Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Books read June 2021

  
 
Trail of Tears: The Story of John Ross (Ross Saga Book 1) by Anne Greene
Starts out when John Ross is just a young man and living on the family estate. He and his parents and toddler sister Pris.
He was working in fields when he hears the commotion: the house is on fire and there's a lot of screaming and yelling. As he rushes to help his parents and sister get out he is captured by the men there to take over possession of the property.
He was not sure when he wakes up if they made it out alive. He recalls seeing his father standing at a window with fire all around him.
He journeys with many others who were captured to an area where they are bound together. There are guards surrounding them and only allowed out of the complex for a religious ceremony. 
He is not a true believer but he gets baptized and wonders why God is making them all suffer. He knows of others in DC who are fighting for them to get their land back. They will all journey further to OK to join other Indian troops in one area of land.
Like understanding all the explicit descriptive details of the fight he believes in and the things he does for his family to make it easier for them. 
Many along the way help him, Indian Rachel who helps his mother and Pris especially and helps him heal with her herbs when he is beaten.
Hate hearing the torture the guards put John through on the way west, driving rain, windy, mud up to your knees...
Love hearing of the relationships along the way and can't believe the way this story turns out.
Love the scriptures and how they pertain to the incidents going on around them.
Excerpt for the next book is enclosed at the end. Note from the author and her works are highlighted at the end.
Discussion questions are also enclosed.
SUPER read!
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

 
 




The Adventure Continues            
Book starts out with praise for the author's works.
dedication page and table of contents. Scripture and a note from the author is included.
Devotional book. Very inspirational and the author makes it very easy to understand and follow along.
Love the parts about the author's daily life events and how they are similar to what we have gone through over the years.
Love the airplane trip, we've experienced similar as well. 
Detours can be fun also as well as a learning experience. Love the parts about healthy food eating. I only snack on apples now.
Like hearing the scriptures and how specific ones relate to what the author is relating about her life and events that take place.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Acknowledgments are noted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.



 




Maggie's Miracle by Dawn Kinzer
This story starts out with Maggie 1918, Riverton WI and she runs into Ray. She soon is given her time on the podium and she delivers her message.
She is there to sing and is upset when nobody claps at the end as she flees the building.
Ray approaches her out there and tells her of the claps that came but she didn't stick around.
He is an amputee and that explains why he was NOT serving in the war.  She wants to hear about his ordeal but he's not sure anybody wants to hear about all the war.
She offers him a tour of the town as they stroll away from the celebration.
She learns about his skills with wood and he hopes to get back to some sort of normalcy after the prothesis.
Flanders Field poem about the purpose of poppies worn as a tribute to those who shed blook in the wars, powerful!
He draws out a lot of things from her, her singing and writing the words to the song. 
She is trained as a nurse and she'd arise to any challenge she came across. 
He opens up about his war experience also.
Love hearing of the writing campaign and she realizes she would impact the soldiers.
Note from the author of her other works based in the area and time frame.
Other works are synopsized at the end.
About the author is included.



 
 

Holiday Hearts: A Sweet and Wholesome Romance Bundle: Volume 4 by Josie Riviera
Three holiday stories by the author..
...
A Christmas Puppy to Cherish by Josie Riviera
Story starts out with Max and he's returned after 30 years to stay in Cherish for a month til his job starts after the holidays.
He has a lot of past to deal with having grown up in foster homes, some good but most bad ones.
He heads to music store and is able to buy a replacement harmonica and after speaking to the shop owner he is looking for a guide hiking to show him the sights.
She knows Sarah will be the perfect one as she also loves to hike and be outside-he runs the flower shop there.
They get along just fine, having so many of the same things in common. Love the bear and how she wards off an attack while they are hiking.
Love hearing about all the animals, birds, dogs, etc throughout the book as well as proverbs quoted and scriptures.
Sarah is holding a medical secret to herself and I love the Christmas gift she gives herself and others in turn.
Lack of communication will not allow them to stay together.... Amazing what one puppy can do.
Love hiking ornament, so precious!
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
...
A Chocolate-Box Christmas Wish
 A Chocolate-Box Christmas Wish: (Chocolate-Box Series Book 5) by Josie Riviera
Book starts out with praise and reviews from others, introduction and newsletter information.
Story starts out with Cora who runs her own daycare for the local children and she's talking to her brother Jack. He's on the plan to lose weight for a good cause this winter and money raised going to charity. Love the ideas she has for the children around the holiday.
She recalls the fight she had with her father and hopes to make amends.
Many other characters in town from other works by the author are mentioned in this book and the story line is easy to follow. Love catching up with others I've read about.
While getting a drink she overhears one with car problems and she pipes up that she can help them. Patrick, he's the new reporter at the station in town and she wants nothing to do with him, dating specifically.
Things said are misconstrued and they end up growing further apart from one another.
He has a habit of mentioning her on the news that others also see and alert her that she must watch the TV.
Like the tech parts about jumping a car, it's a guy thing but author makes it perfect for this female that grew up with understanding things from her father.
Love how it all comes together at the end.
Recipe listed at the end of the book. A note from the author, listing of works by the author, and about the author are included at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
...
A Chocolate-Box Irish Wedding by Josie Riviera
Book starts out with praise and reviews. Info about author's newsletter.
Story starts out with Colum O'Brien and he's on his way to his father's wedding. He will be in the wedding party and he wonders if the girl next door will be there also.
The story also follows Keira (kiki) and she's her mothers choice at the wedding. They are able to reminisce about the days they were dating one another, getting to really know one another.
Love hearing of her sewing abilities and how they each followed their dreams-he to be on stage in plays, her on the runway and even a designer.
Like hearing what they do now 30 years later and how things were left when they fell apart.
You wonder if they will get back together. Like Irish theme in this one and have heard the Irish blessing many times. So touching.
Love that this book is about 50er's characters.
Recipes included at the end. Note from the author is included.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion





Faith-Filled Adventures  by Cheri Swalwell  
Like at the very beginning the previous books in this series are highlighted along with summary of what to expect from them.
All the works from the author are then listed, some in series listings.
Dedication and table of contents and a note from the author come next.
What I like about this devotional book is that there are enough to fill a month and that the author uses real life experiences and real time computer when a situation arises.
No matter what age or problem there is an answer even when one is in such dire straits.
Especially like the times she was able to help others just by going about her life-visiting a store or dropping off items at a school and especially when in the presence of others. I think the actions tend to make others want to replicate them, in kind.
Thanks, offer of a free ebook, acknowledgements and contact the author, author bio, and summary of other works you may be interested in with brief summary are included at the end.
I received this review book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
 


 






The Christmas Barn by C. L. Davis
Good story about the Appalachian family and how they are able to survive and be strong.
The kids talk of their struggles with fetching the water and the youngest is afraid of the panthers. One year when the dad was away the mom shot through the roof at one and got it.
She left it there for him to clean up when he returned. He never worries about leaving her home alone now.
Reminds me of island life where you walked a mile one way to get the mail and the water you had to get from the bottom of the hill, you had to carry full buckets UP the hill then.
Such a simple easier life and now it's so complicated with technology.
Love hearing of the Sears catalog. Can't imagine one from 1930!
Dreams during Christmas.  They leave by the window cuz snow covered the whole door...
Community tree, just like on the island and a card for all to sign at the post office.
Tree falls on the house and they end up in the barn while baby John recuperates from his broken arm...
Love how the dad makes the cast, so cool to use things around the place.
So much more happens that make them stronger. Such heartache but rich lives.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).







The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil 
Cute story of a girl who goes to school in a new town and some others tease her when her mother arrives with her lunch.
Her mom had called her by a different name. The teacher understands and decides to pitch in and help.
She comes up with an idea for the girl to bring the quilt in from her grandmother.  She then has each of the kids names written in Arabic and put them on fabric to be made into a quilt.
Awesome idea, we have made album quilts with all relatives signatures and dates on them. It's Priceless. 
Love then what happens in the school classrooms.
 I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).







Henny Penny by Paul Galdone
Children's story about how the hen is on her way to notify the king that the sky is falling as the acorn hit her in the head.
She tells others on the way and they join her. Even the fox wants to be a part of it but he has other ideas.
He is sly.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).






Are You eating candy without me? by Draga Jenny Malesevic
Children's story about when the kids are together, away from their parents they wonder what they are doing without them there.
So funny and no we aren't eating candy, too many chores to do, LOL
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).





Cowboy Small by Lois Lenski
Daily life of a cowboy. Love the terms used and explained and what the jobs entail as the cowboy does them.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).







Noteven, The Mouse: A Christmas Story by Thomas James Riley
Cute story around the holidays. A mouse, Noteven, is left behind when his family leaves the house so he tends to the house.
A new family moves in and he works at night so as not to disturb them. Love the stocking hung at the mantle for Santa.
Good explanation about the night before Christmas poem.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).






Gustavo, the shy ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
Very shy ghost and he can do things others can. Problem is nobody can see him when he's in line to get ice cream.
He might have a solution to the problem though. Good children's story that is NOT that scary for them.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).





