Book Review: Inspiralized: Turn Vegetables into Healthy, Creative, Satisfying Meals

This is the first cookbook I have ever gotten myself, so I wasn't sure what exactly to expect or hope for. However, I am pleased to say that I think I will enjoy and use Inspiralized once I've settled into my future home--although some of the recipes can be made in a college dorm, as well! Now I just need to find myself a spiralizer...

I was very impressed by the easy and understandable setup of Maffucci's book. At the beginning, she introduces the book by explaining the importance of eating healthy, but also how her recipes allow  versatility depending on individual food interests. I liked that she gave an overview of the spiralizer itself, and explained which blades should be used for certain results, as well as what vegetables should and should not be used with it. For a cooking newbie, I found this very helpful (without making me feel super stupid).

Inspiralized also includes charts showing the health benefits of the fruits and vegetables used, as well as in comparison to dishes such as regular pasta. Overall, I thought the book was very informative of basic healthy eating essentials, as well as containing countless recipes for healthy and creative dishes. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: From the Start

This book was so stinking cute. From the Start is definitely on my favorites list as of now. Melissa Tagg wove a fantastic, unique plot filled with three dimensional characters. I liked that Colton, one of the two main characters, was a former football player (even though I know nothing of football...) dealing with a lot of life changes, as well as ghosts of the past.

The other main character, Kate, was the one I think I identified with the most, which made me like her more. The interest the two developed for each other was cute, realistic, and identifiable. But it still ended well, which I appreciated. :-) This is the first book of Tagg's which I have read; I definitely plan on keeping an eye out for more of her books!

I would definitely recommend this book. The cute romance weaved in with real life problems turned into a terrific blend which I enjoyed immensely. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: Beyond All Dreams

I loved this book. Beyond All Dreams was highly unique in its plot. The story line followed a young, female librarian in a time period that was just beginning to accept females as employees. Anna served as a map librarian in the library of Congress; she was a vivid character that was well rounded and developed, as well as unique in her interests.

Equally as vivid and rounded was the co-main character, Luke. In this plot, he played the part of a young, ambitious congressman who was quickly making his way to the top when he gained an interest in Anna as soon as their paths crossed. Their brewing romance was made more real by Anna's reluctance to participate in favor of her job.

I liked that both characters had their own flaws and dark parts of their histories, but that both overcame them in the end. I would definitely recommend this book to others. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: After A Fashion

After A Fashion was a book I wasn't sure of initially, but became very glad that I decided to read it. This was one of the most entertaining books I've read in a long time. The main character, Harriet, had a wit that was very amusing to read. The interactions between her and Oliver, the other main character, were original and interesting.

The plot was crazy original, so much so that I really had no idea what was going to happen most of the time (not so crazy as to lose interest, though). The ending caught me by total surprise. It caught me by surprise, and unraveled in such a way that I felt like I was in Harriet's shoes, being totally blown away and caught off guard as it happened. This was definitely a refreshing read after a semester of reading for school!

I would definitely recommend this books. I'll also be holding onto this book for my personal collection; I'm sure I'll reread it at some point in the future. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: Heart Wide Open

Heart Wide Open is a book intended to help you open yourself up and grow closer to God. The goal is to fully surrender to Him and grow your passion for Him as you allow Him to ignite it further. The book was set up well, and the layout and purpose was attractive. Unfortunately, for me, most of the points were things I had already known or practiced.

The one point that was really helpful to me was to admit that you don't love Him. It was a bit surprising at first, but the point the author made was that you can't grow closer if you are not being honest. And sometimes honesty hurts. God already knows what's going on in your heart, so you may as well admit it and ask Him to help you from where you currently are. It was an interesting point.

This isn't a book that I would recommend on a regular basis, but possibly to a new believer somewhere down the road. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: The Patmos Deception

I had a particular interest in reading this book, primarily because the location of it is set on the Greek island of Patmos, which I have had the pleasure of visiting myself a few years ago. Naturally, then, I was really interested in checking it out. The setting portrayed the book just as I remembered Patmos from my own experience--relaxed and beautiful, and quiet in the off season (which was the same time I was there). Additionally, the book mentioned particular sites on the island that I had visited, which was really cool. 

The story had an intriguing plot, and kept me interested throughout it. The last book I had read that was similar in genre and type leaned more heavily on the suspense than the Patmos Deception did. The suspense in this book wasn't quite as exhilarating, but rather lingered in the background more, sort of like a weight behind the scenes. The characters were interesting and multi-dimensional, although I don't think I had a favorite. The ending had a cliffhanger that didn't catch me as much, but drove my roommate, who also read the book, absolutely crazy.

Overall, I think the Patmos Deception was a well written novel with an interesting setting and premise. While it may not be on my top five books to recommend, I would still recommend it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: Mattimeo [Redwall Series, Book 3]

Mattimeo is the third book in the Redwall series. I've loved the Redwall series since I was in middle school, but this is one of the few that I had not had the opportunity to read until now. Although I like rereading the series, it was a refreshing change to read one of the Redwall books without knowing how it would end, what characters would eventually die, what challenges they would face or the sacrifices made.

I liked all the characters in this book, but I am particularly fond of Queen Warbeak (the Sparra language always entertained me), and Matthias. I thought it was cool that Matthias was the current Redwall Warrior, but that his son was kidnapped, which in turn spawned the adventure that occurred. The co-existence of the current warrior and the future warrior was an interesting aspect, and made me question at times if one would die before the end. Jacques also did well in his integration of previous books, as the villain was the child of one of the villains in a previous book and therefore had a greater agenda than just being evil.

Overall, I thought this was an excellent addition to the Redwall series, which I would certainly recommend. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.