Sheila

Pre-Release Review of Witch Born, by Amber Argyle

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Aug 242012
 

Product Details:

Title: Witch Born (Book #2 in The Witch Born Series)
Author: Amber Argyle
Paperback: 330 pages
Publisher: Starling Books (September 5, 2012)
Genre: YA Fantasy
ISBN-10: 0985739401
ISBN-13: 978-0985739409

FTC FYI: I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:
Publication Date: September 5, 2012
Brusenna thought it was finished. She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong. She was wrong. Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands. Some things can’t be saved. A new threat merges with the old as the Witches’ dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything. Including her life. Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?

 

Product Details:

Title: Witch Song(Book#1 in the Witch Song Series)
Author: Amber Argyle
Reading level: Ages 11 and up
Paperback: 325 pages
Publisher: Rhemalda Publishing (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936850168
ISBN-13: 978-1936850167

Book Description:
Publication Date: September 1, 2011 | Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up

The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can’t stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn’t, there won’t be anything left to save.
I was so lucky to be able to read both books, one right after the other. If I hadn’t been able to, I would have gone a little crazy! I had to start book two immediately to see what would happen. I let the author know how I felt about her books when I sent her a message on Facebook, here is what I said…

“There is something missing in your books…a warning at the beginning that your stories are so addicting that you won’t be able to put the book down.”

When I wrote this to Amber I truly meant it. I took my Kindle to work and it was so hard not to sneak a peek when I shouldn’t during the day. I did read it during Silent Reading Time and during my lunch time. That is my warning to you also, once you start reading this series, you won’t want to stop reading.

Things I Liked:
–Beautiful Writing Style: Amber has such a beautiful way with her words. The Witches in this series cast spells by singing. I loved the words sung by the witches as they cast protection spells. I hate to admit, even when they cast spells to hurt their enemies. Here is an example of main character Brusenna’s, or Senna as she is called mainly in the story, her spell casting…

“Let not the curse of Witches
Destroy a land of natural riches.
Plants, preserve life in thy roots,
Seeds sleep in earth, send forth
no shoots
Until the Witches shall disperse
This terrible and unjust curse.”
I am a singer, so I loved that singing was the method of yielding the Witches power. To cripple a witch and put a stopper to her powers, they gag her. But, you will be amazed at everything the witches can do with their powers.
-Great Main Character Senna: Here is why I loved this character;though she is a truly powerful witch, she is still very “human” in many of her actions. She is not perfect. She has doubts about herself and what she can accomplish. She has feelings and often puts them on the line. In other words, she is very relatable. I like this in a character. It is very easy to put yourself in her place with what she is thinking and feeling.

–Interesting Magic System and History: I loved figuring our how the witches gain power, and what the power is. I also was intrigued with how the witches could control the natural elements.  The history also unfolds in the second book, Witch Born. By no means does this make the book boring. It only enhances the story as events unfold.

Gorgeous Covers: 
Do I need to say more???

–Great Love Story: 
Senna and her Guardian, Joshen, have a very sweet, but normal relationship. They share a great love, but they also have their share of arguments. Through most of both books there is no love triangle; and that is all I am going to say. ;)

–Refreshing and Original Storyline:
I have been reading a lot of fantasy and paranormal stories the past two years. The Witch Song Series is very different from other stories that have witches in them. If you’re tired of vampires, this is a great choice! The author states at the beginning, “The Author wished to use America’s resonance with the Salem Witch Trials. Therefore, the technology and setting for Nefalie are loosely based off of seventeenth century New England” and this time period has always fascinated me. There is also a lot of action that leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat, from chapter to chapter. I couldn’t read fast enough!

Overall, I really loved this series full of interesting characters with such a refreshing and unique storyline. I recommend Witch Song and Witch Born to ages 11 and up. With a main character that grows and matures, you grow to love and admire her. This is a fantastic read which I will read again!

