A campy Christmas, A Frannie Shoemaker Campground Adventure by Karen Musser Nortman
Frannie's kids and grandkids will not be at the Christmas this year. They all have other plans.
She had spent so much time decorating the house and getting tickets to the plays for them all...
On an impulse they get together their camper and go with their friends to TX and other places. Love how she organizes all the food and clothes they will need.
Road and nature hazards and they end up in a cmapground deserted for a night and witness strange happenings....
Men banter to no end...They find a man in the snow....love how this plays out.
Especially love the tips for when traveling in the winter and in the RV. Recipes and more tips at the end of the book.
Can't wait to read more of the books by this author. Many are summarized at the end.

That First Christmas by  Lily Graison 

Meredith is on her way to her fathers during the winter break but she crashes her car and a man rescues her.

He takes her back to his cabin and they are snowed in for a week. When he finds out who she is related to things change for him...

The scare with the animals leaves him wounded and she tries to help.

Travis is from a different type of world and you wonder how they even survive their time in the cabin.

Love how he uses his hands and teaches her things about surviving. Turmoil really heats up when he delivers her to her fathers...

Christmas: Short Stories that stir the Spirit of Christmas by Marcia Laycock
She moved up north to experience the true winter and holiday season. They were to fly back to the states to celebrate the holiday but Tim had not made the reservations.
No store had a tree, no turkey, no cranberry sauce, nothing. She sulks in the tub and agrees to go to his bosses house for dinner.
After they all gather around and read from the book of Luke. Like their way to celebrating the holiday up north, unique.
.
Next story
Bryan is on the river with ice fog all around and he needs a miracle to help with the delivery.
He prays to God to help. The pastor and his wife help and are able to have the prayer meeting.
.
Religious ancient archives and I enjoyed this one for the treasures they find.
A book of the future where events have changed the world as we know it.
More quotes from Luke about the nativity scenes.  He only wants to find a cure for his ailing daughter.
Next story is they may have to cancel the event as some have come down with measles and some adults are showing symptoms as well.
They may find the right answer to make the pageant go on as planned.

.

A Father for Christmas by Rachelle Ayala
This story starts out with Kelly and she's brought her 4 year old daughter to the mall to sit on Santa's lap, Bree. They get separated and a man, Tyler who is a local hero who went to war and donates all his pay to the orphanage finds her and returns her. He keeps running into her, helping out her mother and other chores.
She finally goes out with him as she looks for a gift for her daughter and they get to know one another. She's a finance career person but with job placement she now works as a janitor for the bank. He's homeless and can make his living by doing jobs for others. He cleans up good and is there to help the ladies at the church also, for a free meal.
Tyler gave up his football career after 9/11 to go fight the war. His mother died while he was there and there's nobody else for family. She starts feeling bad she treated him like a criminal...
She sees things in the different light after spending time with him and he with her family.
Circumstances make him leave the area and she can't find him....Misunderstandings and you know they'll never get back together-too much hidden from one another.
Tragic and happy at the same time. Excerpt from the next book in the series is included at the end.
Other books excerpts are also included. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

You Will Never be Hungry Again, Healthy, Delicious & Nutritious Foods by Rodolfo Fernandes
This book starts out with author bio and other details about the book. Basic cooking terms are included.
Pictures along the way
Understanding food labels is highlighted.
Recipes are broken up into food category.
Kitchen tools are discussed. Seasoning recipes, useful.
Each recipe starts with a title, total time, prep and cook, servings.
List of ingredients, very healthy but uses canned items, which you can substitute for fresh produce.
Has steps to follow, along with pictures. Easy to understand.
No nutritional information.  Carrot cupcakes would be my choice to try.
Metric conversion available and a section on superfoods and their benefits.
Vitamins and minerals are also discussed.

The Clean Eating Cookbook: 50 Quick, Easy and Delicious Recipes by Alice Newman
Starts with table of contents with recipes listing in no specific order.
Introduction talks about what clean eating is and what you should include.
Breakfast recipes start with a title, tiny color photo, servings, time (some include prep and cook times) and list of ingredients along with directions. Has some nutritional information for protein, carbs, fats and calories. No sodium and fats is not broken up into good or bad.
Next section is lunch then dinner. Not sure why they are using a canned product when they could make it fresh and have NO sodium at all.
Especially tomatoes in a can, what's wrong with using fresh. Also has a section on snacks.

