The Hungry Family Slow Cooker Cookbook Review

 The Hungry Family Slow Cooker Cookbook

Author:  Christina Dymock

Published:  March 2014

Publisher:  Cedar Fort Publishing

Format:  e-book in PDF format

Pages:  168

Source:  Cedar Fort Publishing

ISBN: 978146113620 

It's every busy mother's dream-come-true: dinner that makes itself! With the help of your trusty slow cooker and these healthy, easy recipes like Peppery Cilantro Salmon, Sausage Stew, and Dark Chocolate Mini Cakes, you can put dinner on the table even on the craziest of days. Don t let the whirlwind of life stop you from feeding your family the food they deserve -- delicious, home-cooked meals straight from your slow cooker.  (Amazon)

My thoughts:

I love my slow cooker!  When our children were younger it was a real life saver because I could throw the ingredients in and let it take over.  Regardless of what I had up that day, whether it was volunteering on a field trip or home with a sick kid, I knew a delicious hot meal would be ready when everyone gathered together at the end of the day.  When I went back to work full-time my slow-cooker was a priceless necessity.  

Recently I've discovered new dishes in the slow cooker such as pulled pork sandwiches from a pork loin and barbecued beef on a bun (a lengthy process but so worth it!)  So when author Christina Dymock asked if I would review The Hungry Family Slow Cooker Cookbook I enthusiastically said yes.

From chapters on the benefits of slow cooking, caring for your slow cooker, food safety tips to the recipes section which includes beef; poultry; seafood, pork and other good stuff; chili (an entire section of chili recipes!); sides; soups and stews (my favourite section); and desserts; there's sure to be something for everyone!!  There's also a page of measurement equivalents, an index and a few pages for you to make your own notes or add your own tried and true recipes.

If you are in Draper, Utah be sure to check out her book launch party March 27/14!!  There's even a draw for a family-sized slow cooker!

I selected a few recipes to try out to add to this review but I've been down and out with bronchitis so that pretty much put a damper on things.  A trip to the grocery store isn't very appealing at this point.  However, I did have the ingredients for Pumpkin Pudding Cake.  I wanted to do the unusual (for me) in the slow cooker so a dessert it was.  It turned out fine.  The texture was cake like.  I like a bit more flavour so if I were to make it again I'd add more cinnamon and cloves.  There are plenty others I will make like the Dark Chocolate Mini Cake or Berries and Cream.  They look delicious!

The Hungry Family Slow Cooker Cookbook would be a wonderful gift for the new couple starting out, a young busy family, and the new empty nester (that's me pretty soon).  

The Hungry Family Slow Cooker Cookbook is available at:

http://www.amazon.ca/Hungry-Family-Slow-Cooker-Cookbook/dp/1462113621

http://www.amazon.com/Hungry-Family-Slow-Cooker-Cookbook/dp/1462113621

Christina Dymock graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She has been published in Woman’s World magazine and in several Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She is also the author of 101 Things to Do with Popcorn and Young Chefs: Cooking Skills & Recipes for Kids. She resides in Central Utah with her husband and four children.  You can follow their cooking adventures at

kidsabletreats.blogspot.com.

Kris Kringle's Magic by Diane Tolley (Book Review)

Kris Kringle's Magic

Author:  Diane Stringam Tolley

Published:  October 2012

Publisher:  Cedar Fort Publishing

Pages:  176

Source:  a PDF version was supplied by the author. 

 This by no means bears influence on my opinion of this novel nor my review thereof.

About Kris Kringle’s Magic

Filled with messages of love, forbearance, humanity and courage, Kris Kringle’s Magic is the perfect Christmas story for the whole family.  Using the dark themes of slavery and abuse, it proves that, with love and spiritual courage, one man can make a difference in the lives of thousands.  Let Kris Kringle’s Magic change your world!

My Review:

In one word:  superb!  I finished this short novel in a day, with several interruptions,  so the average reader could read it in one sitting.  I am certain that I will want to read it again, so when Diane Tolley appears at my local book store for a book signing, I will be sure to pick up a copy.  

Everyone the world over has heard of Kris Kringle, aka Santa Claus, but the tale of how he came to reside at the North Pole and the magic of the elves has never been told in such fashion before.  Diane opens the story of Kris Kringle's Magic with the meeting of Kris Kringle and Rebecca in a small town where elves are servants to the humans.   Kris, who is but a teenager himself, takes offence at their treatment and strives to correct how society sees and treats them.  It is his behaviour and values that win the heart of the future Mrs. Claus.  

The accomplishments of the power of infinite love, through various trials and triumphs,   are the perfect examples of love, courage, and fine humanity we wish the world would embrace.  Kris Kringle may not be perfect in his efforts but he means well and in the end he shines as beautifully and fantastic as a fairy tale Prince Charming.  Strong messages of charity and love abound in this short novel which reinforce the message of Christmas:  to love one another.

Highly recommended as a family read for Christmas.  Kris Kringle's Magic is sure to be a welcome tradition in your home!

About the author:

Mrs. Tolley is a former rancher and a full time mother, grandmother of 12 and journalist.  Raised by author parents on one of the last old ranches in Southern Alberta, her books reflect the values and sense of family that are so much a part of ranch life.  Her short stories may be read at www.dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com.

Diane Stringam Tolley

Author

Carving Angels

And

Kris Kringle’s Magic

By

Cedar Fort Publishing

www.dianestringamtolley.com

www.dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com

Jeremy's Christmas Journey by Scott A. Johnson (A Cedar Fort Blog Tour)

Jeremy's Christmas Journey
Author:  Scott A. Johnson
Published: October 9, 2012
Publisher:  Cedar Fort Publishing
Pages:  120
ISBN 978-1462111244

For Jeremy, Christmas is just another reminder that he'll never be able to enjoy the things that come so easily to other children. Then one night he has a dream that will change everything. Accompanied by stirring music, this story of finding faith and discovering the power of the Master Healer is sure to be cherished at Christmastime and all year long.

My Review:  

For young Jeremy, Christmas was a reminder of the things he couldn't do.  Following a motor vehicle accident when he was much younger, Jeremy was bound to a wheelchair. Never to romp through the leaves, run with his friends, play football.  Not ever.  One Christmas Eve, feeling very low and full of self-pity, Jeremy retired for bed early.  He was so upset over the things he believed he had lost that even his faith in Jesus was in peril.  After finally drifting off to sleep, he dreamed of a land and time long ago.  A land in which Jesus had been crucified, and those who knew and loved him best testified on his behalf.  

The dream that night changed Jeremy.  He felt his own testimony grow and he knew without a doubt of the divinity of Jesus.  

I read Jeremy's Christmas Journey and listened to the soundtrack that Scott Johnson sent me a link to and was touched.  With tears in my eyes, and a lump in my throat, I finished Jeremy's Christmas Journey thankful for the experience.  

I am not sure why the trial took place after the crucifixion in this story but it served as a powerful reminder of my own beliefs. Jeremy's Christmas Journey, with the soundtrack, is a wonderful spiritual way to celebrate Christmas.  It is a story for families of one or many. A reminder of the things in which we believe.

I highly recommend Jeremy's Christmas Journey as a heart-warming addition to your Christmas traditions.  The musical score will touch your heart and the story will resonate with your soul.

Meet the author:

Scott Johnson spent most of his childhood in Orem, Utah, where he gained a love for creative writing. Recognizing his potential at a young age, his teachers and family encouraged him to explore his developing writing talents.

Scott continued to craft imaginative and original stories through his teenage years and served as a yearbook writer and photographer in High School. He published his first book, Nutrition: A Word ofWisdom, in 2009, and has published more than 175 editorial pieces in various online publications.

Scott, his wife and four children reside in Utah County where they enjoy the mountains and outdoors. Scott is regularly asked by his children to share an original story, which he gladly obliges.

Interesting and valuable links:

Scott's YouTube channel has trailers and samples of the music from the CD: http://www.youtube.com/user/sjohnson2221

Author website: authorscott.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/AuthorScott

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/JeremysChristmasJourney

Twitter: DocScottJohnson

Amazon: Jeremy's Christmas Journey: Book and CD

Barnes & Noble: Jeremy's Christmas Journey: Book and CD

Spotlight on Diane Tolley, author of Kris Kringle's Magic and Carving Angels

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to review Kris Kringle's Magic on My Bookshelf!  Diane and I met a few years ago when she and I were members of a writer's group.  She has since published two novels, Carving Angels and now Kris Kringle's Magic.  Diane also blogs at:  On the Border.  I asked her if she'd mind writing a little spotlight for me and she willingly agreed!  She's so awesome! Here's your opportunity to get to know her a little better.

"I was raised on a ranch in southern Alberta in an atmosphere of literary magic. With a mother who wrote constantly and a father who spouted poetry at every opportunity, I caught the literary bug as I would a cold. I have been writing since I could hold a pencil. And even before, if you can believe some of the crayon scrawlings on my mother’s walls.

My greatest goal in life, from the time I was 11, was to be published. I wrote short stories, articles, how-tos, poems and finally novels. One by one I sent them off, each accompanied with the tiny little hope that - this time - I would be published.

And finally, with Carving Angels, it happened.

I have watched the episodes of a popular talent show where people get ‘discovered’ and you can, quite literally, see their dreams coming true in front of you.

