"Pure Food" by Veronica Bosgraaf

This cookbook is focused on simple yet healthy meals.  When I say simple, I am not joking.  Many recipes have less than 10 ingredients.  The instructions are very easy to follow, and I enjoyed how the author would note how long perishable dishes like desserts would last in the fridge or freezer.  Best of all, this book is broken down by month.  So, you have special recipes for January, February, March, and so on.  The monthly recipes are not holiday themed (e.g.- valentines day dishes for February).  Rather, each month showcases recipes that use what is in season for that given month.  I really like that because sometimes I get recipes where I can not find some of the ingredients.  By making seasonal food, you won't have to worry about chasing down elusive ingredients.  My favorite recipe in this cookbook is the Strawberry Ice Cream pie and it came out wonderful.  There is actually no dairy in the pie.  The crust is made of almonds and dates (a crust without wheat, who knew!), and the filling is made of strawberries, cashews, and dates.  The recipes here will keep both your taste buds and waistline happy as you eat pure food.

"God and Kings" by Lynn Austin

Set during the late reign of King Ahaz to the early reign of King Hezekiah, this book packs a historical punch.  Prophets Isaiah, Zechariah, and Micah take to the scene, as well.  Based off of biblical accounts, this book ties together various stories and helps make sense of political issues in ancient Israel.  While the books of the Bible have exciting stories, sometimes it can be hard to connect the dots of separate books.  Austin weaves together stories from the books of kings and the prophetic books.  For instance, it totally went over my head that prophet Zechariah's daughter was married to King Ahaz.  What may seem like a random prophecy in the Bible is brought into plain historical context many times.  Additionally, while idolatry can seem awful enough on paper, it comes to like in this story.  Readers wrench in emotional pain as they stand by prince Hezekiah watching his heather father sacrifice sons to pagan gods.  As prophets walk thru the Temple, we feel their remorse and repulsion to see pagan altars encroaching on holy territory.  The lives of women are also dramatized, which makes the reader ponder the real historical accounts.  Sure, the Bible may leave certain details out, but what if the queen was really struggling with a specific internal dilemma?  Beyond being an obviously religious book, I enjoyed how Austin put in real doubts.  A royal tutor is an atheist, a foreign envoy thinks he is his own god, a Jewish priest fakes devotion to YHWH, etc.  This book does not sugarcoat history but rather puts it in light.  I look forward to reading the next book in Austin's series.

"When I Fell from the Sky" by Juliane Koepcke

In the 1970s, a plane crashes into the rainforest that leaves only one girl alive.  Stuck in the Peruvian rainforest for over a week, Juliane must fight the elements to survive.  Interestingly enough, she is the daughter of two zoologists.  So, she was the most likely to survive--she knew what was needed to stay alive in that environment.  This book is one of hope and life, but it is not recommended to be read before bed.  There are scary details of maggots and jungle creatures and open wounds.  There is even mention of vultures and corpses and the sad reality of what happened to Juliane's mother.  When one woman falls 10,000 ft into the jungle and lives to tell about it, that is a story worth reading.  This book makes you appreciate life and will make readers contemplate their unique place in this world.

"The Healthy Mind Cookbook" by Rebecca Katz with Mat Edelson

I was so excited to review this cookbook.  Out of all the cookbooks I've tried, this is one of the only ones that focuses on brain health.  And I don't just mean memory and preventing dementia; I mean also combating depression and helping to be the happiest you can be.  Before the recipes even begin, the authors give a brief review of nutrition.  They explain what different foods do for the brain.  While they go into amino acids and neuroscience, the book is not so complex to scare readers away.  While some may think that eating brain-healthy is boring or lacking flavor, that can not be further from the truth.  The first recipe I tried from this book was the Chocolate Cherry Walnut Truffles.  I had found a truffle recipe online, which came out nothing like what the description said it would.  So, I figured I'd try out the cookbook truffles instead.  And I was pleasantly surprised.  The truffles in this cookbook came out exactly like what the description said they would.  Forget online recipes--I'm going to just stick to cookbooks now.  Also, these truffles were healthier for me and my brain than the online truffles I had tried.  The online recipe had cream and brandy; this cookbook recipe had dates, cherries, and walnuts.  Overall, this is a great cookbook, and I look forward to trying out other recipes in here to boost my brainpower!

