DIRECTIONS: Add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, Calabrian chili paste, and ½ teaspoon of salt to a mixing bowl. Cover and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes but up to 3 hours. Once the tomatoes have marinated, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta well and transfer it to the bowl with the tomatoes. Add the ricotta and parmesan to the bowl and toss until melted and creamy. Add the basil and toss to combine. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired and serve. 

 

NUTRITION INFO: 1cup, Calories: 210kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 54mg, Fiber: 3.5g, Sugar: 4g - WW Points: 5

(Recipe and photo courtesy of Skinnytaste)

AUTHOR: Pepper Basham

NARRATORS: Fiona Hardingham and Christopher Ashman

RATING: ★★★★

RELEASE DATE: October 14th, 2025

REVIEW: This was my first time reading Pepper Basham’s work, and Sense and Suitability was such a fun and endearing story. I was completely captivated by the main characters, Emmeline and Simon, the moment they were introduced, and I also adored the secondary characters, especially aunt Bean. (She is such a hoot!) Each person in this book plays a crucial role in Emmeline and Simon’s love story, and they are all such special people with their own unique personalities. Pepper’s writing is flawless and beautiful, and the narrators did an amazing job bringing it to life. Fiona Hardingham has quickly become one of my favorite narrators. Her voice is so captivating, soothing, and entertaining. Her portrayal of aunt Bean had me literally laughing out loud more times than I can count. I would highly recommend Sense and Suitability to everyone, especially those who favor a wholesome, clean love story, and I look forward to reading more of Pepper’s work in the very near future. 

AUTHOR: Carolyn Brown

NARRATOR: Brittany Pressley

REVIEW: This was my first time reading Carolyn Brown’s work, and it was an enjoyable read. The plot was very intriguing and what initially drew me to this book. Daisy and Lily are former prostitutes from an upscale brothel who venture out to find new beginnings in Autrie, Texas as seamstresses. I loved their determination and spunky attitudes, and I rooted them on throughout the entire book. Most of this story deals with women’s rights during the post Civil War era - or lack thereof - and it was fun reading the antics Daisy, Lily, and the women of Autrie get into in their quest to be treated as equals. Beulah, a secondary character, was my favorite, with her sharp tongue and fiery spirit. The ending was a tad bit disappointing, especially after everything Daisy and Lily went through to make their home in Autrie and to help liberate themselves and the other women. (Trying not to give away any spoilers here). I also wished the epilogue had been fleshed out with more details about what happened to the women. Did Daisy and Lily ever have children? Did Beulah find love again? Did Wesley get thrown into an abandoned well and succumb to the horrible ending he deserved? These are just a few of the unanswered questions I have, but overall The Paradise Petition was a fun read, and I would gladly recommend it to everyone.