Book Review: Married for the Warrior's Alliance by Lisa Torquay

  

 

Married for the Warrior's Alliance by  Lisa Torquay

Spain 1147

Love learning new words and their meanings how they relate to the  story.

Jimena is in charge of the estate when her father dies and her brother left to go fight.

She has two choices, fight against the man who's captured them or be one with him and be able to live on the estate.

Rashid Abd Al-Zahar  plans to take this castle Moncaster as his capital with all the lands surrounding.

At first thought she is terrified of him and that she has not long to live til she sees him with her eyes.

Love hearing of how she gets along with the diplomats he called to tend to the castle, especially the agriculture team and they have a library with books.

The gardens with herbs and spices for all to share. Love when his sister comes and they get along fine, love all the features  they get to enjoy.

Love how their different customs, traditions and  heritage have them at odds at times but also on same wavelength...

Love goals she's set for the workers and he puts things into place to have diplomats enhance the lands and schools for children.

Spicy hot adult scenes.  She's been getting various fighting lessons because he may not always be right there to protect her.

Her brother wants his lands back and she's torn to help him or to help her spouse.... who will she choose?

History, wars, fighting,  special activities for the women, romance, travel, gardens, pools, solar room, agriculture diplomats, teaching children, and so many other gems; something for everyone to enjoy this book.

Excerpt from next book is the series is included at the end.

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

Cookbooks reviewed: Mar 17

  

 

Air Fryer for Two: 50 Healthy Two-Serving Air Fryer Recipes by Louise Davidson

TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.

Offer of free ebook, intro discusses the technology behind air fryer, healthy cooking,  and more.

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 there are NO pictures.

Nutritional information per serving: calories, carbs, fat, protein and sodium.

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

Love that it’s only for two and no leftovers, especially for fish meals.

Step by step instructions so if you are a beginner this is the book for you.

So many good basic recipes and some not so new.

Other works by the author are listed at the end. Conversion charts are included at the end.

A KEEPER for me even without pictures. 

Sheet Pan Cooking: From Oven to Table, Quick & Easy, Everyday, One-Pan Meal Recipes by Louise Davidson

TOC where recipes are listed as food categories, offer of free ebook,  intro about idea of sheet pan cooking.

Choosing right pan, meats, veggies, fish fruits and tofu, how to enhance flavors, etc.

Cooking charts for meats and fish are included.

Each recipe starts with a title servings, prep and cook times along with medium size color photo.

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 of items, be sure to have them all.

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

Love fish group the best, and other sections I can't wait to try a few in each one.

Love this book for the nutritional and pictures for each recipe.

Other works by the author are listed at the end. Conversion charts are included at the end. 

A KEEPER

 

35 Easy Pasta Recipes – Delicious and Traditional Italian Pasta Dishes by Pamela Kazmierczak

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

There are a lot of different pastas included. some are my favorites.

 Short intro about the Italian cuisine.

Authors social media sites are linked.

Each recipe starts with a title, brief summary of the dish.

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 serving suggestions.

There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

I would use fresh tomatoes, vs canned they call for, and low sodium broth or home made even.

 

Easy Asian Cookbook: 200 Asian Recipes from Thailand, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines by Maggie Chow

Starts with free ebook offer, about the author, intro about the Asian cuisine,

TOC where recipes are listed as country favorites.

Common abbreviations chart is included.

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.

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

Directions are given.

Servings and prep cook and total times.

Nutritional information: calories, darbs, cholesterol, fat, fiber, protein, sodium as per 2k calorie diet.

There are NO pictures.

Like stir fry ones although they are mostly different flavors, spices and herbs. would take a bit of time assembling everything.

Some recipes have the country name listed under title name.

Other works by the author are listed at the end.

 

Cookbooks reviewed: Mar 16

  

Fabulous Fish Recipes: A Complete Cookbook of Seafood Dish Ideas! by Thomas Kelly

This bok starts with table of contnents where recipes are listed Short intro before the recipes.

Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish, 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 contain a lot of items, be sure to have them all.

Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information.

MOST contain a color photo. Great selections available.

Breakfast: Delicious Breakfast Recipe Cookbook by Tara Adams

This book starts with TOC and there is no specific order to the recipes.

Offer of free ebook and intro about this book.

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.

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

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

Use prepackaged items and canned.

LOTS of coffee cake recipes. Different combinations of flavors.

Other works by the author are listed at the end.

 

 

35 Chicken Soup Recipes: Cozy Chicken Soups And Stews For Your Soul On A Cold Night by Jean Pardue

TOC where recipes are listed, not in any specific order.

 Intro discusses features of the chicken soup recipes.

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.

Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all. Directions are given. There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

Lots of choice. Other works by the author are listed at the end.

 

 

Freeze Drying Cookbook for Preppers: How to Freeze Dry, Preserve and Stockpile the Right Foods for up to 25 Years to Survive Any Crisis in the Safety of Your Own Home by Raymond L. Hillman

TOC where chapters are listed and recipes .

Intro discusses freeze drying and benefits.

Discusses in detail the four stages in the process and how to do them all.

 Different methods of freeze drying are also detailed.

 Storing and  other tips for identification labels.

Foods that are suitable for freeze drying are listed.

Each recipe starts with a title and summary of the dish, 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 contain a LOT OF items, be sure to have them all.

Directions are given.

For freeze drying it tells you to use first recipes method.

I can see myself making these meals for everyday living. I cook in bulk and always freeze for other weeks of the month.

Comes in handy when harvest of crops comes in.

Great selection  available.

 

Cookbooks reviewed: Mar 15

  

Slow Cooking Two Ways: Favorite Slow-Cooked Recipes Made Two Ways: Dutch Oven and Slow Cooker by Louise Davidson

TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food groups.

Free ebook offer. Intro  discusses the slow cooking and also in its own chapter the Dutch oven.

Each recipe starts with a title, medium size color photo, servings, prep cook time, slow cooker time and Dutch oven time.

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.

Each recipe has directions for slow cooker and Dutch oven method.

Nutritional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, and sodium.

This book has it all, to make healthy meals. Author requests a review and appendix has conversion charts at the end.

 

CANNING AND PRESERVING COOKBOOK FOR BEGINNERS : YOUR FULL BEGINNERS GUIDE TO CAN AND PRESERVE HUNDREDS OF FOODS/ MEAT, VEGETABLES & MORE RECIPES/ INCLUDES PERFECT WATER BATH AND PRESSURE METHODS by LAURIE HINNINGS

TOC where recipes are listed in food groups.

Intro discusses  how to can, common methods, benefits,.

Recipes start with a title, prep cook, canning time 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 and some nutritional information: calories, fat, fiber, carbs and protein.

There are NO pictures.

One recipe had 20 items, be sure to have them all first.

There are sauces and other mixes that you an preserve also and they contain different nutritional information, like it's from a different source.

Not sure where in the store I’d find calcium water... Pomomma's pectin, i'll stick to what they offer.

Lots of choices.

 Dump Dinners: Family-Friendly Soup, Casserole, Slow Cooker and Skillet Recipes Inspired by The Mediterranean Diet by Vesela Tabakova

TOC where recipes are listed, short intro about benefits of dump dinners are.

Each recipe starts with a title, 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 times, be sure to have them all

Directions are given. There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.

I'd make a double batch and freeze half of the dish for another week.

 

Portuguese Cooking: Easy Classic Recipes from Portugal by Sarah Spencer

Table fo contents where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.

Offer of free ebook. Intro discusses the authentic foods of the country.

Key ingredients are listed.

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

Medium size color photo 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 some nutritional information per serving : calories, carbs, fat, protein and sodium.

Real Portuguese do NOT use canned items for beans, we soak em overnight. Also we use low sodium broths.

Conversion charts are listed at the end.

For the most part the recipes are spot on, I'd not be using canned items at all. we were taught to grow them and can them for winter months.

