Book Review: We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook

Book Description

With down-to-earth wit, charm, love and laughter, a butter and bacon lovin’ mama and a vegan bean eatin’ daughter share humorous stories about the differences that test them, the foods that entice them, and the love that binds them.

Becky Johnson and her daughter Rachel Randolph come from a long line of laughter. The female side of her family tree is dotted with funny storytellers, prolific authors, hospitable home cooks, and champion chatters.

In We Love, We Laugh, We Cook, Becky—a butter and bacon loving mama—and Rachel—a vegan bean eating daughter—share stories of their crazy, wonderful, and sometimes challenging lives as Rachel becomes a mother herself.

Becky is messy; Rachel craves order. Becky forgets what month it is; Rachel is an organizational genius. (At least before baby arrives.) Sprinkled throughout are the lip-smacking, nourishing recipes they love to make and share.

From food for a family reunion of thirty, to lunch for a party of one in a high chair, to a hot meal for a sick friend, the authors demonstrate grace, acceptance, and love to others through the bonding gifts of humor, attentive listening, and cooking … whether diners prefer beef or tofu in their stew.

My Review:

This book is written like no other book I have had.  It is written as a story between a mother and a daughter about their lives... their struggles, their triumphs and loves.  Intertwined with their stories are recipes.  The book is wonderful for those who love a great story and also for those looking for great recipes.  Much of the story revolves around becoming a new mother, which was quite fitting for me at the moment.  I enjoyed this book very much.

 

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Book Review: Barefoot Summer

About Barefoot Summer:Madison's heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother's tragic drowning, Madison has struggled with her ability to trust God--or anyone else, for that matter. It was her brother's dream to win the annual River Sail Regatta in their small harbor town of Chapel Springs, Indiana. And Madison's determined to honor his legacy by making his dream her own. Maybe then she can finally find closure.

But learning to sail means learning to swim. And her instructor is Beckett O'Reilly, a man who already has two strikes against him in Madison's eyes. Being on the water terrifies Madison. But Beckett's calming presence and unwavering confidence eases her fear. And as much as she'd like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying.

As her feelings for him grow, a fledging faith begins to take root in her soul, as well. With Beckett, Madison feels alive for the first time in years--carefree and confident she can win the regatta, maybe even find love.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their love and the depth of Madison's faith. Will their love survive summer's challenge? And will achieving her brother's dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

Purchase a copy:

Meet Denise:

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Learn more about Denise at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com

 

 

My Review:

This is a great summer read.  It has romance, drama, swimming, sailing and lots of water!  The only thing that didn't capture me about this book was all of the sailing talk.  Other than that the book is an enjoyable read.  I love Denise Hunter's books and recommend her as an author to everyone.  I also recommend this book to women who are looking for a fun read especially if they are into sailing.

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.   

Book Review: Eventide

About the Book: A young Amish woman harbors a difficult secret. Does she dare share the truth with the man she hopes to marry?
Elsie Keim doesn't want to be left behind. Her twin sister, Viola, and her older brother, Roman, have both found love and are building lives of their own. But Elsie? She's still stuck at home, being treated like a child. No one seems to consider her a capable woman-all they see are the thick lenses of her glasses, constant reminders that Elsie suffers from keratoconus and is slowly going blind.

Elsie knows there's much more to her than her disease. That's why when a new neighbor, Landon Troyer, shows some interest in her, she doesn't want anything to scare him away . . . even if it means keeping her condition a secret.

Landon is ready to start a new life and feels like Elsie may just be the right woman to start it with. But when Roman steps in and shares the truth about Elsie's illness, Landon is floored. His job is demanding and takes him away from home, sometimes for days at a time. How could he keep up with his responsibilities and take care of Elsie?

Purchase your copy: http://ow.ly/oBHhP


Meet Shelley: Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the "Sisters of the Heart", "Seasons of Sugarcreek", "Secrets of Crittenden County", and Families of Honor series. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Connect with Shelley here: http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/

My Review:

This was the final book in The Days of Redemption series.  I read the 2nd and now the 3rd books in the series and I just might have to go back and read the first.  The second book was not as enjoyable just because I felt like I was missing so much of the characters because I didn't read the first one.  The third book was so much easier to get into because I knew of them.  Elsie might be my favorite character so it was wonderful to read her story and hear more "from" her. 

This is a great book in a great series and I recommend it to everyone who loves Amish fiction or just a great romantic read.

 

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.