{Book Review} Waves of Romance

When I read and reviewed the first book Waves of love, I was really taken in by how the author introduced the book and how much love and chemistry you got from the main characters Sage and Derek. Sage, a 32 year old book bookstore owner who had never left her hometown and Derek, a 22 year old hot off the cover self-taught surfer boy who had never been in love. Waves of love was definitely my kind of book so I was very excited when I was contacted to review the second book Waves of Romance.

Most happy ending love/romance books never really taken you into the ever after period, it just leaves you in the 'all is well' place. When I started reading Waves of Romance I must say I was a little bit disappointed because it felt like the author was trying to explain waves of love first just in case the reader had not read it before starting to read waves of romance. I love books with romance, trials and tribulations, make-out sections and all but I felt this book really had too much make-out sections for a romance book at least thats the genre I am putting it in. I am never one to complain about make-out sessions in books so if I am then it was too much for my taste. 

**

I started to love the book when a new character was introduced who started to stir up trouble between Sage and Derek, which led Sage to break it off with Derek before she got hurt. I found myself hurt because call me crazy or not but I was hoping that when Sage and Derek broke up he would hold out a little longer and not jump straight into bed with the new character Colby but he did and I know sage had already broken up with him but it took Derek less than a week to jump into the sack with another girl. I was actually really hoping they would realise that breaking up was a mistake and would get back together without either doing something silly but that was not the case.

When Sage found out she did what only a mature in mind woman would do, pretend it didn't affect her and carry on. Then forgave him after he came back apologising and begging, though not instantly she did forgive him and forgave Colby who had been working for Sage prior to her sleeping with Derek. Sage showed so much more maturity than I carry I guess but I did love how the author explained the emotions and Sage's decision.

Author's Description:

Can love survive a third wheel?

A contemporary romance unlike any other!

Sage Drake is living the good life in sunny Seaside Heights, Florida. Once an avowed workaholic, her sexy new lover ”" surfer, world traveler and author Derek Chambers ”" has awakened in her not just a love for the ocean, and surfing, but for life in general.

But when her trusted assistant manager departs for college a few months early, Sage is forced to choose between managing her bookstore, Sequels, or enjoying the good life with Derek. A solution comes in the form of Colby Weathers, a worthy replacement for her old assistant manager”... if only she wasn’t so beautiful.

Sage isn’t the only one to notice”...

Would Derek succumb to this younger girl?

Would Sage’s worst fears become real?

It is definitely a worthwhile read kind of book and I definitely would recommend reading it.

What would you do if you were in Sage's position?

would you forgive easily and move on?

**Image source

{Book Review} Every Woman needs a wife

The first time I came across this book was a quick glimpse on the blogsphere, it's been almost a year now and it was only last week that I decided to purchase the book on Kindle and read it as I was very intrigued. The book is so thought provoking and makes you question if the there is some truth to it, the author has declared it all to be a work of fiction but once you've read the book you start to question if there is some truth to it.

Brandi is a mother of two, a wife and a co-business owner who has been married to her husband for over 11 years. Vernon is Brandi's husband, a man who has been living under his father's shadow and trying to get his father's approval and acknowledgement in the way he chose to live his life. Tanya is Vernon's mistress of 2 years, she believes vernon is a widow with two kids and runs company alone not knowing it's a lie.

They say when a woman (even a man) start to suspect another party in the relationship is involved 9/10 its always the case, sometimes we try to ignore what's in front of us because it's best not to know, we happy and comfortable where we are and do not want anything to change.

The book starts out with Brandi in the car outside the mistress' house with the unsuspecting husband inside the house with the mistress. Brandi ponders over how she should handle the situation and the best way to do it or if she is crazy even considering what she has planned. Before she has chance to change her mind she matches up the door and knocks, the mistress opens and Brandi does not give her chance to open the door instead just enters and surprises her cheating husband who is so shocked about how ballz the woman in front of him is. Over the years he started to think of her as weak but not when it came to their business. The author really had me hooked from the moment Brandi enters the mistress' house, leaves and rushes home to throw an anniversary/separation/you've been caught party.

What will shock you when you read this book is the proposal that Brandi makes, once you read it you will laugh but it does give you pause for thought..well at least it did for me...

