Monday, February 28, 2022

Books read Feb 2022

  


 

 
 
 
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.
Things do not go according to plan as their country is at war and the family leaves and she meets up with them later. She gets to grow up and become a lady as she forms bonds with other females who are there at the school for various reasons.
The war gets in the way of everything and it tears at her as the family flee to take care of a farm in the country, hiding out from the enemy. Somebody turns them in and the family is removed, put on trains heading to concentration camps. Esther was not with them and when she returns she vows to seek vengeance.
She meets with someone who has connections and she heads into war doing what she can. Love that she dresses like a guy to get through her training and fighting right alongside the men. Some have come to her aid, and they look out for one another.
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.




   






An Undaunted Matchmaker by Anne Greene 
This book starts out with dedication page then the story.
Story follows Eve Malloy an Irish woman who teaches at the orphanage in San Francisco. She had brought six women who were no longer eligible to stay at the orphanage as they were over 18 so she sought out husbands for them in Eureka.
She loved matching them with men that worshipped God.  
The story also follows Rafe RIley as he comes across Eve and has some bad news for her about her uncle.
He is also the mortician and  tends to many who have fallen on tough times mining for gold in Eureka, CA.
He even opens his own place and sees over the ceremonies.
She does not want to marry him even after meeting his mother who lives with him in the huge mansion. After she had been robbed of her earnings and no longer has money to make it back to get another group of women that seek husbands.
She has a hard road ahead of her but is glad to know she's inherited her uncles things, one being a shanty and claim. She pans for gold...
Many others help her but she relies on God and his guidance to make it through the toughest of days.
Love hearing about how she took on a man that could pan for her, just food and a bit of land to place his tent is all he wants. He's also been paid to watch out for her...
She hates Rafe's job and lets him know it. He hates it also and does something about it. He thinks Eve might pick up with the new mayor and know he has to make his move soon or lose her.
Love the direction this book takes, so many detailed descriptions of the time frame. So precise and clear.
Love learning about the history of our country in other areas that I'm unfamiliar with. 
Excerpt from Dollar Brides is included at the end. About the author, her listings of books, and how to contact her are also included at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.


 









SYNOPSIS:

In 1749 feisty Saskia Klaassens sails from her abusive home in the Netherlands to work as nursemaid in Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. At the wine estate, she is appalled by the slaves’ lives even as love slowly burns for one, the stable master Titus. She struggles with the arrogant whims of her employers, all the while making lace and viewing life through its prism.

When secret intrigues come to light, a storm of fear sweeps through the estate, and Saskia must decide where her loyalties lie – with her violent Dutch kinsmen or her forbidden lover. All the while she weaves what beauty she can to the rhythm of her bobbins, as events move toward their thrilling and tragic climax

 

MY REVIEW:

DIARY OF A LACEMAKER by SUKEY HUGHES
1749 Story begins with the family arriving in South Africa where the mother meets up with her spouse who they've not seen in a year.
The whole family is there and Miss Klaassens was tending to the children.  
Love how strong of a woman she is to ask the master about a room of her own. Love how she collects f 
Love haring how she does the lace making of items. She has a love for her work.
They will sell her works and keep the profit. Dutch lace is a lot different than what she sees the woman perform but she takes it on and accomplishes much.
She has a love interest that keeps the story flowing. 
Love aunt Effie and for her talents and understanding. Heartbreaking when you hear about those who died...
One of my top picks for this month!
I received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.






  

 

 
Secrets of a River Swimmer by S.S. Turner
Story follows one who wants to end his life. Like comparison between a salmon fishing upstream as they consider what will happen once they jump. I had recently read a story about fishers and salmon in Scotland so this was so cool to hear further stories of the rivers.
He likes to scare the fisher and his gillie as he watches them legging it away. Hallucinations of just being a fish, no legs or arms and he's swimming underwater.
There's so much in their life they are not happy with, been going on years and even at work now.
They lose something during the process and they can't realize they are in the water or it's all just a dream...
Love how they honor the man who's no longer with them, in the band and how they can raise money for awareness and to help others.
Love how he is able to turn their lives around for them as they also discover the healing powers of the river.
Received this review copy from publicist via The Story Plant and this is my honest opinion.






















 

Chasing Dreams by Paulette Marshall

Book starts with a dedication page, family tree and who is who then the story.

1895  and Dr. Polly is on a train heading to her new location to assist a local doctor. The train is held up and she helps many others recover and bandage them up. A few men are guarding a prize bull in a separate car and they shoot at the robbers til they leave.

She meets Alan and she finds herself a bit shaken up... Story follows them and others as they come into play. She stays with a couple she met on the train and they build a house for her to see patients.

Love how she and Alan team up to help others in the vicinity and are able to bring those deathly sick back to the hub to tend to them all. She does get Bridget to help out. Love that the neighbors consider her part of their family.

What a precious gift Alan has for her, but she is kidnapped....They want to sell her in the big city... Like history, travel, romance and the west and how they survived. LOVE the part about breathing in steam from a cup of soup to ward off viruses up your nose!

Struggles, health wise and savage of others really come out in this story. Love the ending and the excerpt from two other of the author's stories. Once a dream is accomplished you make another one and go after that goal.

Quite shocked that there were so many typos in this version. Ends with acknowledgement and about the author and how to contact her. Love this book, reminds me so much of 1883 on the fire stick.

I received this review copy from BookFunnel via the author and this is my honest opinion.




  


 

Dedication page  and listing of works by the author. 
Ellen has arrived safely at the ranch to undergo training on how to protect herself. She had been stalked starting in college and didn't realize it.
Love haring how some of their savings go back into the program.
Training starts the next day  along with the rules. Love how weapons are discussed in more detail.
Extreme circumstances lead to some turbulent moments when everybody is in danger.
She just wants to teach kindergarten children again but the agency is trying to get her to change her career til a job in town opens up.
She finishes her training and gets her dream job.  Super read, but just when you think it's completed, it's not.
She has some warning signs but puts them in the back of her mind. Her life is moving forward and she loves teaching the kids.
Happy with the community and she doesn't need anything else.
This one had me on the edge of my seat and I tried to slow down to read but I was in hyper mode then as things escalate.
About the author, her works are listed and about Elle James and series.
Romance, travel, adventure and learning how to save yourself and lots of info about weapons.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

 

 




Year of Wonders  by Geraldine Brooks
1666 This story is about Anna who lives through her spouse dying, he was a miner. She tends to two small boys, one is still nursing.
She takes in a boarder who is  a marvel with the boys and keeps them occupied and happy. He comes down with a virus = the plague and dies.
She serves at big dinner parties and also takes care of housekeeping at the pastor's house. She's friends with his wife.
Another sends her a sachet of contents to  help aid the one sick. She takes care to get rid of items others used that might carry the disease, burns them.
Love the time they spend actually in the mine working, figuring things out, collecting data of ages that died, those that survived and what to do about it.
Like how this ends, didn't see it happening. Foreword by the author and she explains how this book came about and how others helped with their knowledg.e
Bit of adult situations.  
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).





