The Family Caregiver's Cookbook - Review

The Family Caregiver's Cookbook

Author: Harriet Hodgson

Publisher: WriteLife Publishing

Release Date: October 11, 2016

ISBN: 9781608081615

BLURB:

You’re in the caregiving trenches and barely make it through the day, let alone have the energy to prepare fancy meals. But meals don’t have to be fancy or hard to make in order to be delicious, nutritious, and healthy. Harriet Hodgson, a dedicated home cook, former food writer, and family caregiver, wanted to fix delicious meals for her disabled husband. A creative cook, Harriet adapted favorite family recipes and created new ones for this book, reducing salt, fat, and sugar. Personal stories add to the recipes and each one ends with “Caregiver Tips.” You’ll get tips on how to stock your pantry, speed shop for groceries, understand the effects of sodium, and practice food safety. The book is set in larger print that makes it easy to read. Treat your loved one—and yourself—to these easy-fix, delicious, and satisfying recipes. Make every meal a celebration of life!

 

MY THOUGHTS:

At some point in our life, most of us will become a caregiver. Most of the time we won't be prepared for it. It can be difficult and finding time to do everything including preparing special diets, medicines, appointments, etc. on top of our daily responsibilities, so where does one take shortcuts to help? In the food prep area, of course. It's quicker and easier to serve prepared, frozen or canned food, but in the end, it's far from healthy with the high sodium contents as well as other drawbacks including lack of taste. 

The Family Caregiver's Cookbook fills that need for good, nutritious, and healthy cooking that doesn't require long cooking or prep times. Not only is the food nutritious but it tastes great! You can tailor your cooking to the dietary needs of the person you are caring for and still give them a quick and healthy meal that you can feel good about.

The author, Harriet Hodgson wrote this book out of both experience and need to cook for her husband. She had 19 years caregiving experience, so you can be confident that this book is written by someone who knows what it's like being in a caregiver's shoes. She's walked in them a long time!

The Family Caregiver's Cookbook has many delicious recipes that will not take long to cook, is nutritious and best of all, tastes delicious! Some of my favorites are the Swedish Meatballs, Tomato Basil Soup with Shells, Crispy Cod with Potato Chip Topping, Chicken and Mushroom Crepes, Granny Smith's Apple-Dapple Muffins, to name a few. The recipes cover every meal, vegetable, and fruit as well as breads, snacks and deserts.

I cannot sing the praises of this cookbook enough as it is packed full of the author's experience. You'll read her stories, hints, tips and of course the delicious recipes. There is so much information between the covers of this book, it will become your most used resource!!!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Review: A Crafter Knits a Clue by Holly Quinn

A Crafter Knits a Clue 

A Handcrafted Mystery Book 1

Author: Holly Quinn 

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books 

Publication Date: October 9, 2018 

ISBN: 9781683317715 

336 pages

Blurb:

For fans of Betty Hechtman and Maggie Sefton, the latest craft frenzy is this charming cozy mystery series debut starring amateur sleuth Sammy Kane—and featuring bonus knitting patterns!

Sammy Kane just moved back to her hometown to run a craft store. But when the owner of a nearby yarn shop is murdered, Sammy will needle little help finding the killer.

When a heartbroken Samantha “Sammy” Kane returns to her hometown of Heartsford, WI, for her best friend Kate’s funeral, she learns that Kate’s much-loved craft store is in danger of perishing with its owner. Confounding all her expectations of the life she would live, Sammy moves back home with her golden retriever and takes over Community Craft. A few doors down Main Street, fellow new arrival Ingrid Wilson has just opened the Yarn Barn, a real “purl” of a shop. But when Sammy strolls over to see if Ingrid could use a little help, she finds Ingrid’s dead body—with a green aluminum knitting needle lodged in her throat.

Detective Liam Nash is thrown for a loop as every single citizen of Heartsford seems to have a theory about Ingrid’s murder. And nearly everyone in town seems to be a suspect. But the last time Sammy did any sleuthing was as a little moppet. And this is not fun and games. Sammy is eager to help the handsome Liam—who seems to be endlessly inventive in finding reasons to talk with her—and when Liam arrests affable woodworker Miles Danbury, Sammy puts everything on the line to help clear Miles.

