Pam

Kat finds herself pregnant, kicked out of school, dumped by her boyfriend, and kicked out of her house. Twenty years later she's out for revenge. She returns to her small hometown driving a Jaguar and wearing designer clothes. Little does she know that there are people she left behind who have their own axe to grind-especially her “baby's daddy.” In the end, Kat learns that the truth shall set you free. She also learns that her life might not have been all she thought it was either.

Deliah is a size 12, and doesn't care what others think, which in the day and age is refreshing to find in a story. It's also refreshing since she works in TV.

When her boss announces her retirement at the end of the summer, work becomes chaotic. The chaos blows in one weekend, during the 4th of July. While at a Sophia's family's party, Deliah realizes that she needs to put her foot down where her “friend” Margo is concerned. While doing that, Deliah finds herself falling for Jack, Sophia's cousin. What's a girl to do?

Yet another book I've read recently that's set in England (not that I'm complaining). The basis of the story is Harriet Rose, a 14 year old girl who has written her own thoughts and feelings as Meditations. As a birthday present her mum and nana have printed her Meditations. They didn't make just one copy, but 1000. The story goes on as the trials and turbulations of Harriet as she comes to grip with becoming famous, while missing her dad. As the story progresses she becomes like most teens, and as a moment of frustration that her family have printed her private thoughts and feelings for the world to see.

This is a story of a teenager coming of age without her mum. It is also a story of a dad learning to take care of his daughter after losing his wife on holiday.

The story is funny, and sad when it needs to be. How is Tom to raise Tally when his wife, and love of his live suddenly isn't there anymore?

It's an easy read.

As a long time Bond fan, I couldn't stop reading this book. The way Pearson wrote the story was amazing. You could almost believe that maybe James Bond was a real person that Ian Fleming helped out. It was true to form. The only point I have is that it mentions a brother that I never realized Bond had. Then again, I haven't read a lot of Fleming's stories. But this has made me want to.

This book is a must read for Elvis fans. Not only does it tell you the back story of the songs, it also talks about Elvis and what he was doing at the time of the songs. In my opinion, you need to listen to the CD that goes with the songs-it helps to better understand what you read.

I picked this book up from the library just because it seemed like a different read. And I'm glad that I did! It was a book I didn't want to stop reading. I was sad when I got to the end because I wanted to know what happened next with the family.

The book follows the Garland family in England from Pre-World War II through the war. It also followed their friends. The story didn't tell just the “happy” but also the sad. It made me feel for the family as they delt with the betrayl of the oldest daughter and her boyfriend (a son of a family friend).

I laughed from start to finish! Well, almost finish, I cried at the end. It was a great read that I have recomended to everyone I talk to.

When I read this in 12th grade it was the most difficult read. I was the class translator when it came to Shakespeare, yet I was unable to “translate” this one with ease. I got the basics of the story, but it's not an easy read my any stretch of the imagination.

I actually had to read this book for eighth grade English. It was a required read by my teacher. It was a difficult book to find, and at the time a bit confusing. It was easy to find yourself feeling sorry for the main character as he finds out his life isn't what he thought it was.

I want to thank White Lion Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Thrifty Baker. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

The Thrifty Baker contains seven chapters chockful of yummy recipes and tips! There is also one chapter that discusses Dossou's tips and tricks to make every pence (or penny) stretch even further. Along with her tips, Dossou shares some of her background.

The recipes throughout the book are marked according to their price per serving. The range used in the book is <65¢, <70¢, or <$1.85. The higher price point may be found on a recipe that is more indulgent (Spiced Pineapple Coconut Crumble) or would be more filling (Mince Beef Pastels). The lower price point contains more ingredients that are more likely to be sitting in your kitchen right now (Orange Drizzle Cake).

The seven chapters are ones that you would expect to find in almost every cookbook that focuses on baking.

