Book Review: Sweet Olive

Sweet Olive, by Judy Chrisie, is a story that showcases the lifestyle of a quaint town in Louisiana.  The author does a wonderful job developing the characters in this book.  I had the privilege of reading it while away on a vacation in Hawaii.  I began reading it on the airplane during the long flight and then picked it up pool side, anxious to find out how it would all turn out for the people I was becoming attached to.

Sweet Olive is a small town community in Louisiana that is in the midst of a controversy among the residents around the selling of their mineral rights to an oil company.  The book gives the reader a peek into this “artsy” community that is filled with good folk who care about their art, their neighbors, and even come to love and appreciate this outsider who brings disorder into their orderly world.

If you, as the reader, live a hectic lifestyle or feel the rush of a big city, you will enjoy escaping in the pages of this book.  The pace of the story, as it unfolds, is refreshing.  The characters are diverse and you will find yourself hoping for a positive outcome for all that you meet.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Kashi Hummus Crisps

I recently had the opportunity to try out a new product by Kashi: Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus Crisps.  They are delicious!  They have just the right amount of crunch and are loaded with flavor.  The Sea Salt & Olive Oil flavor had a good balance of flavor and saltiness.  The crisps can stand alone, no need to use dips.  Finally a snack with "grown up" flavors.  I can't wait to try Sundried Tomato Basil & Feta and the Caramelized Onion. These crisps are also a healthier snack choice.  No more boring, greasy potato chips for me.  I love how these stayed together in the bag; very few broken crisps. 

I participated as a BzzAgent and received this free product as part of the campaign.  I am sharing my own honest opinion.

Book Review: Encouragement for Today

Encouragement for Today by Renee Swope, Lysa Terkeurst,  Samantha Evilsizer and the Proverbs 31 Team has been a great way to begin my day.  I agree with the subtitle … these are devotions for everyday living.   I enjoy starting my day with a cup of tea, my Bible, and a devotion before heading off to work to face the day. Not all devotionals are created equal.  Some can be too long, or too academic, or not relatable.  In the case of Encouragement for Today, I found each devotion to be just about the right length, plus I could relate to the topics.   

Each daily devotion ends with a challenge to remember, reflect, and respond.  It also lists power verses for those readers who want to delve more deeply into the devotional text as time or interest allows. Since it includes these additional power verses, I think this devotional could also being used for a more in depth Bible study. You can expand the way it's used or simply use it for a quick read as you head out the door.  A great way to customize it day to day.

I also enjoy the fact that different writers contribute to the devotional; it adds a variety of styles that I find refreshing.  In today’s world where there are so many devotional books to choose from, I would definitely place this one near the top of the list.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Sherlock Holmes and the Needle's Eye by: Len Bailey

Sherlock Holmes and the Needle’s Eye by Len Bailey was not what I had hoped for. The idea of Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes solving Bible based mysteries is a great concept.  I was hoping to be able to learn Biblical truths while enjoying a book filled with mystery and intrigue. Unfortunately, I found the book awkward, the time travel disjointed, and the choice of Biblical stories obscure. 

The end of the book has study questions; perhaps that would appeal to some readers. I just don't think there was enough depth of content to challenge the reader. 

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Simply Delicious Amish Cooking by: Sherry Gore

Many of us are intrigued by the simple lifestyle of the Amish.  In this hectic life we lead, there seems to be a movement to slow down, spend time with family, and maybe even hone those home cooking skills. Simply Delicious Amish Cooking by Sherry Gore is a good start.

The pleasantly illustrated cookbook is filled with some delicious creations that can be made with simple ingredients, stuff you already have in your pantry. As most cook books, it’s divided by basic categories like breads, soups, salads, side dishes, seafood, pies, and even a category called “This and That”.

There are some black and white photos that begin each section and two small sections of color photos of the finished products.  The “Final Exam Brownies” look especially gooey.  Intermixed throughout the cookbook are tips and “diary like” journal entries.  These are meant to give the reader a peek into the life of those living in an Amish Mennonite community in Florida.  Although that added a bit of charm, I did not feel it really enhanced the overall enjoyment of the cookbook.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Amber Honey Apple Upside Down Cake (Kroger - Private Selection)

I tried Kroger Private Selection Amber Honey Apple Spice Upside Down Cake.  It was very easy to warm in the oven.  The pan it comes in is a "no mess" pan. My husband commented on the wonderful aroma ... and thought I was baking it from scratch.  I could taste the sweetness of the honey, but it wasn't overly sweet.  The apples had a nice spice to them and the edges were a bit crispy ... that was the highlight for me.  I especially enjoyed a piece with my morning tea the next day; I warmed it slightly in the microwave. I would consider serving it to company as a dessert because the appearance is also visually appealing if served on a fancy dish.  I’d like to try the two chocolate versions too: Double Chocolate Molten & German Chocolate Fudge.

I participated as a BzzAgent and received this free product as part of the campaign.  I am sharing my own honest opinion.

Lysol "Touch of Foam" Hand Soap Review

I recently tried Lysol "Touch of Foam" antibacterial hand soap.  I really like how soft it makes my hands feel.  My daughter, recently visiting from college, even commented on how soft it made her hands feel. She also liked the scent "Creamy Vanilla Orchard".  I gave her a couple of the 75 cents off coupons and she plans to buy some for her apartment.

I am using the hand soap on my kitchen sink because I really like that it has antibacterial properties.  I'm super careful when handling raw meat while cooking in my kitchen, so this is a perfect spot in my house to use it.  There are two other scents that I haven't tried yet: "Wild Berry Bliss" and "Rose & Cherry Bloom". 

I participated as a BzzAgent and received this free product as part of the campaign.  I am sharing my own honest opinion.