Family Feasts for $75 a Week by Mary Ostyn

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jan 042010
 

Title: Family Feasts for $75 a Week

Author: Mary Ostyn

Publisher: Oxmoor House, Inc.

Published Date: September 2009

ISBN#: 978-0-8487-3296-7

Paperback, 304 pages

From the Cover: “A Penny-Wise Mom Shares Her Recipe for Cutting Hundreds from Your Monthly Food Bill.”

Written by the author of the popular Owlhaven blog, Family Feasts for $75 a Week addresses the subject of how to save money on your food bill while still feeding your family good meals. As a mother of 10 children ranging from 5 years to newly married, six of whom are adopted from Korea and Ethiopia, Mary Ostyn has plenty of real-world experience to share with readers.

I’ve read a few books about saving money on groceries in the past and I learned a lot from them. The biggest difference between those books and Family Feasts is survival- Mary knows what works best because she’s had to learn it. Some of the tips she shares I was familiar with from past reading, but a large number of them were both new and very useful to me.

At the end of the first few chapters the author shares “Action Points” that summarize the directions and suggestions she gives throughout the chapters. Included in one of these early chapters is a quiz to help the reader determine what area of the book would be most useful to them. Scattered throughout the first section of the book are handy charts containing information such as what fruits & veges are in season during what months to allow for the most frugal produce purchases, a list of pantry staples, meat cost per serving, how long produce stays fresh, and more.

Mary also shares instructions on starting a price book and how to create a basic meal plan with “two times five”meal planning. The recipe section begins on page 78 of the book. I thought the tips and advice would end at this point, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover the money saving ideas and preparation tips continue to appear with each recipe. And there are a lot of recipes- the kind you would actually feed your family.

What worked for me: I found the various information charts very useful, as well as the “action points” at the end of the first chapters. I really like the “two times five” meal plan idea and I can’t wait to give it a try, especially since meal planning at my house lately consists of standing in front of the fridge at 5 PM and saying, “Hmmmm.” I’ve also learned a few handy cooking tips from the recipe section.

What didn’t work for me: Taking Family Feasts back to the library!

Doubling our children from two to four in less than two years has left me scrambling to regain the footing I used to have at meal time. I appreciate the advice and experience Mary shares in Family Feasts for $75 a Week. One might assume that the information in this book is directed only at those with large families, but it can actually be applied to any size family. Even a single person could adapt and use the advice offered in this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5 (I really liked it)
Would I read it again? Absolutely. Not only would I read it again, but it’s going on my “books to buy” list.
Do I recommend this book? Definitely, especially to busy moms with kids
Would I read more of Mary’s books? Yes! In fact, I plan on reading her previous book, A Sane Woman’s Guide to Raising a Large Family.

FTC FYI: The copy of this book that I reviewed was borrowed from my local library.

Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Sep 062009
 

During the “Recent Reads” section of LDSWBR Podcast Episode 36, I shared a review of Rachel Ann Nunes‘ latest novel, Saving Madeline, due to be released mid-September. If you don’t currently have plans to visit a book store before the end of September I highly suggest you make some plans and add Saving Madelineto the top of your list. Rachel addresses a tough issue that most people aren’t fully aware of- or at least I wasn’t until reading her book.

Parker has a tough decision to make: continue to allow his daughter, Madeline, to remain with her drug-using mother or do something to protect her from Dakota’s negligence. Parker makes his decision and must face the consequences of his actions, unless proof of Dakota’s drug abuse and negligence can be found. Caitlin McLoughlin has become tired of defending petty criminals she knows are guilty, but the rare opportunities of helping someone who is truly innocent keep her from leaving her job. That, and her obligation to her special-needs sister, Amy. When she considers taking Parker’s case as a favor to a friend, Caitlin quickly learns that while he is technically guilty of the crimes he is accused of, the reasons behind it are valid- if only they could find the evidence they’re looking for. Caitlin begins to love little Madeline, and her feelings for Parker start to grow as well.

Rachel has done an excellent job of writing about difficult choices, troubled circumstances, and situations that blur the line between the black and white of the law. The chemistry between Caitlin and Parker is touching and romantic. Rachel has written believable, endearing characters- not just the hero and heroine, but minor characters as well- who are comfortable and natural within the setting of the story.

Saving Madeline gets 5 stars and a Whitney nomination from me.

Well done, Rachel!

Episode 36 with Josi Kilpack and Michele Paige Holmes Released!

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Sep 052009
 

Sheila, Hillary and I were thrilled to have authors Josi Kilpack and Michele Paige Holmes join us once again on the podcast. These beautiful and talented ladies are always fun to talk with and Episode 36 was no exception.

Josi’s latest novel, English Trifle, is the sequel to her very successful book, Lemon Tart. During the podcast, Josi spoke about the next book in her culinary mystery series, Devil’s Food Cake, as well as giving us a glimpse into the future of the series. Josi’s writing style for her mysteries is fun and unique- she let us know that even she doesn’t know the culprit until she writes the end- and if the story keeps the author guessing until the end, it’s definitely going to keep the reader guessing, too! English Trifle takes place in a castle in England as Sadie and her daughter visit Breanna’s fiance, Liam, over the Christmas break. While taking a “turn about the room” on the last day of their visit, Sadie and Breanna make a gruesome discovery- a man, run through with a fireplace poker and pinned to the wall behind a curtain. When the body disappears and the people of the house start doubting Sadie and Breanna, Sadie’s determined to prove they aren’t making up what they saw. What follows is an adventure where everyone has something to hide and Sadie is determined to uncover the truth. English Trifle is a fast-moving, thoroughly delicious mystery and just like any good dessert, you’ll savor every bite.

Sheila reviewed Michele Paige Holmes’ All the Stars in Heaven a few posts ago (go check it out), however, I wanted to add my thoughts to hers. Michele has a powerful way of making the reader invested in the story she writes, caring about and rooting for the “good guys” as well as evoking strong feelings toward the “bad guys.” She can even help the reader feel a certain amount of sympathy for the “bad guy” without lessening the incorrectness of the choices he made. All the Stars in Heaven is ultimately a romance, with some good mystery-suspense as well. It’s a moving story of growth and change, contrasts and unexpected commonalities, courage and forgiveness. Michele is currently working on her third book in the Stars series called My Lucky Stars. Michele calls it a romantic comedy. She told us a little about the premise of My Lucky Stars during the podcast and it sounds like a lot of fun!

Thanks again, Josi and Michele, for taking the time to come visit with us and for entertaining us with your wonderful stories!

On one final note, for all of the DOROTHY KEDDINGTON fans out there, Dorothy let me know that her new manuscript, The Fairy Thorn, has been accepted and is scheduled for an October release through Granite Publishing. All of you who have been leaving comments and waiting and wondering- the wait is over! There is even talk of re-releasing her older novels as well! As soon as I know more I will post updates on the blog, so check back often. Congratulations, Dorothy!

Annette Lyon and Heather Moore – Episode 35

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Aug 122009
 

Sheila and I spent a pleasant afternoon with authors Annette Lyon & Heather Moore recording Episode 35 of the LDSWBR podcast. Annette’s most recent novel, Tower of Strength, was released this past spring. Heather’s newest book, Alma, a continuation of her previous book, Abinadi, will be released this fall. Annette & Heather are two of the sweetest ladies you’ll ever meet. While Heather is dark-haired and quiet and Annette is blonde and bit more outspoken, their friendship is apparent in the way the support and encourage each other.

During the podcast, we spoke about the different experiences they’ve had researching their historical novels. Heather and Annette are both thorough in their research as well as sincere about telling an inspiring, uplifting story.

Heather Moore spent several years in the Holy Land, and was baptized in the Red Sea. Her book, Alma, tells the story of one of the wicked priests of King Noah after his conversion, covering the gathering of believers at the Waters of Mormon and beyond, and what events may have transpired during that time. I was thrilled to be asked to read and review Alma. As much as I liked Abinadi, I enjoyed Alma even more. Heather tells the story of Raquel and Maia, as well as Alma and Helam, in such a personal and unforgettable way that it was quite easy to imagine myself there. I can’t wait to see what Heather has in store for the future.

When Annette Lyon wrote her first Temple novel, House on the Hill, she had no idea it was only the first in a series. Tower of Strength, book four of the Temple Series, is set during the construction of the Manti temple. Tabitha and Samuel have both suffered difficult losses. As a single parent far from family, Tabitha has had to be strong to take care of herself and her son, Will. Samuel arrives in Manti from London and accepts work in a stable full of unpleasant and unfamiliar tasks involving cleaning up after farm animals. His frustration and loneliness lead him to question why he needed to come to Zion at all, especially after losing the one person he wanted to be with in Zion. You can watch a trailer for Tower of Strength here.

Annette also recently released a wonderful resource- There, Their, They’re: A No-Tears Guide to Grammar From the Word Nerd, available through Amazon, Lyfe Books, and Create Space.

Tower of Strength and Alma come highly recommended from LDSWBR. Thanks to Heather and Annette for all the hard work and research, as well as the good conversation! Listen to Episode 35 and enjoy!

Happy Reading!

Deliciously Yummy Reads from Josi Kilpack!

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jun 082009
 

I was so excited to discover the first two chapters of Josi Kilpack’s book, English Trifle, on her website. Due to be released in August, English Trifle is the much anticipated sequel to Lemon Tart. Josi’s main character, Sadie Hoffmiller, is an endearing, middle-aged woman who takes her cooking seriously, loves her two grown children, and somehow manages to find herself in themiddle of things. Josi joined us on the LDSWBR podcast in Episode 30 for a very entertaining interview.While you’re listening to the podcast, go check out the first two chapters of English Trifle on Josi’s website.

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