All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant {Review}

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

Paperback, 313 pages

Published September 2nd 2014 by Zondervan
Source: I received a copy through Netgalley, which didn't affect my thoughts and opinions in any way.

    

Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie's bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat's best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself, her, is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat's senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

My Review: 4 Stars

A cupcake competition is just what is needed to spur Kat and Lucas to explore the idea of moving from friends to lovers, but much like a piping bag overfull of buttercream frosting, things become a huge, sticky mess instead.

Kat and Lucas have an unusual best friendship because they seem to keep so many secrets from each other and things seems skewed more to one side, which drove me a little batty at times. All it takes is a little communication to keep the friendship from turning into a battlefield, people.

Kat is so determined to stand out in the world like a pumpkin scone cupcake that she can't see that sometimes strawberry is okay. The stress of this baking competition was almost the downfall of something great, but I loved watching the events unfold through the delicious and unique flavors and challenges.  

St. Amant does a great job of blending multiple tropes into a charming, cut-throat story, but do not read this if you're hungry, or you'll be craving a sugary treat (or two or three...) all day long. 

Content: mild romance; moderate religion

28 Days With a Billionaire by Kimberly Krey {Review}

28 Days With a Billionaire (The Royal Palms Resort Romance) by Kimberly Krey

Kindle Edition, 258 pages

Publication: October 29th 2019 by Candle House 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small kickback with qualifying purchases.

 

    

 

After a billionaire jerk nearly ruins her life, Camila gets her dream job at a beachside villa. But that job looks more like a nightmare when she meets her new boss—aka the billionaire jerk.

When private chef Camila Lopez meets billionaire James Benton for the first time, he ends up with egg yolk on his diamond-crusted cufflinks. It was an accident on both parts, but James’ cruel date makes sure Camila pays a price by losing her swanky clientele over the mishap.

Luckily, Camila is offered a month-long job at a beachside villa. She’s certain it will give her career the boost she’s been praying for. But what happens when she finds out she’ll be working for none other than James Benton—the guy with the cufflinks who ruined her life?

James Benton has one strict rule: No getting personal with the people who work for him. But when he escapes to deal with his brother’s tragic death, rescue comes in the face of his beautiful private chef. Never has breaking a rule looked so good.

Will it lead James to the love of his life or leave him with another lesson learned and a broken heart?

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Sparks aren't the only things that fly with this couple's first meeting. Quail egg yolk does too and that's what puts James and Camila's relationship on the wrong foot. I love a romantic tale of two broken people who help each other piece the shattered shards together one kiss at a time. 

 

James is a billionaire with trust issues and a broken heart and when fate throws Camila back into his life as a personal chef at a luxury resort, who is he not to take control of the flames their chemistry has ignited? Camila has a huge secret, yet the way she has risen above her past is extremely admirable. I love how opposite these two are in all the ways, from how they handle their pain, to their outlooks on life, to their financial and social backgrounds, but true love will find a way to conquer all that.

 

Kimberly Krey is a master at steamy clean romance and this one was no exception. The characters are worthy of falling in love with and the food descriptions are almost as mouth watering as the kisses. I love solid characters with a charming plot and completely enjoyed my escape to The Royal Palms.

 

Content: mild+ romance (swoony kisses) 

The Neverland Inn by K.C. Grant {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

The Neverland Inn by K.C. Grant

192 pages

Published September 1st 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Daniel Cavanaugh has it all—a lucrative career as a lawyer, a gorgeous fiancée, and his future mapped out for him. So why is he feeling increasingly dissatisfied with his life? When the assignment to handle his late grandmother’s estate takes him to the California coast, Daniel welcomes the escape. Staying at the nearby bed-and-breakfast isn’t really his style, but he soon realizes the inn may hold the key to the answers he’s been seeking. Spindrift Cove has few opportunities for a young unmarried woman like Sarah Michaels. Even so, she enjoys her solitude as owner and chef at the Neverland Inn. She thrives on catering to the needs of her guests and treating them to her fantastic cooking. But when Daniel walks through her door, he immediately tests her patience. Though he is handsome and well-bred, she finds him insufferable. Soon, however, the tranquility of the inn works its magic, and Daniel and Sarah forge a sweet and unexpected connection—until the life he left behind in the city demands his return and it seems that a happily ever after may not be on the menu after all.

