Book review of: It was me all along: A memoir by Andie Mitchell

What a well written and heartfelt story.  I had trouble putting this book down and was able to read it in one day, even with a busy toddler at my side.  Andie is so genuine; you can really feel her pain and agony she went through with the range of emotions that come with losing over 130 lbs!  She had a rough childhood and never learned the value of healthy food, hence eating all the wrong things to mask her emotions and feelings.   She found the light at the end of the tunnel and was able to live a comfortable life with normal and healthy feelings towards food. I highly recommend this book and I would love to hang out with the author, it felt like talking to your best friend while reading it.

Review of "The 13th gift: A true story of a Christmas miracle" by Joanne Huist Smith

This book is about a recent widow who isn't in the mood for Christmas, yet slowly realizes with each secret gift left for her family that it isn't about her, its about the miracle of Christmas to a child. I found myself trying to connect the simple surprise gifts with the poem/song about the 12 days of Christmas, I found myself with much more empathy for the author. Loved reading of her relatives, co workers, friends who shared their concerns with her, and even smiled when I read how she drove over the tree stand to take out some of her pain. The description of the tree they chose reminded me of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree in so many ways.

What made this book well worth the read, was the children's personalities and how they each viewed the surprise gifts being left on the porch, and how the author does such a wonderful job showing each of their personalities and serious as well as humorous take on life.

Highly recommend this book for a hospice support group library, for pastors, therapists, family and friends of someone who has lost a spouse and has children or does not have children, as well as for your local library.

And consider paying it forward to someone near you. They need not be someone who has lost a spouse, but it could be someone who has a family member who is seriously ill, or someone who is out of work. Even an elderly person who is alone and could use a bit of joy in their life during the holiday season. I even suggest reading a chapter aloud as a family starting in December and then talk about the chapter and lessons learned.

Book compensated and provided by blogging for books.

Review of "The essential bar book" by Jennifer Fiedler

 received a free copy of The Essential Bar Book from Blogging for Books for review. We have a new home that has a second living room, therefore we turned it into a bar/sitting room. I wanted this book to help me organize and stock our new bar.

The recipes are arranged alphabetically, very easy to use! It has lots of tidbits on glassware and history of alcohol, etc.

This book includes a bit of everything: dictionary, history of recipes as well as straight up recipes. What I love most about this book are the stories behind each cocktail, perfect for us to make them and create our own stories.   Other things I love about this book is the bright orange cover and small size and that each recipe gives you the proper glassware to serve the drink in. I only wish it 

Review of "The wet and the dry" by Lawrence Osborne

In Mr. Osborne's book, one is transported to his world of travel and imbibing on wonderful alcohol.  The author has a cocky air about him and can come across as very contriving.  He has a set happy hour time of 6:10 and can often run into danger just trying to satisfy this goal.
  A lot of feeling is put into this book and you almost feel as you know the author personally, some stories are quite shocking, such as when he awoke in his hotel room with no recollection of how he got there. Some may say he is indeed a full blown alcoholic, yet he seems to be in control the majority of the time. Great read that dips into some of the history of alcohol and different countries as well.  All in all, a catchy and interesting read for someone who is a drinker.

Review of "The harm in asking" by Sara Barron

The harm in asking" by Sara Barron was one of the most "interesting" books I have ever read. It's quite apparent that Ms. Barron thrives on attention, and it is VERY apparent in her book that she may have been locked in a basement and ignored as a child!     While the book had some funny moments where I actually "LOL'ed"-- I mostly wanted to take a shower after reading each chapter. I was genuinely embarrassed for her during some of the stories! I cannot fathom such a lonely life, nor having as much free time as she has on her hands.  
  Sara's writing style is choppy and somewhat hard to read as well.  I think she says "insofar" at LEAST 737 times in the book!!!  I still haven't decided if I can stomach another one of her books, or if I just want to go take a hot shower Instead.
 Towards the conclusion of the book I think she found her "niche" in life by becoming a writing professor, this career choice seemed to really suit her.   I'd like to read more on how she met her current husband as well, seeing how she was raving about how she had always been single.