  
 




SYNOPSIS:

Children's adventure picture book with activity pages, Ages 3-11,engaging way to learn about joy, faith, and believing. An unforgettable journey with new friends Blue and Happy Tree.

A perfect book for any child (and parent :). Also, a terrific cozy bedtime story. Come into the world of the happy tree and Blue -- don't wait join them today!!

Watch for more titles coming soon from this author including a new series: The Adventures of Big G - The Zero Club.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR





 

She:kon greetings from the rez. The struggles being faced on the rez need to be heard. We kids battle things like no internet, thought of as a problem and obstacle rather than as a person, poor drinking water, reduced quality of education, you name it. Just today I told my mom I bet the residential schools didn't seem real to many people. The orange shirts were a trend or something. Until they started finding the bodies of the children buried at the schools. My grandma always told us the children and babies were there. Thousands of them. I mean, really serious stuff. Think about it, a stranger could come into your house, take your kids to these schools and you might never see them again. This effects all of us.

So, I decided to start writing to bring encouragement and to give myself a voice. I have had to fight hard to get the education others get so easily. I know what it is to be pushed aside or to be compared to other students who never experienced a rez life. I believe everyone can learn even the hardest stuff if given a chance and support. STEM is hard stuff, but our greatest breakthroughs will come from our brightest young minds -- and every child matters in everything. I'm finishing up a series from the perspective of Big G, dealing with bias, battles, wins, struggles, rez dogs, rez cops, great friends, and a few teachers who were simply sent from heaven with big hearts, and just a lot from a rez kids' point of view.

Thanks for the support and keep on writing those awesome reviews. Many Nya:wens - thanks. Stay encouraged!




MY REVIEW:

The Tree That Went for a Walk: An Amazing Adventure in Believing
by Garrett Summers 
Very colorful children's book. This one is about a tree and they become happy when things others are doing excite them.
The blue bird is first, then the children, the pinwheels, more children, the moon and they realize a few things. The happy tree want to do the same things and anything is possible.
So simple yet elegant. It's about things that we see every day. Very positive story.
Love that he author's grandma helped him with his story. I've done the same for my grandson. PRICELESS!








 


Kissing Under the Fireworks: A Sweet Adult Holiday Romance by Christina Herrera 
Table of contents where it shows the chapter names: Amber and alternating chapters with Hayden.
Dedication page. Story starts with Amber and she's arrived at the country club all decked out for the holiday party atmosphere.
 Her familys neighbor Dustin was having a party. They have completed college. His cousin Hayden was to be at the party also. 
The crowd had raised him and carried him through the arm and ended up in front of her...
Amber and Dustin are thrown together during the dancing also...
They take waslks in the widlerness near their houses and go out for dinner where secrets are told...
Lots of details in descriptions and there's a lot of kissing... after she gets close to him she wonders if he will return from BC to take on the job offer in town...
Has epilogue and author's note, sign up for her newsletter, acknowledgements and about the author including her social media links.
Enjoyed this read especially the comparison of stars in the sky vs. fireworks in the sky, cool! and of course the outside trails.
I received this review copy from BookFunnel via the author and this is my honest opinion.





   

 
 Snowed Over by Angie Stanton
Starts with other works by the author and a dedication page.
Katie hates when another does not keep their word.   She's waiting for a ride up north from the university student that she's yet to meet.
Alex does show up and helps her with her things as they travel north for each of them to visit with family during the Christmas holidays. Things don't go according to plan and the snow has a major part in that.
They try to avoid a deer and the truck runs off the road into the river and they are able to get out..  love how he takes charge and leads them to a cabin. There are things there to keep them alive. They understand after talking a lot why each is dreading the holidays....
Like the end and how he had remembered something she had said that make a difference.  They each had opened up about their family problems.  Like seeing the side of her family and the troubles they have. It was not their typical holiday meal to say the least.
Enjoyed this story and how they make the best of things, with being stranded. So resourceful.
Note from the author and her works, about the author are included at the end along with an excerpt from another book.  
I received this review copy from BookFunnel via the author and this is my honest opinion.




  

  



 

Caramel Pecan Roll Murder (Hannah Swensen, #28) by Joanne Fluke
Many of the regulars are at the Inn where a fishing tournament is going on. Hannah and her sister are helping in the kitchen and bar when needed.
They stay in the same room there so there's no travel involved. Sally and Dick had the same agreement for Doc and others in town as well, to keep them nearby in case of an emergency.
Love when Hannah after cooking is able to spend time on the lake fishing. It's a lot different on the ocean but interesting to learn about the new words they use and what they mean.
As things go a body is found and women go into gathering clues to help solve the mystery of who killed the fisher.
Lots of recipes at the end of every other chapter.  Of course it's never who you think it is.
Lot more characters involved but they are easy to follow along.  Mike is a bit off his game and we find out a bit more as the story goes along...
I received this review book from Kensington via  Net Galley and this is my honest opinion.
#CaramelPecanRollMurder #NetGalley 


  