 
 


Be Strong Enough by Judy Prescott Marshall
Starts with dedication page and short note.
Thoughts on the past, present and future. What I love about this book is the topics she talks about.
Things not forgotten just not thought about in decades: buttercup under your chin touched a note with me and brought a smile to my face.
Recipes are included throughout as she reminisces about events in her life.
Yoga poses described and how beneficial they are to her and can be for you also.
You can do anything you set your mind to.
This book is full of so much encouragement to just try something and you will succeed.
Contact sites for the author are listed at the end.
So much positivity!

 

   







Christmas Sweets
This book contains 3 stories from 3 different authors.
...
THE TWELVE DESSERTS OF CHRISTMAS by JOANNE FLUKE
This story is about a group of kids who are left behind at the Christmas holidays at the boarding school.
Julie and Matt, both teachers will chaperon the kids, 3 boys, 3 girls and they discover there are NO desserts for them.
Julie was a HS friend of Andrea who's sister is Hannah the one that bakes and owns the Cookie Jar. She is persuaded to deliver desserts to them daily and each gets to pick out a favorite of theirs.
The teachers are romantically inclined and it's not hardship for them to be there together.
Mystery starts when the kids sign the wager. Love the story of the Christmas cake.
Love how Hannah and her family and friends help the kids celebrate. They are blown away with happiness.
Can't wait to read of Hannah's stories.
Recipes are included along with conversion tables at the end. Note from the author is included.
..
NIGHTMARE ON ELF STREET by LAURA LEVINE
This story starts out when Jaine gets a job at the mall as an elf to a drunken Santa for the last few weeks before Christmas.
It is taken in hopes of her real work, a writer for ads. Lots of crazy things happen and before you know it her cat has upset the whole scene and she's left near the dead Santa.
She had been trying to get a photo for Christmas cards this year but the cat wouldn't put the antlers on...
After the murder she is a suspect and she gahters all the clues to find out who really did murder the Santa.
Lots of colorful characters.
Most unexpected but a quick holiday read. Note from the author follows along with her other works.
...
THE CHRISTMAS THIEF by LESLIE MEIER
This story is about Elizabeth, working at big hotel chain, in FL. She's going to pack her suitcase for her Christmas holiday vacation to Maine to visit with the family.
Problem is a famous person is hosting a holiday party there for 4 days and she's getting a new position-a helper for any needs the guests want.
She cancels her trip and dives into her new temp position...
Her friend tells her it's all good, she will meet single men...
Lots of crazy scenes and the jewels go missing. Elizabeth is accused and before she knows it others are there to help her gather clues.
Had never heard the shanty about the codfish bones, cool.
Note from the author is included.
Sample chapter from another of Joanne Flukes books along with recipes.






THE TWELVE DESSERTS OF CHRISTMAS by JOANNE FLUKE
This story is about a group of kids who are left behind at the Christmas holidays at the boarding school.
Julie and Matt, both teachers will chaperon the kids, 3 boys, 3 girls and they discover there are NO desserts for them.
Julie was a HS friend of Andrea who's sister is Hannah the one that bakes and owns the Cookie Jar. She is persuaded to deliver desserts to them daily and each gets to pick out a favorite of theirs.
The teachers are romantically inclined and it's not hardship for them to be there together.
Mystery starts when the kids sign the wager. Love the story of the Christmas cake.
Love how Hannah and her family and friends help the kids celebrate. They are blown away with happiness.
Can't wait to read of Hannah's stories.
Recipes are included along with conversion tables at the end. Note from the author is included.
..





THE TWELVE DESSERTS OF CHRISTMAS by JOANNE FLUKE
This story is about a group of kids who are left behind at the Christmas holidays at the boarding school.
Julie and Matt, both teachers will chaperon the kids, 3 boys, 3 girls and they discover there are NO desserts for them.
Julie was a HS friend of Andrea who's sister is Hannah the one that bakes and owns the Cookie Jar. She is persuaded to deliver desserts to them daily and each gets to pick out a favorite of theirs.
The teachers are romantically inclined and it's not hardship for them to be there together.
Mystery starts when the kids sign the wager. Love the story of the Christmas cake.
Love how Hannah and her family and friends help the kids celebrate. They are blown away with happiness.
Can't wait to read of Hannah's stories.
Recipes are included along with conversion tables at the end. Note from the author is included.