Books read Dec 29

Slow Cooker Cookbook: Vol. 3 Delicious Dessert Recipe by Charity Wilson
Cookbook starts out  with thank you gifts and a table of contents where recipes are not in any special order.
An introduction about slow cooking is also linkable where it summarizes the previous editions.
Each recipe has a title, summary of the dish, servings. List of ingredients and you might be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sugar, low sodium.
Directions are included and there is some nutritional information: calories, carbs, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, and protein. NO sodium is mentioned and it also doesn't state how big a serving is although it states the pie makes 8 slices.
Nothing new in this book I've seen way better, photos and all nutritional information in other books.

Tamales: Exquisite recipes from Mexico with Love by James Miller
Starts with a warning to get approval from your doctor for the foods that could potentialy harm you.
Table of contents and offer of a free gift.
Introduction about tamales and their history. Color photos are with text. Different parts of the masa are discussed.
Basic recipe has a summary, title, cook time and servings. List of ingredient and I do not think you can substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, etc.
Directions are included along with pictures of the process of mixing. Nutritional information includes calories, total fat, sat fat, trans fat, sodium, fiber, total carb and protein.  doesn't state what a serving size is in grams.
Tamale recipes themselves start with a title, cook time, servings and list of ingredients and directions along with the same nutritional information.

Indian Cuisine Made Simple. 30 Superb Recipes by Robert Pratt
This book starts out with a table of contents where chapters are divided into meal categories.
A free gift is clickable.  Intro about Indian cooking and what herbs and spices really matter.
Eas recipe includes a title, color photo, prep time and servings.
List of ingredients and how to make it. There is no nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar products.
Most everything is cooked in oil.
Ghee is listed a lot and we get that from the yogurt we make at home.  Wish there were English translations to the recipe names.

Breakfast Cookbook: Breakfast Sandwich Mania by Charity Wilson
This cookbook starts with a table of contents in a short introduction,
the recipes include servings, cook and prep times,
list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute
for your healthier dietary needs such as low-sodium low-fat and low-sugar.
There are no pictures there is no nutritional information.

The Instant Pot® Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook by Adele Baker 
Starts out with a table of contents where chapters are broken up into meal categories.
An introduction about pressure cooking and what you should about cooking and why it's so much more healthier.
Terminology used and abbreviations  and what the buttons mean and chart of the different types of instant pot pressure cookers available.
Has a section for holiday pressure cooking dishes, Thanksgiving and Christmas, Memorial day, Labor day and 4th of July,
Each recipe has a title, tiny color photo, servings, cook time and prep time.
List of ingredient and how to make it.
Nutritional information has fat per servings, carbs,  protein and calories. There is no listing for bad or good fat, nor sodium, nor sugars.
You should able to able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar products.
Has some great ideas but we like leftovers and most of the dishes are for 2-4.
Some recipes use the pot but also a skillet, what's wrong with the pot itself for browning?
Conversion tables at the end and other works by the author.

The Fairy Garden: A Discovery of Birth Flowers (Picture book for ages 5-8) by Tara Thomas-Sanderson
Colorful children's story about Nateli Belle who loves fairies. Her mother surprised her with a fairy house and she was able to create her own fairy garden.
Each month has their own page and explanation about the flowers.
Love the ending also because it matches the flowers up with thier birth months.
My favorite would be holly-you need a male and a female to make it produce the berries.
Link to other works by the author are included at the end.

Crockpot Recipes: 39 Amazingly Tasty Gluten Free Crockpot Recipes by Amelia Sanders
Book starts out with a table of contents and an intro that talks about our hectic lifestyle and how easy it can be to prepare meals.
Chapter on the crockpot  and it's history.  Going gluten free with the crockpot is another enlightening chapter to read.
Conversion table is included
Recipes include a title, tiny color photo and list of ingredients where some are using prepared package or cans of items.
Like that it lists some products as light and low fat. Directions are included but there is NO nutritional information.
Offer of free kindle books is linked at the end.

Easy and Healthy Weeknight Meals by Alice Newman
Starts with a table of contents where recipes are not in any order.
Intro talks about clean eating, benefits of low carb eating and what you should be eating  and how to make a shopping list from the recipes.
There are few pictures and also an equipment list of things you should have on hand.
Recipes start with a title, tiny color photo, servings, prep and total time.
List of ingredients and how to make the dish. Some nutritional information per servings are total calories, net carbs and protein.
I'd be more interested in sodium, sat fat contents.
You should also be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat products.
Don't like that a recipe could include English measurements and also US ones, why not keep it all uniform and use one country or other other, Don't mix them.
Title is different at various book retailers.