My Review: 4 Stars

First of all, don't read this book if you're even remotely hungry, because there are some very delicious-sounding recipes included after many of the chapters that I must try out stat! 

Sarah is a slightly scattered B&B owner, yet she will bend over backwards to make sure your stay is near perfect. She rents out only one guest cottage at the home that was her aunts, and seems to thrive on the simplicity and comforts of a small town. She's a very unassuming and caring person, which is perfect for the uptight and robotic Daniel. He's driven by his father's wants and wishes, until his pace is forced to slow down.

I loved the Neverland/Peter Pan theme that is dispersed throughout the story, and especially how it ties many unlikely souls together. There is a feeling of comfort and nostalgia woven between the relationships, setting, and characters. An almost magical feeling cast its spell over me as I read this one. Now, if only someone would make me some of that delicious food while I put my feet up for a minute...

Content: mild romance; mild moment of peril  

Schedule:
 

*Sept. 10^th: http://mybookaday.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, https://brightlystreet.com/ 

*Sept. 11^th:  http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 12^th: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/, https://www.lovebugsandpostcards.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/

*Sept. 13^th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 14^th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, https://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/ 

Giveaway:
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The Ambitious One by Jeanette Lewis {Review}

The Ambitious One (A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance) by Jeanette Lewis

Kindle Edition, 171 pages

Published December 24th 2017 

 

 

Lindsey Asher took the Billionaire Bride Pact at girl’s camp, but she’s never taken it seriously. Her dreams were always about building her own a bakery empire, not marrying a billionaire. Years later and all grown up, Lindsey has poured her heart and soul into Sugarbee’s Sweets in downtown Manhattan. All she wants for Christmas are good reviews from a pair of big-name food bloggers and plenty of customers to enjoy her sweet treats.

When Eric Kasabov parks his cookie cart in front of Sugarbee’s and starts stealing her customers, Lindsey’s resolve is tested. And when Eric’s partner starts causing trouble, Lindsey has to make a choice. How far will she go to save her store? Can rivalry turn to love?

Author's Note: The Billionaire Bride Pact series is written to be read in any order without missing any of the story. Jump in any time! You might have some fun spotting crossover characters.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I've never been to New York but there are a few books that really transport me there and this is one of them. I was roaming the streets of NYC at times and not in Times Square. Oh, no--I was in the Financial District. It's not your typical touristy story, but more about how hard it is to build up a food business in a cutthroat city, but don't let that fool you--there are plenty of sweet moments interspersed throughout.

Lindsey has worked so hard to open Sugarbee's Sweets--a cupcake place--but cupcakes are so last year and that's especially apparent when Eric shows up with his cookie food truck and parks it right outside of her store. I love it when a story has multiple levels of sparks and this one delivers. Not only are these two competitors, but their first meeting was not over their businesses and they manage to develop an immediate connection. These two waffle between being enemies and friends, with an inkling of being even more than that and I love the way they work together, in a one step forward, two steps back fashion. Their relationship is sweet, volatile at times, and oh, so swoony.

The reader isn't given a lot of information about Lindsey's family, but they seem supportive of her venture, whereas Eric's family are real jerks. I love that he's not like the rest of them, which is especially apparent with that great ending. This is yet another fun and entertaining offering in this series.

Content: mild, swoony romance; very mild violence

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions*

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Buy Link:

 

Thirty-Three Going on Girfriend (Spinster Series #2) by Becky Monson {Review}

Thirty-Three Going On Girlfriend (Spinster Series #2) by Becky Monson

Kindle Edition, 332 pages

Published September 10th 2014



Julia Dorning thought she would die a lonely spinster. That was until nine months ago, when her world was turned upside down. Now she’s got a dream career as a bakery owner, and a relationship with handsome Jared Moody—a life she never thought possible.

