Review: Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table

 

Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table

Carole Bumpus

Inspired to learn more about French cooking and traditions, Carole's friend Josiane agrees to be her tour guide as they try to uncover French home cooking secrets and recipes. They are both inspired by the tales told by Josiane's mother, Marcelle, of growing up in Brittany. With a sense of adventure and the hope of uncovering more of Marcelle's family history, they travel through Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Normandy, Brittany, Loire, and Auvergne. Along the way, they stay in farmhouses, hotels, and family-owned Chateaux where Carole, welding her trusty notepad and recorder, is keen to investigate the lifestyle and history of those they encounter as well as indulge in the region's cuisine.

There are some wonderful descriptions throughout about food, markets, and local celebrations. Plus, readers will be happy to know that some of the recipes mentioned and collected along the journey are included at the end of the book. This warm and inviting memoir will appeal to food lovers and history buffs alike. The two women examine how it was to live during a time of war, especially the Second World War, and how families managed to keep traditions alive even during tough times. As this book points out, family traditions help keep French home cooking entwined in everyday life.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.

Review: For Whom the Book Tolls

For Whom The Book Tolls

Laura Gail Black

When Jenna Quinn arrives in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, to stay with her uncle Paul and help out around his antique bookstore, she finds him dead at the bottom of the stairs inside the store. To make matters worse, the police suspect Jenna had something to do with the death. Jenna is already trying to move on from a troubled past so, she doesn't need the police breathing down her neck. On top of trying to find a killer, she also has to decide if she wants to stay in the small town and run the bookstore uncle Paul left her.

For Whom The Bell Tolls started a bit slow, but as I read on, the action picked up, and the story turned out to be quiet exciting. It's full of delightful characters and enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing who the murderer could be right up to the end. Hopefully, there will be more to come in this series.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.

 

Review: Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)

 

Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)

Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy and Griffin McElroy

Have you ever thought about starting a podcast? Or maybe just wondered what's involved in the development of one. If so, you might be interested to know that the McElroy brothers, co-creators of podcasts that include My Brother, My Brother, and Me, have created a guide that covers every aspect of how to create one.

They cover all the essentials in this book, such as developing your idea, coming up with a good title, and structuring your show. They also discuss the tools you will need and explain what to do after you have recorded your first episode. They have useful tips for making it audience friendly and cover issues that deal with post-production, such as advertising and growing your audience.

The best thing is that they do all this with wit and humor, making this both an entertaining and informative book to read. If you are interested in podcasting, this is one you will not want to miss.

Thanks to Harper Perennial for allowing me to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Embrace Your Southern, Sugar!

Embrace Your Southern, Sugar!

Julia Fowler

I feel fortunate to have started the New Year with a book that made me laugh out loud! This one had me remembering things from my past that I'd plum forgotten. But don't worry, you don't have to be a Southerner to enjoy this little gem. Just grab a glass of sweet iced tea, sit back (preferably on a front porch if you have one), and let Julia tell you all about what makes Southerners tick. Be it hospitality, health, the weather, or sports; she's pretty much covered it all in Embrace Your Southern, Sugar!

With humor and wit, she manages to capture not just what she adores about this unique region of the country but why she's so happy and comfortable with her own country roots. The only thing I was missing as I read this one was a slice of pecan pie. But Julia thought of that as well and included not one but two family recipes for this southern classic.

Thanks to LibraryThing and Gibbs Smith Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: Feel Better in 5

Feel Better in 5

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee

Feel Better in 5 is all about making small changes in your daily routine that lead to lasting results. The book is divided into three sections: Mind, Body, and Heart. Within each area, Dr. Chatterjee presents what he calls "health snacks" designed to make you feel better throughout the day. By devoting five minutes three times a day to his suggestions and exercises, you can create a new routine that will positively benefit your mind, body, and heart. By finding time in the day that works for you, whether it is before your day begins or at the end of the day, these tips are designed to have a ripple effect in your life. Once you start to feel good, you will want to incorporate more of the exercises into your day; at least, that's the idea. And I'm happy to say that there are many interesting options listed throughout the book. I enjoyed the physical exercise snacks the most.

If, like me, you are one of those people, who start diets and exercise programs only to give up a few days or weeks later, Feel Better in 5 presents a new way of addressing health and fitness. It's easy to follow and it doesn't require a lot of time or willpower. As far as I'm concerned, that makes this one a winner.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.