This book, Love Your Body: Lose Weight, Live Longer and Look Younger A New Diet Paradigm, is a health improvement book based on the author's 15 years This book, Love Your Body: Lose Weight, Live Longer and Look Younger A New Diet Paradigm, is a health improvement book based on the author's 15 years of finding the right path to his own health. It is extremely science based as the title suggests, as it includes lots of research papers to back up his findings and theories, which are interesting and continue throughout the book.
There are around 20 chapters in this book and include chapters on a new way to think about food, clean eating, hacking the brain to name few. At the end of each chapter, 2 questions are asked on your understanding or what changes you could make.
The book does come to a conclusion that one diet works better than others alongside an exercise regime, based on the scientific research and the authors own lifestyle. It recommends baby steps to changing your attitude to food and exercise as this can be more sustainable than an all or nothing approach.
If your looking for a book that covers the scientific reasons for a lifestyle change then this is for you, but it is most certainly not a book that includes any recipes or meal plans for any diet.
I received this book in return for a honest review from #netgalley....more
The Eating Rome book is a mixture of Elizabeth's Helman Minchilli's life from childhood, moving to Italy from America when she was 12 years old with hThe Eating Rome book is a mixture of Elizabeth's Helman Minchilli's life from childhood, moving to Italy from America when she was 12 years old with her parents and two siblings, studying, finding love and living in Italy as an adult.
The book contains places to eat or drink when visiting, along with a list of do's and don'ts (such as ordering coffee and when to sit at a table or stand, not to eat within 10 feet of historical monuments), how Italy does not do breakfast as we know it - coffee only or cookies instead of cereal.
The book also includes some wonderful sounding recipes, with detailed instructions at the end of each chapter to try yourself along with interesting information on portion sizes.
There are wonderful pictures throughout the book, from food to street scenes, which adds beauty to the book.
I would certainly like to include this book on my shelf.
I received this book from #netgalley in return for a honest review....more
It's Missouri 50th birthday and she is looking forward to celebrating, perhaps even a surprise party. But her birthday doesn't go well: she writes offIt's Missouri 50th birthday and she is looking forward to celebrating, perhaps even a surprise party. But her birthday doesn't go well: she writes off her car, she loses her job and to top it off she is dumped after 32 years of marriage by her husband Doyle for a younger model.
Devastated at first, she then turns her life around and signs up to do an art course, first locally and then in Italy.
In this story, whilst I feel for Missouri, she seems to scream rather a lot, which feels dull, a more range of emotions could be used.
If you enjoy painting, art history or about architecture in Italy then this during the story gives much of that which can at times be a little overwhelming when it names a place here, which then moves to another street, a historical artist, you get the picture... It's as if the story is a mismatch of the fiction and fact worlds colliding.
I was provided with a copy of this book from netgalley for a honest review....more
The Ultimate Tortilla Press Cookbook is a wonderful cookery book explaining how to make flour tortillas, and how to use them in dishes with a large seThe Ultimate Tortilla Press Cookbook is a wonderful cookery book explaining how to make flour tortillas, and how to use them in dishes with a large selection of recipes to choose from, be it for breakfast, soup, dinner or a dessert.
The book is split into two parts. Part 1 deals with the history of the tortilla, how to make them and which press to use for the best results.
Part 2 of this book covers the filling foundations, snacks & starters, tacos plus burritos, mains, soups and desserts.
Some of the recipes are familiar such as chicken fajitas, others such as puffy tacos are new to me and do look appetizing. Some of the dishes use numerous recipes from the book, so at times you may have to make many dishes for one meal.
There is colour photography, measurements in metric & imperial and little 'cheesy' jokes. Some of the ingredients are American, such as ground beef (beef mince) and zucchini (courgette).
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review....more
Foodimentary is a book full of "food holidays" for each day of the year, including the elusive 29th February.
The book is split into the four seasons,Foodimentary is a book full of "food holidays" for each day of the year, including the elusive 29th February.
The book is split into the four seasons, starting with the season of Spring and the month of March. There are lists of food holidays associated with each month or a certain week in that period. Then each day has a food holiday, with a short explanation for that day and some of the days include a recipe too.
Though there is some photography throughout, it leans more to the food history of that day with black and white pictures of women in a cafe as an example. Whilst the drawings are cute for the food, I was disappointed there were none in regards to the food or the recipes associated with the day. Some days are quite similar throughout the year and include similar themes, so the odd time the history was repeated on another day.
I was provided with a copy of #foodimentary via #Netgalley in return for a honest review...more
This is a must have book for all AC/DC fans! It covers all the studio albums they have produced from High Voltage in 1975 to Rock or Bust in 2014. TheThis is a must have book for all AC/DC fans! It covers all the studio albums they have produced from High Voltage in 1975 to Rock or Bust in 2014. There are 16 albums to read about over the many decades of recording from this Australian band.
