Book Nerd Bites is an original monthly feature created by some lovely book bloggers Becca, Cyra, Kristie, Natasha, and I as part of the Book Blogger Creativity Project hosted by Nori. Thanks to my team for coming up with a fun and creative way to satisfy both our book-- and actual appetites!  

Each month we will be sharing exciting recipes inspired by some of our favorite books. Feel free to join in, but please make sure you link your post back to us so we can enjoy your favorite bookish delights as well!

Don't forgot to use #booknerdbites if you want to share your food inspiration with us on twitter or instagram!
****Today for my post for this project, I will be featuring...A Dog's Purpose!*************

Summary from Goodreads:
This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, this touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?

Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey's search for his new life's meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8 year old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey's journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders, will he ever find his purpose?

Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh out loud funny, this book is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.


******************************And now a fun recipe....PB Dog Treats from the Cookie Rookie

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (see note below for substitutions)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 egg
• ***NOTE: some dogs are allergic to flour/wheat. if you want to make these wheat free, you can use rice flour of coconut flour as a replacement. they will work, but might change the consistency a bit. thanks so much to the readers who wrote it about this!

Instructions

1. preheat oven to 350F
2. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, and the egg. Add peanut butter, water, honey and stir until you have stiff dough. the dough becomes very firm and sticky. you may need to use your hands, or the paddle attachment on your mixer.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about 1/2 inch thick and use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. the treats barely spread and rise, so get creative with your shapes.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden.
5. keep in an airtight container or give as gifts!

Recipe Type: pet treat

FULL CREDIT

Book Review: The Little French Bistro

Author: Nina George
 
Summary from Goodreads:
Marianne is stuck in a loveless, unhappy marriage. After forty-one years, she has reached her limit, and one evening in Paris she decides to take action. Following a dramatic moment on the banks of the Seine, Marianne leaves her life behind and sets out for the coast of Brittany, also known as the end of the world.

Here she meets a cast of colorful and unforgettable locals who surprise her with their warm welcome, and the natural ease they all seem to have, taking pleasure in life s small moments. And, as the parts of herself she had long forgotten return to her in this new world, Marianne learns it s never too late to begin the search for what life should have been all along.

With all the buoyant charm that made The Little Paris Bookshop a beloved bestseller, The Little French Bistro is a tale of second chances and a delightful embrace of the joys of life in France.
Disclaimer: I was awarded this book as part of the Blogging for Books. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Personal Review:
When I saw that Nina had another book out, I knew I had to get it. This book did not disappoint. It is filled with a plot that keeps the reader wanting to know what would happen next. I enjoyed this aspect of the story very much.

In addition, I really enjoyed the different characters throughout the book. They had various interactions that helped our main character remember where she had come from.

I really appreciated the opportunity to review this book and I look forward to what is next from this author!

Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday: Turtles All the Way Down

Hi Everyone!

Stopping by to let you know about a book I am Waiting on Wednesday for! This one is by an author I really enjoy!

Turtles All the Way Down
Release date: October 10, 2017
Author: John Green
 
Summary from Goodreads:
It all begins with a fugitive billionaire and the promise of a cash reward.

Turtles All the Way Down is about lifelong friendship, the intimacy of an unexpected reunion, Star Wars fan fiction, and tuatara. But at its heart is Aza Holmes, a young woman navigating daily existence within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.

In his long-awaited return, John Green shares Aza’s story with shattering, unflinching clarity
 
Happy Reading!

TTT: Best Books You've Read In 2017 So Far

 

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are well! I am stopping by today with another Top Ten Tuesday. This week's topic is a about your favorite books about 2017 so far.  I have to say that I have read some good ones, but hope that there are many more to come!
 

 
Have you read any of these? What did you think?


Happy Reading!

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

This is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn @ The Book Date. I learned about this meme from Lori at Palmer's Page Turners. Thank you for sharing this fun meme! 

What I Just Finished Reading

Loved this book!! :) 

What I'm Currently Reading

What I'm Reading Next

I have been in a bit of a mood reading phase, so I guess we will see!

Happy Reading!

Sunday

 
Happy Reading!

#24in48

Hi Everyone!