Books read Dec 27

Dear Santa: Children’s Christmas Letters and Wish Lists, 1870 – 1920 by Chronicle Books
What I like about this book are many things. Not only for children but adults as there is so much history to learn about.
love that they show color photos of a scene during the book.  So much history: how the Santa letter came about over the years, the origins of Santa.
Each section of years has a summary and toy terminology and the charm of children, living history section and a don't miss area before it gets into the letters. Amazing to learn when tinker toys were invented among other toys that we in our 60's remember.
So many fond memories over the years, what a treasure this book is.

MEAL PREP: The Beginner’s Guide to Meal Prep and Clean Eating for Busy People to Lose Weight and Save Time (low carb diet, clean eating, batch cooking, weight loss,meal planning,healthy cookbook) by Maria Cook
This book starts out with a table of contents divided into meals in nos specific order.
An introduction about the preparation and why it's important to do it and how it can save time.
Color photos showing examples.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook time. Serving size is listed in grams and servings and calories.
List of ingredients which includes low fat ingredient sin some recipes.
Directions are included along with notes. There is no photo.
There are no other nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs by using low fat products and low sugar as well.
Problem with this book is not all the recipes have the same format. In some cases there is just a title, ingredient list and directions . No times, servings or anything else.
Wonder what it doesn't retain the same format.
Not impressed with this book at all.

The Deep and Snowy Wood (Christmas Picture Book) by Elwyn Tate
Children's colorful book about the snow in the woods.
Digital book has to be read sideways. Find it hard to read the words as they are sometimes on the same shade background.
Shows all the animals that live in the woods. They can't figure out where the deer is running to and the other animals.
As you watch you look up into the sky. this book should be read on Christmas eve to get the most out of it.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

The Christmas Kitten by Jessica Spawn
Colorful children's book that has to be read sideways. Print is small and hard to see on some pages with a dark background.
Like how the reindeer make an appearance along with Santa. Great holiday book to read.
Santa is there to make his wish come true and give him a family.
Favorite picture is the one at the end with the ball of yarn as I am a knitter for charity these days.

Mediterranean Diet Cookbook (2nd Edition): 61 Mediterranean Recipes That Keep You Slim & Healthy by Olivia Rogers
Starts with a table of contents where the recipes are not categorized in any specific order.
Intro talks about the diet and why it's different.
Recipe starts with a title and color photo and a summary.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for an every healthier dietary needs by using low sodium, low fat, low sugar products.
How to prepare the dish and a tip at the end about why a certain food in the meal is beneficial.
There is no nutritional information.  NO servings, or size.
Also has fitness tips at the end.

Brightley & Glow by Sophie Carmen
Children's colorful book about stars. The problem I have with this book is that the kindle has to be turned sideways. The print on the pages are on the dark side with very dark backgrounds.
Like how magic things happen and the sparkle starts.

Crock Pot Express Recipes Cookbook for Everyone: Crock-pot Express Multi-cooker Recipes Cookbook for Quick, Easy and Healthy Meals by Samanta Klein
Table of contents and intro about multi purpose pressure cooker, crock pot and what the buttons all do.
Few color photos.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings and prep time. Nutritional information includes calories, carbs, fiber, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad and protein. NO sodium levels.
Ingredient list and how to make. There are no photos for the recipe.
To make even healthier meals you could use low fat, low sodium products especially for your dietary needs.
Nothing really struck my fancy as I've reviewed over 50 pressure cook books.

Bright Star, Night Star: An Astronomy Story by Karl Beckstrand
Colorful children and adult book about the stars and galaxies.
Starts out with a treasure hunt. Love the picture of all the constellations specified on the next page.
Never knew they also had signs in the constellations. Dark background with handwritten letters makes it difficult to read but the pages can be enlarged.
Love rhyming parts also. So much to learn about them all. Other works by the author are listed at the end.

The 12 Days of a Great White Christmas by Chris Bresky
Children's colorful book that has to be read sideways. Some of the print is hard to read because it's not dark enough on a white background.
Story of a typical 12 days of Christmas but using fish and sealife.
Very detailed photos. Lots of strange names making it very interesting.
Lots of holly jolly shark facts at the end .

