Book Review - "A Path Toward Love"

I have been a fan of all of Cara Lynn James' books and this latest novel does not disappoint!  I was excited to receive this to read and could not to read it start to finish!

Book Description from the publisher:

Katherine came home to forget her past.

The last thing she expected is a hopeful future.

Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She’s determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while she’s still young.

Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But he’s curious what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.

Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.

Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.

My review:

Living near the Adirondacks myself and having visited Raquette Lake, I was thrilled with this as the setting for the novel!  This is really the perfect summery read!  I was transported back in time to the early 1900's and could picture myself at Katherine's family camp on Raquette Lake. The characters are all so well-developed in this story as are the dynamics between the various characters.  Katherine has her own mindset and plans while her parents have their own and there are of course strings attached to Katherine returning home.  This is such a wonderful story of moving on, revisiting the past and hope for the future.  A must-read on this summer's list!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "The Scent of Cherry Blossoms"

Cindy Woodsmall's latest novella, "The Scent of Cherry Blossoms" is a book that will have you hooked immediately and one that you will not want to see end!  Annie's life is full of turmoil and she goes to live with her grandfather.  Annie meets an old friends and sparks fly between these two, however, they are from different cultures, similar, but different.  Annie enjoys her work and the time she spends with Aden, but still there are barriers between the two.  Annie and Aden are in love, but will love be enough for these two? 

This is a well-written Amish and Mennonite love story with a Romeo and Juliet vibe to it.  I fell in love with the characters right away and was rooting for them throughout the book! Woodsmall's style of writing is so easy to read and I could not stop reading once I started!  This is an excellent book to lose yourself in for a couple of hours!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review from Waterbrook Publishing*

Book Review - "Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures"

 

Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures
Healthy Seasonal Cooking and Easy Entertaining
By Cornelia Guest
Published by Weinstein Books
Hardcover: 256 pages
June 12, 2012; $32.50 US/$37.50 CAN; 9781602861626

Description

CORNELIA GUEST breaks new ground in vegan cooking with Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures, and you'll find having your friends over is a breeze with her tips on how to take the stress out of entertaining. Cornelia's recipes raise the bar for vegan cooking, with food so delicious that your family and friends will not even miss the meat. The daughter of fashion icon C. Z. Guest and polo champion Winston Guest, Cornelia learned from the best -- entertaining is in her blood, and now she's passing her secrets on to you.

Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures, a book as practical as it is beautiful, will show you how to incorporate affordable, cruelty-free eating into your daily life and to serve that luscious, wholesome food to friends. Organized by season, each part begins with a terrific meal -- a light spring lunch of chilled asparagus soup and quinoa salad; an alfresco summer dinner of veggie carpaccio and stuffed squash blossoms; a fall breakfast buffet of pecan waffles, faux buttermilk pancakes, and raspberry muffins; and a cozy winter's dinner of shepherd's pie with a chocolate tart for dessert. Each seasonal section contains recipes for beverages, soups, salads, pastas, side dishes, main courses, and an abundance of desserts that everyone will love. Special sections feature recipes for grains, greens, and beans. In "Notes from My Friends," which appear throughout the opening chapters, chefs, doctors, Cornelia's favorite veterinarian, and other health and food experts have contributed tips, advice, and eye-opening information.

Dismissing fussy food and pretention, Cornelia believes the key to entertaining well is simplicity. Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures is filled with advice on how to set a lively and original table, bring nature inside, and stay calm in the face of entertaining disasters. She shows how a little thought and effort make it a snap to create both a relaxed, warm atmosphere and fabulous food free of animal products that will please your friends and let you enjoy your own party. Richly illustrated with photographs of Templeton, Cornelia's legendary home, Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures captures the feeling of a well-lived life. Cheerful, colorful, and accessible, Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures will give you all you need to know to eat in the most nutritious way possible and to serve it up with great style.