Just stopping by to let you know about a readathon that will be coming up!

***********************
Information Directly from their blog...

"Happy summer, fellow readathon-ers!

I hope that everyone’s warm- (or cold, for you Aussies) weather reading is in full swing and you’ve been plowing through your summer reading lists or beach stacks. Or if you’ve had a bit of a slump because you’re doing ALL THE THINGS, I have the answer.

Our next #24in48 is back! Join us on July 22 & 23rd for a weekend full of reading. It promises to be another great one. (You’ll be happy to know I’ll not be steering the good ship 24in48 alone this round. I recently relocated for a job in another country and finally decided to call in reinforcements. So cheers to Kristen and Kerry who will be manning most of the social media during readathon weekend.)

If you’re new to 24in48, this is the basic gist: beginning at 12:01am on Saturday morning and running through 11:59pm on Sunday night, participants read for 24 hours out of that 48-hour period. You can split that up however you’d like: 20 hours on Saturday, four hours on Sunday; 12 hours each day; six four-hour sessions with four hour breaks in between, whatever you’d like.

And that’s it. The format never changes but it’s always an adventure.

Have more questions? There’s an FAQ page for that. Also, in response to some feedback, a more detailed “how to participate” post is coming soon."

Happy Reading!

Guest Post: Lauren Holder

Hi Everyone! I am excited to be here today to bring you a guest post from Lauren Holder. She has a book out called Why Not Now and I am happy to feature her here! Please help me by giving her a warm welcome.

**************************

Book title: Why Not Now: Create the Success and Happiness You Deserve

Author: Lauren Holder

“That’s funny! I don’t think so.”  That’s exactly what I said to people telling me to write a book. I was speaking to groups about taking responsibility for their lives and teaching them how to create positive change, and after each event, a line of people would wait to thank me. The breakthroughs they experienced varied but all were very powerful. Speaking in public was a stretch for me, but a book seemed impossible. I’m not a writer, I’m a coach. I struggled to stay consistent on my blog and the idea of writing a book, especially one that shared my darkest times, scared the heck out of me. As a coach, my mission is to empower and support people through personal and business transformations, and sharing my story and lessons learned did that. How could I say no?

I knew I needed help. I was referred to a creative content editor who agreed to coach me through the  process. Game on! I was going to write a book. I’ve been a coach for ten years and I’ve worked with my own coaches for the same. I’ve done a lot of personal development and I can tell you by far, writing this book was the most intense personal growth I’ve ever experienced. I went back in time, sharing experiences I’d just assume forget. Getting back into the victim role I lived in for the first three decades of my life wreaked havoc in my present life. But I didn’t want to just share words, I wanted the reader to experience what I felt. I shared the three belief systems that kept me in the victim mindset, unwilling to accept responsibility for what wasn’t right in life. I talked about superpowers, how some are supportive, and others hold us back. Finally I shared an event that changed my life forever.

In 2004, seven days after delivering my son, I was told by doctors to make final preparations. I was in liver and kidney failure and they weren’t sure I’d make it through the night. To live this once was horrible. To live it again in such detail through the writing process was brutal. It was also a gift. It was a reminder to me how powerful I am. After being told I’d likely not make it through the night, I experienced a deep, gut wrenching regret I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Luckily, I also experienced a wake-up call that pushed me to fight for my life.

As difficult as it was to relive the hard times, writing the book allowed me to experience again, the process that saved my life and empowered me to become the positive and successful woman I am today. As I shared The 2x4 Effect, the five steps I took to save my life, I became rejuvenated and even more excited about my future than I was before. I realized why so many had recommended I write this book. They were right! I’d experienced a personal transformation after my life changing event and had been helping others do the same. It was strange and quite cool to learn from myself as I wrote Why Not Now. It’s even more amazing to know I will touch so many more lives with this book than I would without it. Final thought: You never know what you can accomplish until you really commit.

*****************************

What a powerful story! Thank you for sharing with us! :) 

*****************************

More about the author: 

Lauren Holder  is a certified Life Coach, practitioner of Neuro-Linguistics Programming, and a member of the International Coach Federation. Through personal and group coaching, workshops, and public speaking, Lauren has inspired and led thousands of people through life-changing transformations. She has coached CEOs, small business owners, teams, and individuals with impressive results, including increased revenue, better team efficiency, improved work/life balance, and the creation of new businesses. 

www.LaurenHolder.com

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Not-Now-Success-Happiness/dp/0998879002

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Coach.with.Lauren/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FocusNowCoach

Happy Reading!

#ReadingBingo June 19-26

Hi Everyone!

So I am a few days behind in posting this one, but I wanted to let you know about an event hosted by Kristina Horner that is happening now.

It goes until the 26th!

Hope you will join!

 

Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday: Dawn and the Impossible 3

Hi Everyone!

Stopping by to let you know about a book I am Waiting on Wednesday for! This one made me stop just because it was awesome as a child and I have loved the other graphic novels!

Dawn and the Impossible 3
Release date: September 26, 2017
Author:  Ann M. Martin/Gale Galligan


Author:
 
Summary from Goodreads:
Dawn Schafer is the newest member of The Baby-sitters Club. While she's still adjusting to life in Stoneybrook after moving from sunny California, she's eager to accept her first big job. But taking care of the three Barrett kids would be too much for any baby-sitter. The house is always a mess, the kids are out of control, and Mrs. Barrett never does any of the things she promises. On top of all that, Dawn wants to fit in with the other members of the BSC, but she can't figure out how to get along with Kristy. Was joining The Baby-sitters Club a mistake?

A graphic novel adaptation of the original story


Happy Reading!

Top Ten Tuesday: Series I've Been Meaning To Start But Haven't

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are well! I am stopping by today with another Top Ten Tuesday. This week's topic is a about series that you have not started but would like to. I figured I would share a few recommendations that have appealed to me but I have not had a chance to get to reading them. :) 

Who doesn't love puppies? :)

A friend has recommended this one...

I am loving the Lara Jean series...so this one is high up there...

What series are you considering?


Happy Reading!

This is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn @ The Book Date. I learned about this meme from Lori at Palmer's Page Turners. Thank you for sharing this fun meme! 

What I Just Finished Reading

Loved this book!! :) 

What I'm Currently Reading

What I'm Reading Next

I have been in a bit of a mood reading phase, so I guess we will see!

Happy Reading!

Summer Bookish Bingo

Hi Everyone!

Just stopping by to let you know about the next round of bookish bingo. More details can be found here! Will you be participating?

Happy Reading!

It Started with Goodbye Review

Author: Christina June
 
Summary from Goodreads: 
Sixteen-year-old Tatum Elsea is bracing for the worst summer of her life. After being falsely accused of a crime, she’s stuck under stepmother-imposed house arrest and her BFF’s gone ghost. Tatum fills her newfound free time with community service by day and working at her covert graphic design business at night (which includes trading emails with a cute cello-playing client). When Tatum discovers she’s not the only one in the house keeping secrets, she finds she has the chance to make amends with her family and friends. Equipped with a new perspective, and assisted by her feisty step-abuela-slash-fairy-godmother, Tatum is ready to start fresh and maybe even get her happy ending along the way.

Personal Review:

You guys I loved this book! If you are looking for a great read for the summer, I highly recommend picking up this book. It is a cute story with a romance that makes my heart happy. I enjoyed the book all the way through.

This book was exactly what I needed to get focused on reading again. I have been in a bit of slump lately and this book made me feel good. I am glad that I had a chance to pick this up. Plus the author is local to where I live, so that is pretty darn awesome as well.

No more review-GO GET THIS BOOK, READ AND ENJOY! :)
 
Happy Reading!

Spring Bingo Wrap Up

Hi Everyone!

Just stopping by quick to share my bingo card from the Spring event. I almost finished half of it, so I am pretty happy with my progress! Did you participate? How did you do?

Happy Reading!

Mid Year Check In

Hi Everyone!

Happy June 15! It is nearly the middle of the year and I wanted to do a quick check in post to see how everyone is doing on their annual reading goals? 

If I am being honest, I am not reading as much as I have previously! That is okay though, I am trying to more substantive reviews and to read the books that I own. I have also benefited from letting some of the books I own go. If I am not going to read them, why keep them?

