I love leaving reviews for my favorite cookbooks! The recipes Jane introduces are simple, as the book says, and easy to follow with some life story behind each one. In the first few pages Jane Green, new to America, is confused as to why when she asks people over for a meal they bring food! She says, " do they think I can't cook?" Wit like this and the wonderful photos through the book made it a 5 star for me. ( )

There is no doubt that Jane Green is a talented author. She has written numerous widely-popular novels including her latest, FALLING. But besides writing best-selling novels, Jane Green loves food. While leafing through the pages of her cookbook and salivating over the recipes and photos, you realize that she also loves the experience of making the food and sharing it with her family and friends.

Jane Green truly loves gathering with her friends and family and the best way to do that is through food. She takes great pleasure in making food and enjoying it with her friends and family, hosting parties, brunches, and intimate gatherings. She is good at it and you can tell by reading the pages of her book.

Green begins with recipes for the "Beginnings..." including soups, breads, and appetizers, The "Middles...." remind me of the best of comfort foods with a flair towards Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. Dishes like Asian Orange Chicken, Maple Pork Chops, and Shephard's Pie are all on my list to try.

Finally, she closes out the book with the "Endings..." that will fix that sugar craving. Warm Chocolate and Banana Cake, as well as, the Lemon and Almond Cake Tart have made my mouth water just looking at the photos. Actually, I should mention the photos because they are gorgeous. There are photos of her lavish home, photos of every recipe, and pictures of Jane cooking in her kitchen or setting up for a party. There is no doubt that she loves cooking and entertaining and this book embodies that. ( )

What I enjoy the most about cook books are all of the yummy recipes. Reading about them makes my mouth water. Yet, what I dislike about cook books are when the recipes are complex or seem to cater more to the higher end people who can afford items like duck, quail, etc. This was not the case with this book. I enjoyed that the recipes had a limited list of ingredients without being over complicate or featured items that I had no heard of or would have to make a special trip to a certain store to pick up the items. In fact, you may already have a lot of the items on hand.

Not, only did I enjoy finding new recipes to try out but also learning about Jane. It felt like she was having a casual conversation with me as she was cooking or baking the recipes in her kitchen for me to try out. Recently, I have been looking for soup recipes to try. There are 3 that I am very excited to make: Sweet Corn and Chili Soup, Cauliflower and Parmigiano Soup with Truffle Oil, and Zucchini Soup. Of course there is also the Salmon Parcels with Watercress, Arugula and Cream Cheese, Kedgeree (a Victorian breakfast dish), Slow-Braised Onion Chicken, Wild Mushroom Polenta, and for dessert: Lemon and Almond Cake Tart, Almost Flourless Orange Cake with Marmalade Glaze, and Gluten-free Coconut and Chocolate Macaroons.

Whether you are an experienced chef or a home cook, you will enjoy this cook book. ( )