The Ultimate Guide to Perserving & Canning

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Whether you are a gardener, a fan of farmers’ markets, or just someone who likes to browse the bountiful produce at the supermarket, canning and preserving are easy, fun, and affordable ways to enjoy fresh-grown foods all year long. This book provides all the information you need to know to get started today, including basic steps to canning foods safely and easily; recipes for preserving everything from tomatoes and jams to soups, sauces, and other hearty meals; and tips on how to find the freshest local produce. Clear, easy-to-follow instructions with color photographs make this a must-have book.

The recipes include lots of preparations, both savory and sweet, and they range from blue-ribbon classics like dilly beans, sweet gherkins, applesauce, strawberry jam, and sauerkraut to new creations like Lavender Apple Butter, Raspberry-Rhubarb Sauce, Green Tomato Chutney, and Hibiscus Lime Jelly. A special chapter introduces readers to jam- and jelly-making using Pomona’s pectin, which requires little to no added sugar—thereby letting the natural sweetness of the fruit shine through beautifully.

This comprehensive book teaches beginners how to get started and gives seasoned veterans new techniques and recipes to try.

My thoughts-

Not too long ago, a good friend taught me how to can fruit preserves. It was definitely hard work but I am still enjoying the fruits of that labor a few months later which makes it well worth it. I have always been intimidated to can because I am afraid I will mess something up and get everyone sick, but after canning with my friend and seeing step by step how it works, I am ready to try more canning recipes! I love that The Ultimate Guide to Preserving & Canning gives you lots of tips at the beginning for successful canning. I also thought that many of the recipes got a modern update which is nice since I like to try new things. There are also traditional recipes which I definitely want to try as well. I thought there was a nice variety of recipes to try and I can not wait to get into my kitchen and give them a go! I recommend this book to anyone looking to start canning or someone who already has mastered the art but wants some updated recipes. 

Epic Air Fryer Cookbook by Emily Paster

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

The Epic Air Fryer Cookbook serves up everything you love about air frying in 100 easy everyday recipes that turn out scrumptiously crispy, family-friendly meals.

With your air fryer, you can enjoy cooking and eating delicious fried foods guilt-free—because air-frying recipes use little or no oil. And, as author Emily Paster reveals, your air fryer can cook all kinds of dishes beyond fried foods.

Turn your air fryer into the most versatile and oft-used appliance in your kitchen arsenal with:Globally inspired recipes, from fritters and fritattas to shakshuka and falafel, plus Teriyaki Glazed Ribs, Sicilian Stuffed Peppers, General Tso’s Chicken, and lots more homey and robust fried foods, like spring rolls, buttermilk fried chicken, and country-fried steak Breakfasts and brunches, appetizers, snacks, and party food. Desserts, such as Apple Turnovers, Caramelized Peach Shortcakes, Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce, and Lemon-Lavender Doughnuts.

All the recipes in The Epic Air Fryer Cookbook use easy-to-find ingredients and feature short prep times and fast cook times. For air-frying rookies, there are ample tips for getting started with your air fryer and for using and maintaining it—no matter what make or model you own—as you enjoy cooking with it in the years to come.

Cooking with your air fryer has never been more healthy, more fun...or more epic!

My thoughts-

I got an air fryer a few months ago because I have heard such good things about them and so far I love mine! I have a couple of air fryer specific cookbooks and they have been good but pretty similar in nature so far. Epic Air Fryer breaks the mold from just southern based "fried" foods (fried pickles, fried chicken, ect) and adds fun food from around the world like falafel, eggrolls and samosas. I can't wait to try out these recipes and see how the compare to their less healthy, deep fried counterparts. A cookbook of delicious food from around the world without the saturated fat or guilt is exactly the kind of cookbook I want on my book shelf!

Kicking Financial Ass by Paul Christopher Dumont

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Why wait until 65 to retire when you can start doing what you really want when you are in the prime of your life? Whether your dream is to start your own business, volunteer, or work less, Chris Dumont provides a blueprint to early retirement and the best advice on the stock market to gain control of your finances today.

