Book Reviews

Keto for Foodies Cookbook by Nicole Downs

January 8, 2021 by Leah Leave a Comment

My husband and I have been doing the Keto diet for a few years now. We both have had significant success with this lifestyle change. Unfortunately, life happened and we strayed away a little bit, and the one thing we both felt was terrible. Our bodies felt better without eating all the carbs and sugar. Right before Christmas, we decided that we were going to get strict again. I got this Keto for Foodies cookbook by Nicole Downs and it is one of my favorites!

*As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases*

Woopoo Metal Recipe Holder 2 Weighted Chains to Hold Pages in Place and a Kickstand for Durability Collapsible Storage is Light in Weight Support Book and Tablet Placement Cookbook Holder …Keto For Foodies: The Ultimate Low-Carb Cookbook with over 125 Mouthwatering Recipes

About the Cookbook by Nicole Downs

One of the first things you see when you open this cookbook is the authors story. I think that is very important to read because you see that Nicole Downs is on this Keto journey. She didn’t just jump on the “Keto bandwagon” and make a cookbook. The next part is the “nuts and bolts” of the diet. Even though I already knew quite a bit about this lifestyle, I found this part to be very helpful, especially the small section about the Keto sugars. That part is very helpful! However, my absolute favorite part, are the recipes! You will find recipes for dressings/sauces/seasonings, appetizers, breads (yes breads!), soups, salads, sides, main meals, and sweet treats! I like cookbooks and this one is by far one of the best!

Quest Nutrition Tortilla Style Protein Chips, Loaded Taco, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Baked, 1.1 Ounce (Pack of 12)Tillamook Country Smoker Zero Sugar Original Keto Friendly Smoked Sausages, 10 Ounce Genius Gourmet Protein Keto Chips, Low Carb, Premium MCTs, Gluten Free, Keto Snack (Spicy Nacho), pack of 8, 1.13 oz. (32 g) each

My Favorite Keto Recipes

As you can see by the tabs on the side of the book, I have used this cookbook! I put a tab at the recipe I made (if I like it) so it makes it easier for me to turn to the recipes I’ve made and liked. So far I have made bacon jam and a French country stew (I’m making a third recipe from this book tonight). The bacon jam was to die for. Literally. I could have sat there and ate just the bacon jam with a spoon. Each recipe has the macros per serving at the bottom, so it makes it very easy for me to put the meal into My Fitness Pal and track it for the day. You can read more about my Keto journey by visiting these blog posts. Visit my Instagram page to follow my journey.

Deadly Cross by James Patterson

January 6, 2021 by Leah Leave a Comment

One of my favorite authors, that I read several of his series books, is James Patterson. He is the author of the ever popular Alex Cross series and the Women’s Murder Club series (among others). I’ve been reading the Alex Cross series for about 20 years. As soon as I find out that James Patterson has a new Alex Cross book coming out, I instantly go on the Libby app and reserve it for my Kindle! Deadly Cross is the latest book in the Alex Cross series. Like every other Alex Cross book, this one most definitely did not disappoint!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

Deadly Cross (Alex Cross, 28)Criss Cross (Alex Cross, 25)Target: Alex Cross (Alex Cross, 24)

About Deadly Cross

From Amazon –

A double homicide in the nation’s capital opens the psychological case files – on Detective Alex Cross.

Kay Willingham led a life as glamorous as it was public – she was a gorgeous Georgetown socialite, philanthropist, and the ex-wife of the vice president. So why was she parked in a Bentley convertible idling behind a DC private school, in the middle of the night, with the man who was the head of that school? Who shot them both, point blank, and why? The shocking double homicide is blazed across the internet, TV, newspapers – and across Alex Cross’s mind. Kay had been his patient once. And maybe more.

While John Sampson of DC Metro Police investigates the last movements of Christopher Randall, the educator killed along with Kay Willingham, detective Alex Cross and FBI special agent Ned Mahoney find unanswered questions from Willingham’s past, before she arrived in DC and became known in Washington society as someone who could make things happen. They travel to Alabama to investigate Kay’s early years. There they find a world of trouble, corruption, and secrets, all of them closed to outsiders like Cross and Mahoney.

Kay had many enemies, but all of them seemed to need her alive. The harder the investigators push, the more resistance they find when they leave behind the genteel law offices and doctors’ quarters of the state capital. Alex Cross will need to use all his skills as a doctor, a detective, and a family man to prevent that resistance from turning lethal…again.