Author Bio
Cornelia Guest, author of Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures: Healthy Seasonal Cooking and Easy Entertaining, is an activist, philanthropist, and businesswoman. In 2009, she founded Cornelia Guest Events and Cornelia Guest Cookies, catering charity and entertainment events with healthy, delicious vegan food. She is launching her own line of animal-friendly handbags, wallets, and dog accessories made with a vegan alternative to leather. She lives in New York.

For more information please visit http://www.corneliaguest.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter

Reviews

"Cornelia Guest not only brings you the very best in healthful cuisine, but also brings you on a tour of the bounty of nature with each changing season. I love her recipes, as will everyone you invite to join you in the elegant dining experience she has in store."
-- Neal Barnard, MD, President, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

"Cornelia Guest shows with style and grace how beautiful and delicious the most healthy way of eating can be. What matters most is not just how long we live, but also how well we live. Now, we can have both. Highly recommended!"
-- Dean Ornish, MD, Founder and President of Preventative Medicine Research Institute

"Not only does Cornelia Guest make us feel welcome in her high society world, she enables us to re-create the same understated elegance she invokes for her affluent guests. Who knew being fancy could be so simple?"
-- Rory Freedman, coauthor of Skinny Bitch

"Cornelia Guest has created sensational recipes that will change your mind about eating vegan food -- they have certainly changed mine. I was amazed at what you can do without eggs, butter, cream, cheese, meat, fish, and seafood. And you will feel better, too."
-- John De Lucie, owner/chef of Crown and The Lion, formerly chef of Waverly Inn

"Cornelia Guest's great sense of style shines in everything she does. Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures reveals the secrets of her entertaining brilliance and is filled with her delicious recipes. We have tasted many and can definitely say that her vegan food is fantastic."
-- Mark Badgley and James Mischka, Badgley Mischka

My Review:

I love this book!  It is a beautiful hardcover edition filled with so much - recipes, entertaining tips and ideas, beautiful pictures, sample menus and did I mention beautiful pictures?!  Cornelia shares stories of her own personal experiences throughout as well giving this book such a personal feel.  This is such a useful book for decorating and entertaining, but also a beautiful book to have sitting on the coffee table to pick up and page through in a few spare moments! I love the sections for each season with the lists of seasonal flowers, sample menus and recipes.  Such a beautiful book, I cannot stress this enough!  This is one that any hostess will get much use out of and enjoy all at the same time!

Here are two recipes from this book I am able to share with you - enjoy!!!!

Zucchini Blossoms Stuffed with Amaranth By Cornelia Guest,
Author of Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures: Healthy Seasonal Cooking and Easy Entertaining

Serves 4
Total time: 45 minutes

Zucchini blossoms are so beautiful. This is so easy to make, and your friends will be very impressed. You can make the stuffing the day before so you can enjoy your friends, stuff the blossoms and have a great lunch. Amaranth is a gooey grain that works well as a stuffing. I serve this dish with iced tea with mint or a crisp white wine. Fresh tomatoes go well with the squash blossoms.

3 cups amaranth

1 medium onion

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2 zucchini

1 small eggplant (you want to end up with 1-1/2 cups after its is cooked)

1 garlic clove

4 large blossoms per serving

1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

1. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil and add amaranth. Simmer and cook until water is absorbed, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

2. Quarter the onion and cook in 1 tablespoon olive oil for 30 minutes over medium heat until caramelized.

3. Dice zucchini and sauté in 1 tablespoon olive oil until soft, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

4. Dice eggplant and garlic and sauté in 1 tablespoon olive oil for 10 minutes.

5. Mix the cooked vegetables with the amaranth and add parsley. Fill the squash blossoms with the mixture. Serve at room temperature.

The above is an excerpt from the book Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures: Healthy Seasonal Cooking and Easy Entertaining by Cornelia Guest. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.

