DIRECTIONS: Preheat your oven to 450°F to ensure it's hot and ready for the potatoes. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the potatoes until they’re tender enough to be pierced with a fork. Coat a baking sheet with olive oil and arrange the boiled potatoes on it, spaced well apart. Gently press each potato with a potato masher to flatten slightly, then give it a 90-degree turn and press again to create a crisscross pattern. Drizzle more olive oil over each potato. Season the potatoes with kosher salt, black pepper, and chopped rosemary, then sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. 

NUTRITION INFO: Calories: 390kcal (20%) Carbohydrates: 74g (25%) Protein: 9g (18%) Fat: 7g (11%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Sodium: 26mg (1%) Potassium: 1794mg (51%) Fiber: 9g (38%) Sugar: 3g (3%) Vitamin A: 9IU Vitamin C: 84mg (102%) Calcium: 51mg (5%) Iron: 3mg (17%)

(Recipe and photo courtesy of Food Faith Fitness)

NARRATOR: Julia Whelan

RATING: ★★★★

REVIEW: I've always been a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid because her books draw me into the lives of people I know I would never meet in real life - actors, actresses, singers, etc. Malibu Rising has a huge ensemble of these types of people, and every one of them have their own unique story. I loved the four main characters (Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit). Having several siblings myself (four brothers), I could relate to the strong dynamic between these four siblings. I also understood the trials they endured with their parents constant drama, and I found myself cheering them on as they navigated through love and hardships. The first half of the book has dual timelines, and I liked that because I was able to get to know the four siblings and their parents, and it helps to get a true sense of who they are as a group and as individuals. The second half of the book is basically just one wild party that lasted twelve hours and completely changed their lives. There are many different character viewpoints in the second half of the book, which might be a little confusing to some readers, but I personally enjoyed it. This is a party with 200+ people, most of who you could call the "elite" bunch (movie stars, sports legends, famous singers, etc.), and let's just say it's an unforgettable wild ride. I adore the narrator, Julia Whelan, and the way she gives each character their own unique voice is truly amazing. She's the main reason I chose the audiobook instead of the print book. If you want a story that will break your heart one minute and make you laugh out loud the next minute, then this book is for you. Recommended! 

Happy Tuesday, dear readers! This week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt from That Artsy Reader Girl is favorite book quotes, so here are ten favorite quotes from ten of my all-time favorite books. I hope you enjoy them.

🩷 “‘Just a little homesick’, Alice answered. It was the truth, she thought. She just wasn’t sure she had yet been to the place she was homesick for.” ― Jojo Moyes, The Giver of Stars

💛 “Books are the mile markers of my life. Some people have family photos or home movies to record their past. I’ve got books. Characters. For as long as I can remember, books have been my safe place.” ― Kristin Hannah, The Great Alone

DIRECTIONS: Combine almond milk, frozen strawberries, and pineapple chunks in a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add vanilla protein powder, collagen peptides, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the blender. Pulse a few times until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Pour the smoothie into two glasses and serve immediately. 

NUTRITION INFO: Calories: 156kcal (8%) Carbohydrates: 34g (11%) Protein: 3g (6%) Fat: 2g (3%) Saturated Fat: 0.1g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 1mg Sodium: 154mg (7%) Potassium: 413mg (12%) Fiber: 6g (25%) Sugar: 24g (27%) Vitamin A: 113IU (2%) Vitamin C: 166mg (201%) Calcium: 184mg (18%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

(Recipe and photo courtesy of Food Faith Fitness)