Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

The author of this cookbook has a compelling story about how she came to veganism. She shares that she grew up in Florida in a home where meals generally came out of packets of some sort. She had little in the way of fresh ingredients come her way. Now, a mom of two, Moreno has embraced seasonal, plant based food, the subject of this beautifully photographed cookbook.

The book is organized by season with the author enjoying the colors and flavors of locally produced ingredients. Fall recipes include Crispy Pumpkin Spiced Chickpeas, Butternut Squash and Apple Soup, and a Sweet Miso Tahini Macro Bowl…and then, let’s not forget the Pumpkin Stuffed Mac and Cheese. There are similarly appealing recipes for the other three seasons.

The directions are clear and precise. This book will especially be welcomed by vegans but everyone can find something healthy and appealing to eat within these pages.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Who doesn’t love chocolate?  If you do and you would  like to make chocolate creations at home, this book is for you!  The author has such wide ranging knowledge and she generously shares it in this book.  There are many excellent recipes, information about tools and techniques, troubleshooting sections, information about the different kinds of chocolate and more.  Looking at this book made me want to get to work.  It also made me aware that learning to make great treats with chocolate may take some time and patience.

I highly recommend this book and hope, that if you make something in it, you will let us bloggers know how it was!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

SAMPLE RECIPE: Chocolate-Dipped Chocolate Creamsicles

What makes a creamy chocolate ice pop even better than the near-perfect frozen summer treat that it already is? Coating it in a thin, crackly layer of chocolate!

1. Chop 4 ounces of bittersweet chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl. Heat the milk and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. When the milk mixture boils, pour it immediately over the chopped chocolate. Wait one full minute, then whisk the chocolate mixture until it is smooth. Whisk in the heavy cream.

2. Pour the warm chocolate mixture into ice pop molds. Insert an ice pop stick and freeze.

3. Melt 8 ounces of bittersweet chocolate and the coconut oil

together using the Double Boiler Method. Pour the sauce into a tall container that is just wide enough to accommodate an ice pop

4. Line the half sheet pan with parchment paper and place the pan in the freezer. Release the ice pops from the molds. Holding an ice pop upside down by the stick, lower it into the container of chocolate sauce. Once the entire ice pop is immersed, pull it out, let the excess sauce drip off it for a few seconds, then place it on the half sheet pan in the freezer. Repeat this step with each ice pop.

#ChocolateforBeginners #NetGalley

I reviewed The Guest Book (see blog) and liked it.  Before I Go to Sleep was a good thriller.  Betty Smith presents a classic.  If you miss Agatha Christie, you might like The Monogram Murders, though the original AC is better.  Linda Castillo writes a fairly hardboiled series in an Amish community; not cozy.

Hope you see something tht interests you here.

Grow Kind is another title published in conjunction with the American Psychological Association. These books address issues and subjects that will lead to positive growth for children.

In this title, that is colorfully and very cheerfully illustrated, a young girl learns about being kind to others. This is shown is several ways; there is allowing her older sister to sleep late, picking the bounty from a garden and sharing it with neighbors and classmates. The protagonist also gives food to someone who is standing by the road and is hungry.

As always, the story is followed by sections for adults that further enhance the lesson of the story and that help those who interact with children to understand their needs. I found this title to be another good entry in a good series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest

review.

 

#MindfulThoughtsforMothers #NetGalley

Of all people, parents may benefit from practicing mindfulness (if only they can make the time). There are so many stresses and challenges that come with being a mom that stepping back for a moment can be incredibly helpful. This book aims to help with that. Some of the topics covered include love, the first few months, mothering together, tantrums, impermanence, the daily grind, challenges and acceptance, gratitude, , teenagers and the journey onwards, among others. This book offers gentle advice to mothers. Maybe this title will help you or a mom that you know.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

 

See archive for reviews of Queen Bee and The Best of Us.  Hope there is something here that you may enjoy.

This is a cute board book for toddlers about a person who is so important, mommy. What does she do all day? Lift the flaps to find out. Sometimes the answer will be a bit whimsical as when mommy has lots of laundry to do. With bright and appealing illustrations, this title should be enjoyed by the youngest book lovers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#WhatisMommyGoingtoDo #NetGalley

 

Tove wrote letters, lots of letters.  They were to family, friends, readers and more.  Of these the editors include 160  written between 1932 and 1988.  Each section of the book begins with an introduction that helps to place the letters in context.  For example, in letters to family, it is noted that Tove left Helsinki to study in Stockholm and also spent time in Paris and Italy.  The book includes photographs of Tove and those to whom she wrote.  There are also drawings, as for instance, a map of a Paris neighborhood, an outfit that Tove wore or some of her art.

This book will be welcomed by fans of the Moomin series who would like to know the author better.  It will also appeal to anyone who enjoys the insights to be found in the letters that people write.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Some excellent choices if you have time to read after all of your shopping.

Dear Blog Readers,

Thanks so much for spending time with me this year.  I hope that  you have found some good books as a result.  I am looking forward to next year and lots more excellent reads.  Wishing each of you the very best in 2020.

Warmly,

Joyce