Monday, October 31, 2022

Books Reviewed: Oct 2022

  
  



Once Upon A Christmas A Love at Langeley Park Romance by Jane Porter
This story starts out with a dedication page then the story.
Cara is heading to England for the Christmas holiday as her brother and wife with new babies can't make the trip.
She had a recent engagement breakup and is tired of the family doting on her about it.
Nothing goes right when she arrives, no place for her, mix-up so those in charge let her stay at the family home where they are giving holiday tours.
When the owner Alec shows up he's in a bad mood after driving and no one to keep things in order so he has to do it. They move Cara then to another cottage, just renovated but that ends after one night.
Her vacation is turning out to be nothing of the sort. I really haven't liked England romance books but this one has changed my mind because of the things that happen, the thoughts and the spark they create and especially the memories they create by visiting many places.
Love hearing of the games they play, how they are played and the decorations, walks, bar and places to eat and explore. There is so much there to marvel at for me.
They both know it has to end and she's only got a few days left before she heads back to the US.  He will head back to London but she has opened his eyes about his relatives and he is so ever thankful for it.
We learn of her past with her fiancée and his past with his wife and then a woman a few years later that doesn’t pan out. Like relatives, they are so down to earth although they are elderly.
So many twists and turns and she leaves to go home. He is so lost without her and gets on a plane and tries to track her down....
Love how they talk about the important things in their lives that matter, compassion and devotion.
Another book in this series will come out at Christmas 2023.
Acknowledgements and other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with upcoming releases and about the author finish this book. X read for me, haven’t celebrated the past several years and this will be the year we put up the decorations again – thanks to the author for bringing back the spirit for me.

 
 
    


 

Finding Bryce Green Brotherhood SEAL team XII book 1 by Debra Parmley
Story starts out at Chicks Sports Bar where the SEAL's hang out when  they ahve time off.
Love the banter amongst the guys and their nicknames...
Guys will attend an adult costume party.  Diesel the head of the SEALS team has found a woman he appreciates and like that she asks for what she wants.
Pippa had come from a bad marriage after her father had passed away. The spouse went to jail and now he's getting out....
Problem is Pippa is now expecting but she has NO clue who the father is.  Diesel's father confronts his son now that he's back in town after deployment
I wonder how in the world they will find one another when they don't even know about each other due to Halloween costume....
Love all the quick action and manuevers, strategies, so cool!
Great story, nice for Halloween as we are a few weeks away.
Acknowledgments and about the author ends this story. Can't wait for more.
Author's works are highlighted at the end along with upcoming books for 2023.
Excerpt from Sample Chapter: real movie hero, is included.










Saving the Belly Dancer by Debra Parmley
Book starts out with  a dedication page and the start of Shimmy Mob belly dance sisters and where the money goes that others donate.
Story starts at the wedding party and we find Cutter and his stripper as a date. He spends time with the woman in charge of the flowers , Mrs Brown, and he is knowledgeable in the nursery field.
Other guys have been with the stripper also but he hadn't known. He needs to settle down with a much higher class woman.  He has a date with his buddy and his wife to a night of belly dancers and they don't take their clothes off.
Story also follows Zarifah as her boyfriend had beat her up and others noticed all the bruises. She's teaches gymnastics to children and belly dancing. 
Love the mone that is raised is given to a woman's shelter to help them get on their feet.
They do get together after the show and they start dating, casual at first.
There is now a gun shot and the people are being shot at....
So much action, romance and true love and such good causes in the book to read about.
Acknowledgments and about the author ends this story. Can't wait for more.
Author's works are highlighted at the end along with upcoming books for 2023.
 







Capitol Reflections by Jonathan Javitt
Fast pace thriller with so many connections as to what's on in the world that links them all together.
To understand all the concepts that are being investigated, everything from cigarettes, coffee and all kinds of experimentations being done.
People are dying after seizures and the clues don't add up for Gwen. Her spouse Jack is also in the field in a different direction so when they work together things happen.
So many government departments are on the trail as those investigating all over the world have raised  some threats as they are getting close.
Easy to keep characters straight and there are a lot of them. Love the travel and networking of friends and colleagues to get the right information from things being put under the microscope.
So many new things to learn about, strategies, travel and how they overcome the obstacles in their way.  Never thought of human trafficking, there is so much to this story. LOVE it.
About the book, the author, acknowledgments and there are more in this series to read.
Received a review copy from The Story Plant and this is my honest opinion.