© 2012 Cornelia Guest, author of Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures: Healthy Seasonal Cooking and Easy Entertaining

Author Bio
Cornelia Guest, author of Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures: Healthy Seasonal Cooking and Easy Entertaining, is an activist, philanthropist, and businesswoman. In 2009, she founded Cornelia Guest Events and Cornelia Guest Cookies, catering charity and entertainment events with healthy, delicious vegan food. She is launching her own line of animal-friendly handbags, wallets, and dog accessories made with a vegan alternative to leather. She lives in New York.

For more information please visit http://www.corneliaguest.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter

============================

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
By Cornelia Guest,
Author of Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures: Healthy Seasonal Cooking and Easy Entertaining

Serves 6
Total time: 25 minutes

There is nothing like sweet summer corn. This pairing is smooth and crunchy, colorful, and totally delicious.

4 ears of corn, shucked

1 avocado, sliced

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon coarse sea salt

1. Heat a grill to medium-high. Grill corn, rotating often, until lightly charred, about 15 minutes

2. Let cool slightly. Carefully cut kernels from cobs.

3. Gently toss corn kernels with avocado, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Serve right away.

The above is an excerpt from the book Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures: Healthy Seasonal Cooking and Easy Entertaining by Cornelia Guest. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.

© 2012 Cornelia Guest, author of Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures: Healthy Seasonal Cooking and Easy Entertaining

Author Bio
Cornelia Guest, author of Cornelia Guest's Simple Pleasures: Healthy Seasonal Cooking and Easy Entertaining, is an activist, philanthropist, and businesswoman. In 2009, she founded Cornelia Guest Events and Cornelia Guest Cookies, catering charity and entertainment events with healthy, delicious vegan food. She is launching her own line of animal-friendly handbags, wallets, and dog accessories made with a vegan alternative to leather. She lives in New York.

For more information please visit http://www.corneliaguest.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter

Book Review - "Katie's Secret"

"Katie's Secret," a children's book written by Bridgette Bannick, is a book that is fun to read, but also teaches valuable lessons. Katie has a secret that she shares with her friend Margie, however Margie laughs at her and hurts Katie's feelings.  Katie wants to find someone who will take her seriously and while she is looking she has a dream that teaches her how important she is.  Later on, Margie apologizes to Katie and they are best friends and do everything together after that.

This book teaches so many valuable lessons for children to learn early on. Katie's feelings are hurt when she is trying to share something with a friend and later Margie apologizes; feelings, apologies and forgiveness are all essential to friendships and life in general.  Also, self-esteem is a theme throughout this book as well as self-worth as Katie learns how special she really is and how each person is important.

Katie is a fairy and this is an adorable way to really pull the children into the story and while the story takes place in a fantasy world, children can easily related to the characters and their feelings. The drawings throughout the story are cute and are great additions to the text. I am looking forward to many more stories from this author!  A great debut book!

 To order this book for yourself visit: http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html

I received a complimentary copy of "Katie's Secret" as a member of the

Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com

to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Book Review - "The Scent of Rain"

Kristin Billerbeck's, "The Scent of Rain," is a well-written, beautiful and fun love story to be enjoyed!

Book Description from the publishers:

When deprived of her most prized sense, Daphne discovers a life she never expected, right under her nose.

Daphne Sweeten has left Paris – and a career she loves – in order to marry a man she loves even more. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, Daphne’s left reeling. Trained as a professional “nose” or perfume creator, Daphne soon realizes that her sense of smell has somehow disappeared too.

In the days following she moves to Dayton, Ohio, to take on a job creating fragrances for household products. Without her sense of smell, she must rely on her chemistry skills, and hope her handsome new boss, Jesse Lightner, doesn’t notice before she can figure out how to get it back.

Despite her desire to return to Paris, she can’t deny the way Jesse makes her feel. But when Daphne approaches former contacts, she learns her missing ex-fiancé has somehow snagged her old job.

As Daphne and Jesse work on a signature scent for their new line, she feels God at work in her life as never before. And the promise of what is possible is as fresh as the scent of rain.