 

Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 2000+ Days of Quick and Easy Recipes to Get Started with a Mediterranean Eating Lifestyle and Lose Weight | 30 day Meal Plan by Sophia Lewis

TOC where recipes are listed as meals and other food categories starts this book.

Introduction discusses the diet itself meaning, history, health benefits,  foods that make up the diet and why.

Meal plans are included also . The main index of recipe listings.

Each recipe starts with a title, some contain a small color photo.

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.

Servings and directions are listed. 

Per serving nutritional information: calories, protein, fiber, sugar, sat fat, cholesterol and sodium.

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

Some also have prep and total times.

some nutritional information also includes vit A and C and calcium. All different sources of information.

Q&A is listed at the end.  Conclusion also lists important parts of the diet and what food groups and why.

Good start but they don't mention sleep and exercise and social aspect of the diet plan.

 

Book Spotlight: Married for the Warrior's Revenge by Lisa Torquay

 

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Spain, 1147

Fatimah Al-Zahar is visiting the Alcaide, her brother, in his new lands, Moncaster. The same he conquered, defeating its duke, and for which he married the former duke’s sister for a smooth transfer of power. Only the former duke saw fit to abduct the Alcaide’s sister in a bid to snatch his lands back. Ensconced with the man in his cramped donjon is not helping Fatimah with the attraction she feels for him since the first time she set eyes on the unforgiving warrior. Despite floundered attempts to break free, she can’t decide if she wishes her brother to give back the lands and her freedom; or never to show up again so she can stay with the fallen duke in any capacity he finds for her.

Rodrigo De la Torre, the former heir to the Duke of Moncaster, sees it as his duty to recover the lands he grew up to inherit. After having done everything to achieve it with no success, the only resource left to him is to take the Governor's sister and exchange her for his rightful inheritance. The problem is that he did not count on the feisty woman to get under his skin and other unmentionable parts as she takes more and more room in the donjon and in the hollow place where his heart should be.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

 

 

Lisa Torquay comes from a multi-cultural family. She graduated in History and earned a Master’s Degree in British Empire. She has worked as an English and History teacher at high schools. She married a Norwegian and moved to Norway, where she has lived for three years. Writing has been her passion since she was thirteen. When she’s not writing, she’s messing up in the kitchen because she loves cooking as much as she’s clumsy. She hopes you enjoy her books and would love to know your opinion about them. Just go to https://lisatorquay.wixsite.com/main/

MY REVIEW:

 

Married for the Warrior's Revenge by Lisa Torquay

This story starts out in Spain 1147.  Dedication and a foreord from the author and maps of the location setting.

It follows Fatimah as she's out with her horse til she gets captured.

She's very smart in her moves. Rodringo is the one who caught her. Their families are enemies and he just wants what is rightfully his to be returned to him.

He takes her back to his castle and its very different than her own.  She has free rein but only on the grounds. She is able to help the cooks with spices and herbs as they had no clue they could be used in cooking while they work through negotiations. 

From then I love how the others really enjoy their food. Fascinating to find out where she stores the highly wanted herbs. It's a perfect location, just not normal.

Love hearing how the Romans traditions and customs also come into play in this book. The things the Spaniards and Moors had learned from them make sense.

Love action, adventure, outside areas, training, dancing, pools, food, fashion and how they really life.

Love learning that he has to sacrifice a lot  to wed her and how they work among the peasants in the fields during harvest.

He also learns of a mole that is trading secrets and has to banish them. 

Skirmishes help them keep on their toes as he's been training the farmers to help if ever needed.

Love how this story plays out, didn't see it happening as it did.

Steamy hot adult situations and love her she learned it all. I love reading.

Excerpt from the next book in the series is included. About the author and how to connect with her on social media. Her other works are listed at the end. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

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

  

Cookbooks reviewed: Mar 14

  

Air Fryer Mediterranean Cookbook: The Best Collection of Recipes to Burn Fat and Stay Healthy. by Kiara Evans

Starts with table of contents but no matter how small or big i get the font it's all jumbled together.