Brandi requests to have custody of the mistress, she says since her husband decided to add someone to their family and breaking their vows its only fair she gets to have the mistress for the same length of time that Vernon the husband has had her for. She argues the mistress can not just be serving one side when Brandi does it all, she wants the mistress to be cooking, cleaning, taking care of the kids and just running the house in general (excluding the part about sleeping with the husband)... when you read on you will understand why Tanya the mistress accepts Brandi's offer, you will understand why when this went to court the judge agreed for Brandi to have custody of the mistress for the same length of time the husband did.

This is a must read book and once which definitely is up for discussion. If you've read it already let me know your thoughts.

{Book Review} Waves of love

Waves of love is a book based on a young man and an older woman, I say young as in 22 and older as in 32. Sage is a bookstore owner who gave up everything to look after her family store when her dad died then her mum followed shortly after. Derek is a young self-taught surfer who left home a long time before his father had a chance to kick him out, his mum died when he was young and his dad was not the ‘lonely type’ so had plenty of women who had kids that always moved in with them but never treated him nice and his dad never gave a toots. Sage has lived in her town almost all her life but never managed to learn how to surfer, Derek after self-teaching himself to surf he pitched an idea to an editor to let him document his surfer travels and write a book.

I love how the author introduced Derek and Sage, you can feel the chemistry right there and then. Though sage is reluctant due to the sage gap (cradle robber) she doesn't want to even consider it, Derek on the other hand things she’s hot and is into her. The author gives you a glimpse of what each character is feeling and experiencing, though I wouldn't normally say this as for me I do not know why I feel weird even more awkward to consider dating someone younger than me but I have nothing against those who do since I only date men older than me (personal choice and no daddy issues – they are usually 5-7 years older than me). I love the chemistry, the behaviour and the maturity displayed by both these characters; the author has made this book very engaging and not one to put down light heartedly. 

I read the book in 2 hours(with occasional breaks –was travelling) but I think it could be read in less than 2 hours. The English language was used nicely and no grammatical errors that I could see; this is a romance book so I was very happy with the level of romance in the book as well as intimacy. Unless fifty shades of doom (yes I have read all 3) it was not repetitive and was only described in 2 sections (not saying where it is go read yourself). This is a well written book which I am very happy to recommend to 16+, I always put 16+ even if the author put 13+ (with this book I am not sure).

Product Description

Can love overcome an age difference of more than 10 years?

A contemporary romance unlike any other!

At thirty-two, Sage Drake has the world by the tail. She owns her own bookstore, in sunny Florida, and loves her work so much she lives in the apartment above the store. Then one day a young surfer strolls in, cadging free coffee and donuts from her little caf?.
His name is Derek Chambers, and he’s no regular surfer: he’s an author of a series of surfing travelogues, eager to do a book-signing or two at Sage’s store. She goes him one better by offering to host a series of writing workshops, with Derek as the star.
In return, Derek offers to teach Sage ”" who’s never learned ”" how to surf.
Will the two find love in the waves?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Top FIVE (5) Friday

Happy Friday y'all, it's official we are only 6 days away from christmas and though I sound like I am very excited which honestly I am but I am also scared and I know I sound like a broken record but I still have NOT bought any presents for my family and friends. I used to be such an organised person who usually had presents picked out by end of November - not always wrapped but picked up and ready to deliver. 

This year it's a different story which I will not continue to bore you with but instead I will share with you my Top 5 Friday and yes you are not seeing things this is a series that I started a while back on my main blog 

A July Dreamer. I thought today I share it on here because I do actually have 5 things I am excited to share with you.

1. Traveling for Christmas ~ The traveling begins today for me, I am heading back to my parents for the festive holidays and then tomorrow we heading up north to Leeds to visit my brother, SIL and my favourite nephew. I am so excited I can not wait to see them, though I saw them last month it's been a while and I missed them. Traveling will continue since I will be working from home Monday & Tuesday before Christmas then Monday & Tuesday plus half day Wednesday before New Year so I will mostly be on the road with my laptop and headset.
   