Just as she’s starting to feel comfortable in her new life, Julia is invited to battle it out on national television making cupcakes. An amazing opportunity, if she can muster up the confidence to do it, that is. Then, out of the blue, Jared goes and throws a rather large wrench in their relationship causing Julia to have to make some big decisions. With her two trusted confidants off in wedding la la land, Julia is on her own to figure everything out.

Left to her own devices, will Julia be able to work things out for herself? Or will she make a disaster of it all? Find out in Becky Monson’s sequel to Thirty-Two Going on Spinster!

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My Review: 4.5 Stars

My advice is to read these books in order to get the full effect.

It felt like the book was divided into two parts: baking and weddings. Julia is finally fulfilling a dream of owning a bakery and isn't it funny that it took Jared (through unconventional ways) to help her achieve it? She secretly auditions for a cupcake TV show and let me just say, those cupcakes sounded incredibly delicious, so don't read this while you're hungry. Not only is Julia dealing with all of the stress of baking, but both her sister and her best friend have upcoming weddings.

I love that Julia is so imperfect, especially in her reactions to situations. I had to laugh out loud because she made a colossally huge mistake: she googled something that you shouldn't ever do. Yes, I recently did something similar and found that I was dying (not true). My point is that her faults make her very easy to relate to because I think most readers can find a piece of themselves in Julia, whether it be insecurities or successes...or anything in between. The humor is once again the icing on the cake (no pun intended) and the romance is realistic.

This sequel was fun and sassy and brought Julia to life just a little bit more. I can't wait to move on to the next book to see what could possible happen next because this chick-lit is a treat.

Content: mild language; mild romance

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Buy Link:

  

For Love or Money by Tara Taylor Quinn {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

For Love or Money

(Family Secrets #1)

by Tara Taylor Quinn

Adult Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

August 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She can't afford to lose this…or him

There's no way that struggling single mom Janie Young is going to lose Family Secrets. Not even to Dr. Burke Carter. The prize money and media exposure from the cooking-competition show will secure the future for her and her son, who has special needs. Sure, Burke is a talented chef with his own reasons to win, but he already has so much: wealth, a beautiful daughter, great looks…and definitely her attention. As their families become closer, Janie is beginning to care too much about him. But she can't afford to get involved. Not when everything is riding on beating him.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

The author of more than 70 original novels, in twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestseller with over six million copies sold. A 2015 RITA finalist Tara appears frequently on bestseller lists, including #1 placement on Amazon lists, and multiple showings on the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller list. She has appeared on national and local TV across the country, including CBS Sunday Morning.

Tara is a supporter of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know might be a victim of domestic violence in the United States, please contact 1-800-799-7233.

Website│Goodreads│Amazon│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram│Wattpad

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My Review: 4 Stars

Janie has a young son with down syndrome and without his father in the picture, she can barely make ends meet. Burke is a widowed doctor, dealing with a highly emotional and depressed teenage daughter. Both discover a way to solve their problems, if only temporarily, in trying out for the televised Family Secrets cooking show. Each are great cooks and have reasons for their quest to win. 

I'm a mother and I love the way Janie deals with her son. She's so patient and dedicated to helping him--he's her whole world. Her mama bear tendencies make her easy to relate to. Burke is a great father and works hard to find connections with his daughter. This couple is a little gun-shy with the thought of a relationship, but things unfold gradually and each character, especially the children, find their ways right into the heart of the reader. Some things are much more important than money.

I enjoy cooking and love it when chefs use recipes that have "normal" ingredients--things that I would have in my kitchen. This story has a very great food element and I love the descriptions of secret family recipes that are easy to make that most families would enjoy eating.

