The Wholesome Junk Food Cookbook: More Than 100 Healthy Recipes for Everyday Snacking

The Wholesome Junk Food Cookbook: More Than 100 Healthy Recipes for Everyday Snacking
by Laura Trice

This time of year, the zucchini and squash blossoms are in abundance so I am always searching for new ways to use them. This cookbook contains some tantalizing recipes: the Squash Blossom Quesadillas, Zucchini Pancakes, or the Zucchini Parmesan Squares. Since it has been unusually warm, you may want to try one of the smoothies or freezer pops for dessert along with a nice cool glass of citrus essence spa water.

What really makes this book unique is not only for the easy recipes, but the author’s suggestions on achieving a better diet and using better ingredients. Just follow the guidelines, “Fantastic Fourteen,” for a list of high-quality ingredients to have in your pantry.

- Rose

The Quickening

The Quickening
by Michelle Hoover

This story tells of the lives of two women living on adjacent farms somewhere in the midwest from 1913 to 1950. Mary and Edinina are neighbors with very different personalities, The Quickening focuses on the reluctant relationship they must form together. Their lives become entwined, often with tragic results.

These memorable characters live a life we today can hardly imagine. They began with very little and worked hard to make a life of some degree of comfort and security. Their setbacks, heartbreak and their rare moments of joy make this book memorable. I finished this book a week ago and I am still thinking about it: this one leaves an impression on you.

- Kathy

One Amazing Thing

One Amazing Thing
by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

When an earthquake devastates the Indian visa and passport office, an unlikely group of companions are stuck together in the collapsed building. To pass the time until rescue, each tells a story from their life; a story of one amazing thing they had each experienced. The fear of death allows them to open up and share personal memories, stories of the twists and turns that life takes, stories of love and suffering and mistakes – demonstrating that deep down, they have more commonalities than differences. As the stories progress it becomes obvious that rescue will be neither swift nor sure. Each person’s ‘one amazing thing’ brings the group together in unexpected ways.

- Sally

Hannah's List

Hannah’s List
by Debbie Macomber

Dr. Michael Everett’s wife, Hannah, passed away a year ago from cancer. The pain of her loss is still deep in his heart and he still misses her. To ease the pain, Michael puts in long hours at the pediatric practice and volunteers at a medical clinic. His brother-in-law, Ritchie, pushes him to start socializing, but Michael just cannot do it. At the anniversary of his sister’s death, Ritchie presents Michael with a letter from her. Hannah wants him to start socializing and lists three women as dating candidates. Of course, he is opposed to this but as Ritchie points out, this was Hannah’s last wish and must be respected.

The story line for Hannah’s List was unusual and the reader is swept away with Michael’s emotions as he embarks on a journey to embrace life.

- Rose

The Cookbook Collector

The Cookbook Collector
by Allegra Goodman

Allegra Goodman has been described as a "modern-day Jane Austen" and this novel is an adaptation of Sense & Sensibility. Emily Bach is a 28 yr old CEO of a software company while her sister, Jessamine, is a 23 yr old philosophy student. Emily is scientific & organized and Jess is passionate & scholarly.

Set in backdrop of Silicon Valley in the 90's, the novel carries through to the sobering reality of 9/11. I absolutely loved the story and didn't want the novel to end. I can't recommend it enough.
-Holly