 
Valentine Heart by Josie Riviera
This collection of stories by the same author include 4 stories!
...
I Love You More by Josie Riviera
Starts out with reviews and praise for the other works by the author.
Anastasia is going to spend some time with her friend Jaclyn and arrive as Jaclyn's brother Luciano shows up as he works nearby when he's not in other countries selling his company product.
She just needs a bit of time to file for custody but she is also a cancer survivor and has found a spot that is causing her problems.
Like hearing about the international adoption and how her daughter is the love of her whole life.
Love the different locations and descriptions of how they live-the surrounding and also at the same time so glad to hear of parks and being outside.
Love Vermont in the winter with all the snow and ice sculptures. The lawyer doesn't go quite as planned and with her having time to really think things through she makes a decision about the whole thing.
Story is also following Luciano and what his agenda is-quite fascinating, the endeavor.
They are able to spend time with one another and know each other so well even though they've not spent any time together since they were little kids.
Love precious gift she is able to give him. Special recipe is attached, yum!
Other works by the author and about the author are included at the end.
Excerpt from Oh Danny Boy is included at the end. Great read, can't wait to read more.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
.
1-800-Cupid by Josie Riviera
First time reading this author and loved all the details. Love learning about different locations in the book, felt as if I was there also!
Story starts out with Candee (works at the local hardware store) and she lives with her sister, Desiree (works at country club) and she's into real estate. She bids on the mansion at the end of the street and no one has lived in it for many years.
She hopes no one else wants to buy it-it's in Roses, NC. Story also follows Teddy and his friend (Rob) in FL and they are into helping his nephew who needs medical surgeries. Teddy meets her and expects a woman over 50 as the real estate business has been operating for over 30 years.
Candee shows other places in the area to Teddy and he shows an interest in her mansion-she thinks it's hers already. She plans to redo the place for disadvantaged children.
He and his friend hope to flip a house for a living. She is heavily into beagle dogs and volunteers also at no kill shelter. Misunderstanding and you wonder if they will ever be together again...
Lots of surprises in this book and like how they change plans and just go with things.
Love ending did NOT see that coming. Recipe at the end-another surprise!
Other works by the author are highlighted 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.
.
A Valentine to Cherish by Josie Riviera
This story starts with Scarlett=love this name for this book because of all the red tones.
She's changing after her betrothed leaves to head back to his family’s home to take over for his ailing father. She is going to change, be more quiet, lose weight and lot a of other things.
Love that she's a mentor for a young girl and they are able to spend time together because of Scarlett's job at the animal store. Love how the author finds all these cool jobs for the characters in this town.
They listen to a song played by a man in the park and go to the bookstore where they plan to purchase Valentine party tickets. After talking to the author and writer of the songs he will buy them the tickets and they talk a bit, getting to know one another.
She doesn't want to get her hopes up to only be let down because he moves on with his singing tour. Joseph is the man who wants her heart and the way she is-he doesn't want her to change a thing.
They get to spend quality time together and they discuss their past lives. Love how religion plays a big part in this book and she uses religion to help her get over her fears of not being good enough and uses it when she also wants food she knows she shouldn't be eating.
You wonder if they will ever really get together as he plans on traveling and she just wants to stay in Cherish....
Heart shaped meatloaf recipe included. Note from the author and about the author are included at the end.
Excerpt from a Christmas to Cherish is also included. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Can't wait to read more from this author-so very descriptive and detailed-you can picture the scenes as if you are there.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
...
A Chocolate-Box Valentine (Chocolate-Box #3) by Josie Riviera
This book starts out with praise for the author and her works.
This short story starts with Sally and her special chocolate won't be arriving for her to prepare it into special Valentine orders.
Her brother Ben and his fiancée will watch Sally's daughter Clarissa so she can head down the road to get the chocolate.
The truck driver had some problems with his truck. After Sally arrives a big tree crosses her route back home so she spends time at the diner.
Oliver has made everyone so welcome and she gets to talk to him and learns of his past as he learns of hers.
She decides she needs advice from others not familiar with her wares...
Like how different folks lives are discussed from all walks of life... so interesting.
Recipe included. Ends with an excerpt from the author's next book.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
 





Turning Back the Tide by Valerie Wilde
This book starts out  a table of contents then the story. It's about a woman Jules who's not done grieving for the loss of her twin sister.
She feels she just needs  some time to herself to adjust. She ends up in a seaside community, ON the beach and shares a duplex with a man.
He's going through his own problems and they soon talk to get to know one another a bit. Like how he breaks the ice with her.
So devastating to hear each of their sides of the story and glad they found one another. 
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Free excerpts are included at the end of this book.
Signup for newsletter and get more free ebooks. 
Really like the ocean and sounds and smells of it, very descriptive details.
I received this review copy from BookFunnel via the author and this is my honest opinion.


 


  



 

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing 

Love learning about the ship but they go overboard with all the technical information.

Ship gets stuck in ice at South Pole area and they winter in the polar nights, no sun.

They use seals blubber for oil to heat the vessel. Southern Shine, like Northern Lights, never realized they were there also.

they keep themselves entertained, they each take a few dogs to tend to, they are on the dogsled team but they can't even leave the ship in the dead of winter.

travel adventures, gramophone with no needles to play the unit,

Tragic of the sinking and how they are able to move westward on the ice with the dogs and have seals for food.

When they part into two groups you wonder who will be the one surviving if any.

Conditions are so brutal but the men are just so persistant.

Details are so descriptive and ways to keep themselves healthy, what treatments they use with regular things they have on hand.

Thought I'd be bored, at times I was, no women on board but the men keep the story going with things they are doing to stay alive and not freeze to death.

Surprised they didn't start eating one another.

Borrowed this book from Overdrive from my local library and this is my honest opinion.


 

  






Starting Over (Coastal Holiday #0.5) by Jessie Kelley
This story starts out with Naomi and she's holding up the line at the store. Her card is not working and others behind her want her to just move along.
The man behind her had a snide remark and she moves on. Greg is low man on the totem pole at work and gets stuck with menial tasks.
Later they meet at the beach, and the story advances many months later where he shows her his 10 year plan for their life together.
Cute very short story.
Other works by the author are highlighted, about the author, links to her social media sites and requests a review.
Excerpt for free book B&B at Tigertail Beach is included at the end. Sisters series is mentioned along with excerpt. 
I received this review copy from BookFunnel via the author and this is my honest opinion.










The Beach Mansion (The ebbs and flow of love) by Jessie Kelley 
Offer of free ebooks, join author's newsletter. 
The Farmhouse is summarized from Rocky Mountain Series.. 
Summary of this  book then the story starts.
At the reading of the will Sara is there with other relatives and a man Albert. They soon learn about the son Jeff had.
Sara was brought up by her uncle Jeff at the beach mansion and she loved it. The others just wanted to sell the mansion for money.
Albert and Sara figure out the puzzle box and how it opens and the note inside. Such a cool short mystery.
Other works by the author are listed and excerpts are included.About the author.
Social media links are included.
I received this review copy from BookFunnel via the author and this is my honest opinion.
 
  





  


 

Still Life (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #1) by Louise Penny

The detective Armand Gamache has arrived on site. He brought along Nickels but I find he just degrades her in front of others and calls her stupid, etc.

It was her that helped solved the mystery of the case.

A woman is found in the woods shot by an arrow. Love learning all about the different types of arrows, bows, etc and when they are used and why. Love learning of the blind also.

She was a school teacher and the clues lead to some boys who had thrown poop on a neighborhood store. She calls them out, by name and one turns one later apologizing but she knows he's not sorry at all.

When she is found dead some think it was the boys. Clues are found in Jane's house also and in the most hidden places but right in front of everything.

There is so much to this story, the painting Jane had entered into the contest and how others see the whole neighborhood in it. At one meeting they uncover it's now been painted over...

Some have more to gain, if they had killed Jane.... never thought who it'd be!

