The 30-Minute Ayurvedic Cookbook, Healing Recipes for Total Wellness by Danielle Martin, Rockridge Press, Callisto Publishers, 211 pages

“What is healing for one, is not healing for all.
This resonated with me on a deep level,
because I saw that determining what one needs
really comes down to listening to your body.”

Danielle Martin, Introduction, page ix

Ayurvedic is a medical, philosophical, and spiritual science that originated in India approximately 5, 000 years ago. This cookbook has recipes that adhere to the Ayurvedic diet according to your body type according to your dosha (a force that governs your actions, physical characteristics, personality, emotions, and mental functioning). There is a questionnaire to distinguish which dosha is in alignment with you mentally and physically.

There are explanations in depth about the Ayurvedic way of eating for health and well. Each dosha is explained in detail, when and what to eat, the six tastes with its energy level and health properties. The cookbook also lists foods to avoid, your Ayurvedic Kitchen essentials and a seasonal chart for eating.

The recipes are easy and simple to prepare but some of the ingredients will be a little hard to find unless you shop in an Indian food store, herbal or organic health establishment. There are plenty of wellness recipes for just about every ailment you can think of that is very useful. “Good For” under each recipe lists different healthful suggestions for use. There are several recipes I intend to prepare and try for energy, hydration, and inflammation and I suggest you try them at least once.

I highly recommend this cookbook to EVERYONE to use one or more of these recipes.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

The Friar's Lantern by Greg Hickey, ARC Edition

The Friar’s Lantern is written in an interactive format where the reader is able to choose the next step in which the book will advance. The genre is intertwined with a behavioral science participant who is a juror in a crime drama trial.

There is a question I would like to put in the forefront. Why is there an option if, in some instances, the conclusion is the same? The narration and descriptions are heavy and at times a little excessive but definitely gives influential visual and clear pictures of your surroundings.

Reading through this story was a little difficult for me because there were quite a few ambiguous words that I did not understand. Therefore, I was constantly looking up definitions, which put a damper in the beginning two chapters. For example, I looked up ‘extrapolation’ and it is not a word.

The book did however achieve its goal, but could place interactive options in a few better places. The content is interesting along with its concluding chapter that is convincing.

Overall, this is a good story with a nice approach to the intermingling of the court trial and I do recommend you take the time to read it. Those interested in crime dramas and behavioral science drama would love this story.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines. 

One-Pot Cooking for Two by Linda Kurniadi, Rockridge Press, 161 pages

Just as the first chapter title says One-Pot, Two Plates, Three Meals a Day makes this cookbook an everyday favorite. Linda Kurniadi shares her suggestions for needed cooking equipment and kitchen staples.

Kurniadi added a section on the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen that lists the small amount of genetically modified fruits and vegetables with pesticides such as sweet corn, papaya, and summer squash.  Also, included in this cookbook is a Measurement Conversion Chart that is very helpful for those of us who need a little help in converting from ounces to millimeters. The only drawback, no pictures of the meals you are creating to compare with the final preparation.

Now, let us get to the meat and potatoes of the cookbook. Here are the recipes I always share that I will eventually prepare for my palette:

Breakfast and Brunch: Potato-Leek Frittata

Sausage Stuffed Avocado Boats

Soups and Salads: Italian Meatball Soup

Thai Chicken Salad

Vegetable Mains: Broccoli and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner

Rainbow Vegetable Skillet

Seafood: Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

   Lemon and Parsley Fried Fish

(Not really a seafood foodie, but occasionally)

Poultry: Baked Stuffed Chicken Saltimbocca

Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Meat: Sloppy Joe Potatoes

Lamb Kebabs with Israeli Salad

Snacks and Sides: Garlic-Herb Pinwheels

Dijon Potato Salad

I recommend this book for all cooks who sometimes want to prepare a much simpler meal with less time. I received this book through Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.        

The Easy 30-Minute Cookbook by Taylor Ellingson, Rockridge Press

Taylor Ellingson has compiled many recipes for the cook who wants to save time without losing quality in a meal. She has included sections on Cooking Hacks 101 guidelines, essential equipment, and gadgets to have in your kitchen that will enhance your cooking experience. There are many interesting recipes that I will be embarking on with chef hat’s in tow, and there are some restaurant standards that all can enjoy. The only drawback I found was the absence of colorful food photography. I, like many people, would have found that having the picture to see how my final creation is supposed to look. This is a new day and age, so I will roll with it.

The following are recipes I intend on preparing to satisfy my palette from each section. Some are familiar to me there are a few new ones that sound refreshing.

BREAKFAST: Guacamole Breakfast Sandwiches

SALADS AND SOUPS: Tuscan Bean and Arugula Salad

HANDHELDS: Pesto Turkey Burgers, Cuban Burgers

                        Banh Mi Burgers (I am in BURGER heaven!)

VEGETARIAN: Southwestern Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

                         Thai Peanut Vegetable Rice Boats

SEAFOOD: Smoked Salmon Flatbreads

                    Pan-Seared Tilapia with Garlic Butter Sauce

                    Blackened Cod with Corn Salsa

POULTRY: Coconut Tandoori Chicken

                   One-Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

PORK & BEEF: One-Pan Italian Sausage and Vegetables

BASICS and STAPLES: Curry Powder, Teriyaki Sauce

I recommend this book for anyone wanting to make a fast yet delicious meal in 30 minutes or less. I received this book from Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Start Writing Your Book Today by Morgan Gist Macdonald, Paper Raven Books Publishing

"You'll find Start Writing Your Book Today most useful if you want

to write a book, but you aren't clear about exactly what the book

 will be about. I'll provide exercises to give you clarity."  

 -Morgan Gist Macdonald, Introduction

Morgan Gist Macdonald shares her experience and gives steps to write a book while staying focused and keep on track. Most importantly, "preventing self-sabotage," in Chapter Two.

She asks in Chapter Three: Good Writing Habits, "Do you want to write a book, or don't you?" ...If your answer is, "Not right now, but maybe later," put down this book, because it's not worth your time.  When you're ready, you can always come back to it." Macdonald is not afraid to say put her book down because she is being straightforward and to the point about serious writing, and for this, I applaud her honesty.

There are learning opportunities pertaining to writing routines, creating word count goals, journaling, prioritizing, creating rough drafts, and contacting beta readers. I have never written a book but am considering using a journal to jot down ideas just in case I get that urge to share thoughts on a particular subject.

Macdonald added three appendixes for resources, tracking your progress, and creating a reverse outline with two outline sample texts following right after and a feedback table.

Start Writing Your Book Today is good to have on your shelf to start writing that great novel, biography, or how-to book you have been pushing to the back of everything else.

Recommending to persons contemplating taking on the task of writing a book to share with public. There are excellent points, resources and useful

Charts that a budding writer can find helpful.

Free audio book is located  @paperrravenbooks.com/freebonus, plus an email to share your writings with Morgan Gist Macdonald.

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Volcanic Momentum: Getting Things Done by Setting Destiny Goals, Mastering the Energy Code, and Never Losing Steam, Archangel Ink

As good as he is with words, his primary goal

is to help people live a life of less talk and more action.

Volcanic Momentum: About the Author, page 165 and Back Cover

Volcanic Momentum by Jordan Ring put in print by publishing a motivational book to keep goal-setters juices flowing from start to the finish line. He begins with sharing his personal experiences and a simple explanation of volcanic momentum to peak the readers interest. I placed a few bookmarks to share with my audience some of the strategies Ring used to help people get back on their feet and finish their goal.

Strategy #3, Page 71: The #1 Enemy of Momentum: Wasted Time and How to Avoid It

All of us waste time at one time or another for whatever reason we tell ourselves that it is okay. Well, it is not okay. During this down-time you can accomplish small or large goals depending on how much time is wasted.

Strategy #4, Page 77: The Importance of Community for Sustaining Momentum

Ever heard of “it takes a village?” This strategy suggests you can seek out a mentor, join a mastermind group in addition to giving back to others. You can discuss goals with a friend or family member over coffee to get feedback and criticism on your basic idea.

“People make things happen. People change the world. Get involved with other people and you will blow the lids off all your goals.” (page 85)  Further into the book, Jordan Ring asks the question “Are you willing to bet on you?”(page 125) There are bonuses included by signing up through email:

#1-List of 100 Destiny Goal Ideas

#2-Momentum Strategy Guide

#3-25 Journal Prompts

I recommend to all persons wasting time doing nothing to read this motivational book.  I appreciate the time and effort Ring put into this book because I followed a few goal settings and got back on track with my book blog. I am not going to say which ones I used, you will have to read for yourself. Believe me, it is worth it and feels great to get those  “volcanic momentum” juices flowing again.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

this i KNOW, Trusting Your Unknown Future To A Known God by Laura Dingman, Moody Publishers

“When so much is unknown, we need to refocus on what is known-

-about our God and His Word”.

Laura Dingman, A Note From the Author

This I KNOW is a 4-6 week bible study guide that Laura Dingman incorporates bible scriptures, personal experiences, and learning opportunities.  Each of the six chapters begins with an introduction followed by five days of study in one week. Every day the bible study ends with a “Prayer for the Day” that the participant reads and is encouraged to create prayer of their choosing. Lastly, the “Journaling Prompt” is where questions are asked of the reader to prepare a written response.

In Week 2 – Day 2, you are introduced to the.”SOAP study method of engaging with Scripture.”  SOAP is Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. The study guide also includes poems and prayers from people of different backgrounds such as a bishop, a Christian King and a Christian Author.

Dingman explores the uneasiness of not knowing where your future is heading, but gives reassurance to Christian followers through discussion and studying bible scripture. She discusses the difference between gnosis (what is known-knowledge) and epignosis (what is definitely known-definite and full knowledge).

Laura Dingman’s this I KNOW is a great way to study the Bible and either begin or continue journaling. I recommend to all bible study persons on an individual and or group setting.

This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions Guidelines.

Because He Lives-A Devotional Journal for Easter by Jennifer Flanders, Prescott Publishing

Because He Lives-A Devotional Journal for Easter

by Jennifer Flanders, Prescott Publishing 

“As you work your way through these pages and you consider the unsurpassing riches of His grace, I pray your heart will sing with mine, “Hallelujah! What a Savior!” –Jennifer Flanders, Introduction, page 1

Because He Lives is a devotional journal that begins with ‘Christ’s Coming Foretold, that uses scriptures throughout from the New King James (NKJV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), God’s Word Translation (GWT), King James (KJ), and English Standard Bible (ESB) bibles. There is a space to write your thoughts and prayers with delightful drawings pertaining to each captioned page.

Included in the journal is the” Passion Week: Who Said What? Quiz” that includes 20 statements and triggers definite thinking. The drawings and Bible scriptures on each page encourages what you believe to be your beliefs and views on the subject and or topic at hand. The page header captions are cleverly written with style form the inspiration of Bible scripture. Naming a few: Born to Die, Betrayed with a Kiss, No Fault in This Man, It is Finished, and Why are You Weeping? Further, into the journal, there is mention of eight crowns, being one of righteousness and another of knowledge.

Flanders put a lot of thoughtfulness into this Easter journal for everyone to ponder and enjoy at leisure. The recommendation, for all who loves journaling from thought provoking scripture and beautiful drawings.

I received this book in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines through the Book Crash reviewer program in exchange for an honest review. 

NKJV, Vines Expository Bible, A Guided Journey Through the Scriptures with Pastor Jerry Vines By Jerry Vines, Thomas Nelson Publishers

The Vines Expository Bible, A Guided Journey Through the Scriptures 

with Pastor Jerry Vines

So, with the prayer that you will experience the same abounding joy 

I did as a nine-year-old boy, I invite you to begin your journey through 

The Vines Expository Bible!

- Pastor Jerry Vines, Letter of Greeting 

Pastor Jerry Vines is a well renowned “Baptist pastor and teacher for over 60 years” (inside back cover). He has taken on the task of adding his interpretations of Bible Scripture through “Introducing’ (each book of the Bible); “Discerning the Message,” along with “Applying the Message” and “Living the Message.” I chose a small scripture to give an idea of what was learned while perusing the The Vines Expository Bible.

         

          (15) “who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their

          conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves

their thoughts accusing or else excusing (them) (16) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”

          Discerning the Meaning – Romans 2:15

Heart – The original form of the Greek word kardia, means “to quiver” or “to palpitate,” denoting the action of the heart muscle. Our word cardiac has its origins here. This word refers specifically to the heart organ but more generally to the center of life and the seat of thoughts, morality, and emotion. Kardia makes no separation between the physical boy and the soul—both are encapsulated in one word. All the actions of one’s inner life take place in the heart, including personality, mental activity, feelings, understanding and will (Rom. 2:15). The Lord sees the thoughts and intentions of the heart, and he dwells within our heats through faith.

Pastor Vines shares his knowledge on applying discernment to scripture and explains in a way that is easily understood. “Applying the Message – Romans 3:22)” …So, rather than asking, do you believe, my question to you is in whom do you believe? Have you placed your trust in Jesus Christ?

The Vines Expository Bible is a good Bible to add to any collection already in use and an excellent addition to your regular Bible(s) and recommended to all seeking deeper knowledge and discernment of Bible Scripture.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing, in accordance with Federal Trade Commission Guidelines, in exchange for an honest review through the Book Reviewer Program.

From Glory to Glory by Bob Santos, Search for Me Media, 199 pages

      "Why was the contrast between Jesus on the throne of Heaven 

and Jesus on the cross so extreme?" 

Bob Santos, page 32      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

From Glory to Glory, Finding Real Significnace in an Image-Driven World by Bob Santos is a forty-day devotional walking you through a journey of discovery (back cover). As I began to read this devotional, interest was lost as I read quotes from known racist and anti-semitic persons. The concentration was gone while the awful atrocities of Hitler and the Nazis are referred to as being glorious in the eyes of many.

Santos also implies that Elvis was a glory seeker and further seeking need for approval. Yes, glory seekers are addicted to notoriety and fame but using HItler and Elvis as examples was a bit much for me. 

Maybe I will take the time to re-read this devotional again without such harsh judgment and try to look beyond the quotes of certain persons.

I received this book from the Book Crash Reviewers Program in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines. 

Santos also implies that Elvis was a glory seeker and further seeking need for approval. Yes, glory seekers are addicted to notoriety and fame but using HItler and Elvis as examples was a bit much for me. Maybe I will take the time to re-read this devotional again without such harsh judgment and try to look beyond the quotes of certain persons.

I received this book from the Book Crash Reviewers Program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.