Tag Archives: Review

Together at the Table {a Review}

This book was horrible! The whole time all I wanted to do was throw the book down and start cooking! The combination of story and Autumn and recipes made me just want to eat and cook. The plot line was enjoyable, albeit predictable, and the characters were real and personable.img_6495

What I didn’t realize before starting this book is that it is the final one in a series of three…which ended up being ok. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, but have since ordered the first one to read. The story follows Juliette, a restaurant manager, through her struggle with her mother’s death, break up from a serious relationship, and a WW2 mystery regarding her grandmother in France.

While the story line and characters were thoroughly enjoyable it was how Lodge intertwined food and recipes through all of it. I’m a foodie, I love food, I love preparing food for the people I love. By the end of a chapter I was racing through, hoping that the recipe they were talking about would be waiting at the end. Seriously, there are about 3 or 4 recipes that I am ABSOLUTELY looking to make in the next few weeks.

Another favorite part of this book was the quotes that began each chapter. If you following me on Instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen one or two quotes about Autumn or food the past week. There are several that will be going in my commonplace book.

All of this said, to tell you, if you’re a foodie, looking for a enjoyable read for fall, then definitely pick up this book (or the first book in the series) and give it a shot. I’ll keep you posted on how the recipes turn out! First up Roasted Tomato Basil soup.

You can purchase this book (or the rest in the series) on Amazon.com

*I received this copy for free in exchange for my honest review: You can read my disclosure policy here. 

 

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A Fine Imitation {a Review}

9781101905111Just finished this one; and I have to say it was good. I managed to finish it in 3 days: Yea, haven’t done that in a while. The story is about Vera, a highfalutin well off girl in Manhattan, caught in an empty and unloving marriage, until the residence of the building her husband owns commission an artist to paint a mural in their underground swimming pool. The story alternates with the “current” story line (1923) and Vera’s life 10 years ago, at Vassar college where she is an art major. This is a first publication for author, Amber Brock.

I really enjoyed this book. I love historical fiction, in general, but felt that the story is relevant regardless of the time period: The struggle to do what is accepted, live with the consequences, and make better decisions for your future. Now, this wasn’t a lofty, intellectual read, but it was enjoyable and quick. Vera was well written, however I felt the rest of the characters were rather flat…but I believe that was part of the author’s goal in creating characters that showed their own shallowness.

There was one brief sex scene, less than a paragraph and nothing graphic, if that kind of thing is not something you tolerate. Overall, though I felt that it was a great read. It helped me feel like I accomplished something, without being overwhelmed and dreading the task ahead.

Brock was great too. I had tagged her on Instagram and she was quick to comment and reply!

You can pick this book on Amazon, or anywhere else for that matter.

*I received this book for free from BloggingForBooks.com; the opinions expressed are my own. You can read my disclosure policy here.

 

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