things to keep on hand.
Has some recipes for dips and other items but no nutritional information is available and I find some of the food is not really the type of food that should be listed-maybe a light version or a substitute for something healthier. No pictures.

Christmas Stories : The Snowman: Christmas books for kids Bedtime stories for children (Children's Picture Book - Bedtime stories for children 2)
Colorful children's story about a snowman, the life of one who changes as the weather gets warmer.
Starts out with a snowflake and then children come to roll a ball into a bigger size to make the snowman.
The snowman does not think he is good. He learns differently as time goes on.

Appetizing lasagna. Cookbook: 25 diverse recipes.
Starts out explaining about the 4 different types of lasagna.
I'm intrigued by the dessert ones and chocolate! Recipes start out with basic meat lasagna and the ingredients are healthy.
Color photos, prep and cook times, servings and list of ingredients, and directions how to prepare and bake.
No nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for a healthier choice.
Free ebook is included 10 extra recipes.

A Christmas Gift: Winter Romance (Four Seasons Set Book 1)
Story of a teen Holly who's grown up next door to Caleb who's now part of a wolf club.
The block throws a Christmas party that everyone enjoys. The kids used to play together but when they got to be 10 they moved in different groups.
She helps him pick out his girlfriends Christmas gift and her mom decides to give her a makeover for the party and Caleb's brother will be home for the holidays.
Misunderstandings need to be talked out to make it a great holiday...

Mary Christmas: The True Story Of Mrs. Claus 
Older child reading book as there are no pictures and is of moderate pages.
Starts out with Santa and he likes the old way of doing things, when he could fix the toys. Now he needs tech guys to be able to fix them.
He is learning how to use apps on the tablet and is having a hard time of it. Mary has a secret and she knows Santa does not like any secrets at all...
Mary can not say no to many things and decides to head out for a last minute surprise when she runs into bad weather.

Christmas Miracle at the Mall
Story of a Santa and an elf who are just seeing the last two boys at the mall and magic happens.
Later that night they hang up the ornaments from Santa but will their dreams come true.
Middle age child reading book. No pictures but good story line.

Christmas Traditions Around The World
Talks about the celebrations in the US and then onto the other countries.
Best part for me was seeing how each country says "Merry Christmas" Liked hearing of the celebrations in the other countries also.

Culinary travel: Italy. Italian cuisine - best 50 recipes:homemade pastas, risotto recipes, and others Italian dishes.: Full instructions step by step with photos: Italian food is not only pizza.
Starts out with Italian and what certain words really mean and the traditions over the centuries.
Utensils and how they are used is explained and certain foods that are well known.
Recipe has color photo, title, time and servings and nutritional information but fats is NOT broken up into good and bad and there are no sodium levels.
Ingredient list and directions and tips on how to serve.
Most items are fresh and healthy, some you might have to substitute to suit your medical dietary needs.
Even has deserts. other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

December 2016 Book Fun Magazine
Have enjoyed other editions of previous months as I find out new books that I want to read.
The information provided tells part of the story rather than just having a quick summary-the interviews go into depth about the book and the person behind the book.
Viewing lots of older pictures hits just at the right time of the year for me as I just finished moving the pictures I've taken over the year to the external hard drive and waiting on the kids to do the same and then we all get a master copy of them as these are the things that can not be replaced in a disaster.
Love the recipes as we are at the end of the year last weekend celebrations.
Loved that the articles that were about the Christmas holiday and special days throughout the month.
Beautiful pictures and stories this month. Looking forward to winning some books to read for January.
You can get the books also for free, join the group, bookfun.org and request the books in exchange for your review.

Winter Arrives by Roz Marshall
Book starts out with Jude Winters who's in charge of the ski school along with her kids and has no idea how to do any of it all by herself. She needs oil and has no money and they want to be paid for previous deliveries first.
Allan, her husband is in New Zealand depositing money into their account but somethings not right...
Mike is applying for a position at the ski school for a month as he likes to move around each month trying new locations.
Like that the book is in Scotland and story line. Other works in the series are highlighted at the end.
Wish the story could've been longer, was just getting into the story.
Received this copy from InstFreebie for my honest review.

Stand tall!, the informed woman's guide to preventing osteoporosis  by Notelovitz_ Morris - Ware_ Marcia
Since losing 3 inches off my height I'm wondering what I can do so I won't lose anymore.
Although a bit old it's still useful information.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Flannel Kisses  by Brennan_ Linda Crotta - Takabayashi_ Mari
Rhyming children's book about a winter day and how the children dress and go out to play in the snow and come in for warmth and repeat.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Angels watching over me by Betty Malz
Author starts out with her own story about how angels come to help her and how to get them to help you.
Then others stories and how the angels reached out to others to help them.
Passages in the Bible correspond to the stories and are quoted.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The magic fish by Freya  Littledale
Children's story about a fisherman who catches a fish and he puts the talking fish back in the water because he told him he was a prince.
Wife tells him he should've asked for a pretty house for her...
Rhyming and silly.  After a week she wishes for a castle...she is never happy and always asks for more....
Fish keeps asking why she wants these things...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Pasta Salad Recipes: A Modern Pasta Cookbkook - The Ultimate Healthy Guide for Fusilli, Spaghetti, Tortellini and Noodles with Creamy Tomato Sauce 
Each recipe starts out with the title and ingredient list and directions. There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
For the most part the ingredients are healthy you might have to alter some of the ingredients for your dietary needs.
Got some good ideas for shrimp salad.

Mediterranean diet: The full Guide to the Mediterranean Diet for Healthy Eating and Weight Loss (cookbook, Mediterranean diet for beginners, weight loss)
Starts with what a Med diet really is. Recipe starts with servings and ingredient list and directions. No pictures and no nutritional information so you may have to substitute some of the ingredients for your dietary needs.
Lots of choices to select from. I found the print and colors used hard to concentrate on what I was seeing.