2. OZ Naturals ~ I finally received my very own face serums to try out from the lovely OZ Naturals. I was very excited to be contacted to review their products. So far I do love the serums, they make my skin feel soft and surprising the Vitamin C serum has reduced my oily-ness its been kept at bay for over 7 hours which is perfect as that's all I need (to be covered at work). I am using the 5% Hyaluronic Acid serum at night before bed, since my toner is made from Hyaluronic Acid too I am happy to use these together but not too much just small dabs on cotton pads and only applying serum once toner has been absorbed into the skin. The second serum is 20% Vitamin C serum which does contain some Hyaluronic acid and Amino blend I am using in the morning with same toner and using it same as the 5% Hyaluronic acid serum. 
3. Emma learn's to sprout ~ This is a beautiful and well written children's book by Shir Guez, when the author contacted me to review Emma learn's to sprout I was very pleased as I love reading children's books and just books in general. They take me on an adventure as that's what this book will do for your kiddies (and adults alike I learnt something new). I loved the good use of grammar not too complicated and I did not spot any easy mistakes, I have one critic which is though it's teaching the children the process of sprouting and the stages involved I felt if I was a parent practicing this with my not so patient child they would lose it but then again if explained well enough I think it's great. You can buy a copy of this book on amazon, get your littles interested in sprouting.
   
4. Good Night Jungle ~ How many of you my lovely mummy readers have ever sat down and explained to your littles how everyone has their own night routine. Ok I hear you I will shut up since explaining is not on the cards since most can not even convince the littles to go to bed without a fight. Well Leela Hope the author of Goodnight Jungle contacted me so I can share this lovely book with you. She explains the night routine using the jungle and I think she has done a wonderful job. The book is not too long, it gets to the point without missing the essential teachings as it uses words your littles can understand and appreciate. I think it's a well written book which is worth your read and I know some lovely readers are looking for new books to read there littles so here you go two books served on platter (you welcome :) ).
5. Groopdealz ~ Tis the season so I thought I share some amazing deals I have spied. I have been loving Groopdealz a lot especially the wooly hats they have, they are so cute I couldn't pass these up and wanted to share.
   

Finally I wanted to say thank you to all of you my lovely readers and fellow bloggers, it's been a hell of a tough year but LOOK AT ME NOW. Happiness has it's ups and downs but JOY is eternal (can not remember the blogger I read this from but thanks).

I am wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year in case I do not see you around these parts before then.

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase using any of the links included your humble servant (mwa) will earn a small commission.

{Book Review} Claiming Carlos

This book from the get go had me hooked, I read it in one sitting and could not put it down so much that I was very saddened when it end but at least I enjoyed the ending as much as I did the beginning.

Review

Claiming Carlos is a wonderfully written book, a romantic book at that as always a prerequisite for me loving the book. The love tension between Choco and Carlos was quite evident early on in the book but obviously not so obvious to the lead characters (well Choco at least), when third party is introduced brought so much change that I actually hated the 'Johnny' character and honestly didn't even when the book ended. I loved that each character had a role to play in the lives Choco and Carlos and how everything fit together, the situations felt real and related (not all but some). The family bond and unity is emphasised and the need for better life and hard work was the theme that resonated with me through this book. I will say it is one hot smoking book that you wont want to put down and I so dare you to put it down. Check this book out for yourselves, its amazing but not too in your face. Great use of the English language, I can not speak for the Filipino part but I enjoyed learning all these new food words that rolled off your tongue delicately.

Product Description

"Fun & hilarious foodie romance -- too hot in the kitchen." 

Choco Sanchez is stuck in a rut. She’s never hit a softball and has been friends forever with Carlos Lopez, the head cook at her family’s Filipino restaurant. When flashy restaurant consultant Johnny Dee hits her with a pitch, she falls head over heels and gets a makeover. 

Carlos Lopez is not about to lose one for the home team. Johnny launches a full scale change on the menu, and Carlos sends him straight into the dumpster. Claiming Choco’s heart proves more difficult, especially when her secrets threaten to doom their love. But never underestimate a man who can cook hot, spicy, and steamy, and we ain’t talking just food.

  

" I triple dog dare you to read this story and not be affected by it in an intense, emotional, and palpable way." - Amber McCallister 

About the Author

Rachelle Ayala is the author of dramatic romantic suspense and humor-laden contemporary romance. Her heroines are feisty, her heroes hot. Needless to say, she's very happy with her job.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

{Book Review} A Father for Christmas

This post contains affiliate links, if you purchase the item using this link I get a percentage.

Christmas is around the corner and there is nothing I like more than a Christmas miracle, you know like the movie 'Christmas on 13st street". This book by Rachelle is again an amazing work, well written, good use of grammar and can relate to the characters. Though just a well written story it also captures quite well what seems to be happening to most war veterans and also what us women via life experiences have made us choose certain routes than the 'norm'. I love Rachelle's imagination and her illustrations, she takes you on a journey that once the book has ended though happy you want it to continue (I am always begging for part-two).

