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Reviews by Debbie-Lyn C. (Kitty Hawk, NC)

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Three Many Cooks
Three Many Cooks: One Mom, Two Daughters: Their Shared Stories of Food, Faith & Family
by Pam Anderson, Maggy Keet & Sharon Damelio
Three Many Cooks (3/5/2015)
Three Many Cooks is full of life's philosophies in relation to food! My heart was touched when reading about another family who also wraps so many events around food, much as my family does. Especially memorable sections include bring your own food BYOF policy, "caring less about perfection and more about connection", "gift of thrift", "savior complex" . My copy of Three Many Cooks will become dogged eared as it is passed from family member to family member!
The Life I Left Behind
The Life I Left Behind
by Colette McBeth
The Life I Left Behind (11/13/2014)
In The Life I Left Behind, both Melody and Eve are worthy of being called main characters. Melody is a shell of a woman "left behind" after being assaulted during a horrific crime. Eve is the reluctant ghost of a woman "left behind" after her brutal murder. Their lives intertwine as the mystery progresses leaving me with a contradiction of feelings; should I read this book as quickly as possible to find out who the murderer is, or do I take my time and savor the two main characters? This book is a great choice for lovers of a good mystery novel!
The Nightingale
The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale (10/1/2014)
The Nightingale is a revealing story of the horrors and passions in occupied France during World War II . I was spellbound as the author brought to life the courageous undertakings of 3 young French women. I have a deeper appreciation for the heroism, daily struggles and losses needed to survive. The characters in this book will remain with me long into the future.
Sailor Twain
Sailor Twain: Or: The Mermaid in the Hudson
by Mark Siegel
Sailor Twain (3/29/2014)
I was skeptical reading my first graphic novel, especially when I saw how lengthy the book was! I am pleased to say Sailor Twain was a fast, mysterious and enjoyable read! The graphics do not distract from the story line but help with visuals we all have in our mind while reading. I believe the author actually has more in the say of how you perceive the story line by directing your thoughts with the visuals. I am also amazed at the amount of artistic involvement that goes into a graphic book. In conclusion I thoroughly enjoyed my new experience of reading a graphic novel!
The Venetian Bargain
The Venetian Bargain
by Marina Fiorato
The Venetian Bargain (12/4/2013)
Wonderful, vivid descriptions! At some points I wanted to cringe from the smell and turn my eyes from the horrors portrayed. The reader feels right in the heart of Venice and Constantinople during the mid 1500's. Fascinating events of the plague, bitter feuds, poisoning, even dress and food make for a fast paced enlightening read.
Cartwheel
Cartwheel
by Jennifer duBois
cartwheel (9/17/2013)
A murder mystery written around a families emotions as they unraveled and became exposed to each other. I found myself hurrying to finish this book so I could find out WHY the characters acted in certain way and how they would react as new information was disclosed. Would they still love each other? make excuses for each other? forgive each other? Great character insight and a fast read.
The Disenchanted Widow
The Disenchanted Widow
by Christina McKenna
The Disenchanted Widow (9/7/2013)
A wonderful book full of twists and turns that touch almost every topic imaginable; good and evil, young and old, religion, mystery, food, hope and dreams all leading up to a delightful ending.
The House Girl
The House Girl
by Tara Conklin
The House Girl (12/29/2012)
The House Girl was full of unraveling mysteries that kept me reading in order to find the outcome! At the same time the insight into slavery and the modern cooperate world was enlightening! The ending was not what I expected or wanted but I truly enjoyed reading this book.
All You Could Ask For
All You Could Ask For
by Mike Greenberg
all you could ask for (11/22/2012)
I felt the cover was misleading, giving the appearance of a self help book instead of an easy read I had a hard time putting down. The book was very unique in the way the last line of one character's section lead into the first line of the next character's section. This technique showed the similarities of the 3 characters. I enjoyed learning the background of each character in Part One and seeing how their character uniqueness lead to personal decisions in Part Two. The way exercise was an important part of each character's life almost inspires me to join them!
How to Love Wine
How to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto
by Eric Asimov
How To Love Wine (10/3/2012)
The title of this book is misleading. I wanted to gain knowledge of wine, maybe an insiders view to help in learning about different varieties, regions, foods to pair with, storage, etc. These topics are hinted upon after the slow beginning which was more about how the author came to enjoy wine and then become the NY Times wine critique. I do agree with his thoughts on wine notes and how silly they can be. I was interested in learning about how some wine taste tests are run. The chapter on The Home Wine School is where I obtained information that could be useful in teaching "How to Love Wine."
The Daughter of Siena
The Daughter of Siena: A Novel
by Marina Fiorato
The Daughter of Siena (5/26/2011)
I enjoy reading books that link historical information along with a good story line. After personally visiting Siena, Italy I particularly appreciate the facts Marina Fiorato incorporates into her romantic story of Pia and Riccardo. It is wonderful to look back and remember that beautiful Italian city with a better educational concept of the Piazza del Campo, the Palio, and the 17 Contrade.
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