Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Sullivan Book Nook June Update
Added more kids books, coloring pages, and books by Patricia Cornwell, Tracie Peterson, and Jennifer Weiner to the Little Free Library.
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Review - The Roaring Days of Zora Lily
AUTHOR: Noelle Salazar
RATING: ★★★★★
RELEASE DATE: October 3rd, 2023
Summary (from Goodreads): The discovery of a hidden label on a famous gown unearths the story of a talented young seamstress in this glittering novel of family, love, ambition, and self discovery by the USA Today bestselling author of The Flight Girls.
2023, The Smithsonian's National Museum of American A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer's label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?
1924, Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.
When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she's always dreamed of. But as Zora's ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she'll learn that dreams come with a cost.
REVIEW: Such a wonderful book! I adore stories with heroines who come from humble beginnings and who overcome hardships to lead a successful life. A true heroine you can’t help but root for, and this was absolutely the case with Zora Lily Hough. I loved her from the very beginning, and I so admired how she always remained true to herself, no matter the circumstances. This was my first time reading Noelle Salazar’s work, and she has such a beautiful way with words. It was a joy reading about Zora’s life, from her endearing friendship with Rose to her close relationship with her family, and…oh my…the love and passion between her and Harley. *happy sigh* I also loved that fashion design played a major part of the plot. I could almost picture Zora’s creations in my mind, and they were stunning. Oh, and I won’t give away any spoilers, but the ending thrilled my soul. (Vindication! YES!) I highly recommend The Roaring Days of Zora Lily to everyone, and I can’t wait to read more of Noelle’s work in the future.
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Recipe - Lemony Yogurt Pound Cake
- Nonstick baking spray (for coating loaf pan)
- 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup plain lowfat (2-percent) Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup lowfat (1-percent) milk
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 large egg
DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8 1/2- by 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with baking spray. Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Put the sugar and lemon zest in another bowl and rub the lemon zest into the sugar with your fingers. Add the yogurt, milk, olive oil, vanilla, egg whites and whole egg and vigorously whisk until well blended. Add the flour mixture into the egg mixture and fold until just incorporated. Transfer to the prepared pan. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes, and then unmold and cool to room temperature.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of The Food Network)
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Review - The Air Raid Book Club
AUTHOR: Annie Lyons
RATING: ★★★★
RELEASE DATE: July 11th, 2023
Summary (from Goodreads): London, 1938: The bookstore just doesn’t feel the same to Gertie Bingham ever since the death of her beloved husband Harry. Bingham Books was a dream they shared together, and without Harry, Gertie wonders if it’s time to take her faithful old lab, Hemingway, and retire to the seaside. But fate has other plans for Gertie.
In Germany, Hitler is on the rise, and Jewish families are making the heart-wrenching decision to send their children away from the growing turmoil. After a nudge from her dear friend Charles, Gertie decides to take in one of these refugees, a headstrong teenage girl named Hedy. Willful and fearless, Hedy reminds Gertie of herself at the same age, and shows her that she can’t give up just yet. With the terrible threat of war on the horizon, the world needs people like Gertie Bingham and her bookshop.
When the Blitz begins and bombs whistle overhead, Gertie and Hedy come up with the idea to start an air raid book club. Together with neighbors and bookstore customers, they hold lively discussions of everything from Winnie the Pooh to Wuthering Heights. After all, a good book can do wonders to bolster people’s spirits, even in the most trying times. But even the best book can only provide a temporary escape, and as the tragic reality of the war hits home, the book club faces unimaginable losses. They will need all the strength of their stories and the bonds they’ve formed to see them through to brighter days.
REVIEW: After a month of chaos and real-life messes - and no time to read at all - I was so excited to finally get a break so I could read The Air Raid Book Club. First off, I love stories that feature bookshops, libraries, etc. as a crucial part of the plot, and I immediately fell in love with Bingham Books. Secondly, I’ve always enjoyed historical books that take place during World War II. I don’t often read historical fiction, but when I do I tend to reach for something during that era. I adored all of the characters, especially Gertie and Hedy. It was so endearing to witness the way their relationship evolved over time and how they held fast to each other through their struggles. The only complaint I have with this book is Gertie and Charles not getting a happily ever after. I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, but I cheered for them throughout the whole story, and I was extremely disappointed when the author took the route she did. Also, I understand this book is meant to be an uplifting read - and it is - but there were moments when it felt TOO optimistic and forced, especially with the horrors of war going on during that time. Overall, though, The Air Raid Book Club is a very good story, especially if you love books about books. One of my favorite parts are the book quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Such a great addition!
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Recipe - Sloppy Joes
- 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, minced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 can small red beans or pinto beans (preferably low sodium - drained and rinsed)
- 1 1/2 cups no-salt-added tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 8 whole-wheat burger buns
DIRECTIONS: Brown the meat and the onion in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Pour the drippings out of the pan and discard. Add the garlic, jalapeno, and red pepper and cook 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes more. Place a half-cup scoop of the mixture onto each bun and serve.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of The Food Network)
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)
Currently Listening
Currently Reading
Popular Posts
NetGalley Badges
Goodreads Updates
