Book Review: Candy is Magic by Jami Curl

Title: Candy is Magic
Author: Jami Curl
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
ISBN: 0399578390 (ISBN13: 9780399578397)
Release : April 18th 2017
Pages: 288
Genre: Cookbook
Format: ebook (Publish as hardcover)
Source: NetGalley


GoodReads: This game-changing candy cookbook from the owner of Quin, a popular
Portland-based candy company, offers more than 200 achievable recipes using real, natural ingredients for everything from flavor-packed fruit lollipops to light-as-air marshmallows.
Jami Curl, candy-maker extraordinaire and owner of the candy company Quin has been called the "new Willy Wonka" by Bon Appetit. Her debut book, This is Candy, includes the recipes that have made Quin a favorite with local and national media, foodies, chefs, and bloggers. But This is Candy is not just a candy book. Instead, Jami's approach to candy forms the foundation for a world of other
confections--from bacon glazed with maple and black pepper caramel to a clever Chocolate Magic Dust that can be turned into chocolate pudding, chocolate sauce, and even a chocolate lollipop. Packed with more than 200 recipes for totally original confections like Whole Roasted Strawberry Lollipops, Bergamot Caramels, Fig & Coffee Gumdrops, and Pinot Noir cotton candy, as well as serious tips and advice for making amazing candy at home.

Mine:
The beginning of the book is rather technical, but I guess when you are making candy there are some basics for each kind.

Recipes had metric measurements if selling in US will need to change.

Flavor was stressed throughout. It is one of the most important components in candy.

Popcorn Carmel – sounds good; not sure I’m ready for carmel with pepper though.
Marshmallows – honey & sea salt sounds like an interesting combo (hey I’ll eat almost anything with sea salt)
Fig & Coffee Gumdrops – not sure about – the flavors may be a little overwhelming.
Pinot Noir Cotton Candy – wine and sugar – can you think of a better combination?

*I received a copy of Candy is Magic from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


Reading Challenges:
#COYER Blackout
2016 and 2017 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
2017 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge (Escape with Dollycas)
2017 Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads)
2017 Mount TBR Challenge (My Reader's Block)
2017 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews Oh My!)
2017 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
eBooks Reading Challenge 2017 (Book Dragon's Lair)
Pages Read Challenge (Book Dragon's Lair)
2017 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge (Bookish Things & More)

Book Review: Princess Lemonella by Saarein de Brake

Title: Princess Lemonella
Author: Saarein de Brake/Sassafras de Bruyn
Publisher: Clavis
ISBN: 1605372919 (ISBN13: 9781605372914)
Release Date: October 11th 2016
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s
Format: eBook (will be hardback)
Source: Net Galley

GoodReads:
Princess Lemonella is born angry. She always looks sour and never smiles.
When the king and queen try to find a prince for her, she sends all the candidates away.
Until one prince just rides past her …

A funny and romantic fairy tale about how love can make you smile.
For princes and princesses aged 5 years and older.

Mine:
Very cute – several fairytales wrapped into one. “You don’t know what you’re looking for until you find it.

Ella was a very sour princess so her parents called her “Lemonella”. When it was time to marry her off there were several princes that came one thought she should let down her hair (Rapunzel), one wanted her to fit into a shoe (Cinderella) and one came with a mattress (Princess and the Pea)

Finally a sour prince came and there was a match made. They realized that they didn’t need to be sour anymore.

*I received a copy of Princess Lemonella from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Reading Challenges:
2016 and 2017 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
2017 Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads)
2017 Mount TBR Challenge (My Reader's Block)
2017 Picture Book Reading Challenge (Becky's Book Reviews)
2017 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
eBooks Reading Challenge 2017 (Book Dragon's Lair)
Pages Read Challenge (Book Dragon's Lair)
2017 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge (Bookish Things & More)

Book Review: The Things Lou Could Do by Ashley Spires

Title: The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do
Author: Ashley Spires
Publisher: Kids Can Press
ISBN: 1771387270 (ISBN13: 9781771387279)
Release Date: May 2nd 2017
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s
Format: Hardback
Source: NetGalley