  
The Resistance Girl Series Books 1-4: eBook Box Set (A Resistance Girl Novel) Kindle Edition
by Hannah Byron
4 books in this bundle, from the same author.
...

 




Book 1 - In Picardy's Fields 
In Picardy's Fields by Hannah Byron
Enjoyed this book about Agnes and Maddie and how each are able to do their career and also help the resistance.
Maddy even finds a man in a German uniform claiming to be American and others question him and find him reputable and allow him to get medical attention.
Monkey is quite comical and many help to bring the animal back to health.
Others also find another and listen to the exchange of the nurse on duty. Scary times when you can't tell who's your friend or foe and can't just them by what they wear.
She takes a liking to one of the guards on duty...
Story has a lot of action and perfectly described in detail I felt I was there.
She really puts herself in harms way all for the resistance but Agnes knows what to do...
Family secrets and who her father is I found shocking, never saw that coming!
Love that this is NOT a predictable typical story.
Received this review copy from the author via LinkedIn connection and this is my honest opinion.


 

 

Book 2: The Diamond Courier
The Diamond Courier by Hannah Byron
Book starts out table of contents, then quote from Runi. Story starts in 1939 and Lili is about to attend her engagement party to Iain, but then it's not that at all...
She ends up away from home in a finishing school, visits with her relatives in Paris and meets a boy.
She also makes friends with a few ladies at the school and they stay in touch with one another..
When the war strikes they are all sent home but Lili wants more adventure. She learns of her mothers scandalous adventures also and how her met her spouse.
She finds a way to advance her interests and is able to get a job in London at the paper. Love hearing how she also befriends a man in her father's mines and she plans to help them get exposure to the wrong ways they are mistreated.
Super love hearing of her in the mines, my wildest dream. With her mothers news she fears she has caused harm so heads to London to work. The committee has set up a place for her to stay and to be fed as long as she writes.
She picks up with her boyfriend again and he wants her to head to the diamond mine while she is covering the war. He also wants her to do illegal things and she agrees but I feel it's only to keep him in her bed, as she knows he has others in his bed...
So brave and adventurous she is as she heads to help others but some things just don't go as planned.
Love hearing of the farming practices, behind the scenes in the city about Communism and how she can help her friend Leo by getting the diamonds from a family friend.
Love listening to all the characters stories and what they are doing to help fight the war in their own way.
Like hearing about the mines and how she hopes to help those that must go down the shafts daily and are not getting their rightful pay or compensations.
Throughout the book I felt as if I was right there, the author does an excellent job of describing everything, the scenes, smells, sounds, etc.
Hated to see this one end as there are so many tragic events that go along with history of the war.
Never expected the story to end up at all as it did, brilliant!
Can be read as a stand alone and the saga goes on with others stories of the times.
Sneak peak of the next book in the series is attached, sign up for the authors newsletters for upcoming releases, author's note with resources, and about the author are included at the end.
Other works by the author are included at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
...

 




Book 3: The Parisian Spy
The Parisian Spy by Hannah Byron
Note from the author and list of chapters starts this book.
Love this story. It starts out in Boston, a closeby city to me and 1938.
Radcliffe college. Oceanne (love this name) is studying near her friend Eliz and is worried she won't pass the final exam.
She wants to be a doctor and is so close to finishing. She meets up with her friend Martin and he tells her of the grade she received on her test....
she come up with a solution and it will go with her throughout her life. Love the parts where she meets others who are related to friends of her and her grandfather.
During the war she stays at her grandfathers in Paris and falls in love. When JJ is missing she decides to pick up where he left off in helping the French from the Germans.
She meets many along her route and over the years. She has to put her own life in harms way in order to find the information she wants
As a doctor a lot of doors open for her and she learns the truth about JJ. Love references to the French songs, some I learned when in Catholic school as a young girl.
Tragedy, pain, war, love, romance and patriotism all play a part in this book. Glad it was so indepth and not just a short story.
Love how the story wraps up at the very end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion. 

...
 

 
Book 4 The Norwegian Assassin

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.



More to come...

 







SYNOPSIS:

Taking a job at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, he is yet a prisoner. This time to his memories. Nonetheless, Lionel sets up a new life for himself. As a janitor at the museum, he couldn’t feel more proud and satisfied with his hard work in the free world. Integrated within the Eastern European communities within the city, Lionel shares his story, his poetry. 


