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. *

 

 

The Soul of An American President

Book:  The Soul of An American President: The Untold Story of Dwight D. Eisenhower's Faith

Authors:  Alan Sears and Craig Osten with Ryan Cole

Publisher:  Baker Books

  237  pages, paperback


This book is incredibly well-written.  We learn a great deal of fascinating history throughout the time period of the life of Dwight D. Eisenhower. We also learn about his tremendous faith in God and why he was very private about his religious life.

In the introduction, we find the purpose of this book:

"Was Dwight Eisenhower an imperfect man (like us all) of genuine faith, or was he a skilled politician who used religion, like so many others before him and since, to further his agenda and popularity?" (page 22)

The main reason this question had come up, was because of the uncommon religious affiliation of his mother.  She had converted to a new (and growing) religion while he was still a young boy.  She had very different ideas about religion than those of her son.  This made it difficult for him.

The beginning of the book shows some sweet and tender descriptions of the family's early religious life:

"David and Ida chose the name Dwight for their new boy in honor of the famous Christian evangelist of the era, Dwight L. Moody."

". . The Eisenhower home still centered around the Bible, with prayers in the morning and evening as well as throughout the day."

"Ike had read the entire Bible by the time he was twelve, and then read it again."  (page 35)

We get to read about his marriage and family life as well as the work he did in the military.
There is a beautiful prayer, written by Ike himself, on pages 97 and 98.  The prayer was requested by a major in the U.S. Army for a book of prayers he was compiling for the soldiers.

Throughout the book, the authors do an excellent job in explaining Dwight's faith. A great deal of his life story is covered, with a beautiful theme of his faith in God. It is instructive and inspiring.


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

Joyful Surrender by Elisabeth Elliot

Book:  Joyful Surrender - 7 Disciplines for the Believer's Life

Author:  Elisabeth Elliot

Publisher:  Revell

  157  pages, paperback


There is nothing like sitting down to quietly read one of Elisabeth Elliot's books.  Her gentle wisdom is encouraging and inspiring.   In this book she compares, at times, some modern questions of living to what is proper from an earlier generation. 

There are 14 chapters. She shares from her own life, and from those of others, to carefully explain each concept regarding disciplines in our lives.  Some of these chapters cover the subjects of mind, place, possessions, and work.

I will share a quote from the book, on page 108:

"We should be thankful.  Thanksgiving requires the recognition of the Source.  It implies contentment with what is given, not complaint about what is not given."

A negative aspect of the book, for me, is that many of the Bible quotes are from sources other than the KJV.  

However, in all of her writing, she strives to lead us to a good and close walk with the Lord. She encourages (and teaches) us to have joy and peace in God.


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

Character Carved in Stone by Pat Williams

Book:  Character Carved in Stone

Author:  Pat Williams

Publisher:  Revell

  215 pages, paperback

This book is about "The 12 Core Virtues of West Point that Build Leaders and Produce Success."  I found the chapters to be full of history and very interesting.

The 12 virtues that are discussed each have their own chapter. They are:

1. Compassion
2. Courage
3. Dedication
4. Determination
5. Dignity
6. Discipline
7. Integrity
8. Loyalty
9. Perseverance
10. Responsibility
11. Service
12. Trust

There is an inspiriting history lesson in each chapter, which gives an example of each virtue represented.   Some of the people featured include: Ulysses S. Grant, Maggie Dixon, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.   Pat Williams does an excellent job in organizing these powerful traits and encouraging readers to understand how these 12 virtues will help them in life.  I think the type of reader who would benefit the most from this book are those who are out working for a living, and those who are aspiring to do difficult things in life and want to do them with integrity.



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

The Aging Brain- Proven steps to prevent dementia and sharpen your mind - Book Review

Book:  The Aging Brain:  Proven steps to prevent dementia and sharpen your mind

Author:  Timothy R. Jennings, MD

Publisher:  Baker Books

  282 pages, paperback


A great many of us are concerned about dementia these days.  Dr. Jennings has written a powerful book to help us not only understand more about this problem, but provides possible ways to prevent it from happening to us.

The book is separated into four sections:

1. History and Aging

2. Oxidative Stress and Aging

3. Lifestyle and Aging

4.  Pathological Aging

He goes into heavy detail in each chapter, describing how aging works, and also what we can do to prevent dementia.  It is scholarly but written in layman terms.  It is the type of book you do not just read, you actually study. There is research and studies he shares including the effect of drinking coffee.

