Thursday, September 29, 2016

The Bread Baker's Apprentice


Co-founder of the legendary Brother Juniper’s Bakery, author of the landmark books Brother Juniper’s Bread Book and Crust & Crumb, and distinguished instructor at the world’s largest culinary academy, Peter Reinhart has been a leader in America’s artisanal bread movement for over fifteen years. Never one to be content with yesterday’s baking triumph, however, Peter continues to refine his recipes and techniques in his never-ending quest for extraordinary bread.

In The Bread Baker’s Apprentice, Peter shares his latest bread breakthroughs, arising from his study in several of France’s famed boulangeries and the always-enlightening time spent in the culinary academy kitchen with his students. Peer over Peter’s shoulder as he learns from Paris’s most esteemed bakers, like Lionel Poilâne and Phillippe Gosselin, whose pain à l’ancienne has revolutionized the art of baguette making. Then stand alongside his students in the kitchen as Peter teaches the classic twelve stages of building bread, his clear instructions accompanied by over 100 step-by-step photographs.

You’ll put newfound knowledge into practice with 50 new master formulas for such classic breads as rustic ciabatta, hearty pain de campagne, old-school New York bagels, and the book’s Holy Grail–Peter’s version of the famed pain à l’ancienne. En route, Peter distills hard science, advanced techniques, and food history into a remarkably accessible and engaging resource that is as rich and multitextured as
the loaves you’ll turn out. This is original food writing at its most captivating, teaching at its most inspired and inspiring–and the rewards are some of the best breads under the sun.Co-founder of the legendary Brother Juniper’s Bakery, author of the landmark books Brother Juniper’s Bread Book and Crust & Crumb, and distinguished instructor at the world’s largest culinary academy, Peter Reinhart has been a leader in America’s artisanal bread movement for over fifteen years. Never one to be content with yesterday’s baking triumph, however, Peter continues to refine his recipes and techniques in his never-ending quest for extraordinary bread.

In The Bread Baker’s Apprentice, Peter shares his latest bread breakthroughs, arising from his study in several of France’s famed boulangeries and the always-enlightening time spent in the culinary academy kitchen with his students. Peer over Peter’s shoulder as he learns from Paris’s most esteemed bakers, like Lionel Poilâne and Phillippe Gosselin, whose pain à l’ancienne has revolutionized the art of baguette making. Then stand alongside his students in the kitchen as Peter teaches the classic twelve stages of building bread, his clear instructions accompanied by over 100 step-by-step photographs.

You’ll put newfound knowledge into practice with 50 new master formulas for such classic breads as rustic ciabatta, hearty pain de campagne, old-school New York bagels, and the book’s Holy Grail–Peter’s version of the famed pain à l’ancienne. En route, Peter distills hard science, advanced techniques, and food history into a remarkably accessible and engaging resource that is as rich and multitextured as
the loaves you’ll turn out. This is original food writing at its most captivating, teaching at its most inspired and inspiring–and the rewards are some of the best breads under the sun.

My thoughts: I worked for a bakery for over a decade and LOVED it, but we didn't make a lot of these breads, so I was thrilled to get this book to review. The book is full of wonderful information to help the average Joe master some gorgeous, tasty breads. I always wanted to make more rustic breads (more than just sandwich breads), so this book was just perfect for me! If you are looking to learn how to bake bread or want to know how to make a wider variety of breads, then this is a perfect book for you! It makes an excellent addition to any cookbook collection.
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Two Children's books by Catherine Christensen


We love books at our house, so my daughter was thrilled for me to review something that is geared towards her age group.;) I love these two books! Blessing the Nephite Children is an adorable board book that shows how much Jesus loves little children and how He blessed them. It was a hit! I love to see her sit and try to "read" the book to herself or her brother. It has such an important message for kids!
The Holy Ghost; Discovering Your Extraordinary New Gift is a fun book of activities geared towards children who are about to be baptized or who have just been baptized. I love the variety, there are color pages, places to write personal testimonies, and fun games. This one is a little over her comprehension, as a toddler, but I think that it will be fun to start working on some of the pages, even if it takes a while for her to fully comprehend. It's amazing what kids pick up on.;)
Both of these books are excellent for young children! I highly recommend the board book for baby showers and toddlers! The activity book is excellent for elementary age.
I received these two books from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Total Family Makeover


Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it. —Proverbs 22:6

God calls us as parents to be key disciple-makers in our children’s lives, but if we’re honest, some days it’s a battle just to get them dressed and ready for school on time. How can you mold their hearts when sometimes you can’t even find their shoes?

In Total Family Makeover, author Melissa Spoelstra gives parents a way—a sort of spiritual track to run on—when it comes to building family discipleship. She focuses on eight key habits of growth:

—Spending Time in Prayer
—Reading God’s Word
—Growing Through a Mentoring Relationship
—Finding Community in the Church
—Serving Others
—Taking Time to Rest
—Giving Back to God
—Sharing Your Faith

Disciples are made, not born. Whether your children are babes in arms or teenagers getting ready to leave the nest, making disciples at home starts with you! Give your family a makeover with this practical approach to helping your children learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

MY thoughts: This book has some wonderful ideas on how to implement important habits in your family's lives. A lot of us what to teach our children how to pray and the importance of time spent with God in devotions, but this book does an excellent job of laying out practical ways to help your family become a family of disciples. I appreciate Melissa's honesty and enjoyed the stories that she shared to tie her points together. I also love that she uses a lot of scripture verses and has great discussion questions to accompany each chapter.
This is an excellent parenting book! While I feel like it was good for me to read with young children, I think a lot of it is geared towards families with a little older children, like from age 4 on.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Blown Together


When love storms in…
Wealth manager Sam Conrad is accustomed to his domineering father ordering him around, especially at the bank where they both work. But when his father demands that Sam manage the inheritance of his bossy ex-fiancée, Sam has finally had enough. He leaves in search of a new life, and attorney Big Roy Bosarge from Mobile, Alabama, agrees to mentor Sam on his quest for direction. Sam didn’t expect to be thrown together with Big Roy’s eccentric and opinionated daughter.

Storm damage forces lonely romance writer Elinor Bosarge and her hairless cat, Mr. Darcy, out of her Fort Morgan Beach cottage. She plans to take refuge in the boathouse on her parents’ estate, but finds the place already occupied by one of her father’s “projects.” She’s shocked her father would allow another young man onto the property after his last mentee robbed her family and broke her heart. And from the moment she meets Sam Conrad, they disagree about everything from her cat to how to best renovate a local nursing home.

Between her mother’s health issues and the hurricane brewing in the Gulf, Elinor feels like her life is being ripped apart. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for the man she’s determined not to trust. Sam finds himself drawn to Elinor, wanting to help her and this new family he’s grown to love. But can he overcome the barrier she’s built to keep him out? When the storm rages and the two of them are blown together, can Elinor find the faith to open her heart again?

My thoughts: I have enjoyed all the books in the series, but I think that this one may of been my favorite (though, book 3 was a tough one to beat!). I loved the characters and how unique and fun they are to get to know! It's hard not to fall in love with both of them, especially Elinor. I loved what a deep character she is! I wasn't sure that I would like her, from what I knew about her in the other book, but Janet did a wonderful job of showing why she came off as a bit prickly.;)
I like that each book in the series deals with issues. The theme for this one seemed to be growing old, since the characters are involved with helping at a nursing home.
I highly recommend this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Ella's Will


Will Hawkins is just a mere stable boy. How can he ever think to woo Ella, his once-wealthy childhood friend who is stubbornly independent, especially when his competition is the prince? Without any magic or fairy godmothers, Will must show Ella that he is her true prince charming in this perspective twist of the Cinderella story.

