The first thing that caught my eye was the author’s name. I knew it from her Celebration cookbook, where I had tried several recipes. I was excited to find gluten-free, dairy-free recipes that were yummy. Likewise, I was thrilled that the author included six fan-favorite recipes and the stories behind them in this book. Not only that, but I loved how the author shared about her life before she was diagnosed with an extreme form of ulcerative colitis at age 22. I relished hearing about how she met her husband and how they eventually got married.

After Danielle was diagnosed, she learned she had to eat differently, to manage her illness, this motivated her to re-create family favorite recipes that her whole family could eat and enjoy. At that time there weren’t many gluten-free, dairy free books out, so she decided to create her own. She studied Alton Brown books and other chefs that got into the science of how to make the foods she loved. At the encouragement of her husband, Danielle started a blog, putting recipes she created out there. After a while, people began to find her blog. She created a chocolate chip cookie and an amazing bread recipe people loved. Her followers were looking for recipes that tasted good, in hopes that their non-affected family members would enjoy eating them. Danielle hoped that her family would love these recipes as much as she did. Her followers’ responses inspired Danielle to keep creating and taste testing recipes on family and friends. Until one day a reader asked if she ever thought about writing a cookbook. No, she hadn’t, but she was getting a great response from her blog and FB followers. Danielle also took pictures of the recipes she made for her blog. She agreed to get the recipes and photos together for the cookbook. Her first cookbook was titled Against all grain (which is also the name of her blog)

I’m encouraged by the author’s dedication and transparency as Danielle shared the nitty and gritty of battling this disease, while raising a family, be a good wife and run a blog and write cookbooks. It was hard, she had major setbacks, dealt with loss and kept going. I liked that at the end of the book, there is an interview with the author talking about how to start walking the road towards wellness. Everyone is different, no one has exactly the same dietary needs. But the author leaves the reader with hope, a plan and encouragement to take the first step. Danielle’s husband talks about being a caregiver, how it’s important to take care of yourself, so you can care for your loved one. He goes over a list of things to be aware of and how to be encouraged in the situation. When I closed the book, I couldn’t stop thinking about Danielle and her journey. She and her husband are encouragers. Her story will be an inspiration to many!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )