I hate spending time reading about the plot of a book on review sites - just tell me, Did you like it or not?

Friday, May 31, 2013

Outcast by Adrienne Kress


Outcast

by

3.5 stars

283 pages

Publication date: June 4, 2013


 
I finished reading this a few days ago, and I'm still ruminating. I enjoyed the entire book (except for the waaaay overuse of a particular swear word). The pacing was a bit slow, but not too bad. There was decent character development. The main character had sass. I liked that.
BUT ...
I'm trying to figure out the ending. It was quite a unsatisfying way to end the story. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so why did Kress end it the way she did? The relationship between Riley and Gabe was built up and up and developed so well! And then, poof!
An epilogue would have been nice. Necessary, even.
So would an explanation on why Gabe had amnesia. And why things in the "other world" caused the things they did. Backstory, please!
Yet, despite these disappointments, I'm glad I read the book. If the swearing was toned down, I'd recommend this to my friends and to youth.
Thank you NetGalley and Diversion Books for allowing me to review this ARC.

Spellbound (Spellbound #1)

Spellbound (Spellbound #1)

Ah, yes, another teen romance/fairy tale. At least this one was pretty good. Although I have to admit that I am a sucker for star-crossed love and all that sap.

But besides the good plot, the writing was surprisingly good. Pacing was OK - though slow at times. And I got pretty tired of "those emerald eyes" being obsessed over. There is a smattering of swear words, too.


Great climax, too. I love a good fight scene. And then the book ended. It seems rare nowadays to read a book that is self-contained in one volume. It's all trilogies and such. This book basically tied up all loose ends, but left room for a sequel if so desired. But not at all necessary. Though I believe there is another one coming out. But I don't feel compelled to read it, though I probably will because I enjoyed the first one so much.
All in all, an entertaining read.
 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Shadows (The Books of Elsewhere #1)

The Shadows (The Books of Elsewhere #1)

by



For a children's book, this was very dark. And scary. And creepy. I don't think I'd let my 10 year old read it - although she does like those Goosebumps books, so maybe.
One positive is that the story can stand alone. There is no silly cliffhanger at the conclusion, but there are some loose ends that can be tied up in another book.
I doubt, though, that I'll read the next books in the series. I just wasn't super impressed.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Changeless (Parasol Protectorate #2)


Changeless (Parasol Protectorate #2)

by

4.5 stars


I am always happy to deviate from my usual YA books for this adult fiction series.

Why?

The writing is like nothing I've ever read before. Fantastic and colorful vocabulary is used to describe the most normal things. My favorite quote in the book is from Ivy: "Has something untoward happened? Everyone is gesticulating!" That line made me laugh out loud! All the characters are fabulously written. It is difficult to choose my favorite. I love them all!

The repartee between Lady and Lord Maccon is clever, witty and just plain fun to read. You can tell that the two characters are truly in love.

But don't think that these books belong in the Romance category. Oh, no. They are firmly in ... well, a few genres. Paranormal and Mystery, obviously. But there is some Steampunk and Mary Poppins, too. It's such a wonderful and imaginative combination of genres; it just works.

There is little to no swearing, a touch of sex and some of the characters swing the other way.

Can't wait to read No. 3!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Mirage

Mirage (Above World #2)

by



A strong female protagonist, quick pacing, great plot and themes of forgiveness, honor and loving those who are different all combine to make this sequel to Above World a brilliant read.
I can recommend this series to pre-teens and teens - there's no swearing, sex or "mature" topics. There are some fight scenes, though, if you're averse to that.
I will be reading the next in the series.

