Nov 29 Flirting with the Beast by Jane Porter

  

 

Flirting with the Beast by Jane Porter

This story starts out with Andi and her heart is broken. She's lost her husband and thinks after all these years she is ready to celebrate Christmas again.

The big disappointment is the stepson and his girl won't even get to stop in this year, same as all the previous years. She had decked out the house and kitchen had so much food to feed an army.

She heads up to their cabin in the woods and tries to recreate it there with her friend Margot. She even chops down a tree. OK well she wasn't using the right tools and it wasn't even on her property but the neighbor let her know all this...

Wolf, big burly man and she had dropped the lawsuit after her spouse Kevin had died and even paid all lawyer fees. Kevin hated him with a vengeance.

Love how Wolf explains about the use of tools and when to use each of them, so informational and caring.

Her and Margot are having a great time enjoying the winter weather, the location and then she meets Wolf as he gives them a ride up  the hill to their house. She even invites him for dinner and a movie and Andi tries to object...

We also are able to hear what Wolf thinks about all this during the same time things are happening. Like how Andi is able to remember things her and Kevin had done with their son, Luke while he was growing up. She is a good mom but at her age she will never have kids.

Love hearing all the detailed descriptions. I can smell the food prepared and can see and feel the cold of the snow around the cabin in the woods. Love how she doesn't like to ask for help she can do it all herself, might take her a bit longer it will get done.

Just when things are going well with them events occur and they are no longer together. Andi is heartbroken and leaves to spend time  with her friend....

You wonder if they can ever patch things up again, seems impossible.

Super love the relationships from all different age groups. perfect family setting.

It's not often at all that a story makes me cry, this one got me TWO times, so close and realistic.

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

Nov 22 Book Review: The Whittiers by Danielle Steel

  

The Whittiers by Danielle Steel 

Starts with Preston and Connie and about their six children over the years.

They love their yearly winter honeymoon...when the others are notified of their death they gather and figure things out...

There are six of them: There are  twin designers that run their own company,; one is gay,  a 39 finance guru who lives in her own apartment,  a married man with hsi wife and two kids, an autistic man who's around 25, a 21 year old girl who just wants to party.

Some of them move in to help ease the burden as they decide whether to sell the house. one turns up pregnant and one takes on the role of being the mother as she tries to help everybody otu.

So many different  age groups and realistic problems. Married couple have problems and she only wants money at all costs and tells her what she expects when they divorce, til the other shoe hits the floor....

Struggles, obstacles and fun loving family at all costs. Love this short story, wish our dilemma had turned out the same way.

Family is everything summarizes this book for me

Received this review copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press  via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

#TheWhittiers #NetGalle

Nov 19: Riding Out The Race by Hilary Walker

  

 

Riding Out The Race by Hilary Walker

Story starts with Laura and she's almost due to deliver the baby.

Jack is busy with a new crazy horse.  It's just Christmas day but he needs the money training the horse will bring into the ranch.

What I like about this story is the realism that happens. The accounts of the horse, injuries, therapy, treatments are all discussed in detail and actually happened to the author's horse.

Not only is the story about the horse and his health but there's a nice story also of the family and their friends.

So many that need healing head to the ranch, everything from a horse to a jockey with just one arm and doesn’t like horses.

Second Chances ... lots of inspirations.

About the author and contact links and her other works are highlighted at the end.

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

 

Book Review: A Foxfire Christmas: Appalachian Memories and Traditions by Eliot Wigginton

  

 

A Foxfire Christmas: Appalachian Memories and Traditions by Eliot Wigginton

Amazing stories from the 1900's of people who lived near woods and farmed like Appalachains.

There were no toys to buy or decorations so they made their own. Love stories of the serenading, caroling as we know it by.

So fun and smallest items created were the best. They tell you how to make poppers, firecrackers and garland from paper and using foil for a star.

Love sand candles and how they are made as I've watched my mom make them in the 70's. Holly adds just that perfect touch as you go outside to collect a branch or two.

