Book Review - Her Secret Hope by Shelley Shepard Gray

 

Book:  Her Secret Hope

Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher:  Revell

   289 pages, paperback.

 

This is my first time reading a book by this author.  "Her Secret Hope" is about a young Amish lady, Lilly, who takes a job working as a maid in an Inn in Florida. She had traveled some distance from home to make a fresh start in life.  It is interesting to read about her work, what goes on behind-the-scenes in an Inn, and what it's like in the commercial kitchen. The characters are all interesting and it is enjoyable to read about daily life.  Lilly meets a nice young man. The friendship is taken slowly and I appreciate how Lilly is cautious about getting too involved too quickly.  

Lilly is a sweet, hardworking girl. She has very supporting friends. It is nice to see good things happen to her.

There is a word of caution that a few readers might want to be aware of.  There is a very brief romantic description in the story, that comes off as too strong, in my opinion.  I would have enjoyed the story much more if this had been greatly toned down or avoided altogether.

* Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

 

 

Book Review - The Amish Cook's Baking Book by Lovina Eicher

 

Book:  The Amish Cook's Baking Book

Author:  Lovina Eicher with Kevin Williams

Publisher:   Andrews McMeel Publishing

   200 pages, hardcover.

 

 This wonderful collection includes instructions for baking breads, pies, pastries, cookies, and more. It was written by Lovina, who writes a column, from home, called, "The Amish Cook."  There is an explanation at the beginning which shares that an Amish kitchen does not contain modern appliances, such as food processors, blenders, or bread makers. Yet the kitchen is stocked with pots and pans and hand-operated utensils. 

The photographs of the bread and cookies look incredible. The instructions for each recipe look easy to follow. 

There is a quote from Lovina's mother, Elizabeth, from 1998, at the beginning of the bread section:

"While often sliced and served for supper, fresh bread can be found on the table at any meal of the day. I used to make a lot more bread when all of our children were still living at home - usually about nine loaves a week. I would bake the bread before they came so when they got in the door it was good and warm."

On the back cover of the book, there is a wonderful quote by the author, "Baking is something my mother taught me, much like sewing, ironing, or gardening. Now, as a mother of eight children of my own, I am beginning to teach them how to bake. I have many cherished memories of baking throughout my life."

The description of home life scattered throughout, along with color photographs and recipes make the book a treasure.  It is beautifully done.

 

 

 * Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

 

 

Book Review - The Amish Cook's Anniversary Book by Lovina Eicher

 

Book:  The Amish Cook's Anniversary Book: 20 Years of Food, Family, and Faith

Author:  Lovina Eicher with Kevin Williams

Publisher:  Andrews McMeel Publishing

   290 pages, hardcover.

 

This is an incredible book of history from the pen of an Amish wife and mother.  It includes full color photographs of Amish life, the scenery, the food, and activity of home life. It is charming, and depicts a simple life with a lot of old fashioned hard work.

The author, Lovina, is the daughter of Elizabeth Coblentz, who wrote a newspaper column called, "The Amish Cook." She called them "letters" and shared recipes and letters from home.  She sent these to her editor, Kevin Williams, who has compiled this book.  After her mother passed into Heaven, Lovina continued writing the column. 

This anniversary collection provides a treat as we read about daily life in an Amish home. The book includes the very first column by Elizabeth, from August 1991. Lovina began writing in 2002. The last letter in this book is by Lovina and is written in February of 2010.

The sweet letters are endearing and inspiring. The recipes are wonderful and written in a way that is easy to follow. It is an excellent book.

* Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *