Review; The Mutts Summer Diaries by Patrick McDonnell

I was fortunate enough to recieve a sample ARC of The Mutts Summer Diaries by Patrick McDonnell from Netgalley and today I'll post my review.

Description from Netgalley
Put on your swim trunks and hit the beach with Earl and Mooch—the dog (and cat) days of summer are here!

It’s summertime, and the living is easy, the ice cream is cold, and the temperature is so hot your brains will melt right out of your head. Mooch and Earl are eager to make the most of it, lounging in the backyard pool, building sandcastles on the beach, and exchanging knock-knock jokes with a dolphin. From whales and tsunamis to lemonade and Bermuda shorts, this Mutts collection is packed full of summer fun!

My Thoughts on the Book

Even though I only recieved a sampler from Netgalley, the comics are nontheless really cute and funny, especially if one has pets.

Review; The Flexible Pescatarian by Jo Pratt

A little while ago I was fortunate enough to recieve an ARC of the cookbook The Flexible Pescatarian by Jo Pratt through Netgalley. I read the book shortly afterwards, but I haven't posted my review until now.

Description from Goodreads
Whether you’re looking to eat less meat, a lover of seafood, or even a dedicated pescatarian, you’ll find something for you in this book filled with delicious and practical recipes for every lifestyle from celebrated chef Jo Pratt. Choose between cooking each recipe as a fish dish, or get creative with some veggie substitutes.

From a curried Buddha bowl to Cornish crab pasties, aromatic cured salmon with pea blinis to a wholesome and hearty smoky mac ‘n’ cheese, the range of international recipes spans the globe and are all simple, well-balanced and packed with flavour. As well as easy approaches on how to cook your fish and hacks for vegetarian options, this original cookbook shows you how to prepare the perfect fish fillet and handle whole fish and seafood. With a wide variety of health benefits, there has never been a better time to join the growing pescatarian movement and expand your culinary skills.

My Thoughts on the Book

This is one of those cookbooks that makes fish interesting and there's quite a few good photos in it. What I also liked was that it had a variety of recipes, just to make things less bland.

Review; Passion Becomes You by Michelle Reid and Takane Yonetani

Recently, I was lucky enough to recieve an ARC of the manga Passion Becomes You by Michelle Reid and Takane Yonetani through Netgalley. I read it shortly afterwards and today I'll post my review.

Description from Goodreads
She’s scared to lose her heart. He’s a playboy and confirmed bachelor!
When Jemma, a secretary, first meets Leon Stephanades, her boss’s wealthy Greek client, she’s unable to take her eyes off him. His smile almost makes her heart burst. Jemma tells herself she mustn’t fall for the playboy—he changes lovers as often as her parents and her boss do! In any case, he’s a confirmed bachelor who hates being tied down. Nevertheless, aware of Jemma’s gaze, Leon tugs her toward him and softly promises, “No conditions, no promises. But while we’re together, I’ll be yours only.” Though annoyed by his arrogance, Jemma is unable to resist his kiss.

My Thoughts on the Book
Passion Becomes You is a manga novel with beautiful artwork, but I honestly struggled to like Jemma and Leon at times as characters.

Review; The Modern Cheesemaker: Making and Cooking with Cheeses at Home by Morgan McGlynn

Recently I was lucky enough to recieve an ARC of the book The Modern Cheesemaker: Making and Cooking with Cheeses at Home by Morgan McGlynn through Netgalley. I read it shortly afterwards and today I'll post my review.

Description from Goodreads
The Modern Cheesemaker shows you how to make 18 cheeses, from the rich and gooey, to the wonderfully stinky, and all the cheeseboard favourites – including simple, fresh cheeses such as mozzarella and ricotta, working up to salty and versatile halloumi, feta and paneer, perfect, melting Swiss cheese, through to aged Cheddar and Brie.

Starting from the very basics of the making process, with a guide to milk types and the seasonal nature of cheese, The Modern Cheesemaker will deepen your understanding of this essential ingredient and its production.

The equipment you will need is thoroughly explained and readily available and by following the easy-to-use instructions and Morgan McGlynn’s expert tips, you’ll soon learn how to become your own artisan cheesemaker. To reap the rewards of your hard work, there are over 40 recipes for delicious cheese-based dishes to make, along with flavouring cheese and suggested accompaniments.

My Thoughts on the Book
This is a beautiful book with recipes both for the actual cheeses and what to make with the cheeses, whether it's Paneer Stuffed Peppers, Cheese and Garlic Scones or other yummy treats. I also really loved the photos and I'm tempted to try several recipes.

Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge; Books I Love that Became Films or TV Shows

It's Wednesday and time for another Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge thanks to Long and Short Reviews. The theme of the week was books I love that became films or TV series. While several of my favourite books have been adapted to either film or TV, I'm not going to list them all.

Here is anyway five of my favourite books that has been turned into films or TV series.

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Dracula by Bram Stoker

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Top 5 Tuesday; Top 5 “Unputdownable” African Reads

It's Tuesday again and time for a new Top 5 Tuesday, courtesy of The Bionic Bookworm. The theme of the week was top five unputdownable reads and I decided narrowing it down to African reads as it's a vast continent and deserves some attention.

My picks are these;

Black Mamba Boy by Nadifa Mohamed

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta

The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma

The Last Brother by Nathacha Appanah

Review; A Checkered Past by Daniella Bernett

This is the last day for me participating in Mystery Thriller Week. I was lucky enough to recieve a press copy of the crime novel A Checkered Past by Daniella Bernett from the author and today I'll post my review.

Description from Goodreads
A looted Nazi painting…A former IRA commander…The tie that binds is murder

Emmeline Kirby is back in London, determined to make a success of her new job as editorial director of investigative features at The Clarion. Three months have passed since her trip to Torquay and the devastating revelations that surfaced about her fiancé Gregory Longdon. The whole interlude has left a bitter taste in her mouth, and she is keeping him at arm’s length. But a suave and dashing jewel thief like Gregory is not easily daunted. After all, faint heart never won fair lady. It doesn’t hurt that Emmeline’s grandmother and her best friend, Maggie, are on his side. Only his shadowy past could ruin his chances.

All of these relationships are threatened as Emmeline stubbornly pursues a story about looted Nazi art and an IRA collaborator. When a stolen Constable painting belonging to Maggie’s family turns up in the collection of Max Sanborn, the chairman of the company that owns The Clarion, her personal crusade brings danger close to home. To find the truth, Emmeline and Gregory must untangle a web of deception, betrayal, and dark deeds. But will they learn too late that justice can be cold comfort if you’re dead?

My Thoughts on the Book

Personally I found A Checkered Past a fast paced and layered novel with links to the last. I think it might be helpful reading the rest of the books in the series (which I didn't), but it didn't ruin anything for me. It's still an entertaining read and I would recommend it.