Scars of a Chef by Rick Tramonto

An interesting kind of novel…

Although I liked this book there was something different about it. Something that made me want to read but I still would stop to think “What is so interesting about this book?”

I am not a Chef nor do I plan to become one. But this book was about more the Rick Tramonto’s life as a Chef. It was about how he became a Chef.

Then I found out what the odd thing about his book was. It was written from Tramonto’s perspective, as if he were talking to you in person about his life. Almost like one of those movies where in the end you find out the story and plot was just being told by the main character, but he really did go through all that amazing and life threatening stuff.

It almost seemed like a fiction novel.

Rick Tramonto has been through struggles and upsets, but that never held him down.

Scars of a Chef is a book for you if you like upsets and miracles, cries and laughter, love and stress, or watching GOD work His Glory.

This book even has recipes, so if you like cooking you will love this book.

“A true testament to Rick’s love of the kitchen and determination to succeed.”  ---

 Emeril Lagasse.

“…Rick’s amazing true story will appeal not to just cooking enthusiasts, but to anyone facing tough times and dreaming of something more.”--- Scars of a Chef

“Scars of a Chef is a page turner--- not just because it details Rick Tramonto’s troubling times or glamorous moments but because of the deep honesty with which Rick shares all of his life with us. “…As we see him rebound and triumph even as his life takes new turns, we, too, find hope to dream new dreams.” Michael Lomonaco Executive chef/partner, Porter House New York

This is truly an amazing book!

 

 

Reviewed by Savvy Scholars co- owner Olivia

Nintey Days of God's Goodness

Randy Alcorn is a Best- Selling author for a reason.

I truly found this book to be encouraging when in a struggle.

I am not big into Devotionals but I loved this book. First, the setup was something I enjoyed, going into a message that had some kind of charisma to it…something that made you want to read. And that thing was the Word of God. Alcorn started his chapters with Bible verses that supported the chapter. Then a story, either from his life or on someone else’s, for a real life reference on the subject. They will either make you sad or put a smile to your face. Either way… he explained it nicely. Plus a little prayer like paragraph at the end of each chapter.

I looked forward every day to read this book, even when you are not reading the message stays with you, like a little reminder not to worry. You can not forget the Bible verses he puts into perspective as you read them and through out the book.

I am 13 years old and I understood this book perfectly. It is very will written, but not hard to understand. I would tell anyone, whether they are in a struggle or not, to read this book.

God says life will not be easy, He says it WILL BE HARD because He was hated here on Earth, and so you also will be hated on Earth. John 16:33 says “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace, in this world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

God will never forsake thee and He is always with you.

I liked the encouragement 90 Days of God's Goodness offered even through promised pain.

This is soo cute!

Worthy Is The Lamb

 REVELATION 5:1 - 14

"1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and read the book, neither to look thereon.
5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of GOD sent forth into all the earth.
7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to GOD by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation:
10And hast made us unto our GOD kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angles round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever."

REVELATION 5: 1 - 14

Now you can stop saying Elephents are big and dumb. (; 

A Conversation with God

A Conversation With GOD is not something I would recommend to anyone.

Although some of the points and ‘Conversations’ are some what correct I did not like that the intention was to sound like GOD was talking to me. Not because I thought I was too good for this book but because it made GOD seem not as High and not as Mighty. Almost as if He were a man speaking and not your Heavenly Father that is All Knowing and Powerful.

It also had commentaries from Paul, Peter, Joshua, Jeremiah and Jesus (and a few more) which I thought was disrespectful to GOD. Paul and GOD are not equals. Jesus and Peter are not equals. Peter and Paul are terrible sinners just like you and me. Jesus is GOD the two different commentaries are unnecessary. Jesus the Son, God the Father, and The Holy Ghost are the Trinity. They are three in one.

          

One topic was “God, is Jesus really your Son?” when I saw this question I really stopped  and thought “You can not be saved unless you know: Jesus, God’s Son, died for me on the cross and ALL the things in the bible are true because GOD said they were true and there is no way without The Word Of GOD (John 1:1).” And since that is the case then you would know Jesus is God’s Son. Before you are saved there is a barrier between you and GOD and that barrier is sin you can not rightly understand the bible until your sin is gone.