Lots o Bible passages are quoted. Lots of words are pronounced with French accent, some you can understand, some you can't.

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






  






Water Bath Canning and Preserving Cookbook for Beginners: 200+ Simple and Safe Recipes Using Affordable, Easy-to-Find Ingredients for Long-Term Pantry Storage by Ginger McKinsey
TOC where recipes are listed in different preserving methods.
Intro discusses how to get the preserves ready and by which method you will be using.
I have used many different methods in the past, different thickening agents.
List of what to use for fruits and vegetables sna d tips. Recipes start with a title, some have a color photo.
Prep and 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 and there is NO nutritional information.
Found a blueberry one I can't wait to try. Some recipes have nutritional information: calories, carbs and protein and fat.
A KEEPER to try the blueberry one.

 


 

 Chili Recipes: Delicious Chili Recipes You Can Make With Your Slow Cooker Or Dutch Oven by Jacob King
Starts with table of contents where recipes are listed, not in any special order. 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 recipes call for a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all before you start.
Directions are given.
There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Like the sounds of some but I’d be using fresh items rather than canned. Lots of recipes to select from, some just right, some a bit more spicier and some that are very spicy hot.









ROCKING RETRO RECIPES: A Complete Cookbook of Dish Ideas from Yesteryear! by Thomas Kelly
Short intro about the foods we grew up on.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Each recipe starts with a title, some with a photo, summary of the item, servings, cook and prep 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. There is NO nutritional information.
Like simple meatloaf, hadn't thought of using up some stale crackers instead of oatmeal or bread chunks.
Has handful of dessert recipes also.  Food we grew up having.

 









The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners : 800 Creative and Affordable Recipes that You Can Easily Replicate. Quickly Create Your Own Tasty Dishes Every Day to the Delight of Your Whole Family by Isabelle Lauren
Table of contents starts this book off, recipes broken up into meals and food categories.
Intro discusses how to use your air fryer along with cooking tips.
Recipes do Not always start at the top of a new page.
At the start of each chapter is a color photo medium size. There are no individual photos for recipes.
Each recipe starts with a title, 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 inform: calories, fat, carbs and protein. Some recipes show servings, NOT all of them.
Some recipes have NO nutritional information which means author collected a lot of recipes in this book, using different formatting and they don't belong to them.
You will have no problem finding a few to make yourself.
Conversion tables are included at the end and index of recipes in alpha order. 








THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET FOR BEGINNERS: Tradition and Science to Reverses the Aging Process Naturally and Easily burn off the stubborn fat While Rediscovering Vitality and Good Mood by Giulia L. Young
TOC where recipes are broken up into chapters of various topics.
Intro with pictures talks about the diet and what it is comprised of.
Food pyramid shown and how many servings of each you should be eating, benefits of using this diet plan.
Science information is included and how to gradually introduce this new lifestyle into your own life.
There is more to it than just the diet: sleep, exercise, etc.
What foods to avoid and which you should be eating.
Shopping list is included in a lot of different categories.
Personal trainer section is also included along with how to use certain foods and how to cook them.
After the conclusion the recipes section.
They are not in any format. Each recipe start 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 there is NO nutritional information and NO pictures.
References are included also.


 





Meal Prep Cookbook: Quick and Easy Make Ahead Recipes and Guide to Meal Prepping by Sarah Spencer
Often make a lot of food for dinner so we have not only leftovers for the next day but meals for a week later, from the freezer.
TOC lists recipes in meal and food categories.
Other ebooks are offered free. Intro discusses the meal plans, tips and tricks are included.
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 is some nutritional information: calories, total fat, sat fat, carbs, fiber sugars and protein.
There are NO pictures and some recipes have a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all.
Like bars, those we can take with us on a hike.  Conclusion and author asks for a review and has offer of free ebooks.
Other works are highlighted at the very end.  Conversion charts are listed.



 






Easy Picnic Cookbook: Delicious Easy Picnic Recipes for All Ages by Thomas Kelly
TOC where recipes are listed. Short intro about the book.
Each recipe starts with a title, medium size color photo and summary of the dish. servings, 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.
Directions are givne and there is NO nutritional information.
Like variations on a burger. Shrimp burgers, gotta try this one!
Everything looks SO appealing when you have pictures.
A KEEPER because of the variety of foods offered.



 

Asian Cookbook: Simple Asian Recipes from throughout the Asian Continent by Barbara Riddle
Recipes are listed in table of contents, Introduction with pictures talks about the book itself.
Recipes start with a title, medium plus color pictures, summary of the dish.
Servings, time 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 but there is NO nutritional information 
Some recipes call for a lot of ingredients, be sure to have them all.
Lots to choose from, great use of spices and herbs.







Delicious Empanada Recipes: World Famous Empanadas by Danny Gansneder
Other works by the author are highlighted at the start. TOC shows list of recipes. conversion table is included.
Short intro about the book.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
There are no pictures of the recipes.
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.
Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information.
beef pie sounds interesting to me, love hand pies i have a mold to make them but always used them for dessert pies.







Buttercream Frosting, Cakes & Cupcakes: A Collection of The Best Recipes (Dessert Baking and Cake Decorating Book 1) by Maria Sobinina 
Sign up for more healthy recipes,  dedication page and table of contents where recipes are listed.
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 along with equipment you will need. There is no nutritional information and NO pictures.
How to store and use is included.
Variety from all over the world, I am going to try a few to put on sugar cookies and see how they hold up.
There are recipes for cakes and cupcakes that are included and with which frosting you should use.
No servings are mentioned.
Good ideas with the ingredients but lacking of the rest.




 
Most Delicious Quiche Recipes: Easy to Make Mouth-Watering Savory Pies by Amna Fadel
Authors other works are highlighted at the start.
Recipes are listed in TOC,  conversion table is included and abbreviations.
Intro discusses the quiche. Not every recipe starts at the top of a new page.
Each recipe starts with a title and 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 have a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all before you start.
Directions are given.
There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.
Like combination of spices and herbs used in the quiches.
Conclusion ends with tips on the crust and thank you and to leave a review.

 






Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 500+ Easy and Mouth-Watering Recipes for Healthy Everyday Cooking | 4-Week Meal Plan Included to Help You Get Started by Jaida Ellison
Table of contents where recipes are listed in meal and food categories.
Intro talks about healthy benefits of Med diet, foods to eat, foods to avoid and other useful tips.
Besides food, exercise and sleep are also discussed.
Pyramid chart shows food categories and amounts you should be eating.
Recipes start with a title, prep cook times and servings.
There are no recipe pictures.
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.
Some recipes have a lot of ingredients be sure to have them all. Use fresh rather than canned items, get rid of the sodium that way.
Directions are given and there is some nutritional information per serving: calories, fat, sat fat, carbs, fiber, sugars and protein.
Recipes do not always start at the top of a new page.
Lots of herbs and spices mixed with fresh vegetables, that's the way to go.
Can't wait to try a few new combinations in our meals. Meal plans are included at the back. Food units conversion charts and conclusion end this book.
A KEEPER!