Chicken Cookbook: Healthy Chicken Soup, Salad, Casserole, Slow Cooker and Skillet Recipes Inspired by The Mediterranean Diet (Free Gift): Mediterranean Diet Cookbook (Healthy Cooking on a Budget 1)  by Vesela Tabakova
This cookbook arts out with a table of contents where chapters are broken up into different parts of a meal in no particular order.
Intro about fast and easy chicken recipes combined with the Mediterranean diet.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low sugar, low fat, etc.
Directions on how to make are included. There are NO photos. There is NO nutritional information.
20 superfood smoothie bonus recipes are included at the end.

Book Review: The Most Hated Man in America: Jerry Sandusky and the Rush to Judgment by Mark Pendergrast

Powerful enlightening story!

SYNOPSIS:

Everyone knows the story of Jerry Sandusky, the serial pedophile, the Monster. But what if that story is wrong? What if the former Penn State football coach and founder of the Second Mile is an innocent man convicted in the midst of a moral panic fed by the sensationalistic media, police trawling, and memory-warping psychotherapy? The Most Hated Man in America reads like a true crime psychological thriller and is required reading for everyone from criminologists to sports fans.

AUTHOR BIO:

Mark Pendergrast was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, the fourth of seven children in a family that valued civil rights, the environment, sailing, reading, and games of chase and charades. He earned a B.A. in English literature from Harvard, taught high school and elementary school, then went back to Simmons College for a masters in library science and worked as an academic librarian—all the while writing freelance articles for newspapers and magazines. In 1991, he began writing books full time, which allows him to follow his rather eclectic interests.

Pendergrast’s books have been published in 15 languages. For God, Country & Coca-Cola was named a notable book of the year by the New York Times, and Discover Magazine chose Mirror Mirror as one of the top science books of the year. Pendergrast has given speeches to professional groups, business associations, and college audiences in the United States, Canada, the U.K., and Germany. He has appeared on dozens of television shows, including the Today Show, CBS This Morning, and CNN, and has been interviewed on over 100 radio programs, including All Things Considered, Marketplace, Morning Edition, and many other public radio shows. He lives in Colchester, Vermont.

MY REVIEW:

The Most Hated Man in America: Jerry Sandusky and the Rush to Judgment by Mark Pendergrast
Very disturbing adult situations and abuse, be warned. Very explicit details but it's necessary as the case comes together.
Feel this was a minute by minute collection of data with people involved and how all the facts come to light and how some are not used in the trial at all.
I followed this case in the news and not sure I've heard all the details so was happy to get a copy of this book to learn more information.
Loved hearing of the charity he started but soon after events come to light and charges are brought against him, pedophile and charged with molestation.
Book starts prior to when he was charged and follows the leads.
After more than 30 come forward I couldn't understand why his wife stood behind him, now I know why, he was really innocent. took the fall for others.
Learned about the techniques used to get the boys to state what had been done to them by reason of suggestion in some cases.
So much was never allowed in the court trials, see it happen so often now in trials. Nobody wants to hear/know the real truth.
Like memory discussions and do wonder if he was really innocent-as today's news and media prosecutes others for crimes without a trial.
So much went wrong in the gathering of information and facts and so much speculation and the media ran with that.
Much is covered about his life prior and current, enjoyed learning about his family histories over the centuries.
Love foot notations as they arise in the story and listed in detail as to how the information was found.
I received this review book from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Books read Dec 20

Christmas on Interstate 80 by John Bensink
Starts out with Bonnie, the mom of 3 grown and moved out kids and she's decorating her house from top and bottom and then some.
Reminds me of me in a past life and even parts in the present as I go around tipping people for the services they provide, while on the road.
She's doomed-none of them will come home for Christmas, lame excuses, so she heads out, to maybe see them but gets turned down so he invents her own journey.
Love where it takes her as we've been to similar jaunts in our lifetime together. She's all alone Love after she leaves voice messages she turns her phone off.
Really enjoy the locations she travels to as we just recently had visited one that I'd love to see and enjoy again some day. Awesome memories as she's experiencing.
What struck me the most was usage of words-never seen/heard them lumped together like that but you knew exactly what they meant without an explanation.
Christmas decorations are so descriptive you can picture yourself there watering eyes as the colors are so bright and vibrant.  Whole book is very detailed, would be a great movie!
Love where this story goes and wish there was more to it. Will be searching for more works by this author because of the terminology used-wicked good!

