Sybrina Durant's Blog, page 275
April 30, 2019
Lone Star Book Blog Tours – Gourmet On A Hot Plate by Judy Alter
GOURMET IN A HOT PLATE
by
Judy Alter
Genre: Cookbook / Cooking Tips / Tiny Kitchen
Publisher: Alter Ego Press
Date of Publication: November 6, 2018
Number of Pages: 132
Scroll down for the giveaway!
Gourmet on a Hot Plate is a collection of recipes and kitchen tips compiled after living for some time in a 600-square-foot cottage, with a tiny kitchen, no stove, no dishwasher, and barely any counter space. Given these limitations, Judy Alter developed a new approach to food, one that let her get in touch with the food itself. She does not have an Insta-Pot, an air-fryer, or a microwave. Her recipes call for using either a magnetic induction hot plate or a toaster oven. In the introduction, she explains her choices for making the best use of her tiny space.
The collection begins with appetizers because that’s where Alter began her new cooking adventure. Gradually she branched out to main dishes, light suppers, soups and salads, and vegetable side dishes. Most recipes serve two or three. There’s a suggested list of cooking tools along with lists of what to keep on hand in your tiny pantry, your refrigerator, and your freezer, and a small section on condiments and cooking hints.
These pages will guide you to making your own spaghetti sauce—or brightening up a jar of prepared sauce—to making last-minute casseroles and simmer-all-day soups. Want Stroganoff but can’t afford the expensive beef? Alter shows you how to make it with hamburger. Love tuna? She’s got recipes for you. Sections on pasta, eggs, and appetizer trays offer practical and helpful choices for casual entertaining.
Above all, this is a practical guide for cooking with joy when you find yourself in a tiny space.
PRAISE FOR GOURMET ON A HOT PLATE:
Love cooking? Love the minimalist lifestyle? Your tiny kitchen doesn’t need to limit your gourmet dreams. Judy Alter’s Gourmet On a Hot Plate will inspire you with big ideas to satisfy everyone around the table. — Susan Wittig Albert, author of Queen Anne’s Lace
Whether you cook on a hot plate or have access to a full kitchen, this gem of a cookbook contains great recipes for those of us who cook for one. – T.R. Thompson
ORDER YOUR COPY
Amazon ║ Barnes and Noble ║ Kobo ║ OverDrive
║ 24 Symbols ║ Google Play ║ Playster ║ Scribd ║
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Ten Things I like to eat…and a few I don’t
By Author Judy Alter
On my yes-yes list:
*Salmon
*Potato Salad
*Spinach
*Tuna and chicken salads
*Blue cheese
*Anchovies
*Pasta
*Chopped liver
*Potatoes
*Green salad
And on my no-no list
x Peppers of any kind, particularly bell
x Thai food
x Shrimp, because of an allergy
x Brains or sweetbreads—never tried
Without formal culinary training, Judy Alter has cooked her way through life, feeding family and friends at everything from casual dinners al fresco to elaborate meals for twenty. An award-winning author and publisher, she jokes she’ll come back in another life as a chef.
Today Alter finds herself cooking in a four-by-six kitchen where zoning laws forbid built-ins but allow anything that plugs in. So she cooks with a hot plate, toaster oven, and a large refrigerator/freezer. Given these limitations, she has developed a new approach to food, one that she says lets her get in touch with the food itself. By choice, she does not have an Insta-Pot, an air-fryer, a microwave. Her menu choices are dictated by her cooking facilities—and she loves it.
She shares her tiny kitchen tips and recipes, developed over the past couple of years, in Gourmet on a Hot Plate. Alter is the author of three previous cookbooks: Cooking My Way through Life with Kids and Books, Texas is Chili Country, and Extraordinary Texas Chefs,and a contributor to Bake, Love, Write and We’d Rather Be Writing. Her recipe for Doris’ Casserole has been included in so many books it’s almost an American classic by now.
Be part of her ongoing cooking adventure at the Gourmet on a Hot Plate blog, where she encourages discussion and welcomes recipes, comments, and questions.
║Website ║ Facebook ║ Judy’s Stew Blog ║
║ Twitter ║ Goodreads ║ Amazon Author Page ║
Gourmet on a Hot Plate Blog
————————————-
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
THREE WINNERS!
2 Signed Copies, 1 eBook Copy
APRIL 24-May 4, 2019
(US ONLY)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
VISIT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
4/24/19
Author Interview
Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
4/24/19
Bonus Post
Hall Ways Blog
4/25/19
Review
Reading by Moonlight
4/26/19
Excerpt
All the Ups and Downs
4/27/19
Review
Chapter Break Book Blog
4/28/19
Scrapbook Page
The Clueless Gent
4/29/19
Review
Missus Gonzo
4/30/19
Sneak Peek
Texas Book Lover
5/1/19
Top Ten List
Sybrina’s Book Blog
5/2/19
Review
The Love of a Bibliophile
5/3/19
Review
Rainy Days with Amanda
blog tour services provided by
April 28, 2019
Blue Unicorn Book Review By LauraThomas61
Reader Review
4.0 out of 5 stars A magical illustrated unicorn story for those of us a bit older
Bylaurathomas61
Having such a love for the wonder of unicorns it was an easy choice to read this book. Magical unicorns with metal horns. All shapes and sizes. And one unicorn, Blue, who has no magic, but is supposed to be the savior for the tribe. Sounds like a grand adventure to me.And it was. Filled with lots of beautiful illustrations portraying many of the fantastical beings that roam these lands, it kept me enthralled. However, it had some dark moments that caught me by surprise. Going in thinking this was for younger readers, some scenes of death and danger now have me thinking this would better fit older teens and young adults.
This well written fantasy has plenty of intriguing characters and plenty of action, with some doses of peril that will keep you reading and crossing your fingers for a happy ending. I sure enjoyed it and would love to read more about Blue, his friends, and this magical world.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Get the book in print for your fantasy library collection.
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April 26, 2019
Sybrina’s Blue Unicorn Book Store – Enamel Unicorn Necklace
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Sybrina’s Blue Unicorn Book Store
Where you’ll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns! Visit now.
Brought to you by Journey To Osm
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April 25, 2019
Mystical Slayers Trilogy by Michael W. Huard
Land of the Free
Mystical Slayers Book 1
by Michael W. Huard
Genre: Dystopian SciFi Fantasy
LIVE FREE OR DIE in this Sci-Fi & Fantasy Adventure of a Lifetime! All
hope lies with a SISTERHOOD of amazing Martial Arts Masters. It’s a
31st Century battle of ROBOTS VS. GIRLS. One thing is for sure; the
women have learned that LIBERTY is not given; it is TAKEN!
In the year 3016, the United States of America has fallen into great
despair. The advent of advanced technology, AI, robotics, and a
power-hungry corporation rule the nation. However, there is hope. A
WONDER WOMAN like sisterhood of enhanced, highly intelligent,
patriotic ladies are out to make the country free again.
THE HORROR STORY SO FAR
Your friendly leaders of the 31st century are now a boys club of rich
aging men. This greedy Corporation now controls all gas, oil,
healthcare and everyone’s standard of living. They govern with
ruthless robots, droids, clones, and cyborgs; all with top-notch
artificial intelligence; many with terminator programming.
NO ONE CAN STOP THEM
The USA needs a real-life super-hero,
but in reality there is no Captain America. The country will have to
settle for one amazing group of beautiful, God loving, spiritual,
freedom fighting women; heroines whom have learned that JUSTICE is
not FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!
Raise your sword and laser guns up high. The Mystical Slayers have arrived!
Goodreads * Amazon
Hope Bringers
Mystical Slayers Book 2
The BATTLE for Liberty & Justice continues. The strong women of The
Sisterhood have struck a serious blow to the Y-Wood Corporation; but
the Tyranny remains.
Our heroes are now branded as complete outlaws and to speak of God in any
such manner will result in certain death; yet for these women, faith
has chosen them. To be a true patriot one must fight to the bitter
end, and the time has come once more to send waves of “Hope”
throughout the land.