Love harmless pranks played also.

Storytellers are given credit with their name being stated. 

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

Cookbooks reviewed: Nov 17

 
 

Clams Cookbook: Clams Casino, New England Clam Chowder, Clams Stuffing and Lots of Other Clam Recipes by Laura Sommers

TOC starts this book  where recipes are listed. Short intro about clams.

Each recipe starts with a title and has a list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Use fresh instead of canned items.  Some recipes contain a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have everything first.

Directions are given..  Lots to choose from but there are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

About the author is listed at the end and other works by the author are highlighted at the end and has ads to buy tshirts from amazon.

  

Potato Cookbook: "Super Spud" by Cheryl Leonard

Love potatoes especially just by themselves, no salt, no butter, love flavor all by itself.

TOC where chapters are listed, intro discusses the different types of potatoes and how to use them.

Each recipe, NOT always starts at the top of a new page starts with a title and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and there are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.

What I do like are the variety of options you have when it comes to make a potato, different methods to cook them and season them.

Goo reference book about potatoes.

 

 The Ultimate Kenyan Cookbook: 111 Dishes From Kenya To Cook Right Now by Slavka Bodic

This book starts  with intro about the Kenyan country and types of cuisine they have.

TOC where recipes are listed as meals, about different countries in the area and their specific cuisine.

Recipes start with a title, prep and cook times and some nutritional information per serving: calories, fat, protein and fiber.

Sometimes a summary of the dish is included. Servings are noted.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

There are a TON of items, make sure you have them all first.

Directions are given. There are NO pictures. Would definitely try the chocolate cake recipe first as I have all the ingredients.

Other books are listed at the end but links do NOT work.

 

 

This book starts with offer of free ebooks, about the author, Intro about the book, TOC where recipes are listed, not in any specific order, and  Common abbreviations chart.

Each recipe starts with a title and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a lot of items, be sure to have them all first.

Directions are given and servings, prep and total time.

Some nutritional information: calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein based on 2k calorie diet.

There are NO pictures.

 Quite the variety and how to cook the sauces.

 

  

The Ultimate Chinese Cookbook: 111 Dishes From China To Cook Right Now by Slavka Bodic

Introductions tarts this book discusses about the culture of Chinese culinary. TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food groups.

Intro chapters discuss why choose this culture,  about China and other facts.

Each recipe starts with a title, prep, cook times and some nutritional information per servings: calories, fat, protein and fiber.

Short summary of the dish. Servings and List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a LOT of items, be sure ot have them all first.

Directions are given along with medium size color photo for some of the recipes.

Quite a collection to choose from, every meal of the day and then some. Several pictures.

Other works by the author are listed at the end.

 

 

Superfoods Avocado Recipes: Over 45 Quick & Easy Gluten Free Low Cholesterol Whole Foods Recipes full of Antioxidants & Phytochemicals by Don Orwell

Offer of free gift, TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.

 Introduction discusses the superfood diet, link does not work.

Each recipe starts with a title, List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and small color photo is included in SOME recipes.

There are NO servings and NO nutritional information.

Superfoods reference books  and all about the ORAC value list.  and other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

 

Nov 16 Book Review: A Very Christian Christmas: Heartwarming, Faith-filled Romance Bundle by Josie Riviera

  

3 stories in this bundle

.. 

A Christmas to Cherish by Josie Riviera

Always enjoy reading a Christmas story, and it's just July here. Book starts out with a few words from the author and list of her other works.

Started with Emmanuelle, a professional harpist and she's on her way to Dorothy's store. She's starting her new life after years of troubles.

Loved hearing about all the Christmas decorations. 

She prays to God to help her get through the transition and to let things lay in the past.

Her ex took everything from her...

Story also follows Nicholas who's a deputy and is free from his ex girlfriend after she left him at the altar on their wedding day.

Dorothy hopes to get Emmanuelle to stay and work at her music studio. She knows her and Nicholas have spent many an hour over the year and they have many common interests.