Dying for Love by Cara Putnam B01MTCK9BF
Story starts out with Ciara Turner and she's on time for the meeting with the judge as she enters, she knows she is early as not even his secretary is there.
The other lawyer shows up, David Evans and he finds his mentor, Judge Bantor lying on the floor as they both attempt to safe the judges life.
They had dated when they were clerks but moved on in opposing directions.
They work together with clues as to the judge's freshman son
She can only always count of God to be on her side...  Love that she has her girlfriends to watch out for her. He's got a secret he needs to share with her...
Excerpt from another books is included. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Instant Pot Cookbook: 500 Amazing Instant Pot Recipes For Fast & Healthy Meals by Karen L. Thomas 

This book starts out with Table of contents broken up into categories of meals and an introduction about how easy the one pot is to use.

Parts of the pot and how it all works are discussed.  Has FAQ also. Recipes start with a title and total time, servings.

List of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, etc.

Directions and there are no pictures. There is no nutritional information.

Lot of variations on an item and not really impressed with this cookbook, lacking so much that other books have.

Meal Prep: The Beginner’s Guide to Healthy Meal Prep and Clean Eating, Easy to Cook Recipes for a Perfect Body (Weight Loss, Meal Planning, Low Carb Diet, Plan Ahead Meals, Meal Plan, Batch Cooking) by Gareth Jaiden 

Table of contents then an introduction about meal prepping: what and why it's important,

Lots of tips along the way. Has menus for 4 weeks, day by day meals with snacks.

Each recipe includes a summary of the dish, variations and color photo. Servings, serving size and nutritional information that includes calories, total fat, sat fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, fiber, sugar, protein and smart points.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sugar, etc.

Directions are included also. Really good ideas.

Quick and Easy Recipes: 34 Healthy & Tasty Meals for Busy Moms To Feed The Whole Family! by Olivia Rogers 

Starts with table of contents and recipes are not in any specific order. and introduction. 

Each recipe starts with a title and short summary. List of ingredients and you should have no problem substituting for canned products: fresh vegetables and low fat products, low sodium and low sugar.

Directions and tips are included. There is no nutritional information and some have servings.

There are no pictures. Like corn muffins and zucchini muffins recipes.

 

Baked Chicken Recipes by Sharon Guzman 

Book starts with a table of contents and an introduction.

Recipe starts with a title, list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, etc.

Directions in how to prepare are included.

There are no pictures. There is no nutritional information.

Don't care for the fact that a new recipe does not start on a fresh page-makes it harder to find the recipe.

Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Multiplication Math Skills Challenge (Math Challenge Series Book 1)  by Math4Math Games 

I have always struggled with some parts of math and like how this one is set up for one just learning.

Lots of practice. Different levels of difficulty and many lessons along the way. There is a section on how to use the book that is most helpful also.

And a child can gain happy smiley faces for completing each problem and level.

Shows examples of how to solve the problems. Each level starts at question 1 and goes to 40. Each is multiple choice before it moves on to the next one.

After 4 questions it has a link to check your answers.  And a link to continue on to the next set of questions.

They do get harder as the level rises.

Lionel's Christmas Adventure by Paul R. Hewlett

This is a mid grade book about Lionel and how others pick on him but he has friends. He has a hard time talking to the girl as most boys do.

Some bigger boys pick on him but he's able to run away and they never catch him. He and his friend Skip head to The Hill to sled down all day long. Skip's parents want Lionel to join them for Christmas Eve day as they go help others in the community and learn what's it like to bring a smile to their faces and the real meaning of Christmas.

He only wants a turbo 500 sled but even putting food on the table is hard enough. Lionel was not looking forward to the day before Christmas but when it came he really enjoyed himself.

He does get a gift and it's most treasured, not really the one he wanted...

Lip Balm: Make Your Own Lip Balm With These 35 Quick & Easy Recipes! by Kitty Moore

Book starts out with a table of contents and an introduction.

Each recipe includes a color photo, title and materials needed. along with directions.

Not sure where you get pre made containers but the recipe look easy enough if you can also locate the ingredients.

Thought they'd be using more household, on hand products.

Ads for DIY crafts are included throughout the book.

Other works by the author are highlighted in the book.

The Pastures of Heaven by John Steinbeck

Love hearing how this book came about and how he achieved writing it.

Starts in very old days of 1700's and the book explains who founded the area and who lived in the house through the centuries til Monroe's move in.

Love explanations of words as they appear, informative. 

Enjoy the different households and the things that are important to them in this town.

I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Because It's Christmas by Kathryn Shay

Have read many of the authors books and have enjoyed them.

Starts out with Lacey and she's there to visit with her brother in prison as she tries to rehab him before he gets out.

He was the one who helped their grandfather when he had the heart attack...