My thoughts-

Our generation (millenials and xennials) really needs all of the financial advice we can get. With student loan debt on the rise and more people heading to college than ever, we find ourselves in debt right from the beginning of adulthood. Kicking Financial Ass maps out a great plan to not only overcome debt but to retire early and comfortably. It is divided into several small sections and written in an easy to understand way. I definitely think that anyone looking to get out of debt and secure their financial future should read this book. 

If you want even further help with sorting out your finances, check out Chris Dumont's website Money Sensei

Judy Joo's Korean Soul Food by Judy Joo

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Fresh from the success of Korean Food Made Simple, chef Judy Joo is back with a brand new collection of recipes that celebrate the joys of Korean comfort food and get straight to the heart and soul of the kitchen.

Drawing on her own heritage and international experience, Judy presents recipes that appeal to everyone, from street food to snacks and sharing plates, kimchi to Ko-Mex fusion food, and dumplings to desserts. Through clear, easy-to-understand recipes and gorgeous photography, Judy will help you master the basics before putting her signature fun, unexpected twist on the classics, including Philly Cheesesteak dumplings and a full English breakfast–inspired Bibimbap bowl.

My thoughts-

My husband and I love food. One of our favorite date night activities is trying out new restaurants. 9 times out of 10 when we are going out with our group of close friends though, we are likely headed to grab our group favorite- Korean BBQ. I would love to be able to make some of those amazing flavors at home. Judy Joo's Korean Soul Food is an excellent book with all of the foods you would expect in a Korean cookbook like bibimbap, kimchi, and bulgogi, but I was also surprised to find some interesting chapters that I didn't expect. There is an entire section devoted to Korean/Mexican fusion which I didn't even know was a thing but that I am so here for. The desserts were also varied and interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cooking and learning about different cultures.

Food: What the Heck Should I Cook by Mark Hyman

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

The companion cookbook to Dr. Hyman's New York Times bestselling Food: What the Heck Should I Eat?, featuring more than 100 delicious and nutritious recipes for weight loss and lifelong health.
Dr. Mark Hyman's Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? revolutionized the way we view food, busting long-held nutritional myths that have sabotaged our health and kept us away from delicious foods that are actually good for us. Now, in this companion cookbook, Dr. Hyman shares more than 100 delicious recipes to help you create a balanced diet for weight loss, longevity, and optimum health. Food is medicine, and medicine never tasted or felt so good.
The recipes in Food: What the Heck Should I Cook? highlight the benefits of good fats, fresh veggies, nuts, legumes, and responsibly harvested ingredients of all kinds. Whether you follow a vegan, Paleo, Pegan, grain-free, or dairy-free diet, you'll find dozens of mouthwatering dishes, including:Mussels and Fennel in White Wine BrothGolden Cauliflower Caesar SaladHerbed Mini-Meatballs with Butternut NoodlesLemon Berry Rose Cream Cakeand many more With creative options and ideas for lifestyles and budgets of all kinds, Food: What the Heck Should I Cook? is a road map to a satisfying diet of real food that will keep you and your family fit, healthy, and happy for life.

My thoughts-

I have been a long time fan of Dr. Hyman's. He has great advice and isn't afraid to stray away from the "norm" and tell you the truth. I trust the advice he gives. This book is about navigating all of the "advice" we get from all different directions about what exactly it is we should be eating. The beginning that explains what we should and shouldn't be eating, as well as cooking techniques and important things to eat to fuel our bodies is not new to me, but will be very helpful to someone looking to get healthier. I reached for this book for the recipes at the end and they didn't disappoint. There were tons of delicious recipes that I can't wait to cook. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to start eating healthier.