We are excited to announce that we will be participating in the “First Five Chapters Free”” event that author Amber Argyle will be hosting on September 5th. That is the day that Witch Born is officially released. You will be able to go to several blogs to read the first part of Witch Born. Make sure that you come back to get a first look at this exciting second book.

If you are feeling lucky, you can go here to enter to win an e-copy of Witch Born. The contest is going on through September 5th.

 

About this author

Amber Argyle grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy.

She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters.

She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University.

She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.

Purchase your own copies of Witch Song and Witch Born at Amazon.com.

Developing Good Reading Habits for the New School Year

 Posted by  Sheila's Reviews
Aug 172012
 

By John-Morgan (from Flickr.com)

“The greatest gift is the passion for reading.
It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites,
it gives you knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind.
It is a moral illumination.” — Elizabeth Hardwick

What are some easy things you can do in your home to help your children develop good reading habits, regardless of their age? Here are some things that will help your children become better students and stronger, and more competent readers. These habits will also help your children develop a more positive attitude towards reading at home and at school.

 

Here are some simple suggestions you can use to help your child develop reading skills:

  • Make sure that your children observe you reading on a regular basis. What you read is not important — when your child sees you reading recipes, magazines, newspapers, books, telephone directories, and other reading materials, it will reinforce the importance of reading.
  • Take the opportunity to read to your children often. This not only develops great child/parent bonding time, but also develops solid reading habits for you and your children. There are SO many wonderful books that are out there now. picture books and chapter books.
  • Make yourself/child comfortable :Reading improves concentration. Also, concentration is needed while reading. So whenever we are reading any books we should make ourselves comfortable in a chair or on our bed so that we can concentrate on the book we are reading.
  • To stimulate reading, keep reading materials throughout the house. This will increase your child’s access to books and printed material. Help them understand that reading doesn’t only happen at school — it can happen anywhere. Studies suggest that learners who read outside of school are more successful readers and students.
  • If you are not a good reader,talk about the pictures in books, magazines, and newspapers with your child. It is important for your child to observe your efforts in acquiring reading abilities. In addition, ask them to read aloud to you or to tell you about what they have read in their own words.
  • Visit your public library often, and take advantage of the resources that are available there. Make this a fun weekly activity.
  • Make it a rule that your  children can’t watch television until they have done their daily reading. No exceptions!
  • As your child becomes a better reader, talk about what he/she is reading. When your child finishes a new story or reading assignment, discuss the main ideas, new words and concepts, and your child’s favorite section. This will help strengthen your child’s reading comprehension skills. Have them also write down their favorite parts of the story. This will also encourage good writing skills.
  • Set a goal as a family to read so many books in a month or a year; say five a month or 50 in a year. This will bring some excitement as you work together towards your goal.
  • Let your child know, that to be a good reader, you must read EVERY day! Reading just one or two days for a long time, does not develop good reading habits. Again, show your child that reading is important to you by reading daily.

By taking these steps in your home, you will not only encourage your children to read — you will help them succeed in the classroom and beyond!

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway for, Choosing Charity, by Terri Ferran

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Aug 032012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: Choosing Charity
  • Author: Terri Ferran
  • Paperback: 280 pages
  • Publisher: Bonneville Books (July 10, 2012)
  • Genre: Womans Fiction
  • ISBN-10: 1462110657
  • ISBN-13: 978-1462110650
  • FTC FYI: I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review.


 

Book Description:

I turned my attention back to Alicia. My brown eyes and dark blonde hair looked nothing like
hers and I detected no resemblance between us until she turned her head
and smiled slightly. From that angle, I saw her high cheekbones with a
slight hollow near her hairline. I have her cheekbones.
“We should begin, Arthur,” Alicia said. I detected no emotion in her smooth voice
and I wondered what she was thinking. Can she see a resemblance? Can she
tell I am her daughter?

With a new job, a husband she adores, and a life full of friends, Kit’s life seems pretty much perfect—well,
aside from the fact that her husband is in school and way too busy for
Kit’s liking. And of course she’s still dealing with the fall-out from
her adoptive parents’ divorce.

But when Kit learns that her biological mother wants to meet her, she’s not sure how to react. What
good could possibly come from getting to know someone who left you in a dumpster to die?

Exquisitely written and full of heart, Choosing Charity is a can’t-miss read that’s sure to remind you why Christ like love is the greatest virtue of all.

My Review:

I loved the characters in this book. I haven’t read the other books in this series, but I will be going back and reading them. Now, with that said, this book worked very well as a stand alone read. I loved the main character’s fun and quirky personality. You come to figure out that her past experiences contribute a lot to how she reacts to things. Another thing I wanted you to know, this was yet again a book that was a quick read. I didn’t want to go to sleep, and I stayed up late…ON a school night…to finish this book. This has been happening a lot this summer. I chalk it up to reading many great books by awesome writers!! 

This book has a lot of heart. It will pull at your heart strings. It will make you think “what if…”. Some of the subjects in this book are adoption, abandonment, infertility, organ donation and emotional healing. Some things are quite controversial. Terri Ferran does a great job in the way she covers all of these tough subjects. My favorite characters have to be Kit and Charity. The interaction between these characters made me LOL and cry. I truly felt empty after finishing this book because I missed them and their conversations. This novel is about what could happen to real people, in very real situations, who turn to family and God to make it through their tough times.

Overall I loved this book. I truly like Terri’s writing style and want to read more of her books. Add this book to your summer reading list. I know that it is probably full already, but you won’t want to miss this very moving story.



How would you like to win all three of Terri’s books in this series? The information is down below.All you have to do is comment on this blog post and other blog posts that are part of the blog tour.

 

Giveaway Info:

As part of the tour, Terri is generously offering a grand prize giveaway of the Faith, Hope, and Charity trilogy, including hard copies of Finding Faith, Having Hope, and Choosing Charity. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post or any of the other stops on the tour. (Visit http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/p/choosing-charity-blog-tour.html the tour page for the full tour schedule.) The more stops you comment on, the more entries you have into the contest!

Launch Party Info:
The official launch party for Choosing Charity will be held on August 11th from 3-7 PM at Seagull
Book in The District in South Jordan. Terri will be joined by three other
authors: Diony George, Carla Kelly, and Wendy Paul. Prizes and refreshments
will be offered so come join the fun!
Other Books in Series:

 

Author Bio:
Terri Ferran grew up in a small Colorado town that offered little in the way of
entertainment. She escaped through reading (and later on a Continental
Trailways bus), and although the town didn’t have a library, she eagerly
anticipated the coming of the Bookmobile and would check out stacks of books at a time.

She moved to Utah as a high school senior where she joined the LDS Church and met her husband, Tod. She dreamed of being a writer but took the safe route of becoming a CPA. She finally got brave enough to quit working in the world of numbers to pursue her dream of writing and also to spend more time with her children. Her first book, Finding Faith was published in 2007 and she is excited to be living her dream of writing in real life.

Terri still loves to read, but she can usually be found writing, doing laundry,
dishes, running errands, napping, eating chocolate, or exercising (not
necessarily in that order).

Social Networking Links:

·       Website:http://www.terriferran.com/

Purchase Links:·      

Blog Tour Review of, Reality Check by Karen Tuft: Reminder…Enter to Win Your Own Copy!

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jul 202012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: Reality Check
  • Author: Karen Tuft
  • Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.; 1st edition (June 1, 2012
  • Genre: Romance
  • ISBN-10: 1608613976
  • ISBN-13: 978-1608613977

 

 

 

 

 

Book Description:

Publication Date: June 1, 2012
 
After college graduation, Lucy Kendrick heads home with
big plans for work, travel, and relishing her freedom which means no
romantic entanglements. But her two best friends have other ideas. Lucy
is seriously steamed when she realizes they’ve signed her up to be a
contestant on the reality dating show Soulmates, but she decides not to
renege and soon finds herself in Los Angeles a small-town Mormon girl
vying for the love of millionaire bachelor Ethan Glass. At first this
cute, smart, fun young woman, who would rather pray than party,
bewilders Ethan. But his interest and admiration grow with every
encounter. However, the conniving associate producer is determined to
stir up some made-for-TV drama and takes strides to make this reality
television show anything but real. When the show finally airs, Lucy has
been recast as someone she unquestionably is not. Lucy is left
humiliated in front of the world, and Ethan is left wondering who the
Lucy is that he was falling in love with. Will the duplicities that have
created this humiliation ever come to light? And will the truth emerge
too late for the would-be soul-mates?
My Review:   
Reality Check is the story of an LDS young women who becomes a contestant on a reality TV dating show. As my post last Saturday showed, I do watch the Bachelor and Bachelorette. Sometimes I watch it because of liking someone on the show and wanting to see how far my favorite actually advances. Other times I watch to get a good laugh at how crazy people act when they are on a show like this. Well, Reality Check was like watching the TV show, but better. Yes, there were drama queens and wacko contestants, but the main characters added some much needed depth you usually don’t get in the TV show. 

Karen Tuft’s new novel is fun, fast-paced and hard to put down. This is another book that I read late into the night. Once Lucy’s friends trick her into going onto the show Soulmates,  you are hooked. You really want to see what will happen. I had to LOL when Lucy told herself she probably wouldn’t make it past the first night, then she would get to visit Disneyland for the first time. I laughed at this because it’s truly something that I would think and plan! The biggest thing you will notice in the story, is how different Lucy is from the other girls. She stands out because of her standards and morals. The “bachelor” on the show, Ethan Glass, notices her on the first night because of how modestly she is dressed.This story would be considered an LDS romance, but it never shoves anything in your face religiously. It is all presented in a way that you cheer for Lucy as she stays true to herself and her religion. I loved the character of Ethan Glass and how he was in this contest for all of the right reasons. Females will find him “Awww”” worthy and wanting an Ethan in their own lives; or wanting their husbands to follow Ethan’s lead. 

Reality Check is a great first book from Karen Tuft. This is another book, that you must tuck away in your bag, when you go on vacation. You will finish reading this book feeling like maybe, just maybe, soul-mates are truly real.
 
 You can purchase Reality Check here:

Karen Tuft

Best Price $13.00

or Buy New $16.99

Remember that Karen is hosting a giveaway in conjunction with the blog tour. Here again are the details.
Giveaway Information:
Karen is generously donating a paperback copy of Reality Check plus a starfish charm bracelet to one lucky reader. All you have to do to gain entries is to leave a comment on any of the tour stops. Each comment will gain you an entry. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win! Here is a full list of the tour stops .
For those readers who prefer a non-LDS read, she is also giving away an ARC copy of
The Selection by Kiera Cass. It is such a cute book with a reality
based dating show as well.

Make sure you leave your email address and
which book you are entering for in your comments (i.e. Reality Check, The
Selection, or Both).
Also, go visit Karen’s blog for more information.

http://kktuft.blogspot.com/2012/06/where-did-you-have-reality-check.html

Schedule:

July 9: Book Bug – Tour Kickoff + Sneak Peek + Giveaway + “Bachelorette” Polls

July 9: “Bachelorette” Episode – The
Final 3

July 10: Getting Your Read On
– Review

July 11: A Tuft Act to Follow – “Bachelorette” Episode Recap

July 12: Book Bug – Update and “Bachelorette” Thoughts

July 12: Getting Your Read On
– “Bachelorette” Post

July 13: Fire and Ice – “Bachelorette” Post

July 14: Why Not? Because I Said So!
– “Bachelorette” Post

July 16: Book Bug – “Bachelorette”
Post

July 16: “Bachelorette”
Episode – The Men Tell All

July 17: Bookworm Lisa – Review + Author
Guest Post

July 18: A Tuft Act to Follow – “Bachelorette”
Episode Recap

July 19: Fire and Ice –
Review

July 20: Why Not? Because I Said So!
– Review

July 22: “Bachelorette”
Episode – Finale and After the Final Rose

July 23: A Tuft Act to Follow – “Bachelorette”
Finale Recap

July 23: Book Bug –
Review

July 24: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
– Author Interview

July 25: Book Bug – Wrap Up

 