Cakes: Cheesecakes– Step by Step Recipes of Decadent Cakes (Cookbook: Bake the Cake Book 3) by Maria Sobinina
Dedication page and table of contents where recipes are listed.
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.
Recipes do have a lot of ingredients, be sure to have them all before you start.
Equipment you will need. How to make the cake, cheese and assembling the cake. Bake and make the frostings and decorating the cake.
Tips are included.
There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.
These are some fancy desserts for sure!  I can't wait to try at least two of them, using low fat products.
If pictures were included I know it's be a top seller.
Other works by the author are listed at the end along with a message from the author, asking for a review.







Soups: Hearty & Healthy Soups Cookbook. Easy Step by Step Recipes. by Maria Sobinina 
Free signup for author's newsletter and dedication page.  TOC where recipes are listed.
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.
There are a LOT of ingredients be sure to have them all.
Equipment and prep directions and tip about how long to keep it and how.
There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.
Lots of variety using fresh vegetables, I know I will try cabbage soup at least.
Ends with author asking for a review.
Like the combinations of soups with ingredients.

 







Apple Cider Vinegar: Lose Weight, Detox, Feel Great, Simple Recipes And Better Your Health With Apple Cider Vinegar! by Harry Love
This book starts with table of contents where recipes are listed with a title then each has ingredients section and method.
Intro with small color photo starts this book discussing the benefits of apple cider vinegar.
List of using the vinegar is included and benefits.
Little tips along the way in how to incorporate this into your regular food to get the most benefit.
Drinks start 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 in how to make. There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.
Mostly just drinks but a few ideas about other food combinations.
Other books by the author are highlighted at the end.  Thanks and asks for a review.


 





365 Days of Delicious and Healthy Smoothies: 365 Smoothie Recipes To Last You For A Year (Cleansing Smoothie and Juice Recipes Book 1) Kindle Edition by Jennifer Lee 
This book starts with a TOC and recipe index where recipes are listed in alphabetical order.
Introduction has info about what makes a great smoothies and why the smoothie is even a thing.  The different components of making one are discussed.
Each recipe has a title and 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 are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.
I do like the flavor combinations of fresh fruits and I'd be choosing low fat, low sodium variations of what's called for.
Other works are shown at the end.





 
Nutrition: Understanding The Basics: Nutrition 101, Healthy Eating and Weight Loss - Lose Weight and Feel Great! by Nicholas Bjorn
This book starts with a table of contents of chapters that are important aspects to keeping a healthy lifestyle.
Short intro about the book and ebook offer. Basics are discussed, reading labels and exercising are most important parts of this book for me.
Three are so many other aspects that need a reading through to get the idea of what's going on with your body.
Other works by the author are listed at the end. There is SO much information in here, you really need to read it through and adapt it to your lifestyle.







Vegetarian Keto Diet For Beginners: A Detailed Cookbook with Delicious Recipes to Lose Weight Naturally with Tasty Seasonal Dishes and the Complete Guide to Always Stay Fit by Rihanna Smith
This starts with a TOC where recipes are broken up into meals.
Intro talks about the keto diet and what it is made up of, foods you can eat and those you should avoid.
There is a one month meal planner included in chart format to get you started.
Each recipe starts with a title, small pictures for some recipes, prep, cook times and 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 nutritional information: calories, fat, fiber, carbs, protein are given.
Some recipes call for a LOT Of ingredients, be sure to have them all before you start.
I do not think i could start this diet and only have 20 grams of carbs for the day. I know my diseases and they need certain foods every day. I’ll check with my doctor this week.
Conclusion wraps this book up at the end.







 




The New Nordic Diet: Delicious Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle by Saga Finberg
Table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals.
Intro discusses  what the diet is all about, the foods you can eat along with small color photos.
Each recipes start with a title summary of the dish, time and 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.
There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.
Love that Nordics love to cook with fish and seafood the most.
Love the flavorings they use and I can't wait to try a few when I bake fish on Friday.
Dessert recipes do mostly have a small color photo.
Conclusion ends this book.  Great choices.





Purely Italian. A cookbook: 30 Fast and delicious recipes to let you cook like an Italian (Italian Recipes and not only. Easy and quick way to impress your guests. Book 3) by Caterina Papadia
TOC where recipes are broken up into meals Full page colorful photos.
Short intro and acknowledgements page.
Each recipe starts with a title usually in Italian but translated into English, and difficulty level, servings, prep  level and cost.
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 call for a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all. Directions are given.
Full page color picture following the recipe along with summary of the dish, sometimes hard to read on background.
There is NO nutritional information.
Don’t care for italicized lettering, had for me to read.  Most use UK measurements, mixed in with US measurements. Will take time to convert to just one or the other.
Some of the recipes that have a full page color photo also have the list of ingredients and how to make, so you could print that page out of the book for your personal recipe box.
Grandma's cake I don't see the list of ingredients..
Very Italian recipe book.






The Plant Based Juicing And Smoothie Cookbook: 200 Delicious Smoothie & Juicing Recipes To Lose Weight, Detox Your Body and Live A Long Healthy Life by Paul Green
This book starts with table of contents where  there is a lot of intro material and recipes are broken up into  different types of smoothies, for your bodies organs.
Books by the author are highlighted at the start. ebook offer included.
Benefits of healthy smoothie are discussed. Difference between juicing and smoothies.
List of ingredients that are healthy along with tiny color photos a short paragraph about each.
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.
Hard to see white lettering on light background. There is some  nutritional information per serving: calories, fat, sat fat, carbs, fiber, sugar, protein sodium.
To right side of the page are pictures of the ingredients, servings, prep time. Directions are given. Finished item is pictured at bottom right hand corner.
Lots of information on each page, almost too cluttered but they keep the whole recipe on one page.
So many categories and varieties targeting a different portion of your body.
Conclusion and index of ingredients along with references.
This should be the only book you will ever need for smoothies, it has everything and then some.






Wicked Good Pancakes: Insanely Delicious Savory and Sweet Pancake Recipes (Easy Baking Cookbook Book 9) by Louise Davidson
TOC where recipes are broken up into sweet, fruity, fun flavor, crepes, and savory pancakes and crepes.
Free ebook offer when you sign up at author's website.
Other works by the author are highlighted.
Intro talks about how pancakes have evolved from when they were first made. Each recipe starts with a title and brief summary of the item. 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 recipes have a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all.
Directions are given.
Nutritional information per serving: calories, fat, carbs, sugar, protein, sodium.
There are NO pictures.
End with author asking for a review.
 heir other works are highlighted at the end.
Conversion charts are included. 





