Lifestyle Books

Christy Miller is determined to have the perfect spring. In SURPRISE ENDINGS, the fourth book in Robin Jones Gunn's Christy Miller series, Christy thinks she has it all. Not only is she a top contender for a spot on the cheerleading squad, but the prom is coming up and her parents might just bend their rules to let her go with perfect Todd.

As Christy begins cheerleading tryouts, she is continually mocked by the older team members, especially jealous Renee. The insults start getting to her, and all that keeps her going is football star Rick Doyle. However, Rick's encouragement goes a bit too far, and Christy begins to wonder if she's trying out because she wants to or because Rick is determined to mold her into the perfect girlfriend. When she confronts Rick about his intentions, he only reaffirms that he wants to date her --- as soon as she reaches his social status.

Meanwhile, Todd makes plans for a special dinner with Christy, who is sure he'll ask her to the prom. But he arrives at her house only to inform her that he's going with another girl from school. Completely devastated, Christy vows to forget her entire relationship with Todd. In a moment of anger and desperation, she commits to going to the prom with Rick, who is all too eager to accept her invitation. Of course, Christy is overlooking one small detail --- she is still not allowed to date. Her parents force her to cancel, which creates even more drama in their very confusing relationship.

At the same time, Christy's friends and family have already pinned her as a star cheerleader, even though she still hasn't made the team. Will she be able to live up to everyone's expectations? Will Rick ever speak to her again? And, most importantly, can she ever forgive Todd for destroying her prom dreams?

SURPRISE ENDINGS is a great installment in this enjoyable series. It's a very quick read, and the non-stop excitement in Christy's life will keep the pages turning. Some readers may find the cheerleading plot to be a bit superficial compared to the rest of the series (at one point, Christy prays to make the cheerleading team, in order to be a Christian example for others), but it's just in the background of a much larger and more interesting story.

Fans of the series will not be disappointed, especially as the book deepens the complicated love triangle involving Christy, Todd and Rick --- one that is sure to be explored in subsequent adventures.

--- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby

"Surprise Endings" is a great book. Robin Jones Gunn did an excellant job in writing it. It continues from the previous books as Christy Miller now faces more tough choices. Trying out for cheerleading, who to go with to prom, dealing with another girl in the picture, and peer pressure from her other classmates are just a few of the hard situations she's faced with. Her religion and beliefs play a big role as in the other books. I can imagine what she's going through. There are so many conflicts and challanges that she faces. It never gets boring. It is interesting and real. I recommend this book for anyone who likes reading about adventure, romance, and tough problems that occur in everyday life. I enjoyed this book and I hope others will also.

This book is amazing. I've got and read all of the Christy miller books...well all the ones that have been writen, and all of them are amazing. You feel as if you are there. It is hard to believe Christy miller and Todd Spencer and all the others in the book are made up...you feel as if they are good friends of yours. I have learned lots from these books. They help me with my life...Thanks Robin for writing so great books!

I LIKE THIS BOOK, ESPECIALLY WHEN CHRISTY LET'S TERI TAKE HER PLACE ON THE CHEERLEADING SQUAD. SHE IS SO NICE. BUT I THINK NEXT PROM SHE SHOULD GO WITH TODD. HER PARENTS WOULD SAY YES, THEY LOVE TODD, AND SO DOES DAVID. I REALLY LIKE THIS BOOK.

The book I read is called Surprise Endings. It is by Robin Jones Gunn. It is the fourth book in the Christy Miller series. It is about a girl named Christy Miller who decided to become a school cheerleader and go to the prom. To her disappointment, her parents won't allow her to go to the prom. It gets even worse for her when her boyfriend goes to the prom with another girl. One of the juniors who was also trying out for the cheer leading team made it clear to Christy that because Christy was only a sophmore, she wasn't welcome on the team. I like this book because you learn a lot about life from reading this book. I also like the book because the author describes the situations Christy goes through very well. She makes you feel as if you are there, instead of being a person reading the book. It is a very good book that makes you want to keep reading it and not put it doum until you are finished. I have never read any of the other Christy Miller books, but ever since I read Suprise Endings, I have wanted to read more of the books in the series. Robin Jones Gunn is one of the only writers I know of that will make me even come close to crying when she describes some of the sad situations in the book.

This is a wonderful story about a couple who find an abandoned baby bird in a busy intersection and take it home to raise it. It is very touching because of their love that grew for little baby Stellina. She became a member of their family. My grandchildren love this kind and tender story and want me to read it to them again and again. The artwork is also delightful. I recommend this book for children and adults alike. My grandchildren are 2 to 9 and they all love it.

