Recipe for Second Chances

Stella Park is an associate editor at a fancy gourmet magazine. She has a passion for all things food and two fabulous best friends, one of whom is getting married. Samuel Gordon, a lawyer, is the grooms best friend and Stella’s one that got away. Stella and Sam had a whirlwind romance during college that ended very badly and they haven’t seen each other since. Although that feels like a lifetime ago Stella has not forgotten the pain of her sisters divorce and the promise she made to protect her heart at all costs. Still single - by choice! - it has been nine long years and Stella never felt that special spark again. She wouldn’t dare let anyone get close enough to even try. And then there is Sam - a guest at the wedding that she didn’t expect to see in the beautiful Italian countryside - looking more handsome than ever. Stella was terrified then and she is terrified now. Every look from Sam turns her stomach upside down. Dancing, eating and drinking their way through this romantic venue is too much to resist. Maybe she can keep trying this one particular recipe until it comes out just right. Delectable, mouthwatering cuisine and a huge Indian/Italian wedding with all the traditional trimmings is a rollercoaster of fun and laughter. Fabulous debut author who needs no introduction as she is already a well known cookbook author and TV personality. Reading and eating, sounds perfect to me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recipe for a Charmed Life

Running her own kitchen in Paris has been Georgia’s goal since she was ten years old. As a little girl, desperately lonely after her mother disappeared, Georgia loved to cook and follow Julia Child religiously. At 18 she could not get away from the dusty old ranch quick enough and headed to culinary school. Now, after twelve years in Paris she has the chance for her dreams to come true. When she finds her boyfriend/boss Etienne in the walk in fridge with their new pastry chef it all comes tumbling down. The owner of the restaurant assures Georgia she is still in the competition but there is no hope unless she can get her “spark” back. Angry and heartbroken about Etienne she also discovers her unique sense of taste has mysteriously disappeared. When Georgia receives a cryptic message to visit her long lost mother in the San Juan Islands she realizes this may be her chance to finally get the answers to questions that have plagued her for thirty years. With time running out she travels back to America and arrives on a magical island. Greeted by her beautiful mother Star and a local oyster farmer named Cole (who looks like a super model), it is clear that she has come the right place. Never one to give up, Georgia follows what she already knows - faith, hope, love and luck - the recipe for a charmed life. Don’t miss this delicious romcom filled with food, love and family. Releases Jan 2024. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Maybe Next Time

One evening Emma returns from a busy day at work to the frenzy and chaos of home: kids, dinner and the dog needs a walk. She eyes the envelope perched on the counter.  Oh no! She has done it again - forgotten their anniversary and the letter writing tradition they have long treasured. Dan is angry, the kids appear sullen. Dan escapes by taking the dog out and a few minutes later Emma hears the ear splitting screech of brakes and crushing metal that can only mean one thing. She races to the scene and finds Dan lying in the street, he is gone. Devastated she returns home, attends to the kids and speaks to the police. When she wakes the next morning Dan is lying next to her. Speechless, Emma grabs her phone and sees that it is Monday, again. Hoping this was all just a bad dream Emma goes about her day only to experience the same evening again. She doesn’t know if she is losing her mind or is stuck in some weird time warp. The big question is whether she can change the outcome by changing the scenario. Every day she tries again but to no avail. On repeat her frenzied job becomes pointless and she finally realizes how she neglected everyone she loves. I have read “groundhog day” tropes many times and this one did not stand out. The main character was exhaustingly erratic while the secondary characters were trying too hard to be funny. Didn’t love, just okay in my book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Women

Frances “Frankie” McGrath is twenty years old when her brother Finley ships off to Vietnam. Growing up in beautiful Southern California, they shared a charming childhood, surfing at the beach and riding bicycles throughout their bucolic neighborhood. Their father spent his time at work while mother doted on them between martinis and lunches at the club. Now, out of nursing school Frankie is determined to make a difference. She shocks her family by enlisting with the Army Nurse Corps. With little experience, Frankie is instantly overwhelmed. Upon arrival at the hospital tent, her two roommates quickly become mentors and sisters. Through countless exhausting nights filled with the blood curdling screams of injured soldiers, Frankie becomes a top surgical nurse executing procedures she never imagined. At the same time, her compassion is endless - understanding that sometimes holding a patients hand through his last moments is all she can do. After two tours she returns to California a different person. The public is protesting the war as they spit on the returning Vietnam Vets. Frankie is left with parents that do not recognize her sacrifice and hard work, who will not accept that a woman could contribute. Frankie suffers through excruciating nightmares. As a nurse she recognizes her PTSD but with no-one to help her navigate the pain she turns to pills and alcohol, a slippery slope to the bottom. This novel highlights the heartbreak of war for those who serve, their loved ones left behind and the hardship veterans face upon returning to civilian life. Sadly, a history that continues to repeats itself. Well researched and expertly narrated, author Kristin Hannah’s latest novel releases February 2024. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chess Story

World champion of chess, Mirko Czentovic is traveling by ocean liner from New York to Buenos Aires. An unfriendly and surprisingly uneducated man, he mostly keeps to himself. A group of passengers offer the champion money to play against them. While losing each match and all their money, another passenger quietly observing begins to subtly hint to the opponent calculating moves that ultimately win the match. Shocked that this mysterious man called Dr. B should possess such skills, the audience cannot help but wonder how he learned to play with such precision. While these matches continue, Dr. B’s anxiety noticeably heightens and the narrator slowly describes the shocking tale that led this shy gentleman to this precise moment in time. Originally called The Royal Game, this German novella was written by Austrian author Stefan Zweig in 1941, just months before he and his wife die by suicide. Despite its length, this powerful story became the inspiration for the production of multiple artistic endeavors such as an opera, stage production and multiple movies over the last 80 years. Gripping and emotional, you most definitely do not need to be a chess player to appreciate each and every strategic move. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Eight Dates and Nights

When Hannah Levin shows up at her grandmother’s ranch in Rosenberg, Texas she is not prepared to feed the horses and chickens. A city girl through and through, Hannah is sad she will miss Hanukah with her parents and friends in New York City, as it was her turn to visit grandmother whom she hadn’t seen in years. Missing the lattes and latkes from home Hannah is determined to manage through the next few days and get right back on that plane in time for the last few night’s of holiday celebrations. One day in town she meets Noah, most likely the only other Jewish teenager in the town. Noah is working hard to save his grandfather’s historic deli that has been struggling to make ends meet. Many years ago this small town had an active Jewish community but it is long gone as the younger generations moved on to explore opportunities in the big city. After an awkward meet cute Hannah knows it would be a mitzvah (good deed) to help Noah for a few days. She takes advantage of a surprising winter storm and savvy social media skills to bring the old fashioned deli into the present. This cozy YA holiday romance is filled with family love, delicious treats and eight nights of fun. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Intern

Harvard Law student Madison Rivera had been offered the most prestigious internship available. After hearing Judge Kathryn Conroy speak at her Catholic Prep high school 10 years ago Madison never imagined she would someday be chosen to work in her chambers. After a whirlwind interview the job is hers as long as she can find a way to fill out the lengthy paperwork involved. There is one problem. How can she possibly expose family background when her brother Danny has been recently incarcerated on drug charges and presented in front of the very same Judge? Madison believes Danny is innocent, she really does. But his convoluted stories involving mobsters, corrupt prosectors and attorneys sounds farfetched, especially insinuating that Madison’s idol, Judge Conroy, is implicated. As Madison snoops her way through court records and locked filing cabinets, the scandalous pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place. Nothing is as it appears. This fast paced legal thriller turns into a race to prove Danny’s innocence, save Madison’s future and find out the ugly truth that has been buried for decades. Captivating, intriguing mystery that you will not be able to put down! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop

Managing the Old Town bookshop for Mr. McCredie has been a dream job for Carmen Hogan. There is nothing she enjoys more than helping customers find the perfect read. The only problem is the bookshop still has barely enough money in the till to pay the bills. At the same time an evil local developer has been turning every nearby business into a tacky souvenir shop and Mr. McCredie has been offered an opportunity of a lifetime to trace his family history on an historic voyage to Antartica. The trip costs a lot of money and Carmen is determined to help this sweet old man who believed in her when no-one else did. While missing her ex boyfriend Oke terribly since he left Scotland and her sister Sophia passive aggressively nudging her out of the family basement Carmen once again finds herself at a confusing crossroads. As the lights in Edinburgh begin to glow, past holiday memories lay heavy on her mind. Carmen completely throws herself into reinventing the bookshop and her personal life as well. Filled with our favorite characters from The Christmas Bookshop (and some fabulous new ones!) this delightful sequel is the perfect read for some quirky bookshop love this holiday season. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Queen of Katwe