My Review:
Daphne is such a likable character, I liked her immediately and felt like I became a part of her life right away when I began reading. Daphne and Jesse's relationship was fun to read and watch blossom as they worked together professionally and grew together personally as well.  I loved this love story and enjoyed reading about Daphne's job as this is something I had not really thought too much about in regards and it was fun to learn about.  This is a great summery read for all romantic fiction fans!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "The Shadow of Your Smile"

I fell in love with Susan May Warren's Deep Haven series last year and I was excited to read a new addition to this series, "The Shadow of Your Smile."
Noelle remembers nothing of her current life - her home, her husband, her family, nothing and not only that, but it is not the life she would have ever dreamed she's have. However she tries to remember and settle into the life that is supposedly hers.  Noelle discovers some things along the way that make her question whether it is time to move on or to stick with the marriage and her family.
This is a great book to read!  It is very realistic and I am sure that many individuals will be able to connect with Noelle and the other characters throughout the book.  There is humor mixed in as well as moments that will tug at your heartstrings making this an excellent book that you will not want to put down once you start reading!  So sit back, relax and escape to Deep Haven and the lives of the individuals that you will meet and fall in love with.

Book Review - "The Fiddler"

I have been a huge fan of Beverly Lewis' books for years and I was not disappointed with her latest, "The Fiddler!"
Amelia, an Englisher, shows up in Hickory Hollow and meets Amishman Michael.  Both are searching and seeking for answers  in life, although they both lead different styles of life. A connection is between these two and continues to build as the two spend time together, talking about their lives and life in general.
These two characters are very well-developed and I enjoyed reading about them very much! Joanna and Elizabeth both were likable as well and I am hoping to read more of their stories in future stories!  It was so nice to return to Hickory Hollow as I have thoroughly enjoyed the other books set there.  This is a well-written book that will cause the reader to think about her own life, expectations of others and self, love, relationships and the role that others play in our lives.  This is a must-read for fans of Beverly Lewis and Amish novels!

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

Book Review - "Submerged"

"Submerged," Book 1 in Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series is a must-read debut novel!   Bailey has not wanted to return to Yancey, Alaska once she had left that town as she did not want to revisit her former life as she has moved on.  However, when Bailey's only real family, her Aunt Agnes, dies in a plane accident she must return.  Never did Bailey expect to be treated from such kindness from a man whom she broke his heart years earlier or his tight-knit family.  Cole cannot deny that he still has feelings for Bailey and when he finds that Bailey may be a target just as Agnes appears to have been, his heart is being torn apart as well; added to the fact that Bailey has no intention of sticking around. As Bailey sorts through belongings at Agnes' shop, she discovers secrets and with Cole's help begins to put pieces of the puzzle together as they race against time as more bodies are discovered and the mystery thickens.

This is such a well-written romantic suspense novel! Bailey must face her past and also the fact that she has sought forgiveness and has been granted it, but she needs to allow herself to forgive as well.  Cole and the other McKenna siblings are so great to read about and I am hoping that the series continues about this family!  I would love to read stories about each of them and read more about Cole and Bailey's life.  This book contains love, suspense, forgiveness, guilt, relationships and second changes; I did not want it to end as I became so immersed in the characters' lives.  Looking forward to book 2 hopefully in the near future!

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

Book Review - "Tidewater Inn"

 I am a huge fan of Colleen Coble's books and her latest novel, "Tidewater Inn," did not disappoint! Libby has grown up believing that her father died when she was five; why shouldn't she believe this as this is what her mother has always told her?  However, now her mother has passed away and Libby finds out that her father has just recently passed away and has left her an old hotel on the Outer Banks. Libby is shocked and anxious and excited to learn more about her father and her siblings who she did not know even existed.  However, the trip gets off to a bad start when her best friend and business partner is kidnapped and Libby is the prime suspect.  To make matters worse, Libby's siblings do not like her and do not seem to be willing to give her a chance.  Alec and Aunt Pearl seem to be the only ones on Libby's side and yet at times she questions them as well.  Determined to find Nicole and also make a connection with her siblings, Libby throws all she has into solving the crime, trying to act as Jesus would and at the same time sort out her feelings for Alec.