This is a beautifully told story that is very refreshing and sensitive, bringing tears to adult eyes and causing smiles and cooing in the young listeners. The ilustrations are delightful. Nothing but praise for this children's book.

This illustrations in this book are refreshing-- they are charming without being kitsch. They pique the imagination without surpressing it as some of the more photorealistic illustrations in childrens books tend to do.

Beware-- this book does deal with death, but it does so in a very gentle way. My children loved this book. I enjoyed it as well. The repetitive style also makes it suitable for younger children (older babies/toddlers) despite its length.

I was in the American Museum of Natural History last month, or rather, in their gift shop (honestly, is there any better place to shop for kiddie stuff?) when I noticed Pericoli's impressive rendering of the city skyline, Manhattan Unfurled, on prominent display.

I knew that on my shelf sat a more humble volume of his, about a single bird and not an entire cityscape. Stellina was a finch chick rescued by his wife, Holly, when she heard its tiny peeps at her feet above the roar of traffic.

While a press release and the book itself make much of the love that sprung between rescuer and foundling, I was struck more by Pericoli's obvious awe of his wife. He dotes on the way she fed the bird by trickling juice down her pinky, or played piano to inspire it to sing, or schlepped it in a plastic box whereever she went until it was old enough to be left alone in her tiny apartment.

He also refers to her as "Holly, my wife" on every single reference, in case you miss it. An end note explains she was only his future wife when Stellina peeped into their lives, and further confuses matters by saying a security guard first rescued the bird. There is no guard in Pericoli's narrative.

There is, however, what appears to be a lovely, stylized rendering of Holly, with an elongated nose and slender frame, dabbled with just enough watercolor to suggest her clothes or Stellina's plumage. Pericoli's use of pigment is like his spare prose, giving us only what's essential:

"It was evening when Holly, my wife,
decided to take Stellina home with her.

"They sat together for a while,
looking at each other,
and both must have wondered:
'And now? What's going to happen now?'"

Stellina finally died after eight years as Holly's well-tended pet, probably a better lifespan than she could've expected in the wild (I'm guessing). This tribute to the bird -- but really to its keeper -- is much like a splotch of warm color in the big, gray city.

One of the honors of being a school librarian is the opportunity to be there for some of the small but very important moments of your students lives.

Reading The True Story of Stellina reminded me of an early morning visit from a student who came in before school and asked "Do we have any books on birds?" Well, what do you want to find out about birds? Is this for a report? Is there any special type of bird you are looking for?

She was clutching a shoebox and slowly lifted the lid and began to explain how she had found-this-baby-bird-on-the-sidewalk-on-the-way-to-school-and-she-had-run-run-all-the-way-back-home-to-find-a-shoebox-and-now-she-had-it-in-the-box and-see-the-sticks-and-leaves-she-had-added? She needed to find out how to take care of the bird so she had come to her library to get help.

We ended up enlisting the help of our school nurse who is a professional 4-H mom, and has raised just about every kind of animal imaginable. I cannot remember now what happened to the bird but my young friend would have been enchanted by this gentle story.

Matteo Pericoli's wife hears a "cheep" and finds a baby bird on the noisy streets of Manhattan. She takes the little bird home and manages to feed it and care for it. Stellina lives and thrives and repays the couple with companionship and love for eight years. The drawings are light and delicate like the bird whose story they are telling. I am looking forward to sharing it with kids. They will be charmed.

this book was well i can't really tell you but i know tht it will be great because i have read all of them except for this one and i plan to read this one! i promise if you get this book in the morning you will not put it down until you have finished it! i don't really like to read and i am so sad that this is the last book because i was really enjoying them! so if the publishers of these books see this review please hire someone anyone to write another one, or a good writer needs to read all these books and write a bunch more!

i never really like reading books about teens or anyting like cause i was just really never into reading. but now since i was reading turning seventeen i have a new an creative thinking about reading books and i read everynight before i go to bed. the first turning seventeen i read was #5 cant let go kerri's story. and i really like it ...

I got all the turning seventeen books for christmas this year and I have LOVED the ones I have read so far (books 1-5) ....

... these are the best books! their about 4 best friends in their senior year in high school, their falling in love and facing dificult isues in their lives!

