Monday, March 31, 2025
Recipe - Chicken Egg Roll Bowl
- 1 lb. 93% ground chicken
- 3 tablespoons less sodium soy sauce or gluten-free soy sauce, divided
- 3 medium scallions (sliced, dark green parts separated for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground ginger or ginger paste
- 3 cups slaw mix with cabbage (carrots and/or broccoli slaw or your favorite slaw mix)
- 2 cups baby bok choy (chopped)
- ½ tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- ½ tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
DIRECTIONS: In a large nonstick skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high with ½ tablespoon of the soy sauce until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
Add the scallion whites and light green parts, garlic and ginger, stir well and cook until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the veggies, pour the remaining 2½ tablespoons soy sauce, rice wine and sesame oil and cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are wilted but still crunchy, about 4 minutes.
Remove from heat and finish with scallions. Serve with rice.
NUTRITION INFO: 1½ cups, Calories: 442kcal, Carbohydrates: 46.5g, Protein: 36.5g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 114.5mg, Sodium: 785.5mg, Fiber: 2.5g, Sugar: 3g - WW Points: 5
(Recipe and photo courtesy of Skinnytaste)
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Review - Atmosphere
AUTHOR: Taylor Jenkins Reid
RATING: ★★★
RELEASE DATE: June 3rd, 2025
Summary (from Goodreads): Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.
Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easy-going even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warm-hearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane.
As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe.
Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant.
REVIEW: I usually adore everything by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but I have to admit that it was difficult getting through this one. The plot was interesting, and I enjoyed learning more about the space program, but the storyline dragged quite a bit and was often boring. It took me a couple of weeks to read Atmosphere, whereas it usually takes me only a couple of days to finish Taylor's books. Most of the story is made up of the main character, Joan, struggling with and coming to terms with her sexuality, which I didn't have a problem with, but I did feel like it took up too much of the story. I would've loved more action involving the space program. Overall, I would still recommend Atmosphere, but I wouldn't recommend it over Taylor's other books, like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or Malibu Rising.
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own).
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Top Ten Tuesday - Books I Did Not Finish (DNF'ed)
Hello, dear readers! Today’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt from Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl is all about the books I didn't finish (or DNF'ed). I won't go into any specific details of why I stopped reading these books, but I will say that most of the time I DNF a book is because it's either boring or I don't like the narrator. Are there any books listed here that you love and believe I should give a second chance? Let me know! Happy Tuesday!
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Review - The Love Haters
AUTHOR: Katherine Center
NARRATOR: Patti Murin
RATING: ★★★★
RELEASE DATE: May 20th, 2025
Summary (from Goodreads): It’s a thin line between love and love-hating.
Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past—now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West.
The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim—but fakes it that she can.
Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. And they don’t get along. Next stop paradise!
But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good looking man she has ever seen . . . but also a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.
Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue—along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.
REVIEW: I'm always a sucker for a good love story, but I also love when there's an important underlying message, and that was the case with The Love Haters. When the main character, Katie, talked about her self-negativity and body image issues...yeah, I felt that. I saw myself in her so profoundly at times that it made me cry. (Especially the ending where she has the conversation with herself on the boat. Not going to give away any spoilers. I'll just say it made me sob). The hero, Tom (aka "Hutch") is something special too. I mean, he serves in the military as a rescue swimmer for the Coast Guard, so he's like an ACTUAL hero. But, thankfully, he's not one of those alpha male heroes who think they're God's gift either. Hutch is kind, thoughtful, and humble, but he's also a fierce protector when it comes to the people he loves. So, honestly...how could you NOT love this man? The two of them together make such an endearing couple. I should add there are plenty of wonderful secondary characters too. Hutch's Aunt Rue is precious, and his dog, George Bailey - oh my goodness! Adorableness overload! I just wanted to crawl inside the story and snuggle with him.
I switched back and forth between listening to the audiobook version and reading the digital book version, and I enjoyed both of them. Patti Murin is an excellent narrator. And what can I say about my girl, Katherine Center? I just love her. She's a truly amazing writer, and it's such a joy to read her work. I always add her new releases to the top of my TBR list, and I highly recommend The Love Haters.
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own).
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Recipe - Chicken Gyro
For the chicken:
- ½ cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic, grated or minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ – 1 teaspoon red pepper flake (depending on your spice preference)
- 6 medium boneless skinless chicken thighs or 3 boneless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
For serving:
- 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 beefsteak tomato, sliced
- 4 large Pita flatbreads, optional for serving
- tzatziki, optional for serving
DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl combine yogurt, garlic, lemon, salt, cumin, onion powder, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Add chicken & coat completely. Marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes but up to overnight (do not recommend going beyond 36 hours as the yogurt will begin to break down the chicken).