Breads: yeast bread recipes
Cakes for Tea: think Victoria sponge
Biscuits & Cookies
Pastries & Tarts: mix of sweet & savory
Desserts: think carrot cakes and apple crumbles
Special Occasion: mostly variations on genoise sponge
Quick & Convenient: mug cakes
While this cookbook focuses on thrift, it doesn't skimp on creativity. One of the recipes I tested from this cookbook is the Spiced Pineapple and Coconut Crumble. My husband ate 2/3rd of the pan in less than 24 hours. The best way to explain the recipe is to picture an apple crumble but swap out pineapple (fresh!) for the apple. My two taste testers agreed it was refreshing and not pineapple-forward. One of my testers all but licked the bowl clean, and he admitted he's not a fan of pineapple. My husband has asked for this to be his birthday cake this year!

I look forward to trying more recipes from this book, like the Chai Butternut Cake, Samoa Cookies, and Speculoos Cookies.

Who would benefit from The Thrifty Baker? Everyone! The recipes are easy to follow and don't contain complicated directions. The ingredients in these pages are ones you can find at any store. Doussu even mentions buying some ingredients at the dollar store to stretch your money further.

Run, don't walk to your nearest store to pick up a copy of The Thrifty Baker! You won't be disappointed.

I want to thank Clarkson Potter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Mary Berry's Baking Bible. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

For those who don't know, Mary Berry is the Queen of British baking. She first released Mary Berry's Baking Bible in 2009 and has decided to update it for the modern lifestyle. There are new recipes alongside many of her favorites. Another update was altering measurements to fit those used in North America.

Out of the 250+ recipes, I am happy to say there are around 40 that contain nuts or nut products. Sadly, there is one chapter as a whole that has nuts. That chapter is the one that focuses on special occasion cakes. Most of those contain nuts because of the use of marzipan, which is made of ground almonds.

Reading Berry's tips and tricks is like baking with your grandmother or even an older aunt. She shares her tricks and explains why she uses them and how they work.

Some may feel overwhelmed when looking at the book and seeing 17 chapters. Worry not, as most of them only contain a handful of recipes. And several of those offer alternative options. For example, there is a recipe for a basic Victorian sponge with three variations. The same goes for the shortbread cookies.

There is something in this cookbook for everyone, whether it's a basic chocolate chip muffin or something a little more British (Welsh?) like a Bara Brith or Irish Soda bread.

This is an excellent option if you are looking for a basic baking cookbook. I can see this being given to someone just getting started, either with baking or moving out on their own for the first time. A seasoned baker can also find a new favorite recipe in Mary Berry's Baking Bible.

Listened to 4% of the book and stopped. May give it another try when not so distracted.

DNF after 21 pages. Not sure if it was me or the book, but I was struggling to connect with the characters. I may give it another try at some point as I enjoy Patrick's other books.

I stopped on page 108. But I hope to return to it again.

The book is enjoyable, but at the moment I need something that's not quite so focused on grief.

DNF at 6%.

The amount of whining from Daphne about everything wrong with her life is too much for me to handle.

I listened to 18% of the book before DNF. I had such high hopes for this book, but I just had trouble connecting to the characters. I may try again in the future.

I'm sure it's me more than the book. But it's a DNF for me at 46%.

Read about 6%.

I was struggling to connect with the characters. I have a feeling it's time for me to walk away from YA books.

I stopped reading after the first chapter. Not sure if it was me or the book (as it's over 100 years old). But I struggled with the language and the flow of the story.

I tried to like this book despite the ratings. In the end I stopped at page 206.

The book is trying too hard to be something to everyone, and in the end fails.

I've tried 2 separate times to read this and just couldn't bring myself to finish. Made it about half way.

Was bored with the story after listening to almost 25% of a 6.5-hour book. Nothing happened; it was a lot of “Man, I hate my job and the way I'm treated by the passengers.” While set in the 1920s, that feels very true today. No thanks!

Stopped reading at page 66.

I was struggling to connect and stay connected with the characters.

DNF after chapter 3. Struggled to get into the story. The way the characters acted didn't feel like it matched the ages.