Christmas Cupcake Murder A Hannah Swensen Mystery with Recipes! by Joanne Fluke
Starts out with Hannah and she's busy with the holidays, trying to help others who give a lot to the community.
She is also helping her mother with her antiques and trying to help Carrie also...  The real estate agent Al has led them to a business that is no longer running and they check it out to only find a body under the tarps.
Hannah remembers the man from his visit to the shop in the morning and he was very polite and they rush him to the hospital and he recovers....
the people in the village all come together and try to find out where Joe belongs. Love the clues leading up to where that is with help from an ingredient in a recipe.
Lots of recipes are included.  Listing of author's works are highlighted at the beginning of the book, index of recipes at the end and conversion charts at the end.
I received this review copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion
 #ChristmasCupcakeMurder #NetGalley






3 authors with each of their stories.
..
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen, #1) by Joanne Fluke
Have read almost this whole series and realized I had not read this very first one.
Story starts out with Hannah and she runs the bakery shop and tries to avoid getting set up for a husband from her mother's selections.
We are introduced Mosha her cat and they have bonded. The prior night she had met Norman the local dentist at her mothers dinner table.
He's 15 years older than her.  Ron is the local delivery driver and he shows up daily to get cookies for the day. Claire shows up and she runs the dress shop and their parking lots behind their buildings are next to one another.
Her young helper Lisa is there to help bake and serve the customers...
Her sister Andrea who's married to Bill, a sheriff and they have a daughter Tracy. Andrea runs the local real estate agency.
Some one has shot Ron and Hannah is the one to find him...
Love to find out why Hannah had returned home from teaching... Never knew it!
She visits around town asking others and discovers who has seen him and the times...
After collecting a bunch of clues she confronts the one she thinks did the killing as they draw out a gun at her.
Like how she avoided being shot and they all celebrate with the new deputy. Like learning why Mike had come to their town...
Recipes are included.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).





Haven Point by Virginia Hume
This story follows a family of many generations through the years. The chapters alternate from the present to the past.
A lot of events occur and the outcome tragic at times.
Lot of relationships and the times of the 60's play out on the beach at the hotel in Maine.
One teen finds her mother and is forced to go live with her grandmother as she has nobody else.
Her life finishes the teen years there. Love the sailing and walks on the beach the best as I come from an island with accessible beaches.
Great summer read. Wish it had a list of characters at the start. I was a bit confused at times.
Received this review copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#HavenPoint #NetGalley
 




Of the Flame by Wendy E Slater
This book of poems starts out with praise from others about the author's works.
Different angles of love relationships, some are sad, some happy and very deep soul searching.
Very deep and emotional as I can picture the scene the author writes about in my minds eye.
Very inspiring and spiritual.
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.


  



Westwind Secrets by Marilyn Dalla Valle
She's getting adjusted to her grandmother's house that she inherited.
She had reasons to just walk out of her marriage and just head there with not much of her past life with her.
She learns many things about her grandmother and the people in town who want to run her property and finances.
Love the parts where she visits Newport as I am just a few miles away and familiar with the area.
Upon reaching home she finds her dog Zak, unconscious. 
Mysti finds out about the letter from her grandmother and found out from Penelope that a ghost had pushed her down and she ended up dying.
Mysti is a writer of mystery and Misty thinks the robbers were after her stories.
Love hearing of the rum runners because I know in the town I live in near Newport that there were runners in my town and my relatives knew of others who were involved.
Story also follows others who are involved in getting rid of her and all the details about the stolen antiques. There are many characters.
She follows the clues to find out the details of her grandmothers death. 
 Love how her notebook is  on her nightstand and she jots down notes, I do the same thing but I'm not a writer.
She is writing the book that goes along with the mysteries in the house. She dreams of them and writes the story as she finds more clues.
Never saw this book ending as it did, whoa!
About the author ends this book and glad to find out she writes a whole series of mystery books. Can't wait to read more from this first time to me author.
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.







Journey from Fear to Faith by Cheri Swalwell
Have been wanting to read this series but didn't want to start in the middle.
Scripture quotations start each chapter out and they reflect what's inside the chapter.
Written with today's words and events. Love real life in the stories and how they are exampled through the book.
Upbeat, uplifting and down to earth.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review





Embracing God's Path by Cheri Swalwell

This book starts out with the Advent wreath on the table. It's just like how my brothers and sister were raised. I can see us sitting around the table, candle lit week after week adding more while mom explained what it all meant to us.

Although she was not Catholic she raised all 5 of us to be Catholic, taking us not only to church but enrolling us into catholic school for 8+ years, going through Holy Communion, confirmation, etc. She'd use pine cones and holly branches and berries from our own trees to adorn the candles and Advent wreath.

I can relate to many of the authors challenges as I've faced them from one time to another. I am a worrier and am trying hard to just let things go and think only of the good parts but it's a difficult challenge to say the least. Learned so much more from the author's point of view I feel like hitting the palm of my hand on my forehead because it was right there in front of me the whole time!

Especially another time when the car breaks down and she knows what it will cost and the good parts as the towing was free. We are trying to lead simpler life's as we age and a lot of the worry is gone because of our changes over the years.

Love the signs God sends in his own way. Was able to correspond with the author with questions I had and was promptly answered. Can't wait to read more of her works.