Merry Christmas, Alex Cross (Alex Cross, 19)Criss Cross (Alex Cross Book 27)Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, 1)

My Thoughts

Well…first…I read the book in a day and a half. So I guess you could say, I liked it! Actually, I like Deadly Cross a lot. Like I said before, James Patterson is one of my favorite authors. With that said, sometimes when he has a co-author, the book doesn’t have the “James Patterson voice”. Deadly Cross, however, was 100% James Patterson. The old James Patterson. I loved it! The simplistic sentence structure, and I do not mean that as an insult, keeps me engaged and moves the story along. Moves it along so much that I finished it very quickly! I’m sure the next people in line to read the book at the library was very pleased that I returned it so quickly!

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What Else Does James Patterson Write?

I could literally sit here all day and write out every single thing James Patterson has written, but the best thing I cold do is send you to his website. At his website you will see a list of his books, as well as, each book series broken up with reading lists. If you are like me, you will want to read the books in order. I highly recommend you do. The older Alex Cross books are so good and they provide you with a TON of backstory. If you have children, he writes excellent books for kids. When my kids were tweens (especially my son) they really enjoyed his books. They made them laugh!

Trading Secrets by Rachael Eckles Review

January 5, 2021 by Leah Leave a Comment

As a writer myself, I enjoy reading novels by new authors. I get excited to see someone get their first novel published. In a sense, it gives me hope that I will finish my novel AND get it published myself. As a result, when I was approached to read Trading Secrets by Rachael Eckles, it was a no brainer, instant yes from me. Not only did the synopsis sound very interesting, but this novel is her first, and it makes me really happy to read debut novels!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I received a Kindle copy of this novel from the author, for the purpose of this review*

Trading Secrets Kindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with 2x the Storage – Ad-Supported

Synopsis of Trading Secrets

Celeste Donovan, a high-powered finance executive, seems to have it all–the penthouse apartment, the supermodel physique with a mathematician mind, and a trail of beautiful men she has loved and left behind.

But when her boyfriend Theodore is killed in a mysterious accident, she discovers Omar, her abusive ex she had hoped would never resurface, is behind his death.

Now she’s caught in a game of cat and mouse, trying to anticipate Omar’s next move, as she realizes he will stop at nothing to get to her. She sets out alone on a whirlwind journey to entrap him, determined to put an end to Omar’s destruction.

Soon Celeste is thrust in the middle of the largest financial scandal in decades. This time, however, powerful government officials are in bed with some of the world’s most dangerous men.

When she discovers that those she thought she knew best are involved in a secret society warring with Omar and his coconspirators, she must decide how far she will go to avenge Theodore’s death and whether she is willing to risk her own life to save everyone she loves.

Doesn’t it sound intriguing?!?

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this debut novel by Rachael Eckles. One thing I really like in this book, is the strong female lead character. And let me tell you, Celeste Donovan is probably the strongest female lead I have ever read in a book. I must warn you that this book is definitely for 18+ as it does contain explicit sex scenes. As a result, having the strong female lead, this would be a good book to be made into a movie.

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About the Author, Rachael Eckles

Rachael Eckles grew up in the midwest. It was after finishing law school, that she decided to move to the east coast. She is currently living in Manhattan with her puppy! As I mentioned, Trading Secrets is her first novel. However, she is currently working on book two in the Trading Secrets trilogy! While you wait, you can keep up with Rachael by following her on social media.

To learn more about Rachael Eckles and Trading Secrets, visit her website.

Gluten Free Meal Prep Cookbook

December 14, 2020 by Leah 2 Comments

Cooking is something I actually enjoy now. If you would have asked me if I liked it 20 years ago, it would have been a definite NO. Not only did I not enjoy it, but I was terrible at it. Over the last 20 years, I have really worked hard to get better. Now I am confident that I can follow any recipe and it will turn out great. One thing I would like to get better at his menu planning and meal prepping. When I was asked to review the Gluten Free Meal Prep cookbook, it was an immediate yes!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I received a copy of this cookbook from the author for the purpose of this review*

The New Southern Cookbook: Classic Family Recipes And Modern Twists on Old Favorites Gluten-Free Meal Prep Cookbook: 12 Weekly Plans and Recipes for Ready-to-Go Meals The Southern Air Fryer Cookbook: 75 Comfort Food Classics for the Modern Air Fryer

About the Gluten Free Meal Prep Cookbook

From Amazon –

Cooking delicious, nutritious meals on a daily basis can be a challenge, especially when you need to take food sensitivities into account. The Gluten-Free Meal Prep Cookbook helps take the stress and decisions out of mealtime, with 12 weeks of make-ahead recipes for eating gluten-free while saving time, money, and effort. Whether you’re new to meal prepping or a seasoned pro, you’ll find tricks and tools to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying gluten-free favorites.

