Spirit OF Steamboat, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays

Once again I’m sharing books from different genres. Both of these fun books have holiday themes and will quickly be family favorites (plus make wonderful gifts).

Spirit Of Steamboat, A Walt Longmire Story by Craig Johnson

If you’re looking for a short story to get you ready for the coming holiday season, then author Craig Johnson’s latest release, SPIRIT OF STEAMBOAT, is just the ticket.

This holiday novella will have you laughing, crying and holding your breath as Sheriff Walt Longmire recalls his first Christmas Eve as sheriff.

The walk down memory lane begins when a mysterious young woman arrives at Longmire’s office on Christmas Eve. She appears to know him, but he can’t remember her and she isn’t telling. She asks about his predecessor, Lucian Connally, while avoiding his questions. Carrying a garment bag, she says she has something to give Connally and asks for Longmire’s assistance to see him.

Longmire takes her to the Durant Home for Assisted Living where Connally, already enjoying the holiday spirit, claims he doesn’t know her either.

With the whisper of ‘Steamboat’ the young woman sets in motion memories from Christmas Eve 1988 when three people were killed in a terrible crash and a young girl hung on for dear life all during a record-breaking blizzard. It was Longmire’s first year as sheriff, the roads were closed due to the blizzard and the helicopter couldn’t get the child to Denver, her only hope of surviving. It came down to Longmire, a couple of friends, and a whiskey-soaked Connolly who had flown the only thing that could get the child to Denver - a decommissioned plane from his World War II days as a pilot.

Their hair-rising ride to Denver is a heart-pounding adventure. It will hold you spellbound as the troubled plane makes its way through the blizzard with the crew trying to hold it together.

Johnson once again brings the story to life with his vivid details and dialogue. His rich narrative will have you shivering from the cold of the blizzard and smiling from the determination of the group hell bent on getting the girl to the hospital.

SPIRIT OF STEAMBOAT is a standalone read that will become a holiday favorite to enjoy again and again.

Author Craig Johnson’s website is http://www.craigallenjohnson.com/

Spirit of Steamboat by Craig Johnson, A Walt Longmire Novella, Viking, @2013, ISBN: 978-0670015788, Hardcover, 160 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

FYI:
Longmire is the highest-rated scripted program in A&E’s history and stars Robert Taylor (Matrix, Vertical Limit) as Sheriff Walt Longmire, Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba, Young Guns) as Henry Standing Bear and Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica, 24, Riddick) as Victoria Moretti. Longmire was developed by Shephard/Robin Productions for Warner Horizon.

THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: A YEAR OF HOLIDAYS by Ree Drummond

Preparing food for the holidays can be a daunting task. Author/blogger Ree Drummond makes it easier this year with her new cookbook, THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: A YEAR OF HOLIDAYS, slated for release Oct. 29.

In this exquisitely designed hardcover cookbook, Drummond shares 140 step-by-step recipes to celebrate every holiday from New Year’s Day all the way through to New Year’s Eve. It’s divided into holiday sections including recipes for the traditional, as well as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and the Big Game among others. Many of the sections also highlight easy Do-Ahead Game Plans to make preparing the meal easier and less stressful the day of the festivities.

The cookbook not only gives simple step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the dish, but also includes photos for each step. The stunning color photos makes the recipes easier to follow and see how the dish should look as it evolves, as well as the end result. The no-hassle instructions are simple making cooking a fun activity. 

The book include such tasty recipes as Red Velvet Pancakes, Cheddar Chive Biscuits, Mummy Dogs, Soul Sweet ‘Taters, Yorkshire Pudding, and Toasted Ravioli. In addition, there are simple recipes for yummy dishes using holiday leftovers. While the recipes are featured as holiday dishes, with their easy preparation they can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Woven throughout the recipes are charming photos of the author and her family, as well as showing life on their ranch. This cookbook not only serves to provide delicious recipes and easy instructions, but also delivers a feel of sharing with friends and family. This charming cookbook brings the warmth of family and the fun of holidays to life.

Holidays are a time for family, friends and sharing delicious food. Gatherings to celebrate these special occasions just got easier with THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: A YEAR OF HOLIDAYS.

Author Ree Drummond’s website is http://thepioneerwoman.com/

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays: 140 Step-by-Step Recipes for Simple, Scrumptious Celebrations by Ree Drummond, William Morrow Cookbooks, @2013, ISBN: 978-0062225221, Hardcover, 400 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Thanks for stopping by today. I really appreciate it. Have you started a holiday stack of TBR books yet? Do you have favorites that you re-read each year? Remember, you can pre-order THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: A YEAR OF HOLIDAYS now and have it in time for this busy holiday season.