Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Enjoying this one so much that I'm rationing the final chapters, so as to extend much-needed laughing aloud moments!

Shellie's unique story-telling talent translates into her writing perfectly. So glad I've heard her voice; it seems to arrive on the page with the perfect inflection on each sentence. Also appreciating the collection of phrases and anecdotes. They are generating forgotten childhood memories, causing a desire to go back home and capture stories (time for a cousins' reunion?!) show more before it's too late.

And the best result - that old huge chip on my shoulder from being country-raised is melting down to a splinter...

The last time I laughed so much while reading about being Southern (and knew, or am related to, so many similar characters) was Florence King's "Southern Ladies and Gentlemen" (1970's) - still recommend it to those who don't 'get it'.

Shellie's books are on top of my favorites shelf, and will only move down when she publishes the next one. show less

"Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce Cookbook" is a truly readable cookbook. This cookbook is pure Southern and is a true treasure! It is full of stories that are absolutely entertaining and the way it is written, you can just hear the stories being told around the kitchen table while you are sipping a sweet tea. I have spent more time than I'll ever admit to looking for a recipe for dinner and then finding myself reading the cookbook. Oh, the stories! I will never, ever hear "This Little Light of show more Mine..." without thinking of the little Boy Angel Cullen. OH MY!!! I laughed so hard I had tears rolling!

This book is not only fun, but it has some mighty good recipes in it as well. One of the things I really love is not only is there an intro to the recipe, but many of them have comments in the instructions that make it feel like you are cooking with a friend or relative. For example, there was a comment of how the original recipe called for 1/2 cup of sugar, but the author's uncle made the recipe and forgot to add it in. The sugar was not missed, so from then on, it has been omitted when making it. Great to know - and love the omission since we really don't need all that sugar, right?

Sprinkled throughout the book are BELLE TIPs that are helpful and very useful hints, sayings and quotes and drop dead gorgeous photography. The recipes themselves are amazing - well of course they are, they are from a Southern Belle! I love Southern cooking and this book nails everything I love about it. Some of my favorite recipes are: Cajun Grits, Aunt Peggy's Chicken and Dumpling Casserole, Tomato Onion TART WITH Cornmeal Crust From Kitchen Belleicious, Brown Butter Maple Berry Skillet Cobbler From Kitchen Belleicious, and Aunt Debbie's French Market Doughnuts - just to name a few.

I had originally gotten an eBook of "Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce Cookbook" from NetGalley to review. When it comes to cookbooks, if I find I really like them I'll go out and buy the book. This is one that I loved - so I added the comb-bound book to my collection (mine is a little different than the photo as it has a white comb binding). This book is one that is used a lot and not only for the cooking, but for the stories. I've read more stories and even the recipes to my husband or daughter than I ever thought I would out of a book, let alone a cookbook.

What it all boils down to is, "Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce Cookbook" is a must for anyone who loves to cook Southern food, read cookbooks, loves great recipes or just wants a great all-around useful and entertaining book. I love it and highly, highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. show less

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.

The first thing that attracts me to this cookbook is the cover. The cover tells the reader a lot before they even open the book. Besides having a great design and color, it clearly says what kind of cuisine it contains. I have lived in the South my whole life, so I jump at the chance to read and try new Southern recipes. I also like the fact that the author is a “storytelling” cook. It is great to have stories to go show more with the recipes.

I love the structure of this cookbook. It is organized the way most cookbooks are which is by course, except the author adds a charming little back story to each section, as well as a paragraph before each recipe explaining the why, when, and how she uses it. It adds a nice personal touch to each recipe and the reader can really feel the love and attention that went into each one. Scattered throughout the book are more stories about Shellie and her adventures through life so far. It is clear from the first few pages that this is a true Southern lady who loves God, family, and friends.

Each recipe lists easy to find ingredients in the order they will be used. The instructions are appropriate for even the most novice cook. Shellie evens adds some shortcuts if cooks are in a hurry. Included with each recipe is a high quality color photograph of the finished product.

Although there are a few traditional Southern recipes in here, many of them Shellie has put her own twist to make them even more delicious. Her basic white sauce recipe is sure to become a regular in my kitchen. I would highly recommend this cookbook for the most seasoned Southern chef and also for those who are just beginning their journey through Southern cuisine. show less

This book is a very sweet tribute to the author's mother. But that does not make it a good book. This is the type of book one self-publishes for one's family, local church, or local history society...the people who actually know the author or her Mama.

The Mama stories and quotes are nothing new or startling. They're not even particularly humorous or southern. Honestly, I love southern lit but this doesn't even come close to doing the genre justice. Take "Southern" out of the title and see show more if you'd still be interested.

I imagine the author's website quotation contributors enjoy seeing their names in print. But the quotations are platitudes you've heard a million times before and truly are long past the point of attribution. Nothing new there.

This book is pale, insipid and boring. An extended high school theme paper on "why I love my mama." Laudable but not worth buying. Love the cover & title tho. show less