Good Reads: “Lou and her friends are BRAVE adventurers. They run FASTER than airplanes. They build MIGHTY fortresses. They rescue WILD animals.” But one day, when they're looking for a ship to play pirates in, Lou's friend has an idea: “Up there! The tree can be our ship!” “Ummm ...” says Lou. This is something new. Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she's sure she can't do it. So she tries to convince her friends to play a not-up-a-tree game. When that doesn't work, she comes up with reasons for not joining them --- her arm is sore, her cat needs a walk, you shouldn't climb so soon after eating. Finally, she tells herself she doesn't want to climb the tree. But is that true, or is this brave adventurer just too afraid to try?


Mine: A story about perseverance and facing fears.

Lou loved playing with her friends and the great adventures they had. They build things, rescue animals and many other things.

When Lou’s friends want to climb a tree – Lou makes many excuses to not do so.

She finally admits she doesn’t know how to climb a tree. Her friends try to root her on, so she can see what they see from their high perch.

*I received a free ARC of from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
2016 I Love Picture Books (Bea's Book Nook)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)
2016 NetGalley Reading Challenge (Fictively)

Book Review: When Penny Met POTUS by Rachel Ruiz

Title: When Penny Met POTUS
Author: Rachel Ruiz
Publisher: Picture Window Books
ISBN: 9781623707583
Release Date: August 1st 2016
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s
Format: Hardback
Source: NetGalley


GoodReads: Penny has heard the term POTUS over and over but doesn't know what it means and her imagination runs wild! When she spends a day at the office with her mother, she asks a few questions, looks around, and tries to discover just who or what POTUS is.

Mine: Penny thought POTUS (President of the US) might be a minister, but what she really cared about was going to work with her mother who worked at the “White House”.

She searches high and low in the building and is quite surprised when she finally meets POTUS – now who she thought it would be.

The POTUS can be someone that eats ice cream she soon discovers, but it can be the most unexpected person.


*I received a free ARC of from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 I Love Picture Books (Bea's Book Nook)
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 NetGalley Reading Challenge (Fictively)

Book Review: Let's Go, Dear Dragon by Margaret Hillert

Title: Let’s Go Dear Dragon
Author: Margaret Hillert
Publisher: Norwood House Press
ISBN: 1603578870 (ISBN13: 9781603578875)
Release Date: July 15th 2016
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s
Format: Paperback
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: A boy and his pet dragon celebrate the Fourth of July by going to the beach, having a picnic, and watching fireworks. Now re-illustrated with a fresh and modern look, these timeless beginning readers foster independent reading and comprehension.

Mine: Dear Dragon goes in a trip to the beach and oh the fun they have – sandcastles, swimming and fireworks. What a wonderful book to have children reading during the summer months. The new look is a nice plus


*I received a free ARC of from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
2016 I Love Picture Books (Bea's Book Nook)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 What an Animal Reading Challenge IX (Socrates Book Reviews
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)

Book Review: Meet the Denver Broncos by Zack Burgess

Title: Meet the Denver Broncos
Author: Zack Burgess
Publisher: Norwood House Press
ISBN: 1599537532 (ISBN13: 9781599537535)
Release Date: July 15th 2016
Pages: 24
Genre: Children’s
Format: Hardback
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: An introduction to the Denver Broncos professional football team. Includes information about the team's history, stadium, star players, and uniforms. Features include: a true/false quiz, photos, vintage trading cards reproductions, maps, and records. Table of Contents, glossary, additional resources and index


Mine: It was fun to what facts they could tell you about the Denver Broncos, one of the the teams that has won back-to-back Super Bowls. It highlights some of the more popular and special players – Shannon Sharpe, John Elway and Craig Morton. There was trivia, photos of trading cards, a short quiz - how well do you know the Broncos. This is a great book for young fans to learn more.