I was given the book by the author where we met via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review



 

The Ride of Her Life Elizabeth Letts   
Story is about Annie and how she grew up and when everyone has left her she decides after a health emergency she needs to see the west coast.
She collects her clothing, wearing most of it, along with her horse, a Morgan, and a dog.
It's in the early 1950's and what fascinated me was that the police would meet her at the border of each town and escort her to the jail or a place where she could spend the night.
Back then the police allowed those without a home and just passing through to spend the night at the jail. 
Love also the history of the times and about the specific areas that are just coming into play: turnpikes, cars and how they came about, who made them and why, etc.
Like how others along the way are allowing her to stay with them. A newspaper even wrote a story about her and it's gone viral and everybody wants to play a part in helping her get to the west coast.
Love hearing of the kids games created and the ones they played via Milton Bradley, game of life, etc.
Ice harvesting, we've seen this done at 1850's village we visit when touring locally.
Moving, emotional, touching story, tragic, purpose, brave and courageous.
Book  contains chapters and also reference notes from diaries and personal notes from those who met her, author's note, dedication, acknowledgements and about the author.
Can't wait to read more from this author, so descriptive and detailed scenes and events of times long ago.
Received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#TheRideofHerLife #NetGalley
 


  




Trusting God's Detours by Cheri Swalwell 

Book starts out with praise for the author's works.

dedication page and table of contents. Scripture and a note from the author is included.

Devotional book. Very inspirational and the author makes it very easy to understand and follow along.

Love the parts about the author's daily life events and how they are similar to what we have gone through over the years.

Love the airplane trip, we've experienced similar as well. 

Detours can be fun also as well as a learning experience. Love the parts about healthy food eating. I only snack on apples now.

Like hearing the scriptures and how specific ones relate to what the author is relating about her life and events that take place.

Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Acknowledgments are noted at the end.

Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.













Audrey by Sean -Paul Thomas
This story starts out when Joe is getting out of prison and his best bud Colm is there to take him in, take him to his apartment and let him stay for as long as he needs to.
Joe was raised and trained by his father and knows plumbing. He loves to write and while imprisoned he was writing, a lot.
Joe is able to talk Colm into going to a movie where he meets a star, he knows a lot about her and that's she was the actual writer of the show, and staring it in!  Love hearing all the details of the Paris area, places they went and the landscape.
They do say it's who you know that can get your foot in the door.  He loves the sound of all the money but doesn't really want to give it up to another.
He needs the money for his daughter who doesn't even know him. We do learn why he was in prison and how he feels about the situation.
Audrey knows she has to let him go and live his life....
While on the plumbing job he's summoned to the reception area as there is a woman looking for him.
He figures it's a social worker and is surprised. 
He had taken a chance as there was a restraining order in place, he just wanted his daughter to have something from him. Love hearing about careers where you use your hands, love all the places he was able to help out because of his profession.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with a sample from The Cold Heart.
Praise about My Sister and I along with a sample.
Like how the book works out through good and bad times, surprise ending for me!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.





 
Potty-Training Day by Akilah Trinay and Ziana T. Washington 
 
Dedication page and then the story starts.
Colorful children's story about a little girl that is growing up fast.
Her mom is toilet training her and she is very calm and encourages her all the time, even offers treats.
Some 40 years ago I remember doing this with my daughter. It can be as painful as you make it.
Things do NOT happen overnight or in a day.
What I love about this book is that the mother does not give up, but stops at the end of the day and tomorrow is a new day to start all over again.
So much patience. Like hearing from the little girls perceptive also, brings a new angle to the story for me.
Love colorful pages and the words are big enough for me to read. 
Great way to handle potty training!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.





 








Why Bully Me?: (Bullying, Behavior Books, Childrens Books Age 3 5, Baby, Kids) by Michael Gordon 
Colorful children's story, rhyming words.
Starts with offer of a free ebook, nameplate. and then the story.
Elephant is playing alone when monkey shows up and starts making fun of his ears and his head.
Elephant is not sure why he has to be so mean. Monkey heads over to Giraffe and makes fun of his head.
Monkey is so mean to say things to others, makes them cry and feel sad.  Others are saddened by the words from Monkey til Elephant asks him to stop.
Try to celebrate what you have is his message. Love how those hurt by Monkey found a bond of friendship.
Ends with about the author and his other works. 









 children's Book: If I met a lion (funny bedtime story collection) by Yonit Werber
Rhyming, colorful, children's story about fear. Book starts out with an offer of a free children's creative kit
The boy wonders what he'd do if he met a lion. He's not sure if he'd be brave or scared.
He pictures in his mind how he would act if he was brave and if he was scared.
By the end of the day he knows he has nothing to fear at all. 
About the author is included at the end. Other works by the author are listed at the end.



 





Ice Cream Cookbook: Easy and Healthy Recipes of Fresh Homemade Ice Creams, Sorbet, Ice Pops and Other Frozen Treats by Kaitlyn Donnelly
What I love about this book is you do NOT need a ice cream maker machine. You can do it in your own freezer, just a few more steps.
Starts with table of contents where recipes are broken up into: fruits, chocolate, other flavors, frozen treats and iced drinks
Intro talks about different methods of making the ice cream and gives examples of some of the phrases used and how to do them.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep time and cook time
Medium size color photo and then nutritional information: carbs, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, protein and calories.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. Can't wait to try sorbet.
Love conversion table charts at the back of the book, this is SO awesome you have to see it for yourself, has picture icons and so much information in one page.
A KEEPER!



A Bisl of This, A Bisl of That, eating our way by Judith Ellison Shenouda
Dedication page  and why the book was written and from who.
Acknowledgments are included also.
A Recipe for happiness is one everybody needs to make happen!
Each food group is broken up into its own recipes with its own TOC.
Like old fashioned ones, stews, soups because they remind me of growing up.
Like hearing where the recipes really came from, so  precious.
Each recipe starts with a title and the one who contributed,  List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and short summary of the dish or person whose recipe it is.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
A KEEPER!




42 Delightful Mocktail Recipes: A Complete Cookbook of Faux Cocktail Ideas! by Barbara Riddle
Table of contents list the recipes not in any specific order.
Into talks about what mocktails are and what ingredients you can use.
Each recipe starts with a title and medium size color photo along with a paragraph about  the drink.
Servings and list of ingredients are included, love that you do NOT have to use alcohol in these.
Liquids used are soda or colored water and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Ends with a note from the author about how refreshing the drinks are.
Directions are given and also ideas for garnishing.
Beautiful book and love all the fresh fruits.
A KEEPER, something to quench your thirst.






The Easy Bread Machine Cookbook: A Bread Machine Book Filled With 50 Delicious Bread Machine Recipes by BookSumo Press
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. 
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the item.
Lots of good ideas for every meal. Can't wait to try the bagel recipes.
A KEEPER, great for holiday gifting.




Wrap Cookbook: Discover the Many Ways to Enjoy Wraps with Delicious Wrap Recipes by BookSumo Press
Table of contents and recipes are not in any specific order. Common abbreviations chart is included.
Each recipe starts with a title and list of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. Has servings, prep and total times.
Some nutritional information as per 2k diet: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, and protein.
There are NO pictures.
This book gives me a lot of ideas of what else to put into our everyday dishes to spice them up a bit.








Grill Cookbook for Beginners by Andy Isidro
Table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals
Intro talks about how to take care of the grill and what kind of heat you will decide to use.
Color photos throughout the intro chapters of cleaning grill, etc.
Each recipe starts with a title, paragraph about the dish, color photo, total time, prep time and cooking times.
Cuisine, course and servings size.
Some recipes have Ingredients are listed in UK and US measurements in the same recipe, be sure you have everything.
You should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given step by step. Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Not every recipe has a color photo and there is NO nutritional information.
Love fish and seafood section but it's confusing to list each ingredient with a number in front of the measurement.
It's like a new format in the book and there are NO photos in this section. 






Cook slowly with slow cooker cookbook by Bobby Flatt
Book starts out with color photo and intro about slow cooking and what it entails.
Table of contents list the meals.
Each recipe has a title, a few paragraphs about the dish and color photo. Prep and servings are included.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sugar, low sodium and fresh vs. canned.
Directions are given
There is NO nutritional information.
Like that there are only a handful of recipes per each section. You can make many meals and sides with recipes included.
A KEEPER because I know how to use low sodium products and spices to season foods.






North African Recipes: Moroccan Recipes, Algerian Recipes, Tunisian Recipes and More in 1 Delicious African Cookbook by BookSumo Press
There are MANY color full pages of things that do not relate to the recipe or foods that need to be put in their own book.
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. Some pages have a dark background with white lettering, other pages have white background with light gray lettering, hard to see.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the items, they could be on another page but they are NOT identified.
Lots of variety for every meal.   





Wraps: discover a delicious sandwich alternative with easy wrap recipes by BookSumo Press
There are MANY color full pages of things that do not relate to the recipe or foods that need to be put in their own book.
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. Some pages have a dark background with white lettering, other pages have white background with light gray lettering, hard to see.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the items, they could be on another page but they are NOT identified.
Lots of good ideas for every meal.  Sloppy jo wrap would be my favorite to try.





Persian Recipes by Booksumo Press
Offer of free ebooks and about the author, short intro,  Table of contents where recipes are not in any specific order.
Each recipe starts with a title and sometimes translated into Persian name.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given along with servings and cook and prep times.
Nutritional information for 2k diet includes calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein.
There are NO photos. Interesting food combinations. Can't wait to try this version of cabbage rolls. 






42 Jovial Jams (Jam recipes, canning and preserving, jars, Jar recipes, Jar meals, jam cookbook)
by Anna Morgan
Starts with table of contents where recipes are broken up into groups:
tools and recipes for jams.
Many methods for making jam is included. I like pressure cooker one myself but have done boiling water one as well.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings and a list of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information and NO photos.
What I like are the variety of fruits used. What I did not like was some combinations. I just wanted a blueberry one but they put other fruits in. Not sure it'd come out to what I think flavor would be like.






Muffins and bread, a bread cookbook with delicious bread recipes and muffin recipes by booksumo press
There are MANY color full pages of things that do not relate to the recipe or foods that need to be put in their own book.
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. Some pages have a dark background with white lettering, other pages have white background with light gray lettering, hard to see.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the items, they could be on another page but they are NOT identified.
Love combination of flavors and want to try quite a few.
A KEEPER






Turkish Recipes: A Turkish Cookbook with Easy Turkish Recipes by BookSumo Press There are MANY color full pages of things that do not relate to the recipe or foods that need to be put in their own book.
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. Some pages have a dark background with white lettering, other pages have white background with light gray lettering, hard to see.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the items, they could be on another page but they are NOT identified.
Breakfast dishes sound so yummy can't wait to try them.





A Texas Mexican Cookbook: Delicious Texas Recipes and Mexican Recipes for a New Style of Tex Mex Cooking by BookSumo Press
There are MANY color full pages of things that do not relate to the recipe or foods that need to be put in their own book.
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. Some pages have a dark background with white lettering, other pages have white background with light gray lettering, hard to see.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the items, they could be on another page but they are NOT identified.
Lots of variety in this book.




The 2 Week Dash Diet Plan: Dash diet for weight loss by Abagail Lewis
TOC starts with intro chapters and tips and then chapters on meals with handful of recipes in each.
Free ebook gift. Intro talks about the diet itself and other components of the diet plan.
Different phases are in table format of what you can't eat.
Each recipe starts with a title and summary of the dish along with servings.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information and NO pictures.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.















Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Books read cookbooks June 23

 





Ice Cream Cookbook: Easy and Healthy Recipes of Fresh Homemade Ice Creams, Sorbet, Ice Pops and Other Frozen Treats by Kaitlyn Donnelly
What I love about this book is you do NOT need a ice cream maker machine. You can do it in your own freezer, just a few more steps.
Starts with table of contents where recipes are broken up into: fruits, chocolate, other flavors, frozen treats and iced drinks
Intro talks about different methods of making the ice cream and gives examples of some of the phrases used and how to do them.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep time and cook time
Medium size color photo and then nutritional information: carbs, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, protein and calories.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. Can't wait to try sorbet.
Love conversion table charts at the back of the book, this is SO awesome you have to see it for yourself, has picture icons and so much information in one page.
A KEEPER!



A Bisl of This, A Bisl of That, eating our way by Judith Ellison Shenouda
Dedication page  and why the book was written and from who.
Acknowledgments are included also.
A Recipe for happiness is one everybody needs to make happen!
Each food group is broken up into its own recipes with its own TOC.
Like old fashioned ones, stews, soups because they remind me of growing up.
Like hearing where the recipes really came from, so  precious.
Each recipe starts with a title and the one who contributed,  List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and short summary of the dish or person whose recipe it is.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
A KEEPER!




42 Delightful Mocktail Recipes: A Complete Cookbook of Faux Cocktail Ideas! by Barbara Riddle
Table of contents list the recipes not in any specific order.
Into talks about what mocktails are and what ingredients you can use.
Each recipe starts with a title and medium size color photo along with a paragraph about  the drink.
Servings and list of ingredients are included, love that you do NOT have to use alcohol in these.
Liquids used are soda or colored water and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Ends with a note from the author about how refreshing the drinks are.
Directions are given and also ideas for garnishing.
Beautiful book and love all the fresh fruits.
A KEEPER, something to quench your thirst.






The Easy Bread Machine Cookbook: A Bread Machine Book Filled With 50 Delicious Bread Machine Recipes by BookSumo Press
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. 
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the item.
Lots of good ideas for every meal. Can't wait to try the bagel recipes.
A KEEPER, great for holiday gifting.




Wrap Cookbook: Discover the Many Ways to Enjoy Wraps with Delicious Wrap Recipes by BookSumo Press
Table of contents and recipes are not in any specific order. Common abbreviations chart is included.
Each recipe starts with a title and list of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. Has servings, prep and total times.
Some nutritional information as per 2k diet: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, and protein.
There are NO pictures.
This book gives me a lot of ideas of what else to put into our everyday dishes to spice them up a bit.