The Genuine Cajun Cookbook: From Louisiana to Your Table by Barbara Riddle
Starts with TOC where recipes are broken up into meals. Intro with full page color picture discusses Cajun cooking.
Each recipe starts with a title, medium size color photo, brief summary of the dish, cook time, 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 ingredients, be sure to have them all.
Directions are given.  There is NO nutritional information.
Think I will be trying a few of the items in this book, just not fried foods.






Convection Oven Cookbook: Easy Step-By-Step Homemade Recipes for the Whole Family, with Pictures. Including Useful Tips on How to Master Your Convection Oven by Kaylee Hooper 
TOC where recipes are broken up into meals and food categories.
Intro discusses the oven itself and how easy it is to use.
Colorful photos are included. Differences between ovens are discussed and the parts they make them up.
Tips for using your oven are enclosed.
Each recipe starts with a title, medium size color hoto, 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 and protein and fat.
Some recipes have a lot of ingredients be sure to have them all before you start.
Format of nutritional information changes towards the end where it lists so much more: calories, sodium, dietary fiber, total fat, total carbs, and protein. Like they came from different saucers.
Some pictures are very dark.
Conversion tables are enclosed at the end.


 





Easy Ginger Cookbook: 50 Easy and Unique Ginger Recipes by BookSumo Press
About the author, short intro, table of contents where it has listing of recipes in meals categories.
Chart of common abbreviations is enclosed.
Each recipe starts with a title. THere are NO pictures.
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.
Some recipes call for a LOT of ingredients, be sure you have them all.
Directions are given. servings, prep cook total times.
Nutritional information per 2k calorie diet: calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium.
Can't wait to try to a few of these recipes. I do use ginger, just not very often and usually only in baking desserts.



 

Vegetarian Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Cookbook: 170 Healthy & Delicious Plant-Based Recipes for Vegetarians & Vegans by Ella Dawson
This book starts out with table of contents where recipes are broken up into meal and food categories.  Intro starts with discussion of the instant pot and what vegetarians do eat and the health aspects they obtain.
Instant pot modes are discussed in detail and why and when to use them. Each chapter starts with a colorful picture. 
Each recipe starts with a title, total time and servings.
Nutritional information: calories, carbs, protein and fat.
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.
Some recipes have a LOT of ingredients, be sure you have them all before you start.
Directions are given.  There are NO pictures of recipes.
Going to try a few of these.
A KEEPER

 


 
Last Christmas at Pinedecker's Farm by Aine Dyer
Many yearly stories about things that happen at the family tree farm with family and friends.
Over the years we learn of how they have aged. Some funny stories and some very meaningful ones.
Heartbreaking at the end but family is surrounded with love. Especially like craft sections the best.
About the author, social media sites, acknowledgements, excerpt  from Saving Mr. Scrooge is included.
I received this review copy from BookFunnel via the author and this is my honest opinion.






  





Buckaroos and Boxcars and Selected Yarns from the Yellowstone by Byron Grosfield
This book has many tales about the time when he rode on the train, sometimes the empty boxcar or sometimes ON TOP as it went around corners, steep mountains and down huge canyons.
I can not even imagine the view from there overlooking the Yellowstone river and all the other sights the trains took them.
He met up with Casey, that's the location the man was heading to and they shared food, talk and tales they had heard along the way.
Very interesting and funny at times.
Great book for everyone.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




  


Encounter At Spindrift Cottage  by Kaitlynn Clarkson
This story starts out with the three women who always spend a week together for vacation. All are single and the discussion comes up about what they'd do if they married, would they return to the cottage?
This story is about one of them and she finds a man there at the same time and soon is talking to her with interest. They have many things in common and she gets to spend time with him when he is rehabbing a bird, Scout.
Love the area and detailed descriptions. Like how it ends and pact the women make. Ends with excerpt from the author's works, listing of her other works and about the author are all included.
I received this review copy from BookFunnel via the author and this is my honest opinion.











Loralein Downs by Kaitlynn Clarkson
This story starts with Alex and she knows she needs a change.  She sets things up so she can return and get her job back as a vet if things don't work out.
She travels with her dog where she has a job at a station. On her way there her car has a problem and a man, Rob stops to assist her, making a call for the tow truck.
After she arrives at the station she meets Rob again, the owners son and he is the one who gives orders as to who does what jobs. He was showing her around til she got a letter from home...
He misunderstands and thinks she has a boyfriend and wants no part of her.  When he asks her again she tells him who the man was ....
Love the parts where they are taking care of the animals and one another, even if it means firing a gun... About the author, social media sites is included, other works by the author are listed.
I received this review copy from BookFunnel via the author and this is my honest opinion.

 



  






Everything beautiful in it's time by Jenna Bush Hager
Like the stories that go along with the status of being a celebrity because your relatives are presidents.
The touching warm moments that happen to a regular person also hit home as the same things matter to us regular people and we trasure what we have.
Life is a lot different but the same... 
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


  
  







Easy Blueberry Cookbook: 50 Delicious Blueberry Recipes; Simple Techniques for Cooking with Blueberries by BookSumo Press
Love blueberries I pick them during the season and put them in freezer. The whole bottom of my freezer is still packed with them.
Use them every chance I can: muffins, pancakes, waffles, etc.
About the author, intro and toc where recipes are listed by name and common measurement abbreviations chart. 
Like spread for first recipe and wonder if I can use it for jam. Each recipe starts with a title, 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, servings, prep, cook and total time. Nutritional information based on 2000 calorie diet: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol, and sodium.
There are so many variations of ones I have made in the past and always searching for new ones to replace ones I use.
This book has a bunch of new ones: turnovers, like thickening agent also.
A KEEPER for me so I can try them all out.








Incredibly Delicious Christmas Cookies from the Mediterranean Region: Simple Recipes for the Best Homemade Cookies, Cakes, Sweets and Christmas Treats by Vesela Tabakova
TOC where recipes are listed. Intro about Christmas around the corner and how to prepare now for it.
Each recipe starts with a title, 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. There are NO recipe pictures.
Directions are given and even how to store them to keep them fresh.
There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.
Found a few I can't wait to try, even now in February with my heart cookie cutter.
Author requests a review and also about the author is listed at the end.
A KEEPER for me because all my favorites are listed here, all in ONE place and I know how to modify them to work with our healthier lifestyle.