Beneath the weight of the chains he still carries come frequent thoughts of his past and his losses. They still haunt him keeping his melancholy present. Writing poetry is his outlet, his release.


Feeding this, the young and free-spirited Jessie captivates him after she says hello. Suddenly, she becomes his new subject. The poet can see her past also confines her. The passionate protagonist feels indescribably connected to her as his obsession with her entangles him.


Unaware of her raw beauty, what she is aware of is the many people surrounding her that are advancing toward their goals while she stands in place. 


At the Shedd, none of her talents have been employed. Her artistically gifted husband Gene is busy pursuing his dreams, leaving her stranded. Abandoning the bubble she lives in to build a new world, Jessie must learn to face her guilt and shame. She must come to a place where she can forgive herself. 


Her human side and vulnerability are undeniable.


The Poet highlights the unique qualities of its characters and their many differences while laying out the commonalities that thread them together. Jessie seeks out these commonalities as she strives to understand and connect with others.


TRAILER:




MY REVIEW:

The Poet by Jori Aguilar Sams
Prologue starts in Lithuania in 1955 and we learn of Lionel.
This book starts out with chapters that start with a phrase or paragraph from famous and some not to famous people.
Story follows Jessie and her life with her spouse Gene til she leaves.. There are many relationships and she works at the oceanarium  Never heard this word or many others written in this book. what a treasure for me!
the ocean life is close to my heart and everything about it, so this setting is educational and soothing for me.
Love episodes of trips and on the moment events that occur that bring a smile to her face. She has a stalked who is also a poet but it's creeping her out.
Spur of the moment finds them leaving, a dream she hopes to find there with her best friend.
Lots of emotions reading this book, pain, haunting, gleeful, sad, optimistic, inspiring, courage to go on.  Love the role God plays in her life.
There are poems inside also, what a treasure! 



  


 

Throw Like A Woman by Susan Petrone
Enjoy this read because it's about baseball. A mother with two boys, divorced and she's on the baseball team and was caught throwing 82mph pitch.
It's the internet sensation. She enjoys it and the time she spent with her father learning how to do the various throws.
She was a graphic designer but after the divorce and unsure if the child support would come to pay the bills she goes back to work, data entry at the insurance company.
Dan, the ex, doesn’t always take the boys on weekends, throwing her schedule off.  She's got a mom that will come over after school to feed the boys and make sure they do their homework.
Petitions are signed and she's up to try out for the Cleveland Indians and does well, well enough to get a contract, contingent on a physical.
There are obstacles and she just recalls her father’s advice
Tradition and baseball and NO female players....is some of what she's up against and her kids as she's on the road now 8 months out of the year...
She just wants a better life for them...
Received this review copy from The Story Plant and this is my honest opinion.
 
  


  


The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber  
story starts out with a grandmother and she's got her two grandkids over for a few hours at night and she proceeds to tell them a story.
One is about a pastor and the other is a bartender. They each think the other has so much time on their hands and agree for a week to swap jobs.
the pastor has a sister Grace Ann who is a secretary and keeps him busy with things to do for the parish. Hank handles not only bartending but the books and scheduling.
They soon learn both jobs are not easy in any way. Granddaughter enjoys the hand holding and kissing but the grandson plugs his ears when the parts come with warning from the grandmother.
Love the charity things done to help the church with things they need. Christmas party of hookers and bikers, what a concept. 
Things you can't imagine are happening in this book.  Like how they also both find women in their lives and they wree right there all along.
Different perspectives and it's a wonder who shows up at the church service with the bartender in charge of the nights service.  Love how the community helps when needed, no questions asked.
Cute Christmas story. Love ending how everybody is discussed and what they are doing today. About the author is included at the end along with titles of her other works.
Received this review copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
 #TheChristmasSpirit #NetGalley








 