Intro discusses the Mediterranean diet.

 Air fryers are discussed in detail, using them, etc.

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.

Difficulty level, servings, total time. Some contain a lot of items, be sure to have them all. Some also use prepackaged items

 UK measurements are being used in some recipes.

Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information. Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.

 

New Air Fryer Cookbook: 1000 Effortlessly Beautiful Air Fryer Cooking for Home Kitchen by Jordan Roy

Has list of recipes, NOT in any specific order.

Intro discusses the air fryer, how it works and the benefits of using it vs. deep oil fried foods.

Q&A section. 

Each recipe starts with a title and has 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 ot have them all first.

UK measurements are mixed in with US ones.

Directions and servings and times are included.

There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information and recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page

Lot to look through but hard when recipes have UK/US in one recipe, mixed.

There are no categories like meals or food groups.

 

Amish Canning And Preserving Cookbook: 1000 Days of Wholesome Jammed, Pickled, and Canned Recipes to Preserve Vegetables, Fruit, Meat, and Fish by Elizabeth Schwartz

TOC where recipes are broken up into different food groups.

Introduction discusses the history and traditions of canning in Amish world.

Chapters on tools and supplies needed with explanation about each.

Keep safe and lots of tips. Process of sealing jars, where to store them are also discussed. 

Each recipe starts with a title, SOME contain a photo.

prep, cook times are listed 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 ready to go.

Directions are given and some nutritional information:, not sure of serving size: carbs, fat, protein, sodium, cholesterol, calories.

 

Low Fat Recipes: Lose Weight While Enjoying Delicious Meals And Reaping The Benefits Of Low Fat Cooking by Travis Mackensie

TOC starts this book where recipes are listed as meals and food groups.

Free ebook offer. Introductions discusses the diet plan and different between good and bad fats.

Foods that contain good fats are listed and what foods you should be eating.

Each recipe starts with a title summary of the dish, Medium size color photo, servings, total time and calories.

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.

 prepackaged items are used.  some contain a  LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.

Other Works by the author are listed at the end.

 

Cookbooks reviewed: Mar 13b

  

60 Bread Recipes: For The Family  by Sophia Brighton

Starts with table of contents where recipes are listed under white, what, whole grain, rye, sweet, cornbread, and others, and biscuits.

Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the item 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.

There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

Some use the machine, some the oven read through whole recipe.

Lots of basic and some not so basic, good selections available.

.

 

Mediterranean: 100 Mediterranean Recipes by BookSumo Press

TOC starts this book where recipes are listed, not in any specific order.

Hand drawn sketches throughout the book, along with other photos of the area and some of food.

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

To main part of the page there 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 given. Some contain a lot of items, be sure to have them all first.

They use canned items, I'd be using fresh and low sodium products.

  

 

The Dash Diet Cookbook: Choose Between Two Great Meal Plans To Easily Optimize Your Diet Depending On Whether You Want To Improve Your Fitness Or Heart Health by Janet McKenzie

TOC where daily menus are listed. Intro discusses the dash diet and what it's all about.

Has charts of which food groups you should have # of servings from daily.

Conversion charts are also included.

Benefits of the diet and then the recipes.

Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish and list of ingredients.

brand name items and I’m sure you can substitute for your healthier dietary needs.

Directions are given.

There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

Some of measurements are Imperial measurements.

Don’t' like converting Imperial to US, some are not converted in the recipe.

It's also not a typical recipe as summary works into the list of items.

Also don't care for using canned tomatoes when i can dice them myself, fresh and not packed in sodium.

 

30 Healthy Chicken Recipes – Healthy Dinner Recipes With Chicken by Pamela Kazmierczak

TOC where recipes are listed, not in any specific order.

Short intro and thanks for reading and reviewing.

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.

Some contain more than 10 items, be sure ot have them all firest.

Directions are given.

Some list the servings. There is NO nutritional information nd NO pictures.

Some use canned and prepackaged items, I'd be using fresh.