*I received a free ARC of from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
Fun In the Sun Reading Challenge (Whole Latte Books)
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)
2016 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge (Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book)
2016 NetGalley Reading Challenge (Fictively)

Book Review/#BookAdvocatesUnite: The Hungry Fan's Game Day Cookbook by Daina Falk

Title: The Hungry Fan’s Game Day Cookbook
Author: Daina Falk
Publisher: Oxmoor House
ISBN: 0848745833 (ISBN13: 9780848745837)
Release Date: August 23rd 2016
Pages: 258
Genre: Cookbook
Format: Hardcover
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: The daughter of legendary sports agent David Falk, Daina Falk spent her early years around pro athletes. Today, her love of sports is matched only by her passion for food. As the original Hungry Fan®, Daina celebrates game day cooking at its best, from pulled pork sandwiches at the tailgate to sky-high stadium chili at home.
In The Hungry Fan's Game Day Cookbook, Daina presents more than 100 crowd-pleasing recipes to jazz up your tailgate and score points with any home game-watching guest. Discover fresh takes on classics like Buffalo wings, sliders, and layered dips, alongside delicious dishes inspired by local fan traditions. Daina also enlisted a dream team of athletes including LeBron James, Boomer Esiason, Victoria Azarenka, and Dikembe Mutombo to contribute their signature recipes to the mix.
Featuring tips on planning menus, packing snacks, and finding top stadium eats, plus fun facts, team trivia, and Daina's memories of growing up on the sidelines, this fan-friendly cookbook is an all-access pass to the ultimate game day experience.



Mine: I love this type of cookbook:
Starters – Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers, Bacon Guacamole
Soups, Salads, Flatbreads – Not a big soup fan, so kind of skipped that part, Grilled Caesar Salad, Stuffed-crust Flatbread
Sandwiches & Burgers –Sweet & Savory Prosciutto Grilled Cheese (not sure about the pumpkin butter) , Texas Toast Brisket Sandwich, BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers/w Fried Onions
BBQ & other Mains
Sides
Desserts – Peanut Butter Cracker Jack S’mores (I might take out the PB)
Drinks
Basic - mayo, mustard, ketchup

The photos are great and make some of the foods look even yummier. Who knew “fangating” was a party waiting to happen? Made me hungry reading some of the recipes.

It was great to see that there were sports stars that contributed some of their favorite recipes.

*I received a free ARC of from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
Foodies Read 2016 (Based on A True Story)
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)
Nonfiction Reading Challenge 2016 (The Introverted Reader)
2016 NetGalley Reading Challenge (Fictively)

Book Review/ #BookAdvocatesUnite: Lazy Crafternoon by Stella Fields

Title: Lazy Crafternoon
Author: Stella Fields
Publisher: Quirk Books
ISBN: 1594748993 (ISBN13: 9781594748998)
Release Date: August 9th 2016
Pages: 129
Genre: Craft/Hobbies
Format: Paperback
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: Spend a lazy crafternoon with your friends. From pretty school supplies to colorful tech accessoriest to perfect party decor, Lazy Crafternoon guides tween crafters through simple steps to create amazing projects.

Mine: Can definitely see this as a nice gift book for crafty friends or for yourself.

I like that she tells you exactly what you need an directions are very clear and concise.

I loved the Pretty Light Switch Cover (scrapbook paper), Paper Scrap Canvas (scrapbook paper), Ribbon Wreath (Like the idea to use up ribbon scraps), Washi Tap Paperclips (been doing with ribbon myself)


*I received a free ARC of from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)
2016 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge (Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book)
2016 NetGalley Reading Challenge (Fictively)
Nonfiction Reading Challenge 2016 (The Introverted Reader)

Book Review/ #BookAdvocatesUnite: Herbie's Big Adventure by Jennie Poh

Title: Herbie’s Big Adventure
Author: Jennie Poh
Publisher: Picture Window Books
ISBN: 1515802345 (ISBN13: 9781515802341)
Release Date: August 1st 2016
Pages: 41
Genre: Children’s
Format: Hardcover
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: Herbie is a little hedgehog who is perfectly happy at home with his mother. But one day Mommy tells Herbie that it's time to go exploring all by himself! Herbie is so not sure, but ready or not, a westerly wind sweeps Herbie into the wide world...and Herbie's Big Adventure begins! Little Herbie finds that he's braver than he thinks and even makes a friend before coming safely back home to Mommy."

