Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I love to read, recommend books and open the world of reading to others. I tutor to ensure that the next generation of readers will know the joys of a good book because their reading skills have improved. I am an avid reader, especially of mysteries and fiction. I believe that two of the world's greatest inventions were the public library and eyeglasses!

Let’s cook: Vegetarian Mediterranean Cookbook

125+ Simple, Healthy Recipes for Living Well

by Sanaa Abourezk

#VegetarianMediterraneanCookbook #NetGalley

Many people choose to follow a Mediterranean diet and some may want to do so as vegetarians. For both groups, as well as those who enjoy vegetarian meals on occasion, this cookbook should be most welcome.

This book has beautiful photos throughout. These are sure to leave readers hungry and ready to try out some of the recipes. There are entries on everything from small plates to sweets. Between these two sections are recipes for soups, salads, pasta, sandwiches and much more; there are 125 recipes in all. In addition to these, there are many helpful introductory sections.

I recommend giving this book a look. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

mediterranean cookbook, mediterranean diet, vegetarian cookbook, vegetarian mediterranean cookbook
mediterranean cookbook, mediterranean diet, vegetarian cookbook, vegetarian mediterranean cookbook
mediterranean cookbook, mediterranean diet, vegetarian cookbook, vegetarian mediterranean cookbook

Sample recipe: Tomato and Basil Brushetta

1. Preheat the broiler.

2. In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil and garlic. Brush the bread slices with this mixture and place them on a baking sheet. Set aside.

3. In another small bowl, stir together the tomatoes and basil and season with salt and pepper. Taste, and adjust seasoning, if needed.

4. Place the bread under the broiler for 1 minute until crisp and lightly toasted. Remove from the oven, spoon 1 tablespoon of the tomato mixture on top of each piece. Slice, and serve.

Bruschetta is extremely versatile—and extremely delicious! This version is a simple way to use all the extra tomatoes from your garden during summer. You can make caprese bruschetta by adding fresh mozzarella to this recipe or, for different Mediterranean flavors, combine labneh and mint or diced strawberries and feta.

Here I’ve taken the standard approach of topping the bread before serving, but my favorite way to serve bruschetta is to spoon the tomato mixture into a bowl and place the garlic bread around it.

30 MINUTES OR LESS • NUT FREE • VEGAN

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES • COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES • SERVES 4

PER SERVING: CALORIES: 206; TOTAL FAT: 8G; SATURATED FAT: 1G; CARBOHYDRATES: 28G; FIBER: 2G; PROTEIN: 6G; SODIUM: 313MG

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, mashed
  • 1/2 baguette, cut into 12 slices
  • 3 small ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper

Recently published: Oddball by Sarah Andersen

#Oddball #NetGalley

Out just in time for holiday shopping is this new Sarah Scribbles collection. If you know someone who loves cats and has a unique sense of humor, this could make the perfect gift (even for you!).

Oddball seems like the right title for this book. The humor is unique and reflects what it feels like to not always belong or be comfortable in one’s skin. The comics center on someone who is an introvert and show how hard this can be in an extroverted world.

Fans of this cartoonist, along with some others, will surely welcome this collection.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

From whom did it come: The Whisper in the Gloom by Nicholas Blake

#TheWhisperInTheGloom #NetGalley

This is another of the recently reissued Nigel Strangeways mysteries written under the nom de plume Nicholas Blake. Blake was really poet Cecil Day Lewis.

This time there is a lot going on for both Nigel and a group of boys who happen to be at a boat pond in Kensington Gardens. What follows is a rather convoluted tale of adventure and spies.

This title will be most enjoyed by fans of Blake and those who like mysteries from the 1950s.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

How and why was he: The Man Who Died Twice

by Richard Osman

#TheManWhoDiedTwice #NetGalley

Fans or Richard Osman’s first novel, The Thursday Murder Club, will undoubtedly be most eager to read The Man Who Died Twice. This new novel contains what have quickly become the trademarks of the author’s work. There are the four quirky and individual protagonists (Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron), some complex situations, adventure, and a mixture of humor and excellent plotting. No need to say more except that, among other things, there are diamonds and murder. Just know that the ingredients are here for a perfect escapist read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A classic for a reason: Winnie-the-Pooh

by A. A. Milne

Narrated by Joel Froomkin

pub date: 04 Jan 22 #WinniethePooh #NetGalley

The Pooh stories are deservedly children’s classics. The tales are engaging with characters that come to vivid life. There is a reasoning in the stories that echoes that of young children and that delights adults as well.

This is a wonderfully narrated version of Winnie the Pooh, from the origin of his name and right on through. The reader has an engaging style and draws listeners in. Highly recommended for old and young, maybe for a time when you are on some form of transportation and could use a gentle listen.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this listen. All opinions are my own.

Coincidentally, I met up with Pooh and Co. last week!