Christmas in Bethel

We meet Beth Stilton when she has truly hit rock bottom. Running through the timeline of her life it seems she started off in a bad place with bad people and it only got worse. With each turn Beth tried her best to escape the abuse and loneliness that haunted her days but Beth never found that happy ending she dreamed about. When she had finally given up, Beth - a lifelong reader - found a novel by J.D. Harper. It saved her life, literally. The years following she remained as isolated as possible but this author, whose books she devoured over and over again - helped her climb into the light of the living. To her delight J.D. Harper scheduled a local book signing and Beth would not miss it for the world. In line for hours she takes a coffee break and miracle of miracles, meets the man himself. He is kind, smart, good looking and calls himself Lee. Beth cannot imagine a scenario where this perfect human is interested in her sorry self. But he is. Their instant connection and friendship blossoms with love and excitement that Beth had long ago given up on. There is a lot J.D. does not know about Beth’s horrific past. And apparently there is an equal amount Lee is hiding. As the Christmas season approaches Lee and Beth must figure out if their feelings can withstand the hard truth. Forgiving oneself is the theme of this magical holiday story that I read in one sitting. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Paris Novel

When Stella St. Vincent’s coldhearted mother passes away, she is bequeathed a strange inheritance. A small amount of money has been provided for a prearranged trip to Paris. Stella is a reclusive copy editor living in New York. She loves her work which fills her life with structure, routine and quiet. It is how she avoids memories of her abusive childhood and lonely existence. But it’s the 1980’s and certainly bohemian to travel to Paris alone. Her boss, the one person she admires insists she take this as an opportunity to expand her little world. Upon arrival she finds pleasure walking the cobblestoned streets, letting her imagination take flight. One day she stops in a magical boutique and tries on a dress that changes her life. The dress leads to a friendship with Jules, a widow that takes Stella under his wing. Jules brings her into the world of delectable food, breathtaking art and history that may have been forgotten. Together they dive into the life of a female artist whose work has mysteriously disappeared. For the first time Stella can taste what she is eating and with each bite and every sip of French wine a part of Stella she never knew existed is revealed. Experiencing this taste of love and friendship for the first time Stella becomes tempted to search for her long lost father. This story leaves you savoring its flavors and themes long after you've finished, just as any great meal should. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern

Augusta and Bess had always helped their father in his pharmacy below their NY apartment. While Bess, older and beautiful worked the makeup counter, Augusta shadowed her father, confident she would be a pharmacist someday. In the early 1920’s it was not easy for women to become professionals but Augusta was determined and had no doubt this was her future. When their mother became ill and passed away, Great Aunt Esther came to live with the Stern’s and help the family any way she could. As Augusta got older she noticed Aunt Esther had some magical potions of her own. Back in the old country she was called a witch but in America she quietly helped women with natural herbs and tinctures that often had better results than the local doctor. Esther felt Augusta had the gift to heal and these lessons along with her father’s would someday bring Augusta great success. The pharmacy’s delivery boy, Irving Rifkin, had his eye on Augusta since the day he started. Their friendship filled Augusta with joy and she was sure he was the one, until he left town one day with no explanation and broke her heart. Sixty two years later Augusta has finally retired and moves to a retirement community in Boca Raton. She is turning 80 years old and having lost most of the people she loved doesn’t exactly feel like celebrating. One morning swimming her laps in the pool she bumps into Irving. All these years later she doesn’t know how to interpret these feelings of loss and regret and love that still linger. Cleverly narrated between her past and present life, this magical five star read shares life’s many lessons. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Some people thought Olive Stone was cold as ice. Her scathing restaurant reviews in the London Post were often feared and greatly respected. When her estranged father Chef Nicky passed away unexpectedly Olive inherits his small Italian family style restaurant and with it the responsibility of completing the last few chapters of his latest cookbook. Although she cherishes her childhood memories filled with dreamy summers in Italy and with her loving parents, recent years have been difficult. Olive has kept her distance physically and emotionally from the man she blamed for it all falling apart. Immediately Olive decides she should sell the restaurant but concedes to travel through Italy for part of the summer with his sous chef, Leo to finish the final recipes. Traipsing through Sicily, Tuscany and the coast Olive and Hot Chef cannot ignore the explosive chemistry they share and Italian food they cannot get enough of. With her father’s memory heavy on her heart and his ashes in her carry-on, Olive must come to terms with her parents imperfect past and the scary future that lay ahead. Filled with delicious ingredients and mouthwatering possibilities, you will find yourself racing into the kitchen this holiday season! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Be Ready When the Luck Happens