As the case comes dangerously close to unraveling, Sammy must stitch the clues together. But the killer has other plans—and if Sammy’s not careful, she may wind up in a perilous knot in A Crafter Knits a Clue, the first warm and woolly yarn of Holly Quinn’s new Handcrafted mysteries.

My Thoughts:

What a fun read!!! I really enjoyed not only the characters but the storyline as well! Being a crafter and knitter, I found it refreshing to find a book that centers around my interests and because of that, I think I may have gotten more involved in the story. 

The characters themselves were quite easy to be able to identify with and all were quite likeable. I will say that Sammy could be a bit "over the top" at times, but I think that made her more fun. Then there's Detective Nash, he's, well... you will just have to read the book to find out more about him.

I found A Crafter Knits a Clue  a very enjoyable and an easy read. It went quickly, almost too quickly! I was almost sad to have finished the book but happy to find out if my theory of "who done it" was correct. There were enough red herrings that I changed my guess a couple of times. Once I get caught up on my reading list, I will definitely be getting the next book in the series: A Crafter Quilts a Crime! 

This is definitely a must read for anyone that loves cozy mysteries - especially those that love cozies based on their passion of crafting!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Review: Amish Cooking Class Cookbook

Amish Cooking Class Cookbook

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Release Date: February 1, 2018

ISBN: 9781683224662

Pages: 224

Blurb:

Amish Cooking Basic Enough for Beginners
 
Fans of New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish romance novels are invited to go back to cooking basics with characters from the bestselling Amish Cooking Class series. Heidi Troyer, her students, and other contributors share over 200 practical recipes for use in any kitchen, along with tips to keep things running smoothly. From learning how to boil eggs and knead biscuits to building a German Pizza and an Amish Haystack feast, The Amish Cooking Class Cookbook includes something beneficial for every age and skill set. Divided into traditional cookbook categories, there is a recipe everyone will find to love.

My Thoughts:

Nothing beats comfort food and no one can beat the Amish for their delicious food that is both nutritious and comforting. There is much to be said about their style of cooking, but it all can be summed up into one word, "YUM!"

The Amish Cooking Class Cookbook is part of the series with the same name. It is a gorgeous book that is full of information about the characters, beautiful photographs, hints and tips about cooking and recipes that will make your mouth water! You won't be able to read this cookbook without wanting to try most, if not all the recipes.

I was given an extended preview to view of this book and every recipe I tried from the preview was delicious! The Amish Dinner Rolls are fantastic and I love the Bavarian Mint Coffee. I was excited to find the Amish Friendship Bread along with the starter! I used to make this many years ago and LOVED it. Imagine my delight to find a recipe that included the starter!! Then there's the Baked Oatmeal as well as a Yogurt recipe that are musts to make. The Coconut Pecan Cake is not only delicious but easy, since you start with a box cake mix. Then there's the Caramels recipe - it's sooooo good and not difficult to make at all!

Unfortunately, there were no main dishes in the preview, so I cannot comment on the taste or quality of those recipes. I can say that every recipe I tried from the preview was fantastic, so I can only imagine that the main dishes will be the same quality as those I tried. 

The book itself is gorgeous and I love the information that is included about the Amish and their lifestyle along with the recipes and how the recipes are used. There are also Scripture quotes throughout and those quotes are taken from the King James Version (the version of the Bible the Amish use). Amish Cooking Class Cookbook is well thought out and a delight for all the senses. It is one that will be picked up again and again - not only to cook out of, but to read and soak in all the beautiful photography. 

A must for any collector of cookbooks and/or Amish living books.

