Cristi's Reviews

Tasty. Healthy. Cheap. By Kevin Tatar

2023-03-22T13:54:00.001-07:00

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not otherwise compensated and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

KWOOWK is all about fun and flavor without breaking the bank. As a self-taught home cook, Kevin has made it his mission to help students and young adults in the pursuit of healthy, affordable, and approachable home cooking.

My thoughts-

I am not a college student or a young adult, but I am a newly single mother of 3 kids with an incredibly significant income decrease, and right as grocery prices are skyrocketing. I have 3 teenagers who never seem to get full, and I need to feed 4 adult sized people on a lower income. When I saw Kevin's book, I liked the description since I am always looking for ways to save money on groceries without sacrificing taste. I had never heard of the Youtube channel Kwook (but I will definitely be subscribing to it now!), so the author and his cooking advice and style were completely new to me. I am impressed. I am a foodie who loves a good meal. I have marked so many recipes in Tasty. Healthy. Cheap. across all categories. They are mostly healthy (but delicious!) meals too! There is everything from banana pancakes to black bean burgers. There are also meals that start out simple and cheap that you build upon as well like the instant ramen upgrade. The desserts are always my favorite of most cookbooks and I love that in this one they are all healthier, but without sacrificing decadence. Tasty. Healthy. Cheap. will definitely be a go-to cookbook for me! It is available for pre-order on Amazon.

*this post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase the product in the link.*

Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language by Amanda Montell

2023-03-21T05:00:00.001-07:00

"A brash, enlightening, and wildly entertaining feminist look at gendered language and the way it shapes us, written with humor and playfulness that challenges words and phrases and how we use them."

*Trigger warning: This book may upset someone who is easily offended.*

I absolutely adored Wordslut. I listened to it on Audible and I think that is the best way to consume this particular book. The author is also a great narrator. One of my favorite things about Wordslut was learning the history of so many words that I have wondered about in the past. Learning the origins of some of these words was incredibly interesting. Amanda Montell has given us a gem of a book and food for thought on how language develops and how it continues to develop, as well as what direction it is going in. Combined with wit and humor, Wordslut is the perfect book to read for any word nerd who is interesting in and enjoys language and language development.

Disclaimer: this blog post may contain affiliate links. I bought and read this book of my own accord. No compensation was received. Opinions stated in the post are 100% my own.

New Beginnings

2023-03-01T11:19:00.002-08:00

I have been MIA for quite some time from here. I have been busy working full time and taking care of my three teenagers full time. I am in the process of a divorce after being married for 16 years. I never thought I would be here. If you were to go through this blog and you read some of the things I have posted in the past, you might not ever have thought I would be here either. It is a prime example of you just never know what is going on behind closed doors. I was never physically abused but I am so happy to be out of a marriage in which I (and my children) were consistently neglected except for on the rare occasion that he wanted to tell everyone what a great person he was so he would do something grand so he could show off what an "amazing" person he was. It is also a lot easier to be a single parent when you are actually a single parent and there isn't that disappointment or stress that the person you were relying on being your partner and teammate just stays checked out. I am so much happier on my own and I can't wait to get back to who I used to be before he stole all of my joy through emotional abuse and neglect. That part of my life is in the past, and this part of my life is something I really missed. So I will be back here posting reviews again. It will probably be mostly book reviews since that is my main source of entertainment, but I will probably write some other reviews as well, and post about any travels that occur. I may also write about my journey into being a single woman in my 40's with three teenagers, two cats, and a dog. I am so glad to back!

Curry Compendium by Richard Sayce

2021-09-20T06:21:00.002-07:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Richard Sayce, the man behind Misty Ricardo’s Curry Kitchen, is renowned by his many fans for quality recipes, attention to detail and his affable style. Having sold more than 50,000 copies of his first books, and amassing over six million views of his recipes on YouTube, there is a huge appetite for this new magnus opus packed with mouth-watering, easy-to-follow recipes.

Curry Compendium includes starters, side dishes, curries, rice and bread, along with a generous portion of traditional and street food style recipes. Readers benefit from supporting YouTube tutorials for the majority of recipes, each with a QR code to scan with a smartphone/tablet to watch online instantly.