Love in Any Language: a prequel to the Love and Honor series by Hallee Bridgeman 
Book starts out with praise for the series, dedication page and glossary of Military terms and acronyms.
and a quote that starts off the first chapter.
Story is about Emma and she's a trained translator that knows a lot of languages and always learning new ones. Story goes back to how the whole family arrived in the US and they worked hard to better themselves over the years and love their new country.
She has many mission and meets some of the same people as time goes on. One mission she is with Jorge who they have worked together and actually have a strong liking to one another. There is a major misunderstanding and she can't wrap her head around it, he's married....
He heads stateside to bury his wife and he attempts to explain to Emma what's going on. He arrives back on the mission and her head just isn’t into the interrogation and she had left her ankle knife in place.  Problem is the one being questioned gets it away from her and he's about to stab Jorge.
He never should've been put in that position but she' really was not there in mind.  You wonder if they will ever have the time to talk amongst themselves so you can really learn what's going on in his life.
Like all the tactical maneuvers during the mission, interrogations and strategy.  Story ends with discussion questions, about the author, recipes for a tea for group discussion, excerpt of next story in the series and
author's other works. Good read for everyone.
Really fast paced war time atmosphere but romantic also at times Love hearing how they got to the US and how they overcame their fears and  trudged forward to make something of themselves. 
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

 

  






What a nice soothing Christmas tale of faith, hope and love. the oldest of the clan gets sick and everybody loses faith he will not come out of it, nor do they really want to celelbrate Christmas, a miracle happens to bring them all together this opens up the  series for me to start reading it.  I'm very happy with the family relationship and want to know more about their past and furute lives.


 




The higlights of this book are the building from scratch of a house in Wyoming. The full process of permtis, etc andhow tough it was to even find the right people to build it. The nature and background of who settled there first was good. The nature really enthralled me to keep reading, such beautiful things in life. This sets me to read the Wyoming series that I have put together in various media forms from the upcoming week, should be fun to sit back and read.

 


  




Christmas Town Bake-Off: A 7-Book Connected Holiday Romance Collection by Melinda Curtis, Anna J. Stewart, Cari Lynn Webb, Beth Carpenter, Cheryl Harper, LeAnne Bristow, Tanya Agler
that I love about this book is each of the authors got their own section but the story flows smoothly and seamless.
bout Christmas Town, Maine and the holiday bakeoff is about to begin. Story starts out with those who help organize and run the event, judging, etc. Also love stories of those who had left and are back in time for the events.
Some hated to leave, some feared coming back. Lot of unspoken wishes and misconstrued things said or heard. 
Love the gazebo in the town square and how magic happens there.  Love all the trades and the careers they all choose and what they do and how are described. So many behind the scenes.
Love baking and recipes at the back, can't wait to try a few.
Life gets in the way in some circumstances and it's just SO real. Love especially the ideas of helping the autistic man and how to keep him calm. Can't wait to try the vest on my grandson.
Love all the different sections of the bakeoff and how baking goes, judging and gala to wrap it all up. 
Have read holiday anthologies before but never a connected one, way to go!
Wish there were recipe listings or links to recipes online.  Book ends with authors other works.




 


How to Fall in Love: A Novel by Dalma Heyn, Richard Marek 


Starts with dedication page then the story.

He contemplates his next story and the research he plans to travel to Germany  and learn about cars.

He gets a packet in the mail and calls the publisher and is informed the manuscript, the letters he will compile into a book as the owman writing it has just died.

The company needs her notarity to keep the customers happy.

Love the maple industry and how Evan seeks out Cara and they fall for one another til the Christmas diaster ...

He's back in CA and gets a note from an ex Ruth  that she's dying and needs a place to stay while in the city, he will allow her at his place.

He's not heard from Cara and is drinking heavily.

Story also follows Cara as she's recuperating in the hospital. Miracles do happen.

Like story line but not celestial intervention.

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



  


 

Christmas in the Air (Flipping For You Book 6) by Josie Riviera 

Praise for the authors works, Prologue Penelope on a plane. She has to keep your fears low 

She's on a plane to Hilton Head and discussing the job with Jacob. SHe's done the job since a teen.  They also discuss relationships.

Anxiety takes over when the plane jolts and he tries to get her mind of herself.  He is divorced, likes his job, doesn't want to date. He gets her to talk about flying and her fears.

Her teen son is heading to FL to visit his father over the holidays. Penelope doesn't like the holidays, it's time spouse had cheated on her and she feels lonely.

She's feeling guilty for ignoring her son, Evan  but working many hours at the toy company. She hopes Lincoln her brother will help out with him.

Love natural wooden toys her and her brothers company operate. 

They are able to sit down and talk about the past and how things effected them.  Love hearing of hard talks and the severity of the events.

Just when things are going well for them, then they are not. misunderstandings and more patience they might make it.

Love holiday themed book on the boat, that's different! 

Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

Recipe note from the author and other works by the author are listed at the end. Excerpt from 1800 cupid is attached also.