Seth Taylor is the one who put him in prison. She's a writer for the paper and Seth is the school principal.

Story also follows Seth and how he wants to run the school. Lacey has her own ideas and has voiced them in the paper.

Story also follows Kevin and his stay in prison and what he goes through...

Lots of action and drama and sensual scenes.  Secrets that come to light....controversy and compromises and negotiations.

Other works by the author are highlighted at the end and an excerpt from the next in the series.

Free copy via Kindle.

The Diggers by Margaret Wise Brown

Audio book but I can just image the pictures.

Children's book about the holes the diggers leave.

One hole is done by a mole, a dog, a worm, rabbit, a pirate, and a man.

There's another made by a machine that a man runs.  Talks about where the hole started and where it went through and ended up.

Cute story, love this author's works.

Received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

 

Helpful meals from Freezer. Cookbook: 25 super recipes for freezing by David Hill 

Book starts out with a free gift, table of contents with meals divided into categories and an introduction.

Each recipe includes a title and brief summary of the dish, Prep time, servings and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, etc.

Directions  are included and tells you how long to freeze it for and how to prepare along with a color photo. 

There is no nutritional information.

English phrases making it a bit difficult with some recipes to understand what they mean by the measurement.

Not really impressed because there is so much jarred and canned products used rather than fresh.

Other works by the author are linkable at the end.

The sunshine sisters by Jane Green

Have read other books by the author and have enjoyed them.

This one is about 3 sisters and their mother who's sick. Starts at present day then goes back to 1970's then 2000 then back again.

To me it's so mixed up and hard to keep track of who os who. There are three sisters and the best part for me is when they are summoned home from their jobs and family.

Their mother is very ill and she tells them a secret she's held close for a long time.

The sisters are once again together, something that's not happened since they were young.

Good story and I've though of doing same thing, my husband and myself if our circumstances get to that point. It's legal in OR already.

Wish each of the sisters had gotten their own book because I like to get to know my characters.

Liked mixture of careers and relationships but I couldn't tell you who was who at any given point.

I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

 

50 Delicious Muffin Recipes – Quick and Easy Recipes To Try Today (Breakfast Ideas – The Breakfast Recipes Cookbook Collection 1) by Pamela Kazmierczak

Book starts out with a table of contents intro and the recipes in no particular order.

There are traditional and healthy recipes.

Each recipe starts with a title and list of ingredient what you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, etc

Directions and included. There are no pictures. There is no nutritional information.

Quite the variety of flavors and ingredients to choose from.

Thanksgiving Instant Pot Cookbook: 250 Stress-Free Recipes for Happy Holidays by Steven D. Shaw 

Book starts out with a table of contents broken up into main categories. Free gift included.

Introduction about how to cut down the time of cooking everything for the feast by using the instant pot.

Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook time and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, etc.

Direction and there is no picture.

Nutritional info does not tell you how much a  serving is but has calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, fiber, carbs and protein. There is no sodium levels.

I would use some of the recipes in our everyday cooking, not just for a holiday.

Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: Healthy And Delicious Mediterranean Diet Recipes by David Williams 

Book starts out with a table of contents and an introduction about the recipes.

Each recipe starts with a title list of ingredients and directions.  There are no pictures. There is no nutritional information.

You should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, etc.

Not a lot of recipes but enough to make components of a meal.

Instant Pot Cookbook: Superfast Pressure Cooker Meals by Tina B.Baker 

Book starts with offer of a free gift if you sign up. Table of contents which includes understand your pot, terminology and which is best for you.

Recipes are broken up into different categories.

My model only a year old does not have some of the settings mentioned. charts available for different food groups, amount of water and time in minutes.

Confusing because you can't cook everything on rice mode...

Each recipe comes with a title, prep and cook time and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, etc.

Directions are included also some nutritional values but it doesn't state how big a serving size is: calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad,

carbs, fiber and protein, NO sodium values listed.

There are no pictures. Didn't see anything new that I've not already seen after having used our pot for over a year.

Christmas Friends (A Story About Friendship): Christmas Bedtime Story Picture Book for Kids by Uncle Amon 

Another great colorful children's story from Uncle Amon. Starts with a free gift.  and then story about friends.

Santa and Shiver the snowman and Riley the Reindeer walk around the North Pole admiring all the color and decorations.

Lots of magic happens to bring two people together so they can be friends.

HENRY HOCKEYSTICKS: A DAY ON THE POND by Brian Johnson 

This colorful rhyming children's book is about the day on the pond. Problem is some pages it is hard to read what the words say because they are dark on a darker background.