About the Author:

Karen Tuft was born with a healthy dose of curiosity about pretty much everything, so as a child she taught herself to read and play the piano. She studied composition at BYU then graduated from the University of Utah in music theory as a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies. In addition to being an author, Karen is a wife, mother, pianist, composer, and arranger. She as spent countless hours backstage and in orchestra pits for theater productions along the Wasatch Front. She also has a 75 percent success rate when it comes to matchmaking and is a big believer in happy endings. Among her varied interests, she likes to figure out what makes people tick, wander through museums, and travel, whether by car, plane, or paperback.

**I was given a review copy of Reality Check. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.**

Two Reviews: Caribbean Crossroads by Connie E. Sokol and The Keeper’s Calling by Kelly Nelson

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jul 062012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: Caribbean Crossroads
  • Author: Cobbie E. Sokol
  • Paperback: 270 pages
  • Publisher: Sokol Publishing (June 8, 2012)
  • Genre: Romance
  • ISBN-10: 0615651860
  • ISBN-13: 978-0615651866

 

 

 

 

 Book Description:
Publication Date: June 8, 2012
New college grad Megan McCormick just got dumped. Hard.
Swearing off men and relationships, Megan is coaxed into performing on a
cruise ship where she meets the star performer, Bryant Johnson.
Handsome and charismatic, he looks like trouble, but she can’t deny the
intense attraction between them. Urged to find a wife and run the
family lumber business, Bryant is torn between his family’s expectations
for his life and his own. However, when he meets spunky, but
love-skittish Megan McCormick, settling down doesn’t look so bad. Just
when Megan begins to trust again, and Bryant makes some big decisions
regarding his future, her former fiance returns with a malicious
surprise, taking Megan and Bryant to their own CARIBBEAN CROSSROADS.
My Review: 
 Caribbean Crossroads is another book that I’m classifying as a fun summer read. I loved how the book begins, with Megan as a performer with a talented group of young people on a cruise ship. There she meets the good-looking and charming Bryant, whom she is desperately trying NOT to fall in love with him. I liked the feeling and fun atmosphere that the reader feels on the cruise ship. I also liked their experiences together as they visit different stops in the Caribbean. There is excitement on the ship as Megan and Bryant are falling in love. It fits the beauty found on the front cover of the book. 
After the cruise ends, a different feeling is found in the story. It is almost like the let down after you come home from a vacation. Megan and Bryant go back to their “real” lives and the family drama and pressures awaiting them. This is also the part where Megan and Bryant falter in their relationship. Talk about romantic angst! I was very frustrated with both of them as they tried to work out things in their relationship. This is where the novel shows realism as Megan is scared about getting hurt again. Readers may think she is being stubborn or stupid for not falling for this talented and handsome man. The thing that really works here though, is that the superficiality of the characters found at the beginning is wiped away. The author deepens the characters,and what is really going on inside of them. Even though you get fed up with Megan and her resistance to Bryant, you can relate if you have ever been hurt in a relationship. At the end of the book I wanted to scream as I read about the Thanksgiving dinner. I also wanted to string a few people up by their necks, namely Megan’s Mother, sister Kara and her husband Jackson. After reading the book you will know why I say this. 

Overall, this book is recommended to fans who like a quick, romantic read. It will bring out many feelings,in you the reader, as you cheer on Megan and Bryant as they cruise towards love.

You can purchase Caribbean Crossroads at Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle.
 