My thoughts-

I grew up around Indian food. My step dad is from Pakistan and food from these regions was often present in our home, especially when his family came to visit. Ironically, I didn't really fall in love with the taste of Indian food until I was 19 and found myself in London with my family on vacation. It may have been because it was familiar in a very unfamiliar place, but I think a lot of it was the the food was exceptionally good. Curry Compendium is a cookbook dedicated to the art of the British version of Indian food. This type of cuisine is not an easy one to conquer in the kitchen, so I really appreciate the very detailed efforts of this cookbook. The beginning introduces you to the spices, the tools necessary to make the food, and the step by step process of how to make the spice and curry mixes. The rest of the cookbook is dedicated to mouth watering recipes. Yes, Indian food is a labor of love, but the finished product is worth the effort, and Curry Compendium gives you the tools necessary to great the best BIR (British Indian Restaurant) curries possible.

*This post may contain affiliate links

The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

2021-09-11T13:00:00.003-07:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own.

About the Book-

When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love—but Ivy didn't bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it's a full-time job sorting through all of it.

At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit—beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit she finds a note written in a childish hand: it's from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?

Ivy's quest brings her into the community, at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love.

My thoughts-

I love the magic of this novella. The Santa Suit Ivy finds ties together the whole story in the end which was absolutely lovely. I always like a good Christmas romance and Mary Kay Andrews delivered just that. I love the added touch of suspense surrounding the mystery of the letter to Santa from the little girl thats in the pocket of the suit, as well as Ivy's sweet relationship with her elderly neighbor. If you love small town Christmas romance, you will love The Santa Suit.

Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

2021-09-06T07:32:00.006-07:00

About the book-

Lindy Carmichael isn’t feeling particularly joyful when she returns home to Wenatchee, Washington, for Christmas. The man she thought was “the one” has cheated on her with her best friend, and she feels completely devoid of creativity in her graphic-design job. Not even carolers or Christmas cookies can cheer her up—but Lindy’s mother, Ellen, remembers an old tradition that might lift her daughter's spirits.

Reading through a box of childhood letters to Santa and reminiscing about what she'd wished for as a young girl may be just the inspiration Lindy needs. With Ellen's encouragement, she decides to write a new letter to Santa, one that will encourage her to have faith and believe just as she’d done all those years ago. Little does Lindy know that this exercise in gratitude will cause her wishes to unfold before her in miraculous ways. And, thanks to some fateful twists of Christmas magic—especially an unexpected connection with a handsome former classmate—Lindy ultimately realizes that there is truly no place like home for the holidays.

My thoughts-

I am in the camp of people that think Hallmark movies are absolutely wonderful, and I count down the days every year leading up until it is time to watch them. I also love books that read like Hallmark movies, and find myself reading them often between August and December. Dear Santa is the perfect sweet small town romance with a twist of Christmas magic to make you soon. The characters were well developed, and the story was a page turner. I highly recommend to my fellow hopeless romantics.

Falling in Love on Willow Creek by Debbie Mason

2021-07-21T10:22:00.003-07:00

About the book-

Fall in love with thelatest Highland Falls romance about a single mom-to-be's surprise delivery and the undercover FBI agent who rescues her and her heart in the small town of Highland Falls.

Single mom-to-be Sadie Gray will do anything to find her younger brother before the law catches up with him. Even if it means returning home to the small town of Highland Falls with a baby due any moment. But when that moment comes sooner than expected, and Sadie finds herself stranded on the top of a mountain—in labor--she couldn’t be more grateful for the park ranger who finds her and helps deliver her daughter safely. Soon they’ve formed a tight friendship, and while he may be hinting at more, Sadie isn’t planning to stick around after she finds her brother.

FBI agent Chase Roberts wasn’t looking for love when he agreed to go undercover as a park ranger to find an on-the-run informant. But he can’t help being drawn to beautiful, warm-hearted Sadie and her sweet baby daughter. He’s always longed to put down roots and start a family. But how can he hope to keep Sadie’s trust when she finds out that his job is to arrest the brother she’s been looking for?

My thoughts-

I have really liked all of the books in the Highland Falls series so far and Falling in Love on Willow Creek fell right into line. I don't think any of the books in the series will top Christmas on Reindeer Road for me, but I really enjoyed this one. I liked the mix of suspense with the traditional romance elements of the series. It kept me turning the pages to find out what happened. What I love most about small town romance series is that we get to know pretty much everyone in town, so it feels like you are living there and a part of the action yourself. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series!

The Dating Dare By Jayci Lee

2021-07-13T09:49:00.001-07:00

About the book-

No serious relationships. This is the one rule Tara Park made for herself and it has been working swimmingly, thank you very much. The occasional fling is fine, especially since she’s busy with Weldon Brewery. But when Seth Kim, temptation personified and her best friend’s new brother-in-law walks into her life, Tara might be willing to bend her golden rule…but only for four dates—the four dates she agreed to after a few good rounds of beer and a game of truth or dare. It’ll be fun. No biggie.