There are a few threads to the story that weave together to form a great book recipe. There is the (clean) romance thread, which has a gradual and natural progression, as well as a tight-knit family thread. There is also an extended family thread, of sorts. Janie has a very close friend and Cor and her husband, Joe, are the family that Janie never had. Add a budding friendship between two unlikely kids and a cooking show and you have a fun, new series. I recommend this book to readers who love any of these elements.

Content: mild language; mild romance. Clean!

*I received a copy from Prism Book Tours in exchange for an honest review*

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Check out the other releases and events part of this promotion HERE!

Tour Schedule

August 7th: Launch

August 8th:

Lady Amber's Reviews

Katie's Clean Book Collection

deal sharing aunt

Ali Williams

August 9th:

underneath the covers

Becky on Books

To Read or Not to Read

August 10th: 

EskieMama Reads

Mel's Shelves

Brooke Blogs

Books & Spoons

August 11th: 

Beck Valley Books

Thoughts of a Blonde

Getting Your Read On

Love, Laughter, Friendship

Book Reviews & More by Kathy

Maya's Musings

August 12th: Grand Finale

August 13th: Harlequin Junkie

Heart Stopping Tara Taylor Quinn Giveaways

FOR LOVE OR MONEY TOUR GIVEAWAY

$10 VISA gift card and winner’s ebook choice of one of TTQ's Superromance Where Secrets Are Safe Series

US only
Ends August 17th

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TTQ PRE-ORDER/PURCHASE KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY

ENTER HERE

Kindle Fire with Six Pre-loaded TTQ Books (books 1-6 from Where Secrets are Safe series)

US only
Ends August 31st

To Enter: Submit your receipt online for your pre-order or purchase the soon-to-be-released Heartwarming compilation: A Heartwarming Holiday: 15 Connected Sweet Holiday Romances and/or
of any of Tara Taylor Quinn’s six releases being promoted on her Heart Stopping Tour (Love By Association, His First Choice, The Promise He Made Her, Strangers in Paradise: Sheltered In His Arms, Sheltered In His Arms Audiobook, and For Love Or Money). Enter as many times as you purchase. One book purchase equals one entry (one receipt or invoice/order number per entry and must be entered at time of entry).

TTQ HARLEQUIN MY REWARDS POINTS GIVEAWAY

1st Place: 25,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 5 free books, reader’s choice of any book published by Harlequin/MIRA/Carina Press.
2nd Place: 15,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 3 free books, reader’s choice
3rd Place: 10,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 2 free books, readers choice

Open internationally
Ends August 31st

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The Make-Ahead Kitchen by Annalise Thomas {Review}

 Tour Schedule

The Make-Ahead Kitchen by Annalise Thomas

Paperback, 176 pages

Published June 14th 2016 by Front Table Books 

Skip the hassle of last-minute meals and leftovers and replace them with simple, healthy, delicious, and easy-to-prepare make-ahead dishes! Your family will love these comfortable meals, new favorites, cozy drinks, and tantalizing desserts--all of them prepared ahead of time so you don't have to worry! Enjoy simple, soul-filling foods without the chaos of preparing them at the last minute.

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My Review: 4 Stars

I'm always on the lookout for easy, healthy dinner ideas and was so excited to check this book out. There are some great recipes and many of them are "comfort foods," but there aren't a lot of low-fat options. There are a few substitutions to make some of these recipes healthier (such as quinoa and brown rice), which I did appreciate. 

I'm really excited to try these out in the fall/winter, because it seems that a lot of the recipes are geared more towards those seasons, at least for my family, since we like to eat lighter, "cooler" foods in the hot summer months.

That said, we did enjoy a few of these dishes. The maple nut granola (in a bowl with some cold milk poured on top) was a hit and we've made it several times for our breakfasts. The hummus is a great snack idea and paired with pita bread or cut veggies, is a healthy option. We loved the chicken broccoli quinoa casserole. It has a similar taste to chicken divan, but is a healthier alternative. I didn't care for the cashew chicken and brown rice as much as the rest of my family did, but I think that's because I made those two recipes back-to-back and they're similar. The slow cooker meaty spaghetti sauce tasted really good and anything in the slow cooker is perfect for this time of year because it doesn't heat up the house and really tastes good. I didn't make any desserts this time around, but there are several that sound very delicious. There is a gluten-free brownie that I want to try the next time I host book club. It seems that a lot of the main dish recipes are cheesy (my son can't eat cheese) and a lot of the desserts have coconut (my kids don't like coconut), but I can always modify.