 About the Author:
Connie Sokol is a mother of seven—a
national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a
monthly TV contributor on KSL’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for LDSLiving
online. She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and
columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is also
the author of Motherhood Matters, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, and Life is Too Short for One Hair
Color, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol
marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. Visit her
website at www.8basics.com/   
You can also find Connie on FB http://www.facebook.com/8basics
Review of The Keeper’s Calling:

 

Product Details:

  • Title: The Keeper’s Calling
  • Author: Kelly Nelson
  • Paperback: 312 pages
  • Publisher: Walnut Springs Press. (February 20, 2012)
  • Genre: YA Fantasy/romance
  • ISBN-10: 1599928442
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599928449

 

 

 

 

 

Book Description:

Publication Date: February 20, 2012 | Series: Keeper’s Saga (Book 1)
They come from two different worlds. One fateful discovery
will bring them together. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.Chase
Harper’s to-do list for senior year never included fall in love and
fight for your life, but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and
resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the
summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him
to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest
imagination.In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston
and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather
and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is
abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected
rescuer comes to her aid.

My Review:
The second I read the back cover and realized that there would be time travel in this book, I was hooked! Some people are skeptical about time travel in novels, but for me it’s a sure way to get me to read. Let’s just say I liked the device used to time travel and how it was used. But I am getting ahead of myself…
Chase Harper is our protagonist, a normal, 17 year old boy, who plays soccer, and has a girlfriend. Life changes for him while on a camping trip when he finds an old watch in a cave. Immediately, the story moves ahead with a lot of action, as Chase is transported back to 1863 where he meets Ellie. Kelly does a fun job with her two main characters. Though they come from different time periods, they start forming a great connection. The reader picks up on this way before the characters do.
Here are the main things I really liked about the story:
 -Kelly does an incredible job of writing the POV of a 17 year old male.
-Very interesting story behind the time travel device and what it means to be a “keeper”.
-The story keeps moving throughout without a lot of lagging moments; in other words, it was hard to put down.
-Though the main characters are teenagers, adults will be pulled into the story because of the depth of the plot.
This first book ends well, but still leaves you excited to read the next book in the series. The Keeper’s Calling is full of action, angst, and romance as Chase Harper travels through the centuries on his quest of duty and love. Readers will enjoy traveling along with Chase as he forges relationships not bound by time.
**I was given a review copy of The Keeper’s Calling by Walnut Springs Press. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.**

About the Author:
Kelly Nelson was raised in Orem, Utah, and now resides in Cornelius,Oregon, in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She enjoys lifeon a ten-acre horse property with her husband, four children, and, ofcourse, lots of horses. Kelly has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham YoungUniversity. She worked as a certified public accountant for several years before opting to stay home and raise a family. As a young girl, she was an avid reader and had a passion for creative writing. Her travels to England, France, Egypt, Israel, West Indies, Mexico, and
across the United States sparked a love of history, adventure, and exotic places. This led to the inspiration behind her debut novel, The Keeper’s Calling, the first book in The Keeper’s Saga.


What Inspired Her to Write The Keeper’s Calling:

“When I tell people I wrote a book, many are interested in how the idea for the story came about. The concept for The Keeper’s Calling
sprouted during the summer of 2007. I had the rough idea of someone
finding a time travel device. It solidified on our trip through Zion
National Park when we pulled off the side of the road to take
pictures. Being an explorer at heart, I began wandering, climbing down a
rocky hillside into a wash. Calling and waving, I convinced my family
to abandon the car’s air conditioning to go on a hike. The rock walls
rose up on both sides of us, at times so high that we were completely
shaded. Kicking through the sand and dragging our fingertips across the
rough sandstone, we walked through the narrow wash. When it opened up, I
saw a couple of shallow caves in the red sandstone cliffs. Hot, tired,
and thirst, everyone else wanted to go back. I was barely getting
started; I could have hiked for another hour. We climbed into one of
these caves and took a picture. While I walked I began to daydream . . .
“What if?” One thing led to another. By the time I went to bed that
night, I had daydreamed the events that would compose the first few
chapters of my book. “


What About a Second Book?:

“The Keeper’s Quest is scheduled to be released early November
2012. I am busy editing it and look forward to everyone reading the
ongoing adventures of Chase and Ellie!”