 


 CHILDREN'S BOOKS




 

Liam Lion Lost at the Bloomsburg Fair by Jessica D. Adams, Janelle M. Adams

Story starts out with acknowledgement page then the story. Eric is excited to be going to the Bloomsburg Fair with his parents and his toy Lion Liam.

His mother reminds him of the rules, that his stuffed animal has to stay home so he won't get lost. He's unhappy and she agrees to let the animal stay in the car with the blanket.

Once they arrive, Eric is sleeping so dad picks him up with his blanket and the animal who's hidden.  When Eric wakes he jumps out to go on a ride but Liam had fallen out.

Liam remembers what Eric's mom had said about if you get lost and he does just that. Liam is so smart he also recalls Eric's favorite ride at the fair.

You wonder how an animal can get lost and ask for help, read more of this story and The Underground Toy Society to find out.

Cute story with colorful pictures of the scenes being talked about.  Love this series, stand alone books.

About the author is included at the end.


 






Goodnight Pumpkin ( A Gorgeous Illustrated Children's Picture Ebook for Ages 2-8 ) by Sharlene Alexander
Starts with TOC where the story is listed and other bonuses.
What I liked about this book are the simple things about the holiday. Each spooky scene is on its own page, NOT cluttered with a ton of other things.
Words go along with what the picture shows.
 There are so many creepy things to show, its comical.
After everything is shown then the story goes back and says goodnight to them all. 
Reminds me so much of Margaret Wise with all the things listed but special because it's just about Halloween.
Video link does NOT work,  Fun things for kids to do: tongue twisters,  jokes,  We laughed out loud to the jokes,
Games are also included, search and find items, note from the author and  acknowledgements.







Spooky Halloween Ghost Stories for Kids: Ghost Stories, Scary Tales, Halloween Horror, and Halloween Jokes (Halloween Short Stories for Kids) by Uncle Amon
Chapter book and starts out with table of contents where they are listed.
Each story is only a few pages long, so the week before the holiday the stories can be read at night.
Like bash story about the girl who wants the win the costume award this year.
Author requests a review and there are also jokes at the end, other works by the author are listed.



 






Halloween Loooong Dog by Jessica Neal
Colorful, rhyming children's story about a dog and his favorite holiday, Halloween.
Nameplate starts this book.  The long dog loves the holiday and even has a costume that he needs help putting on...
He goes out and sees the other frightful costumes.
Between sounds that make you jump and scare you to sights of the night.
He can't wait til next year to do it all iover again.
Thank you note from the author and other works in the series, can be read as a stand alone book.
Coloring pages are an added bonus at the end.


 


 

Halloween Party Ideas by Chef Goodies
Book starts with table of contents where recipes are listed. Short into about the book. Start out with invitation ideas for your party, theme,  decorations and so much more.
Food ideas I like the best: start with a title and summary of the item. List of ingredients along with directions. There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.
Other works by the author are listed at the end. Links for other works is not working.
Great for kids to do their own thing with guidance from this book.
Author requests a review at the end.

 





Weeny Meeny’s Halloween by Marin Darmonkow
This colorful children's book starts out with a little celebration, Weeny Meeny is of age now.  She is able to act like the other witches and goes out and notices just how dirty the streets of the city are and is sad because Halloween is coming soon and the kids won't be able to walk on the curbs or streets.
She tosses and turns at night, counting animals til she gets an idea and with help from her pet crow and cat they have the power to make things happen.
Love how the magic comes and everybody chips in to help for such a worthwhile adventure.  Spells have a way of working in their favor.
Pictures are hand drawn sketches with coloring which make your imagination work  as you read the words. Love all the sheep in this book especially as they herd together.
Cute kids story, a nice read for Halloween.
Received this review copy from the author via Book Review Buzz and this is my honest opinion.


 



 

The Tale of Was and Das (2GETHER picture book collection 3) by Marin Darmonkow 
Starts with dedication page and then the story.
The orphan boy Was and his dog Das live in a dumpster between Fartsville and Burptown.
They clean up the dumpster and find so many books they pile them on a higher level and now they have a library.
Was reads the books to Das. The smell is not so bad at the top either. To clean the area even further they decide to build a big dinosaur with all the items in the dumpster.
Love how they get others to help do this and the name of it. Such team work and recognition. love the outcome. 
Children's very colorful full page pictures help tell the story along with the words. Thought this would be a much more darker read but it’s not at all.
About the author and illustrator concludes this story.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.