Review

Tyler - War veteran now homeless man, gave up scholarship to join big league football (american football) for enlisting and fighting for his country. Now back from the war and honourably discharged ( he also gave up his severance pay to charity) "his called war hero to big zero". Kelly - single woman who choose to have a child via sperm donation. Found herself in an unfortunate situation which lead her to prison stint and now struggling single mum with help from her mother and sister. These two unlikely people meet when Kelly's daughter gets lost whilst out visiting santa at the mall, she is found wondering by Tyler but before could be returned Tyler is spotted with the little girl and because of his 'homeless' look kelly concludes he was going to kidnap the child. This is obviously foiled and as you continue to read the book you start to see how the barriers are broken down and I love how Rachelle the author illustrates the struggles that Tyler suffers (he has PTSD) and I am sure not most of us would want someone who at any given time can snap back into war zone mode around our kids but during this story you get to understand and learn how we should really bear and treat our veterans. I loved this romance book and enjoyed every bit of it, you must check it out in time for christmas.

Product Description
Single mother Kelly Kennedy can't afford lavish gifts for her four-year-old daughter, Bree. Homeless veteran Tyler Manning doesn't believe he deserves a Merry Christmas.
When Bree asks Santa for a father and picks Tyler, both Tyler and Kelly vow to keep Bree from being hurt while fighting their feelings for each other.
Tyler struggles with frightening flashbacks that scare Kelly. Meanwhile, Kelly's criminal past threatens her chance for happiness. Tyler and Kelly must believe in the power of love to give Bree her best Christmas ever.
About the Author
Rachelle Ayala is the author of dramatic romantic suspense and humor-laden contemporary romance. Her heroines are feisty, her heroes hot. Needless to say, she's very happy with her job.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

{Book Review} The Dinosaur that pooped series plus Giveaways

Hi there and welcome to another book review, I have been enjoying reviewing children's books for a while now. Check out the last Four Children's books have reviewed to get an idea of some gift ideas for your littles or those with little ones.

Terry Tree top saves the Dolphin

Abigail and the sahara adventure

Terry Tree top and the lost egg plus Abigail and the jungle adventure

Terry Tree top where is my home

Today's children's book review is based on three books written by McFly's Tom Fletcher & Dougie Poynter who are now members of McBusted, combination of my favourite boy bands. You can follow on the Dinosaur that pooped adventure on Twitter and Facebook. And can purchase these books below;

The Dinosaur that Pooped Christmas \ The Dinosaur that Pooped a Planet\ The Dinosaur that Pooped the Past

Readers of this blog also have a chance to win these three books by entering the rafflecopter below.

I was sent the three books for free to facilitate this review, no other forms of compensation were given regardless I only recommend products I myself or my family members would use.

Review:

First things first, I love the book covers they hold so much promise just looking at them. When I opened to read 'The dinosaur that pooped the past" I was happy to find little reviews/praises from kids who have read this book already this was very encouraging, flipping through the pages of these books you fall in love with the use of grammar and the colours and the pictures, it opens up a child's mind and fills them with excitement. The dinosaur that pooped the past had me in stitches its so funny and they illustrations are quite brilliant, you must check it out. Loved how fun the authors made travelling back in time fun for the kids and threw in a bit of history.

The Dinosaur the pooped christmas was also too funny, the illustrations were great as well as the teachings of christmas. Its not all about presents its about spending time with our loved ones. Though not the usual route of explaining christmas to children I think this is by far the coolest and funniest. Danny the kid turned from being a greediest kid of all to being the nicest for next christmas.

The Dinosaur that pooped a planet was another fun adventure that Danny the boy and his pet the dinosaur went on, it has an important lesson which is fun is never fun when you forget to eat. The book like the other two was funny, loved the illustrations the use of colour and the fun words used in all the three books.

I enjoyed reading these three children's books so much that I have sent them to my brother for my nephew. He loves reading books and I know he will enjoy these books and his little smile will be present throughout the reading. The lovely people at Random house via Big shot also included in my package an activity print-out of fun games you can do with little ones like world puzzle, instructions on how to make a volcano, a dinosaur and a dinosaur print-out for colouring plus facts sheet.

