BEACH READING

The Military Wives' Cookbook
By Carolyn Quick Tillery (Cumberland House, $22.95)

Tampa author and military wife Carolyn Quick Tillery has written a cookbook that's a true national treasure — "The Military Wives' Cookbook." This is not just a cookbook, although it definitely contains some mouth watering and historic recipes. No, this book is far more than a repository of recipes because Ms. Tillery, the wife of retired Col. J. R. Tillery, has laced "Military Wives'" with fascinating anecdotes, photos and quick flashes of history as well as recipes. On her own merits, Ms. Tillery is an accomplished woman. She is an Air Force wife, mother, attorney, researcher and cookbook writer. "Military Wives'" is her third book and second cookbook. She currently manages the U. S. Central Command Family Readiness Program, which provides support for military families during extended deployment separations and facilitates smooth family reintegration following deployment.

In the introduction, we meet some of our country's earliest military spouses — beginning with Anne Warner, wife of Capt. Elija Bailey, who served during the American Revolution; Mary Ludwig Hayes McCauley (aka Molly Pitcher) who served with her husband John Hayes in the Pennsylvania State Regiment of Artillery for seven years; and Lucy Brewer, the first woman Marine who served during the War of 1812. And in the pages of this warm, sincere book we learn a great deal about what it means to be a military wife. The sacrifices are far greater than any civilian might imagine. It's not just the uncertainty of a loved one's survival, it's coping with inadequate

housing, loneliness,

frequent moves and the need to constantly adapt to change. In addition, the successful military wife must also possess the ability to entertain and host dinner parties and get togethers. Moreover, in the pages of the cookbook, Ms. Tillery also reveals the incredible strengths and wisdom of military wives along with their abilities to bond as a families with other wives on the bases where they serve.

Ms. Tillery does not short shrift her readers when it comes to recipes. The book is divided into six sections: teas and coffees; buffets, brunches and lunches; dinner family style; alfresco dining; an international affair; and home for the holidays and other celebrations. She begins with a recipe for red raspberry tea similar to the beverage served on Oct. 25, 1774, in Edenton, N.C., moves on to Santa Maria-style barbecue which she discovered when her husband was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and even includes Twelfth Night: A Williamsburg Brunch for Eight. This book does not disappoint on any level — as a good read, an historic memoir or as a collection of truly excellent recipes.