This book is filled with holiday events, mystery and danger and twists and turns and love and believing in God.

Like the location and hope to read more from this locale.  A note from the author about the book is included at the end, bonus recipe! acknowledgements, about the author, and other works by the author.

Excerpt from The Love Song to Cherish is included. 

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

 

A CHRISTMAS PUPPY TO CHERISH

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.

 

 

Holly’s Gift

Holly's Gift by Josie Riviera

This book starts out with a dedication and about the series. 

Holly is a Korean born woman who tries to not only fix things but help others.

Holly Kim teaches piano and realizes there's something wrong with one of the students as she's late and has other excuses but she is able to track her down,at a homeless shelter.

She was there to find them, on a hunch, but runs into obstacles as the center is closing due to a deterioration that the electric is not up to code...

They must evacuate everyone. Story at this point follows the decision he has made as he tries to come to grips with it and the beautiful woman that's wandered into his life.

Never read a book where female is from Korea and I like how determined she is, strong and brave all in one as she goes after what she knows needs to happen.

He invites her to the ice rink and would even hold her up and she learns many things about him. Love what the charm bracelet means to her and why.

Love hearing about all the outside winter activities. Like the passages were the Bible is mentioned and quoted and how it fits in with the story.

Love that her friend has left her money for charity, now she has a reason to use it.

Love hearing from both sides as you get the full picture.

Love how she teaches him about herself and love of God. She understands his position but know she will stick true to her faith and maybe he will slide on her side.

Bonus of a Christmas cookie recipe is included, OH YUM!   Dedication and acknowledgments and about the author are also included with nightlights of her other works.

Excerpt is also included of another holiday book.  Knowing some things about the author I love how they are brought out in this book.

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

 

Book Review: Unforgettable Christmas Miracles (The Unforgettables Book 28) by Mimi Barbour

  

 

Unforgettable Christmas Miracles (The Unforgettables Book 28) by Mimi Barbour 

Candleglow and Mistletoe by Josie Riviera

Noelle is traveling to Snowy Rock and going to tend to her aunt's candle store.

After the crash she gets help from Gabe, a local and she's terriried of the icy roads.

She had also met a little girl and her mother-who had gotten injured....

What I like from the start are the music she plays-sounds so comforting and soothing as do the candle scents.

Like hearing all the tips on the candle making process and why it burns when wax gets too low.

Like Gabe's career and learning about it. She is able to find another piano to play because she's aunts is broken.

She opens up about her past and marriage...

There are other conflicts as he's taken Lucille out for Thanksgiving dinner and she's the owner of the other candle shop in town. Love hearing of the scenes and activities they do, so precious.

Love that Holly has come to set the record straight about Gabe...and that she had gotten through the performance with her ex.

Author bio and excerpt from A Snowy White Christmas is included. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

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

 

The Resistance Girl Series Books 1-2: eBook Box Set by Hannah Byron

  

The Resistance Girl Series Books 1-2: eBook Box Set by Hannah Byron

 

 1. Picardy's Fields by Hannah Byron

Enjoyed this book about Agnes and Maddie and how each are able to do their career and also help the resistance.

Maddy even finds a man in a German uniform claiming to be American and others question him and find him reputable and allow him to get medical attention.

Monkey is quite comical and many help to bring the animal back to health.

Family secrets and who her father is I found shocking, never saw that coming!

Love that this is NOT a predictable typical story.

Received this review copy from the author via LinkedIn connection and this is my honest opinion

2.   The Diamond Courier by Hannah Byron

Book starts out table of contents, then quote from Runi. Story starts in 1939 and Lili is about to attend her engagement party to Iain, but then it's not that at all...

She ends up away from home in a finishing school, visits with her relatives in Paris and meets a boy.

She also makes friends with a few ladies at the school and they stay in touch with one another..

Love hearing of the farming practices, behind the scenes in the city about Communism and how she can help her friend Leo by getting the diamonds from a family friend.

Love listening to all the characters stories and what they are doing to help fight the war in their own way.

Like hearing about the mines and how she hopes to help those that must go down the shafts daily and are not getting their rightful pay or compensations.

Throughout the book I felt as if I was right there, the author does an excellent job of describing everything, the scenes, smells, sounds, etc.

Hated to see this one end as there are so many tragic events that go along with history of the war.

Never expected the story to end up at all as it did, brilliant!

 

The Resistance Girl Series Books 3-4 Box Set

  

Box set of 2 books in the series

3.  The Parisian Spy by Hannah Byron

Note from the author and list of chapters starts this book.

Love this story. It starts out in Boston, a closeby city to me and 1938.

Radcliffe college. Oceanne (love this name) is studying near her friend Eliz and is worried she won't pass the final exam.

She wants to be a doctor and is so close to finishing. She meets up with her friend Martin and he tells her of the grade she received on her test....

 Love references to the French songs, some I learned when in Catholic school as a young girl.

Tragedy, pain, war, love, romance and patriotism all play a part in this book. Glad it was so indepth and not just a short story.

Love how the story wraps up at the very end.

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

4. The Norwegian Assassin by Hannah Byron

This book starts with a table of contents where chapters are listed along with epilogue and excerpt of next book in the series, authors note, glossary of terms, about the author and other works by the author are highlighted.

A quote by Rumi is listed and note about historical things that were changed for sake of storytelling. Book starts in Austria Feb 1938 at the engagement party.

What I like about this book is how personable it is. It's about war but author makes it feel far from the front but there are scenes where the fighting in intense.

We learn so much more about Esther and her family as they are forced to flee for their lives. She is sent to a charm school in the mountains to learn how to become the mistress of her own house once she's married.

Love influence her grandmother has on her and her place in society and what that means to the whole family.

Took my time reading this book because I did not want it to end, so fascinating and heartbreaking.

So much travel over the years,  Es's journey as she matures, surprises with who she finds at the end and how they are able to bond again.

Losses are so devastating they do bring tears to my eyes, nobody should have to go through what she and many others went through. 

Glad there were no indepth parts of the camps, that would've spoiled the story for me but you know what happened all along. 

Super enjoyed this story along with the history. Detailed descriptions of food, table settings, scenes outside, clothing, places they skied and traveled to, how they kept safe and swapped out clothes, etc to fit in, no matter what the circumstances were, anything to keep safe.

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

 

Cookbooks reviewed: Nov 11

  

Pressure Cooker Cookbook: 1500 Delicious Recipes for Quick, Easy, and Deeply Satisfying Meals by Vanessa Olsen

This book starts wtih table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals  and food categories.

Introduction discusses the pressure cooker  and benefits, history and science of hte pressure cooker, how to pick out the right one,  use and clean and items you will need in your pantry.

Recipes are mostly referencing PPCXL,  power XL pressure cooker that has features on it that my digital pc does not have, check/meat. 

Not comfortable using the instant pot with these recipes, guess as to which button they want me to use.

Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners: 1500 Affordable, Quick & Easy Recipes for Delicious Homemade Meals | Tips & Tricks to Fry, Grill, Roast, and Bake by Gabriella Marino

TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.  Introduction starts this book where they discuss benefits of air fryer, , what is air fryer, how it works,  benefits and tips, Q and A,  Measurement conversion tables.

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

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given.  There is NO nutritional information and NO pictures.

So much to choose from, some I never would've thought to make in air fryer.

Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook for Beginners: Detox and Rejuvenate Your Body by Strengthening Your Immune System with 1900 Days of Quick & Easy Recipes | Lose Weight and Regain Well-Being Forever by Rosa Baker

TOC where recipes are listed as meals, Introduction discusses  benefits of this deit plan and other important information.

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

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and some nutritional information: calories, carbs.

There are NO pictures but one per chapter and nutritional information is different for every recipe, some have calories, carbs, fat, fiber and protein.