However, a powerful robotic army led by an overzealous general and two of the
most highly regarded super robot specimens now stand in their way;
but these are the Mystical Slayers, and they will not stop until
America is free.
THE HORROR STORY SO FAR
Your friendly leaders of the 31st century are now a boys club of rich
aging men. This greedy Corporation now controls all gas, oil,
healthcare and everyone’s standard of living. They govern with
ruthless robots, droids, clones, and cyborgs; all with top-notch
artificial intelligence; many with terminator programming. NO ONE CAN
STOP THEM The USA needs a real-life super-hero, but in reality there
is no Captain America.
The country will have to settle for one amazing group of beautiful, God
loving, spiritual, freedom fighting women; heroines whom have learned
that LIBERTY is not given; it is TAKEN! Raise your sword and laser
guns up high.
The Mystical Slayers have arrived!
Goodreads * Amazon
Freedom
Mystical Slayers Book 3
STRONG – SPIRITUAL – PATRIOTIC – WOMEN
All hail this secret sisterhood of kick-butt women!
This is it, the EPIC CONCLUSION in the Mystical Slayers fight against tyranny.
The sisters and their allies have decided to take the fight right to the
powerful, 31st century, robotics, Y-Wood Corporation; their sights
now set on liberating the nation’s one-time, historic, capital
region, Washington D.C.
GET READY FOR SOME BIG SURPRISES
It’s going to be one crazy, tough battle, and our fearless leader Raegan
and her companions will not stop until old glory waves again.
A Dystopian Masterpiece (5 stars)
– Amazon Reviewer
In the year 3016, the United States of America has fallen into great
despair. The advent of advanced technology, AI, robotics, and a
power-hungry corporation rule the nation. However, there is hope. A
WONDER WOMAN like sisterhood of enhanced, highly intelligent,
patriotic martial arts masters are out to make the country free again.
THE HORROR STORY SO FAR
Your friendly leaders of the 31st century are now a boys club of rich
aging men. This greedy Corporation now controls all gas, oil,
healthcare and everyone’s standard of living. They govern with
ruthless robots, droids, clones, and cyborgs;
all with top-notch artificial intelligence; many with terminator
programming.
NO ONE CAN STOP THEM
The USA needs a real-life super-hero, but in reality there is no Captain
America. The country will have to settle for one amazing group of
beautiful, God loving, spiritual, freedom fighting women; heroines
whom have learned that LIBERTY is not given; it is TAKEN!
Raise your sword and laser guns up high. The Mystical Slayers have arrived!
Goodreads * Amazon
Michael W. Huard is a second generation martial artist, dungeons &
dragons fanatic, sci-fi, and fantasy nerd, and simply a human being
on a voyage in time. Make sure to check out his Gothic Fairy Tales
series of bewitching fantasy stories. Also, Michael’s 31st century,
fantasy and science fiction books “The Mystical Slayers”are
a female empowering, kick butt, dystopian series gathering rave
reviews all over the world.
Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Unicorn Book Feature – Birth of the FireBringer by Meredith Ann Pierce
Unicorns! How we love them. . .Luckily for all of us unicorn lovers there are hundreds of unicorn books available for all age groups. I have gathered information about as many as I can find and have placed them here for you in one convenient spot on my blog. Today’s Unicorn Book Feature is
Birth of the FireBringer
Volume One of The FireBringer Trilogy
By Meredith Ann Pierce
Jan, the prince of the unicorns, is high-spirited, reckless-and the despair of his mighty father, Korr. Reluctantly, Korr allows Jan to accompany the other initiate warriors on a pilgrimage. Soon Jan’s curiosity leads him, along with his friend Dagg, and their mentor, the female warrior Tek, into the greatest dangers-deadly gryphons, sly pans, wyverns, pards, and renegade unicorns. Yet time after time they are rescued, leading Jan to wonder: Am I the heir to a special destiny?
Get it at Amazon.
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Check out Journey To Osm – The Blue Unicorn’s Tale while you are there, too.
