If you're just starting out and want to get the basics right then this book is an absolute winner for you. The recipes are simple, methods are clearly laid out, ingredients are easy to source, and easy to handle, and you'll gain some useful practical skills if you follow the directions. There's plenty of content, lots of illustrations and the whole concept of the book is "keep it simple". However; if, like me, you're no stranger to the kitchen, and you've been cooking for a number of years, you're going to be disappointed. The book was a gift and not something I'd have bought for myself and, to be absolutely honest, as an experienced cook I glanced through once and then put it away. Just another attempt by a publishing company to capitalise on Mary's current TV popularity, and I don't blame her one bit, but if you already have a couple of half decent cookery books then you probably don't need this one.