A while ago I read the third book in this series and loved it so much that I went back and got the first two. The very next day I bought the entire series of books available. I love this series! My only complaint is that they don't come out quick enough with new books..:) I can't wait for book 11 to come out. The characters and story lines are great, and real too. I'm a little older than HS age, but I still enjoy this series a lot. I tell everyone to check out these books regardless the age. If anyone has any idea when the next book comes out please let me know. I can hardly wait as it is...

Wow. This book had so many twists in it it left me spinning. I cant believe all the things that appen in this book. I was so mad about Matt at the end. I always hoped that from the first book when Kerri and Matt get together that they would always be together. I cant believe he turned out to be a jerk. I actually am secretly hoping that Matt and Kerri work things out. Pathetic, I know. But I cant help it. I wish Donna had never been born. She (stinks) and is utterly pathetic.

What Animals Teach Us is a wonderful compilation of true stories about animals and the special bonds they share with their human companions. The stories will warm your heart and help you truly appreciate the special animals in your life.
In addition to the stories, Ms. Hessler-Key does a nice job of showing how the unconditional love, trust, and loyalty of animals can transfer into our dealings with people in every day life. This is what makes this book truly unique and meaningful!

Dear Reader,

I was ready to slip under the comforter and devote time to Mary Hessler-Key's book, "What Animals Teach Us" when right away, I could tell I was in for a touching and spiritual read. I love animals and it was inspiring to learn how deeply others are affected by the unconditional love given freely by their pets. My particular pet of choice is cats, but it did not matter what type of pet the book showcased, I was incredibly moved. I was already a fan of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and an active supporter, and after reading some of the stories that had a connection with Best Friends, I became even more enthused about what I was reading.

Tears began to flow as I read about some pet owners who were initially lukewarm to the idea of having pets, but who were turned completely around and became the world's greatest pet lovers due to some pretty fantastic animals. Take Deke, a dog that loved his masters George and Julie so much that when stricken with cancer, he seem to mysteriously "inspire" a magical cat, Spanky, to appear suddenly at the door, quickly taking over the pet duties of the household. I thought as I continued to read, could Spanky be an angel, or perhaps, could Deke's spirit come back to this world in the form of a cat!!!!

Relating to another story, this one about a precious dog named Tara, I am hoping that someday I can visit "Tara's Run" at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a memorial to Tara, the special friend that truly melted the hearts of owners Tom and Jean. Tara changed Tom's life forever for the better, opening Tom's heart to a world of unconditional love that he just might have missed without the influence of Tara. Not to mention the inspiration that Tara provided that has led Tom and Jean to eventually care for six dogs, two cats, two miniature donkeys and a partridge in a pear tree. (Just kidding about the partridge!)

There is the overstuffed cat, Skeezers, that demonstrated such an outpouring of love resulting in a remarkable difference in the life of its owner and all who experienced her. A Mae West of the cat world!

If you love animals or know of someone who does, "What Animals Teach Us" as cheerfully delivered by Mary Hessler Key, would make the perfect Christmas gift. Especially this year when uplifting inspiration and sheer loving joy would be truly appreciated. It is obvious that the author has learned many lessons from her pets. I will take this space to thank Mary Hessler Key for sharing these lessons with us so we all can learn.

Happy Holidays to pet owners everywhere and hugs to all of our pets!

Anyone who has had a pet or appreciates the special bond that can exist between people and their companion animals will find this book a treasure. Touching stories illustrate how much we can learn from animals to enrich our human experience. Research relating to the complexities of animal and human interaction provides a context of understanding throughout. An added bonus is the inclusion of an "Exercise" section at the end of each chapter offering readers the opportunity to apply that particular pet lesson to their personal lives in a meaningful way. Mary Hessler-Key's book is rich with valuable insights for us all.

The stories of lessons that humans learn from their pets brought me back to what really matters in life in a vivid, engaging and moving way. Because each chapter stands on its own, I found reading one per night before bed was a great way to distance myself from the stresses of the day and head to sleep with a sense of peace and perspective about life. I would highly recommend it.

As a life long dog lover, and now as a volunteer for an organization that trains Service Dogs for the physically disabled, I have seen time and again the love, devotion, and complete selflessness that dogs provide. Ms. Hessler-Key has put into words what many dog lovers have never been able to verbalize. The stories she shares in this book are informative, as well as heartwarming. This is a must read for any animal lover.

My two year old son absolutely loves these books. I must admit that I was hesitant about then at first, being a Garth Williams purist and all, but they are well adapted and illustrated. I think that he mostly enjoys the illustrations at his age. Children of any age will enjoy them.

