
Member Reviews

Love It!!! Although the récipes are (for me) quite familiar, the book also offers historical insight and a list of romance reads to enjoy along with your food.
The book is really nice, beautiful pictures and illustrations. It would make a pretty table book or an amazing gift for a romance lover.

This is an incredible themed cookbook!! Wow! This cookbook is divided into time periods, eras, and locations (Wild West, Hawaii, Victorian, Regency, etc., and even Steampunk) and then the recipes for each time period is divided into meals (tea, breakfast, luau, western BBQ, a dinner party, to name a few). The concept of this cookbook is founded on the publisher's Proper Romance series, which range beginning in the Victorian era through the Pioneer/Wild West era. There's an introduction to each era and then an index of which meals will be included for that era. Then each meal is introduced with a stunning photo spread of that meal from that covered era. There are some accompanying photos for each recipe but, unfortunately, not every single recipe. Some recipes are included in the main photo spread, and some (though only a few) I just didn't see a photo for at all. Each recipe has easy-to-follow instructions, easy-to-find ingredients (at most large, well-stocked grocery stores), and some notes or variations for each recipe (however, the notes were included at the very, very bottom of the page for the accompanying recipe and I actually lost them a little bit when there was a lot of white space on the page and wish they were instead located at the very end of the recipe with the variations instead of separately). Each meal includes everything from appetizers to a main course to beverages to sides and salads, although those that are included vary for each time period and each meal. Throughout the book there is also background information, fun facts, games for that time period, and other fun tidbits for the accompaying era the recipes are focusing on, as well as quotes from the Proper Romance books which take place in that same time period (including a few new books which are slated to be published later this year). Some of the quotes even relate directly to the recipe they're included with (for example, if cheese is mentioned in the quote and it's also in the recipe, ha ha). This is a very beautifully laid-out, well-designed cookbook. The recipes seem simple, not overly basic or overused from other cookbooks (which are both complaints I've had about some recent cookbooks I've been excited for) and also not crazy advanced, meaning the every-day cook/baker should easily be able to make them without feeling overwhelmed and, as mentioned, with easy-to-find ingredients. As I've seen that there have been local (Utah/Idaho) Regency events (though I have never attended one), I could picture some of these games and teas and treats being served at these "re-enactment" events. This would be a great Book Club cookbook to use for an event focusing on one of the books from the Proper Romance series or a Jane Austen or other period author! I definitely will be purchasing a physical copy of this book for myself and would love to make a lot of the dishes for myself at home!! For a first cookbook, this author impressed me with the layout, design, photos, and included recipes. Even the index is categorized very well, by not only ingredients and recipe name but also including the time periods/eras and the facts, games, etc. Bravo, Shadow Mountain and Michelle Wright!! Bravo!!

This has great recipes, pictures, and illustrations. I really love this and will definitely be making some of these recipes in the future.

"Whisk Me Away" is a cookbook based on an interesting premise: it promises recipes inspired by Proper Romances by the same publisher. I'm a fan of Shadow Publishing romances, and a keen amateur cook and baker, so I couldn't wait to leaf through this cookbook. Funnily enough, the first-ever novel that Shadow Mountain Publishing published back in 2012, Edenbrook, was the first modern Regency romance I read and what got me hooked to this genre. I have since read hundreds of Regency romances!
Historic trivia and fun facts about food traditions make this cookbook even more interesting. What's original is that the cookbook is peppered with historical timelines, etchings of historical dresses, lists of notable novels published during a specific era, card games, etc. It's a little unusual for a cookbook, but it does work — it makes the reader want to read the whole book from start to finish, rather than just leaf through. I didn't really see the point of including extracts from the romances in the cookbook though.
The entire book is 200 pages long but it feels like less!
The recipes were a little more modern than I expected (e.g. hummus probably wasn't known by British Victorians). However, they would work great for, for instance, a history-inspired tea party or book club reunion. I also thought the recipes would be inspired by mentions of these specific delicacies in Shadow Mountain Publishing books, which wasn't necessarily the case.
I always appreciate cookbooks with plenty of photos, and I was happy to see most if not all recipes illustrated. I also love the title and cover!

The different recipes are so fun, and the connections throughout to the different time periods make it even more fun!

Background:
This cookbook is separated into the themes of Regency Era, Victorian Era, Steampunk, the American West, and other celebrations.
Thoughts:
I am more of a baker than a cook, but I found many of the recipes in the cookbook to be approachable with my cooking skill level. I enjoyed all of the fun facts, games, and history lessons associated with the various time periods as well. This book is an excellent resource for anyone who likes to host parties, even if they are not much of a romance enthusiast. I'm very excited to try out many of the recipes that I found in this book.

A stunningly beautiful cookbook that provides far more enjoyment beyond recipes! A perfect combination of stories, beauty, and history that would make a perfect coffee table book! There are so many recipes I want to try for hostessing or my own enjoyment!

This is a vey impressive book that is charming and full of creativity and whimsy. It would make a fantastic gift for many book readers. The e-copy is great, but I think its better in the physical copy. There is so much here- excerpts from books, recipes, different timelines and clothing and etiquette behavior suggestions, etc. There is past and contemporary ideas and recipes mixed in, as well. There is even steam punk- how fun is that? This book really is a fun mix of ideas, recipes and learning new things about our favorite time periods. The only thing I didn't like was that there wasn't a picture of easy recipe. I just kind of like to know what it should like. :)

Whisk Me Away cookbook is a delightful compilation of recipes inspired by the Proper Romance Series. It is perfectly balanced between whimsical and practical with a beautiful color scheme and design. Pictures are warm and inviting and capture the essence of the period and showcase the delicacies and treats. The periods and celebrations covered are The Regency Era, The Victorian Era (I was even delighted to see the inclusion of Steampunk in the Victorian chapter!), The American West, and Celebrations.
Recipes include everything from snack to hearty meals. Beverages are included. I loved the tutorials on all things tea, flowers, buffets, and manners. Women’s fashion, notable written works in that time period, historical nuggets, societal expectations and etiquette, popular games and activities, and quotes from various Proper Romance Series books are scattered throughout, making each page akin to finding a treasure. I found the recipes to be simple, easy follow, and easily accessible ingredients. Options and alternatives are provided.
I cannot wait to hold a physical copy in my hands, and I will be recommending this to all my book loving friends. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

One of the things my partner and I love to do is spend time together in the kitchen. Whisk Me Away combines the whimsey from novels that focus on love and making great food. Among oher things, you will find the makings of a high tea, a garden party, and even a selection of Victorian games.
Wright shares her perspective that baking is a creative expression and an act of love, and this is evident in each of the delightful recipes. Take a whisk, grab a date and this book and have some fun. Many thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Whisk Me Away is a unique cookbook with quotes from several proper romance novels. This book is beautifully illustrated with detailed instructions from cheesbals to meatloaf to desserts.. The recipes featured are from different time periods