Now for the part you've been waiting for - GIVEAWAYS (please note the dinosaur book giveaway and the Fabyouless card giveaway are open to UK residents only).

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Book Review} Terry tree top saves the Dolphins

Hi there and welcome to another review of Tali's children's books, I love reading Tali's books and even more so reading about the different adventures Terry Treetop gets up to - see the latest reviews The lost egg and Where is my home?. The illustrations are always on point and so is the grammar and use of the english language, her books are entertaining, fun and yet educational and teaching kids about different animals and their habitats. Today Terry Treetop (because he likes to climb trees) has gone on another adventure and this time he wants to play with dolphins.

Product description:

In this book Terry Treetop went camping with his parents to a marine nature reserve. He saw a cheerful group of dolphins and wanted to play with the little dolphin, but something went wrong and the little dolphin was in danger. Will Terry be able to save the little dolphin?

 

  Review 
As mentioned this book has good grammar, author has made it easy to understand and fun but what captivated me the most was how the author via story telling teachers the children about what to do if you were at a pool and noticed 'someone' or 'something' needed help, I like that the author talked about the lifeguard and explained his role. As always Terry treetop enjoyed another adventure. The book is less than 5 minutes to read, very colour and fun. I recommend this book to parents who looking to try new ways of teaching their children/child.

Biography

Tali Carmi spent her childhood in a small town in the desert. She memorized and knew by heart many books that her parents read to her when she was very little. She played with words and rhymes and wrote her first book of songs at the age of 10. After many years of turning to other hobbies and maintaining a successful career, she now writes again to young children.
Tali is the CEO and founder of a software company, and a business coach, focused on the fast growth and success of small businesses. She holds Bsc in food science and Msc. in Biotechnology, and graduate of Team Management and Leadership Program. Tali Carmi is happily married and mom of 3 children.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

{Book Review} Abigail and the Sahara adventure

This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase via these links I will earn a small commision. 

When I was growing up my mum gave me a huge suitcase full of books she used to read way (waaay before my time) these books where not necessary kids books but I did enjoy them. Some of the books were geography books and I know some people won't appreciate this but I loved reading geography books to just learn about the world, different countries and cultures this was all fascinating to me. I knew about my land (Zambia) the towns, the national parks (safari's), the lakes and all that I needed to know, I was also quite family with the sahara desert actually on the deserts in Africa. When I was given the opportunity to review this children's book I was very happy, I have thought about ways I want to teach my nephew about my fascinations (which include the Sahara) and I think this is a very good book to introduce him to it.

   Product description

This is a wonderful book about a girl named Abigail. Abigail found a magical bicycle in her grandparents' old house, and this bicycle takes her to the magnificent Sahara Desert.

Who will she meet there? What will she discover? This beginner reader’s eBook will inspire your kids to be open to new cultures, and be more curious and enthusiastic about exploring various places. Your kids will enjoy full-color illustrations of Abigail and the desert life.

Your kids will be inspired to be:

1. Open to new people & cultures

2. More curious

3. Enthusiastic about exploring new things

Abigail and the Sahara Adventure is a sweet children's book written especially for you and your ages 2- 8 children. With simple text and 13 colorful illustrations. The story is suitable as a read aloud book for preschoolers or a self-read book for beginner readers.

 Review 

This book is well written, good use of grammar and makes it easy for a child to understand. I love the picture illustrations so the child can visualise what is being read. The book opens up a child's imagination, its educating as well as fun to read at the same time. You can ready this to your kiddies, it takes less than 5 minutes to read and of the books of Abigail's adventures have read the author has connected them quite nicely, so you can read the entire series or one adventure every night. You can purchase the book for £0.77 (very cheap).      What are some of your childhood memories about book reading? Where you fascinated with books? Do your kiddies/nieces/nephews/g-kiddies enjoy reading books?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

{Book Review} The rainy day man

click image to buy book

Book Description

Have you ever felt that your entire life is infected with lies?

And eventually had to confront your own, genuine identity?

Danny Simon, a retired Israeli secret agent, is returned to service and sent to Israeli-occupied South Lebanon. His simple mission - to collect data - is revealed as a conspiracy. The facts, the people and his surroundings are all infected with lies, and as the suspense builds, Simon finds himself trapped.

Is Danny in control - of his family life, of his lover, of his superiors? Can he trust any of them? Can he regain control of his mission and his life? At the end of a thrilling chase, Danny reveals the true nature of his mission, confronting his own, genuine identity.