If you like this post and others on this blog, scroll all the way down to the bottom left of this page anc click the FOLLOW button to receive more from Sybrina’s Book Blog.
April 24, 2019
Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour – Fid’s Crusade by David H Reiss
FID’S CRUSADE by David H. Reiss, Scifi/Fantasy, 232 pp., $14.99 (paperback) $4.99 (Kindle)
Title: FID’S CRUSADE
Author: David H. Reiss
Publisher: Atian Press
Pages: 365
Genre: Scifi/Contemporary Fantasy
Consumed by grief, rage, and self-loathing, a brilliant inventor
rebuilt himself to take on a new identity: the powered-armor-wearing
supervillain, Doctor Fid. For twenty violent years, Fid has continued
his quest to punish heroes who he considers to be unworthy of their
accolades, and the Doctor has left a long trail of blood and misery in
his wake. After a personal tragedy, however, Doctor Fid investigates a
crime and uncovers a conspiracy so terrible that even he is taken aback.
Haunted by painful memories and profound guilt, the veteran
supervillain must risk everything to save the world that he once sought
to terrorize. Every battle takes its toll…but the stakes are too high
for retreat to be an option.
In the end, it may take a villain to save the entire Earth from those entrusted with the Earth’s protection.
Praise:
“Fid’s Crusade by David H. Reiss is one of the most
refreshing and lively takes on the superhero genre I’ve seen in years.
His title character’s crusade is colorful, compelling, and takes
wonderfully unexpected turns, and the novel delivers an impressive
emotional punch (to go along with the super-powered ones). It stands
easily alongside other character-driven superhero novels like Austin
Grossman’s Soon I Will Be Invincible, Carrie Vaughn’s After the Golden Age, and Paul Tobin’s Prepare to Die!.” – Hugo award-winning author Tim Pratt
ORDER YOUR COPY:
______________________
“I’m fine,” I informed Starnyx as
soon as he answered his highly-encrypted phone.
A swarm of medical automatons surrounded the gurney on which I was reclined, a humming and swirling dervish of blades, clamps, sponges and other surgical tools focused upon the stump of my shoulder. A surgical laser was carefully burning away flesh in a pattern that would increase the efficiency of repairs performed by the medical nanites once my right arm was reattached.
The blended smell of disinfectant and cooking meat had been disturbing at first, but I was beginning to get used to the odor.
“Okay…?” Eric yawned. “Where are you?”
“I’m back in Boston,”
I winced; a more significant cocktail of painkillers was now coursing through
my veins, but some discomfort remained. “I’m sorry, I forgot that you were
asleep when I left.”
“Nah, it’s almost morning. I can wake up. What’s up?”
“I ran into some minor trouble on my way home,” I forced a chuckle. “It will probably make the news and I didn’t want you to worry.”
“Hold on, let me get to a computer.” I heard tired, uncoordinated movement over the connection.
“It’s not as bad as it looks.”
Using my neural connection to the surgical control computer, I ordered one of
the robots to add another dose of topical anesthetic. “Really, I’m fine.”
“So, what happened?” Eric must have reached his desk, because I could hear the clacking as he typed on his keyboard.
“I ran into the Brooklyn Knights.”
“I think I’ve heard of them. New guys, righ—” he paused mid-question and fell silent.
“Eric?”
“So, you’re fine then?” Nyx asked,
patiently.
“Absolutely,” I affirmed.
“I only ask, because the first hit I get on recent news of Doctor Fid is shaky cel-phone footage of you with your arm cut off,” he explained. “And I’m pretty sure you had both arms earlier tonight.”
“Tis but a scratch?” I tried.
“Christ, Doc,” he sighed, “I’m not doing Monty Python bits with you. Let me get dressed, I can be up in Boston in a few hours.”
“Thank you,” I smiled gratefully.
“But, really, don’t bother. I’ll have my arm re-attached by then.”
There was another long pause.
“How?” Starnyx sounded exasperated.
“Medical nanotechnology. I’ll have function back in eight hours.” Which was a good thing, since my civilian persona had a face-to-face meeting with the Governor of Connecticut this afternoon to discuss opening a new research facility in Middletown.
