Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish  is a past/present story including recipes and the history of bread mixed in throughout. Liesl McNamara likes her simple life running the Wild Rise bake house. The art of bread making was something she was introduced to early on, and Liesl has spent her life consuming everything there is to know and learn about her art.

But when Liesl’s simple life is turned on its head, she begins to lose her balance. From her flour delivery man and his daughter etching their way into her heart, to preparing to be on a television bake-off show, the uncomfortable and unfamiliar seem to be waiting around every corner. Will Liesl win the contest and travel to France like she’s always dreamed? Will she learn to welcome the constant changes in her life, or will she continue to hide behind her work, never opening up to the plans her Creator has for her?

What I liked…

Stones for Bread is different from any book I’ve ever read. I agreed to review it because my husband is a baker, and I thought it would be fun to learn more about bread making as an art form. I was fascinated by the 11 artisan bread recipes included in the book. They are so detailed and take so much time. I love trying new recipes and would love to try the ones in Stones for Bread because they all sound so delicious. I appreciate food more when it takes longer to prepare. I will have to plan a day when I have time to try one. Reading the recipes alone put a little bit of awe in me for those who make bread from scratch on a regular basis.

The history of bread was another unique addition to the book. I didn’t expect it and appreciated the way scripture was weaved throughout the story as well. Christa provides the history of bread making in different cultures at different times throughout history. The lessons were ones that pleasantly surprised me.

The story line of Stones for Bread was well written and entertaining. It took me some time to get into it since there is a back and forth pattern among the history, recipes, and Liesl’s past and present. Once I became used to it, however, the story flowed nicely. I enjoyed seeing Liesl’s character open up to those around her bit by bit. Christa’s descriptions, particularly of anything to do with bread, were poetic and sense awakening. I could smell the bread, feel its spongy texture on my tongue. I am curious, though. Either the author knows everything about bread or she spent time doing her research. Either way, hats off to Christa Parrish  for producing a fine novel/cookbook. Writing in this new style was a risk but she pulled it off.

Recommendation…

I recommend Stones for Bread to anyone who appreciates history, loves to bake, or simply enjoys a good inspirational love/ coming-of-age story.

About the author…

Christa Parrish is the award-winning author of three novels, including the 2009 ECPA Fiction Book of the Year “Watch Over Me.” When she’s not writing, she’s a homeschool mother of three wonderful children. Married to author and pastor Chris Coppernoll, Christa serves with him as co-leader of their church’s youth ministry as well as serving as a facilitator for a divorce recovery ministry. She is now also slightly obsessed with the art of baking bread.

*Author bio provided by LitFuse Publicity

You can learn more about Christa Parrish  by visiting her website at www.christaparrish.com or by connecting with her on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter.

What is your favorite bread recipe? I love all kinds, but I love to make banana bread! I love hearing from you, too! Until then, happy reading (and eating)!

Yours in Messiah Yehsua,

S

Stones for Bread KitchenAid Mixer Giveaway from Christa Parrish! Pin It & Win It!

Christa Parrish is celebrating her fourth novel, Stones for Bread, with a KitchenAid Mixer giveaway.

 

Easy steps to enter:

1. Follow Christa Parrish and TNZ Fiction on Pinterest.

2. Then Pin the Stones for Bread book cover (below), the contest graphic (above), or both, and link to this post (using this URL: #StonesforBread KitchenAid Mixer Contest #ChristaParrish http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/stones-for-bread-by-christa-parrish).

3. Then fill out THIS SHORT FORM to let us know. (There are also some additional ways to earn extra entries, as well as an option for non-Pinterest users. It’s true—people like that do exist!)

Questions? Email info @ litfusegroup dot com.

Winner will be announced on 12/9 on Christa’s Facebook Page.

 

Disclosure:

I received a copy of Stones for Bread to review from LitFuse Publicity. I was not asked to write a positive review. All views and opinions are solely and completely my own. I received no compensation other than a print copy of the book featured in this post, which is mine to keep or gift as I so choose. To learn more, please read my full policy.

Copyright © 2013 SaraElla.com