Some of this may go over my head at times, but if I am very concerned about it, I will take the time to really study what he has written.  There were some sections I studied more than others.  Throughout our lives, we may be more concerned about some aspects of living than others that may not apply to us. For instance, I am not a smoker, so his excellent, detailed advice is not necessary for me to read. However, I may want this information to share with a friend or relative who is a smoker. In this case, the book is an excellent reference book for good health.

On page 44, the chapter is "Our Genes and Aging"  The subtitle of this is "Decay over Time."  There is a quote just under this by Thomas Jefferson in 1816, which says, "Bodily decay is gloomy in prospect , but of all human contemplation the most abhorrent is body without mind."

We need to understand that we will age.  We will decay, but that we can, through our choices in how we live, keep our minds sharp.

At the end of each chapter, there is an excellent feature for those who want to quickly glance through the main points and still obtain a great deal of education.  These are:

"Learning Points" - This quickly sums up, in a list, what the chapter contained.

"Action Plan - Things to do" - In chapter four, this list includes ideas such as "Be physically active in life: avoid a sedentary lifestyle." Sometimes we simply need a reminder to just keep busy and moving in the current culture we live in. 

You may or may not want to do everything he suggests. Some of the suggestions, like getting a certain kind of vaccine, may not align with your beliefs.  But take what will work for you and leave the rest.

There are some Bible verses in here, which is wonderful.

I did not read the entire book, I skimmed over some science studies that I did not want to read.  It is also a heavy book with much to think about.  If you simply want a quick read, consider just reading his "Learning Points" and "Action Plans" at the end of each chapter.  You can also study any section of any chapter where you want more detailed information.

Overall I think you will find some great information on how to prevent dementia. 


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

Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids - book review

 
Book:  Crack Yourself Up: Jokes for Kids

Author:  Sandy Silverthorne

Publisher:  Spire (Revell)

138 pages, paperback


It's nice to have a wholesome book to make one smile.  Sandy's book, Crack Yourself Up: Jokes for Kids, is fun, wholesome, and entertaining. 

Inside you will find adorable comic-style illustrations in black-and-white.  There are knock-knock jokes, Riddles, amusing dialog, and much more.

I have left this book on the end table in our home. Anyone can pick it up and start reading, anywhere in the book.  They might flip through some pages and then read a joke to make us all laugh or smile.  It is a great book to have on hand when you need to hear something funny.

Some of these jokes I have already heard, but they still make me smile. Most of what is in this book is new to me and I enjoyed reading it very much.


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

Coach Wooden's Forgotten Teams - Book Review

Book:  Coach Wooden's Forgotten Teams

Author:  Pat Williams with Jim Denney

Publisher:  Revell

196 pages, paperback


This is a very well written book, consisting of 9 chapters.  Coach Wooden was a legendary basketball coach.  He not only trained his players in the game, he also trained them for life with his godly wisdom.  This book brings to light the summer basketball camps many were privileged to attend.

We hear stories from some of the coaches who worked at the camps.  We also hear from many of the campers themselves, as they look back over the years to when they were younger enjoying the basketball lessons.

The book is inspiring as it shares many of the wise sayings of the coach.  We also get the sense that he was a very humble man with a great Christian faith.

Here are a couple of my favorites from the book:

Page 65, "The example Coach set by doing things like that made a big impression on me. Coach didn't preach.  He lived his lessons. He set an example. Whenever you were around him, it was lesson after lesson. He'd never say, "This is how you should  lead,' but if you had eyes to see and ears to hear, you'd learn by watching the man."

Page 75, "He would say, 'Drink deeply from good books, first and foremost, the Bible.' I think he spent a lot of time there, and his faith was a grounding point."


Reading this book will make you want to be a better parent. It will make you want to be a better person, in general.   You might even start taking notes, or highlighting passages in the book, for later reference.

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

Practicing the King's Economy - Book Review

Book:  Practicing the King's Economy

Author:  Michael Rhodes and Robby Holt with Brian Fikkert

Publisher:  Baker Books

317 pages, paperback


The book consists of 12 chapters.  There is also a lengthy preface and acknowledgements section. This may be because all three of the authors share their thoughts in each section.  This part did help me get to know the writers a bit better. When I first started reading this book, I had never heard of any of them, so it was helpful to see their background and introductory thoughts.

The introduction was very difficult for me to read. I think it went over my head.  There was just so much information that it seemed like a small book in itself.

