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Book Review: The School of Essential Ingredients

Aug 12th, 10 / 0 Comments

Berkley Trade

Paperback, 9780425232095, 272pp.

Take one look at this gorgeous cover and I’ll wager you’d love to be sitting on that beautiful bench, enjoying the scenery and life around you, holding yourself back just one more moment before heading inside so you can savor the anticipation of a delicious, sensual experience!

The School of Essential Ingredients, written by Erica Bauermeister, introduces us to Lillian and the students attending her cooking class. From an early age, Lillian was drawn to the kitchen, and discovered the magic in food and its preparation. As an adult, she shares that magic with her students and we’re lucky enough to receive some ourselves.

Each chapter in the book is devoted to a different student. Lillian chooses a new assistant from the class each week and we grow closer to that person as through each lesson they discover more about themselves, their relationship with food and the people in their lives. As we witness Lillian’s uncanny ability to read her students and nudge them in the right direction, in the kitchen and in life, I found myself wishing I could sign up for the next session.

I hesitate in giving too many details because I don’t want to spoil the fun and magic you’ll find in this nourishing and refreshing novel. It’s a quick read and you won’t regret the time you’ve spent between its covers. Erica Bauermeister’s next novel can not come soon enough!

Rating
Story
A sensuous and well-crafted story you'll want to read again.

Book Cover
Beautiful and inviting.

Overall
Truly magic. You'll feel the glow, I promise!

(Originally posted at Sweet Reads on 5/24/10.)

Books, Featured, Food, Wellness

Book Review: All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome

Aug 12th, 10 / 0 Comments

All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome

By Kathy Hoopman

Jessica Kingsley Publishers

November 2006

Two of my great loves, my son and kitties, all wrapped up in one delightful book! When I saw the cover, I snatched it up before you could say, “Kathy Hoopmann is a genius!”

In All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome, Ms. Hoopman has perfectly paired photos of the adorable feline community with the traits of those with Asperger Syndrome (“AS”). You learn about the characteristics that set people with AS apart and some of the obstacles they face. But you’ll soon see why those very same traits can help them rise to the top of their chosen careers and make them uniquely qualified to bring much light into this world.

I wish this book had been available when my son was much younger as I’m sure he would have found himself in its pages. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is touched by AS, be it by a family member, friend, classmate or self; and those who aren’t familiar will surely gain a better understanding of what it means to live with Asperger Syndrome.

Rating
Story
Accurately describes many of the characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome.

Book Cover
Come on. How much cuter could it be!

Overall
This book is excellent for kids and adults. I only wish it would have been published earlier!

(Originally posted at Sweet Reads on 4/30/10.)

Books, Featured, Wellness

Book Review: Ghastly Glass

Sep 26th, 09 / 1 Comment

Ghastly Glass (Renaissance Faire Mystery)

Authors: Joyce and Jim Lavene

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

312 pages

The story:

In this second book of the Renaissance Faire Mystery series, Jessie Morton, an assistant professor at a local college, continues her research on Renaissance crafts by becoming an apprentice at the Glass Gryphon, one of the shops at Renaissance Village.

When the Grim Reaper, or the man playing him, is killed, Jessie takes it upon herself to track down the killer. Halloween hijinx make it difficult to determine what is real and what is fake in this place of make believe. The message “Death shall find thee,” which was found on the Grim Reaper’s robe, starts appearing all over the village and no one is sure if it’s a warning from the killer or just part of the scary decorations.

Will Jessie find the answers in time to stop the killer from striking again?

My thoughts:

What could be a more fun setting for a mystery than the Renaissance Faire? Ghastly Glass captures the magic of swashbuckling pirates and fluttering fairies, peasants and pageantry, and the many shoppes boasting beautiful wares that make up a Renaissance village. When Halloween hits the village, craziness ensues.

I enjoyed the main character, Jessie, but didn’t like that she seemed to be the only intelligent character in the book. For me, it’s difficult to read a book where everyone is being duped except the hero or heroine. Can so many people be wrong? But, even the hero or heroine can be duped so never assume anything.

My favorite character in Ghastly Glass is the man who took over the role of Grim Reaper. I can’ say much without saying TOO much but if you read the story, you’ll understand why.

There were a few red herrings thrown in to the story which are a must in any self-respecting cozy mystery. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the ending. It felt a bit thrown together and sophomoric. I know the writing team of Joyce and Jim Lavene have written some terrific stories but I think this one could have been better.

If you’re into the world of Renaissance and don’t mind a few story quibbles, Ghastly Glass has some fun moments and an endearing character you’ll hope to see again.

Bonus: Recipes & fun facts are included.