This meal prep cookbook features:

Smart ingredients—Keep your costs and food waste down with 90 recipes based on accessible, affordable ingredients that you can use for multiple dishes.

Packing and storing—Every recipe tells you how to pack and store the meals into individual servings or into one container that serves four, and offers tips for thawing and reheating.

Easy instructions—All 12 meal plans include complete shopping lists and foolproof steps for prepping your meals for the week.

Bring the convenience of meal prepping to a gluten-free diet with The Gluten-Free Meal Prep Cookbook.

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My Thoughts

This gluten free meal prep cookbook was exactly what I have been looking for. Not only are there really delicious sounding recipes, but it tells you exactly what you need to begin meal prepping and literally walks you through the process. That is the kind of hand holding I need. There are meal prep recipes for things that I would never have thought that you could prep ahead. My other favorite part are the shopping lists and the daily menus. I know I can successfully do this. It’s the getting started that keeps hanging me up each time.

Not Gluten Free?

That’s OK! Like I say in my recipes on my other blog, if you aren’t gluten free, just use your regular ingredients. The same could easily be applied for the recipes in this book that may call for gluten free flour or gluten free bread. Just use your favorite bread. The meal prep and the recipes in general, are excellent and ones every single person will enjoy!

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Leah Remini – Troublemaker Memoir

December 10, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

When I’m not reading series books or some kind of thriller, I love reading memoirs. Especially if it is a celebrity or a topic that is so far from my life. For instance, the books about Warren Jeffs and the girls that escaped are super interesting. Likewise, I also like reading about celebrities like Chelsea Handler or Tori Spelling. When I saw that Leah Remini had a book coming out and it was about her surviving Scientology (and subsequently leaving Scientology), I knew I had to read it. Especially if she was spilling the tea on Tom Cruise.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

Troublemaker: Wie ich Hollywood und Scientology überlebte Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me

About Troublemaker by Leah Remini

From Amazon –

Leah Remini has never been the type to hold her tongue. That willingness to speak her mind, stand her ground, and rattle the occasional cage has enabled this tough-talking girl from Brooklyn to forge an enduring and successful career in Hollywood. But being a troublemaker has come at a cost.

That was never more evident than in 2013, when Remini loudly and publicly broke with the Church of Scientology. Now, in this frank, funny, poignant memoir, the former King of Queens star opens up about that experience for the first time, revealing the in-depth details of her painful split with the church and its controversial practices.

Indoctrinated into the church as a child while living with her mother and sister in New York, Remini eventually moved to Los Angeles, where her dreams of becoming an actress and advancing Scientology’s causes grew increasingly intertwined. As an adult, she found the success she’d worked so hard for, and with it a prominent place in the hierarchy of celebrity Scientologists alongside people such as Tom Cruise, Scientology’s most high-profile adherent. Remini spent time directly with Cruise and was included among the guests at his 2006 wedding to Katie Holmes.

But when she began to raise questions about some of the church’s actions, she found herself a target. In the end, she was declared by the church to be a threat to their organization and therefore a “Suppressive Person,” and as a result, all of her fellow parishioners—including members of her own family—were told to disconnect from her. Forever.

Bold, brash, and bravely confessional, Troublemaker chronicles Leah Remini’s remarkable journey toward emotional and spiritual freedom, both for herself and for her family. This is a memoir designed to reveal the hard-won truths of a life lived honestly—from an author unafraid of the consequences.

My Thoughts on the Memoir

First of all, I love Leah Remini. From the moment I saw her in the show, King of Queens, I loved her. I was actually really sad when that show ended. She and Kevin James were an excellent pairing. So of course, I had to read her book! Especially since my knowledge of Scientology was based on the little bit I heard in the media. That and Tom Cruise acting crazy and jumping on Oprah’s couch (remember that??). Like I mentioned above, I like reading about things that are far from how I live my life. I like learning something knew. Leah Remini really delivered with this book.

Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs Uncharted TerriTori

My Favorite Part

Well, first of all, learning the ins and outs about Scientology was pretty interesting. It’s very easy for me to see what the appeal is for people to initially join Scientology. However, some of the rules are a bit much. Not to mention, the way of thinking in Scientology is not my thing. However, the part where Leah Remini talks about Tom Cruise and his relationship/wedding to Katie Holmes was, my favorite part. In all actuality, I don’t know if I can look at Tom Cruise the same way after reading this book. Read it and let me know what you think!

Fans of Leah Remini

If you are a fan of hers, then you will be happy to know that you can binge watch every episode of King of Queens. The Peacock streaming service picked up the show. I know what I will be binge watching this weekend! The show ran for NINE seasons!