To learn more about Kelly, please visit her at her website…http://kellynelsonauthor.com/

Review of 365 Days of Slow-Cooking by Karen Bellessa Petersen

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jun 152012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: 365 Days of Slow-Cooking
  • Author: Karen Bellessa Petersen
  • Spiral-bound: 288 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc; 1st edition (February 14, 2012)
  • Genre: Cookbook
  • ISBN-10: 1608618706
  • ISBN-13: 978-1608618705
  • FTC:FYI I received a review copy in
  • exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

 

 

 Book Description: 

Family dinner may be the most important part of the day, and for busy households, a slow-cooker may be the most important item in the kitchen! This volume of slow-cooker recipes offers easy instructions for creating appetizing meals that are prepared on your own time and served at just the right time. With 365 dishes that can be assembled in minutes, including dozens that require just two minutes or less, this collection is the perfect solution for hectic days and crowded schedules. Tempt your family’s palate with favorite entrees like golden beef stroganoff and smothered pork chops, hearty side dishes like buttermilk mashed potatoes, and delectable desserts like hot fudge pudding cake. Perk up tired menus with ethnic delights from Thai peanut noodles to Greek pita folds, and find the perfect soup or stew to please a crowd with minimal prep time. Thanks to this user-friendly guide, dinnertime just got a lot more simple, and a lot more delicious.

My Review:

According to the beginning of the book, Karen at one time rarely used her slow-cooker. She soon started an experience of cooking every day with the slow-cooker. Her blog, 365DayofCrockpotblogspot.com started and from there her fan base grew. Then of course this cook book followed. This book is a gem among cookbooks out there.


Here are some of the things I loved about this cookbook:

–She has tips for slow-cooking like…

     **Buying a Slow-Cooker

     **Caring for and Cleaning a Slow-Cooker

     **How A slow-cooker works

     **Getting to Know your slow-cooker

     **Reducing Fat and what to do if food gets runny


–Variety of Recipes:

I loved the different categories that were included in this cookbook:

   **Appetizers

   **Beverages

   **Breads and Spreads

   **Breakfast

   **Beef Dishes

   **Poultry Dishes

   **Pasta Dishes and Sauces

   **Sides and Salads

   **Soups/Stews/Chili

   **Desserts


I was surprised by all of the things you really can cook in a slow-cooker, and I am by no means a novice at using a slow-cooker. I have used a slow-cooker a lot the past 20 years. So it was thrilling to see all of the new recipes and with such a great variety. 


Another thing I loved in this cookbook was how Karen had coded some of the recipes such as, a star by the recipes that are her personal favorites that she uses over and over again. She has a 2 minute prep box by the recipes that take 2 minutes or less to prepare. Then she has the ALL DAY circle by the recipes you use if you are going to be gone all day. For those of us that work full time, I was especially happy to see this!


When I was asked to review this cookbook, I decided to ask several friends, co-workers, neighbors and family members to help me in testing out recipes. Here are some of the responses I heard from “MY” testers…


“I love the simple and easy recipes. It didn’t take long to throw everything together in the morning.”


“I was so happy that my kids loved the recipes I tried! I need to buy this book now that I have found things that they’ll eat.”


“My favorite part of the recipes I tried is they only had a few ingredients AND they were things I had already in my pantry.”


“The recipe I tried was yummy and easy to make.”


For myself, I eat low-carb, and there were many things I was able to make for my eating style. I also echo what another Mom said above, I found things that my picky eaters at my house want me to make again. They loved the things I made.


With beautiful photographs, great variety of recipes, and easy prep time, this is a cookbook any busy woman/man will want to have on their shelf. I love the spiral bound book that stands by itself as I am putting things together in the crockpot. I can honestly say, out of all of the 6 slow-cooker cookbooks I own, hands down this is the best one out there! I will use these recipes over and over again.



You could read more about Karen and her recipes at http://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/


You can purchase 365 Days of Slow-Cooking here at Amazon and Deseret Book.


Here are some of Karen’s favorite dessert recipes that you can bake in the crockpot.