COOKBOOKS:

  


 

The Big Instant Pot Cookbook by Rockridge Press
This book starts out with  Table of contents where recipes are listed in meals and food categories.
Introductory material discusses the Instant Pot and benefits of using it, how to clean it, maintain it and use it. Also tips of common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep time, settings to use and time, and release 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.
Recipes are in two column format.  Also each page has two columns.
There are NO pictures and  NO nutritional information. Recipes do NOT start at the top of a new page, making it a bit difficult to find the recipe you want from the index of recipes.
There are a  LOT of recipes and a LOT of categories to choose from.
Like broths as they use natural items and NO salt or sugar added.
For ketchup I'll go pick tomatoes from the garden-NO sodium, rather than use a 28oz can of them.
You can make the recipes healthier yourself. See a few things I never would've thought of to use IP for.
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.


 

  

 

For older models of pressure cookers 1950s

The Ultimate Pressure Canning for Beginners: 400+ Delicious and Mouthwatering Recipes to Prepare in the Comfort of Your Home with Your Canning Journey by Angel Barnett
This book stars out with  TOC whre recipes are listed as food categories, you decide which meals you want to serve them for.
Introduction discusses canning and what you can expect from this book.
Material discussed is why can at all,  equipment and supplies, different between gauges,  and safety. This book is mostly for older 1950's models of pressure cooking. Today we have more safer ones to use, digital.
Recipe start with a title, 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 some nutritional information, NOT sure of serving size: calories, total fat, sodium, carbs and protein. There are NO pictures and they do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Lots of different foods to save for later months.
Conversion tables are included at the end and index.  Ends with a conclusion from the author.



 

Food Additives: What to Avoid by C.D. Shelton
TOC  and preface start this book and what to expect from it.
Food processing has changed over the years, benefits and drawbacks.
Public health objectives are also discussed comparing to third world countries.
Food fortification  is when items are using other additives to enhance the flavor or your food and sometimes preserving it to last longer.
categories, there are a lot of them but they explain what they are and the part FDA has in all this.
Very good explanation of what is being put into your food and what it doesand why.
Side effects, allergies are also discussed if you have too much.
Foods to avoid are listed and why they are on the bad list.
Ten worst food additives, and they are not names you even can pronounce
Fast food additives are also listed with summaries of what to look for, even toys silly putty Ends with authors notes.
Very interesting to read through.

 

 

AIR FRYER COOKBOOK #2019: 800 Healthy, Foolproof Recipes for Your Whole Family with 1000-Day Meal Plan: Family-Favorite Meals You Can Make for Under $10 (Including Pictures & Nutrition Facts) by Louise Cunningham
This book starts with a TOC where recipes are listed as meals  and food groups.
Description and introduction discuss how easy it is to use the air fryer and what you can do with it.
Each recipe starts with a title, medium size color photo, 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.
Then we go to a different chapter and  the recipes start with a title and NO pictures, prep and cook time and servings.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
There are a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
Directions are given and some nutritional information: calories, fat, fiber, carbs and protein.
Wonder why the first half with pictures doesn't have ANY nutritional information.  Are these all from the same source or from multiple sources?
Recipes in this section do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Some of recipes also use prepackaged items, I'd use fresh dough myself or fresh items, rather than canned.
1000 day meal plans are included at the end and a conclusion from the author.

 
 




The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook: 800+ Foolproof, Quick & Flavorful Instant Pot Recipes for Everyday Pressure Cooker by Mabel Lueck
Thsi book starts with TOC  where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.
Intro discusses the instant pot and other chapters talk about the pot along with instructions about it, cleaning, tip, maintenance,.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, cook 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. Recipes do NOT start at top of new page, NO pictures and NO nutritional information.  Lots of recipes, off the beaten path ones. 








Dash Diet cookbook for beginners: Fast and Easy Recipes to Lose Weight, Lower Blood Pressure and Live Healthily. 21-day Meal Plan Included by Ann Claire 
This book starts with bonus ebook offer and link works and to also join facebook group.
TOC where recipes are listed as meals. Intro discusses the DASH diet and what it entails.
Other material discusses what it is and how to make it work for you along with exercise, don't see where they mention sleep....
Shopping, dining out, potassium and build your cooking toolkit of equipment.
21 day meal plans are included.  Each chapter starts with a title and summary of the meal dishes included.
Each recipe starts with a title, SOME have a medium size color photograph and summary of the dish.
Nutritional information calories, sodium, potassium, fat, sat fat, carbs, fiber, sugar and rotein, serving size.
Serving size is also 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. Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
Like condiment section. Conclusion and author asks for a review Index is also included. along with conversion tables. and references.