Mine: Herbie the Hedgehog has an adventure as he ventures off on his own for the first time. He finds many different places and ways to travel.

He does discover that sometimes you can go home again and he is happy to do so after the adventure


*I received a free ARC of from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 I Love Picture Books (Bea's Book Nook)
2016 NetGalley Reading Challenge (Fictively)
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
2016 What an Animal Reading Challenge IX (Socrates Book Reviews)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)

Book Review /#BookAdvocatesUnite: Kid Artists: True Tales of Childhood from Creative Legends by David Stabler

Title: Kid Artists: True Tales of Childhood from Creative Legends
Author: David Stabler
Publisher: Quirk Books
ISBN: 1594748993 (ISBN13: 9781594748998)
Release Date: August 9th 2016
Pages: 209
Genre: Children’s
Format: Hardback
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: The series that began with Kid Presidents and Kid Athletes has a new volume that chronicles the childhoods of 16 celebrated artists—everyone from Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh to Mary Cassat, Frida Kahlo, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and even Dr. Seuss! Readers will learn:

· Georgia O’Keeffe was so enthralled by nature that she once ate dirt just to see what it tasted like.
· Jackson Pollock lost the top of his right index finger in a childhood accident (and the severed tip was eaten by a rooster!).
· Andy Warhol’s favorite childhood lunch was—what else?—a bowl of Campbell’s tomato soup.

Every scribble, sketch, and sticky situation comes to life in these kid-friendly and relatable stories, all with Doogie Horner’s trademark full-color illustrations. Kid Artists is a delight for budding artists and eager readers alike.

Mine: It was fun to learn what drove some of the world’s most known artists as children.

VanGogh loved bugs
Beatrix Potter – Nature girl
Jackson Pollack – moved a lot
Charles Schultz – was a shy kid

Most were from humble beginnings and some even grew up in families that struggled, but all somehow make their way to greatness.


*I received a free ARC of from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
Fun In the Sun Reading Challenge (Whole Latte Books)
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)
2016 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge (Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book)
2016 NetGalley Reading Challenge (Fictively)

Book Review: The Green Umbrella by Jackie Azua Kramer

Title: The Green Umbrella
Author: Jackie Azúa Kramer, Maral Sassouni (illustrator)
Publisher: North South Books
ISBN:
Expected Release Date: February 1st 2017
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s
Format: Ebook (will be hardback)
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: When you walk around in a forest you see trees everywhere. Trees, trees and even more trees. But do all trees in a forest look exactly the same? And are there any other plants in a forest? Which animals live in the trees of the forest? And on the ground? Do all forests in the world look alike? In this wonderful, big forest book you’ll discover all about conifers, deciduous trees, tropical forests and so much more!

An informative book filled to the brim with fun facts about the forest and nature

Mine: As you read the book you have to wonder why it’s called The Green Umbrella ; although there is a green umbrella in the story.

Wonderfully illustrated by Maral Sassouni - this story is actually about friendship and sharing. It follows many animals and how they believe the umbrella helped them. But the true message is about sharing.

*I received a free ARC of from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 I Love Picture Books (Bea's Book Nook)
2016 What an Animal Reading Challenge IX (Socrates Book Reviews)
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
Fun In the Sun Reading Challenge (Whole Latte Books)
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)

Book Review: All About Forests by Mack Van Gageldonk

Title: All About Forests
Author: Mack Van Gageldonk (Translator)
Publisher: Clavis Books
ISBN: 160537301X
Release Date: September 13th 2016
Pages: 80
Genre: Children’s
Format: Ebook (will be hardback)
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: When you walk around in a forest you see trees everywhere. Trees, trees and even more trees. But do all trees in a forest look exactly the same? And are there any other plants in a forest? Which animals live in the trees of the forest? And on the ground? Do all forests in the world look alike? In this wonderful, big forest book you’ll discover all about conifers, deciduous trees, tropical forests and so much more!

An informative book filled to the brim with fun facts about the forest and nature

Mine: The original book was published in Belgium & Holland in 2015, then translated to English in 2016.

The book talks about the different type of trees – leaf droppers or needle trees. The dwellers of the forest be it a squirrel, fox , badger, hedgehog and the multiple types of birds.

