The Magic Warble Review and My Pink Fairy Cupcakes

Over the past year I have been given the opportunity to review many cookbooks. It's something that I truly enjoy. Books of all kinds are a major part of my life. In my library you will find hundreds of books in a vast variety of topics. And throughout the house you will find more tucked everywhere. I'm happy to say it's a passion that Pap and I passed on to our daughter.

Recently, I received an email from a writer asking if I would review her book The Magic Warble. Surprisingly, it was not a cookbook but a novel for children 9-12. Immediately, I was touched that she asked for my opinion. I can only imagine the trepidation an author must feel when they ask a total stranger to review their book, their pride and joy. Let's face it, it's a cruel world and not everyone is going to bestow flattering compliments.

So, I emailed her back and made it clear that this was a first for me. I told her that cookbooks were my thing but I would gladly read her book. I'm so happy I did! It's an enchanting tale of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and an evil queen.

The Magic Warble is the perfect story of friendship and adventure. Immediately you are drawn into the life of Kristina Kingsly, a twelve-year-old, that feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself magically transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals and the evil Queen Sentiz.

In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she's honored as ''the chosen one'', the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz's control. But it s not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous ''Magic Warble,'' in its final resting place. And she must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen s ''zelbocks'' before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, as well as an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.

If you have age appropriate children or grandchildren then The Magic Warble will make a wonderful gift. If you want to win a copy of this book, leave comment on this post. Also go to Victoria's blog and leave a comment, like her on Face Book and follower her on Twitter. You have until midnight on September 9th.

Her blog www.victoriasimcox.blogspot.com,

The Magic Warble on FB http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=577159739#%21/pages/The-Magic-Warble/118277634882514

Victoria Simcox on Twitter. http://twitter.com/VictoriaSimcox

Pink Fairy Cupcakes

These cupcakes deliver an unexpected, flavorful burst of Stokes Purple Sweet Potato Butter, that fills the inside of the Fluffy White Fairy Cupcakes. With the squiggled piped whipped cream frosting looking oh so delicate. And with just a hint of the sweet potato butter blended in to give the frosting just a wisp of color, creating a magical and visual treat suitable for any Fairy Princess.

If you are unable to find the Stokes Purple Sweet Potato Butter at any of your local specialty shops or grocery store, then check their website for where to purchase. I bought mine from Whole Foods. http://www.stokespurple.com/

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
4 3/4 cups cake flour, sifted, plus additional for dusting pans
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups sugar
9 large egg whites

Directions:
1. Arrange oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tins with paper liners.

2. In large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In small bowl, combine milk and vanilla.

3. In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugar on moderate speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Add 1/2 of flour mixture and beat until just combined. Add milk mixture and beat until just combined. Add remaining flour mixture and beat until just combined, then raise speed to moderately high and beat 10 seconds. Transfer to large bowl.

4. In clean bowl of electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites until they hold stiff peaks.

5. Fold 1/3 of egg whites into batter to lighten. Gently fold in remaining 2/3 of egg whites until just incorporated. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full.

6. Bake until tops are springy to touch and testers come out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool cupcakes in pans on racks 30 minutes.

Ingredients for Whipped Cream Frosting:
1 pint heavy cream
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions for Whipped Cream Frosting:
Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add confectioners' sugar and whip until stiff peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.

About the Author of The Magic Warble:
Victoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now resides in Western Washington with her husband and 3 children. Her other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy and 2 cats, named Frodo and Fritz. For the past 12 years, she has home-schooled her children. Besides being an author, Victoria is also an elementary school art teacher. Victoria enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking, good movies, and hanging out with her family and friends.