Each chapter has sections on the Bible.  There is interpretation that was bold at times, with wording that I didn't think really represented the meaning of certain Scripture.

The message of the book is to make the reader take a long look at how they handle money, both in business and in personal matters.  It is a very good and commendable topic.  However, as for me, I could not relate to much of the book.  There are some references to such things as "Narnia" and football that I know nothing about.  Yet, there were some passages that I thought were insightful. Here is one example from page 132, where they are discussing Ephesians 4:28. . .

"It is interesting what Paul does not say.  He doesn't say thieves should start working so they can get off welfare rolls or achieve the ancient world's version of the American Dream of middle-class independence.  Paul says they should work so they can have something to share."

I think people who are earning good money in America, but think they need more, are the target audience.  There are a few helpful examples throughout the book sharing a vision of using money for the Lord, with the goal of doing the Lord's work with our money. But it was very hard for me to glean these insights.



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

Barbara and Susan's Guide to the Empty Nest - Review

Book:  Barbara and Susan's Guide to the Empty Nest (Revised and Updated)

Authors: Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates

Publisher: Bethany House

Paperback, 247 pages.

For anyone going through the stage of an empty nest, there is going to be sadness.  It is very difficult when all your children have grown up and moved out into the world.  It is a painful loss, but a part of life.

In this book, Barbara and Susan encourage women from all walks of life to cheer up, and find good things to come in the next stage of mothering.

They share many stories from their own lives, and from others.  The authors explain that in these times, it is not like when their own mothers were going through this. Their mothers, and those of that generation, knew who they were for life: Mothers and Wives.  They did not have the type of empty nest we think of today.  They may have had a bachelor or maiden adult child always living with them, or perhaps an aunt, grandmother, or uncle was a permanent part of the household.  In those days, when all the children grew up, wives would focus just on continuing to be a good wife and taking care of the home.  (Personally, this is the kind of mother and wife I will always want to be.)

But for many women of today, they start a new career, begin a ministry, travel, or go back to school.
They crave more friendships with other women, say the authors. 

This book would be best for modern Christian women who want ideas and encouragement to get through the empty nest. 

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

Sacred Privilege by Kay Warren

Book:  "Sacred Privilege:  Your Life and Ministry as a Pastor's Wife"

Author:  Kay Warren

Publisher: Revell

264 pages, hardcover

I was expecting this book to be a guide to how to be a good wife to a husband in the ministry. I thought it would be like a cheerleader to the readers for doing good work in the home and in the church.  But I could not get past the first chapter.

 The author explains in the preface that she is going to be "raw" and "transparent."  I didn't realize she was going to describe some of the sins and terrible experiences in her own life.  This is not what I thought the book was going to be about. Perhaps others will find help in reading this, but I found it discouraging and depressing.  I was looking for rest and peace and sweet holiness.  There was none of that in the first chapter. I cannot get past that. The title is a bit misleading.


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

Never Give Up by John Mason

Book:  "Never Give Up: You're Stronger Than You Think"

Author:  John Mason

Publisher: Revell

166 pages, paperback

This is a self-help book designed to motivate and encourage.  There are three short parts (or sections) which direct the reader to look "inward, outward, and upward." Each section of the book holds chapters which are called "nuggets."  These are short devotional type messages with a bit of common wisdom and sometimes brief word-illustration- stories to get you thinking.

Some quotes include:

"If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" (p. 113) 

"Rising above mediocrity never just happens; it's always a result of faith combined with works. Want to be unhappy? Do nothing."  (p. 75)

It would be a good book for those who need a daily dose of encouragement to get up and do important things.

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

The Heart of the Amish by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book - The Heart of the Amish

Author - Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publisher - Revell

Paperback, 178 pages


The book consists of two parts. One - Everyday Friction and, Two - Turning Points.  Each chapter shares someone's story - an annoyance, a struggle, or some kind of situation where forgiveness is required. 

At the end of each chapter is a small section of "Reflections." This may include thoughtful questions or insights to help the reader in a sort of therapy to help them work through the concept of forgiveness in their own lives.

Next, each chapter ends with a boxed - in section called, "Plain Truth." These are fascinating tidbits of trivia, mostly about the Amish and other similar groups.

While many of the chapters include Amish related stories, some do not.  Also there are chapters about modern, sensitive topics that some may not feel the need to read.

This book would be most helpful to those who are struggling with bitterness and need help working towards of forgiving spirit.


