Review of "A New Way To Dinner" by Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs

First of all, this book is gorgeous. Beautifully bound, illustrated, and printed - it is an excellent addition to your cookbook collection. It would also make a lovely "coffee table" book.

Instead of the traditional approach to a cookbook and meal planning, authors Amanda and Merrill have created a very strategic way to multi task. Taking some ingredients and dishes than can largely be prepared a head, they provide a game plan, your shopping list, thoughts and ideas about the recipes, approximate prep and cook times, and much more. The strategy is also geared towards utilizing items that are in season and many can be frozen for later use.

I really can't say enough about the cleverness of this book! I was so impressed. Additionally, when you throw in the incredibly useful and well researched information, and then include some delicious sounding meals - this concept and cookbook is a total win. Bon Appetit!

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "A New Way To Dinner" by Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs

First of all, this book is gorgeous. Beautifully bound, illustrated, and printed - it is an excellent addition to your cookbook collection. It would also make a lovely "coffee table" book.

Instead of the traditional approach to a cookbook and meal planning, authors Amanda and Merrill have created a very strategic way to multi task. Taking some ingredients and dishes than can largely be prepared a head, they provide a game plan, your shopping list, thoughts and ideas about the recipes, approximate prep and cook times, and much more. The strategy is also geared towards utilizing items that are in season and many can be frozen for later use.

I really can't say enough about the cleverness of this book! I was so impressed. Additionally, when you throw in the incredibly useful and well researched information, and then include some delicious sounding meals - this concept and cookbook is a total win. Bon Appetit!

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "A New Way To Dinner" by Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs

First of all, this book is gorgeous. Beautifully bound, illustrated, and printed - it is an excellent addition to your cookbook collection. It would also make a lovely "coffee table" book.

Instead of the traditional approach to a cookbook and meal planning, authors Amanda and Merrill have created a very strategic way to multi task. Taking some ingredients and dishes than can largely be prepared a head, they provide a game plan, your shopping list, thoughts and ideas about the recipes, approximate prep and cook times, and much more. The strategy is also geared towards utilizing items that are in season and many can be frozen for later use.

I really can't say enough about the cleverness of this book! I was so impressed. Additionally, when you throw in the incredibly useful and well researched information, and then include some delicious sounding meals - this concept and cookbook is a total win. Bon Appetit!

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Fatal Frost" by Nancy Mehl

The first book in Nancy Mehl's new Defenders of Justice series focuses on the drug trade in St. Louis. It's escalating largely due to the involvement of a major cartel, and US Marshal Mercy Brennan is right in the thick of it. Although she is unaware of how closely the cartel is watching her, after she is shot in a raid her long estranged police officer father reaches out to see her. Mercy is not convinced of his apology or sincerity during their meeting, but she quickly discovers that her connection with him (though tenuous) has tied her into the cartel's schemes more deeply than she thought possible.

Her boss creates a plan to draw the cartel and local drug dealers out and protect Mercy at the same time. However, their safety is quickly compromised, there is a mole in the Marshal's office, and it is unknown who can be trusted. An unexpected ice storm complicates the entire plan - will any of the good guys make it out alive?

Although I generally enjoy Nancy Mehl's books, this felt like a second or third book in the series rather than the first. The back stories of the characters (Mercy's relationship with her best friend Tally and former boyfriend Mark) were presented in a way that seemed like a recap rather than an introduction. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and hope that it will resolve my confusion.  :)

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Waves of Mercy" by Lynn Austin

This is my first time reading anything by Lynn Austin, but this book has made me a total fan. Well written, compelling, and interesting - it has it all.

Anna Nicholson was engaged to a prominent banker in Chicago society. He broke off the engagement when Anna refused to stop attending a local church (not the "acceptable" one for her station). Although she was initially devastated, when she arrives at her luxury hotel for a vacation in Holland, Michigan, she is wrestling with thoughts of should she apologize and work things out? If she does, will it be for love? Duty? Fear?

Holland, Michigan resident Geesje de Jonge emigrated to America as a teen 50 years before, and has a pretty compelling back story. When the town plans it's Semi-Centennial celebration, she is asked to write down her experiences for their town's book of history. Although it is difficult for her to remember and write things down, she begins to use the time as a way to work through the deep challenges she went through. And in the end, she just might find some healing and solve a great mystery of her past, while helping Anna discern some truths as well.

The book bounces back and forth between Anna and Geesje's perspectives, both present and past. The women are tied together in inexplicable ways - and the author's resolution is satisfying and well done. I can easily recommend this book, and am eager to read more from this author.

I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Crash the Chatterbox" by Steven Furtick

Quite possibly one of the best non fiction books I have ever read. I am pretty sure I don't know anyone who doesn't (at least from time to time!) struggle with overcoming the negative thoughts that are so subversive to an emotionally healthy life - and this book gives clear understanding of why and how we can overcome, or Crash the Chatterbox.

In his conversational style writing mixed with stories, the author dissects four main areas that what he has named The Chatterbox (internal dialogue) will negatively impact your life: insecurity, fear, condemnation, and discouragement. He describes how accurately understanding what God says about you will overcome the voice of insecurity. Overpower the lies of fear with the truth about what God says He will do. Squelch the lies of condemnation with the fact that God says He has. Kick to the curb the lies of discouragement with the truth that God says you can.

This book will help you to understand your enemy, to realize that you indeed do have a choice, and gives specific ways to win. I can't recommend it enough.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "A Lady Unrivaled" by Roseanna M. White

The third and presumably final novel in the Ladies of the Manor books, author Roseanna M. White provides an interesting and satisfying conclusion to this beautifully written Edwardian series. This installment focuses on Lady Ella Myerston, sister of the Duke and Duchess Nottingham (The Reluctant Duchess) and good friend of Duchess Brook Stafford (The Lost Heiress). Although her family and friends have long considered her to be unfailingly cheerful, she is certainly not shallow or unintelligent. Via her brother, she unwittingly takes the "Fire Eyes" with her on a trip to visit her friend Brook. While there she begins to spend time with Lord James Cayton, a former cad who has left a string of broken hearts, relationships, and trust behind him....but who has now had an enormous change of heart and longs to be honorable. Ballerina Kira Belova also joins the cast of characters - as a spy, posing as a ladies maid for Kitty.

To add to the suspense, brother and sister duo Kitty and Rush are back on the scene with (always) questionable motives. Who is the real villain here? Will the Fire Eyes cause even more death and destruction? Will they and their loved ones ever be truly safe?

If this is truly the last of the series, I'm sad. It is easy to recommend this book, as well as the entire series. Although A Lady Unrivaled can be read as a standalone novel, you will have a greater understanding and enjoyment if you read both The Lost Heiress and The Reluctant Duchess prior to this one.

With so many Edwardian novel choices out there, this author has found the perfect combination of this time period, romance, and mystery. One of the best - well done!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.