Review: The Make-Ahead Sauce Solution: Elevate Your Everyday Meals with 61 Freezer-Friendly Sauces

The Make-Ahead Sauce Solution: Elevate Your Everyday Meals with 61 Freezer-Friendly Sauces by Elisabeth Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book makes a great gift. It has simple recipes for a variety of sauces that can turn anything into a fancy dinner. Most don’t take long to make and, best of all, they can be frozen so you always have a sauce on hand. I love that the author took the opportunity to give directions on good freezing methods. New cooks will find this especially helpful. Another very helpful section was the base tips. Pasta shape does matter when choosing a sauce. She includes tofu so this section is very helpful if you haven’t cooked with it. (In other words, I never did and was able to cook a good meal for friends who preferred it). What maillard is and the difference in maillard and caramelization is also discussed. In the appendix she gives a few recipes for flavored butter and salt. The Better Chicken Butter is definitely dressing up my turkey at Thanksgiving.
If you are experienced in cooking, you may want to borrow the book from the library to see if it brings something new for you. I’m experienced but really want this book on my shelf. If I need something quick, I can skim through it and have an idea for a meal in no time. I think that is what I enjoyed most about this cookbook..it invited me to use the sauce as the jumpstart to my ideas for meals.

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Review: Staging is Murder

Staging is Murder by Grace Topping
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book so much! I had not heard of staging houses as a job before. I have seen it often enough in looking at houses for sale. What an interesting job! I enjoyed the author’s tips at the start of each chapter too. I like Laura. Actually there are a lot of fine characters in the book. I loved Mrs Webster and hope she continues helping Laura. Nita is a true friend..the kind who helps you with a dead body. I love her as Laura’s partner. There’s a couple potential love interest, too, but that doesn’t take over the story. I enjoyed the mystery and trying to figure out the who and why. I did not completely uncover it. I am looking forward to the next book. If you are looking for a cozy mystery, don’t pass this one by.

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Review: Fighter in Velvet Gloves: Alaska Civil Rights Hero Elizabeth Peratrovich

Fighter in Velvet Gloves: Alaska Civil Rights Hero Elizabeth Peratrovich by Annie Boochever
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is written for YA but anyone could benefit from reading it. It tells the interesting story of the fight for equal rights in Alaska that, I believe, was important for the Lower 48 as well. I wish every school had a copy of this book for students to read.

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Review: We Are Here Forever

We Are Here Forever by Michelle Gish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I won a black & white print ARC from entering the Goodreads Giveaway.

This book is based on a webcomic, (same name). I have not seen it. I enjoyed the book and the thought provoking stories. I may have enjoyed it more had I been familiar with the webcomic. If you are interested in the book you may want to check that out first. I like the art though I wish it was in color. The stories were fun and quick to read but leave a lot for you to think about. I found it to be interesting but also comforting in a children’s book way.

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Review: Murder at Royale Court

Murder at Royale Court by G.P. Gardner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Cleo Mack series. I won a copy in a Goodreads Giveaway. This was my first time reading G. P. Gardner.

I have become enchanted by Fairhope, Alabama. I want to go live in Harbor Village. It took me a bit to get into this book. I’m not a car enthusiast. The story has quite a bit for a car enthusiast to enjoy. For someone like me, it has quite a bit that may turn you into wondering when the next car show is going to held near by. The story gradually gripped me, then before I realized it, it refused to let me go. I honestly did not know who did it until the reveal. I had quite a few suspects, including the killer. My list, though, was written all over and suspects were scratched out only to be added back. I really had a better time with this book than I first thought I would. I was genuinely sorry to get to the end! I became friends with many characters. I’m so curious about them. I was left hanging with a question I had regarding Patti. I like the slow burning romance with Cleo and Riley, though at times I wished she would reunite with Travis. Maybe that is for Stephanie rather than Cleo or Travis. There are many other characters that I could speak about. I’m intrigued by many. Yes this series has me hooked. When is the next book coming out?

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Review: Babies at Coconuts

Babies at Coconuts by Beth Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author. I actually discovered her this past week. I have been reading some darker type books and decided to read this in between. I’m so happy I did! Babies at Coconuts is actually the third book in the series. I often read out of sequence as I find authors. Sometimes it works, others not so much. This book works as a stand-alone.
This book revolved around four friends, Suzy, Alex, Hope and Cheri with the story focusing on Suzy. Suzy is a wedding planner whose son is getting married and becoming a father. Big changes. There was lots of twists to the book and plenty of drama mixed with comedy. One thing some potential readers may want to know is that Suzy’s son is marrying his boyfriend. I mention it because some readers may be hesitant to read it and I want to encourage them to go for it. The story is positive in this regard, (maybe too positive but as a mom who has a gay child, I’m all for the positivity. When he first came out, I got to know so many rejected children. It broke my heart.). This story touched me in a personal way. If it is your first time reading a romance involving non traditional relationships, this is an excellent book to begin with. There are a lot of characters in this book. I found the characters to have distinct characteristics that helped me remember who was who. If you get confused easily, I would suggest you keep paper next to you and write out who everyone is. It will help you enjoy the story.
I don’t want to give away anything from this book. There is a lot going on but it flows well. The story is a bit dramatic but also offers some hilarious moments. The main friends, while being very different, are realistic, caring, smart and loyal to each other. The kind of friends you don’t often find but, when you are lucky enough to find them, it is a bond you treasure. I loved their differences and how they complimented each other. The book is strong on friendship that is sisterhood. I had no difficulty imagining it being made into a movie. It is also strong on family bonds. I particularly enjoyed Suzy and Izzy. Blended families don’t come together instantly. It takes time and you often will be surprised by what forms the foundation for a relationship to develop, especially in the step parent/child roles.
I hope you will decide to give the book a chance. I think you will enjoy it. I’m planning on reading the books before this one. There were a few moments when I wished I had read them in order. Those moments didn’t interrupt the flow though. It was sort of like when you are the new one in a tight group of friends. Things happened before you got there. You, naturally, want to know about them and you may have a twinge of jealousy that you missed out. It goes away as you grow with the group. Perhaps that is the best thing about this book; the way the author weaves you into the group of friends. You are invested because you feel a part of them.

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Review: Hitches, Hideouts, & Homicides

Hitches, Hideouts, & Homicides by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love visiting Happy Trails campground and Normal, Kentucky. I wish it were a real place because I would be on my way there. Of course I would be wearing a bullet proof vest. No sense in taking crazy chances. Dead bodies just seem to be attracted to Mae West, owner of Happy Trails. Some folks might believe that is a bad thing. I guess, though, if I was a murdered body, I would want her to find me. See, she is the nosy type. She doesn’t let anything get in the way of finding out who did it and why...not even a handsome law enforcement guy who enjoys her company. He really shouldn’t worry too much. The Laundry Club Ladies would never dream of letting her get into trouble by herself. Um, sorry. I mean they wouldn’t dream of letting her solve the crime by herself. I can’t tell you just what happened but rest assured a body is involved. So are a bit of romantic issues. Just what is going on?

If you are looking for some camping excitement pick up a copy of Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide. If you need to be convinced a RV might have your name on it, pick up the entire A Camper & Criminals Series. You will find find yourself looking forward to some small town camping for sure.

The book has some recipes and hints at the end of it. There is no sex or adult language and violence is kept to a minimum. I was provided with an uncorrected, electronic copy of the book for reviewing. It is possible that the corrected version of the book is slightly different. I am definitely planning to buy my own copy.

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