Air Fryer Method:
Air fry chicken thighs in an even layer 400°F for 20 to 24 minutes, flipping halfway in a single layer, in batches as needed.
Skillet or Grill Method:
Heat a skillet or grill/grill pan over medium-high heat and spray with oil. Cook the chicken about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway.
Serve:
When done, transfer to a cutting board and slice. Build pita sandwiches or serve over salad with sliced chicken, 1/2 cup shredded lettuce, onion, 1 slice tomato and tzatziki, if desired.
NUTRITION INFO: 1/4 of recipe, Calories: 365 kcal, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 54 g, Fat: 12 g, Saturated Fat: 3.5 g, Cholesterol: 244 mg, Sodium: 540.5 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 3 g
(Recipe and photo courtesy of Skinnytaste)
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Top Ten Tuesday - Books on My Spring 2025 To-Read List
Hello, dear readers! Today’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt from Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl is all about the books I plan on reading this spring, so here we go! Happy Tuesday!
1. The Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
2. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
3. The Love Haters by Katherine Center
4. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
5. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
6. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
7. The Last Sunrise by Anna Todd
8. My Name is Emilia Del Valle by Isabel Allende
9. Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
10. The Jackal's Mistress by Chris Bohjalian
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Update : Sullivan Book Nook Has Been Restocked
Just a small update. The little free library has been restocked. We were spared from the severe weather yesterday but unfortunately many weren’t. The photo below of the tornado was taken about six miles south of where I live. There is SO much devastation in the communities near us and several people lost loved ones. At last count, Mississippi had 32 reported tornadoes and there are so many families hurting right now. I know they would appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
FYI: Sullivan Book Nook is on a Short Hiatus
Just wanted to let everyone know that my little free library has been emptied until the threat of severe weather is over. One of the pitfalls of living in the Deep South is tornado season, which is usually March through May, but we’ve had them during other months too. Hopefully, this bout of bad weather will move through quickly, and I can have my little library up and going again by Sunday afternoon.
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Recipe - Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 small garlic cloves (minced or pressed through a garlic press)
- 4 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan cheese)
- 1 tablespoon seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Toss to evenly coat.
Add the sprouts to the air fryer basket and air fry 350F until golden brown and tender, about 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crisp tender.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, black pepper and remaining ½ tablespoon oil and mix well.
Open the air fryer basket and evenly spread over the Brussels sprouts, then spritz with olive oil spray. Air fry 350F for 2 minutes until golden. No Air Fryer, No Problem - Preheat oven to 450F. Place Brussels sprouts on nonstick baking sheet and bake about 15 minutes. Top with crumbs and bake 3 to 5 more minutes.
NUTRITION INFO: 3/4 cup, Calories: 123kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 228.5mg, Fiber: 4.5g, Sugar: 2.5g - WW Points: 3
(Recipe and photo courtesy of Skinnytaste)
Friday, March 7, 2025
A Look Inside the Sullivan Book Nook LFL
Just a reminder of what’s available in the little free library. 📚 Stop by and grab something to read this weekend!
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Top Ten Tuesday - Things Characters Have Said
Hello, dear readers! Today’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt from Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl is all about things characters have said, so I decided to share some quotes from the best book I've read so far this year, The Wedding People by Alison Espach. Happy Tuesday!
There is no such thing as a happy place. Because when you are happy, everywhere is a happy place. And when you are sad, everywhere is a sad place.
Love is visible—it paints the air between two people a different color, and everyone can see it.
You honestly expect me to believe that people go on vacations without making a spreadsheet of fun first?
She doesn’t see the point in staying alive only to do all the same things that made her want to die.
It is all about moving on. Saying goodbye to whoever you thought you were, whoever you thought you would be.
Nobody can take care of you the way you need to take care of yourself. It’s your job to take care of yourself like that.
It is not an easy thing to do, to walk away from what you’ve built and save yourself.
She is so good at predicting what will happen in books, so bad at predicting what will happen in life. That is why she has always preferred books—because to be alive is much harder.
Becoming who you want to be is just like anything else. It takes practice. It requires belief that one day, you’ll wake up and be a natural at it.
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Recipe - Cheeseburger Casserole
- 2 cups 6 oz uncooked rotini pasta
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups onions (finely chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (95% lean)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 cups reduced-fat grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente and drain well.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the beef and cook until browned; season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the tomato paste, then add the tomatoes and mustard. Let the mixture bubble gently until it is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Toss the meat mixture with the pasta and spread it into the prepared dish.
Top with the cheddar and bake until the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle the chopped pickles over the top and serve.
NUTRITION INFO: 1 cup, Calories: 260kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 21.5g, Fat: 9.5g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 49mg, Sodium: 630mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3.5g - WW Points: 7
(Recipe and photo courtesy of Skinnytaste)
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