Book Review - "Hope Springs"

<><>

Book Info

About the book: Hope Springs | Kim Cash Tate In a small community where everyone is holding tight to something, the biggest challenge may be learning to let go. Hope Springs, North Carolina, is the epitome of small town life-a place filled with quiet streets, a place where there's not a lot of change. Until three women suddenly find themselves planted there for a season. Janelle hasn't gone back to Hope Springs for family reunions since losing her husband. But when she arrives for Christmas and learns that her grandmother is gravely ill, she decides to extend the stay. It isn't long before she runs into her first love, and feelings that have been dormant for more than a decade are reawakened. Becca is finally on the trajectory she's longed for. Having been in the ministry trenches for years, she's been recruited as the newest speaker of a large Christian women's conference. But her husband feels called to become the pastor of his late father's church in Hope Springs. And Stephanie has the ideal life-married to a doctor in St. Louis with absolutely nothing she has to do. When her cousin Janelle volunteers to stay in Hope Springs and care for their grandmother, she feels strangely compelled to do the same. It's a decision that will forever change her. As these women come together, they soon recognize that healing is needed in their hearts, their families, and their churches. God's plan for them in Hope Springs-is bigger than they ever imagined. About Kim: Kim Cash Tate is the author of Cherished, Faithful, Heavenly Places, and the memoir More Christian than African American. A former practicing attorney, she is also the founder of Colored in Christ Ministries. She and Her husband have two children. Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/bAPH2  My review:  I have always loved everything and anything to do with Christmas and I knew I was going to love Kim Cash Tate's latest book, "Hope Springs," when I read that the family was getting together for Christmas and I was not disappointed!  I was immediately drawn into the story and each of the characters' lives.  Janelle was my favorite character as she has dealt with so much in her life, yet took charge and also opened her heart once again. The girls' develop such a bond between them as they are all dealing with personal things in their own lives and yet are all there together to support one another and their grandmother.  Hope Springs is such a lovely community and one that each of us could hope to find - the bonds and love that tie the members of the community together and the healing that took place for each of the characters.  This is a book that will inspire you to live your life for God and leave you feeling good at the end of the story! *I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "Enough"

"Enough: finding more by living with less," written by Will Davis Jr., has really made me thing about what is important in life and why I accumulate the things I do.  This book begins with discussing the concept of "enough." Some people believe that they can never have enough of something or of many things. It can be difficult to be content with what we do have and thankful for the little blessings we daily receive. Each chapter focuses on specific aspects of living with enough and opening the reader's eyes to the life he or she is living and the life he or she could be living. This book would be a great small group study as there is so much material included in here that would lead to excellent discussions. Biblical passages and examples are included throughout as well as personal reflection questions that really force the reader to think about his or her own life.  This book is an eye-opener and one that will leave you thinking about it for many days after and pondering in what areas you have enough

“Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "The Gifted"

Ann H. Gabhart's 5th book in her Shakers series, "The Gifted," is a must-read for fans of Gabhart!  Jessamine has grown up in the Shaker Village for half of her life and she loves her life there, but at times she feels drawn to life outside of the community as well.  Tristan is one of the pulls toward the outside world and Jessamine finds her heart and mind pulling her back and forth between the two worlds.
This book has it all - romance, suspense, relationships, the desire to fit in. Jessamine is such a likable character and I found myself rooting for her throughout the novel as she tries to make sense of her world. The interactions between Tristan and Jessamine are so sweet and them falling in love and trying to find their way in the world together and a way for their love to work and last despite the obstacles is well-written and a relationship that one would hope to find.
I highly recommend this series for historical fiction fans as Gabhart transports the reader back in time to a different style of life, but with characters whom the reader can still make a connection with.

“Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”