“In twenty-four hours, I’ll be good as new.”
“You’re a scary man,” he chuckled, relieved. “Okay, I get it. You’re fine.”
“I am.”
“Keep out of trouble, Doc, I’m going to get back to bed. Stay in touch, yeah?”
“Of course.” It was an odd feeling, having someone who cared for Doctor Fid’s wellbeing.
He hung up, and I closed my eyes to think.
While growing up, David H. Reiss was that weird kid with his nose in a
book and his head in the clouds. He was the table-top role-playing game
geek, the comic-book nerd, the story-teller and dreamer.Fortunately, he hasn’t changed much.
David is a software engineer by trade and a long-time sci-fi and
fantasy devotee by passion, and he lives in Silicon Valley with his
partner of twenty-six years. Until recently, he also shared his life
with a disturbingly spoiled cat named Freya.
(Farewell, little huntress. You were loved. You are missed.)
David’s first book, Fid’s Crusade,
has just recently been published; this was his first novel-length
project, but it certainly won’t be his last—he’s having far too much
fun!
Website Link: https://www.davidhreiss.com
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/davidhreiss
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/davidhreiss
April 23, 2019
The Blue Unicorn’s Journey To Osm Illustrated Book Review by Books Are Love
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rated it really liked it
This is precious. It has a lesson as well. We learn that being different isn’t bad and can lead to wonderful things. It shows how unique and special you are.
Blue is born different from the other unicorn’s. He was supposed to be the one to save them but everyone feels disappointed because they don’t see how. He has no metal horn which is where their magic is. So Blue feels alone. Accept for his friend Ghel, the one he loves. He hides from groups and learns from Gaiso how to fight and becomes stronger. He feels he has something to prove.
Suddenly the danger is closer and his family is in danger. Blue must go out on a journey filled with danger and his friends Gaiso and Girasol are by his side the whole way. It is a magically written journey that has you smile and love the imagination of Sybrina.
Each unicorn is unique and wonderful. Each one plays a role in Blue becoming who he is and learning something. When the journey is done and Blue is transformed you learn so much and had a fun time as well.
The book is imaginative and lovely. So adorable and creative. Your attention never sways and all ages will love the story of blue and how he helps his fellow unicorns get to safety and find their home and family amongst themselves and loved ones long lost to them. Such a fun imaginative story to the end that is filled with adventure, whimsy, magic and intrigue.
Get the book in print for your fantasy library collection.
Want the book? Just click on the appropriate book icon in the left sidebar of this blog.
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April 22, 2019
Sybrina’s Blue Unicorn Book Store – Unicorn Watercolor Hoodie
Sybrina’s Blue Unicorn Book Store
Where you’ll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns! Visit now.
Brought to you by Journey To Osm
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April 21, 2019
Sybrina’s Blue Unicorn Book Store – Unicorn Wall Hanging
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Sybrina’s Blue Unicorn Book Store
Where you’ll find unicorns, more unicorns and nothing but unicorns! Visit now.
Brought to you by Journey To Osm
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April 19, 2019
The Blue Unicorn’s Journey To Osm – Illustrated Book – Reader Review – By Seraphia
Reader Review
Seraphia
them all from the evil who wishes to destroy them all and enslave the world. The author builds such a beautiful world in this story. We meet unicorns, pendragons, two-leggeds (humans) and other strange creatures. This story tells the reader about young Blu hands of an evil man who seeks more and more power.
The story flows so well and kept me engaged the entire time. I kept turning page after page to learn what was going to happen next. There are moments of where I am annoyed or disappointed with certain characters, but for me, it helps make them even more “real” or at least relatable as believable characters. I love the romance that the author throws into the story. You see it coming when you learn of Blue’s stable-mate and how they came to be so close. It’s heartbreaking but beautiful at the same time.
Get the book in print for your fantasy library collection.
Want the book? Just click on the appropriate book icon in the left sidebar of this blog.
If you like this post and others on this blog, scroll all the way down to the bottom left of this page anc click the FOLLOW button to receive more from Sybrina’s Book Blog.