The Artisan Jewish Deli at Home

by

4 stars

276 pages
Publication date: Sept. 3, 2013

When I first saw this cookbook, I thought "I could use a great bagel recipe!" Boy, how narrow-sighted I was. Bagels are just the beginning!
This cookbook is an all-encompassing Jewish food extravaganza! I learned so much about the culture and customs from simply reading the introductions at the beginning of each recipe. What I learned: Jewish cooking is steeped in tradition and flavor and really fun-to-say words. Varniske, blintz, knish, lox, charnuske, ajvar! Oh, my!
Gorgeous photographs are sprinkled throughout the tome; I wish there had been more! For a newbie like me, a picture is vital so I can see what the finished product is supposed to look like. The layout was easy to read and was pleasant-looking. I thought the chapter contents pictures were very clever - a chalked deli menu board!
Most of these recipes are not for those who are on a diet or have dietary restrictions. There is too much salt, fat and other tasty things to be included in a "healthy" diet. But there are a few healthy recipes, such as Curried Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup or Deli Health Salad.
I appreciated the "Sources and Resources" section at the end of the book. The author admits that some of the ingredients included in the cookbook are difficult to find, so he names some websites and blogs that provide the necessary ingredients via mail. This unfortunate fact - lack of availability of ingredients - detracted a bit from the initial excitement I had when I first started thumbing through this book, but it didn't dissolve my spirit of adventure.
I did find my bagel recipe - with five cream cheese schmears, too! Yay!
This is a fantastic cookbook filled with delicious deli food for any home cook - Jewish or not.
Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC, and NetGalley for the chance to review this wonderful cookbook.

Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely #1)

Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely #1)

by

328 pages

If I had been the editor of this book, I'd have cut about half of the book - and the story would not have suffered.
A good quarter of the dialogue was, "I don't want to be queen."; "Leave me alone."; "Keenan is gorgeous."; "I love Seth." or some variation thereof.
But if you overlook the obvious padding, this was a solid beginning to the series.
I do hope there is a bit more action (and not so much teen angst) in the next book.

Boundless (Unearthly #3)

Boundless (Unearthly #3)

by


This was a better-than-good ending to a satisfying series.
But - like in all love triangles - one person gets shafted. And that's not cool. But in this case, it's especially tragic, because he doesn't even get a consolation "prize."

Hallowed (Unearthly #2)


Hallowed (Unearthly #2)

by


What a great sequel to the "Unearthly!" Many answered questions, lots of action, and just the right amount of emotional angst.
I've already picked up the 3rd book. Can't wait to see where it takes me!

Unearthly (Unearthly #1)

Unearthly (Unearthly #1)

by


What a great book! A fresh take on angels.
An engaging plotline, fully fleshed characters, and a non-cliffhanger ending - but enough unanswered questions for a sequel - all combine to make this a totally readable book.
Little to no swearing and some mild teen make-out sessions. Nothing offensive.
Will definitely be reading the next in the series.

The Reckoning (Darkest Powers Trilogy #3)

The Reckoning (Darkest Powers Trilogy #3)

by

What a disappointing ending to a series that had such potential.
What was the point of the changing colors of the crystal? Where had Mr. Bae been all that time? Didn't he ever try and get in touch with his sons? What about Chloe's dad? What about her mom?
Is Rae really gone with her mother? What happened there? What a sloppy end to a character's story.
Too many questions left unanswered. Too many plot lines dropped.

Chasing Lincoln's Killer


Chasing Lincoln's Killer

I finally got this done! Not for lack of interest, I just had other books that struck my fancy a bit more.
This book is based on the author's more in depth adult version of the events before and after Lincoln's assassination. And it was perfect for me, a neophyte, to the whole history. It's a great introduction for kids, too. My 4th grader read it and loved it. The writing is clear and concise and colorful.
There are photographs in it, too, which helped to give a sense of reality. John Wilkes Booth was a real person, not just a name on a page.
This is Juvenile Nonfiction at its best.

The Awakening (Darkest Powers Trilogy #2)

The Awakening (Darkest Powers Trilogy #2)

by


A solid, yet somewhat uninspired sequel to The Summoning. It had just enough action and plot to keep me reading and ultimately to pick up the last book in the trilogy.
Still no swearing - yay! - and just the inkling of a beginning of a love story. Nothing too distracting.

The Elite (The Selection, #2)

by

(This review contains some mild spoilers.)

I am not pleased with this sequel to The Selection! NOTHING really happens in this book that didn't happen in the first book, and America Singer is in the exact same spot she was in when we left her at the end of Book 1. She just has some extra knowledge about the history of Illea and of its first king.

The only thing that made it semi-bearable was the attacks on the palace.
Those brought some action and excitement to a dull story. But even those got predictable and repetitive. They would come back day after day, write the same message on the walls, destroy stuff, and kill some people, then leave. Hello? Ever hear of increased security? There has to be some purpose to these attacks, which would make a more interesting story - but the author chooses instead to show us what's going on inside the "safe rooms," which is mostly sleeping. Answering the "why" would help stomach the otherwise mindless anarchy.