The rainy day man is a very well written spy story, with a mysterious plot that will make your imagination go into overdrive.

If you are looking for a great mystery novel with espionage, intrigue and suspense flavors to spice up your life, then on your next rainy day read this book by Amnon Jackont

Post by Myrabev.

My Review

When I started reading this book I was really confused and found it hard to understand what was happening, the starting makes it sound like there is a funeral of some sort when in actuality it was just the main character (Danny Simon) leaving his current job as a spy. The death part the writer was trying to illustrate the death of a fake life which the main character had lived for many years. The writer gives good back ground into the inside of the main character and his state of mind, his emotions and what his craving for. I started to really enjoy the book when the character went on his assignment not as a spy of sorts but as himself in lebanon. I started to enjoy the twists and the turns, the writer portrayed it so well that though fictional you could relate to some personal turmoil Danny experienced. I will not spoil the end for you but will encourage you to check it out and make your own conclusion, I think because I love the books to be more romance erotica and spy ones to watch them as movies made it and added to my struggle to read this book to begin with but it was exhilarating and absolute fun once I got it. This was my first ever spy book but I will say my overall experience is/was not bad and I am happy to recommend this book to spy and/or political fanatics.

How do you feel about reading spy or even political novels/books? 

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

{Book Review} Vegetarian Quick & Easy meals ~ Under 15 minutes

Hi there and welcome to yet another book review on all things vegetarian. I am having such a ball trying out all the different recipes, the greatest part is they are so easy to make and they are healthy. I never thought I would actually enjoy vegetarian anything until I started reading Jonathan Vine's books. On Wednesday I went out for a work lunch and all I could think about was the vegetarian assorted bean salad I had in the fridge. So when we got to the restaurant I went straight for the salad menu and I couldn't believe it me of all people looking at the salads instead of burgers. I unfortunately forgot to take a picture of this salad (sad face) but I can share the contents

• Salmon
• Cray fish
• Avocado 
• The usual salad contents; lettuce! tomatoes!onions!cucumber
• The dressing was olive oil and vinegar.

Again, this isn't something I would have taken as first choice but since my read go the vegetarian books I am now well informed.

Book Review

Well written, gives you enough knowledge but doesn't overload you with too much Information. Grammar was on point and it actually has pictures. The recipes are easy to follow and they is enough for everyone, what I love is they are all essentially under 15 minutes to make. There is something for busy mummies even date night. I would recommend this to everyone and I have really enjoyed my read.

If you would like to purchase this book please use this LINK. If you would like to check out my other reviews of vegetarian books please click HERE and HERE.

BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR

My name is Jonathan Vine, and I was caught up in the vegetarian lifestyle a few years back. I have to say that giving up on meat did not struck me in a single moment, nor it was a swift decision, but an inner journey that evolved within a few months. Eventually I took a final decision that the suffering of animals is my grief and my motivation.
I was always enthusiastic about cooking. For me this is absolutely one of the greatest joys life can offer. With my vegetarian cooking style, I never feel deprived of what I eat, but rather satisfied and exhilarated with each bite.
My goal is to publish books that will empower readers to improve their health and well-being through simple everyday ingredients and low fat recipes that make eating affordable, realistic and delicious.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

{Book Review} Vegetarian Weight-loss

When I was growing up back in Zambia I always thought I could never be a vegetarian (am not), the NEVER part came from years of misinformation about vegetarianism. But looking back at my childhood I probably practiced vegetarianism somewhat more then and obviously this was not by choice but a necessity (a story for another day). I remember it too well, my mother with her powers of awesomeness tried to make sure her kids loved vegetables etc. but obviously at times that worked with the good bribery or the African parent stare or the "do you want me to tell your father?" threat. Many people (me especially) run for the hills when "being a vegetarian" becomes a topic of discussion but as Jonathan Vine explains; vegetarianism is a lifestyle choice, one were you have made a conscious decision to feed your body the best - please do not misquote me, just because you not a vegetarian does not imply you only feed your body the worst. Most people know I have been trying to lose some weight, "apparently" for my height my ideal weight is 65kg but at the moment I am 72kg and I personally been feeling like I could do with losing at least 5kg. So to help me along this journey I have decided to go the vegetarian way, I am not saying I will become a vegetarian just that I will be using some of their discipline and diet to help me achieve this healthily. The book have read to help me on this journey is called "Vegetarian weight loss".