The recipes are easy to follow and the pictures included are beautifully done. I liked the general notes at the beginning and the way each chapter is broken down into simple sections, with a good variety of recipes in each category. This will definitely be a big help in my home when school starts up again, as we are always crazy busy.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links:

 

About the Author:

Annalise Thomas is a big city girl married to a small town boy. Every day is a joy and a challenge as she learns to live and love this small town life. Annalise is a foodie with a deep passion for everything edible and for sharing what she loves with others. Annalise is a wife and mom, a baker, a cook, and a blogger. She and her family live a very real life and eat as much real food as possible. 

   

Sun and Sizzle Cookbook by Allison Miller {Review}

Sun and Sizzle by Allison Miller

Kindle Edition, 158 pages

Published May 10th 2016 by Cedar Fort, Inc.

Make summer the most memorable season of the year with these sizzling dishes!

From burgers and steaks to salads and vegetable bakes, this cookbook is stuffed with yummy entrees, appetizers, drinks, and desserts to make your summer unforgettable. Enjoy the sun as you enjoy in-season summer foods such as

Aloha Burger
Mixed Berry Wedge Salad
Summer Pasta Salad
Melon Punch
Peaches and Cream Bars

With meals perfect for parties and smaller gatherings, you’ll sure to enjoy the outdoors all season long!

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My Review: 4 Stars

This is a fun cookbook, perfect for the upcoming summer season. The recipes are definitely not low-fat, but are enjoyable for those hot summer evening and to satisfy hearty appetites.

I tried several recipes and found a few new family favorites. Bacon 'n Eggs Burger and Macaroni Salad were huge hits with my family and we made these each a few different times. The relish and hard boiled eggs in the salad adds the perfect tang and creaminess. The burger reminds us of a Hawaiian favorite--Moco Locos. The combination of the bacon, eggs, and meat really fill a stomach up. 

We also enjoyed the Baked Beans, but I left the meat out, as it just seemed to be too meat heavy with what we were pairing it with for dinner. The Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini was good, but I either bought squash a little too big or should have cooked it a few minutes longer because they were a little crunchy. It'll be easier to work with that recipe later on this summer, as my plant starts to produce. The Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade was a huge hit and really hit the spot on the hot spring day that we tried it. The No-Bake Eclair Cake is so easy, yet comes across as a very sophisticated and delicious dessert. There are several other recipes that we can't wait to try!

I love how great the pictures are and how easy the instructions are to follow. There are some great tips to follow at the beginning of the book that really help make the cooking experience better. This is a great book for those who want some easy and good summer dinners and don't mind the calories.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links:

 

Cookie Girl Christmas by Christene Houston {Review}

Cookie Girl Christmas by Christene Houston

Kindle Edition, 189 pages

Published December 4th 2014 

My Rating: 5 Stars

 

 

Molly Hayes has one more job before Christmas and then she can put her plans for a storefront bakery of her own in motion.

What she doesn't bargain for is the handsome young Scrooge who insults her cookies and makes her blood boil. Toss in a heaping helping of snowstorm and a pinch of romantic old Inn and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a not-so-silent-night.

 

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Molly is a woman who loves to bake and is working towards the goal of owning a bakery of her own. I love sweets and love to bake as well, so I felt a cozy connection with Molly. She is also single and has no plans to change that status. Losing her mother as a teenager kind of ruined love for her--why get attached to someone if you might lose him or her? As Molly is working on a big Twelve Days of Christmas job, her last one before finally having enough to make her bakery dreams come true, she meets a real-life Scrooge--Greyson. He is the prodigal son returned and this whole month of parties are just for him. He's got a big chip on his shoulder and Molly wants nothing to do with it...until something changes all of that.