BUT my biggest complaint was America as a person. What a fickle, whiny, annoying girl!

"Oh, I love Maxon!"
"Oh, he's ignoring me. I think I love Aspen more!"
"I'm done with Maxon forever!"
"I need space, Aspen!"
"I really do love Maxon, I'll fight for him!"

Make up your mind and commit, girl!

Say what you will about Bella in Twilight, but she knew Commitment. She was DECISIVE. She never wavered from Edward. There is nothing more annoying than a wishy-washy character. And to extend it into two books is pure torture.

I am losing interest in this series quickly.

Dark Spell

-->

by

Although this is yet another coming-of-age paranormal/magic/witch story, something about the way it is written makes this admittedly abused subject entirely readable. The lack of romance and love story between Callie and Josh is refreshing in a genre rife with hormones. This absence allows the reader to focus completely on the plot. No swearing, either, which can detract from and undermine the story.
Pacing was quick and well done and full of tension. A little more backstory on Callie and/or Josh would have been helpful.
One of the only gripes I have is the lack of character development. Callie was a bit too flat for my liking. All the reader really learns is that she didn't want all that magic at first, and then - mostly because Josh - she decided magic was cool. I wish that she could have arrived at that conclusion on her own.
I loved her grandmother and her friends/coven. I wish they were used more in the book. And one big question: Why didn't the grandmother use them to help Callie and Josh get Duncan to where he needed to go? That was strange and a lot less risky for Josh.
Usually I don't get excited about setting, but this book was set in Scotland near St. Andrews, an unusual place for a YA novel. It was refreshing to read about a locale I've never really heard of besides the golf.
All told, a solid 4 stars. If it so happens that a second book comes out, I'd probably read it. But this is a stand-alone book.
Thank you Floris Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by Robin LaFevers, R.L. LaFevers


Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)

by


Assassin nuns, anyone? Oddly enough, this strange combo works. I liked how the romance part was there, but not driven down your throat. Good writing, good plot, decent twist at the end. Also, it's nice that this book can be a stand-alone novel. No cliff-hangers! Yay!
The only disturbing part was that death was dealt with in a ho-hum manner - like, "Oh, that guy's got the marque. I guess I'll kill him." And there are zero consequences for the assassin. But it didn't bother me all that much. Hence, the 4 stars.

Farm Markets & Gardens (Canal House Cooking #4)


Farm Markets & Gardens (Canal House Cooking #4)

What a gorgeous cookbook. Photographs are stunning. A reader can definitely see that the design was well thought-out and executed, which is the first thing a reader will see – not the recipes. If the design is flawed, no matter the quality of the recipes, most people will re-shelve that book in favor of an “easier on the eyes” tome. Luckily the design passes this “first impression” test with flying colors.
Now on to the recipes! Happily, the recipes look appetizing and mostly doable, using ingredients that one would find in a farmer’s market or a regular grocery store (if you are not of the locavore mindset).
Be aware though that some of the recipes are not formatted in the traditional way – mostly in the appetizer chapter.  They are reminiscent of old-fashioned cookbooks where the ingredients and method are embedded within a prose paragraph. The ingredients in this cookbook are highlighted, to make them easier to see – which helps – but there is a reason that recipes nowadays are written with the recipes listed first, method second. It is very, very easy to lose track of which ingredient you need to get next – as most home cooks don’t utilize the mis en place method of readying the ingredients beforehand.
Besides this minor annoyance, this cookbook is an adulation to summer cooking. The recipes rely heavily on seasonal vegetables and fruits, which is just smart cooking. To everything, there is a season.
My favorite chapter was the Preserving Summer section – I wish it were longer! I am a big home preserver, and the two canning recipes look wonderful. I will add them to my collection – I especially want to find red currants and whip up a batch of red currant jelly.
Thank you NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media for the opportunity to review this beautiful cookbook.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Partials (Partials Sequence #1)


Partials (Partials Sequence #1)

by


So, I have mixed feelings about this book. I really liked it when there was action and evasion and struggle, but I have to tell you that this was a hugely dialogue-heavy story. I love dialogue and understand the necessity of back story, but when page after page is political arguments and discussion, it gets old.
The premise is great. Post-apocalyptic, survival of humans, fighting against the bad guys ... all good things that make a good book. The plot, though, took forever to develop. And the heavy-handedness of painting politicians as the ultimate bad guys is, well, too political for me. How's that for irony?
But this book is worth the read, if only for the nuggets of genius shining through the sludge of politico.
I suppose I'll read the next one.