Winter Days in the Big Woods, an adaptation from the Little House on the Prarie classic series, will delight children and peak their interest in Pioneering life. The illustrations capture the attention and imagination of young children, whetting their appetite for more.

In this adaptation, kids get a glimpse into daily life of a close-knit family during Amrerica's pioneering days. Kids will learn about churning butter, baking bread and doing the general daily tasks to run a household and prepare for winter.

For anyone who has loved the original Laura Ingalls Wilder books, or even the television series years ago, this is a perfect introduction to the very young. My children have enjoyed these books for years and have now moved on to the books Wilder herself wrote. Put together, they've created fond, wholesome childhood memories for my children.

This was my daughter's favorite book from the time she was about 3-8 years old. I bought it as a introduction to the original Little House books and continued to collect the entire set of these "First Books". Bright, cheery with excellent artwork showing strong family relationships.

"Winter Days" is one of my favorite books in the "My First Little House Books" series, and one of my favorite books about autumn. The Ingalls family prepares for winter with time for the harvest and food storage. Mary and Laura participate in daily chores and entertain themselves with their rag dolls, paper dolls,and by using a thimble to draw on the frosted window. Beautiful illustrations bring Laura's log cabin world to life, and are an excellent starting point for discussing how life is different then it used to be, and how some things never change.

I read this as a child and gave mine to my daughter to read when she was 8. Now my granddaughter is loving all of the books in this series - alas we lost mine along the way with moving but was able to find them in reprint thanks to Amazon.

This is a book I remember from my childhood. I loved it then--love it now. The book is in great condition, and the service was quick and easy.

This series, which follows the adventures of five young Jewish sisters in early 20th century New York, focuses here upon the girls' younger years, as well as the babyhood of little brother Charlie. Despite poverty and potentially dismal city living, the family's warmth, love and religious faith make every day an adventure.

With the exception of certain extending themes, such as the girls' new friend Guido, most chapters in this book may stand alone as vignettes told from various sisters' perspectives. Readers may tackle the book straight through, or select certain stories; this also makes the book an excellent choice for teachers and others reading aloud.

Chapters include:

1 - "Charlotte Catches the Stove" - On her morning to dress by the stove, Charlotte is intrigued by the glowing coals, deciding to pull a few out onto her dress with disatrous results.
2 - "One Stop After Another" - Stopping by Papa's junk shop, the sisters meet a mysterious Italian boy.
3 - "Christmas Stockings" - Seeing the beautiful doll her friend got for Christmas from a local charity, Henny schemes to get the same for her younger sisters.
4 - "Street Scene" - The girls encounter the mysterious Italian boy, Guido, as he's being accused of stealing from a street vendor.
5 - "Purim Jester" - Eldest sister Ella wants to play the queen in the annual Hebrew School pageant, but winds up the jester instead.
6 - "Business of the Bath" - All five sisters vie for the priviledge of bathing their baby brother; but true chaos ensues when Henny invites five of her girlfriends to "help" as well.
7 - "Ella Lends a Helping Hand" - Ella runs into Guido on the street and offers to help him on an errand. Their return trip to his home shows Ella just how sick his mother really is.
8 - "The Wrong Side of the Bed" - Henny has such a bad day, she decides to run away from home.
9 - "Hijinks at the Settlement" - The sisters visit Guido at the settlement house, where he is staying with a nurse, and do their best to cheer him up.
10 - "Guests for Supper" - Guido and nurse Miss Carey visit the family for supper, learning about Miss Carey's tragic past.
11 - "Sarah is Sewed Up" - Sarah is excited to get pierced ears for her tenth birthday...until she's determined to use the money toward a worthier cause.
12 - "Simchas Torah" - The family prepares for the weeklong Succos celebration.
13 - "A Thanksgiving to Remember" - The family celebrates a joyous holiday, and learn of Miss Carey's and Guido's future plans.

Although certain aspects of the girls' early 20th century life may be foreign to today's young readers, the overall plots and themes certainly won't be overlooked. Whether today or a hundred years ago, children are guaranteed to enjoy reading about the sisters' adventures, their warm and loving home, and the things they dream about and strive toward.

