Moosewood Cookbook, 40th Anniversary Edition

The Moosewood Cookbook" has inspired generations to cook simple, healthy, and seasonal food. A classic listed as one of the top ten best-selling cookbooks of all time by the "Ne"w "York Times," this 40th anniversary edition of Mollie Katzen's seminal book will be a treasured addition to the cookbook libraries of fans young and old.
In 1974, Mollie Katzen hand-wrote, illustrated, and locally published a spiral-bound notebook of recipes for vegetarian dishes inspired by those she and fellow cooks served at their small restaurant co-op in Ithaca, NY. Several iterations and millions of copies later, the" Moosewood Cookbook" has become one of the most influential and beloved cookbooks of all time--listed by the "New York Times" as one of the best-selling cookbooks in history, inducted into the James Beard Award Cookbook Hall of Fame, and coined a Cookbook Classic by the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Mollie's" Moosewood Cookbook" has inspired generations to fall in love with plant-based home cooking, and, on the fortieth anniversary of that initial booklet, continues to be a seminal, timely, and wholly personal work. With a new introduction by Mollie, this commemorative edition will be a cornerstone for any cookbook collection that long-time fans and those just discovering "Moosewood "will treasure.

My thoughts: I have a box of soup recipes from Moosewood that my Aunt sent me when I was newly married. It was the first time I had heard of Moosewood, so I didn't have an opinion on how the recipes should be based on anything other than the fact that I trust my Aunt when it comes to baking, cooking, and all things food related (among other things. lol.). I wasn't disappointed!
So, when the opportunity to review this cookbook for Blogging for books came up, I was more than happy to do so! I love the recipes and the fun ideas they give one on using fresh produce and cooking tasty meatless meals. Though, you don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy the recipes, since I'm not.;)
I also love the drawings that accompany each of the recipes.
I feel like this cookbook is especially nice for aspiring gardeners who have excess vegetables and need different ideas on how to cook them up. I know that I have already enjoyed making a curried butternut squash, since it is different from what I normally cook. We loved it! 

I also made her chili recipe, with some changes (I didn't have all the ingredients) and it was lovely too. I feel like this cookbook is just what I needed to get me out of my cooking slump.;)
I received a copy of this from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Love Without End

Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?

Chet Leonard’s life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King’s Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.

When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King’s Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end.

My thoughts: I love that this book takes readers back to King's Meadow! Fans will recognize Chet from the first book and cheer him on as he seeks to find love after heartbreak.
My favorite part about the story would have to be Anna. She is so much fun! Just the right amount of spunk, one of those adorable older ladies who wins everyone's hearts.;)
Even though Anna kind of stole the show for me, I thought that all the characters were well written, and I loved having their story unfold. I liked how Anna's story comes out too.
This is a wonderful tale of second chances.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Swept Away

Sara doesn’t think she wants love. But her grandmother has other plans.

Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her ailing, stubborn grandmother. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don’t always go as planned.

Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past—and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but his heart is as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane’s grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between Drew and his new employer’s granddaughter.

Still, it doesn’t take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn’t what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts researching him online. What she discovers could change her life—and her heart—forever.g

My thoughts: I had high hopes for this book, since it looked like a fun story. While I did enjoy several of the characters and the historical aspect of the quilt, I have to say that Sara Jane bugged me. As the story goes on, you kind of figure out why she is the way that she is, but I still was a bit put off by how shallow she was about looks in the beginning.
Other than that, the rest of the story is good. It is a wonderful quilting story about ballad quilts! It also is a great story of not judging a book by it`'s cover, since there winds up being more to Drew and Sara Jane as the story goes on.
While this isn't my favorite in the series, I would still recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my review.

Destiny Defied

A dramatic shipwreck emancipates Riki Hammad, but the island where she finds refuge is compromised. Unless she finds a power truly great enough to defeat her dark past, she will choose death over returning to captivity. Lord Vétis, high priest of a cultic underground, will stop at nothing to reclaim their chosen one. Using black magic, he manipulates Riki and her four self-assigned bodyguards, triggering a battle that consumes the entire island. The underground will never allow Riki to live out her dreams of a normal life…something she has never known.

My thoughts: This book wound up being different than I thought it would be, but not in a bad way! I thought that the story of Riki was an interesting, albeit sad, one. When she finds herself shipwrecked due to the sacrifice of the only one who has ever loved her, she must find her own way to battle the evil forces that have been such a big part of her formative years.
I loved the spiritual aspect of this book! And, for the most part, I enjoyed the characters. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and seeing how things play out! Though, I will say that this book wrapped up nicely and didn't totally leave one hanging. I would rather have a little bit of closure.;)
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

The Brother's Keeper

A friend’s deception. A family’s dilemma.

While cataloging looted antiquities in Brussels, archaeologist Grace Madison learns that her daughter has disappeared in France, and daughter-in-law has been attacked in Switzerland. But before the Madisons can save themselves, they must rescue an old friend—if he’ll let them. Navigating a deadly, four-thousand-year-old artifact trail that crosses three continents, they jeopardize hearts and lives against a foe as old as time—as time runs out.

Because choosing what’s right is all that’s left.

My thoughts: I looked forward to reading this book, since it sounded like quite a fun story! It is a good tale, though I would be remise if I didn't put in my review that I was a bit disappointment with some of the writing. At times, the author would go into lengthy descriptions that I felt detracted from the story. That said though, I still enjoyed the story and that it catches readers up on the Madison family. It's hard to talk a lot about this book without giving away the story. Suffice it to say, there is a lot going on and it is worth reading.
I thought that the story was interesting and look forward to the third installment!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

With thankful hearts

As I snuggle with my little girl before embracing the delightful craziness of Thanksgiving, I can't help but reflect on the blessings that God has given me. A loving husband, a beautiful daughter, wonderful family, an incredible church family, a roof over our heads (it's even a new one! lol), health, my MIL making it through surgery and radiation, and most of all, His grace.
I have a lot to be thankful for, yet I don always choose to focus on the blessings. So, I want this coming year to br different. I want to choose to focus on what I am thankful for, and challenge each of you to do the same.

Winter to be read list

I know, even though it may feel like Winter some days, doesn't mean that it is actually Winter. This one is early, with all the end of the year themes that Broke and Bookish is doing.
So, here is my Winter TBR list!
1. The Princess in the Opal Mask by Jenny Lundquist
I'm sure I have said it before, by I am a total sucker for fairy tale type stories. So, I can't wait to dive into this gorgeous book!

2. Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn
This story looks cute! It just arrived in the mail from Lit fuse, and I look forward to starting it.

3. Luminary by Krista McGee
I love this author! Her young adult stories are amazing! I can't believe that I am only just now getting around to reading this book...

4. Pawn by Aimee Carter
Has anyone else read this book? It looks like it could be fun. I just got it in from the library..

5. Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George
I like this author's stories, but I also feel just a tiny bit torn over them. I hope that this book will solidify her as a favorite author!

6. This is What you just put in your mouth? by Patrick Di Justo
I probably shouldn't read this one.... Call it morbid fascination with what the FDA allows in our food.

7. The Top Ten Most Outrageous Couples of the Bible by David Clarke
I figured I would include some non fiction on this list, since I do enjoy it.;)

8. Happy Habits for Every Couple by the Lipps
Another fun marriage book.

9. Persuasion, Captain Wentworth, and Cracklin' Cornbread by Mary Jane Hathaway
I really need to read this one, since Persuasion is my favorite out of Jane Austen's novels!

10. In the Fields of Grace by Tessa Afshar
Another favorite author that I can't believe I haven't read her latest book yet!

So, what is on your list?