 
 
Air Fryer Cookbook: 1000 days of effortless and tasty recipes for newbies and pro by Lisa Mahomes
This book starts out with  table fo contents where recipes are broken up into meals and food groups.
Introduction discusses the air fryer and  how it works and tips about different foods you can put in it.
FAQ's are included and pros and cons.
Each recipe starts with a title, 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 some nutritional information, calories, fat, protein, carbs and fiber.
There are NO pictures and recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
Zucchini poppers sound like a great appetizer and just picked one from the garden.
Not sure how using only 2 tsp blueberries and a few other ingredients will make enough muffins for 6.
Conversion tables are included at the end along with an index.  Conclusion from the author ends this book.

    


 

Cozy fall baking recipes: 100 addictive fall favorites by Bonnie Scott
Table of contents where recipes are broken up into different food categories of autumn flavors.
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 use prepackaged items, canned fruits, etc. Directions are given. There are NO pictures, NO nutritional information.
Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.
There are a picture or two in the book of the recipes.
Lot of nice flavors and ideas for new desserts so I will keep this book around and try a few of them, this year.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. 









A Beginners Guide to Home Canning & Food Preserving: Recipes, Jams, Marmalades, Jellies, Chutneys, Relishes Plus More... by Mel Jeffreys
TOC starts where recipes are broken up into food categories.
Preface about canning from the authors point of view.  Intro discusses a bit more about canning.
How it all began, different methods, safety, tools and equipment.  Canning and methods most used by others are explained.
Water bath is also explained along with charts of foods you can preserve that way.
Pressure cooking canning is another way along with chart  altitude adjustments. along with foods you can preserve this way.
Preserves has its own charts of fruits that you can preserve. Recipes are sometimes confusing as they don't give you the ratio fo sugar to add to amount of water to make a syrup to preserve the berries. Recipes do not start at top of new page.
Few contain a picture.
I remember doing all the methods when I was younger. Some recipes take a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all first before you start.
Some have many steps to follow, time consuming.








Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 1000 days of easy, tasty and affordable recipes for beginners (28-day meal plan included) by Naomi Anderson
TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.
Intro discusses the diet plan, overview,  benefits, food to avoid,  essential ingredients and why,  food pyramid and healthiest of diets, shopping lists,  cooking techniques,  28 day meal plans, conversion charts
Some pictures don't show up in my new tablet so parts of some recipes might be missing for you, waiting on download message..
Each recipe starts with a title, small color picture, 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.
Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all.
Directions are given and some nutritional information: calories, carbs, fiber protein and fat.
Index of recipes is included at the end.

.
  




Donut Cookbook: Easy Delicious Recipes for Baked and Fried Donuts by Cynthia F Nathan
TOC starts this book where recipes are listed under baked or fried donut recipes.
Intro material is about donuts, essential ingredients,  tips,  and storing and equipment needed, 
Each recipe starts with a title, few have a short summary, total time, serving and yield.
List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.
Some contain a lot, be sure to have them all first.
Directions are given,  and some nutritional information per serving: calories, carbs, protein, cholesterol, fat, sat. fat, sodium, calcium, potassium, fiber, sugar, vit a, c and iron.
Some have DV - daily value, other recipes do not even list these. Some have NO nutritional information at all.
 There are NO pictures. Quite a few to choose from.








Canning and Preserving: What You Need to Know to Can Vegetables, Fruit, Meat, Poultry, Fish, Jellies, and Jam. Along with a Guide on Fermenting, Dehydrating, Pickling, and Freezing for Beginners by Dion Rosser
TOC where recipes are listed in different food categories.
Intro is good for all levels of canning knowledge, why can food, benefits, common approaches,  different methods of preserving.  Supplies, ingredients, equipment for various ways to preserve, budgeting, storing.
Tips on using all kinds of foods to preserve. References at the end but NO real recipes with measurements and ingredients.
 