20 Beautiful Christmas Stories for Kids 2-6 (Bedtime Stories for Kids)
Silly story of Gregory the green nosed reindeer I am laughing so hard because my spouses name is Gregory.
The children don't want to take the tree down because there is still snow around. Silly things like fruitcake flowers in Christmas Land.
Very colorful pictures help tell the story of what is being read.
For older children.  The adventure ends when they wake up in the morning and everything is normal again...
Lots of monsters in this book but others want to help make them good. So many different stories, wish they were separated a bit better before you realize it you are into the next story.

Spot the difference - Festive Season Fun
Colorful seasonal holiday pictures to compare to try to find five differences per page.
Answers are provided at the end via a link.

Emma’s Holiday Collection  By Mary Lee
Very colorful children's book about different animals. First is the pumpkin for Halloween,
then the turkey for Thanksgiving and then Snowbell for Christmas. Easy words and pictures for the child to follow along.

Russian Soup Recipes: Thirty Delicious and Easy Soup Recipes  by Julia Gousseva
Lots of tips for making Russian soups along the way.
Starts with summary of the soup then list of ingredients with approximate sizes along with instructions.
No pictures and no nutritional information but with healthy ingredients it has to be on the healthy side.
Lots of different spices I never would have thought go together but they really sound appetizing.
Love recipe for axe soup!

Appetizers :The Ultimate Recipe Guide - Over 150 Appetizing Recipes  by Danielle Caples
Each recipe has prep ready and cook times, servings along with ingredient list and how to make . There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
You should be able to substitute for healthier choices in most of these recipes.
Great book for entertainment dishes.

Ticky Tack The Littlest Reindeer - A Christmas Book for Children (Christmas Stories For Kids 1)
Children's colorful book about a reindeer that thinks he's big enough to pull Santa's sleigh but everyone just laughs at him.
Colorful pictures showing what's going on so children can follow along.
One toy is left out and Shortbread fixes it and now they have to come up with an idea how to deliver it...
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

50 Christmas Pie Recipes  by Pamela Kazmierczak
Each recipe has list of ingredients along with directions on how to make and bake.
there are no pictures and no nutritional information.
Various pie shells can be made or bought to make these.

The OREO COOKIE Dessert Book - A Cookbook Filled With Delicious Snacks Made With Milk's Favorate Cookies (The MASTER CHEF SERIES 96
We have made Oreo cookies from  recipes and the cookies do turn out like oreo cookies so going to be interesting to read this cookbook.
Recipes have ingredient list, filling and other fillings and how to make the cake. There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
Cakes, cheesecake, pies, cookies to name a few of the desserts available. Very sugary and high fat content.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Oil Less Frying
Book sounded interesting as we no longer eat foods that have been fried in oil.
These recipes are for the Phillips Airfryer which we don't have.
some of the ingredients are also foreign to me.
Good layout of the recipes title, pre and cook time and servings with ingredient list and how to make them.
No pictures but has some nutritional information: fat is not broken up into 4 sections and sodium is not listed.
Dishes sound appetizing and with low fat content they should be easy to make, if you have the device to cook them in.

holiday baking cookbook by Louise Davidson
B01M6DFLQ8
Introduction talks about using baked items as gifts and how to decorate the packages.
Each recipe comes with a color photo, servings and list of ingredients. Instruction on how to make and bake  and also some have tips at the end. there is no nutritional information.
Some recipes start with Bisquick or a cake mix.  Lots of decadent desserts to choose from.
Free ebook is available and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

The Ultimate Gourment Risotto Cookbook by Martha Stone
B01MF7JL68
Introduction about the traditional Italian rice dish and basic directions on how it's made.
Each recipe has a color photo, summary, servings total time and list of ingredients along with instructions on how to make.
No nutritional information but healthy substitutions should be ok to use.
Bonus book available and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

County Fair Blue Ribbon Winning Cookbook: Main Dish, Casserole, & Vegetable Recipes
Starts out with abbreviations and a brief introduction about the series of books.
The recipes include the title, ingredient list  and instructions how to make. There are no pictures and no nutritional information.
Not very healthy but you might substitute some items. Other works by the author is highlighted at the end.

101 Days of Christmas: 101+ Recipes & Crafts for a DIY Holiday
Recipes start out with a small color photo and a summary of the dish. List of ingredients and directions on how to make.
There is no nutritional information or pictures. Each section has its own table of contents.
Projects for kids I really appreciated seeing as some are do it yourself crafts-no baking involved.
Ideas for other community projects are listed at the end.

Mega Collection #1: Nine Awesome Bedtime Stories for Children 3-6
Have read some of the individual books and really like having all 9 in one place.
Colorful children's books. Like Dads cool car collection the best as the son gets to know his father better.
Like colorful pictures and the paragraph that tells about that job his dad had.
Cute stories for a child of any age, reinforces positive feelings.

Cookbook: CROCKPOT - Healthy Recipes, Easy To Make, Lose Weight with Delicious Meals (Crockpot Recipes, Slow Cooker, Dinner Recipes, Breakfast, Soup, Slow Cooker Cookbook, Stew Book 1)
Starts out with the history of the crockpot and its features. Start out with breakfast meals and servings, ingredient list and directions. There are NO pictures and no nutritional information.
You may be able to substitute for your own dietary needs.
What is strange is half way through the recipes take on a new format and the nutritional information is included.

The Gooey Butter Cake Collection: 60 Quick and Easy Cake Mix Recipes Your Family Will Love
Introduction explains what a gooey butter cake is.  Each one starts off with a cake mix.
Each recipe has list of ingredients and filling and how to make and bake the cake.
There are no pictures and no nutritional information.