Remember

No heart healthy Monday today. Just a post in memory of those who gave their all for our freedom. 

Big Buy Cooking by the Editors of Fine Cooking magazine

Amazon.com link for Big Buy Cooking 
This cookbook is for the cook who buys in bulk. Cases, lbs, and those big cans! Stock your pantry with the listed ingredients and then cook the recipes in the book to use them up. The recipes feature ingredients from every group, with fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy, and every recipe category. The pictures in the book are beautiful, colorful and clear.

Some of the recipes I would like to try include:
Spicy Penne Tossed with Chicken, Broccoli & Chopped Olives
Warm Maple and Cinnamon Bread Pudding
Mint & Pine Nut Pesto with Gemelli & Asparagus
This book not only gives great recipes, it also teaches the cook to use ingredients wisely without waste. That is very important to those who buy food in bulk to save money and time.

Donatella Cooks - Simple Foods Made Glamorous by Donatella Arpaia

Link to Amazon.com for Donatella Cooks 
Donatella Arpaia states: “You don’t have to be an accomplished chef to put a fantastic meal on the table.” Donatella Cooks - Simple Foods Made Glamorous contains elegant Italian recipes for family meals or entertaining. The author introduces the reader to her own kitchen and her very organized pantry.


The book contains many tips and hints with links in the “Donaltella Clicks” sections for finding the tools and ingredients she uses. I confess that many of the ingredients sent me running to Google just to find out what they are, but her recipes do not have long lists of ingredients or lengthy instructions. With the correct ingredients the dishes should be simple to prepare. She recommends amazon.com and igourmet.com for ingredients not found locally.
Although there are not pictures of every dish, there are some photos of the prepared food and several of her family. This cookbook is not your ordinary cookbook, and I look forward to trying a few of her recipes.

Breathless by Dean Koontz

Breathless by Dean Koontz is the first library book I downloaded to my e-reader. The story is what I expected from Dean Koontz’s recent writings. His recent work is not as dark as his mid-years work, but that may appeal to those who think some of his books are too disturbing. I love Dean Koontz books, and I think he can do no wrong when he puts words to paper. As in most of his books, there are multiple stories that work together, good vs. evil, a dog, great characters, and a storyline that is a little weird.

My favorite quote was about the character Grady’s dog Merlin. “The yard was Merlin’s newspaper.”

The Last Christian by David Gregory

Random House link for The Last Christian

In the future, it’s possible to live forever—but at what cost?
The year is A.D. 2088, and Christianity has died in America. The Last Christian is an interesting look at a futuristic world where Christianity has almost died out. In the jungles of Papua New Guinea, Abigail Caldwell has lost her family and her entire village from a mysterious brain disease. She receives a unexpected 16 year-old recorded message from her grandfather asking her to go to America and spread the gospel. Is Abby ready for the danger and does she really understand the gospel message she has known her whole life?

In this future time where there are self-driving cars, common virtual reality, and brain transplants, Christianity is considered hate speech. Abby has a choice to make – flee the country or face arrest. The story is rather profound when you think of the way things are already going in America, and it will make you reflect on the message. I get a little nervous when an author wants to add to the gospel message, but I think the author just wanted to convey the message of grace and not works.

The story has action, adventure and a great message. I really was not expecting the twist at the end!
 
A copy of The Last Christian was provided for review.

God's Promises for Boys by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker

Amazon.com link for God's Promises for Boys
This is a nice topical book to read to small children about God’s promises in our lives. Each double page contains a short poem, cartoon style picture, and several Bible verses. Because most small children don’t understand many of the adult words in the Bible, verses in God’s Promises for Boys are from the International Children’s Bible. The ICB is a translation for children of the whole Bible, not a paraphrase.

Whether the child is happy, angry, lonely, or afraid, there are pages with God’s promises for feelings. The book tells children who Jesus is as Savior, Lord, Friend, Hope, Example, Protector, Peace and Joy. The book also teaches telling others the good news by sharing your faith and learning more about God.

The pictures are cute with children, dogs and activities depicting the theme for each entry. It is a small book at about 7” X 5”, just right for small hands, but has 128 pages. This is a book that will encourage children to learn to rely on God and seek to do what is right. I would recommend this book for parents, grandparents, church nurseries, or a gift for that special child.

Heart Healthy Monday

After a scary morning - I received a webpage stating my blog had been deleted - I'm back.  Here is Hearth Healthy Monday:

 Heart Healthy Web link - Teeth and Heart Disease (same subject different link)

TIP- Make the vegetables and grains the focus of your meal, and use meat as the side dish.