Every country has different types of forests – Sequoias in California, Bamboo in China and Rainforest in the Amazon.

*I received a free ARC of from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
Fun In the Sun Reading Challenge (Whole Latte Books)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)

Book Review: Alphabet Everywhere by Elliott Kaufman

Title: Alphabet Everywhere
Author: Elliott Kaufman
Publisher: Abbeville Kids
ISBN: 0789211157
Release Date: May 29th 2012
Pages: 60
Genre: Children’s
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: There is a world of letters just waiting to be discovered in the world around us -- if we know how to look for it.

In this engaging and delightful book, photographer Elliott Kaufman reveals the "secret" life of the alphabet through his photographs, showing how letters can be found in things we encounter every day. Each letter of the alphabet is represented by multiple images, each unintentionally created by the intersection of architectural details, shadows, light, or natural elements as caught by Kaufman's keen eye. Some are obvious, while others demand a little more imagination to recognize, inviting the readers to start their own game of hunting for letters! This fun approach also reinforces the notion that learning to see the familiar in new ways encourages visual literacy and creativity.

Elliott Kaufman is an architectural photographer whose work has been displayed in venues such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Light Gallery (NYC). He currently teaches at Queens College and the International Center for Photography.

Mine: Who knew that letters were out there everywhere?

What a wonderful book and the photography is spectacular.

The best thing is at the end of where there is a description of the photos: crosswalk markings (K), buss hand rail (S), chain link fence with green slats (N) and of course a ladder (A).

Makes you want to look around a little more as you take a walk to see what letters you can find.

Reading Challenges:
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
Nonfiction Reading Challenge 2016 (The Introverted Reader)
Fun In the Sun Reading Challenge (Whole Latte Books) 


*I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*

Book Review: Dishing Up Minnesota: 150 Recipes from the Land of 10,000 Lakes by Teresa Marrone

Title: Dishing Up Minnesota: 150 Recipes from the Land of 10,000 Lakes
Author: Teresa Marrone
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 1612125840
Release: June 28, 2016
Pages: 288
Genre: Cookbook
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley

NetGalley: These 150 mouthwatering recipes, contributed by some of Minnesota’s best chefs, farmers, and foragers and accompanied by gorgeous photography, celebrate the state’s outstanding and unique cuisine. You’ll find dishes featuring fish from the lakes as well as morels and chanterelles, wild blueberries, wild game, beef and bison, orchard fruits, berries, dairy products, and much more. There are recipes inspired by German, Scandinavian, East Asian, and African traditions, as well as dishes from fairs and food trucks.

Mine: I like regional cookbooks to see what is popular in a certain area.

In looking at Dishing Up Minnesota, I forgot it was the land of 10,000 lakes (some I know are swamps based on the size of the mosquitos – having lived there when I was younger) there are lots of fish recipes, but then there were a nice variety of ethnic recipes and other recipes using local goods.

Once again the photography was fantastic.

My favorites dished were: Wild Cherry Jellym Thai Peanut Caramel Popcorn; Honey Pecan Pie; Classic Pound Cake with Cardamom

*I received a free ARC of The Dishing Up New Jersey from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)
Nonfiction Reading Challenge 2016 (The Introverted Reader)
Foodies Read 2016 (Based on A True Story)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)


Linked to :

Book Review: Dishing Up New Jersey: 150 Receipes from the Garden State from John Holl

Title: Dishing Up New Jersey: 150 Recipes from the Garden State
Author: John Holl
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 9781612126661
Release: May 17, 2016
Pages: 288
Genre: Cookbook
Format: Paperback
Source: NetGalley

NetGalley: New Jersey native John Holl searched from Sussex County to Cape May to find the best recipes New Jersey has to offer, and the result is this rich and unique cookbook celebrating the foods, flavors, cultures, and traditions of the Garden State. These 150 recipes include dishes featuring New Jersey's own produce -- tomatoes, corn, cranberries, blueberries, apples -- along with deep-fried boardwalk treats, late-night diner bites, and recipes contributed by casinos, bison and dairy farms, food trucks, old-school delis, famous bakeries, and more… Beautifully photographed, this collection is the ultimate tribute to New Jersey's best.

