Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell {Book Review}

This book was provided for me at no cost by Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and personal review.

After touring Europe, Lucy Kendall returns home with dreams of reviving her father’s candy making business. Armed with boxes of candy she sampled abroad, she longs to find that perfect combination that will have everyone running for the next piece – and show the nearby rival candy company a thing or two. Her mother is determined to sell the company, so Lucy has little time to produce a winning confectionary treat.

Believing the family secrets were wrongly stolen from her father’s company is still a sore spot with Lucy. When the rival company brings in a new manager, Charlie Clarke, Lucy is continually butting heads with him.

Charlie is trying to start over again, and the opportunity to connect with his father, the owner of a candy company, seems to be perfect timing. He longs to prove himself to his father, but that means undermining another candy company – and in the process a girl he is beginning to care about. Will both companies be able to survive the candy war? Will their relationship even have a chance to grow, or will the battle to be the best stretch both of them beyond what they can handle?

My Thoughts on Unrivaled

I love how a story can make you think about how companies functioned so long ago and the rivalry that existed {and still does} so long ago! Recipes under lock and key. Company espionage - the glimpses into life many years ago is so much fun.

Mitchell does a wonderful job in Unrivaled detailing the historical period and creating vivid scenes in the reader’s mind. From parties to the candy making process, the working conditions of the time and even the store-front windows that were such an integral part of advertising during this time period – all combine to create a story that will take you on a bit of a history trip while you relax and read.

While this wasn’t one of my favorite books by Siri Mitchell, it was definitely an enjoyable read. The hardest thing for me with her books in the point of view from which the stories are told – first person narrative. Because there are two main characters, the story is constantly switching between voices, which for me makes it a little more difficult to follow. This time the two main characters are male and female, so it was a little bit easier {grins}, but just takes my brain a little more getting used to. 

Find Out More

Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell can be purchased through Amazon and is available in paperback or Kindle.

 

I Heart Keenwah ~ or Quinoa

I received a small sample of the Ginger and Peanut snack from I Heart Keenwah in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

Do you spell it keenwah ~ or quinoa? No matter how you spell it, quinoa is one of my new favorite healthy foods. Although my basic quinoa recipe repertoire is sadly lacking in creativity, there are two ways that I typically like to eat my quinoa.

 

For breakfast I love quinoa with a little cinnamon, vanilla, and some craisins or raisins added in. For lunch {warm or cold} with some fresh basil, feta cheese and some chopped tomatoes and cucumbers.

 

This last week I tried a new fun {and nutritious} snack from I Heart Keenwah, a crunchy and sweet treat made with ginger and peanuts. It’s a little spicy and a little sweet all rolled into.

 

The small bite-sized squares are a great afternoon treat when you need a pick-me-up. Although I tried the Ginger Peanut, there are several other flavors available: almond, cranberry cashew, and chocolate sea salt. While I enjoyed the crunchy ginger and peanut bites, I am very certain I will enjoy the other flavors as well {grins}.

ingredient list: organic quinoa (whole grain quinoa, quinoa flakes, quinoa crisps), peanuts, tapioca syrup, raw sugar, crystallized ginger (ginger, cane sugar), honey, almond oil, baking soda, salt

 

The snack-sized bags from I Heart Keenwah can be purchased directly through their website. Order in quantities of twelve and shipping is free!

 

Do You Heart Keenwah?

 

I would love it if you would share your favorite way to enjoy quinoa!! Leave a comment and let me know!