Heart Healthy Recipe:
Cheese Toast

8 slices turkey bacon cooked until almost done, drain, and cut in half
1 small onion chopped fine (I use dehydrated onion, rehydrated - easier and I actually like the taste of them)
3/4 C (3oz) finely shredded reduced fat sharp Cheddar cheese
1 T prepared horseradish
1 T plain nonfat yogurt
8 slices french bread lightly toasted (3/4" thick)
2 small fresh tomatoes
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
fresh oregano (Opt)
Mix onion, cheese, horseradish, and yogurt.  Place toasted bread slices on a baking sheet; spread cheese mixture evenly and all the way to the edges of the bread.  Cut each tomato into 4 slices and place one tomato slice and two pieces of bacon on each slice of bread.  Broil 5 1/2 inches from heat 2 - 2 1/2 minutes or until cheese melts and bacon is crispy. Watch carefully. Sprinkle with green onions and fresh oregano.

Live to Tell: A Detective D. D. Warren Novel by Lisa Gardner

Amazon.com link for Live to Tell   
Book Description: On a warm summer night in one of Boston’s working-class neighborhoods, an unthinkable crime has been committed: Four members of a family have been brutally murdered. The father—and possible suspect—now lies clinging to life in the ICU. Murder-suicide? Or something worse? Veteran police detective D. D. Warren is certain of only one thing: There’s more to this case than meets the eye.

Danielle Burton is a survivor, a dedicated nurse whose passion is to help children at a locked-down pediatric psych ward. But she remains haunted by a family tragedy that shattered her life nearly twenty-five years ago. The dark anniversary is approaching, and when D. D. Warren and her partner show up at the facility, Danielle immediately realizes: It has started again.

My Review: I was not familiar with Lisa Gardner’s Detective D.D. Warren books, but I enjoyed Live to Tell very much. It has an interesting and heartbreaking storyline of mentally ill children. I read in Lisa’s biography on Amazon that she is a self-described research junkie, and that level of research shows in this novel with the details involved with the psychiatric care of children.

Ms. Gardner’s characters are compelling. The story involves Victoria, the devoted and protective mother, D.D. the workaholic detective watching her live go by too quickly, and Danielle, a Psych nurse with her own horrifying past. The story has tense action and held my attention.

Back to the Homeplace by William Leverne Smith

Amazon.com link to purchase Back to the Homeplace

Book Description:  The year is 1987. The varied background and viewpoints of the adult children coming Back to the Homeplace ignite controversy and expose long kept secrets as each family member searches for his or her share of the family legacy. While the older family members stake their claims on land and fortunes, the younger ones search for love and acceptance. Subplots involve AIDS Awareness in 1987 issues and a support group for domestic violence incidents.
My Review: Back to the Homeplace is an engaging story of four families brought together because of the unusual stipulations of a will. The cover of the book is beautiful and sets the Midwestern tone.

The characters are nicely developed so that each is unique. You understand who they are and why they returned to the homestead. The families are realistic with normal family dynamics, and it is easy to care about what happens to them. The reader understands how each character’s personality – the temperamental one, the team players, the loner – influences their role on the property. Mr. Smith’s descriptions of the different areas of property are well done and it was easy to visualize the White Oak trees, trails, and buildings.

As soon as you are settled in and comfortable with the story, there are several twists. Secrets are revealed and lives are torn apart. This has quite an emotional impact on the story. I appreciated the way the Mr. Smith handled sensitive subjects tactfully.

Nature's Wrapture - Contemporary Knitted Shawls by Sheryl Thies

Amazon.com link for Nature's Wrapture

Nature’s Wrapture is the first shawl book I have seen that has patterns that are of the skill level that I need. I love the fact that there are patterns from the beginner level to intermediate so that even the most timid knitter has an opportunity to make something beautiful. The instructions for the patterns are written out so that you do not have to rely on charts.


The patterns are easy to follow. Each pattern has complete information for the skill level, finished measurements, materials, gauge, stitch patterns, general instructions and finishing.

Many of the patterns have unique styling with shaping, slits, or ties for the way they hang over the arms. These are not your grandmother’s shawls, but contemporary styled wearable wraps without being over the top. My favorites and are Sandy Beach and Fall Colors, both beginner/easy projects, and one of which will be my next OTN (on the needles).

Heart Healthy Monday

Web link for Her Heart A Woman’s Guide to Her Heart Health

Heart Healthy Tip:  Take time for a Mindful Monday – eat slowly to enjoy the flavors of your meal. You’ll also be more aware of when you’re full.

Heart Healthy Recipe:
Pasta Beef Soup


½ lb ground round
1 cup chopped onion
3 cups cooked Ruote, fusilli or Farfalle pasta (bowtie, corkscrew or wagon wheel)
3 cups spaghetti sauce
½ tsp ground oregano
14 oz cans beef broth (low salt if possible)
1 can (15 oz) can red kidney beans
Using oil spray, coat a large pan and place over medium high heat until hot. Add the meat and onion and cook until browned, crumbling meat while it cooks. Drain grease and pat dry with paper towels. Put the meat back into the pan and add cooked pasta and remaining ingredients. Cook until heated through.