Some contain a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all first.

28 day meal plan is included.

Exercises and other tips are also included at the end. 

Cookbooks reviewed: Nov 10

  

My Little Lasagna Cookbook: Discover a New Take on a Classical Italian Dish with these Delicious Lasagna Recipes by BookSumo Press

This book starts out with table of contents where recipes are listed, not in any specific order.

Each recipe starts with a title and to far right hand corner, sometimes in a shaded squares  are prep and cook times, servings and some nutritional information: calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat, protein and sodium.

In main part of the page is a list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some recipes contain a LOT, be sure to have them all first. Directions are given and there are some pictures in the book, some belong to recipes just not sure which ones. There are also hand drawn sketches and also full page photos of fresh vegetables.

Lots of different types of lasagna.

Asian Cookbook: The 1-Dish Daily Easy Eastern Meals - No More Greasy Chinese Takeouts: 31 Days of Delicious, Simple & Easy Recipes For Modern Working Professionals & Families ... One-Dish Easy Eastern Recipes Cookbook) by Leah Lee

This book starts  with about the author and intro about western culture.

Table of contents where recipes are listed.

Each recipe starts with a title and medium size color photo.  Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information.

Great choices with all the vegetables they use in their diets. 

Other works by the atuhor are highlighted at the end.

 

Water Bath Canning & Preserving Cookbook for Preppers: Over 250 Recipes for the Perfect Meats, Fish, Vegetables, Meals in the Jar by Emily Turner 

Table of contents where recipes are broken up into food categories. 

Each recipe starts with a title, icons for level, cook times and servings 

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given. Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all.

Some items I never thought to preserve.  Tjere are NO pictures and NO nutrtional information.

 

Filipino Cookbook: Taste the Philippines with Delicious and Easy Filipino Recipes by BookSumo Press

Starts with table of contents where recipes are listed, not in any order.

Each recipe starts with a title and to far right hand corner sometimes in shaded pink squares are prep and total time, servings and some nutritional information: calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat,  protein and sodium.

In center part of the page is a list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are included. There are a handful of pictures of the recipes but they are not identified as to which ones they are.

There are also full page pictures that don't relate to the recipes, but ingredients or things of the area.

 

Nov 9 A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry

  

 

A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry

Starts out with Dr. Crowe and he's helping injured people in the river area of the city. Most do nto have a home nor meals so eh does what he can for them.

Scuff is his apprentice and is able to tend to people who walk in.

He recalls helping Ellie and took a liking to her. He's recently seen her and her fiancée but he's ill treating her and he starts investigating who the guy really is...

Crowe walks around trying to get information about the fire investigating and the police questioned the doctors actions.

Love the gift Mattie gives to the men.

Love all the clues Crowe collected and how de deciphers them all into what really happened....

Love hearing of the turmoil and how Crowe and many others are involved and on the trail to find the furs and other goods.

Before they knew what was upon them the shots ring out.....Can't believe she had to be the one to ask....

Never saw this happening at the end, wonderful. Dedication page and about the author and highlights her other works.

Received this review copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry

  

A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry

Starts out with Dr. Crowe and he's helping injured people in the river area of the city. Most do nto have a home nor meals so eh does what he can for them.

Scuff is his apprentice and is able to tend to people who walk in.

He recalls helping Ellie and took a liking to her. He's recently seen her and her fiancée but he's ill treating her and he starts investigating who the guy really is...

Crowe walks around trying to get information about the fire investigating and the police questioned the doctors actions.

Love the gift Mattie gives to the men.

Love all the clues Crowe collected and how de deciphers them all into what really happened....

Love hearing of the turmoil and how Crowe and many others are involved and on the trail to find the furs and other goods.

Before they knew what was upon them the shots ring out.....Can't believe she had to be the one to ask....

Never saw this happening at the end, wonderful. Dedication page and about the author and highlights her other works.

