The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano, Tyndale Publishing

Rachel Bishop, part owner of Paisley, a casual fine dining establishment is determined to keep her eatery alive and kicking, but when food critic Carlton Epsy stops in for a bite, the future of Paisley is now questionable. After Epsy reviews the eatery, Rachel’s partners buys her out of the company and Rachel must decide whether to continue culinary cuisine or give it up.

The real problem for Rachel comes when Alexander Kamin writes an essay entitled ‘The Civl War’ that includes his subtle defense of Rachel and Paisley (that are mentioned by name) concerning Epsy’s review.  Kamin’s comments do more harm than good and leads Kamin to help Rachel re-establish her credibility as a culinary genius.

Kamin steps in by hosting ‘The Saturday Night Supper Club’, an exclusive ‘pop-up’ dinner event, eventhough Rachel is not quite sure or ready to completely trust him after the damaging article was published.

The Saturday Night Supper Club has a different and refreshing plot as compared to other books I have read. At the same time, it was a little slow evolving and would have liked it better if the pace had picked up. I recommend to book lovers who enjoy the culinary arts and cooking with a little romance.

I received this book from the Tyndale Publishing book review group in exchange for an honest review according to the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines.

The Healthy Living Handbook by Laura Harris Smith, Chosen Books

The Healthy Living Handbook is divided into three parts: Section 1 – Spirit, Section 2 - Mind, Section 3 - Body. Each chapter concludes with Healthy Habit Helpers which questions asked place you in a spiritual thought process and a prayer that you are asked to place your hand over your heart and repeat aloud.

In Section 1- Spirit, Chapter 8, Accept No Substitutes Laura Harris Smith discusses the top five substitutions people use for “peace, comfort, and companionship instead of turning to God for His guidance. The top five she refers to are:

ü Food

ü Alcohol and other substances

ü Yoga or New Age Meditations

ü Relationships

ü Business/Work/Ministry

She further explains using substitutions are considered as “potentially dangerous spiritual substitutions” quoting “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3 KJV)

In Section 2-Mind, Chapter 9-Keep Good Company, there is a test to complete in the Healthy Habit Helper section. Naming your three closest friends, you answer questions referring to their vocal love for Jesus Christ, if they are seeking the Kingdom of God, and whether they are “planted in church by attendance and flourishing.”

In Section 3-Body Chapter 7-Strike Oil, the discussion based on the importance of essential oils and their several uses (i.e., bath, shower, food, and spot baths). Included is a list of most common ailments and which oils are best to support healing.

The Healthy Living Handbook has scriptural references throughout each chapter to support the discussions Laura Harris Smith shares with her audience. Overall, the handbook is an easy read that recommended for all spiritual believers alike.

I received this book from the Crossed Focus reviewers group in exchange for an honest review according to the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.