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

Review - Debt Proof Living by Mary Hunt

Book - Debt - Proof Living:  How to get out of debt and stay that way

Author - Mary Hunt

Publisher - Revell


Debt - Proof Living was first published in 1999.  This 2014 edition is revised and updated.  It includes the same premise - the same formula for living without debt, but also includes new information based on today's culture.

Mary gives you the tools to understand the thinking of modern consumers to help us realize why people today have accepted debt as normal. This dangerous problem has been slowly fed to us over many years.

Inside this book you will be given a clear formula to get out of debt and then how to "debt - proof" your life. 

There are 18 chapters, some of the titles are:

1. Debt- Proof Living.
2. Two Kinds of Debt.
3. Caught in the Debt Trap.
4. A Plan to Debt - Proof Your Life.
5. Where Does All the Money Go?
6. Step Away from the Edge.
7. Break Out of the Debt Trap.
8. Expect the Unexpected.
. . . .
18. Building Wealth on an Ordinary Income.

Mary does an excellent job teaching readers to get control of their financial lives.  This is her main book and one of the most important.



* Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

The World of Department Stores - Review

Book - The World of Department Stores

Author - Jan Whitaker

Publisher - Vendome Press

Hardcover, 264 pages.



This book is absolutely stunning! It is extra large at 12.9 x 9.8 inches.  It is packed with fascinating historical information concerning stores, malls, and shopping.  This book will give you an incredible look at social studies and a fantastic education in marketing!

Some of what you'll see inside:

1. Photographs of historic ads and sale posters.

2. Majestic pictures of beautiful architecture.  (Including a department store in Tokyo in the 1920's.)

3.  A Painting of customers shopping in a Paris store in the 1800's.

4.  Photograph of a Millinery salon in Mexico city in the 1920's.

5.  Both Modern and Historic photographs giving you an awe-inspiring look at shopping for necessities and the more modern shopping for entertainment.  You will be amazed at how marketing and creativity of the designers, and store owners, have created shopping to be a form of recreation.

6. On the inside sleeve of the cover, there are quotes by Oscar de la Renta, Leonard Lauder (from the Estee Lauder company) and Hubert de Givenchy.  All of these gentleman have read this book and briefly shared their inspiring thoughts!  What fun to read!

I have spent hours reading the text and looking at the pictures. I have shared it with guests in our home.  It is an incredible resource.


Those who would most enjoy the book:

1.  People who work in retail, or marketing of any kind.

2.  Students who want to study this type of history.  And also those who appreciate social studies and want to see how modern shopping and consumerism has changed us all.

The cost of the book is similar in price to a college textbook, and most certainly worth every penny.



* Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes. *

Review - The Backyard Homestead

Book - The Backyard Homestead (Produce all the food you need on j ust a quarter acre!)

Edited by - Carleen Madigan

Publisher - Storey

Paperback, 368 pages.







I found this book to be both incredibly instructive and inspiring.  Inside you will find many illustrations, drawings, and encyclopedia like facts. It is fascinating and informative.

You are encouraged to start your own homestead, even if you have a small yard.  You learn how much food you can produce, based on the amount of land, and your specific needs.

You will learn how to start a garden, how to take care of the garden, and the many different types of produce you can grow - fruits and vegetables. Also herbs, grains, etc.  There are many little recipes in here, to inspire you with useful ways of using your harvest.

You will also learn how to take care of poultry to have your own eggs. It is like having a mini-farm!

There are so many useful items in here!  There is even a section that tells you how to make your own ice cream.

Overall, it is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to start a small garden, or start a complete homestead style mini farm.  Very well done!

*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes. *

The Love Dare for Parents

Book - The Love Dare for Parents

Authors - Stephen and Alex Kendrick

Publisher - B and H Publishing Group

256 pages, paperback



This book is a 40 day dare for parents.  Each day, in order, read one of the dares.  There is a devotional, a heartwarming message to help you complete the day's dare, and a section to mark that you completed the assignment.  There are also questions and space for your answers and thoughts.

A few samples from the book:

"Too often parents misunderstand and misguide.  Or they preplan too rigidly and then force and frustrate their child to become something God never intended.  If you tiny daughter thrives at the piano, don't pressure her to tackle the tuba." (page 23)

"Every day, with each new dare, always bear in mind this one pervasive, reorienting truth: you are handling a divine opportunity to experience and represent the love of God." (page 73)

At the end of the book there is an appendix with 8 articles on parenting.  These include such topics as "How to pray for your children" and "12 daring ideas to maximize family time."