Great and the Giants by Zoe Tucker

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Greta is a little girl who lives in a beautiful forest threatened by Giants. When the Giants first came to the forest, they chopped down trees to make houses. Then they chopped down more trees and made even bigger homes. The houses grew into towns and the towns grew into cities, until now there is hardly any forest left. Greta knows she has to help the animals who live in the forest, but how? Luckily, Greta has an idea…
 
A section at the back explains that, in reality, the fight against the “giants” isn’t over and explains how you can help Greta in her fight. 

This book has been printed sustainably in the US on 100% recycled paper. By buying a copy of this book, you are making a donation of 3% of the cover price to 350.org. 

My thoughts-

I love books like these for kids. It is an engaging picture book with gorgeous illustrations, but with a message for positive action. Greta and the Giants lets kids know that it only takes one person to start a movement, to make a difference. I love that they included information about Greta Thunberg and her fight to end climate change at the end of the book. It gives kids the hope and confidence that if another kid could make some kind of change, that they can too. I also love that a portion of the sale of each book will go to help fight climate change via 350.org, yet another great lesson for kids in giving back. Well done! 

A Serial Killer's Daughter by Kerri Rawson

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

 In 2005, Kerri Rawson heard a knock on the door of her apartment. When she opened it, an FBI agent informed her that her father had been arrested for murdering ten people, including two children. It was then that she learned her father was the notorious serial killer known as BTK, a name he’d given himself that described the horrific way he committed his crimes: bind, torture, kill. As news of his capture spread, Wichitacelebrated the end of a thirty-one-year nightmare.

 For Kerri Rawson, another was just beginning. She was plunged into a black hole of horror and disbelief. The same man who had been a loving father, a devoted husband, church president, Boy Scout leader, and a public servant had been using their family as a cover for his heinous crimes since before she was born. Everything she had believed about her life had been a lie.

Written with candor and extraordinary courage, A Serial Killer’s Daughter is an unflinching exploration of life with one of America’s most infamous killers and an astonishing tale of personal and spiritual transformation. For all who suffer from unhealed wounds or the crippling effects of violence, betrayal, and anger, Kerri Rawson’s story offers the hope of reclaiming sanity in the midst of madness, rebuilding a life in the shadow of death, and learning to forgive the unforgivable.

My thoughts-

I have read a lot of the reviews for this book on Goodreads and some of them irritated me to no end. People were upset that Kerri mentioned her faith throughout the book, they were upset that Kerri wasn't upset enough at her father, the judged her for her reactions. They accused her of not supplying enough information about her father (the book is about being a serial killer's daughter, not providing new insight into the father's crimes...although she DOES include countless letters between her dad and her throughout the book). All I could think as I read these things were how can anyone possible judge this woman? Her father's a serial killer. Not her. People accused her of having a victim mentality. Uh, YEAH! SHE SHOULD! SHE IS A VICTIM. An innocent bystander to her father's heinous crimes. Anyway, I just want to say if you base your book selections on Goodreads reviews, please consider ignoring them on this one and reading it yourself to form your own opinion. I think it is brave of Mrs. Rawson to even make herself known and to tell her story because I am sure she knew she would be ridiculued in these ways. The first half of the book was pretty mundane, but I am fairly certain that was the point. Kerri Rawson was highlighting the fact that for her family, not knowing what her dad was up to in his secret double life, were a normal, average family (as far as they knew). Nothing seemed out of place. The second half of the book focuses on Dennis Rader's arrest and subsequent confessions, and that's when the letters are shared, and Mrs. Rawson shares how she felt and what her family went through as they were blindsided by this side of a man they have known and loved their whole lives. It was an interesting read. I recommend it to anyone who likes to read about true crime or memoirs, but I urge you to do so with empathy and compassion for this woman who didn't ask for any of this. 

Full Circle: From Hollywood to Real Life and Back Again by Andrea Barber

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

When Kimmy Gibbler burst into the Tanners’ home on Full House in 1987, audiences immediately connected with the confident and quirky pre-teen character, played by ten-year-old actress Andrea Barber. During an eight-season run on one of the most popular series of the ‘80s and ‘90s, Andrea came of age in front of millions. But she was as far removed from her character as a girl can get. The introverted young star was plagued with self-doubt, insecurities, and debilitating anxieties that left her questioning her identity after the show’s cancelation. Andrea wouldn’t return to the public eye until 2016, for Fuller House. So what happened in those intervening decades that Andrea jokingly calls “the lost years”?

For starters, Andrea never stopped working. But it was on a series of life-changing transitions: earning a college degree, then a Master’s, building a career in international education, getting married, and starting a family. She also faced some unforeseeable transitions: navigating a sudden divorce after nearly twelve years of marriage, and second-guessing her capabilities as a single mother. But it was her devastating bout with post-partum anxiety and depression that derailed Andrea’s life—and became a crucial turning point.
 
Full Circle is a raw, refreshingly honest look into the life of a celebrity who has never been fully comfortable in the spotlight. Here Andrea shares her deeply personal struggles with mental health in a way she has never done before. She opens up about fighting her way back and finding solace—while finding herself—all before her life came full circle with her costars and lifelong friends on Fuller House. Sharing her journey from child star, to champion of mental health, and back to stardom, Andrea writes in a way that feels like catching up with an old friend.
 
You’ll laugh, reminisce, and finally get to know the woman behind the zany next door neighbor.

My thoughts-

I grew up watching Full House like most other kids that grew up in the 90's. I was super excited to hear about the reboot and was pleasantly shocked when it turned out to be a great show with the same vibes as the original but at the same time able to be current. I always loved all of the characters, but found that as a kid I most related to Stephanie, probably because we are closest in age. As an adult, I relate more to D.J., but kind of wish I could be more like Kimmy Gibbler, who is who she is and doesn't care what anyone else thinks about it. I always knew that Andrea Barber, who played Kimmy, quit acting after the original Full House, so I was shocked to see just how awesome she still was at playing this character all of these years later. Full Circle is a memoir by Barber, that tells us about doing just that from her years on Full House, to the things that happened in between, and then back to Fuller House. She is very candid about her struggles with mental health, which I could 100% relate to, and her life in general. It was interesting to hear about how normal her life has been, and how "normal" she is now even back in the holiday spotlight. Full Circle is a great read for any fan of Full House or Fuller House. 

Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Can guys and girls ever be just friends? According to Audrey Tate and Clarke West, absolutely. After all, they’ve been best friends since childhood without a single romantic entanglement. Clarke is the charming playboy Audrey can always count on, and he knows that the ever-loyal Audrey will never not play along with his strategy for dodging his matchmaking mother—announcing he’s already engaged…to Audrey.

But what starts out as a playful game between two best friends turns into something infinitely more complicated, as just-for-show kisses begin to stir up forbidden feelings. As the faux wedding date looms closer, Audrey and Clarke realize that they can never go back to the way things were, but deep down, do they really want to?

My thoughts-

I have to admit, I had never heard of Lauren Layne prior to coming across this book on Netgalley let alone read the other books in this series, but the cover was adorable- maybe the cutest cover I have ever seen- and I was going through NYC withdrawals (which normally starts around October) so I knew I had to read it. I absolutely loved the cute best friends story going on here although it was a little crazy how they just didn't talk to each other about how they feel but it did make for some great tension in the story and I loved watching it unfold. I enjoyed the dynamic between Audrey and Clarke (and love is sweet nickname for her- Dree) and it aboslutely makes me want to go back and read the other books in the series not only to see their relationship even more but to learn about her friends' relationships as well! I recommend this book to anyone wo loves a good romance!

Jane Anonymous by Laurie Faria Stolarz

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Seven months.

That’s how long I was kept captive.

Locked in a room with a bed, refrigerator, and adjoining bathroom, I was instructed to eat, bathe, and behave. I received meals, laundered clothes, and toiletries through a cat door, never knowing if it was day or night. The last time I saw the face of my abductor was when he dragged me fighting from the trunk of his car. And when I finally escaped, I prayed I’d never see him again.