"Supermarket Healthy" by Melissa D'Arabian

Beautifully written and presented, this book is a quick guide for anyone looking to make some health-conscious meals.  The beginnings introduces some basics of what to keep handy in the pantry as well as some nutrition basics.  However, the author makes it clear that her book is not a diet or nutrition book but rather a cookbook focused on staying healthy.  The book is broken down into sections.  Besides breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts, this book divides up recipes further into sections for poultry, fish, pasta, and more, which is nice.  The pictures are very high-quality, and the colored printing is fun for the text.  There are tips for entertaining, as well as stretching a budget.  The directions themselves are pretty straightforward and in a good readable-sized font.  Overall, this is a fun cookbook.  However, it does not focus on any particular food avoidance or allergy.  So, if you avoid certain foods, just skip those recipes in this book and focus on others.  Or, feel free to substitute ingredients, which the author suggests.

"The Chia Cookbook" by Janie Hoffman

Unlike most cookbooks that just jump into recipes, this book has an introductory section on the health benefits of food.  Focusing specifically on chia seeds, the author describes how chia seeds help digestive health, immunity, and overall well-being.  For recipes that incorporate chia seeds, they are elaborate yet easy to make.  It is not as if the meals involve just sprinkling the seeds on them.  Rather, the chia seeds are incorporated into the preparation and cooking process.  From breakfast to lunch to dinner to snacks, this book has plenty of ideas.  The recipes are easy to follow, and the full-color pictures are very nice.  Go get a big bag of chia seeds because you will start putting them to use.

"You are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes" by Chris Hadfield

I received this book when I went to a speaking event for Chris Hadfield.  I heard the author in-person and can attest to his eye for details and witty humor, both of which are evident in this book.  As you flip thru this hardcover and see its full-color pages, you will see the astronaut's personal pictures from space.  From Asia to Europe and Africa to the Americas, you will see topographical details from all over.  Rivers and trees and irrigation fields sound commonplace.  However, when viewed from space, they are unique and breathtaking.  With each picture, there is a short description and sometimes a little joke.  This makes a nice coffee table book.  What I loved most is that the proceeds of this book go towards charity.  

"Style Stalking" by Christene Barberich and Piera Gelardi

Adorably eclectic, this book covers various fashion styles with colorful pictures and tips.  From metallic to denim to black to girly to sporty to "ugly pretty"--that's a first for me!--this book has it all.  There are question and answer sections where famous stylists are consulted.  There is even advice and examples for how to take a single item (a shirt, skirt, pant, etc) and wear it 3 different ways.  What I really liked was how this book featured all different types of women.  There were young girls and older women, skinny girls and more full-figured women, and all types of ethnicity represented.  No matter how old you are, how thick you are, or what race you are, you will find someone like you in this book.  I should also note that this book is unique from other fashion books in that it doesn't just focus on clothing but also notes accessories and shoes.    

"Fun with Tea" by Babette Donaldson

This cute little book is great for readers of all ages.  It is aimed at children, but--come on!--who wouldn't want to play with tea puzzles, relax with coloring tea kettles, and learn some new tea songs?  For the musically inclined, there is even sheet music to play.  I particularly enjoyed this because I play several instruments.  Just having catchy lyrics is not enough; I want to hear the rhythm.  There are inspirational quotes, places for journaling, drawing prompts, arts and crafts projects, and more.  What's also really fun is that there are cut-outs ready for use.  There's even instructions for making a traditional paper tea lantern, which was nice.  The games included can be a bit silly, but they are fun and would make great ice-breakers for older people.  The recipes included in this book are easy yet delectable, too.  Overall, this book is a must-have.  It's both extremely fun and extremely practical.   

"The Everything Healthy Tea Book" by Babette Donaldson

Part of the EVERYTHING series, this book gives ready a quick go-to reference for all things tea.  From tips to facts to medical warnings to questions / answers to myths, this book covers it all.  Historical background on tea is provided, along with some accompanying fun stories.  Chemical compounds and medical jargon are there for the advanced, along with simpler terms for the lay reader.  Hot tea, cold tea, bagged tea, loose-leaf tea, types of tea leaves, and so much more are explained.  There is even a section on tools needed for tea, as well as storage to keep you tea lasting long.  Something I have not seen in other tea books, which really caught my attention, was the section on how to grow and cultivate your own tea leaves from flowers.  This was really fascinating and--to my surprise--not all that difficult.  Maybe I will make my own garden and harvest my own tea some day!  I also greatly enjoyed the unique section on baking with tea and making beauty treatments with tea.  I had no idea that moist tea bags could be held for ten minutes over a blemish to reduce swelling and promote healing.  I want to start using tea as toner, too, since it's way cheaper than product.  If you want info on how to drink tea and which to buy, you can find that almost anywhere.  But if you want the real scoop on EVERYTHING about tea, you'll find it all here.  The things I read were so surprising and caught me so off guard, I am glad I got this book!