Grill Cookbook for Beginners by Andy Isidro
Table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals
Intro talks about how to take care of the grill and what kind of heat you will decide to use.
Color photos throughout the intro chapters of cleaning grill, etc.
Each recipe starts with a title, paragraph about the dish, color photo, total time, prep time and cooking times.
Cuisine, course and servings size.
Some recipes have Ingredients are listed in UK and US measurements in the same recipe, be sure you have everything.
You should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given step by step. Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Not every recipe has a color photo and there is NO nutritional information.
Love fish and seafood section but it's confusing to list each ingredient with a number in front of the measurement.
It's like a new format in the book and there are NO photos in this section. 






Cook slowly with slow cooker cookbook by Bobby Flatt
Book starts out with color photo and intro about slow cooking and what it entails.
Table of contents list the meals.
Each recipe has a title, a few paragraphs about the dish and color photo. Prep and servings are included.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sugar, low sodium and fresh vs. canned.
Directions are given
There is NO nutritional information.
Like that there are only a handful of recipes per each section. You can make many meals and sides with recipes included.
A KEEPER because I know how to use low sodium products and spices to season foods.






North African Recipes: Moroccan Recipes, Algerian Recipes, Tunisian Recipes and More in 1 Delicious African Cookbook by BookSumo Press
There are MANY color full pages of things that do not relate to the recipe or foods that need to be put in their own book.
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. Some pages have a dark background with white lettering, other pages have white background with light gray lettering, hard to see.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the items, they could be on another page but they are NOT identified.
Lots of variety for every meal.   





Wraps: discover a delicious sandwich alternative with easy wrap recipes by BookSumo Press
There are MANY color full pages of things that do not relate to the recipe or foods that need to be put in their own book.
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. Some pages have a dark background with white lettering, other pages have white background with light gray lettering, hard to see.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the items, they could be on another page but they are NOT identified.
Lots of good ideas for every meal.  Sloppy jo wrap would be my favorite to try.





Persian Recipes by Booksumo Press
Offer of free ebooks and about the author, short intro,  Table of contents where recipes are not in any specific order.
Each recipe starts with a title and sometimes translated into Persian name.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given along with servings and cook and prep times.
Nutritional information for 2k diet includes calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein.
There are NO photos. Interesting food combinations. Can't wait to try this version of cabbage rolls. 






42 Jovial Jams (Jam recipes, canning and preserving, jars, Jar recipes, Jar meals, jam cookbook)
by Anna Morgan
Starts with table of contents where recipes are broken up into groups:
tools and recipes for jams.
Many methods for making jam is included. I like pressure cooker one myself but have done boiling water one as well.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings and a list of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information and NO photos.
What I like are the variety of fruits used. What I did not like was some combinations. I just wanted a blueberry one but they put other fruits in. Not sure it'd come out to what I think flavor would be like.






Muffins and bread, a bread cookbook with delicious bread recipes and muffin recipes by booksumo press
There are MANY color full pages of things that do not relate to the recipe or foods that need to be put in their own book.
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. Some pages have a dark background with white lettering, other pages have white background with light gray lettering, hard to see.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the items, they could be on another page but they are NOT identified.
Love combination of flavors and want to try quite a few.
A KEEPER






Turkish Recipes: A Turkish Cookbook with Easy Turkish Recipes by BookSumo Press There are MANY color full pages of things that do not relate to the recipe or foods that need to be put in their own book.
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. Some pages have a dark background with white lettering, other pages have white background with light gray lettering, hard to see.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the items, they could be on another page but they are NOT identified.
Breakfast dishes sound so yummy can't wait to try them.





A Texas Mexican Cookbook: Delicious Texas Recipes and Mexican Recipes for a New Style of Tex Mex Cooking by BookSumo Press
There are MANY color full pages of things that do not relate to the recipe or foods that need to be put in their own book.
Table of contents that contains recipes that are not in any specific order.
Each recipe has its own title, to far right hand corner it has prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein. Some pages have a dark background with white lettering, other pages have white background with light gray lettering, hard to see.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given. There are NO specific photos of the items, they could be on another page but they are NOT identified.
Lots of variety in this book.




The 2 Week Dash Diet Plan: Dash diet for weight loss by Abagail Lewis
TOC starts with intro chapters and tips and then chapters on meals with handful of recipes in each.
Free ebook gift. Intro talks about the diet itself and other components of the diet plan.
Different phases are in table format of what you can't eat.
Each recipe starts with a title and summary of the dish along with servings.
List of ingredients are included and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat, low sugar and fresh vs. canned items.
Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information and NO pictures.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.