Received this review copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

 

Book Review: Night Swim by Jessica Keener

 

Night Swim by Jessica Keener

This coming of age book took me a bit by surprise.

'It's about a young lady who has lost her mother to a tragic accident. 

From that point on she is bullied and deals with it at school with help from her friends.

She tries to fit in being Jewish also. Her father sends her away for school during the week and she experiments with a boy and sex.

After they are reprimanded and sent back home they have no contact but she finds a new boy.

Like that the mother figure in the house is NOT the father's new girlfriend but a housemaid. She comes to the young girls aid and they talk to one another as she helps her get over problems.

Found at times the adult situations were a bit explicit. 

Received this review copy from The Story Plant and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: A Christmas Secret by Anne Perry

  

 

A Christmas Secret by Anne Perry

1800's we find the pastor and his wofe leaving London to a new location because of the letter from the bishop.

They head to a counstryside parish where they will be for several weeks during the Christmas holiday. The pastor is to visit the sick and lend a ear to everyone who needs his assistance.

She busies herself around the house and finds things are not right: the pastor had left his Bible and winter clothing and then she reads through the church ledgers.

There are so many characters but easy to keep track of them all. Nobody knows where the priest woul've traveled to as she wants to send his Bible.

Amazing where he is found and how others just tell them so many secrets they've kept for years.

Like hearing of pathways that are only accessible during cold winter months. 

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

 

Nov 8 Book Review: The Star in the East: A Winter Tale of Ancient Mystery by John Adcox, Carol Bales

 

 

The Star in the East: A Winter Tale of Ancient Mystery by John Adcox, Carol Bales 

Story starts out with Beth and she's on a mission, leaving clues til her heart wears out...

Story also follows her spouse a Red Sox player and she has left him clues all about his family.

She has spent years with his Christmas gift. Love references about Walton's Mountain, I'm Your Man-title from Cohen song and mention of other Story Plant authors-so cool! So many gems and treasures in this read.

Gaspar leaves baseball and starts following the clues she's left him and he teams up with

from The Story Plant. He teams up with a Hungarian, Will who runs a rare bookstore and he accompanies him as the action kicks in to fast pace and so many are out to get them, and their books.

Ana also helps them and she informs them her grandfather is the problem to their endeavors  and he feels the legacy is for him...

So much travel and adventure, so many gems they find in the places where they travel to. Author describes the action and places in so much detail, I feel as if I am seeing it for myself.

So much to decipher that is in code and where it leads them. Religion and interpretations of the Bible and travels of Marco Polo and others, and important part toy store has.

Tragic, haunting, intuitive, lethal circumstances. 

 Afterword is about how the story came about, the winter tales.

Acknowledgements, about the author and his wife the illustrator.

Received this review copy from The Story Plant and this is my honest opinion.

#TheStarintheEast #NetGalley 

Cookbooks reviewed: Nov 7

  

Thanksgiving Cookbook (Classic Cookbooklets 6) by Gooseberry Patch 

Starts with their story and welcome and links to their sites.

No table of contents. Each recipe, NOT at start of a new page starts with a title, and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a LOT, be sure to have them all first.

Directions are given and servings.

There are NO pictures and NO nutrtional information.  Lots of ideas of what to do with leftover turkey after the big feast.

TOC is listed at very end where recipes are listed, NOT in any order.

 

American Cooking: State-by-State Iconic Recipes by Louise Davidson

TOC where recipes are listed by state one for each state.

Intro and offer of free ebooks when you sign up for authors newsletter.

Each recipe starts with a title and summary of the dish. Medium size color photo, servings, prep and cook times.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some require a lot of items, be sure to have them all first.

Directions are given and some nutritional information, NOT sure of serving size: calories, total fat, sat fat, carbs, fiber, sugars, sodium and protein.

Bonus recipes listed at the very end.

Everyday Cooking - 5 Ingredient Instant Pot Cookbook by Louise Davidson

TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.

Offer of free ebooks. Intro about 5 ingredient cooking in the instant pot.

Other tips about coking are included.