I love a good Christmas romance that really focuses on the holiday and makes me feel those warm fuzzies. I also love it when the story parallels, even loosely, a great Christmas classic and this one delivers! Both Molly and Greyson have issues to work through and resolve and the story faintly plays out like A Christmas Carol. Of course, when a great, clean romance is thrown into the mix, I'm in heaven. I loved the snarky banter and the fun cookie and baking metaphors. This story is full of great characters, a fantastic setting, scrumptious recipes, and more. This is one I need to add to my re-read list each and every year. And now...if you need me, I'll be in the kitchen, trying out these recipes.

Content: mild, swoony kissing. Clean!

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Buy Links:

 

 

 

About the Author:

 

Christene Houston is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, binge reader, music obsessed, mother of 5, ninja writer of YA and Women's Fiction. She loves to write in stormy weather, but settles for busting out words in the oppressive sunshine of LV. When not writing, you can find her embarrassing her kids by throwing out old school slang (yo!), recipe testing with her latest victim...er...willing husband, throwing parties that include a flurry of Pinterest hunting, and daydreaming of lengthy trips across the pond to admire the haunts of her fave author, Jane Austen. Her books, A Heart So Broken and Cookie Girl Christmas have lots of great kissing and deep issues where people get hurt and have to figure out how to live through it - kind of like real life. But hey, the kissing! Her current WIP is a regency romance with a swoon-worthy guy and a totally smart and sassy lady that you'll just love. Both her current books are available on Amazon.com.

 

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Review: The Healthy Family Slow Cooker Cookbook by Christina Dymock

 Tour Schedule

About the book:
Feed your family the foods they love—with a healthy twist.
Everyone knows slow cookers are a busy mom’s best friend, but it can be a struggle to find healthy Crock Pot recipes your kids will actually eat. Not anymore.
These delicious family-sized meals are perfect for parents and kids alike.

• Chicken and Artichoke Fettucini
• Teriyaki Pulled Pork
• Cajun Rice with Shrimp
• Butternut Squash Soup
• Chicken Quesadillas

You’ll even find some tasty ideas for sugar-free desserts, like the Blueberry Pudding Cake. And every single recipe can be made in the morning and ready to eat by dinnertime. With a little prep and planning, you’ll soon be enjoying nutritious, healthy, home-cooked meals every night of the week!

My Review: I'm always looking for easy, healthy recipes that my family will love. Of course, I didn't have time to try out all of the recipes in this book, but I did try out a few. There were some that my family really loved.

I do try to cut down on salt and use more seasonings, but  the Hot Chicken Sandwich recipe didn't have any salt at all and was a little bland for my taste, being seasoned with just smoky paprika, chili powder, green onions, and red peppers. I guess I need to cut back more and let my taste buds adjust and then I'm sure I'd enjoy it more. There were other recipes that were really good and easy. I had a lot of success with the Philly Pulled Beef Sandwiches, Turkey Loaf, but the kids were split on the Moo Shu Pork--some of them didn't like the smell of the cabbage cooking and didn't want to eat much. I really liked it though.

I've never thought about cooking bread in the slow cooker, which is perfect for the summer, so I'd like to try that one next.

This cookbook starts out talking about the benefits of healthy cooking and why a slow cooker can help achieve that. I loved the pictures that accompanied each recipes, but wish there was info about the nutritional value. This book is easy to use and just requires a little prep earlier in the day to produce a delicious meal.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
My Rating: 4 Stars

Buy Links:

 

 

About the author:
Christina Dymock is a graduate of the University of Utah. She has had careers as an editor at an advertising agency, an adjunct instructor at Salt Lake Community College, and author.
An avid cook, Christina divides her time between the kitchen, her computer, and books and her family of six. (Naturally, the family gets the biggest share.) Because she reads everything, she also feels compelled to write in several genres. Her latest book, Blue Christmas, reached the Amazon top seller list in 7 categories as part of the Christmas anthology, Christmas in Snow Valley.
Christina attends multiple writer’s conferences each year, is a part of several critique groups, and enjoys learning about writing. She has been featured during the cooking segment of several local morning shows, published in Woman’s World Magazine and the Deseret News, quoted in Womans’ World Magazine and Parents’ Magazine, published in seven Chicken Soup books, and has published clean romantic fiction under the name Lucy McConnell.