Easy as Pi, The Countless Ways We Use Numbers Every Day by Jamie Buchan

Amazon.com link for Easy As Pi
We are a people of numbers. We have phone numbers, house numbers, Social Security numbers, medical records numbers, lot numbers, and serial numbers. Even our computers and electronic devices function with numbers – you get the idea. Easy as Pi gives the read a glimpse into the world of numbers and how society uses them.
A brief summary of the divisions in Easy as Pi:
Numbers in our language – phrases using numbers explained
Numbers in Fiction – Movies, books and TV shows with numbers in the title
Numbers in Culture – gambling, Social Security, scams, etc.
Numbers in Mythology and Religion – numerology and significance of numbers in the Bible
Numbers in Math and Science – types of numbers, statistics, and oddities

This is not a mathematics instruction book. In Easy as Pi, I learned of the Piraha tribe, a small tribe in Brazil with a numbering system consisting of one, two and many – that’s all. I also learned about life without “0”, and all about Pi. Why did Ray Bradbury name his book Fahrenheit 451? Little snippets of information that help you gain insight into how important numbers are in our lives.  Books like these are a fun interaction for families.  Parents can quiz children or children can quiz their parents. 

This is another wonderful book in the Reader's Digest Series.  I have also reviewed:
I used to Know That by Caroline Taggart
A Certain "Je Ne Sais Quoi by Chloe Rhodes

Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber

Amazon.com link for Hannah's List

Hannah, the wife of Dr. Michael Everett, died of ovarian cancer. Before she died she gave a letter to her brother, Michael’s best friend, to be given to her husband on the first anniversary of her death. The letter contained heartwarming instructions to carry on with his life and to marry again. In the letter she also gave him a list of three women she wanted him to consider. One was her cousin, one her oncology nurse and the last was an artist friend.

Hannah’s List is a light romance and an easy read. The set-up to the story with the heartwarming letter and Michael’s reaction endears the character to the reader. Each of the women in the story has their own reasons for considering a relationship with Michael and as a typical reader I picked my own favorite. Their back stories added to the easy flow of the story and created a satisfying story conclusion.

This was the first time I have read a book by Debbie Macomber, although I have several more of her books in my to-be- read shelf. I am now eagerly looking forward to reading the others.

Mokele-Mbembe Mystery Beast of the Congo Basin by William J. Gibbons

Amazon.com Link to purchase Mokele-Mbembe
Book Description: Explorer, cryptozoologist, and creationist Bill Gibbons has traveled to remote corners of the world in search of strange and unknown creatures. But Bill's heart is in Africa, where monstrous dinosaur-like creatures are still rumored to inhabit the vast swamps of the Congo Basin. In Mokele-Mbembe: Mystery Beast of the Congo Basin, Gibbons provides a fascinating insight into several expeditions that have ventured forth in search of suspected living dinosaurs, include several of his own.

My Review: William J. Gibbons’ story of Mokele-Mbembe absolutely held my attention with his expeditions to Africa in search of strange creatures. Mr. Gibbons takes the reader alongside the explorers with his descriptive interpretation of his journeys.

Mokele-Mbembe: Mystery Beast of the Congo Basin begins with a history of recorded accounts from ancient texts to books throughout modern history with descriptions of huge water creatures.

The author’s own expeditions occurred from 1979-1992. His thorough descriptions of the locals, (especially the Pygmy people), the surroundings, and the dangers were especially interesting as they explored the areas in the jungles, swamps and hidden areas of Africa. He explains the many trials they experienced with travel problems, wild animals, illnesses, and corrupt politicians demanding bribes just to explore the area.

This is not a scientific study, but an exploration of the area with eye witness accounts. He freely points out which sightings he believed were not credible, but many, if not most, are quite credible. There is one interesting method they used with the eye witnesses. They presented a book with animals from the area and the locals identified them. He then gave them pictures of animals not known to be in Africa and the witnesses could not identify any of them. He then gave them a book of dinosaurs. Mokele-Mbembe gives a fascinating account of the responses they received from the third book.

As if the exciting tale of exploration was not interesting enough, it was an added treat to read about William Gibbons’ conversion in Africa from occult practice to Christianity. He gives his beautiful testimony in the book and talks about other missionaries in the area.

No matter what you believe, Mokele-Mbembe: Mystery Beast of the Congo Basin is a fascinating story.

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

Link to purchase Indivisible

Indivisible is a psychological drama with interesting characters and edgy plot. Each of the main characters has a past from which they are trying to break free. Kristen Heitzmann’s superb writing handles several different plot lines without confusing or cluttering the story.


This is not a light Christian read, but if you like thrillers, crime or psychological dramas you will be pleased with Indivisible. Reading the short parts of the book about the animal cruelty is difficult, but the book is balanced with a wonderful side plot about a timid semi-wild animal and its bonding with a human.

I highly recommend Indivisible for readers not afraid of the thriller/crime genre. You won’t find the coarse language or steamy scenes that usually go along with that genre, but you will find an exciting plot with flawed people, redemption, and forgiveness. The main characters are either people of faith or those just learning what that means.

Here is a link to hear an interview with the author:  Kristen Heitzmann