 






Cajun Recipes: From Shreveport to New Orleans, Discover Authentic Louisiana Cooking with Delicious Cajun Recipes by BookSumo Press
This book starts with about the author, short intro about the book contents., table of contents where recipes are listed, common abbreviations chart of measurements.
Each recipe starts with a title.
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.
There are NO pictures. Directions are given, servings, prep, total times, and some nutritional information based on 2k calorie diet. Calories, fat-NOT broken up into good or bad, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein.
Some recipes have a lot of ingredients, be sure to have them all before you start.
Love the spicy herbs and spices and now dishes to make with what i have in the pantry.
Love seafood recipes especially. 






 






Pasta Recipes: A Pasta Cookbook with Delicious Pasta Recipes by BookSumo Press
There are full page pictures of food, just not the recipes themselves. Table of contents where recipes are listed.
Each recipe starts with a title, sometimes listing the country the recipe originated from.
To far right corner sometimes in a dark brown square with white lettering are: prep and total times, servings and some nutritional information: calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat, fiber, protein and sodium.
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 also listed in the main part of the page. There are NO pictures of the recipes.
There are so many yummy recipes in this book to try, great as salads and sides. NO pictures
Turkey lasagna, what a twist on a great dish for a meal.







Copycat Recipes: VOL. I – The Complete Guide to Famous Restaurant Dishes That You Can Easily Replicate At Home To Impress Anyone! Including Olive Garden, McDonald’s, Starbucks And Many More by Jessica Brooks
This book starts with full page color pictures of food. TOC where recipes are listed in meals and food categories.
Intro talks about how to use the book to make your favorite dish.
Each recipe starts with a title, some have a medium size color photo, prep and cook times and 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 and given and some nutritional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein and sodium, not sure of serving size.
Love the recipes from Starbucks as they are everyday breads you can serve. Have yet to try a cranberry bliss bar but the recipe is listed here, yum.
We only visit Starbucks when we are in airports and we've not traveled in years, happy to find this book!
Pumpkin scones sound so good too, LOTS of ingredients.
Tips are included in conclusion.
A KEEPER because I can substitute for healthier options.







Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: The Easiest Way to Successfully Start a Healthy and Carefree Lifestyle. 1001+ Flavorful, Creative and Affordable Recipes that You Can Instantly Replicate by Kendall Anderson
Book starts out with pictures and table of contents where recipes are listed in food and meal categories.
Recipes start with a title, prep and cook time and 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.
There are NO pictures and recipes don't always start at the top  of a new page.
Directions are given and some nutritional information-not sure of the portion size: calories, carbs protein and fat.
Like the pumpkin cookies recipe myself and cut down on sugar.  the recipe calls for meal but in directions they are called flour, who knew?
SO VERY many recipes to choose from. What a feast I could have!
Conversion charts are listed at the end, and recipe index .






Coffee Cookbook: 150+ Homemade Recipes that Taste Exactly Like Bar! Tips and Tricks to Make the Perfect Cappuccino, Iced Coffee, Mocha, Chai Espresso, Dalgona, and More by Frank Marino
TOC list recipes in latte, mocha, amazing coffee recipes chapters.
Intro talks about coffee and how beneficial it is to our bodies.
Different coffee makers are discussed and other components of making coffee.
Each recipe starts with a  (some recipes do NOT have  a picture) medium size color photo, title, servings, prep and cook times.
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 some nutritional information: calories, total carbs, cholesterol,  total fat, protein and sodium.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Love international coffees listed also.










Lean & Green Cookbook For Beginners with picture: 5&1's Expert Guide to Lose Weight and Get in Shape! Enjoy Fueling Hacks & Delicious 30-Minutes Recipes with Leans, Greens, and Condiments Counts by Lizzie Perkins
TOC where recipes are listed in meal and food categories.
 Intro talks about how the meal plan works.
Tips for success and also charts for leanest, leaner and lean intakes.
Meatless options are listed also. Meal plans are included. 
Each recipe starts with a title, color photo for some, shopping list which are the  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 are labels for the type of meal you are making.
There is NO nutritional information.  Very colorful cookbook where shopping list is located has green background with white lettering.
Like the ideas presented.  Shrinkage chart is included. 


                                                
  
 
Easy Beef Cookbook Box Set (Easy Burger Cookbook, Easy Ground Beef Cookbook, Easy Meatball Cookbook, East Meat Loaf Cookbook 1) by Maggie Chow
Offer of free ebooks.  About the author and intro where she discusses the books in the box set.
Common abbreviations chart is included.  There are NO pictures. There is nutritional information in each book.
...
 


 

Easy Burger Cookbook (The Effortless Chef Series 2)  by Maggie Chow 
Each recipe starts with a title. 
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 servings and prep cook and total times.
Nutritional information:  based on 2k calorie diet: calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat, fiber, protein  and sodium.
Cool combinations of making a burger. 
There are NO pictures.
....

 



 
Easy Ground Beef Cookbook (Ground Beef Cookbook, Ground Beef Recipes, Ground Beef, Ground Beef Cooking, Easy Ground Beef Cookbook 1) by Maggie Chow
Each recipe starts with a title.
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 servings, prep, cook and total times. Nutritional information per 2k calorie diet included: calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat, fiber, protein and sodium.
Macaroni one sounds right up my alley but not using cans of tomato sauce, using real tomatoes diced up..  Good meal options available here.
There are NO pictures.
...

 

 
Easy Meat Loaf Cookbook (Meat Loaf Cookbook, Meat Loaf Recipes, Meat Loaf, Meat Loaf Cooking, Easy Meat Loaf Cookbook 1) by Maggie Chow
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.
Some recipes have a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all first.
Directions are given, servings, prep, cook and total time are listed.
Nutritional information per 2k calorie diet included: calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat, fiber, protein and sodium.
Love herbs and spices they suggest. I usually stick to Italian and parsley.  
There are NO pictures.
...

 


 

Easy Meatball Cookbook (Meatball Recipes, Meatball Cookbook, Easy Meatball Recipes, Easy Meatball Cookbook, Meatball Guide 1) by Maggie Chow
Each recipe starts with a title. 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.
Some require a lot of ingredients, be sure to have them all
Directions are given, servings, prep, cook and total time are listed.
Nutritional information per 2k calorie diet included: calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat, fiber, protein and sodium.
Like suggestions in bread crumbs from loaves of bread you have. 
Don't understand why you'd use a frozen bag of meatballs, why not make them fresh and you can still use sauce to spice them up?
There are NO pictures.
..
Like the fact that there are so many recipes here all in one place.
A KEEPER but I’d be using 93 meat with 7% fat and no canned items.


