“Bake Believe” by Cori Cooper tells the story of Cat, a young eighth grader who discovers the joys…and perils…of baking. She and her cousin Robyn lear“Bake Believe” by Cori Cooper tells the story of Cat, a young eighth grader who discovers the joys…and perils…of baking. She and her cousin Robyn learn family secrets that may not only change their relationships with their respective mothers but may have profound effects on their peers as well.
This charming young-adult fantasy story provides a new twist on the challenges of being a young teen. Although Cat has a close-knit family, she discovers that there’s a sobering reason for her mother’s eccentricities and that an amazing ability comes with significant consequences.
When I started reading, I was a little concerned by the sheer enthusiasm bubbling over as Cat faced the last day of summer, worried about looking good at the pool, and met a new boy. The wacky commentary she provides reminded me that it had been a very long time since I was her age, and I wondered if I could stand to continue to read the story, but I became drawn in as the events progressed. I had to laugh at the dramatics of worrying about the tardy bell and the fear of having to enter a classroom late, and the frantic search for a class that didn’t exist.
I love the family connections and closeness, and the descriptions of the various desserts that Cat prepares. Each chapter is titled with a different dish and the recipes make me think that even I can prepare these items, lol. There are cute tips in the recipes that make them fun to read even as they encourage anyone to try them, although they do assume that everyone has a stand mixer. The story gets more and more wacky, and although some things are resolved, there are definite indications that a sequel should be in the works.
I think this is a fun story for young adults and for budding cooks and I’m definitely in the mood for dessert!
A copy of this title was provided for review ...more
“Cooking for Ghosts” by Patricia V. Davis is the first book in the ‘Secret Spice Café’ series, and features a quartet of women who have parl4.25 stars
“Cooking for Ghosts” by Patricia V. Davis is the first book in the ‘Secret Spice Café’ series, and features a quartet of women who have parlayed an Internet friendship into a business venture on the famed Queen Mary steamship. The women have gathered to make their dreams a reality, but between their secrets and the secrets the popular attraction holds, the new restaurant may never launch.
This mystery story blends fascinating historical facts with challenging contemporary and cultural details in an intriguing story. Multiple points of view shift back and forth, so one has to pay attention to whose perception is being used, but once I got used to that, I enjoyed the way the story unfolded. The combination of multiculturalism and tidbits from the past mixed with the mysticism that personifies “Mary” herself, plus the various spirits who have their own significant contributions makes this a compelling story that grabs one’s attention and heightens curiosity for how various conundrums are going to be solved.
I’m a pretty squeamish person and not fond of horror or ghost stories, but I definitely enjoyed this story and I am curious about the other books in the series. I think that what fascinated me the most was the way past tragedies were touched upon using vivid descriptions that brought them to life while present-day challenges were made relevant, even to one who doesn’t understand how a different culture could be so misogynistic. There are multiple threads to follow, and lovely romances, plus the enigmatic ship herself as an active character, and I enjoyed the lighter moments that leavened some of the drama (fencing against attacking cookware!). Those with triggers should be warned that there are some heartwrenching scenarios touched upon that involve violence against women, but they are sensitively portrayed.
I also feel that a great facet of this book is the way women in all of stages of life are portrayed, including the obstacles that have to be overcome, the difficulties of being a single mother, the hassles of co-owning a business with three other opinionated women, and the euphoria and heartache of being a small-business owner. That the setting is a beloved local landmark is a wonderful bonus, and almost makes me want to book a room there…one of these days!
“Freestyle Cookbook 2018: Irresistible, Healthy, and Easy Recipes for Weight Loss and Improved Health by Janet Cole is an excellent resource 4.5 stars
“Freestyle Cookbook 2018: Irresistible, Healthy, and Easy Recipes for Weight Loss and Improved Health by Janet Cole is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to eat healthier yet doesn’t want to be encumbered by a long complex recipe. It is nicely divided into food types…breakfast, main course, soups, sides or snacks, and desserts. The main course dishes are divided into types of meat, with several types of dishes provided for each meat. I am familiar with the point system that Weight Watchers uses and I am aware of the adjustments that were made at the beginning of the year but I like the way this author explained everything, including the origin of Weight Watchers, clearly and concisely.
I have not actually tried any of the recipes but I like the way everything is clearly laid out with a minimum of ingredients, suggestions for how to serve the dish (e.g. with vegetables or a particular brand of rice), prep time, cooking time, and Freestyle point value as well as the breakdown of calories, carbs, protein, fat, and fiber.
This cookbook will provide both inspiration and guidance to anyone who is trying to watch their calorie intake and eat healthier and I think it will be an excellent resource for those who like minimal effort and fuss in preparing a healthy meal.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review ...more
“Dos Caminos Mexican Street Food: 120 Authentic Recipes to Make at Home” by Ivy Stark with Joanna Pruess is a cookbook filled with recipes, a4.5 stars
“Dos Caminos Mexican Street Food: 120 Authentic Recipes to Make at Home” by Ivy Stark with Joanna Pruess is a cookbook filled with recipes, anecdotes, and pictures of various dishes based on adaptations of street food of Mexico. Apparently, most of these dishes were/are served at the Dos Caminos restaurants and some of the pictures show the prepared item. There are some directions that aren’t as clear to me, which I think may be presuming more culinary skill than I have, and there are pretty exotic ingredients for some of the dishes. Some of the step-by-step pictures are a little too small for my tastes but it was definitely interesting to read the descriptions of the various cultures and foods of Mexico and their influence on the dishes. It was mind-boggling to see pictures of the piles of dried chiles or the lists of fruits and a delicious guided tour through fascinating dishes ranging from breakfast through dessert, in addition to exotic drinks that can be made from a minimal number of ingredients.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review, a version of which was submitted to Night Owl Reviews....more