This novel is set in Vermont. The recipe is a nod to that state, but not in the predictable way of using maple syrup as a main ingredient. Instead, the accompanying recipe is for meatloaf, and this is going to be the best meatloaf you’ve ever made because of a secret add-in that originated in the Green Mountain state.
The recipe is at the end of the review. Enjoy!
Verity by Colleen Hoover Review
As I read this novel, I was on the edge of my seat. It is a gripping thriller that delves deeply into the complexities of human relationships, dark secrets, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction. For Hoover, who mostly writes stories with romantic themes; this is a departure from her usual fiction.
Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer who is given the opportunity of a lifetime when she is asked to complete the remaining books in a successful series authored by the critically acclaimed Verity Crawford, who is unable to continue due to an accident. As Lowen sifts through Verity’s notes and outlines, she stumbles on an autobiography written by Verity herself, revealing dark secrets about Verity’s life, family, and the terrible tragedy that has befallen the family.
Lowen reluctantly stays at the home, where Verity is confined to the second floor due to her injury. Verity’s husband, dark, brooding, and handsome, guides Lowen through the task of reviewing his wife’s notes. As they work and live in such close proximity, Lowen finds herself drawn to him. But is he being completely honest with her, or is she being manipulated?
As the reader turns page after page, the web of lies and manipulation that unveils itself is a constant challenge. What is real, and what is not? Who is telling the truth, and what are the intentions and motivations of each character? This is a complex story that imparts a sense of unease and suspense.
There are many twists and turns, and the ending is shocking and thought-provoking, so much so that Hoover re-published the book with an alternate ending as well as a different cover.
I highly recommend the novel, and give it my highest rating of four stars.
Did you enjoy the book? Was the meatloaf good? Please leave a comment; I’d love to know!
You can download the Kindle version of Verity or purchase the paperback on Amazon.
Green Mountain Meatloaf
Years ago, I wrote to the cooking column for the Burlington (VT) Free Press, called The Ask-It Basket, requesting directions for a meatloaf that didn’t crumble when cut. A kind cook answered with this recipe, which has been my go-to ever since. It will not disappoint!
Mix in a bowl, pack into a meatloaf pan (bread pan), and cook for an hour at 400 degrees:
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef
- 1 cup dry Maltex (see note about this, below)
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- .5 teaspoons pepper
(.5 means one half. 1.5 means one and one half. Note if it is cups or teaspoons!)
Maltex has a fine texture. It is a blend of toasted wheat and malted barley syrup, and it is prepared much like oatmeal and served hot. It was first manufactured in Burlington, Vermont in 1899. Another of the cereals from the same manufacturer is Maypo, which tastes of maple syrup. You may remember the ads from the 1950’s of an obnoxious boy shouting, “I want my Maypo!” Both cereals are still made today.
Did you like the book? The recipe? I’d love to know! Please leave a comment.
Thank you.
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