Love hockey terminology and all the action in the pictures showing what's going on.

So many other things happen while they are on the pond.

Full hockey moon-priceless!

Sweet Dreams, Little Monster (bedtime stories, children's stories, baby, monsters Book 1) by Caroline Bennett 

Colorful children's book that rhymes on each page as it depicts what's written.

Routine getting ready for bed. Silly monsters they are, playful.

Favorite bedtime stories are discussed as they are favorites and a summary of them before they go to bed.

Cute story.

The Meaning of Christmas: Learning the Significance of Christmas Symbols by D.L. Madson 

Story of how each item we use to symbolize the holiday also carries the true meaning for our religion.

Each symbol of the holiday has its own page and summary.

My favorite is holly because of the colors it represents.

Great story for young and old.

Easy and Healthy Weeknight Meals for Two: 50 Great Dinner Ideas. Clean Eating Cookbook. Fast and Easy Dinners. (simple delicious meals, cookbook for two, ... with meat, cookbooks for two people) by Ivan Grant 

This book starts out with a table of contents and recipes are no in any particular order or category.

An introduction about why the author wrote the book. Fundamental tips of clean eating and what to include in your diet. Shopping list for fridge and freezer items along with grains, nuts, oils, condiments, fruits and equipment to be used in the recipes.

Each recipe has a title, color photo, servings, prep and total time. List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar, etc.

Directions how to make are included. There are some nutritional information: calories, carbs, sat. fat-no listing for good fats, fiber, protein and sodium. Doesn't state if measurements for are one serving or for two.

Don't care for canned products either, why not use fresh and eliminate the sodium?

Don't care also that in the same recipe the measurements are in US and some in English, kg rather than pounds-keep it one language or other don't mix them.

Has a listing at the end what foods fall into which category that are good for you to be using.

 

snow picture book for kids by angela lake

Children's colorful book but the print is so tiny you can hardly even read it. I'd have to use my magnifying glass.

Grey snowy day and nobody likes to be outside. Focuses on a farmer and policemen and the animals and children. 

Next day is a different story as the snow has stopped falling.

Icy’s Christmas Dream: The Story of Believing (Children’s Christmas Storybook) (Bedtime Stories) by Arnie Lightning

Colorful children's story about Christmas wishes. Story starts with a friendly snowman named Icy and he has his own dream, a special wish.

Others hear his wish and tease him about wanting a penguin.

Santa hears of the wish and talks to the wishing stars...Poinsettia the penguin was lonely and all by himself. Santa can make things happen.

Believe in Santa is the message.  Author bio at the end. Cute story.

Baked Chicago's Simply Decadent Brownies Cookbook by Harvey Morris 

This book starts out with a table of contents and recipes don't fit into category and in no special order.

An introduction as to how the author came to bake.

Each recipe includes a title, color photo and list of ingredients and how to make.

There is no nutritional information. There are servings mentioned in the recipe towards the end.

What I like are the little tips (brownie points) at the end of some recipes giving huge help for the recipes.

Might attempt to make one recipe if company shows up during the holiday as there is too much fat with butter and too sweet with sugar and never mind about sodium level for us to have due to our healthy dietary needs.

Not all recipes have a color photo. Author bio at the end. 

 

A Christmas Wish Come True: Christmas Story Picture Book for Kids (Children Christmas Books)  by Uncle Amon 

This very colorful children's book starts with a table of contents, free gift and the story.

Story starts out with how others around the wold are getting ready for Christmas.

Baking cookies, trimming the tree with lights and ornaments.

At the North Pole Santa is alerted to a special gift a new person in the neighborhood wants-a  new friend.

Santa plans to match make the two who want a new friend....

Kids are sure surprised when they open their gifts... Cute story.

Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook: 150 Anti-Inflammatory Recipes to Live a Healthy Lifestyle 

Book starts out with table of contents and a free gift and introduction.

Recipes are broken up into main meals, side dishes, meats, seafood and fish, etc.

Each recipe starts with a title and short summary of the dish, servings, prep and cook time.

Ingredients and directions are included. There are no pictures.

Nutritional information has calories, fat-NOT broken up up into good or bad, carbs, sugars and protein.

Should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: liquid eggs rather than whole eggs, low fat and low sodium products, etc.

Lots of spices, herbs and fresh vegetables.

Christmas Cookbook: Delicious Family Holiday Recipes by Hannie P. Scott 

Book starts with a table of contents, free gift and abbreviations and conversions.