How to use the cooker and lots of helpful information.

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

Some nutritional information per serving: calories, fat, sat fat, carbs, protein and sodium.

There are NO pictures.

Recipes contain more than 5 ingredients, although book title says differently.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given.

Other works by the author are listed at the end.

Conversion charts are also included.

Cookbooks reviewed: Nov 2

 

Healthy Air Fryer Cookbook 2021: 1000 Days Effortless Complete Recipes with Tips and Tricks to Fry, Roast, Grill and Bake on A Budget. The Essential and ... Everyday Guide For Your Weight Loss Journey by Younan Jones

TOC where recipes are listed as meals. Intro discusses what an air fryer is, , clean your fryer,  and tips.

Each recipe starts with a title along with food labels, vegan, gluten free, etc.  prep and cook times, servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some have a lot of items, be sure to have them all first.

Directions are given and some nutritional information: calories, fat, carbs, sugar, protein and cholesterol.

So much to choose from. Conversion tables are included at the end.

 

 

Plant Based Cookbook For Beginners: 1000 Days of Quick & Easy Plant-Based Healthy Meals by Amy Instant

TOC where recipes are listed as meals. Introduction summaries the book contents, a dictionary of food terms and where to obtain them from what foods, Lots of tips for the whole day.

List of foods to eat.

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

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all.

Directions are given and some nutritional information calories, total fat, total carbs, protein.  Thre are NO pictures and recipes do NOT always at the top of a new page.

Some recipes have a different format: prep, cook times and servings, Ingredients and directions and nutritional information is all different, lined up in a different format also: calories, fat, carbs and protein.

There are NO pictures.  Nice condiment sectio  at the back, things you can make at home.

 

 

Lean and Green Cookbook for Beginners: 1500 Days of Quick and Easy Recipes for 5&1 and 4&2&1 Meal Plans With Fueling Hacks | Get Back in Shape and Reach Your Goals in No Time by Brenda Pylon

This book starts out with TOC where recipes are listed in many categories.

Can not easily enlarge the pages to read them.

Each recipe starts out with  a title, prep cook times and servings and LG count

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a lot of items, be sure to have them all.

Directions are given and some nutritional information-not sure of serving size: calories,  carbs, protein and fats. Some pages contain 2 recipes on them.

There are NO pictures. Each chapter contains a color picture  on the last page.

Meal plans for 28 days are included at the end along with index.

Don't care for tiny print and some pages have 5+ recipes.  Bit too crowded.

 

Salad Recipes: A Salad Cookbook Filled with Delicious Salad Recipes by BookSumo Press

TOC where recipes are listed.

Hand sketched kitchen items are throughout the book. 

Each recipe starts with a title, to far right hand corner in a square (sometimes with pink background) section are prep and cook times, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium.

In main part of the page is a List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are below that. There are a handful of recipe pictures but they are not identified which recipes.

Quite a variety to choose from.

 

 

Easy Mexican Cookbook by Maggie Chow

Other works by the author are listed and offer of free ebooks, about the author,  short intro about the book.

Table of contents where recipes are listed as meals

Each recipe starts with a title and List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a lot of items, be sure ot have them all first.

Directions are given and servings, prep cook and total time.

Nutritional information per 2k calorie diet includes calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat, fiber, protein and sodium.

There are NO pictures.

Nice and spicy meals but I find it uses a lot of canned items, I'd use fresh.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet Cookbook For Beginners: Reduce The Inflammation and Improve Your Health with 365 Days of Affordable & Delicious Recipes by William Ritchie

TOC where recipes are listed as meals and diet plans and food categories.

Intro discusses the signs to watch for  and steps ou can take to correct the inflammation.

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

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and some nutritional information per serving: calories, fat, protein and carbs.

Some recipes have mixed US and UK measurements so you will have to convert one or the other.

Some contain a TON of items, be sure to ahve them all first.

Recipes do NOT always start at the top f a new page, There are NO pictures.