My thoughts: While I didn't read the first story, which tells things from the perspective of Ella, I still enjoyed this book and feel like it did just fine as a stand alone. I enjoyed getting to know Will, a young man who knew Ella as a young child before everything changed. When she is brought back into his life and he sees how her circumstances have changed, he seeks to lend her a hand. I like how Jessilyn gives us a different sort of heroine with her Ella. One who chooses a little different path than we generally think when it comes to fairy tales and happily ever after.;)
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Coldwater Warm Hearts Club


“A unique take on what it means to go home again.” —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author

The lake is crystal blue, the hills roll for miles, and breaking news travels via the Methodist prayer chain. But don’t let the postcard fool you. Coldwater Cove, Oklahoma, leavens its small-town charm with plenty of Ozark snark.

For Lacy Evans, returning to flyover country is the definition of failure. She had everything she wanted—an award-winning design firm, a chic city condo, a handsome, aristocratic almost-fiancé. Then her boyfriend ran off with her receptionist and her clients' money. Now she’s out of business and crashing on her parents’ couch. When she slides into a booth at the Green Apple Grill, she's feeling lower than a worm's belly.


But Lacy’s old classmate Jacob Tyler is happy to see her. Coldwater’s football hero came back from Afghanistan short part of a leg and some peace of mind, but he’s counting his blessings, and Lacy could be one of them. Then there’s her ex, Daniel, wearing a sheriff’s badge and a wedding ring, but looking like young summer love. And a host of unlikely serendipities: the selfless do-gooders who sneak around taming curmudgeons and constructing second chances. The Fighting Marmots. The sprawling, take-no-prisoners Bugtussle clan.

Lacy thought she knew her hometown, and herself. She just wanted to get on her feet and keep running. But the longer she stays, the more she finds to change her mind. . .

“Readers of sweet romance will fall in love with Coldwater Cove. Lexi Eddings’s talent shines in this edgy, fresh story.” —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author

My thoughts: I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this story when it first arrived, though I was hoping it would be a sweet homecoming story. It was excellent! I like that there is a lot going on and that the story is told from different point of views. You have Lacy, a young woman who thought she had left small town living behind when she moved to Boston, but is now back with her dreams in shambles. Jake, who is incredibly complex with still dealing with his wounds, visible and invisible, from his military days. And Daniel, a man who has messed up big time and is looking to make amends. This taste of small town living is delightful!
I would recommend this for an older audience, since there is some language and inappropriate thoughts that I could of done without. I still enjoyed the story and the introduction to the Warm Hearts Club!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Take Ten: Fall TBR list


It's funny how summer could pass both quite fast and so slow at the same time! It was beginning to seem like Fall would never get here.;) I love this time of year, everything pumpkin, the excuse to bake, Thanksgiving (!), crunchy leaves, bonfires, pulling out my boots... The list goes on! It is also a great time of year to grab a cup of tea (or, whatever your hot beverage of choice is) and curl up with a good book. I look forward to getting the chance to read these books!

1. Ella's Will

I haven't read the first book, but I look forward to reading this one!

2. Total Family Makeover

I need to get on reading this one, since I have to review it soon!

3. Shaken

So, um... I'm not really a big sports fan, and I have never actually seen Tim Tebow play football (because I basically only accidentally watch football, or any other professional sport, for that matter. T-ball is more my speed. lol), but I had the chance to be a part of the launch team. It looks like an interesting book!

4. 40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood

I'm just slightly addicted to coloring books, though I don't have a lot of time to devote to them. So, I am all about this one for mothers!

5. Riley Unlikely

This one looks great! I love that she has a thrift store to fund operations!

6. The Devoted

I'm not usually into reading Amish fiction, but this series has been interesting.

7. The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection

This is another one I will need to review. It looks like it is a collection of sweet stories!

8. A Portrait of Emily Price

I love Katherine Reay, so I hope this one will be amazing like her previous books!

9. Unblemished

This is another one that I have high hopes for.;)

10. A Season to Love


What books should I add to my list? What books are a must for your Fall TBR?