"Emma Lea's First Tea Ceremony" by Babette Donaldson

Culturally enticing and unique, this book will teach readers of all ages about Japanese tea ceremonies.  Emma Lea has a tea party with her friend Sam.  His family teaches Emma Lea and her mother about the intricacies of Japanese tea.  Emma Lea gets a beautiful traditional garment and is involved in the tea ceremony--which is explained so readers may learn about it.  Sam, Emma Lea's friend, points out that tea is for men and warriors and boys...not just women and girls.  New vocabulary is introduced to youngsters as they experience the meaning of words like tranquility and peace.  The illustrations are also beautifully painted, from the Japanese tea room to the authentic gardens.  Also included at the end of the book is a wonderful tea cook recipe based off of Japanese tradition.  This is a great book for learning, and it would easily make a great book report project on the culture of Japan.

"Emma Lea's Tea With Daddy" by Babette Donaldson

Emma Lea wants to have some one-on-one time with her father.  Trouble is, Dad is busy with chores.  Emma Lea doesn't fuss or cry or complain.  Rather, she sets a good example for other children by spending time preparing the tea party while her father completes his chores.  Emma Lea uses a blunt knife to cut fruit and make simple sandwiches.  She prepares the kettle but waits for her father to ignite the stove fire.  This is another great example for children to follow in terms of safety.  When all is said and done, Emma Lea and her father enjoy a special time of togetherness that was well worth the wait.  They don't dawdle but rather talk about what's been going on in their life.  Focusing on patience and family time, this book is great for life lessons.  Also included at the end of this wonderfully illustrated book is an easy recipe for tea cookies.

"Emma Lea's Magic Teapot" by Babette Donaldson

Adorably written and illustrated, this book is a great bedtime story.  Emma Lea has a magic teapot.  When she rubs it, her grandmother comes out to grant wishes.  Emma Lea thinks it's just a dream and silliness until her wishes begin to come true.  First she wishes for her mother to cook crepes.  Then she wishes to make amends with her friend.  Then she wishes to sing at school.  All these wishes come true, but her father reminds her that Emma Lea is the special one, not the teapot.  More happiness ensues as Emma Lea gets a visit from her grandparents and receives a brand new puppy.  Family time is emphasized in this book, as well as resolving conflict with friends and embracing inner confidence.  The teddy bear's input is also cutely included from time to time.  Overall, this is a very nice book that will remind us all that we can all make the choice to add the magic of friendship and kindness and togetherness to others.

"Emma Lea's First Tea Party" by Babette Donaldson

Readers are introduced to young, polite Emma Lea.  She likes teddy bears, her family, and tea.  Invited to her very first tea party--also a birthday party for her grandmother--has her all excited.  However, matters become sullen when Emma Lea realizes she is secluded to the kiddie table.  Forlorn and upset, she runs away.  Her grandfather finds her, and they have their own private tea party.  Eventually, the grandmother finds out what happened and invites both Emma Lea and her husband to the tea party.  This book has a theme of inclusion.  At the end of the story, both the young, as well as the male are a part of the tea festivities.  Children will learn a good lesson about not making others feel left other.  They will also learn about conflict and family resolution.  The hardcover book is beautifully illustrated with great watercolors.  This is an excellent book to read over and over with friends.  

"Start Your Own Family Tea Time" by Babette Donaldson

This short booklet is a must-have for anyone who is uncertain what the fuss is about with tea.  Don't understand why tea is important?  Not sure where to start?  Not sure how to get friends and family involved?  This book covers it all.  Additionally, this book is not just the author's perspective.  Sprinkled throughout the pages are opinions from famous tea experts, as well as ordinary people.  Men and women, parents and children all have their say.  Photos are included, too.  This book is geared towards all types of people, and I enjoyed how there were writings and photos of all types of ethnicity represented.  Budgeting is also considered as tips for saving money are included.  Ideas for crafts and cooking are inside too.  Overall, this is a nice quick reference guide for all things tea. 