Any parent who needs encouragement and a little extra help in Christian parenting will find this book helpful.





* Disclosure - I received this item for review purposes.*





You can stay updated with the posts here - Subscribe by Email.

The Manual to Manhood

Book - The Manual to Manhood: How to Cook the Perfect Steak, Change a tire, Impress a girl and 97 other skills you need to survive.

Author - Jonathan Catherman

Publisher - Revell

Pages - 288 pages, paperback


This is a book is geared to young men. It will teach them social manners along with practical skills.  Readers will learn how to tie a tie. This includes easy illustrations and instructions.  There are also tips on how to shake hands, how to introduce yourself to someone, how to ask a girl out, and how to meet a girl's parents.  You will also read about job interviews, how to shave, how to change a tire, do laundry, iron, cook, how to create a budget, how to live debt - free, how to read a tape measure, how to hang a picture, how to throw a football, and so much more.

There are 10 sections with subjects like: "Social Skills and Manners" and "Work and Ethics".  Each section contains several topics with instructions. 

The book is instructive with a sense of humor. It is entertaining and informative.  It will teach while holding your attention.  The instructions are short and to the point. There are tips throughout the book and each instruction includes an estimated time it will take to do the item explained.



* Disclosure - I received this item for review purposes.*





You can stay updated with the posts here - Subscribe by Email.

The Smart Woman's Guide to Retirement Planning by Mary Hunt

Book - The Smart Woman's Guide to Retirement Planning

Author - Mary Hunt

Publisher - Revell

Hardcover, 213 pages



Mary Hunt always has great ideas for managing money. In each of her books, I find inspiration and motivation!  In her latest book, "The Smart Woman's Guide to Retirement Planning" she shares what it takes to get control of one's finances with the later years in mind.

I was specifically intrigued by the latest resources in money management (including specific banks she considers trustworthy; online banking, bill paying, etc.). I also loved her revelation when she realized she, herself, was very close to the age to begin receiving Medicare, and she had a moment of panic!

Her insight and friendly advice on different types of investments, ideas for savings, and her wonderful "you - can- do - it" attitude is just what we need in today's difficult economy.

She compared taking care of one's health to taking care of one's finances.  When we neglect our health, eating junk food, ignoring our need for exercise, and live stressful lives, the result is damage and disease to the body.  This is very similar to our reckless, and careless approach to our money.  We can live financially healthy lives, or we can live in a financial mess! 

She reminds us that we are responsible for what we do with our money.  Here is a quote from the book:

"If you have a management style like the one I lived by for so many years in which you spend money until it's gone then white - knuckle it until you can manage to get more, you need a change. Your system doesn't work."  (page 57)

She tells us that in our lives, it doesn't matter how much money we made, it will only matter what we DID with that money.




*Disclosure - I received a copy of each book for review purposes.*

The Knitting Answer Book

Book - The Knitting Answer Book - "Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face.  Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask."

Author - Margaret Radcliffe

Publisher - Storey

Pages - 400, including index.

List Price - $14.95


This handy little book works as a manual for knitters.  Whether you are an amateur or experienced knitter, you will find this book very helpful.

There are 13 chapters:

1. Casting on. (Problem solving; Basic Cast on; Special Cast on; etc.)

2. The Basics. (The Knit Stitch; The Purl Stitch; The Slipped Stitch; The Yarn Over; Etc.)

3. Binding Off. (Solving Problems; Standard Bind offs; etc.)

4. Tools.  (Knitting Needles; etc.)

5. Yarn.  (All About Yarn; Working with Yarn; etc.)

6.  Reading Patterns. (Sizing; Gauge; Abbreviations and Charts; etc.)

7.  Pattern Stitches.  (Cables; Lace; Basic Pattern Stitches; etc.)

8.  Circular Knitting.  (Getting Started; Changing Colors; etc.)

9.  Color.  (Stripes; Mosaic; etc.)

10. Shaping. (Increases; Decreases; etc.)

11. Fitting.  (Before; While you work; After; etc.)

12. Finishing.  (Blocking; Sewing up; etc.)

13. Embellishments.  (Beads; Cords; etc.)

The book also includes an index and a section on resources.    There are small illustrations throughout to help us understand the explanations.  The entire book includes questions with the answers designed to teach us.  Overall it is beautifully done and a valuable book. 



*Disclosure - I received a copy of this book for review purposes.*