How has your reading been going this year? Let me know! 

 

Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday: Someone Inside Your House

Hi Everyone!

Stopping by to let you know about a book I am Waiting on Wednesday for! This one made me stop just by the allure of the author. When I read her other books, I really enjoyed them!

There's Someone Inside Your House
Release date: September 26, 2017
Author:  Stephanie Perkins

Summary from Goodreads: 
Scream meets YA in this hotly-anticipated new novel from the bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss.

One-by-one, the students of Osborne High are dying in a series of gruesome murders, each with increasing and grotesque flair. As the terror grows closer and the hunt intensifies for the killer, the dark secrets among them must finally be confronted.

International bestselling author Stephanie Perkins returns with a fresh take on the classic teen slasher story that’s fun, quick-witted, and completely impossible to put down.
 
Happy Reading!

Top Ten Tuesday: Fathers Day Recommendations

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are well! I am stopping by today with another Top Ten Tuesday. This week's topic is a freebie about books for Dad's. I figured I would share a few recommendations that I think that the Dad's/men in your life may enjoy :)

Happy Reading!

Bookmark Monday: Kuiper

Hi Everyone!

Just stopping today with a the new book meme that I learned about recently:  Bookmark Monday! This is hosted by: Guiltless Reading.

Here is what you do:
Do you have a bookmark you want to share? Just take a photo and link up in the linky!

Sounds pretty easy right?

I am excited to share with you this bookmark that I just think is really cute :)


Happy Reading!

Guest Post: Kate O' Keefe

Hi Everyone!

I am excited to be here today to bring you another guest post. Please help me with welcoming Kate to the blog!

************************

What inspired me to write this book? Well, there are a few reasons:

I’ve been lucky enough to have a great group of friends in my life. We’ve had our ups and we’ve had our downs, but we know when the chips are down, we’ll have each others’ back, no question. I wanted to write a series of books about such a group of friends and I loved the idea of them getting together and making a pact to find The One. Although I never did such a thing, I did get to the point where I was sick of dating and just wanted to get on with finding him (which I did, although I didn’t realize at the time he was someone I already knew!). So, I guess in some ways, Cassie’s story in One Last First Date is my story—only without the pact and the embarrassing date faux pas, thank goodness!

I’m a self-confessed rom com lover. I adore the way you get to go on a journey with the heroine, hoping she’ll will find her knight in shining armor, maybe even wanting to scream at her if she’s with the wrong guy or making bad decisions. And it’s always with humor, got to have the humor. I wanted to write a story that made readers go on that journey, to feel all warm inside while they read it. I wanted to write a story filled with fun and laughter, some cringe moments, and maybe even a tear or two. In short, I wanted to write the kind of story I love to read.

When I came up with the idea of a friends’ pact, I just knew it could make a fantastic series, following each friend as she works out what she needs to get to her happily ever after. One Last First Date is Cassie’s story and is the first book in that series. The next book is Paige’s story, entitled Two Last First Dates (can you see where this is going?), the third book is Marissa’s story, entitled (you guessed it) Three Last First Dates, and lucky last will be Bailey’s story, A Final Last First Date (ha! Fooled you!). The friends’ stories are interwoven through each book, through life’s trials and tribulations, career choices, and, of course, finding The One. I hope readers will love the series as much as I did writing it! 

**************

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! :) 

 
Happy Reading!

One Last First Date Promotion

Title: One Last First Date Series: Cozy Cottage Cafe Series Author: Kate O’Keeffe Release Date: June 1st, 2017 Tour Dates: June 11th – 16th, 2017 Genre: Chick Lit

 
Cassie Dunhill is sick of dating. It’s been ten years and it’s time, time to find The One. It’s either that or buy a fetching habit and veil and abandon the whole thing. But Cassie believes in love, and she’s not ready to give up yet. Cassie and her best friends make a pact that the next date they go on will be their One Last First Date. The pressure is on to find Mr. Right, and Cassie’s the first to find him: Parker Hamilton. He’s good-looking, smart, cultured—and a doctor. Despite his obvious credentials, Cassie’s not taking any chances. She’s vetted Parker so thoroughly she could offer some pointers to the CIA. He passes with flying colors. Things get complicated when Will Jordan, her irritating work colleague, muscles in on her dream job and her love life. Will is a typical guy, complete with nicknames for everyone, even Cassie. His good looks and relaxed and easy nature can be distracting. But Cassie can do without that kind of distraction right now, no matter how good Will looks with his shirt off. In the end, is there only One Last First Date? Order your copy! AmazonUS | AmazonUK | AmazonAU | AmazonCA

The End!