CREAM CHEESE BROWNIES

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 1/4 cup sugar, divided

2 eggs, divided

1/2 cup flour

1/4 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 teaspoons vanilla, divided

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1. In a medium bowl, beat butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 egg until well blended. Stir in flour, salt, cocoa and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Pour into greased slow cooker.

2. In a small bowl with a mixer at low speed, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until just mixed. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed. Drop dollops of cream cheese mixture on top of batter. Using the tip of a knife, lightly score the top surface to mix the cream cheese mixture in slightly.

3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Makes 8 servings.

 

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 eggs

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Cut a piece of waxed paper to fit the bottom and grease the waxed paper.

2. In a bowl, beat the butter, eggs, sugars, and vanilla until light and fluffy.

3. In a separate bowl, stir the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips until well blended.

3. Spoon the dough evenly into the slow cooker and smooth the top.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for about 3 hours, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Set the lid slightly ajar. Turn off the heat and remove the insert from the slow cooker. Allow to cool in the insert for 30 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack; cut and serve.

 

 

HOT CARAMEL AND CHOCOLATE CAKE

Ingredients:

4 ounce cream cheese, cubed

1/2 cup milk

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 egg

2 8.2-ounce packages, chocolate chip muffin mix

2 tablespoon butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup caramel ice-cream topping

1/2 cup water

Vanilla ice cream

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine cream cheese and milk. Cook on 50-percent power for 1 minute; remove and stir. Continue cooking for 30-second intervals until cream cheese melts; stir with wire whisk to blend.

2. Place cream cheese mixture in large bowl; stir in sour cream, cocoa powder, and egg. Mix well. Add both packages of muffin mix; stir just until combined.

3. Spray slow cooker with nonstick baking spray containing flour. Spread batter evenly in slow cooker.

4. In small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, ice-cream topping, and water; heat to boiling, stirring until blended. Carefully pour over batter in slow cooker. Do not stir.

5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2–3 hours or until cake springs back when lightly touched.

6. Uncover, turn off slow cooker, top loosely with foil, and let stand for 30 minutes. Gently run a sharp knife around the edges of the cake and invert over serving plate until cake drops out. If any sauce remains in slow cooker, spoon over cake. Cool for 30 minutes before serving.

7. Serve cake and sauce with vanilla ice cream.

Makes 8 servings.

 

About the Author:

 

 Karen Petersen is a stay at home mom who began her crockpot cooking adventures in January of 2009.

 

“I like to make something that my husband will enjoy after a long day at work,” Karen said. “He is my greatest fan.”

 

She randomly cooked dinner in her slow cooker, something she seldom did as she only had one good slow cooker recipe.  She liked the freedom that came from having dinner done early in the day and was pleased when she didn’t have to fight her 2 cranky kids at 5 p.m. while she  was trying to make dinner.  She decided to keep going with the slow cooker.  After 7 days of slow cooked meals she rashly made the decision to cook 365 slow cooker recipes over the course of 365 days.  She developed a blog to chart her progress and post the recipes, reviews and pictures.  At the end of the 365 days she compiled a cookbook, which she now sells (and uses all the time).  After her year was up she took a few weeks off and then continued developing new slow cooker recipes using the techniques she had learned over the year. Karen describes her cooking style as easy, tasty, made with simple ingredients, and food that her family will eat.

 

“I’ve cooked over 500 different recipes in my slow cooker over the past 2 years,” Karen said. “I have learned a lot of different tips and techniques that can help anyone achieve slow cooking success! I often teach slow cooking classes to local groups. I am currently writing my second slow cooker cookbook.  I have appeared on TV over 10 times demonstrating different recipes.”

 

Karen is a mother of two kids, six-year-old Reagan and three-year-old Skyler. Her husband, Greg, is a federal probation officer. Karen enjoys fitness and running and teaches fitness classes to local moms to bur off all the calories she eats at dinner each night. Karen describes herself as shy, and said she likes blogging because she doesn’t know who’s reading and can write to an unkown audience.

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