The book starts off talking about the now trend happening across the world and that is "most people are choosing vegetarian lifestyles to help lose weight, most are going as far as cutting out red meat to make it easy for the digestive system". What I enjoyed the most when I started reading this book is the fact that Jonathan (the author) goes as far as explaining the different types of vegetarians out there. Have you ever heard of "Fruitarian - someone who avoids all animal products and only eats raw foods?" I honestly had never heard of a Fruitarian before but I learned what type of vegetarianism my father practices which is called "Semi - he eats fish (hardly any chicken) but he never eats red meat" I never thought my father's lifestyle choice is a vegetarian one and "technically his not vegetarian".

As I mentioned earlier my ignorance has contributed to my lack of interest in vegetarianism growing up because if you had asked me what's the difference between a Vegan and a Vegetarian I would never have guessed. This book teaches you what foods you should eat and which you should avoid. I have always wondered how vegetarians get their protein into their diet and I will confess this book did really help me understand other my good friend wikipedia would have done the trip (helped me through uni). I have chosen to follow the vegetarian weight loss because of the discipline that they have, what most people who have not had the pleasure to read Jonathan's books don't know is the fact that he wasn't raised a vegetarian but he made a conscious decision and lifestyle and in his books he talks about what it takes and how you can become a vegetarian if you so wish or due to health reasons you have to be "vegetarian".

This book does not only teach you the fore mentioned but has several recipe ideas to choose from and I love the recipes and why I would recommend to all my family, friends and readers is if you like me most of these recipes you do on a daily basis and you will probably just need to add one more ingredient or substitute an ingredient. They are so easy to make and they do not take long, my favourites so far are: Raspberry Almond oatmeal, Banana walnut Bread and Cranberry & Lemon muffins: am sure these ingredients are either in your house already or not too hard to get.

B.T.W  - did i mention that this book as pictures, or know the ones we love to compare to once you follow the recipe and are very proud of your accomplishment but still want to measure up to the book. yes those are in.

As always thanks for reading, are you trying to lose weight? Are you a vegetarian? Born or lifestyle choice?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

**Linking up with Friday Reads book clubs**

{Book Review} Green Smoothies: The weight loss & detox secret

"Choosing to eat healthier is a lifestyle choice. It involves a commitment to life better lived, beginning with the conscious decision to fuel the human body with foods that it was created to eat".

After reading the words above I was glued to this book because like most people as soon as you mention green smoothies they make a face or think yuck that bitter stuff but actually it's not all bitter. Most of you know I recently (like 3 months ago) got me a little blender so I can be making me some juices as I don't usually eat breakfast and as the author mentioned in this book "our excuses to ourselves for not choosing a healthier lifestyle is that we do not have the time, the money or the energy needed to eat healthier" so I wanted to make that I made the change and removed that excuse I harboured. 

The book starts off with introducing what a green smoothie is, talks healthy benefits, healthier weight loss program plus gives the reader some tips. But it does not end there, there is a gazillion recipes which helps you on your journey as you transition to this healthier lifestyle. My favourite smoothie is "oatmeal kale smoothie", I know from the name doesn't really give you much hope but when you look at the ingredients you will smile: oats, almond milk, kale leaves, ice cubes, banana and cocoa powder. This smoothie is the bomb dot com. Not only does it taste good the author made it his business to list how much punch the smoothie carrys. For example the oatmeal kale smoothie contains: 336 calories, 29g fat, 5.1g protein and 16.5g carbohydrates.

My overall review of this book is very positive, I love that the book is easy to read and navigate and gives you just enough information to satisfy the curious. My only negative is that I didn't see any pictures which I was hoping to find looking at the cover.

Biography of the Author

My name is Jonathan Vine, and I was caught up in the vegetarian lifestyle a few years back. I have to say that giving up on meat did not struck me in a single moment, nor it was a swift decision, but an inner journey that evolved within a few months. Eventually I took a final decision that the suffering of animals is my grief and my motivation.
I was always enthusiastic about cooking. For me this is absolutely one of the greatest joys life can offer. With my vegetarian cooking style, I never feel deprived of what I eat, but rather satisfied and exhilarated with each bite.
My goal is to publish books that will empower readers to improve their health and well-being through simple everyday ingredients and low fat recipes that make eating affordable, realistic and delicious.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.