Friday, June 13, 2014

Book Review: A Table by the Window

A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge

Every cook knows finding the right 
balance between savory and sweet 
is a tricky business.

The youngest heir to a French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D'Alisa has spent her life negotiating her skill with words and her restaurant aspirations. When her brother Nico offers her a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn---does she really have what it takes? Should she risk leaving her journalism career? 
Sorting through her late grandmother's belongings, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and startling secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery hidden from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story. 
Beginning a long-distance relationship with a Memphis-based immunologist just complicates Juliette's life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary career and a doctor whose life is worlds away from her own? Is it possible her grandmother's past can help her move forward?

Let me start off by saying, this is not a book you want to read on an empty stomach! Seriously, unless I'd just eaten before reading it my stomach would growl every time! Which isn't a bad thing. It was a really good book; quick and easy to read. I love food and the culinary world so it was interesting to me. It reminded me a lot of My Big Fat Greek Wedding (which was even mentioned in the book) with more focus on the food and restaurant industry. So if you like food and that movie, you're bound to like this book! Also almost every chapter ended with a scrumptious sounding recipe, so I'll probably have to try some of those out. 
The only let down was that it is not a stand alone book. It ends right in the middle of things so now I have to read the next book in the series (which picks up right where this one left off) to see how it all ends! 
Anyway, and good and worth-while read that I recommend to anyone who likes those things I mentioned above. 

 
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Book Review: Tidewater Inn

Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer's talent and love of history. She's delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she's met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she's there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby's under suspicion for the crime.

Libby's dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

Because of this books theme, I thought it would be fitting to take it with me to the beach. I started it while we were there and read quite a bit on the trip home, and have been reading it pretty steadily up until just a little bit ago when I finished it! I've read a few books by this author and have liked almost all of them, this one is no exception. It was fairly well written and suspenseful enough to keep you reading on so you can find out what happens next. There were a few things in it that I found kind of corny and nerdy, but other than that a good read!