The Fury by Alex Michaelides is a great novel, but it is not an easy read. The story is dark, and although it is billed as a romance, there are absolutely no light moments, no flirting or canoodling or banter. …
New Fiction for 2024 – What’s New and Worth Reading? Here are Five Great Suggestions!
I am always on the lookout for something new to read. I know there are many great books from the past that I have not visited; however, there is something exciting about being one of the first to read a…
Review of First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston and recipe for Nashville Hot Chicken
I love a clever bit of entertainment, whether it’s a great movie or an excellent book. One of my favorite movies is The Thomas Crown Affair, in which a wealthy but bored man steals priceless art. He is being watched…
Review of The Vacation House by Jane Shemilt and Recipe for Baklava
I really loved this novel! In fact, I’m going to suggest it to both Jenna Bush Hager and Reese Witherspoon for their popular book clubs. It’s that good. The story begins in 2003 Greece, where we are introduced to the…
Review of Meet the Benedettos by Katie Cotugno and Recipe for Veggies Benedetto
If you are looking for a light-hearted book, I highly recommend Meet the Benedettos. It’s a refreshing change if you are used to reading other genres, as I am. Thrillers, historical fiction, biographies, and mysteries are all great, but once…
Review of The Exchange by John Grisham and recipe for Tabouli, a salad from the Eastern Mediterranean area
Before I start this review, I have to tell you something funny. Three weeks ago, I read and reviewed The Edge, a thriller by David Baldacci. The novel is set in modern-day Maine. Last week I read and reviewed The…
Review of The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon and Recipe for Maine’s famous Whoopie Pies
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawton is a compelling read. In fact, when I finished it, and then read the Author’s Note, I closed it and said out loud, “Holy moly, that was a really great book!” This is historical fiction,…
Review of My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand & Au Gratin (Cheese) Potatoes Recipe
My Name is Barbra is the autobiography of the amazing Barbra Streisand. If you thought you knew her, you’re probably wrong. This well-written, in-depth book reveals so much more…things that only she could write about, because she has lived it. Barbra…
Review of Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam & Mexican Wedding Cakes (Cookies) Recipe
Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke are starring in a film based on the novel Leave the World Behind, first published in 2020. I saw them being interviewed on a morning talk show, and it piqued my interest. When I requested…
Review of The Armor of Light & Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
The Armor of Light by Ken Follett is a great book about England and its history in the eighteenth century. Is there a dish more English than Shepherd’s Pie? This is quintessential pub food, and the recipe here uses the…