As a young, poor child living in one of the harshest slums of Katwe in Uganda, Phiona Mutesi did not have any dreams for her future. Always hungry, nine year old Phiona followed her brothers in search of food. What she discovered would change her life forever. Phiona met an extraordinary man named Robert Katende. He was an educated missionary who worked with the Sports Outreach Institute teaching soccer and motivating children of the slums to strive for a better life. On colored cardboard with bottle cap pieces Robert Katende decided to teach a small group of children chess. It motivated and challenged them to think differently. When Phiona joined they had 25 players. At first the girls were separated. When she won all the girls, she moved on to beat all the boys. With a natural gift and unimaginable patience, Phiona became a champion. Strategizing her way through a tough game came naturally, it was a survival instinct she learned young. Robert became her coach and chess her escape from the harsh realities that surrounded their daily lives. Chess would be Phiona’s ticket to a world far outside of war torn Uganda. In 2010, 14 year old Phiona was selected to represent Africa at the World Chess Olympiad in Russia and this was only the beginning. A magnificent story of hope and faith, Phiona is truly an inspiration. A wonderful book and Disney movie adaptation - I loved them both! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Find the Good

Only about 2000 people live in remote Haines, Alaska. Heather Lende writes the obituaries for this small town’s newspaper, The Chilkat Valley News. She is a mother, grandmother, wife, sister and friend to many. But in this tiny town, she is something more. Heather is the keeper of memories as she does her best to honor those who have passed. Even the grumpiest, quietest and most troubled souls are often misunderstood. They too have a life worth remembering and this author digs deep to find that special something for each person she memorializes. As in most small towns, everyone knows each other and life often revolves around helping those in need. Daily tasks and routine can bring joy and comfort to the people you meet every day. Yes, a simple hello to a neighbor CAN change someones day. As this series of emotional and often laugh-out-loud essays teaches beautiful life lessons, Heather also shares the daily growth we experience as we get older, simple things people take for granted until the end looms near. Her warmth, wisdom and faith is contagious. Getting back to basics reminds us to be grateful for what we have, not what we don’t. Read this book and pass it on, the gift that keeps on giving. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Almost Everything

 

“Notes on Hope” is a candid, sensitive and honest series of essays about life. The writings reflect the authors experiences but it is interesting how easily the reader can often see themselves in the mirror of her truth. Exploring childhood and parental expectations, struggling later with relationships, alcohol abuse and the author’s deep and ever expanding belief in God and Christian faith that guides much of her storytelling. Always grateful afterwards for the hard lessons that probably saved her life, Anne grew an even deeper desire to share with the world her very personal journey. Carrying out her religious calling not only pushes Anne to share very private struggles through writing but she will just as quickly offer the shirt off her back or to hold the hand of a person in their final breaths of life. The humor that continues to fill her Sunday mornings teaching a young group of students are magical as we all know kids say the darnedest and most frighteningly honest things! This book is an easy, beautiful read filled goodness and light and most importantly hope. Anne is a well known novelist and non-fiction writer whose words have the power to heal. She famously quotes, “The opposite of faith is not doubt; it’s certainty.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Elon Musk

At 52 years old Elon Musk has accomplished things most people deemed impossible. There is probably not a person on earth that does not know his name. Possibly on other planets as well. After a rough childhood in Pretoria, South Africa Elon moved to Canada with his mother, brother and sister. After college he and his brother Kimball began work on what would become their first start up. With his background is physics and computer science it was quickly apparent to Elon and anyone around him that he needed to run his own company. His ideas were plentiful and his curiosity and brilliance unmatched. Elon’s strong personality and unstoppable drive were both a gift and a curse. He can be difficult to work for, but is usually right. Most of his employees would rather be stimulated by his enlightenment than bored working for anyone else. He demanded their full attention and every moment of their day - there is no time for vacations or breaks when you are trying to change the world. After making his mark with Paypal, he transferred his boundless energy to creating Tesla which led to batteries and AI, Space X, Boring and X. It appears he did this single handedly. While Elon surrounds himself with droves of brilliant scientists and engineers there is no doubt he is the driving force of it all. Elon struggles with some social awkwardness and can be misunderstood, his unfortunate relationship with his abusive father left marks that are still painful. It is obvious that Elon’s lofty goals are not focused on dollar signs but unyielding determination to change how we live and save humanity. This biography is expertly written by Walter Isaacson. It’s a long book but the way the chapters are divided makes it easier to read. I devoured every word and honestly don’t know how he juggles six companies. I’m ready for a nap just reading about it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Love Plot

Star Shine Meadows is performing as a character actor at a child’s birthday, one of the many jobs she juggles to make ends meet. A very handsome man stares at her from across the room, but it is not a friendly glance. Rafe Whitman is a sexy albeit grouchy veterinarian that happens to be the uncle of the birthday girl and he is obviously having a really bad day. A week later their paths cross again and Rafe comes up with a brilliant plan. He offers the free spirited Star to put aside her money making gigs and he will pay her an enormous fee to be his fake girlfriend. Apparently his wealthy family is trying to get him to settle down, that marriage is the answer to all his problems - and are driving him crazy. If they think he has a girlfriend maybe they will back off. Too good to pass up and in need of extra cash Star accepts insisting a no strings attached scenario as Star was raised by hippie parents who do not believe in monogamy or getting married. As she always sees the glass half full, Rafe is constantly surprised what fun Star is to be around, how the light she shines can brighten his day. Beautiful and smart, Rafe has her escort him to various events sure it will drive his family crazy. Neither of the two lovebirds expected the fireworks that exploded after their first kiss. Easy breezy and a little steamy. Definitely recommend this adorable romcom. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Going Infinite

    Sam Bankman-Fried is 31 years old and he is currently facing seven criminal counts for defrauding his customers. As the trial is underway I decided to read this recent release by Michael Lewis and here is what I learned.

    Sam grew up in California. His parents are both law professors at Stanford. From a very young age it was clear that he thought differently from other children his age and did not have any friends. When he went to math camp he finally met others he felt a kinship with. After attaining an MIT degree in physics he used his extraordinary math and thinking skills to obtain a job with a very high caliber private equity fund in New York. It did not take long for him to learn about cryptocurrency and realize he could easily perform similar trading skills in this realm as well. He moved on to create a world he shared with a few key people where they created computer code that bought and sold cryptocurrency faster than any human trader could possibly imagine. Even if they acquired small profits per trade, the volume was so enormous they were making millions. Then billions. Alameda and FTX, his two trading companies quickly grew to unimaginable proportions for a group of “kids” that had little experience and scary accounting practices. And then it all came tumbling down. There is no doubt Sam is brilliant. I do not know how this trial will end but completely understand the depths of the unique and sensitive relationship author Michael Lewis built with this young entrepreneur years before any criminal charges were made. Highly recommend this easy to read synopsis of history as it is being made. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love, Holly

One day Holly receives a “Dear Stranger” letter from the lonely hearts holiday club. An older woman called Emma finds herself distraught as the holidays approach. In addition to having lost her husband, son and grandson many years ago she has recently been given a grave diagnosis. Holly understands all too well how depressing loneliness can feel. It’s been three years since the accident that changed all that was meaningful in her life. As the anniversary of that fateful day approaches Holly cannot forget the Christmas Eve that stole away everyone she loved. Strangely, Emma resides in the very same small village where the accident occurred. Call it fate or chance - but Holly decides to find Emma and see if there is any way she can make this one person feel a little less sad on the holidays. Not only do they become fast friends but Holly learns that Emma’s very handsome grandson Jack is her one that got away. Holly decides she must track him down and reunite Jack and Emma even if it means risking her own heart to love again. Sad yet hopeful, this beautiful story is perfect for the holidays. Filled with one of life’s most important lessons, forgiveness. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lost and Found in Paris

Growing up with a supermodel mother and famous father, Joan Blakely was not looking for the spotlight. Working at a prestigious museum in Los Angeles, Joan preferred to be behind the scenes. After her father tragically died in 9/11 her mother became a recluse and Joan kept his legacy alive in the world of art. When she learns her handsome photographer husband is a cheat and a liar Joan must reexamine her job and her future. An opportunity arises for her to transport some very prestigious pieces of art to Paris. It is a chance for Joan to clear her head and see her dearest friend who lives there. On the plane Joan meets Nate, an introverted tech guy on his way to a conference. With a taste of freedom she agrees to a romantic dinner upon arrival and a completely unexpected night of passion.When she wakes, Nate has gone to his conference. The art work which was expertly hidden is missing. The buyer is not responding and her security team needs answers. Joan and Nate put on their detective hats and are determined to track down the thief. I was pulled into this quickly only to lose all my interest 1/3 into the story. I loved the art and complicated relationships initially but as these two turn in Sherlock Holmes it became silly and unrealistic. The characters were not likable enough to hold my attention and it became one of those books I forced myself to finish.  ⭐️⭐️

The Lover

Allison is a graduate student from Canada studying for a few months at Tel Aviv University. This petite, blonde young lady is asked about her identity from the moment she arrives, “You don’t look Jewish” the taxi driver questions her. Allison studies words, ancient texts and languages. She has a strained relationship with her sister and an unexceptional one with her parents. Allie wants to explore the world, she dreams of falling in love. One day on a bus ride a soldier sits next to her. Eyal strikes up a conversation and although he is clearly younger, their chemistry is undeniable. They fall passionately in love. Despite their age difference it is probably the most profound feelings either of them has ever had. His family quickly folds Allie into their comfortable nest and she has never been happier. As she tries to find a grant to extend her stay, Allie befriends a fellow student at the University who is Palestinian. To Allie she is exotic, beautiful and mysterious and with no ill intent initially, Allie is compelled to get closer to her. At the same time Eyal must go on a dangerous mission into Gaza. As Allie examines the complicated emotions that heighten with Eyal and her new secret friendship, she cannot deny that her sister’s harsh criticisms are making more sense. The writing is exquisite in this heartfelt, meaningful look at self exploration in a not so perfect world. I truly could not put this one down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Don't Forget to Write

Marilyn Kleinman got caught making out with the rabbi’s son in front of the whole community. It is 1960 and Marilyn does not exactly follow her parents strict rules and regulations. She is a strong independent woman studying in college and has absolutely no intention of marrying this boy just because everyone witnessed their brief rendezvous. As a last resort and summer punishment Marilyn is sent to live in Philadelphia with her Aunt Ada, an older woman who never married but is a wildly successful businesswoman. As Ada and Marilyn get acquainted they head to her home on the Jersey Shore. Marilyn must assist Ada in her matchmaking business. Frankly, she prefers to lay on the beach, meet cute boys and use her spare time writing her novel. Falling for the boy Ada explicitly forbids her from socializing with, Marilyn sneaks out against Ada’s wishes only to learn her Aunt was right all along. To Marilyn’s surprise Ada is not what she expected. She is fashionable, smart, funny and has lived an extraordinary life. As the two women get closer Marilyn learns more about love and family than she ever dreamed possible. Loved the characters, the setting and every moment of this unputdownable read written with the humor of Mrs. Maisel and many lessons of the heart. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Three Holidays and A Wedding

As the holidays approach Maryam and Anna find themselves seatmates on a flight from Denver to Toronto. Maryam is traveling with her family for her sister’s last minute wedding and Anna is spending Christmas with her boyfriends family where she is pretty sure he is planning to pop the question. The weather takes a turn for the worse and the flight makes an emergency landing in a small Canadian town far from their final destination. Snow Falls is a quaint, charming town that looks like it could be featured in a holiday romcom. The icing on the candy cane - it secretly is the location that a popular movie is currently being filmed! A local inn takes in the stranded passengers but they are frantic. Wedding plans need to be postponed and as they are in the month of Ramadan, Maryam’s  family needs to eat and fast according to schedule. Her childhood crush Saif is part of their wedding entourage and showers Maryam with the attention she has dreamed about her entire life. Anna’s finds herself watching hockey and being consoled at a local bar by a very adorable young man who she probably shouldn’t be crushing over, while her boyfriend is furious she is not in Toronto for the festivities his wealthy family has planned. Christmas, Hanukah, Ramadan and a wedding all rolled into one in a small town that spreads kindness and welcomes diversity. It may seem too good to be true but this read is the perfect holiday happy ending for everyone. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Sun Does Shine

Anthony Ray Hinton loved his mama more than anything in the world. He loved his church and he loved his best friend Lester. He loved women, good southern food and living in Alabama. His life was simple and he hoped to get married, have children and teach them how to play baseball, something he was very good at in high school. One day in 1985, at 29 years old Ray was cutting his mama’s lawn and was confronted by two Alabama deputies. What began as a few questions led to Ray being tagged for two counts of capital murder and one attempted murder. They found an old gun that had not been fired in 25 years in his mama’s home. They did not care that he was working the night of the attempted murder 15 miles away and that these murders did not share the same bullets. None of this mattered to the courts. His appointed attorney had made it quite clear. The jury would be white. The judge would be white. Unless Ray and his family could come up with some money for his defense, there was nothing he could do to stop this train wreck from happening. The jury gave him life, the judge overturned the sentence - eager to send him to Death Row. Ray spent the next 28 years fighting for his life through appeal after appeal. Ray watched his fellow inmates walk to their death, the smell lingering for days afterward. Keeping faith and hope alive under the most dire circumstances was not easy. One day g-d sent Ray an angel by the name of Bryan Stevenson who reopened the case and won Ray his freedom. At 60 years old Ray’s life was just beginning and this magnificent memoir is his story. Expertly written with the help of Lara Love Hardin (The Many Lives of Mama Love) I was mesmerized by the sunshine that fills this man’s heart. The hope he shares after being wrongfully incarcerated is astounding and a lesson to us all.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️