Categories are broken up into meals and side dishes and others.

Each recipe starts with a title, servings and list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs. Directions but no pictures and no nutritional information.

Slow cooker, oven, griddles are used among others so be sure to read instructions before you start making the dishes.

Lots of peppermint type candies and fudge. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

B00VU6AW7O has same # as

Family Dinner Cookbook: A Variety of 180+ Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes by Olivia Rogers 

Two different cookbooks, argh

Book starts with a table of contents and what the book will teach you. Recipes are not in any particular order.

Each recipe starts with a title, color photo, summary of the dish and list of ingredients which you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, etc.

Tells you how to make the dish and also comes with a healthy tip.

There is no nutritional information. There is no servings information available.

Offer of a free copy link during the book recipes.

500 Christmas Desserts: Ultimate Christmas Cookbook (Cookies, Cakes, Muffins and more) by Adriano Rizzi

Book starts with a table of contents and items are not in any particular order. Starts right in with the recipes.

Most use special ingredients that you might find it hard to locate in your regular grocery store. Also some items are from England.

Each recipe includes a title, prep and cook time and servings. Has a level of expertise also.

List of ingredients and I'm not sure if you can substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar...

First recipe for example has 15 ingredients-long time to gather it all up, never mind getting it ready to be mixed.

Directions are included. There are NO pictures. There is no nutritional information.

I could pick one recipe for our guests-we'd never be able to even splurge to have a taste. Lots of alcohol and ingredients my dictionary can't even find.

Icing sugar I guess would be US 10x sugar? So much of the ingredients are store bought rather than fresh.

Wonder what a picnic chocolate bar is, hmmm. 

The Hungry Ocean by Linda Greenlaw

Have read other works by this author and have enjoyed them.

She, swordfish captain and the 5 man crew leave the dock heading to Grand Banks, Newfoundland area.

Love learning about the technical things and new things I've yet to know about: birds and why they are used.

Love how they get along with one another under all circumstances.

I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

I Love Healthy Food: 120 Delicious Recipes of Wholesome Meals (Tasty and Healthy Book 3) by Jennifer Tate 

Book starts with a free gift  and table of contents with many categories to select from.

Introduction and what is considered healthy along with color photos.  Cooking measurement conversion along with liquid volume measurements.

Each category starts out with a color photo brief summary. Each recipe includes a title, prep and cook time and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healtier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, etc.

Directions are included and nutritional information has calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, and protein.  There is no sodium levels.

I'd also substitute for the canned and jarred products and use fresh.

Lots of variety to choose from, should have no problem finding something you like.  Desserts and drinks available.

Meal plans for 7 days.

List of tools needed and what they can help you do in the kitchen.

Christmas Crochet: 15 Beautiful Christmas Crochet Patterns To Give Your Home A Christmas Look: (Christmas Crochet, Crochet Stitches, Crochet Patterns, Crochet Accessories) by Julianne Link  

Starts with a table of contents and a short intro. Each pattern comes with a title and color photo. Equipment you will need and directions in how to make.

They would not take hardly any time at all to make a few a day.

Very precise directions and easy to follow.

A KEEPER!

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Cookbook: 550 Recipes for Any Budget. Simple And Quality Guide For Beginners And Advanced by Jessica Taylor

Table of contents and an introduction about the instant one pot.

Each recipe comes with a title, some have initials after it denoting vegan, easy and simple, etc.

Has prep and cook time and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, etc.

Directions on how to make are included.

There are NO pictures.

There is no nutritional information.

Didn't see anything new that doesn't really come with the instruction manuals and what I've read online already.

Nana's Family Cookbook: Our Most Loved Family Recipes by Hannie P. Scott 

Book starts out with table of contents and recipes are broken up into meal categories.

A short introduction, abbreviations used, conversions used.

Each recipe starts with a title and servings and a short summary of the dish.

Ingredients are listed and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, etc.

Directions are included. There are NO pictures. There is no nutritional information.

Didn't really see anything I'd want to make as some are fried in oils or use pre packaged ingredients.

Trash To Treasure (3rd Edition): 90 Crafts That Will Reuse Old Junk To Make New & Usable Treasures! by Kitty Moore

This book starts with a free gift. Has a table of contents and pictures of the items are on others pages, NOT in the book.

Has a short intro and table of contents  where most of the items are using a dresser or drawers from the dresser. It's great you can repurpose items.

Lots of good ideas. Wish they had diagrams or pictures so you could see what it looks like.