Each album has an introduction as to its origins, with details of the songs, covers, release dates and producers. The author moves on to interview a number of 'superfans' for the rest of the chapter regarding that particular album.
There is lots of photography from the bands history, many of which my husband, who also looked at this book with me, had not seen before.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review....more
Fix, Freeze, Feast (2nd edition) is cookery book for those who would benefit from batch cookery in their lives when they are short of time. The book gFix, Freeze, Feast (2nd edition) is cookery book for those who would benefit from batch cookery in their lives when they are short of time. The book gives instructions on how to prepare meals, freeze into portions and then defrost and cook for a family meal.
This book has six sections of recipes including main dishes for chicken, beef, pork and veg & seafood. There are also soups & side dishes, sauces & marinades and breafast, sweets & snacks. There is some colour photography through the book to accompany the recipes.
The introduction explains the beauty of the make-ahead meals, gives tips for successful planning, including shopping, preparation and storage & labelling.
Each recipe is set out well with a list of ingredients and equipment required such as freezer bags. Some of the recipes do not need cooking before freezing, just assembling and once defrosted are cooked in the oven. Some recipes are successfully transferred from the freezer straight to the oven or stove - there is even a handy index at the back which lists these recipes. The majority of the recipes make enough for three portions to be frozen with four serving per portion. Alternatively you could freeze into different portion sizes or scale up or down the recipes dependent on your needs.
More sections I found useful included freezer shelf life, a freezer inventory list which could be photocopied and stickers are available online for the freezer bags.
I like the ideas from this book, especially the cookies, including the well known snickerdoodles, which can be made and frozen in advance and then cooked as required (this recipes makes 7 portions with 12 cookies per batch).
This book has American ingredients, temperatures and measurements with no British alternatives or suggestions.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review....more
After arriving home from a mini break, Fi notices a removals van on her street. As she approaches her house, she realises its her home the furniture iAfter arriving home from a mini break, Fi notices a removals van on her street. As she approaches her house, she realises its her home the furniture is being delivered to. Upon entering she is confronted with a surreal situation: the house has been sold by her ex husband Bram and he has disappeared. Why has he done this to her and their sons considering how well they have got on since discovering his affair.
This interesting story is told in a variety of ways which at the beginning makes it hard to follow whats going on. Fi's point of view in the form of The Victim podcast telling her story of the last few months since Brams unfaithfulness and then Bram through a word document alongside present day events and social media comments about the podcast.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable well thought of story about lies, secrets and manipulation, which just when you think all is as well as it can be, it finally comes to a conclusion with the sending of an email which turns another untruth into an even bigger problem.
I received this eBook from Netgalley in return for a honest review....more
Cooking with Nonna (grandmother/nanny to us Brits) is a wonderfully written Italian-American cookery book of traditional Italian recipes. It is full oCooking with Nonna (grandmother/nanny to us Brits) is a wonderfully written Italian-American cookery book of traditional Italian recipes. It is full of excellent recipes from a variety of different nonnas the author has contacted and contains lots of colour photography.
There are 9 sections which include an introduction to the author and her nonna, appetizers, soups & salads, vegetables & side dishes, pasta & first course, second course, pizza, breads & savoury bakes, desserts, and cookies.
The introduction is a good base to get you started as there is tool section, instructions on how to make two types of fresh pasta, either by hand or using a stand mixer and explains which type of pasta dough is best for the various shapes and finally four different recipes of basic sauces which are then recommended as an accompaniment in the main recipe sections.
Interspersed within the sections are stories from some of the nonna's who's recipes have been included in this book, giving you an insight into their life. The recipes also have the Italian name, preparation and cooking times, servings and many come with a 'nonna says' tip such as freezing or not to cover crowd a pan.
I appreciated the way it has the grams next to the ingredients so no conversions were needed.
I received this eBook from Netgalley in return for a honest review....more
This is the story of Gina, a trainee chef at a top restaurant who at first sight becomes the infatuation of Leon, a rich playboy who is in the restaurThis is the story of Gina, a trainee chef at a top restaurant who at first sight becomes the infatuation of Leon, a rich playboy who is in the restaurant on a date with a childhood friend of Gina's.
Gina ignores Leon's requests for a date but he persists with notes and flowers. Her colleague Marcia knows of Leon's reputation but thinks Gina should date him to see how the other half live.
However even though she has spurned Leon, her childhood friend is upset with Gina and attacks her. In comes Brent, the detective assigned to this case, who also seems to like Gina too but Marcia takes a shine to him.