Check in time! This challenge has come to an end. 

How has your reading gone?

Made any progress on the challenges? 

Let me know in the comments below! 

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Goodbye Days

Author: Jeff Zentner
 
Summary from Publisher: 
“Gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately life-affirming.” —Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything.

Perfect for fans of Thirteen Reasons Why, Looking for Alaska, and Zentner’s own The Serpent King, one of the most highly acclaimed YA novels of 2016, Goodbye Days asks what you would do if you could spend one last day with someone you lost.

Where are you guys? Text me back. That’s the last message Carver Briggs will ever send his three best friends, Mars, Eli, and Blake. He never thought that it would lead to their death.

Now Carver can’t stop blaming himself for the accident and even worse, a powerful judge is pressuring the district attorney to open up a criminal investigation.

Luckily, Carver has some unexpected allies: Eli’s girlfriend, the only person to stand by him at school; Dr. Mendez, his new therapist; and Blake’s grandmother, who asks Carver to spend a “goodbye day” together to share their memories and say a proper farewell.

Soon the other families are asking for their own goodbye day with Carver—but he’s unsure of their motives. Will they all be able to make peace with their losses, or will these goodbye days bring Carver one step closer to a complete breakdown or—even worse—prison?

“Jeff Zentner, you perfectly fill the John-Green-sized hole in our heart.”

“Evocative, heartbreaking, and beautifully written.” —Buzzfeed

“Masterful.” —TeenVogue.com

“Hold on to your heart: this book will wreck you, fix you, and most definitely change you.” —Becky Albertalli, Morris Award-winning author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Personal Review:
I was not sure what I thought about this book, but the way it was advertised made me interested in reading it. I enjoyed 13RW and also John Green, so I thought I would give it a chance. I am glad that I did. The book was an interesting read.

I enjoyed the plot most in this book. I know a number of other people who have read books by this author and really loved them. I liked the writing style and the way that the story unfolds. It kept you reading until the end.

The book generated a number of emotions in me. I had never really thought much about what it would be like to have a 'goodbye day' for someone you care about. The book was one that will stick with me for some time.
 
Disclaimer: I was awarded this book as part of the Blogging for Books. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Twenty Books of Summer Reading Challenge

Hi Everyone!

Stopping by to let you know about an awesome reading challenge from Amanda. This one is the read 20 books during the summer! Pretty straight forward. I think it sounds like a good challenge and I hope you will jump on board.
 

Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday: Meant To Be

Hi Everyone!

Stopping by to let you know about a book I am Waiting on Wednesday for! This one made me stop just by the allure of the cover. When I read the short synopsis, I knew I wanted it on my list!

Meant To Be
Release date: October 24, 2017
Author:  Julie Halpern

Summary from Goodreads: 
In a world where the names of MTBs—"meant to be" mates—appear on the body at age eighteen, a girl must decide whether to believe the phenomenon or follow her heart in this YA novel.

It started happening a few years ago: the names of MTBs—"meant to be" mates—appeared emblazoned on the skin at age eighteen. Agatha's best friend has embraced the phenomenon and is head over heels in love with her MTB. But Ag isn't so sure. As she searches the interwebs for her MTB (who has a common name, no less) she finds herself falling for a co-worker at the local amusement park. Is he a better match? What does Agatha really want in a mate, and moreover, what does she want for herself?

With her trademark wit and irreverence, acclaimed author Julie Halpern explores an age-old question: Who are we meant to be with? Readers won't be able to resist knowing the answer.
 
Happy Reading!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books about Real Life

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are well! I am stopping by today with another Top Ten Tuesday. This week's topic is about books that I have recently added to my TBR. These books are all about real life and I am really looking forward to reading them!

Have you read any of these? What did you think?

Happy Reading!