Mine: Let me start out by saying I’m not a great cook – but I love to read and look at cookbooks.

I especially like regional cookbooks to see what is popular in a certain area.

In looking at Dishing Up New Jersey, I realize it is near the ocean so there was a lot of seafood (scallops, oysters, clams) recipes, but then there were a nice variety of ethnic recipes and other recipes using local goods.

They highlighted small area farms and shops throughout the book along with recipes from some of these locations. The photography was fantastic.

My favorites dished were: Boardwalk Fudge, Rosemary-Citrus Soda Syrup and Cucumber Dill Salad.

*I received a free ARC of The Dishing Up New Jersey from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)
Nonfiction Reading Challenge 2016 (The Introverted Reader)
Foodies Read 2016 (Based on A True Story)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)

Book Review: The Bear Who Couldn't Sleep by Caroline Nastro

Title: The Bear Who Couldn’t Sleep
Author: Caroline Nastro
Publisher: North South Books Inc
ISBN: 073584268X (ISBN13: 9780735842687)
Release Date: October 1st 2016 (expected)
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s
Format: ebook (will be hardback)
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads:
There’s no place like home when it’s time for bed. When Bear can’ t sleep, he goes on an adventure and discovers the wonders of New York City a parade, Central Park, hot dogs, and more! But when he finally gets tired and looks for a place to rest . . . he learns why it’s called the city that never sleeps. What’s a bear to do? Caroline Nastro’s gentle adventure and Vanya Nastanlieva’s engaging illustrations are sure to comfort and delight!"

Mine:
Bear just can’t sleep so he takes to wandering off. He stops along the way at the other forest animals homes, but most of them are sleeping also. He finds his way to the Big City – New York – what’s a bear to do, but visit all the popular places.


*I received a free ARC of The Bear Who Couldn’t Sleep from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*

Reading Challenges:
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
2016 I Love Picture Books (Bea's Book Nook)
2016 What an Animal Reading Challenge IX (Socrates Book Reviews)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)

Book Review: Cookie Classics Made Easy: One-Bowl Recipes, Perfect Results by Brandi Scalise

Title: Cookie Classics Made Easy: One-Bowl Recipes, Perfect Results
Author: Brandi Scalise
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 9781612126883
Release Date: May 3rd 2016
Pages: 96
Genre: Cooking
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: The 40 recipes in this delicious collection use a foolproof formula that requires just one bowl, minimal baking equipment, and no previous experience! You’ll find your tried-and-true favorites here -- from Chewy Chocolate Chip to Oatmeal Raisin, Shortbread, Ginger Molasses, and Snickerdoodles -- plus many more that are sure to become new must-haves, such as Lemon Ginger, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Rum Raisin, Pecan Delight, and Vanilla Walnut Pear. Warm, crave-worthy cookies are just minutes away!


Mine: They all sounds like yummy recipes and the photos are great. I think I’d like Carmel By the Sea, The Vermont (made with some maple syrup) and my all time favorite Ginger Molasses.
The way they are laid out in the book make them easy to follow the recipes. Step-by-step directions seem easy to follow. I’d like to see more recipes, but I’m like the cookie monster – I like just about every cookie.

*I received a free ARC of Hollywood Café from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
Foodies Read 2016 (Based on A True Story)
2016 New Release Challenge (Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! and (un)Conventional Bookviews)
Nonfiction Reading Challenge 2016 (The Introverted Reader) 

Book Review: Dog Number 1, Dog Number 10 by Ami Rubinger

Title: Dog Number 1, Dog Number 10
Author: Ami Rubinger
Publisher: Abbeville Kids
ISBN: 9780789210661
Release Date: March 29th 2011
Pages: 28
Genre: Children’s
Format: ebook (will be Hardback)
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: Dog Number 1, Dog Number 10 takes readers through a world of playful pups that love to count! Each spread's rhyming text leaves out the last word, allowing little ones to chime in and shout out the missing number. The amusing illustrations provide countable clues for the numbers that have been left out. With Dog Number 1, Dog Number 10, accomplished illustrator Ami Rubinger once again turns his humorous and imaginative eye to an otherwise simple subject. This is Rubinger's third rhyme-completion book, a technique that teaches children about concepts like counting with a fun, fill-in-the-blank challenge that encourages participation. His colorful, computer-generated canines will make little faces smile, and the rhyming game will have them counting from one to ten, again and again.

