IN TIMES OF RAIN AND WAR by Cameron Wright

 

IN TIMES OF RAIN AND WAR by Cameron Wright. I have read a lot of WWII novels lately and am continually dumbfounded at how all encompassing it was. That should be a given, but with each novel I have been given a glimpse into one small portion of the World War. This novel was no different. The job of the Bomb Disposal Companies were just as life threatening as being on the front. This story showed the importance of those crews, as well as the importance of friendships in a time of such uncertainty and frankly insanity. Audrey and Lieutenant Wesley were perfect for each other in so many ways. I loved watching their relationship grow through so many obstacles. There are some semi-graphic parts as humans and bombs are not a good mix, but I would say this is a must read for all the WWII lovers as well as everyone else.

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In September of 1940, during the Blitz in London, Audrey Stocking is blending in with other civilians who are trying to survive the nightly bombings, but she has a secret. She's not British; she's German and Jewish. Her fake passport and nearly perfect British accent allow her to blend into the city of London, and she works hard to help evacuate British children into the countryside. Audrey longs to reunite with her family in Germany, but her double-life, the bombings, and the watchful British Military Intelligence has forced her to stay put. And then there's the paralyzing nightmares and flashbacks—something from her past she can't quite remember.

Lieutenant Wesley Bowers is an American soldier training with Bomb Disposal Company 5, who meets Audrey when an air raid leaves an unexploded bomb in the floor of her flat. She is attractive, intelligent, and compassionate, and there's an immediate connection between them. As they open up to each other, sharing their innermost feelings, Wesley realizes Audrey is the one bright spot during the war's unending bleakness and constant threat of death. But will he still feel the same if he discovers the secret she is hiding? Secrets even Audrey is unaware of?

In Times of Rain and War is a gripping and heartbreakingly beautiful story about the strength and resilience of the human heart and spirit, reminding us there is always hope in hard times.

RAISED IN THE KITCHEN by Carrian Cheney

RAISED IN THE KITCHEN by Carrian Cheney. Well, I have to admit that I was blown away by this cookbook. I started out by having my 3 year old choose some recipes based on their pictures. He picked a couple seemingly sporadic ones before finally pointing at all of them. So I tried the first one he chose and it was a hit with everyone in the family. Can I just say that rarely if every happens?! Then the next one had the same results as has everyone we've tried since. Most of my Easter dinner consisted of recipes from this book. It's amazing. They are easy to follow. I would have no problem handing it over to my 10 year old and saying, "Have at it!" The 'pro tips' are very clear and easy to understand. This is one I will return to often. 

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From the time her children were toddlers, family cooking blogger Carrian Cheney found creative ways to get her children interested in cooking, partly to teach them basic kitchen skills so they could be part of the solution when they were hungry and partly to instill in them a joy of creating and presenting delicious meals, as her own mother had taught her.

 

From food prep to clean-up, this unique cookbook guides the way through every step, including meal lists and easy-to-follow recipes, and features dollops of heartwarming family stories, insights, and kid-friendly food activities to keep young chefs focused on fun in the kitchen.

The book includes 75 recipes that begin with basics such as fried eggs, pizza dough, and baked potatoes. As new cooking skills are learned, the recipes progress to guaranteed kid favorites like chocolate chip pancakes, steak fajitas, and apple dumplings. Recipes are joined with tips to help home chefs master the art of cooking, from stocking a pantry to proper kitchen etiquette and safety to how to add flair to a table setting—even how to coax a picky eater by tempting their tastebuds.

 

Raised in the Kitchen is a cookbook for parents and kids about much more than learning to love to cook. It’s about bringing families together with cooking memories that will last a lifetime.

THE WORLD CAN WAIT FOR MOMS by Julianne Heywood

THE WORLD CAN WAIT FOR MOMS by Julianne Heywood. This cute picture book was a breathe of fresh air. It highlights the joys of being a mother, even when the world sends the message that your talents should be used otherwise. It also reminds children that moms can choose to do other things, but they are choosing to spend time where they want to. It is a book everyone should take a look at to remind them of what their own mothers did for them or what moms are choosing to do now.

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Time will come and go the years will fly away, but I'm so glad to be here while we enjoy today! Moms don't get awards or paychecks for being a mom. They get something even better - time with their children. This sweet book depicts how mothers use all their wonderful talents right at home with their own beloved children as they fulfill the vital work of motherhood.

Shared from the perspective of a mother's heart, a child will feel their unique and irreplaceable place in her world as they see and read about how she enjoys spending time with them.