Another topic in this book was “What will happen to people who don’t believe?” well in a simple answer… John 3:16. “…and whosoever shall believeth in him shall NOT perish but have everlasting life.” So if you do not believe in Jesus you will perish, and in the bible perish means perish to Hell because you are in sin, you can not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus you go to where Satan is; Hell.

And the last topic I will discuss is “Why should we pray?” for an unsaved person I can see why this is a question but for a Christian-- reading their bible-- the answer is every where. Besides the fact GOD said “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching there unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:18. There should not be the question "Why" but maybe "When" and in those verses it tells you.

I also did not like the points this book made about Abortion, GOD said even an unborn baby is still a baby, (that might be why they say “unborn BABY” but then again…) killing is more then a choice.

Homosexuality, in the bible He calls them Abominations so yes, in their wicked ways He does hate them.

Political roles, Heaven, Hell, and suffering are some of the other things talked about.

And again I did not like the book trying to sound like GOD himself was talking to you; the Bible is here for that. It is a little insulting to GOD. Revelation 1:13 - 16, 10:1 - 3, 1 John 1:8 - 10


                                          

                                   By Olivia, 
                      Savvy Scholars co-owner

Book Review: Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black, the sixth and final book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series.

                                                                               

A knight left for dead, a country on the verge of ruin, and an evil lord rising to conquer.

"Sir Rowan is the most decorated tournament knight in Cameria, but when he is attacked and left for dead, his world collapses. Betrayed and lingering at death’s door, only a bizarre vision of his Prince and the help of a woman dedicated to the King keeps him alive. As Rowan heals, he finds new purpose in life through service to his King.

But his beloved land of Cameria has fallen victim to the tyranny of the Dark Knight.

Rowan’s countrymen need his help taking their cities back from the enemy, but all is not as it appears. The mysterious Sir Lijah insists Rowan’s purpose lies elsewhere—far away from Cameria, in an ancient city and for an ancient cause.

Rowan’s destiny is greater than he ever imagined. The final battle with the Dark Knight approaches, and he must choose where he will fight. Will he discover his true identity and purpose as a Knight of the Prince, or will the Dark Knight claim victory for eternity?"

- Book description

Review by Gabe. (Sorry about the double-review. This is my first official post on here and it's a double review...oops!)

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is the last book in the The Knights of Arrethtrae series, and being the last book, I expected it to end in a bit more of a “bang”.

The story has good morals and teachings straight from the Bible. Throughout the book (and the series) it’s clear that the author intends to point readers to Christ. All of the “good” characters serve the King and his Son the Prince, referencing God and Jesus. The main character, Sir Rowan, gets caught up in his own pride when he becomes the most famous knight in all of Cameria, and is so enraptured with himself that he no longer burns with a passion to serve the King and the Prince. Eventually (after being kidnapped and held hostage by thugs) he realizes that amassing earthly possessions and having fame no longer matters; what truly matters is serving the King (Christ). 

But while the book is wholesome, I felt as if the book, being the last in a six part series, should have been a bit longer in order to wrap up untied strings and unanswered questions from the previous books (not to mention the fact that there were far too many intrusive time skips almost every two chapters, ranging from a couple of hours to months and years).  In addition, I found the characters to be dry and dull – and sometimes quite irritating in their "perfect" behavior. It felt as if they were blandly reading off of a set script. 

Chuck Black does an excellent job describing the characters descriptively showing their emotions and recounting their actions.  His battle scenes however lack action and energy.  I felt this was a weakness in the text. I would love to see him write a novel in the fantasy genre as I think he would be great in that arena.  

Regrettably, the book left no lasting impression.  I loved the concept of the likenesses of the king and the son as types of God and Jesus.  I would have liked for a battle and kingdom book to include more action and adventure and I would have preferred having more multi-dimensional and dynamic characters.