Mine: The wonderful thing is that children can play along with this book as they try to fit in the word that rhymes. The colorful illustrations make the book come alive.



Reading Challenges:
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
2016 I Love Picture Books (Bea's Book Nook)
2016 What an Animal Reading Challenge IX (Socrates Book Reviews)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)

Book Review: Hollywood Café by Steven Rea

Title: Hollywood Cafe: Coffee with the Stars

Author: Steven Rea
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
ISBN: 9780764349898
Release Date: December 11th 2015
Pages: 192
Genre: Non-Fiction
Format: ebook (but will be Hardback)
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads:
Put on a pot of your favorite coffee, perk up, and enjoy nostalgic black-and-white photos that celebrate screen icons from the Silent Era through the eighties, making and drinking their own cups of joe, java, pour-overs, and percolated brews. Hollywood Cafe bridges the vibrant coffee culture of right-now with the glamorous coffee culture of the star-studded past. A dream cast of nearly 200 stars--Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Clara Bow, Charlie Chaplin, W. C. Fields, Robert Mitchum, Rita Hayworth, Bob Hope, Michael Caine, Jane Fonda, Ava Gardner, Jackie Gleason, Lucille Ball, Elvis Presley, Jayne Mansfield, Sammy Davis Jr., William Holden, Lauren Bacall, John Wayne, and many more--is captured on the set, on the run, in costume and out, behind-the-scenes and at the kitchen table, refilling and refueling, sipping and savoring, drinking the good stuff, just like us."

Mine
What a wonderful "coffee" table book. If you enjoy the hey day of movies making - this book is for you.

Mary Pickford, Ronald Reagan, Charlie Chaplin, Boris Karloff (as Frankenstein), Bob Hope, Joan Crawford, Woody Allen.

Tidbits of the movies are included with each photo. The photos are on set, in costume and at home. Some actually ending up advertising coffee pots or coffee.

I'm not sure where some of the photos are from - but what a wonderful collection. Would love to be able to look at photo archives.

*I received a free ARC of A Tale of Two Daddies from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*


Reading Challenges:
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)
Nonfiction Reading Challenge 2016 (The Introverted Reader)
2016 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge (Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book)

Book Review: Over-Schedule Andrew by Ashley Spires

Title: Over-Scheduled Andrew
Author: Ashley Spires
Publisher: Tundra Books
ISBN: 9781770494848
Release Date: January 12th 2016
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s
Format: ebook (will be hardback)
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads: Andrew loves putting on plays so he decides to join the drama club at school. Determined to make his performance the best it can be, he joins the debate club to practice his public speaking. He signs up for dance and karate to help with his coordination. Then he's asked to play for the tennis team and edit the school newspaper. Before long he's learning to play the bagpipes, attending Spanish classes and joining the French film club. Suddenly Andrew doesn't have time for anything or anyone else, not even his best friend Edie. And he definitely doesn't have time to sleep. Will Andrew figure out how to balance all his favorite activities and his best friend at the same time? A hilarious, over-the-top look at a common issue many kids today face.

Mine: Very cute – it seems like all our lives – we try to cram too much in to everyday. The only thing here is that it is a little worrisome it that some of this is so true and you wonder if kids really get to be kids it we take them from one activity to another. We spread ourselves thin, but do we need to teach that to our children early on.

He realizes that it’s too much and misses his best friend. It is a over-the-top look at what we all do on an everyday basis.


Reading Challenges:
2016 Pages Read ( The Crafty Engineer's Bookshelf)
2016 I Love Picture Books (Bea's Book Nook)
2016 What an Animal Reading Challenge IX (Socrates Book Reviews)
Let's Turn Pages Challenge (GoodReads - 2015 and 2016 Reading Challenge)
2016 Reading Challenge (GoodReads)