  







Bread Baking Cookbook: Illustrated Bread Cookbook with No-Fuss Recipes for Perfect Sourdough Starters and Homemade Artisan Breads, Including Pizza, French Baguettes, Ciabatta Loaves and Pastry by Julia Korenivska
Dedication page, table of contents where  each chapter is broken u pinto other sections. Recipes are listed, not in any special format.
Intro discusses bread and history of it, how bread is formed, different dough mixtures,  and different knead or no knead bread tips.
Baking tips and also about sourdough,  healthy aspect vs store bought processed bread, Basics of sourdough this section walks you through all the steps along with some pictures.
Basic bread recipes section is listed where recipes start out with a title, medium size color photograph, prep 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.
Step by step instructions and some nutritional facts: calories, carbs, protein, fat and sugars.
Some recipes use a TON of ingredients, be sure to have them all first.
Other recipes nutritional information may be different: calories, carbs, protein, fat, sat fat, fiber and sugar.
Basic sourdough recipes using starter mix that is also listed prior. Other forms of bread recipes are listed in last chapter.
Good book to keep handy especially with ocld winter months approaching.







A Taste of Caribbean: Traditional Caribbean Cooking Made Easy with Authentic Caribbean Recipes by Sarah Spencer
This book starts out with what is Caribbean food anyways and some KEY ingredients.
Cooking methods and equipment and tips are also listed.
Each recipe starts with a title and summary of the dish. Servings, prep and cook times. Some contain a 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.
Directions are given and some nutritional information per serving: calories, fat, carbs, sugar, protein and sodium.
Some use a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all first.
No table of contents but there are quite a few categories.
Offer of free ebook and author requests a review.
Other works are highlighted at the end.  Cooking conversion charts are also included.
Recipes in this book would be a great addition to a meal with friends who enjoy Caribbean foods.






Smart School Time Recipes by Alisa Marie Fleming
Opening notes ttart this book and how the author got the idea to write this book.
Contributers are listed and which portions they contributed to, designer of cover and editors and their sites.
Intregient notes as some recipes are nut and dairy free.
Each recip chapter starts with a title, summary and the recipes contained in this chapter.
Each recipe starts with a title, author credit and website, SOME contain a medium size color photo 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 items, be sure to have them all first.
Directions are given and there is NO nutrtional information.
Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.
Servings are listed at the end.
 Lots to choose from, depenidng on your allergies this would be a great book to keep handy.
Great ideas and yet more great tips using different appliances.









Cheap and Wicked Good! Vol. 2: 5-Ingredient Budget-Friendly Recipes for Everyday Meals by Louise Davidson
Deceiving title, some have more than 5 ingedients.
TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.
Thank you gift for signing up at authors site. Discussion about being on a budget and what you should be looking for when pressed for time.
 Tips to help eat well on a budget.
What foods to watch for on sale and which items you should avoid.
Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep cook times and value of $
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 nutrtional information per serving: calories, fat, carbs protein and sodium.
There are NO pictures.
For the most part the meals are halthy, watched prepackaged items if you can use fresh, do so.
Not sure why recipes say they have 5 ingredients  when one recipe i skimmed through had  8.
Author requests a review.





The Ultimate Thai Cookbook: 111 Dishes From Thailand To Cook Right Now by Slavka Bodic
Intro talks about the book itself and the highlights of the recipes.
TOC whrere recipes are listed as meals.
More intro material about the Thai cuisine, , some color phototgraphs, history of the islands,  famous parts of the city, equipment used, .
Each recipe starts with a title, prep cook times and some nutrtional information per serving: calories, fat, protein and fiber.
Summary of the dish 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.
Servings are mentioned also. Directions are given, and SOME have a medium size color photo at the end of the recipe.
Some recipes call for a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all first.
Not sure if my local store has some of the ingredinet,s might need to find a speciality store for Magnosteen fruit.
Other works by the author are highlted at the end. Lots of categories to select from.






Easy Chicago Cookbook: Authentic Chicago Recipes from the Windy City for Delicious Chicago Cooking by BookSumo Press
About the author and short intro about the book.Table of contents where recipes are listed, common abbreviations.
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.
and diretions. Serving size and prep, cook total times.
Some nutrtional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol, sodium based on 2k diet.
There are NO pictures.
Like that you can make your own sauces to go with the chicken meals rahter than store bought jarred or canned.
There are NOT only chicken recipes in this book. 

 

2 comments:

fredamans said...

Great job! Happy Halloween and Happy Movember!

Josie said...

Thank you, Julie, for your wonderful review of my sweet romance, Christmas in the Air. Much appreciated!