 About the Author:

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 90 books with more than 10 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Book Review: In Peppermint Peril by Joy Avon

In Peppermint Peril

A Book Tea Shop Mystery Book 1

Author: Joy Avon

Publisher: Crooked Lane

Release Date: November 13, 2018

ISBN: 9781683317937

Pages: 285

Blurb:

Perfect for Lorna Barrett and Jenn McKinlay fans, this festive series debut introduces book-themed tea party organizer Callie Aspen and her lovable Boston terrier

This Christmas, Callie Aspen returns to her childhood hideout Heart's Harbor, Maine where her great aunt runs Book Tea, a vintage tearoom where every sweet treat contains a bookish clue. Upon arrival in the fairy-tale snowy town, Callie is drawn into the preparations for a special tea party at Haywood Hall, the rambling house of Heart's Harbor's oldest resident, rich but lonely widow Dorothea Finster, who invited her estranged relatives, old friends and the elite of the town to make a mysterious announcement about her will.

Believing they can touch a part of her fortune, everybody is determined to come, despite not liking each other or even their hostess. And Callie's old friend Sheila complicates things by using the tea party to announce her daughter's engagement, even though her daughter isn't sure she's in love with the young lawyer her mother thinks so perfect for her.

Catering to people who each have their own agenda isn't easy for the Book Tea crew, especially once the valuable engagement ring goes missing and a dead body turns up in the conservatory. Can Callie and her great aunt use their love of clues to dig into the crimes and show their unhappy hostess and squabbling guests the true Christmas spirit?

My Thoughts:

This sounded like such a fun read with it being based around the holiday. The main character, Callie, was to help her aunt put on a holiday tea party for some people that her aunt knew as well as Callie when she was younger. 

I really, really wanted to like the story but for me it sort of fell flat and felt more like I've read this one before. The main character wasn't very likeable to me and the deputy - well, I can't imagine anyone spilling all the information that he did to Callie. I don't know, but I just wasn't impressed and really wanted to get this book finished more than to read and enjoy it. 

I usually enjoy these types of cozy Christmas mysteries, but not so much this time. This one got a meh rating of 3/5 stars. 

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Review: The Doctor From Hell by Genoveva Ortiz

The Doctor from Hell: 

The True Story of Harold Shipman One of Britain's Most Prolific Serial Killer With an Estimated 218 Victims 

Series: True Crime Explicit Vol 7 

Author: Genoveva Ortiz, True Crime 7

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: August 3, 2022

ISBN: 9798840508602

139 Pages

Blurb: 

If you were a patient of this prolific serial killer doctor, you’re lucky to be alive.

Meet Harold Shipman, a serial killer with a disturbing proclivity to murder a specific kind of patient. With an estimated 250 victims, there’s no doubt his kill count might be much, much higher. But what drove him to murder?

You’ll have to read on to find out.

But we’ll warn you now, this story might haunt your nightmares and leave you scared to go to your next checkup. When you learn the truth of Harold’s crimes, and what happened to him in the end, you’ll be stunned, dismayed, and no doubt left with the kinds of questions that have no easy answers. So buy this book and learn the twisted truth… if you dare.

My Thoughts:

This was both a page turner and a quick read for me. While reading this, I found I was looking back at my own medical visits and thinking of how vulnerable we are every time we have a procedure done or when we take a prescribed medication. This really made me shudder. I am totally astounded by the numbers of patients that died both in those that had evidence and could be proven and those that were probable. Unbelievable! 

Truly a must read for those that enjoy true crime or those that just want an interesting read about how a doctor can end up on the wrong side of his oath!

I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Review: Secrets of Mound Gardening by Darryl Scott Whitham

Secrets of Mound Gardening:

Harnessing Nature for Healthier Fruits, Veggies, and Environment 

Author: Darryl Scott Whitham

Publisher: Moonscape Publishing

Pages: 154

Genre: How To, Gardening, Guides, Nature, Non-fiction

BLURB:

 

Discover the ancient magic of mound gardening and watch it work wonders in your garden!

Your garden is only as good as your technique. If water shortages, excess rainfall, lack of space, or a limited green thumb prevents you from growing the garden you want, a plant and planet-friendly solution could be the key to unlocking a landscape worth envying.

No matter your gardening goals or challenges, you can master this groundbreaking gardening secret learned from history and our best teacher: nature!