Isolation (Partials Sequence 0.5)


Isolation (Partials Sequence 0.5)

by


What a great novella in the Partials series. It gives great background on how Partials were grown and how they were trained. It also gives a great look into how they think, and how they evolved.
I love strong female characters, and Heron is definitely that.

A Castle in the Window


A Castle in the Window

According to my rating definitions, two stars means "It's OK." And that's what this book was. Just OK.
It has a good message - people with dyslexia are not stupid. They just learn differently and are usually very strong in other areas. The main character in this book is battling with self-esteem issues that accompany the challenges of dyslexia, but she is discovering that she is talented in music.
Now if this were the main focus of the book, that would be fantastic, but the author has added this whole fantasy angle - a castle that she can visit from a bedroom window. And after she is done with the castle, the scene magically morphs into a bedroom of a boy, also gifted with piano, who she connects with. It's all very confusing.
The writing is not very strong, either. When the main character goes from one fantasy world to the next and back home again, I was left going back to read when exactly the switch occurred. The transitions are very muddled.
Luckily, it was a short book and ended positively. Otherwise, I would not have finished it.

The Eternal Hourglass (Magickeepers #1)


The Eternal Hourglass (Magickeepers #1)

If you or your kiddo are looking for a fun, exciting "magic" novel, this is a fantastic choice. No swearing or sex.
Nicolai turns 13 and is whisked into a world of real magicians - his family. He starts learning how to do real magic (which I wish had been explored further), then faces the dark magician Rasputin.
I quite enjoyed the Russian angle - I haven't read any JUV/YA literature that contains this. I love learning about new things, and this just starts to touch on a vast new area!
Plus it's on the short side, so it was a quick read. I'll be reading the next in the series.

So Close to You (So Close to You #1)


So Close to You (So Close to You #1)

by


I quite liked this book! It actually kept me up one night wondering what time I would go back to if I could use a time machine. I loved the glimpse into life on the home front during WWII - usually books focus on the fighting or life in Germany. This was different.
I wasn't blown away by the love interest. I'm hoping that the next book in the series will give Wes a little more personality.
There was a little bit of language, but no f-bombs - yay!

The Amaranth Enchantment


The Amaranth Enchantment

by


A decent, entertaining read, but not as fabulous as I had hoped. There just wasn't enough back story to reel me in and actually care about the main character, Lucinda. And Beryl's "I come from another world" angle was shallow as well. Oh, and I could not stand Peter. I hated his whole character. So, of course, I despised the ending in relation to Peter.
And I'm a bit tired of the Love At First Sight thing that is so prevalent in YA fiction today. There's got to be another, more creative way for these characters to fall in love.

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1)


Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1)

by


I'm not sure what genre to put this in ... paranormal for sure, but it also is a mystery, with steampunk and romance overtures and a dash of Mary Poppins. Definitely a fresh take. I enjoyed it quite a lot.
There are a few over-written sexy scenes, but if you can skim, the rest of the book is really quite good. I'm a sucker for a good, strong female protagonist.
Will be reading the next in the series!

Nobody


Nobody

It's obvious that Barnes was trying for something new, fresh, and different when she dreamed up the concept of Nobody. And it definitely was that - different.
The writing wasn't bad. The plot was pretty good. And it was refreshing to read a stand-alone book. (Yay!) And if you could set aside your incredulity of the concept that there are people out there who have zero capability to affect the world and that they can actually become invisible by their lack of importance, then you'll enjoy this book.
The one thing that bugged me was that one of the main characters, Claire, was pretty well-adjusted after a life of being ignored. And what I REALLY don't understand is how she survived infant- and childhood. There has to be someone to take care of you - if you were a Nobody, no one would care and you would die.
But I tried to ignore that, too, and focused on the story.
Interesting concept, and well (as could be) done.

