Category: book review

Bianca’s Vineyard is set in the beautiful Tuscany both in the present and the past.

About Bianca’s Vineyard

Bianca Corrotti’s vineyard is more than a piece of land in Tuscany. It is an inheritance, a storehouse harbouring the secrets of her Uncle Egisto, a world-class sculptor, and his troubled wife – a woman whose life converges with Mussolini’s when World War II overtakes the area. Based on a true story, Bianca’s Vineyard follows a story of the devoted men and women waging an epic battle against a gathering storm intent on destroying their lives.

My Thoughts

It is so hard to begin with this story as it was so beautifully told and woven. Even more so beautiful that it is based on a true story. The characters lived during the most difficult times before and during World War II. Many Italians were leaving their home and family to go abroad to earn money for the family. Their country was ravaged from the war and many were starving.

Bianca’s Vineyard starts off with a trip back in time from the current day, where we are able to meet the Corrotti’s and the extended family. We slowly learn the secrets that the family had left hidden for so many years. Each turn of the page brings a new development in the story and a new twist. Both the men and women in this family complement and drive each other to push further and never give up. It is also gives you a deeper appreciation for all the trials your own family must have gone through during these times. I think of my own Grandparents that left home at a young age in order to support their family back home. Bianca’s Vineyard is a deep, emotional read that has you seeing the good in others, the struggles this generation went through to persevere and their triumphs. This will be a book you will not want to miss!

You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Rating: 5+/5

About the Author

Teresa Neumann and her husband live in Oregon with their three children. As well as being an author and journalist, Teresa loves to fiddle on her violin and live the good life in Italy. You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

The Giveaway!

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Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love my Italian food but with having a sensitivity to gluten I have had to give up all the foods I love. Going Against the Grain Italian Style teaches us we don’t have to give up our favourite foods!

About Going Against the Grain Italian Style

This two-part book is an essential guide to read for any individuals who are newly diagnosed with celiac disease. The first part of the book covers early diagnosis, learn how to identify symptoms and the consequences of leaving it untreated. This guide will help you to read labels and how to manage the shared kitchen environment.

The second part of the book guides us through Sicilian born Nuccia Ardagna favourite gluten free recipes. When she was first diagnosed, Nuccia thought she would have to give up everything she loved but that could not be further from the truth. Nuccia breaks down recipes from simple appetizers, chicken, sides and desserts. You can learn to eat healthy, gluten free without sacrificing taste!

My Thoughts

Growing up Italian, gluten was a natural part of our lives. Everything seemed to centre around food and gluten was always in there. When I was diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity, I had a hard time adjusting my eating habits as well as not wanting to let go of the food that I had grown to love. The first section of the book was incredibly helpful for me in order to re-focus my gluten free goals, bad habits and how to adjust to the shared kitchen space. Living gluten free isn’t always easy but Nuccia shares her tricks to help make it simpler.

I tried several of her recipes, including bringing them to our family Easter dinner where my family fell in love with them and they never even realized it was gluten free – awesome right?! They were such a hit that they have even requested them for every family holiday (talk about making me feel special!). Here a few pictures from our meal:

And for dessert, Amaretti:

The recipes were simple and easy to follow which is a bonus. The majority of the recipes call for ingredients that you would normally have around the kitchen which is perfect for everyday cooking. It was so nice to find my favourite childhood recipes already modified for me to adjust for my gluten free diet. The recipes are easy to prepare, I was able to freeze them in order to use them for lunches all week. My favourite recipe was the brocoli soup which she offers up cauliflower as a replacement as well.

This is a fantastic resource for any individual on the gluten free diet who love good, wholesome recipes with helpful tips. Gorgeous photos, simple to follow recipes this will make for the perfect recipe book for all to keep in their kitchen!

You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

Rating: 5+/5

About the Author

Nuccia loves to travel especially to the places of her roots – Sicily! She grew up learning the tricks of the trade of cooking Italian. When diagnosed with celiac disease she had to learn new habits and after some trial and error she is ready to share what she has learned with you!

You can connect with her on her website, Twitter or Facebook.

Giveaway Time!

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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Christina George is back with her steamy novels, Shelf Live and Climax and they are as incredible as the first in The Publicist Book series!

About Shelf Life

Out of control egos, unrealistic expectations and unfulfilled promises. This is the publishing world and Kate’s world but maybe not for too long.

When one of Kate’s number one stars is carted off in handcuffs, it is only the beginning of her troubles. As her world crumbles around her, Kate looks to anything to hold on to but finds happy endings are just works of fiction. With her career and love affair over Kate sets off on a new adventure.

Starting over in California is easy but leaving her past life behind isn’t. Nick is eager to help her forget but two things still hold her heart: finding the next great American novel and MacDermott Ellis.

As Kate tries to re-build her life, she finds a surprising gift that helps reboot her career in a new and unexpected direction. Suddenly her name is attached to one of the biggest novels publishing has seen in a long time. But success comes with a price as the ghosts of her past come back.

My Thoughts

Love this series and this part had me on the edge of my seat guessing – a bit anxious at times, angry at others and happy at others. Kate becomes this best friend that you just want the best for (she has such a sweet heart!) but she is constantly torn and pulled in opposite directions.

She gets this brilliantly chance to re-start her life and is doing a wonderful job at it when the ghosts of her life come back. These ghosts continue to alter her decisions and change the course of her future. While I was a tad bit angry with her decisions (only because I love her character so much and want the best for her!) it was an incredible read that made me keep guessing her next decision.

You can purchase a copy on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About Climax

Kate has never forgiven herself for breaking Nick’s heart. Now he is back and over her, which is affecting her more than she would have thought.

Kate now has it all: her own publishing company, an engagement to the sexy MacDermott and she is about to sign one of the best new authors of the year. Then everything begins to slowly fall apart.

Somehow in a city of eight million people, she runs into Nick. Nick who is as gorgeous and charming as ever. He is also the brother of the author she so desperately wants to sign. MacDermott is thrown a life changing blow that forces Kate to question every decision she has ever made.

My Thoughts

Aww the final book in a series. Always the hardest as you never want to let go of these characters that you have grown to love! Especially Kate who is just your girl next door that you just love. I finished off book two sad for Kate and the decisions she made but this book makes those decisions come right again. Kate struggles the worst in this book and is torn apart. But through this she is reborn again a stronger woman ready to love and trust again. I love the ending in this book and it made it feel correct and that I could finish this series with happiness (although I would love another book in this series – hint, hint!).

You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

The Giveaway!

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About the Author

Christina George has worked in publishing for twenty years. Here is what the book isn’t: a slam against publishing nor at authors. This is not an autobiography although some of these stories are true! Christina continues to work in publishing helping authors because at the end of the day she loves books, publishing and authors. You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of these books in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.