Secrets of Mound Gardening is your step-by-step training manual to a proven framework that will benefit your health and contribute to our environment. Have limited time? No green knowledge? No problem. Whether you're a novice or experienced gardener, devoted gardening instructor Darryl Whitham will teach you how to tune into the cycles of nature, reduce waste, and maximize your landscaping space through ancient mound gardening philosophy.

In this guide, you'll discover

• Easy, practical mound gardening techniques so you can start working with nature, rather than against it.
• A simple way to produce healthy fruits and vegetables without the hours of labor often needed by conventional gardening.
• How to enjoy less weeding, soil feeding, and overall work by as much as 80 percent.
• Lessons passed down from around the globe, including traditional Native American methods, Hugelkultur basics, and raised bed styles from Africa and the Americas.
• How to grow and harvest your own natural foods, organic produce, and herbs.
• Design your garden into a beautiful and functional work of permaculture art. Get Secrets of Mound Gardening to improve your garden and the world with wisdom from the ages.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Darryl Scott Whitham has been harvesting his gardening techniques for years. A successful IT systems administrator, author, trained horticulturist, and gardening instructor, Darryl provides simple and instructive methods on how the everyday gardener can become a microfarmer through the ancient art of mound gardening.

Making his home in the rolling hills of northern Virginia, where he also attended college, he combines his gardening with valuable perspectives on wide-ranging subjects—everything from protecting the genetic diversity of crops and conserving native habitats to preserving the environment and endangered species. His cutting-edge approach to permanent agriculture, permaculture, creates a beautiful and sustainable palette for gardening and our environment. An enthusiast for hiking and survival knowledge, Darryl hopes to reconnect people with their natural surroundings and the clever ways nature responds and adapts, starting in our own backyards!

WEBSITE

https://www.greengardensystems.com/index.html

MY THOUGHTS:  

Secrets of Mound Gardening is a book that I think every gardener should read. Beginner through experienced gardeners will find the book full of information and will learn something new. There are so many different techniques discussed with making mounds, how to construct, space and why to pick the mound you need for your situation and area.

I like how thoroughly the mounds are discussed and love the history that is behind the different types. The book also has hyperlinks so that you can research further. I spent a lot of time with these links and learned so much! 

Each chapter starts with a quote and I find this a wonderful addition to the book! Although Mr. Whitham focuses on mound gardening, he doesn't forget why one makes a mound and also discusses plantings, companion planting, growing and harvesting - basically using the mound. I've found this also helpful for any gardener.

If you are looking to start gardening, but don't have much growing area or you have a yard but don't have any way to till it, or maybe you are looking to improve upon what you are currently doing, then this book is for you. It holds so much information in the amount of pages that it has plus the hyperlinks and references will keep you busy long after you are finished reading. This book will be a useful and well used reference in your gardening library that I'm sure you will return to again and again.

I received a copy of this book through BookSirens. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

 

Grave Mercy

Author: Robin LaFevers

Series: His Fair Assassin Bk 1

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

ISBN: 9780547628349

Pages: 560

Publication Date: April 3, 2012

Genre: Young Adult

Description

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

My Thoughts

There have not been many books that I have found difficult to put aside to do the mundane trivialities of life, but this was definitely one of them! What a great book! For me, most fiction books that I have read lately, have not held my interest. The seem all the same - written in a formulaic style and they become boring. Grave Mercy wasn't like that for me.

 

Ismae is a strong character throughout the whole book. She's one you can't help but like and she struggles with many problems: her background, her training and her current position. She was a character that I enjoyed and her assignment was interesting. 

What was most fascinating was the book was based on fact with artistic liberties taken. The characters were strong and well developed. I was so taken by the characters, I am going to be picking up the next book to see what happens next! I found the whole plot so interesting that I may be taking some time to look into the real history that this book is based on.

This book was marketed as Children's fiction, however, I would say young adult. The main character is old enough to be married as are many of the main characters, so it's not the run of the mill child's book. In fact, as an adult, it was perfect reading for me. I didn't find it childish, but more of just a good read. Yes - it was so good ,that I had to recommend it to my daughter that last time I spoke with her. 

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion.