365 Family Dinners and Devotions Cookbook Review

365 Family Dinners and Devotions Cookbook

Author: Kathleen Y'Barbo

Publisher: Barbour Books

Release Date: August 1, 2016

ISBN: 9781630586119

Pages: 384

BLURB:

This daily, family-, faith-, and food-themed devotional is delightfully unique. . .for every recipe (one for every day of the year), there is a family-friendly dinnertime devotional as well. Each reading is themed to appeal to your family--with topics like priorities, prayer, encouragement, love, and dozens more. Bonus material includes creative ideas and inspiration for getting the entire family around the dinner table each night of the week, plus a categorized recipe index will help you easily locate your family's favorite dishes. 365 Family Dinners and Devotions Cookbook makes a great gift!

MY THOUGHTS:

365 Family Dinners and Devotions Cookbook is an absolute must for any kitchen! I love the layout - first a recipe and then a Bible quote and a devotion to go along with it. I found myself using the book for the daily recipe and then I'd focus on the Scripture quote as well as the devotion. Not only did I make a new recipe every day, but I had something to concentrate and focus on for the day. I found that I loved this book so much, that I purchased a hard copy to use and take notes in. Electronic books are nice, but I love a hard-copy when it's used a lot.

Some of my favorites were Ambrosia, Chocolate Zucchini Cake, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Vineyard Chicken Salad and Super-Easy Chicken Pot Pie. All were easy to prepare and you may recognize some from Church dinners and potlucks plus many of the old favorite Church Community Cookbooks. 

For me, 365 Family Dinners and Devotions Cookbook is a definite keeper and a favorite in my kitchen that I turn to again and again. I love the idea of being able to cook and meditate out of the same book - it just makes sense to me. I find I am more apt to read and meditate while preparing to cook. It's all right there, together. What a wonderful resource for the Christian homemaker/wife/mother!

Scripture is taken from the NIV, NLT and KJV. Although I am KJV only, I still recommend this book because of it's usefulness. I just pulled my Bible out when using this to read the quotes and found that I would continue on reading/studying. A win-win for me!!! 

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

Baking with Cookie Molds - Review

Baking With Cookie Molds

Author: Anne L. Watson

Publisher: Shepard Publications

Release Date: November 30, 2016

ISBN: 9781620355077

Pages: 222

BLURB:

SPECIAL NOTE! -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS!

Beautiful to look at but hard to use. That's the reputation of cookie molds. But should it be?

In this groundbreaking book, Anne L. Watson restores cookie molds to an honored place in the baker's kitchen by revealing long-lost secrets of their use. With Anne's techniques and recipes, tasty cookies with lovely, detailed designs will literally fall from the mold into your hand.

Learn how to make traditional molded cookies like speculaas, springerle, and shortbread, as well as modern ones like White Chocolate Lime Cookies and Orange Blossom Wedding Cookies. Learn the tricks of sandwich cookies, layer cookies, chocolate backing, and exhibition cookies. And learn about the molds themselves -- the many kinds, their history, the best places to find them, how to treat them, what makes a good one, and which to avoid entirely.

With nearly two dozen recipes and almost a hundred photos, "Baking with Cookie Molds" will quickly have you making cookies that both amaze and delight.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////

Anne L. Watson is the author of a number of popular books on home crafts and lifestyle, as well as children's books and many novels. In a previous career, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne lives with her husband and photographer, Aaron Shepard, in Bellingham, Washington.

My Thoughts:

Making cookies from cookie molds is truly an art form. I've tried in the past with no real success and tucked the molds away for "another day". With no real instructions with the molds, I had set myself up for failure.

When I stumbled across Baking with Cookie Molds  (quite by accident), I got excited and had to request it so that I could once again try my hand at making the cookies. This time I had instructions, and detailed ones at that! Now - I had to remember where I stored the molds! 

The first part of the book is about molds and their history. It's written in a very informative and entertaining way. I enjoyed the photography of the molds as well as the story. The second half of the book gets down to business. It has everything you need to know from start to finish to create a successful molded cookie! If you follow Anne's tips, hints and instructions, you will have success. I did!!! 

I love all the recipes. You have pretty much basics, then move onto fancies and the author even tells how to create your own recipes for the molds. 

I cannot sing praises loud enough for this book. If you have ever wanted to lean the lost art of cookie mold cookies, this is definitely a must have! Anne's book is AMAZING!!!

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

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.