Although this is the 4th book of the series, it actually takes place between All-of-a-Kind Family and More All-of-a-Kind Family. This story is part of the continuing tale of a Jewish family living in New York's lower East Side in the early 1900's. Although they are poor, they are rich in their love of each other and their friends. Now there is a new baby in the house and talented Ella, mischevious Henny, studious Sarah, dreamy Charlotte, and little Gertie help Mama with the baby and find friends along the way. In this book, we meet Guido, a poor Italian boy who is trying to care for his sick mother and Miss Carey, a nurse who works at the Settlement House. Through the eyes of these characters, we understand what it must have been like growing up in the lower East Side before World War I. We learn about their sorrows and their joy over the little things in life. A highly recommended book.

I have read All-of-a-Kind Family. It's about five little girls. Their names are Ella, Henny, Sara, Charlotte, and Gertie. This book has so much detail it feels real. One time Sara lost her library bok . She was so upset when she had to tell the library lady about it. The library lady was so nice that she said she could take out more books, but she still had to pay for the book she lost. I thought I was Sara. At the end of the book, their mother has a baby. Its name is Charley. Everyone was expecting a girl, but it was a boy. Gertie used to be the baby and did not want to be a big sister. When she sees the baby she bounces up and down because of him. Everyone was happy, Now that's an all-of-a-kind family! I Like this book a lot. It has lots of adventures. Read one page and you can't stop.

I was delighted to find Apple Tree Christmas is in print again. As a child who grew up in the area where Trinka grew up, I cherish the images the story churns up in my own childhood. The story is a perfect illustration of the real meaning of Christmas. It captures the snowy whimsical nature of Christmas in Michigan perfectly. A must have for any mid-western child, or any child that matter!

I used to check this book out from the library for my children evey year, and the beautiful story with the gentle surprise ending always touched me and my kids. Family togetherness, simple gifts, and overcoming hardship and disappointment are themes here. It is not religious, and so should be appreciated by parents and families of diverse faiths who try to keep Christmas but aren't ready to emphasize the theology found in so many Christmas books.

I wrote the original publisher last year asking for a re-issue so I could send this as a gift, and it is delightful to see it again in print thanks to Sleeping Bear Press. Buy several and support small publishers!

Originally published more than twenty years ago, "Apple Tree Christmas" is an entertainingly written picturebook by award-winning children's book author Trinka Hakes Noble which is enhanced with her watercolor artistry. The old apple tree on the Ansterburg family farm next to their barn had provided sweet apples for pies and apple butter. It's twining vines provided a place to swing and climb. And one special branch was Katrina's spot to sit and sketch and daydream of her future as an artist. But just before Christmas, an ice storm brought down the lovely old tree, and along with it, Katrina's special place to draw and create and dream. Christmas will be ruined this year and for many years to come! Until Papa did some very special things that enabled the old apple tree to continue as a part of an Ansterburg Christmas. Sweet, charming, entertaining, Sleeping Bear Press is to be congratulated for bringing Trinka Hakes Noble's "Apple Tree Christmas" back into print for the Christmas season enjoyment of a whole new generation of young readers.

When I was a little girl, my elementary school library carried this book and I constantly checked it out. I loved the beautiful illustrations. This book and the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder greatly shaped my childhood and present outlook on life. Simplicity.

In Apple Tree Christmas, Trinka Hakes Noble gives us a glimpse into her own childhood, although the setting is a Midwestern farm in 1881. Katrina is a budding artist, whose favorite "studio" is the old apple tree. Here she gets her best ideas and dreams of the future. After a blizzard/ice storm, the apple tree is no longer standing. Katrina can't believe that Father and Mother are happy to use its old branches for firewood. Nothing seems right anymore, and even Christmas doesn't feel happy. But Christmas morning brings a surprise for our young artist. Mrs. Noble's illustrations are lovely, filled with much detail of life before the turn of the century -- life without all of our modern conveniences. Be sure to add this book to your collection!

This book is full of very informative information and is a "must-read" for all businesspeople. It is part "common sense" and part "cutting edge" information for all marketers. If you want to improve your business and sales skills, this will move you in the right direction !

Mel Dang Real Estate Broker

This book has been so instrumental in helping me grow my small business. I have actually used some of the techniques suggested in the book and they have produced results! This is a "must read" for every business owner. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for new and creative ideas that will increase their company's profits!

I am thoroughly convinced that Jason is a Sales genius. He puts his ideas and principles in simple easy to read concepts that you can run with at a moments notice. He makes "Selling" an art and makes you realize that focusing on how to generate long term business is the key to that art. I will be using his philosophy every single day and I am absolutely positive that I will be a tremendous success in my position in Title Sales. I can't wait for his next book as I will be the first one to buy it!!!