"Keepers of the Covenant" by Lynn Austin

This sequel to Lynn's "Return to Me" is a great book but not as phenomenal as the first.  Still, even for readers who have not read "Return to Me," no details will be missed, and there will be no confusion.  This book starts with the story of Esther and goes through a generation of lives.  There is Ezra the priest who is called to move Jews to Jerusalem and eventually govern a rebellious people in ways he could never imagine.  There is Reuben, a young boy who loses his father in an apartheid against Hebrews.  His life spirals out of control as he strays from the God who took everything away from him.  There is Amina, a crippled Gentile who hates her life and is beaten by her father and uncles.  There is Devorah, a woman who is married to the love of her life but must choose what to do when circumstances turn her world upside down.  Warriors, potters, priests, thieves, weavers and more come together as we see how individuals view the curses and blessings God bestows upon His people.  The fine line between discipline and grace is discussed as real-life characters struggle to obey the Torah.  Politics play a part too as God's chosen people must bend to the edicts of the Persian king.  True love and false love are played out too as hearts dance the dance of destiny.  Great book.

"Life on the Family Farm" by Tom Heck

A compilation of short stories a few pages each, this book is nice for someone who is short on time.  You can pick this book up to read a quick tale and then put it away for months.  When you pick it up, you won't have to worry about remembering characters or events since each story is unique.  Many of the stories revolve around farm animals, tractors, the dairy business, family lessons, and such.  My personal favorites are the animal stores, especially the one where cows play with fish in their water bins in a cute fashion.  There are also stories of hunting and trapping animals.  They are not written in graphic detail, but there is a photo of a skinned fox included.  There is also a story of the author overcoming pornography.  For these reasons, I would not suggest this as a book suitable for very young readers.  Additionally, it should be noted that this book has Christian undertones.

The blog tour page for Life on the Family Farm is at: www.lifesentencepublishing.com/life-on-the-family-farm-2/

"Stolen: The True Story of a Sex Trafficking Survivor" by Katariina Rosenblatt and Cecil Murphey

Starting with Katariina's childhood, this book tells a true story about how a girl was forced to become a woman far too early.  We sit with her at the hotel pool while her mom works.  We feel the loneliness.  We fall for the smooth-talking woman who promises to be her friend.  Then reality sets in.  Katariina is lured into child trafficking.  She is forced to sleep with numerous men.  She is beaten and force-fed drugs.  On more than one occasion, people try to murder Katariina.  However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Readers will discover how Katariina got out of her personal hell, how she bettered herself, and the work she does now.  What's also fascinating is the picture of family life in the book.  Katariina does not shy away from discussing her troubled parents, children, and even ex-husband.  This book is brutally raw and honest.  At the end of the book, there are tips for helping vulnerable victims and even who to contact about freeing children from sex slavery.  This book is not suitable for young readers due to the mature nature.  Additionally, there are Christian undertones in the book.

"Playing by Heart" by Anne Mateer

This fascinating story follows a woman with a passion for music and a drive for mathematics.  Her love of music comes from her deceased mother, whereas her love of music comes from her dying father.  The wish of both Lucy and her father is for her to become the first woman PhD in Oaklahoma.  With a teaching scholarship in place to make that happen, Lucy is good to go.  That is, until life happens and she must temporarily leave her position.  Worst of all, she must teach girls' basketball, which she has neither interest not knowledge in.  The boys' basketball coach at the high school is Chet.  Chet's life experiences are tied into the book as the chapters alternate between Chet's perspective and Lula's perspective, which was nice.  I always like when books change voice.  It keeps things interesting.  There is added drama with the death of characters and war enlistment.  Not surprisingly, Chet and Lula have some chemistry, are separated, and then reunite at the end of the book.  However, the series of events in between is anything but predictable.  Unlike stories where the plot solely revolves around two love-struck characters.  The lives of high-schoolers and family members weave their way into the events.  It should be noted that there are Christian undertones in this book, but they are not overwhelming.     

"Lena of Vegitopia" by Sybil Severin and Illustrated by Carlos Patino

This adorable children's book is will hold the attention of both child and adult readers.  Set in the land of Vegitopia, Lena is friends with all the animals.  When she learns that some animals are missing their babies, she writes a letter to the Princess of Vegitopia for help.  This teachers youngsters the power of public advocacy and writing representatives.  After the Princess writes back and visits, both her and Lena visit the Carnista to free the baby animals from being dinner.  Carnista is portrayed as an ugly, overweight woman with a cruel heart.  However, after eating Lena's carrot-cake, Carnista decides to become vegan and let the animals go.  Lean's carrot-cake recipe is even included in the back of the book for interested bakers.  After Carnista becomes vegan, she is illustrated as thin and beautiful.  While many ideas in this book are taken to the extreme, there are many valuable lessons.  Eating healthier will result in a slimmer waistline and clearer skin and better hair.  Also, friendship and conflict management are pushed in this tale.  At the end of the story, Lena and Carnista are friends and even send each other gifts.  In terms of the artwork, it is very crisp and fun.  I would have like to see more pictures of animals, but overall, the book was very nice.