Book Review: The Fresh Egg Cookbook

Book Review for The Fresh Egg Cookbook by Jennifer Trainer Thompson

     It isn’t often that I consider a cookbook a “good read”, however when I picked up The Fresh Egg Cookbook by Jennifer Trainer Thompson I was immediately enthralled.  This is a cookbook that is captivating!  Thompson has a beautiful way with words and her book is filled with stories about her backyard chicken experiences as well as amazing recipes, and helpful hints.  She talks about the triumphs and failures that come along with raising chickens as well as loving any animal.

The recipes in this book are simple, clear, and absolutely delicious.  I made a host of different recipes, but two recipes were my absolute favorite.  My favorite recipe by far was the Mango Smoothie.  The smoothie was refreshing, easy to make and it was filling enough to have for breakfast!    

     The other recipe that I found very useful was the recipe for hard boiled eggs.  I love hard boiled eggs, and when I first started raising urban chickens I was excited about the prospect of having tons of hard boiled eggs!  However, every time I attempted to make hard boiled eggs I would end up with eggs that were pitted and impossible to peel.  I learned from Thompson that my eggs were too fresh.  She recommends in her book that you allow fresh eggs to sit several weeks before hard boiling them.  I tried this technique, and it works!  The shells peel off easily and there are no pit marks on my eggs anymore. 

     I would recommend this book to people who love to cook as well as people who have no clue how to cook.  Thompson’s recipes are simple, healthy, and delicious!  

Book Review: The Cameo Effect

Book Review:  The Cameo Effect by Nioma Stephan

     The Cameo Effect by Nioma Stephan is a cleverly written mystery that centers on the lives of Becky and her Aunt Jena.  Due to a series of mysterious occurrences these ladies are forced to take matters in to their own hands and become detectives.  Stephan adds a little bit of romance to this mystery, and it is easy to find yourself eagerly turning pages to figure out what will happen next. 

     It is impossible not to be nervous about the outcome of this book because Stephan has created such well-rounded, three dimensional characters that are easy to connect with.  As the story unfolds you find yourself emotionally involved with these two sassy women, and you care for them just as you would your own friends.

     This book is marketed as an adult mystery; however I would have to say this book is suitable for the young adult crowd as well.  Stephan’s novel has a Nancy Drew feel to it and is sure to be a favorite among mystery lovers of all ages.  With her smooth writing style, vivid description, and honest simplicity, I can’t wait to see what Stephan writes next.  Perhaps we will read more about Becky and Jena in the future.

Book Review: Blaze of Glory

On occasion you start reading a book by a new author and you instantly know that you have just stumbled upon greatness.  That is exactly what happened when I picked up Blaze of Glory by M. Garzon.  Much like Sara Gruen in Water for Elephants, Garzon hooks the reader from the very beginning and doesn't let go until the last page.  Her writing style is smooth, vividly descriptive, and easy to get lost in.  Her characters are rich, well rounded, and she makes you feel as if you intimately know them.  

There is an optimistic sentiment through the entire book for the characters to come out on top.  You find yourself hoping that this family recovers from the personal trouble that they each face, and that they can begin to heal and grow as a family.

You don't need to be a horse enthusiast to enjoy this book.  The constant undertow is a developing love story that is attractive to both the older teenager and the adult audience.  This novel moves at an effortless pace that will have you curled up in your favorite chair reading well into the evening hours.  This being Garzon's first novel, I can't wait to see what is next.  One thing I know for sure is that this is a new author who is going to take the literary world by storm! 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.