 
The Anti-inflammatory Diet: Restore your immune system: through weight loss, you will defeat the symptoms of inflammation by restoring your health, ensuring that you eat your favorite foods every day by Alexander Phenix
This book starts with a table of contents where recipes are listed in no specific order.
Offer of free ebook and other works by the author are listed.
Intro discusses your immune system and what foods can restore the damage of inflammation to your body.
Lot of different aspects of this discussion follows in other chapters and what foods you should be eating.
A food category is listed along with all the nutrients you need from that item.
Each recipe starts with a title. 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.
Some recipes have a LOT of ingredients be sure to have them all before you start.
Directions are given and there are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.
Like lettuce wraps and I know I should use them more often to get away from bread.  A few suggestions are included.
Conclusion ends this book and author requests a review to be posted.
Free ebook and links to contact the author.  Love fish recipes the best.



 

  


 The Ultimate Instant Pot Desserts Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Cakes, Pies, and Decadent Breakfast Treats by Janet Zimmerman
This book starts with a note from the publisher and table of contents where chapters are broken up into different dessert types.
Lots of full page color photos of the process of making desserts.
Short intro about the instant pot and desserts. Benefits of making desserts in the instant pot and techniques and understanding your instant pot.
Extra material includes stocking your pantry, etc.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep plus cooling time, time in pressure cooker and release and total time.
Also note side tag stating other factors about product: nut free, dairy free, gluten, 5 ingredient, quick, etc.
Brief summary of the item and other notes.
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 that are easy to follow.
No nutritional information and some photos of recipes are in the book, but not titled as to which one.
Besides breakfast items there are also cakes, pies and fruit desserts, custards and puddings.
What I like about this book is the variety of recipes using everyday items you have on the shelf.
Measurement conversion charts are available at the back of the book.
Index, acknowledgements and about the author are also listed.
A KEEPER
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.





  






The Everyday Soup Cookbook: Heartwarming Slow Cooker Soup Recipes Inspired by the Mediterranean Diet (Free Bonus Inside): Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss (Souping and Soup Diet for Weight Loss) by Vesela Tabakova
TOC where recipes are listed. Intro discussed slow cooker, healthy ideas and all from Mediterranean Diet plan.
Each recipe starts with a title 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.
There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.
Some recipes have a lot of ingredients, be sure to have them all first before you start cooking.
Several chicken soup and I like the idea of putting in broccoli.
Found some recipes for my lentils and chickpeas, gotta be a nice smelling nourishing meal.
Bonus recipes at the end, all smoothies.  Lots of good choices in this book.
About the author, asks for a review.









Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 500 Easy and Healthy Mediterranean Recipes with 21 Days Meal Plan to Make at Home Every day by Kathy Capalino
TOC where recipes are broken up into meals.
NO intro, the recipes starts with a title, servings and cooking 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.
Directions are given and some nutritional information, not sure of size portion: calories, fat, fiber, carbs, protein.
Recipes do NOT always starts at the top of a new page.
Don't understand why some recipes have nutritional information per serving: calories, total fat, sat. fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, fiber and protein.
It's a whole different format and source of information.  Why not make all the recipes have all this information?
Another recipe shows information: calories, per serving, protein, carbs, and fat.
To me this is just a collection of others recipes combined.

 






World Famous Quiche Recipes: Quick and Delicious Quiche Cookbook by Lara Bennet 
Other works by the author are highlighted at the start. TOC where recipes are listed, not in any special format.
Common conversion table and abbreviations
Short into about how quiche came about and the history of it.
Each recipe starts with a title and 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.
Directions are given. There is NO nutritional information and NO pictures.
Quite the variety of vegetables and fruits you can add to eggs. I'd be using liquid egg whites to keep it healthier.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Thank you note from the author at the end requesting a review.







Authentic Restaurant Style Recipes: A Complete Cookbook of Homemade Dish Ideas! by Thomas Kelly
Intro discusses meals from restaurants along with full page color photos.
Each recipe starts with a title telling which restaurant features the item, SOME have a medium size color photo, brief summary of the dish, servings, cook and prep 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.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page, NO nutritional information. 
Some recipes call for a large amount of ingredients, be sure to have them.
Didn't know Starbucks uses the instant pot to make bacon egg bites and some low fat products.
Quite the variety of foods, yum.







Mediterranean Cookbook for Beginners 2022: 600 Everyday Mouth-Watering Recipes with 21 Day Meal Plan to Help You Burn Fat and Build Healthy Habits by Vilma Murry
TOC where recipes are broken up into meals and food categories.
Intro discusses the Mediterranean diet plan. Lots of material to really understand what is involved besides food.
Foods to avoid and those to eat. Each recipe starts with a title, servings and cooking 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 servings, calories, protein and carbs., fat.
There are NO pictures.  Recipes do NOT always start at the top of anew page.
Like the simple PB and chocolate balls quick snack to grab on the go.
21 day meal plan is also included at the end. Nothing really stands out to me, especially with no pictures.







Sensational Sauces: Liven Up the Most Modest Meals by Amna Fadel
Other works by the author are highlighted at the start of this book.
TOC where chapters are listed by food categories.
Intro discusses how basic equipment can help you make the sauces, nothing special needed.
Basics are discussed in further chapters.
Each chapter starts with a title and small color photo. Summary of the item is included.
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. Lots of variations on the basic recipes.
NOT every recipe has a color photo. Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Great collection of sauces to keep nearby.
Author requests a review at the end.


 

  


 


CROCHET FOR BEGINNERS - ADVANCED GUIDE: THE COMPLETE STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO LEARN ADVANCED STITCHES AND PATTERNS WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND TIPS TO CREATE YOUR PROJECTS IN COMPLETE AUTONOMY by Patty Wilson
TOC where patterns are listed in UK and US. Techniques are discussed along with patterns.
Intro starts with discussion on crocheting and to do it relaxed.
Advanced stitches starts the first chapter, Show the stitch, how it's done, picture and step by step guide.
I never knew all these fancy ones, taught myself and ripped out a lot till I became a published crocheter.
To me this book is a reference, dictionary type, MOST treasured.
Next chapter talks about differences in US and UK terminology how to read patterns. I never learned how to read charts but this book makes it look easy!
Lightweight textured stitch patterns are included.
Each pattern has a title, summary and how to work it. There are no pictures in this section.
Techniques are shown with diagrams and pictures. This is an all in one book. the only one you'd ever need because it starts with beginner level and goes to advanced.
EVERYTHING to do with crochet is in this book. Love everything about it.
You can  even crochet to make it look like knit stitches!  Making animal shapes also is included. Conclusion ends this book.
KEEPER!


 

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