That is how I felt when I first looked at that contract offer from my first, real, publisher. As though all of my dreams had just been realized.

It was quite a feeling. Have you ever seen an old woman turn handsprings? I’ll save you the embarrassment by telling you it’s . . . quite a sight.

To actually have someone like my writing so much that they would publish me was only a little lower than a miracle. 

I will always be grateful.

The idea for Carving Angels, my first published novel, was conceived when I was looking at a picture of Santa Claus, coloured by one of my Grandchildren. I remember thinking, “I wonder who made his sleigh?” The rest of the story simply filled itself in as I wrote. Papa Adam and his granddaughter, the irrepressible Amy, quietly stepped out of the shadows and onto the page. The Elf community gathered around. Sometimes they moved so fast that I had a hard time keeping up. Finally the other creatures who made their home at the North Pole pushed their way in, demanding to be included.  

The resulting story, of love and faith overcoming impossible obstacles, is simple, touching and quite common. We see similar stories every day. But sometimes they just need to be pointed out.

Kris Kringle’s Magic came to me as my husband and I were camping with friends in the great Canadian woods. As I shivered in my sleeping bag on one of northern Alberta’s warmest nights of the year, I began to think about people who chose to make their homes in even colder climes. Naturally, my thoughts turned to the most northern point I could think of. The North Pole. Okay, what sane person would live there? And what could induce them to do so? It would have to be something . . . momentous. 

And it was.

Kris Kringle’s Magic is a story of courage amidst trying times. Of prejudice softened by understanding. Ignorance overcome by the power of pure love. It tells of the boy, Kris, trying to right wrongs in a world where Elves are no more than slaves. Of his struggles to feed the hungry. Bring aid to the destitute and lonely. And with the help of his loving Rebecca, to change his world. 

It also explains how and why Kris, his wife, Rebecca, and their firm friends, the diminutive but loving Elves, all end up living at the North Pole. 

I love Christmas. I love writing about it. Writing about people who give without any notion of receiving. People who care about their fellow man.

Not only is it an opportunity to celebrate the birth of the Greatest ever among us, but it is also the time when good will abounds. I find it interesting that a date that commemorates the birth of our Lord and Savior should resound with such peace and love. Over 2000 years after the actual event.

This, to me, is significant. A sign of His greatness.

I don’t know about you, but I rather think my birthday will be long forgotten in 2000 years.

No matter how many books I write."

Diane Stringam Tolley

Author

Carving Angels

And

Kris Kringle’s Magic

By

Cedar Fort Publishing

www.dianestringamtolley.com

www.dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com

Please join me for my review of Kris Kringle's Magic 

posted here November 12/12!

Saving Savanna by Sara Fitzgerald

Saving Savanna

Author:  Sara Fitzgerald

Published: 2012

Publisher:  Cedar Fort Publishing & Media

Pages:  14

ISBN 9781462111008

Devan can’t help but blame God for his wife’s death, so the last thing he wants to do this holiday season is celebrate.  But when his daughter, Savanna, makes a special Christmas wish, their little family will never be the same.  Filled with faith and tenderness, this heartwarming story is sure to remind you of the real power behind the magic of Christmas.

 “A story of shattered faith touchingly restored by a little child and a reminder that, through the Atonement, love surpasses even the grave.  Sara Fitzgerald’s Saving Savanna will bring tender tears to your eyes.”  Joyce DiPastena, author of Dangerous Favor

Saving Savanna is a short and incredibly touching story of love and loss and remembrance.  This is also a year of firsts for it is the first Christmas Devan and his daughter Savanna without his wife.  An invitation to attend a Christmas pageant at church makes Devan's stomach churn.  He hasn't been to church since his wife died but Savanna desperately wants to go.  "Daddy, I want to see baby Jesus" and he must take her.

Then the oddest thing happens as they sit together in church listening to Silent Night.  It can't be real, but it seems to be.  What happens touches Devan so deeply that it changes him.  His wife cannot return to fulfill Savanna's Christmas wish but a new hope blossoms that strengthens the family bonds, both here and in the hereafter.  The message will be one of hope and love eternal.  It may even make you shed a tear or two.

Though this story is short it packs a spiritual punch, reiterating the strength of family bonds and the love of our Savior.  A perfect story for the Christmas season to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas, that is what Saving Savanna is.

www.cedarfort.com

Local Author's Book Released Today!!

I am so excited to announce to all my readership the release of a debut novel by a local author, 

also a member of the same writer's group as me.  

Available today, local author Diane Tolley's debut novel, Carving Angels!!!  Available at Barnes & Noble,  Amazon, Generations Bookstore or through the publisher, Cedar Fort Publishing.  

Get your copy now!

Diane, herself,  is sending me a copy.  Stay tuned for the review!

Visit Diane's blog here.