The Summoning (Darkest Powers Trilogy #1)


The Summoning (Darkest Powers Trilogy #1)

by


The Sixth Sense meets Goonies. This is pure paranormal kids vs. adults. A nice change of pace. And there are some scary parts - one in particular - that was great! And without much of a love story! Or swearing of any kind!
Engaging writing, decent character development, and correct pacing combine to make this very readable. I've already got my eye on the next book.
What a great find.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Taste of Home: Cooking School Cookbook: 400 + Simple to Spectacular Recipes

Taste of Home: Cooking School Cookbook: 400 + Simple to Spectacular Recipes

by


I quite enjoyed perusing this new cookbook from Taste of Home - the photos were amazing (I loved the step by step instructional photos best) and the recipes were those I'd actually want to make!
Easy-to-follow recipes is a must for any cookbook, and this cookbook has mastered this. I can't wait to try out some of these - right in time for the holidays! Roast Autumn Vegetables, Cornbread Stuffing, Herb 'n' Spice Turkey Breast, Garlic Mashed Potatoes! Oh, my. These just might become the new go-to's for our Thanksgiving dinner.
There are also sections for vegetarians and seafood, for when you aren't in the mood for meat. I'm not a vegetarian or a seafood-lover, but many of these dishes look fabulous! (Although it may just be the fantastic photos. Taste of Home must have some great food stylists.)
The breakfast and baking sections are my favorites, though. Just mouthwatering recipes. I may just have to go out and buy my own copy of this cookbook just for these two sections.
Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to review such an awesome cookbook.

Taste of Home Best Loved Recipes: 1485 Favorites from the World's #1 Food & Entertaining Magazine



Taste of Home Best Loved Recipes: 1485 Favorites

by


So, I'm not as keen on this cookbook as I was on another of Taste of Home's cookbooks - the Cooking School Cookbook.
This cookbook as a zillion recipes - many I would make, too - but the layout isn't as appealing to me. And all the photographs of the dishes are clumped together pages and pages after the recipe appears. I would rather have the photos with the recipe, so I don't have to keep flipping back and forth between the two. Awkward.
But other than that, the cookbook is literally overflowing with recipes. I did like how there were actual reader comments that were included. That gives the recipes a bit of down-to-earth hominess, like your neighbor is recommending the recipe to you.

I Love My Slow Cooker: More Than 100 of the Best-Ever Recipes

I Love My Slow Cooker: More Than 100 of the Best-Ever Recipe

Meh. For a slow cooker cookbook, this one is only so-so. The recipes are decidedly NOT kid-friendly. I mean, Greek-Spiced Beef and Onion Stew? Oxtail and Farrow??
If you are a foodie who loves slow-cookers (isn't that an oxymoron?) and who loves to visit multiple specialty shops for ingredients, this is the cookbook for you. As for those of us who want something easy and tasty with ingredients you can find at your local supermarket, this book probably would not be your best investment.
Although, I do have to say that the photos are very nice. And the layout is impeccable. Hence the three stars.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to review this.

The Yankee Chef: Feel Good Food for Every Kitchen

 The Yankee Chef: Feel Good Food for Every Kitchen

I'm starting out by saying that I'm NOT from the Northeast. My genes are decidedly Western, so I was a bit biased against this cookbook. I mainly picked it up because I wanted a great "authentic" recipe for Boston Baked Beans.
I will now eat crow (which is NOT a dish from the Northeast!).
This fabulous cookbook had me raising my eyebrows (in delight!) at the recipes ... recipes that I will actually cook! The Bread chapter alone is worth investing in this book. Pumpernickel Bread, Old Maine Black Bread! Oh, so many recipes!
The Breakfast chapter is also quite amazing. Strawberry Muffins, Apple Struesel Muffins, New England Popovers, Overnight Banana French Toast!
There are even separate chapters for "Cakes, Cookies and Confections," "Desserts," and "Pies"!!
"Of course," I think to myself, "They are completely different food groups!"
The book isn't overly laden with photographs - but the layout and design is quite pleasing to the eye and easy to read. There are nice side notes quoting old recipes from the "old days," which makes an interesting read.
This cookbook is not for beginners, though. Basic cooking techniques are required and assumed to be common knowledge. But if you are a semi-educated cook, the recipes are simple and easy to follow.
There is even a handy Common Ingredient Conversions table at the back as well - so if you don't have a 2-inch vanilla bean, you know you can use 1 tsp. vanilla extract.
Oh, and I DID find a pretty simple recipe for my Boston Baked Beans. My life is complete.

Thank you NetGalley and Schiffer Books for the galley copy. I wish I could keep it forever. In fact, I may just buy this book to add to my collection.

The Mystic Cookbook: The Secret Alchemy of Food

The Mystic Cookbook: The Secret Alchemy of Food

I guess I should have guessed by the title "Mystic Cookbook" that I would be mystified somehow by this volume. But I was caught up in the "Secret Alchemy of Food" bit. I thought this meant some scientific explanations on why comfort food are comforting to us or how turkey makes us sleepy.

No, this book is more of a spiritual and new-age journey into food.
Some quotes:

"When the viable energies of your food interface with the energy flows of your physical form, it allows you to step into a higher level of spiritual frequency."

"If you connect with the living consciousness within your food, its life force will support you."

"Eating fills our base need for sustenance, but at the same time, it can be a gateway for mystical transformations."

"You can indeed share a meal with angels, fairies, spirit guides, or possibly even a deceased loved one."

There is even a guide on how to "see" fairies in nature.

Obviously, I must be a very un-mystical person. I didn't "get" this cookbook. Since I am not a new-age sort of person, I admit that I cannot rate this book appropriately.

But if you are into the mystical side of things, this book would probably be great. The layout is nice, and the photos and pictures lend a ease-of-reading ambiance to the book. But where were the recipes? There were a few - but none that looked easy or something that kids would eat. And they are buried within the chapters, difficult to find if you actually wanted to cook them.

But I thank NetGalley and Hay House Inc., for the chance to walk on the Mystical Side and commune with a different point of view and way of living.

Fix-It and Forget-It 5-Ingredient One-Dish Dinners

 

Fix-It and Forget-It 5-Ingredient One-Dish Dinners

This was a refreshing and pint-size cookbook from the famed "Fix-It and Forget-It" collection.
Instead of hundreds upon hundreds of recipes to choose from - which can be quite overwhelming - this cute little 50+ page gem has what I want without all the perusing and page shuffling. I own two of those monster volumes - and while sometimes it's fun to recipe surf, most of the time I want a limited number of great recipes to choose from instead of a countless variety that I have to sift through.
I love my slow cooker because it's simple, and I love these recipes because they contain only 5 ingredients (water doesn't count!). How simple is that?? With 3 kiddos, simple = sanity. And most of them actually look like they'd be eaten in my house. Yay!

The Emerald Ring (Cleopatra's Legacy)

The Emerald Ring (Cleopatra's Legacy)

Not sure where to start with this review. I didn't hate this book; the 2-star rating "It's OK" is definitely on par with how I feel about it. For what it is - namely a Juvenile paranormal adventure - it fits the bill.
But I have a few complaints, and more than a few questions:
1) It's not written well - weak and amateurish. Abrupt transitions. And flashbacks were poorly written; half the time I wasn't sure what was going on! Much of the story was like "This happened. Then this happened. And then this happened." Too many unanswered questions: Who is the "sister" cat in her dreams? Why is she having dreams? How did the gems get their power? Why is their only one Roman guy trying to get the gems? Where are his buddies? Why are they just now starting their search for the gems? Why didn't they start right after they discovered the gems missing way back in Cleopatra's time?
2) Character development is non-existent. Sara is completely flat. What's going on in her head? What is she feeling when she becomes a cat? Is she happy? Excited? Freaked? The other characters fare the same. I didn't even know that Heidi was "emo" until it was told to me after the Halloween scene.
3) Unbelievable explanations of how things came about or happened. My favorite was how Kainu got to Ohio from Africa - how he stowed away on a little 2-person plane to England undetected, then earned money to get to America (passport? underage-traveler? work visa?), and enrolled in school (transcripts? parental release? power of attorney?), stayed with a family there as a fake exchange student (this doesn't jive - who would allow a kid in their home with just a letter? How did he get the name of the family he wrote to anyway?). Anyway, this doesn't fly with me.
4) Weak denouement. Weak. Weak. I hate badly written endings, and this one is badly written.
I did appreciate the fact that there was no bad stuff - it's completely safe for kids to read. No swearing, which is nice.
This book needs some serious work. Thankfully it was short, so I didn't have to waste TOO much time on it. But tweens may enjoy it.
I will NOT be reading the next in the series.
I do want to thank Netgalley.com and Cedar Fort for the chance to review this book.