Blog

“The Healthy Family Slow Cooker Cookbook” blog tour schedule:
June 10: My Book A Day • connywithay • Bookhounds • Queen of the Clan
June 11: Wakela’s World • the reading fever • Wordpaintings Unlimited
June 12: Bookworm Lisa • Christy Monson Books
June 13: Keenly Kristen
June 14: Musing of a Middle Aged Author
June 15: Every Free Chance Books • Kaisy Daisy’s Corner
June 16: Katie’s Clean Book Collection • The Hand That Rocks the Craddle • The Author’s Hideaway
June 17: The Magical Slow Cooker • Crossroads Reviews • So I am Fifty
June 18: readalot • A.L. Sowards • UtahDealDiva
June 19: Reidhead Random-ness • Fire and Ice
June 20: Wishful Endings • Kimberley Griffiths Little • Heidi Reads…

Review: Be Mine (Love & Trust #2) by Shannon Guymon

 

Be Mine: Book 2 in the Love and Trust Trilogy by Shannon Guymon

Kindle Edition, 216 pages

Published February 16th 2014 

Description: Men are terrifying to Bailey Downing. Not that she wants anyone to know that, but with her mom insisting she fall in love and Kam Matafeo pushing her to feel things she doesn't want to feel, Bailey is determined to make a nice, safe choice. Dean Hogan is the perfect man for her. Smart, wealthy, charming and best of all, safe. But when her romance begins to unravel with Dean, she's faced with a choice: open her heart, or stay safe, cold and lonely. Kam is determined to help Bailey no matter what it takes and with the support of her sister Taryn and her brother Rob, she makes the decision to be brave. But Kam's ex-girlfriend Meredith isn't shy about wanting him back. Bailey will have to learn to fight for what she really wants. The question is, would she rather be safe or would she rather be loved.

My Review: I love the way each story in the series builds upon each other, showing the reader familiar characters and places, yet delving deeper into the lives of a specific couple. 

In Be Mine, we get to fall in love with Kam, a big Samoan rugby player, who works as a chef. Kam is very protective of those he loves, yet he is very sensitive to the feelings of those around him. He's gentle, yet tough; kind, yet firm; scary at times, yet utterly adorable...and he's very clear about his feelings towards Bailey. He's a man who knows what he wants and won't stop until he gets it (her).

Bailey had an incident in her past that really affected her and she just can't let herself get close to anyone because she has her heart to protect. She's a journalist and is used to uncovering a story, but there are some stories that she just can't reveal. She's insecure, but it felt realistic to me. She's beautiful and sweet, but has a little violent streak when circumstances arise to provoke her. When things come to a head with her job and a story she's covering, she is amazed at all of the love and support she finds.

There were many moments that had me laughing and many that tugged at my heart. This love story is beautiful and shows that love can really overcome all when a couple is willing to have faith and trust in one another, put in some hard work, and act on those sparks of chemistry. This one is a favorite so far and I look forward to the rest of the series!

Content: Clean romance (kissing, talk of abuse--tastefully done without details); mild romance (mention of prayer); no language; mild violence (a cat fight between two girls that was pretty funny and not graphic)

   

About the Author:  
 
In the fourth grade, Shannon Guymon wandered into the school library and figuratively never came out again. She decided one day to take her love affair with the written word once step further and wrote her first novel, Never Letting Go of Hope.
Shannon grew up all across the United States but has finally found her home in Utah, where she lives with her six children. She enjoys the mountains, gardening, being with her family, and, of course, writing. 

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