Seth Kim can’t believe Tara agreed to his dating dare. He’s leaving for a new job in Paris in a month and a no-strings attached fling seemed like a nice little distraction for both… But their secret dates, while sweet and sexy, always hit roadblocks straight out of a romantic comedy. Thankfully, their non-dates and chance meetings are smoother, frequent, and heated. However, the more Seth sees of Tara, the less willing he is to let her go—and what was supposed to be a fun little game turns into something that neither of them are ready for.

But sometimes, the best things in life are the ones we never see coming.

My thoughts-

This was such a cute love story. Both Tara and Seth have been hurt in the past, and Seth is about to leave to move across the world for a job in a month, but when they both find themselves attracted to one another a no strings attached fling sounds perfect. As the story unfolds and they inevitably begin to fall for each other, we learn about their pasts and why they are both so reluctant to trust someone with their hearts. I loved the story from start to finish. It was a cute story of two people figuring out with the right person, the stuff from the past bad relationships is irrelevant. I listened to this as an audio book and absolutely recommend it, the narrartor was great. If you love romance, you will love The Dating Dare.

Food Saved Me by Danielle Walker

2021-07-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

About the book-

Diagnosed with an extreme form of ulcerative colitis at 22, Danielle was terrified she’d never be able to eat all the wonderful, great-tasting foods she loved growing up or host warm, welcoming gatherings with family and friends. So when the medicine she was prescribed became almost as debilitating as the disease itself, Danielle took matters into her own hands, turned her kitchen into a laboratory, and set to work creating gut-healthy versions of the foods she thought she’d never be able to enjoy again. Three New York Times bestselling cookbooks later, Danielle has become a beacon of hope for millions around the world suffering from autoimmune diseases, food allergies, and chronic ailments.

Now for the first time, with stunning transparency about the personal toll her illness took on her physically, emotionally, and spiritually, Danielle reflects on everything she’s learned during her decade-long journey toward healing—including the connection between gut health and overall well-being, the development of her favorite recipes, and the keys for not simply surviving her autoimmune disease but thriving despite it. Through her resilience, Danielle tells a story that provides hope—hope that despite your ailments or hardships, you can live a full, happy, and healthy life without ever feeling excluded or deprived.

Food saved Danielle Walker. And it can save you, too.

My thoughts-

Many years ago, a friend of mine told me about Danielle Walker's first cookbook. I was trying to cut gluten out at that time to see if it would help some of my own issues, so I thought it was a good place to start. Her recipes are always delicious and always friendly to food sensitivities. I knew Danielle Walker had a history of autoimmune disorder before picking up this book about her journey, but I had no idea the extent of the struggles she went through. She is very candid in this book, and shares all of the ups and many downs shes gone through. I appreciate the honesty of sometimes needing more than dietary changes to heal because everyone's journey is different. Some people may indeed only need dietary changes, but there is no change in utilizing medicine when it is needed either. However, when doctors push medicine and tell you diet has nothing to do with it, that is where the problem lies. I do not believe most traditional medical doctors are trained in nutrition. They are trained to medicate, and that is something that really needs to change. This book is great for anyone struggling with autoimmune diseases, or even food intolerances and food allergies (like me). It's always nice to feel someone can relate and to have hope for things to get better in the future.

Sunkissed by Kasie West

2021-07-08T10:35:00.004-07:00

About the book-

Avery has always used music as an escape. But after her best friend betrays her, even her perfectly curated playlists can't help her forget what happened. To make matters worse, her parents have dragged her and her social-media-obsessed sister to a remote family camp for two months of "fun." Just when Avery is ready to give up on the summer altogether, she meets Brooks--mysterious, frustratingly charming Brooks--who just happens to be on staff--which means he's off-limits.

What starts as a disaster turns into. . . something else. As the outside world falls away, Avery embarks on a journey of self-discovery. And when Brooks offers her the chance of a lifetime, she must figure out how far is she willing to go to find out what she wants and who she wants to be.