Overall I'm not sure about this novel. It's an interesting story with four main characters but I don't know that I really enjoyed it. Its hard to put my finger on what it was that doesn't resonate with me.
Maybe its the misleading title as there is not really any lies, unless its the lies the characters were telling themselves about their feelings. Its a story more about jealousy and envy in the end. Or it was the way the epilogue was a year on from where it ended and just fell flat.
I was provided with #SugarAndSpiceAndAllThoseLies by #NetGalley in return for a honest review....more
Winter Gardens is not a gardening book, it covers the authors favourite and inspirational winter gardens mainly in France and the United Kingdom and tWinter Gardens is not a gardening book, it covers the authors favourite and inspirational winter gardens mainly in France and the United Kingdom and the plants each garden has used to make their gardens more attractive during the bare winter months. There is plenty of colour photography throughout this book to see the gardens and their plants in quite good detail and often includes the comparative picture when the plant is in bloom during the summer months.
The book has a chapter on The Plant Palette, and includes lots of descriptions and colour photography of ornamental barks in their various colours and states throughout the seasons. Also included in this chapter are plants with coloured stems such as Cornus and bamboos, flowering plants in the form of trees and shrubs, perennials and bulbs plus berries.
As I said at the beginning, and which the author also acknowledges, this is not a gardening book, but it does give the reader some ideas as to the plants that could be used to brighten up the garden during the winter. The author includes a list of suggested nurseries (UK, France & USA) where different types of plants be it bark, flowers or bamboos may be sourced.
I was given this book from #Netgalley in return for a honest review....more
This story follows her as Emily Coleman leaves it all behind her home in Manchester, her husband Ben and Charlie, her twin sister Caroline and parentsThis story follows her as Emily Coleman leaves it all behind her home in Manchester, her husband Ben and Charlie, her twin sister Caroline and parents without a word & heads for London without looking back. She starts over again, finding a flat share, a friend in Angel & a new job. What has driven her to do something so drastic?
I really enjoyed this story, following Emily (known as Cat Brown in London) through her new life. Its not until the end of the story did the author reveal the reason she left, which was so sad. The whole book flowed well, with flashbacks between the past and present. The whole book had me gripped from beginning to end. Excellent read, Would thoroughly recommend.
I received a copy of this from netgalley in return for a honest review....more
This i felt was a book without direction in its story. It rambled through the family life and then suddenly it ended; kind of just closing one door & This i felt was a book without direction in its story. It rambled through the family life and then suddenly it ended; kind of just closing one door & opening another making it feel like life would be repeative on the otherside.
Audra with her constant inane talking to her family, friends & strangers seemed a bit much at times. Nothing came of her being in a hotel one lunchtime & telling her husband the same story or him not being in/recalling the sushi bar when she wanted to invite another person to eat with them. Seemed a bit odd, though Graham might have picked up on that again.
I enjoyed the information on Matthews condition, very interesting reading how he had friend challenges, his intense liking for origami.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review....more
I really enjoyed this book. I could feel the sadness that Lucy had suffered with the miscarriages, it's not talked about often enough even though sadlI really enjoyed this book. I could feel the sadness that Lucy had suffered with the miscarriages, it's not talked about often enough even though sadly it is a occurrence for some people. The characters worked well together, with the step daughter's dislike one that can occur and the twist that Lucy had been through another event in her life, had locked it away, and this made sense of the letters she was writing at the end of most chapters....more
Callie & Tilda are twin sisters living in London. Tilda is a renowned actress & Callie works in a bookshop. Their lives are so different though they aCallie & Tilda are twin sisters living in London. Tilda is a renowned actress & Callie works in a bookshop. Their lives are so different though they are close. Tilda meets the charming Felix, who sweeps her off her feet but as she starts to withdraw, Callie is concerned that Felix is a control freak plus after seeing Felix dunk Tilda in the river so she comes up spluttering, Callie becomes is even more worried for her twins' safety. What will she do to protect her sister?
This is an interesting psychological thriller story, which is seen through Callies eyes in the form of observations, and flashbacks to their childhood. Callie herself appears obsessed with her sister and has some strange behaviours so she can be close to her sister which makes you wonder if she is not imagining the problems her sister is having with Felix. Callie furthers this obsession to protect her sister by getting heavily involved in online forums, meeting up with some of the people she has been corresponding with, which then takes a sinister turn. The ending has a twist, which I partly saw coming and where the sisters must face the truth.
Robins is an interesting writer, with good narration from Callie and interesting multilayered characters. At times the street name Curzon Street kept popping up as though it was a reference to how posh it was, the use of brackets in places such as "coffee (her) and hot chocolate (me)" could be better written and the use of 'And' or 'Then' to begin a sentence made it feel slightly child like in the writing.
