Vibrant India by Chitra Agrawal

I so looked forward to receiving this book, but since it never came in the mail I had to go and borrow someone else's book to do this review.  I love India food, and I am a vegetarian--so to have this beautiful hardcover book full of fresh vegetarian recipes is a dream.

Chitra Agrawal shares from her personal background and upbringing to Brooklyn.  Readers will enjoy the book for its beauty.  Cooks will enjoy it for the fresh vibrant tastes that are included in this book.

As a vegetarian I was drawn to this, but even if you aren't a vegetarian you can enjoy this book and either just it as a way to add vegetables to your diet, or you can simply add your favorite meat the recipe of your choice.

I was to receive this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickerson

From the publisher:

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

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This book has a great premise, and it is an interesting part of World War II that I haven't read about recently. I liked the idea of the book a great deal.

While the book was okay, I didn't find myself immersed in the story or really invested in the characters.  Nan and Dutch were good characters but I felt that there was too must focus on the sexual attraction.  Also, it seemed a bit redundant to always have the women using their bodies to get what they wanted to distract the men.  

I felt that the supporting characters in the book as well seemed a bit flat or characterized.  

It isn't a bad read, but just not what I was hoping for.

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

The Weekly Prayer Project by Scarlet Hiltibidal

This is a beautiful book to hold and look through. There are 52 weeks, a whole year, of prayer projects.  The book goes through 7 different types of prayers: requests, gratitude, lament, intercession, faith, repentance, and awe.  I thought that was really great because it shows that not all prayer is the same and it is important to be able to seek and speak to God in different ways.

Another thing I loved was the each week is based in the Bible.  The Bible is what each week starts with. It shows where to start and then gives a brief paragraph of support before giving you a prompt an space to write out your prayers.  It is a simple exercise, yet one that can alter how you see scripture and how you pray.

Each two page spread, for each week, is beautiful and pleasing to look at. If you are a big writer you will want an additional journal to write in but this book is just beautiful and peaceful.

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own.