This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Food, Sex, Wine and Cigars: A Memoir by Lisa Stalvey spans the first twelve years of the author's career as a professional chef. Caught in a superficial world and battling with anorexia, the memoir shows the transformation of a young girl to an independent and strong woman. The book speaks about how our attitudes are very important and all the difference is made by how we perceive life. The author's rise after losing three middle fingers of one hand in an accident with a food processor, her determination to heal herself mentally and emotionally, and her spiritual journey will keep readers engrossed.
I found the author's story inspirational and uplifting. It motivates readers to rise above their setbacks and problems and make positive changes in their lives. The memoir is about growing up, dealing with insecurities, falling into a negative pattern of behavior, addictions and much more which tend to change one's life into that of an unhealthy one. It also ends on a positive note on how faith, belief and mental strength can help anyone to change. The pictures shared by the author help readers connect on a more personal level. The author also shares some good recipes in this memoir. Her connection with celebrities and experiencing life using sex, wine and cigars more than anyone of her age, and finally moving out of the dark place into the light, are all discussed in the memoir in detail, making it engaging and entertaining.