Now that I’m home, my parents and friends want everything to be like it was before I left. But they don’t understand that dining out and shopping trips can’t heal what’s broken inside me. I barely leave my bedroom. Therapists are clueless and condescending. So I start my own form of therapy—but writing about my experience awakens uncomfortable memories, ones that should’ve stayed buried. How far will I have to go to uncover the truth of what happened—and will it break me forever?

My thoughts-

Jane Anonymous was a difficult read. Don't get me wrong, it was an excellent book, well written and executed, but the subject matter was intense. We meet Jane "after" her captivity and learn about what she went through in flashbacks. It was a page turner I couldn't put down and the back and forth of "then" and "now" entries added some wonderful elements of suspense. This is the kind of book I would recommend to my book club because it is the type of story that demands discussion. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys suspense or young adult books, and to book club groups. 

The Dirty, Lazy, Keto by Stephanie Laska; William Laska

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

You don’t have to be perfect to be successful at weight loss—now you can bend the rules and still lose the weight. If your version of the keto diet includes a Diet Coke, low-carb beer, or the occasional chocolate-covered protein bar, The DIRTY, LAZY, KETO Cookbook is your roadmap for results. Bestselling author Stephanie Laska explains her flexible, honest, and real-world approach to losing weight with the keto diet and inspires you to cook your way to weight loss, maintenance, and beyond whether you’re a beginner or experienced keto veteran.

Including 100 recipes that are under 10 net carbs per serving, The DIRTY, LAZY, KETO Cookbook presents affordable, traditional, and most importantly recognizable recipes to guide you on your weight loss journey. All of the ingredients can be found at discount grocery stores—nothing fancy here! Within these relatable and unique recipes there are meals for picky eaters, fancier meals for guests, and some that are vegetarian “ish” (don’t contain meat, but may contain dairy or eggs). And with simple, stress-free instructions that require no cooking experience, there’s no excuse not to cook.

The DIRTY, LAZY, KETO Cookbook empowers you to keto your own way. The recipes in this judgement-free cookbook support you on your unique path to realistic and sustainable weight loss, not perfection. 

My thoughts-

I am all for cookbooks like these! A strict ketogenic definitely the way to go if you have a health issue you are trying to tackle, but if you are looking to lose weight like so many other people, and such restriction causes you to fail or not ever start the low carb way of eating then Dirty, Lazy, Keto might be for you. I love that the author has personal experience to share with us and so many tasty recipes to include. The only thing that rocked my boat (and she mentioned before speaking of it that it would be controversial) is her nonchalant attitude about chemical sweeteners. Is she trading one bad thing for another? I say yes. Those fake sugars mess with your brain chemistry and I feel like there is no reason to use them when we have access to plant based sweeteners like stevia. To each their own, I suppose, but PLEASE  do your research on chemical sweeteners before putting that garbage into your body. I digress, the rest of the book was phenomenal and I think that taking the pressure off of being perfect can really go a long way in helping someone get into the groove of things as they try to get healthier. I recommend this book to anyone trying to lose weight or who just likes the low carb lifestyle. 

Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn't always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, "Where's the snow?" Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista's Christmas spirit before the big day?

My thoughts- 

If I were ever to write a book (hopefully someday I will work up the courage to get my ideas from brain to paper!), it would be something very similar to this. I love books set in small, close knit towns that feel magical and story book like. Bonus points if it reminds me of my favorite story book like tv shows Gilmore Girls and Hart of Dixie. There is just something I love about these small town stories. I also am a total sucker for a great Christmas time romance so Christmas in Winter Hill hit me in the feels. I loved the writing style of Melody Carslon and that I was invested in the story and Krista's life from the beginning. I would have loved more time during the Christmasville festivities, but I absolutely loved hearing about the Christmas House and the contest to win it. It was an interesting take on a holiday book and I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet (and very innocent) romance or loves books set during Christmas.