My thoughts-

Sunkissed was a fun, mostly light YA novel. I enjoyed the relationship between Avery and her sister the most, although Brooks was also a great character that I enjoyed getting to know. I found the idea of a family summer camp interesting, it is definitely something I have never heard of, so having Avery figure out who she is and her dynamic both within her family and as an individual was a wonderful story line. Some of the less prominent characters were not my favorite, particularly Avery's "best friend" from back home. She is barely in the book and easily the worst character. I also had a love/hate relationship with Kai, Brooks's best friend and band mate, he seemed incredibly whiney any time he didn't get his way, but seemed like a nice guy on the surface. This was a quick read, if you love YA and first loves this is definitely a great book for you.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel

2021-07-07T15:14:00.003-07:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-
After being stolen from her wealthy German parents and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of eastern Europe, a young woman finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted, however, when she happens upon a group of Jews fleeing the Nazi terror. Stunned to learn what’s happening in the outside world, she vows to teach the group all she can about surviving in the forest—and in turn, they teach her some surprising lessons about opening her heart after years of isolation. But when she is betrayed and escapes into a German-occupied village, her past and present come together in a shocking collision that could change everything.

My thoughts-
Kristin Harmel might be my favorite author so I always look forward to her new releases. I have been a reader since The Sweetness of Forgiving, and I haven't missed a single book of hers since then. I absolute loved the last book she wrote before this, The Book of Lost Names, anad I wasn't sure another book set in the same WWII era could surprise me or add a new subject matter that I haven't previously read (since WWII historical fiction is my favorite genre), but Kristin Harmel surprised me with this one. I don't know how I never knew that there were Jewish people hiding in the forest during the holocaust, but it was interesting reading this fictionalized version of the people who did. Even though The Forest of Vanishing Stars belongs to the WWII historical fiction genre that Harmel has been writing in for years, there were some elements to this story that were different that I really enjoyed. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Alex Cross: Like Father, Like Son by James Patteson

2021-06-18T20:29:00.003-07:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-
Alex Cross’s son Ali is an accomplished mystery-solver and #1 bestseller. A crime at a concert near his school sparks his newest investigation, and it gets dangerous fast. Sometimes it’s good to have a father in the detective business. Ali Cross just solved his first real case. Alex Cross knows it's only a matter of time before his son finds his way into more trouble. Neither of them expected Ali to get caught up in another case so quickly. Ali and his friends were just hanging out in Anacostia Park . . . then they became witnesses to a crime. Alex wants Ali to stay far away from the investigation. But Ali isn't going anywhere, not when his new friend Zoe is in trouble. It's up to Ali to figure out why she's lying to the police—and who she's protecting. This is Ali's toughest case yet. As long as he trusts his Cross instincts, he may just have a shot at solving it . . .
My thoughts-
I have been devouring James Patterson books since I was in high school in the early 90's, I will absolutely read anything he writes. I was really excited to see that he started writing a young adult series starring Ali Cross, son of Alex Cross, who's series I love. I read the first book in just a couple of days, and it was an incredible introduction to Ali and his sleuthing skills. Like Father, Like Son, the second book in the series, was also good but not quite as good as the first one. I listened to this one as an audible book, and thought the narration of both voice actors was great and really added to the story. I will be looking forward to the next one! I hope this is a long series just like the Alex Cross series.

At Any Cost by Rebecca Rosenberg; Selim Algar

2021-05-26T10:36:00.002-07:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-
Wealthy, beautiful, and brilliant, Shele Danishefsky had fulfillment at her fingertips. Having conquered Wall Street, she was eager to build a family with her much younger husband, promising Ivy League graduate Rod Covlin. But when his hidden vices surfaced, marital harmony gave way to a merciless divorce. Rod had long depended on Shele's income to fund his tastes for high stakes backgammon and infidelity--and she finally vowed to sever him from her will. In late December 2009, Shele made an appointment with her lawyer to block him from her millions. She would never make it to that meeting.

Two days later, on New Year’s Eve, Shele was found dead in the bathtub of her Upper West Side apartment. Police ruled it an accident, and Shele’s deeply Orthodox Jewish family quickly buried her without an autopsy on religious grounds. Rod had a clear path to his ex-wife's fortune, but suspicions about her death lingered. As the two families warred over custody of Shele’s children—and their inheritance— Rod concocted a series of increasingly demented schemes, even plotting to kill his own parents, to secure the treasure. And as investigators closed in, Rod committed a final, desperate act to frame his own daughter for her mother’s death.

Journalists Rebecca Rosenberg and Selim Algar reconstruct the ten years that passed between the day Shele was found dead and the day her killer faced justice in this riveting account of how one man’s irrepressible greed devolved into obsession, manipulation, and murder.
My thoughts-
This was a tough read. It was intriguing in the worst way because just when you think you have heard it all, it escalates. I found myself growing more and more furious as I read along and saw what Shele's family had to endure, especially her parents. The things that this vile man did and got away with before he was finally charged with the murder of his wife are outrageous. The way in which he has manipulated his daughter her entire life, and the things have made her (or tried to make her do unsuccessfully in some cases) are beyond belief. I read through the entire book in two days because I just couldn't put it down. If you are easily triggered, I wouldn't suggest this book for you, but if you are the type of person that likes to read stories about real people, and learn their stories, At Any Cost is a well written book that tells Shele's tragic story in full.