Overall it was a creepy read and would recommend it....more
Cooking for the Senses is a vegan cookery book (though I use the word cookery loosely as the first 55% of the book goes on and on and on and on...) wiCooking for the Senses is a vegan cookery book (though I use the word cookery loosely as the first 55% of the book goes on and on and on and on...) with the authors introduction, explaining about the senses and then continues in minute detail with each and every vegetable, herb, grain, fruit they could think to include. It really was quite dull and laborious and not a single picture was included - would be nice to see some of the ingredients just to break it up somewhat!
Once the recipes are finally reached, there is colour photography to accompany some of the recipes. The recipes are split into 5 sections and include small plates, brunches & lunches & picnics, dinner dates & gentle plates, seeking solace in the kitchen (covers dressings, bread, sauces, pickling to name but a few) and desserts. Measurements are given in grams which I appreciate.
Then the book reverts back to more information with chapters on Important plant compounds and their role in Health Maintenance and Resources with a list of suppliers for ingredients such as salt and herbal teas.
Perhaps to make this book a little more readable, the recipes should be first and the information bits should be at the rear and I would have liked to see more photography of the ingredients and recipes.
I received this book from #netgalley in return for a honest review....more
This is an interesting cookery book on pickling and curing meat with many colour photographs.
There are 9 sections within this book which includes an iThis is an interesting cookery book on pickling and curing meat with many colour photographs.
There are 9 sections within this book which includes an introduction, techniques & how to, beef, lamb & game, pork, poultry, big fish, small fish, eggs & dairy and beans & nuts.
The introduction is unusual as it really begins by talking about the protein in different foods rather than the reasons for curing or pickling.
The techniques section is more the introduction, as it discusses all the different methods for preserving or curing and includes how to instructions for pickling, hot-water-bath canning, pressure canning, dry curing, brine curing, drying, freezing, fat curing, hot smoking, and finally cold smoking.
The recipes include good instructions, the amount it makes, the time taken and if a certain method is used. Also included is storage information for the recipe.
I would think from looking at this that a certain amount of specialist equipment is required such as a canning pot and pressure canner for canning methods. The curing does not appear to require much equipment apart from a bucket or dish and the drying could be done on cooling racks, or a food dehydrator could be used.
There is a conversion table in the rear of the book, but you also need your calculator handy to multiply from ounces & pounds to grams.
I received this eBook from Netgalley in return for a honest review...more
This is an excellent cookery book for making frozen yoghurts at home in many different flavours for adults and children will enjoy including a few alcThis is an excellent cookery book for making frozen yoghurts at home in many different flavours for adults and children will enjoy including a few alcoholic ones.
It is split into 9 sections starting with how to make the frozen yoghurt, then moves onto the yoghurt flavours with classic bases, fruits, sugar & spices and chocolate & nuts. There are also sections on how to use the frozen yoghurt by making cookie & brownie sandwiches, cakes, cupcakes & pies, semifreddos, terrines & bombes, popsicles, bonbons & other treats and finally there is a chapter on sauces.
There are good instructions throughout the book with colour photographs to accompany the recipes. The frozen yoghurts can be made with or without an ice cream maker. The book also gives instructions on how to make homemade yoghurt, but if you are low on time, you could use a branded yoghurt instead.
Recipes are measured in cups, and the author has included a useful metric conversion chart at the rear of the book.
Recipes come with an ideas box on 'treats to try' which includes the page the additional recipe is on. For example the strawberry frozen yoghurt the suggestions are: flourless peanut butter cookie sandwiches, banana split layer cake or a strawberry shortcake torte.
All in all, a very good book and I'd find it very useful.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in return for a honest review....more
Les Abats by Michel Roux Jr is a different type of cookery book; it uses parts of the fish and animals that most people do not consider such as cod chLes Abats by Michel Roux Jr is a different type of cookery book; it uses parts of the fish and animals that most people do not consider such as cod cheeks, duck tongues & hearts, pigs trotters to name but a few. So this is a book that contains something we British do not use enough of: offal. I have cooked oxtails myself and eaten sweetmeats which are both delicious so I was curious to see what recipes I could try at home.
This book is divided into 7 sections covering fish & shellfish, poultry, game, pig, cow & calf, sheep & lamb along with salads, vegetables and sauces. There are many recipes in each section to choose from and each provide good instructions on how to make each recipe along with an explanation of the offal that is being used.
There are suggestions on where to get the ingredients, be it your local fishmonger, butcher or online suppliers and conversion tables towards the end of the publication.
My only criticism of the book is there appears to be no photography, of either the ingredients or the meals made. Would be great to see what I'm cooking with and what the final dish looks like.
I was given this book by Netgalley in return for a honest review....more
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