Jason Hartman has done a great job outlining what it means to create a brand. He discusses techniques and tools used by both the business elite and celbrities to help build their "brands," and more importantly, he gives tips on how to apply these techniques in everyday life.

Becoming the Brand of Choice is an important book for any large business, small business or entrepreneur. Jason Hartman's point about creating "clients for life," is ignored by too many in business. The hot new prospect or client is the hardest to sell. If you concentrate on the clients you already have through methods Jason emphasizes in the book (i.e. Customer Care, Collaboration, Consistancy, and Chain of Relationships) you not only get continuing business but attract new clients and customers. This is an important book and long needed on the market.

Both text and illustrations give a feel for a different time and place.
I have never been to Appalachians, but I feel as though I would know the
place and the people through this little book. My grandchild also loves
to have this read to her. It seems particularly comforting to her.

I don't understand the School Library Journal Review. However, I have
noticed in the past that sometimes they take on a crankiness that just
simply is not justified. I think that this is one of those times.

When I first read this book to our 2-year-old, I wasn't optimistic that she would ever like it and didn't care much for it, myself. However, after a few months we read it again and it is now her favorite book. We read it every night. The illustrations are soft yet sophisticated, and the repetition of the lines is soothing to her, I think. Anyway if our daughter is the judge (and she is), this one merits the top score.

My 22-month old daughter has enjoyed this book for months and we are constantly checking it out of the library. We are finally buying our own copy! The illustrations are lovely and the writing is very lyrical. There are plenty of objects to point to (and have your child identify) to build his/her vocabulary and the active features of the text encourage acting out various facets of the story such as "walking" the water, patting the bread, finding the kittens and baby's belly button, etc. I highly recommend this book!

A wonderful story, lilting and comforting, about taking the blue bowl down to make bread. An Appalachian rhyme.....read it to my grandson and he loves it. Old fashioned, comforting book.

I was disappointed to read the review by the School Library Journal. This book passes down timeless traditions: baking bread, mothers teaching and caring for their children, bedtime rituals. The lilting lullaby narration is not to be taken literally. The mother in the story, like many of us, talks to her young son as she works. She sings of lighting the lantern, little baby, and stoking the fire, little baby. Your pre-schooler may not learn how to bake bread by reading this book, but it opens the door for conversation about why we sift flour and how yeast works. I think it's a great book. I read to my 3-yr-old and 10-month-old day and night, and this is a favorite!

This is the only bread book I use . . . despite owning many!! Easy and delicious recipes that are consistant time and time again!

I am going to make this short and sweet. Kind of like the bread. I hate to cook. I love to eat. We have had a bread machine for a year and hardly used it. The bread did not come out right or it took too many ingredients we did not have. I happened to see this book (very eye catching), read the first recipe. It looked easy and there was no magic to it. It used ingredients we already have. The machine has not been back in the cupboard since. The author makes it easy to read, fun, and you get good bread. This book is a must for anyone with a bread machine that is getting dusty. It also has a large and interesting variety of recipes.

Every recipe I tried was excellent and so different from each other. I love the season themes. The recipes were easy for me to adapt to my machine.

I am completely new to the world of bread machine baking so, of course, I ran to Amazon and bought several books of recipes. This book by Connie Merydith is, however, far and away my favorite and the one I turn to the most. The book is beautifully laid-out with clear, easy-to-read type and nice small illustrations of bread at the bottom of most pages. The recipes are arranged by season with hearty wheat, nut and spice breads made with molasses, rolled oats and dried fruits for fall and winter, and lighter breads with honey, yogurt, fresh fruit and vegetables for spring and summer. The author also includes recipes for non-loaf breads such as bagels, breakfast and dinner rolls, pita bread, pizza dough, bread sticks, focaccia, and bread rings. I used this book to make an assortment of rolls for Thanksgiving last week: oatmeal-molasses, peppery parmesan, orange spiral, wheat spice and rich dinner rolls (the bread recipes can all be made into rolls -- just stop your bread-maker before it begins to bake). There are also instructions for making and using a sourdough starter and a very complete index. If you're only going to buy one bread machine cookbook, then this is the one to get.

I bought this book based solely on the other reviews I read here, and I'm awfully glad I did. Though the book might not be for bread machine novices (there's hardly any information about the machines themselves, or advice on how to make sure your breads come out well), the recipe ideas are creative and tasty. The black olive bread is especially wonderful, and I'm looking forward to trying more.