Trouble's on the Menu: A Tippy Canoe Romp -- With Recipes

 

Trouble's on the Menu: A Tippy Canoe Romp-- With Recipes

by

 3 stars


I usually don't go for cozy mysteries, but I thought I'd try this one out. I wasn't too disappointed. It was a sweet, innocent, small-town mystery where everything works out in the end. Nothing like real life, but that's why we read these types of books, isn't it?
I was pleased with the lack of swearing and sex. There was a nice little side love story - more of a flirtation of a love story - that only enhanced the book. The main focus was on small-town life/gossip and saving the family farm. Honesty is touted highly in here, which is pleasantly different from most books out there.
There were some inconsistencies that bugged me though. Such as The Bad Guy not knowing who the Dean twins were, even though the whole town looked after them - "sort of a town project." The Bad Guy had been part of the town since forever - how could he not know them?
And unfortunately, the recipes at the back did not excite me.
All told, a solid three stars. A light diversion.
Thank you NetGalley and Sweetwater Books/Cedar Fort Inc. for allowing me to read and review this book.

The Best of Amish Friends Cookbook Collection


The Best of Amish Friends Cookbook Collection

I enjoyed this cookbook quite a lot. The recipes inside were down-home and doable. Easy to find ingredients and simple methods make me want to try them all out!
I also quite liked the histories of the Amish and Mennonite communities that was presented before each section. I read each of them with fascination. I wish they were longer, more in depth and not so redundant, though. Much of the same information was repeated numerous times in different histories.
The pictures were nice and well done. But ... MORE please! And I would have liked to have had captions included - especially for the food photos. I want to know what dish I am looking at.
Also, the names under each recipe ... who are they? What Plain People community do they belong to? A little bit of background on the recipes would be a fun addition.
Easy to read, nice layout, good color scheme.
A very nice 4-star rating.
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc., for allowing me to review this delightful cookbook.

Knit Christmas Stockings, 2nd Edition

Knit Christmas Stockings, 2nd Edition

by


5 stars

 
I have always had grand dreams of knitting Christmas stocking for my children, but have never known where to start. Socks of any kind intimidate me, and adding cute charts makes me start to sweat. But this cute, beautifully photographed book has taken away most of the fear associated with trying something new.
What makes it so accessible and fun is that there is something for all levels of knitter. If you're like me (an advanced beginner), start out with something small - like Mini Felted Mitts and Socks or Ski Sweater Ornaments. That way, you learn the technique without investing hours and hours of time, just to discover you've missed a stitch or something. Frustration is limited when working on a small project.
If you are more advanced - and I bow down to you! - there are quite challenging projects, such as Winter Wonderland or Reindeer and Bells. Lots of charts, color changes and textures.
Photographs are a necessity in knitting books, and the ones contained in this one do not disappoint.
A solid offering.
Thank you NetGalley.com and Storey Publishing for allowing me to review this delightful book.

Riso


Riso: Undiscovered Rice Dishes of Northern Italy


3 stars


For some reason, I didn't realize that rice was a staple in Northern Italy. I live in Southern Italy, where pasta and pizza rule all, so it was a delightful surprise to me that Italians elsewhere have embraced a grain other than wheat. (Although I do love a good pasta dish!) So discovering this rice cookbook was a treat.
I am intrigued that the cookbook contains more than risotto recipes, though I must admit that that was the reason I picked up this book. I love a good risotto. But now that I've looked over some of the other recipes, I'll have to branch out and a rice salad - Rice Salad with Chicken and Vegetables sounds pretty tasty.
The only thing I believe would improve the cookbook would be photographs of the dishes. I am a very visual person, and food lends itself so well to photos - it instructs the home cook just as much as the recipe itself. So to have photos absent is quite a disservice.
But other than that, I can recommend this cookbook to anyone who wants to explore Italian cuisine beyond that of pizza and pasta.
Thank you to NetGalley.com and Open Road Integrated Media for the chance to review this book.