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

2021-05-26T10:25:00.003-07:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-
Single mom Jessica Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. Raised by her grandparents—who now help raise her seven-year-old daughter, Juno—Jess has been left behind too often to feel comfortable letting anyone in. After all, her father was never around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn’t “father material” before Juno was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close, but working constantly to stay afloat is hard...and lonely.

But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that’s predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands.

At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98 percent compatibility with another subject in the database: one of GeneticAlly’s founders, Dr. River Peña. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Peña. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know him and we’ll pay you. Jess—who is barely making ends meet—is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the “Diamond Match” that could launch GeneticAlly’s valuation sky-high, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist—and the science behind a soulmate—than she thought.
My thoughts-
One of my favorite current author's is Christina Lauren (who are really a duo of best friends tag teaming their authoring duties, which makes them even more compelling to me). I think I have read pretty much all of Christina Lauren's books at this point and was super excited for The Soulmate Equation! I thought the book started out kind of slow but once it got going I couldn't put it down. I love the concept of the book, DNA telling you who your soulmate is, and I love the dynamic between Jess and River from the very beginning. I also like the strong bonds Jess has with her family and her daughter. This book was equal parts funny and sweet, with a health dose of drama to keep it interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance novels.

Ever Winter by Peter Hackshaw

2021-02-02T15:39:00.002-08:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-
In the aftermath of a devastating apocalypse, Earth has become a desolate ice-world, in the grip of perpetual winter.
Henry and his family have managed to survive on the tundra of what was once a vast ocean, far from the savage remnants of humanity. When the family are discovered, their peaceful existence is shattered and their lives are changed forever. Henry’s siblings are kidnapped, leaving him alone in the ruins of their home.
Broken, altered, and tormented by all that has befallen, Henry must bring vengeance to those that assume him dead - by any means necessary.
Ever Winter is a post-apocalyptic tale of loss, rehabilitation, and revenge narrated by award-winning actor Dan Stevens.
My thoughts-
I was drawn to this novel for the cover, then the plot sounded interesting and then I found out the audio version is read by Dan Stevens. Absolutely listen to this book on audio because Dan Stevens is an amazing narrator and he definitely brings the story to life with his various voices for the different characters. If he read the dictionary I would still be intrigued and hanging on every word, but the story was interesting so he just elevated it with his talents. Henry goes through so much on this journey throughout the novel. If you are into epic adventures with a little bit of suspense you will love Ever Winter.

Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney

2021-01-26T10:22:00.002-08:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by debut author Joya Goffney is an own voices story of an overly enthusiastic list maker who is blackmailed into completing a to-do list of all her worst fears. It’s a heartfelt, tortured, contemporary YA high school romance. Fans of Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Kristina Forest’s I Wanna Be Where You Are will love the juicy secrets and leap-off-the-page sexual tension.
Quinn keeps lists of everything—from the days she’s ugly cried, to “Things That I Would Never Admit Out Loud” and all the boys she’d like to kiss. Her lists keep her sane. By writing her fears on paper, she never has to face them in real life. That is, until her journal goes missing . . .
Then an anonymous account posts one of her lists on Instagram for the whole school to see and blackmails her into facing seven of her greatest fears, or else her entire journal will go public. Quinn doesn’t know who to trust. Desperate, she teams up with Carter Bennett—the last known person to have her journal—in a race against time to track down the blackmailer.
Together, they journey through everything Quinn’s been too afraid to face, and along the way, Quinn finds the courage to be honest, to live in the moment, and to fall in love.

My thoughts-

I think I will be forever drawn to young adult novels. I think people that count them out because they have "young" in the description are missing out tremendously. Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry is a prime example of why I love this genre. It is full of raw emotion, and learning about the world and I think we can all use a little bit more of the latter. My favorite thing about this book was all of the lists. They really help bind the novel together and really help us understand Quinn. Another thing that added some drama to the story was her journal being stolen. I always enjoy a good mystery and trying to figure out what happened as the story goes along with the main character. This is definitely a coming of age story that I think anyone can enjoy. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult fiction or contemporary fiction.

Raised in the kitchen by Carrian Cheney

2021-01-26T09:54:00.002-08:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-
From the time her children were toddlers, family cooking blogger Carrian Cheney found creative ways to get her children interested in cooking, partly to teach them basic kitchen skills so they could be part of the solution when they were hungry and partly to instill in them a joy of creating and presenting delicious meals, as her own mother had taught her.

From food prep to clean-up, this unique cookbook guides the way through every step, including meal lists and easy-to-follow recipes, and features dollops of heartwarming family stories, insights, and kid-friendly food activities to keep young chefs focused on fun in the kitchen.

The book includes 75 recipes that begin with basics such as fried eggs, pizza dough, and baked potatoes. As new cooking skills are learned, the recipes progress to guaranteed kid favorites like chocolate chip pancakes, steak fajitas, and apple dumplings. Recipes are joined with tips to help home chefs master the art of cooking, from stocking a pantry to proper kitchen etiquette and safety to how to add flair to a table setting—even how to coax a picky eater by tempting their tastebuds.

Raised in the Kitchen is a cookbook for parents and kids about much more than learning to love to cook. It’s about bringing families together with cooking memories that will last a lifetime.
My thoughts-
My kids are getting older. They are all in the pre-teen to teen stage but something we have always done is hang out in the kitchen to gether making recipes, so I adored the concept of this book. I thought maybe we could find new recipes for my 11 year old boys who still love to cook both with me and without me now. I love the way the book is set up, starting with simple, basic recipes and progressing into family friendly favorites that might be a little more challenging (yet still doable) for little ones. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends with younger children, and we will also be utilizing some of these recipes in ourkitchen as well!

The Bad Muslim Discount by Sayeed M. Masood

2021-01-10T09:47:00.005-08:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-
Following two families from Pakistan and Iraq in the 1990s to San Francisco in 2016, The Bad Muslim Discount is an inclusive, comic novel about Muslims immigrants finding their way in modern America.

It is 1995, and Anvar Faris is a restless, rebellious, and sharp-tongued boy doing his best to grow up in Karachi, Pakistan. As fundamentalism takes root within the social order and the zealots next door attempt to make Islam great again, his family decides, not quite unanimously, to start life over in California. Ironically, Anvar's deeply devout mother and his model-Muslim brother adjust easily to life in America, while his fun-loving father can't find anyone he relates to. For his part, Anvar fully commits to being a bad Muslim.

At the same time, thousands of miles away, Safwa, a young girl living in war-torn Baghdad with her grief-stricken, conservative father will find a very different and far more dangerous path to America. When Anvar and Safwa's worlds collide as two remarkable, strong-willed adults, their contradictory, intertwined fates will rock their community, and families, to their core.

The Bad Muslim Discount is an irreverent, poignant, and often hysterically funny debut novel by an amazing new voice. With deep insight, warmth, and an irreverent sense of humor, Syed M. Masood examines universal questions of identity, faith (or lack thereof), and belonging through the lens of Muslim Americans.
My thoughts-
When I am looking for a debut novel, I always look for stories that will help me gain perspective on different types of people. I grew up in a household from the time I was a toddler with a Pakistani Muslim step dad, so sometimes I can relate maybe on a higher level to these types of stories than most white people can, but I also don't pretend that I know exactly how they feel, especially actual first generation immigrants so there is always something new I can learn, even in a culture I am familiar with. I absolutely loved this book. Parts of it were incredibly difficult to get through, not because it wasn't well written, because it was, but because of the content, but it was necessary to the story. We can't just brush over the challenges in life for the sake of a pretty novel wrapped up with a neat bow (I say this because I saw a review about this same novel being too difficult to read for sensitive readers. It is a story that needs to be told none the less). The main characters were all relatable, they were all fallible humans, struggling with living their lives, and that is something I think most adult people can relate to, even if not on the same drastic level as these characters. Anvar keep's the story moving as the character that ties everyone together and lightens things up with his humor which was much appreciated. I like that the story begins with Anvar in Pakistan and Safwa in Iraq during their earlier years. It really helps depict why the characters are the way they are. I thought this an excellent debut, and I look forward to more stories from the author in the future.

Where it All Lands by Jennie Wexler

2020-12-16T05:26:00.001-08:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-
A Sliding Doors-esque novel that reveals how our choices define us and how no matter the road, love can find its way.

Stevie Rosenstein has never made a true friend. Never fallen in love. Moved from city to city by her father’s unrelenting job, it’s too hard to care for someone. Trust in anything. The pain of leaving always hurts too much. But she’ll soon learn to trust, to love.

Twice.

Drew and Shane have been best friends through everything. The painful death of Shane's dad. The bitter separation of Drew's parents. Through sleepaway camps and family heartache, basketball games and immeasurable loss, they've always been there for each other.

When Stevie meets Drew and Shane, life should go on as normal.

But a simple coin toss alters the course of their year in profound and unexpected ways.

Told in dual timelines, debut author Jennie Wexler's Where It All Lands delivers a heartbreaking and hopeful novel about missed opportunities, second chances, and all the paths that lead us to where we are.

My thoughts-

I love when I come across a book like this one. I always find it interesting to have a book with dual time lines to see how things could have turned out based on how time unfolded. I like the way it began with a tease of the ending and we had no idea how we were going to get there. I also liked that it kind of showed that things were going to go how they were going to go in either time line and it didn't necessarily matter the choice that was made, sometimes things change but sometimes they don't. Sometimes there is a different route to get to the ending, but maybe it is always your destiny. I know this review is cryptic but I don't want to ruin the plot line of either time line. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA. It was a quick and interesting read.

Tables & Spreads by Shelly Westerhausen with Wyatt Worcel

2020-12-04T14:54:00.002-08:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.
About the book-
Tables & Spreads is a must-have cookbook and resourceful styling guide from bestselling author Shelly Westerhausen, author of the bestselling Platters & Boards

More than 60 easy-to-prepare recipes plus behind-the-scenes insight into creating a beautiful, inviting table for every occasion. Including tips on choosing a theme, styling your food in creative ways, and achieving that "wow factor" with linens, flowers, music, and more.

There are 20 visually striking spreads that range from Ladies Night Lettuce Wraps to a Christmas Morning Dutch Baby Party, Dips for Dinner, and a Boozy Bloody Mary Bar.

Rich with gorgeous and instructive photography, Tables & Spreads is inspiring yet totally accessible, perfect for home cooks who like to host gatherings of all sizes, and those who loved Shelly's first book, Platters & Boards.

My thoughts-

I really love to enterain people at my house when I am able to and I have recently got into making charcuterie boards as well. I like making them for dates nights for my husband and me as well, but I am not incredibly creative on my own and the boards I have made are getting a little boring. This book isn't solely about making boards, but food (and drink) spreads in general and there are some incredible recipes and ideas in here that I can't wait to try. There are menus broken down by event and I find that to be a big help. I also liked the beginning section and found it to be informative about the different utensils and things you may be using like the different kinds of cheese knives. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys entertaining or who just enjoys making fun things in the kitchen.

Love in Lockdown by Chloe James

2020-12-04T13:38:00.001-08:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

What if you met the right person at the wrong time?

Sophia is afraid lockdown will put her life on pause – just as she was she was going to put herself out there and meet someone. When the first clap for the keyworkers rings out around her courtyard, she’s moved to tears for all kinds of reasons.

Jack is used to living life to the fullest, and is going stir-crazy after just days isolating. Until that night he hears a woman crying from the balcony beneath his. He strikes up a conversation with the stranger and puts a smile back on her face.

Soon their balcony meetings are the highlight of Jack and Sophia’s days. But even as they grow closer together, they’re always kept apart.

Can they fall in love during a lockdown?

My Thoughts-

I know a lot of people are not ready for book set during the pandemic because reading fiction is an escape for most people and I completely get that so this book may not be for everyone. I thought the premise sounded adorable and I don't mind current events finding their way into my fiction, especially if there is a nice component of romance to go with it, and this had romance in droves. I also found the characters in this book to be likeable and relateable and I absolutely loved the great humor spread throughout the novel. There were places here and there where the book lost its momentum and I found myself a little bored or skipping over parts, but overall it was a cute story set in this crazy time we are living in. I can only hope there are some people who have actually had these meet cute scenarios happen to them this last year and that they will have a great story to tell from this not so great time in history we are living through. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a light hearted romance.

You Have a Match by Emma Lord

2020-11-29T11:56:00.003-08:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.

But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister.

When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents — especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.

The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby's growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.

But part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Because sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones.

My Thoughts-

I LOVED Emma Lord's debut novel Tweet Cute, so I was incredibly excited to see she had another novel out. I really think she may be becoming one of my favorite YA authors. You Have a Math is completely different than her first, but just as engaging. I loved the geneology aspect of it, since I am intrigued by ancestry and the whole secret sister thing added a fun element of suspense as you move through the book and wonder exactly what happened. This book was equal parts funny and pull at your heartstrings emotional. If you haven't discovered Emma Lord yet, and you like the YA genre, immediately go out and get both of these books to devour!

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

2020-11-28T10:36:00.007-08:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Texas, 1934. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance.

In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli—like so many of her neighbors—must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life. The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation.

My thoughts-

I love historical fiction, but I tend to stick to my favorite go-to time period which is the WWII. Sometimes I may veer out of this era to something interesting that grabs my attention but I will admit the last time I remember reading a book set durng the Dust Bowl/Great Depression era was in high school for my senior research paper when I very begrudgingly read The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. I haaaaaated it. I don't think I even finished it and because it was such a long project it turned me off of books set in that same era. I figured if anyone could write a book about it that would hold my attention it was Kristin Hannah and I was right. I couldn't put it down. The book was interesting from start to finish. It was set in Texas (which may have been more interesting to me than Steinbeck's novel set in Oklahoma, because I am a Texan) and California and deals with not only a family's particular struggles but also protests about unfair wages and living conditions. I found it to be such a great book that all these many years later it made me feel like maybe I should give The Grapes of Wrath another chance. Kristin Hannah's historical fiction is always excellent. I recommend it to anyone who loves history.

Beginning French Lessons from a Stone Farmhouse by Les Américains

2020-11-22T12:57:00.006-08:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

The trouble started when their dream came true.

First they took French. Then they took leave of their senses. They bought a 400-year-old cottage in rural France from an ad on the Internet. Their “completely restored” farmhouse certainly looked charming, but the pool leaked, the walls cracked, and the electricity fizzled whenever they switched on the kettle.

This is the wry and witty memoir of les Américains, Eileen and Marty, joined by their chef-daughter Sara. Their dream of being French leads them into uncharted territory where "oh la la" takes on a whole different meaning.

Before they can even move in, a freak accident destroys the interior of the house. An ancient wisteria threatens to uproot the kitchen floor. The wildlife continually tries to take up residence, and the pool becomes a watery hole that swallows up euros. And then there’s Jacqueline.

The only way les Américains can salvage their sanity is by adopting a simple, time-tested mantra: “Have a setback, have a drink.” Soon they’re buying rosé by the case.

Whether you’re a traveler, foodie, Francophile, or home-improvement veteran, Beginning French will enchant you with its vivid portrayal of part-time life in southwest France. Home chefs will enjoy the 12 Dordogne-inspired recipes, and English speakers will appreciate the interactive glossary of French terms.

My thoughts-

Traveler? Check. Foodie? Check. Francophile? Huge Check! This was definitely a book tailor made for my tastes. I enjoyed living vicariously through Eileen and Marty and their daughter as they welcomed us into their vacation home in a remote part of France through this memoir. They shared the good, the bad, and the ugly because owning a second home across the ocean isn't all butterflied and rainbows (those home improvements though! I can certainly relate as we have had to do a major remodel at our home this year...I can not imagine having to deal with that in another country at a second home!) but in the end I think Mary and Eileen wouldn't have it any other way. If I were ever to have a second home elsewhere France would probably be the place. I love that their neighbors welcomed them with open arms and that even when there is a language barrier, communication is still able to happen somehow or another. I truly loved this memoir. Definitely read this one is you're missing traveling this year, particularly like me if you were supposed to be in France this year. It's not the same thing, but it's a nice hold over until I can be in the city of love once again.

Craving London by Jessica Stone

2020-11-11T18:06:00.003-08:00

*Disclosure of material connection- I received the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Still single five years after a broken engagement, 29-year-old food lover Jessica Stone decides to leave New York City for a fresh start in London, hoping the change in scenery would finally usher in a new relationship. In this all-consuming memoir, she indulges in one culinary adventure after another while undergoing the trials and tribulations of trying to date in a different country. Would she finally find the winning recipe for lasting love?

Craving London is an intimate journey of the heart and palate. Those engaged in a life-long love affair with food and travel—as well as a hunger for self-improvement and a curiosity for foreign culture—will find many ingredients to sink their teeth into here.

My thoughts-

England can get kind of a bad wrap food wise and I love that this book breaks down those barriers and gives us some great recipes to boot. This is not a cookbook though, it's a memoir of sorts, and I enjoyed getting to know Jessica Stone and learn about her journey. There are some funny stories that will make you laught out loud and relatable stories of being single and dating no matter where you live. The setting of her living in London really rounded out the book as a whole for me because I am a romantic dreamer who loves the idea of living in another country and experiencing the cutural differences, but I will never get that chance so living vicariously through Ms. Stone will have to do. I recommend this book if you enjoy memoirs or are a foodie.