Working in the White House may sound glamorous but Ina Garten’s heart was most definitely in the kitchen. Counting the minutes to escape her unpleasant childhood, Ina met and married Jeffrey while he attended Dartmouth. A long road ahead, the young couple landed in DC but accounting and analysis work never made her heart soar. While Jeffrey’s career was growing by leaps and bounds Ina was happy figuring out their small dinner parties. Her joy was trying and perfecting new recipes and feeding those she loved. One day an ad in the newspaper displayed a specialty food store called the Barefoot Contessa for sale in the Hampton’s. Far out on Long Island Ina knew little about the area and even less about running a store. As fate would have it, she saw the opportunity as a challenge and her loving husband supported and encouraged this seemingly crazy endeavor. Sharing the ups and downs of running a shop and expanding her career, there was no doubt Ina Garten belonged in the business of feeding people. More than 40 years later Ina Garten’s mouthwatering recipes and entertaining ideas have filled dozens of cookbooks, television shows and an array of food products. Ina doesn’t only explain how to make something - which this non-trained cook insists anyone can do - but she brings joy to the presentation and satisfaction eating good simple food. An inspiring and mouthwatering memoir, it’s a good thing reading has no calories. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

New York to Mumbai:

Finally finished with law school Princey Khurana is excited and ready to join her father’s successful firm. Having grown up in New York City, Princey hasn’t participated in many Indian traditions since she was a little girl. Her father has done his best but since her mother passed away she has felt that holidays like Diwali were a waste of time and money. As a special gift her father sends her on a sneaky business trip to Mumbai. Princey must deliver some very important documents and at the same time stay with old family friends that happen to have a handsome son, Varun Varma. As this young man introduces Princey to life in Mumabi she gets a chance to experience Diwali, one of the biggest festivals in India. Lasting five days, the myths and stories behind the holiday shares themes of justice and liberation - marking the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, with more than a billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists around the world celebrating! This spiritual and heartwarming romance is an enjoyable novella highlighting the festival of lights. ⭐⭐⭐

Where They Last Saw Her

Quill grew up on the Red Pine reservation in Minnesota. Anxious since childhood, Quill finds her escape in running. No matter the season she is out there with her two closest friends, Punk and Gaylen, preparing for the Boston marathon. Married to Crow, a hard working kind man, they quietly raise their two children and focus on their long held culture and traditions. One day while running in the woods Quill hears a blood curdling scream. This is the beginning of her nightmare. Unable to forget this terrifying noise, Quill returns to the site and finds an earring in the snow. With evidence in hand she begins to ask questions and investigate who went missing. It is not the first time a Native woman has disappeared and the authorities fail to follow up. While the pipeline being built nearby delivers jobs and business to the area it also brings danger and crime. Women have been kidnapped, raped and sold. For the safety of their small family Crow insists Quill leave it to the reservation police but the understaffed office cannot always be trusted. On her own Quill and her friends with the support of the elder women will not stop searching until they can once again feel safe in their village. Fast paced unique mystery that I could not put down. The incredible act of strength and bravery when these women band together is extraordinary. This Native American author and activist inspires readers, writers and communities everywhere. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We Three Kings

Resolved to spend Christmas alone cuddled on her comfy couch, Maggie Field was surprised to find herself with not one holiday celebration - but three!!! As head manager of the IT department at a large financial firm in London, Maggie treated her coworkers like family. When “the boys” hear Maggie will be solo for the break they act quickly. Neurotic sweet Frank invites her to be plus one at his sister’s wedding, Posh Jasper, who has one foot out of the closet, brings her along to join his boisterous family at their fancy estate and sweet Leo includes Maggie in a picture perfect countryside holiday. Heartwarming friendship and a budding romance are quickly daunted when HR quietly demands Maggie make one of these amazing guys redundant after the New Year. Horrified at the thought of hurting anyones feelings and derailing their future plans she must find a way to enjoy the beauty of Christmas and not destroy this team she has grown to love. Funny, cute and cozy, this quirky cast of characters brings the magic of the holidays to life. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Love You A Latke

Being the only Jew on the tourist board in her small Vermont town, Abby Cohen was appointed to plan the Hanukkah Festival. As the surrounding towns focused mainly on Christmas the group decided it would draw more attention and a larger crowd by creating something unique to the area. With her coffee cafe barely making ends meet Abby could not resist the opportunity to improve her bottom line. Seth, one of her most annoying but loyal customers offers to help her find the best vendors if Abby would do him one little favor. Come to NY and pretend to be his girlfriend for one week. Apparently - because they worried about him constantly - Seth had quietly led his loving parents to believe he was in a serious relationship with a nice Jewish girl. Even though his overzealous kindness tended to be annoying, he could prove very helpful with the festival, so she agreed. Exploring the twinkling lights of New York City, Abby is reminded of the community she used to love, at the same time terrified of bumping into her past, namely her parents whom she hasn’t had contact with for years. Devouring delectable latkes and sugary holiday doughnuts, Seth’s friends and family turn out to be a warm welcome to a challah-day she had almost forgotten. A delicious romp through the eight nights of lights. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

So Thirsty

Sloane and Naomi have been best friends since childhood. Now, in their mid thirties, Sloane finds herself in a tedious marriage with an unfaithful husband while Naomi is roaming the world with her rock star boyfriend and living the high life. When Sloane’s husband arranges a surprise birthday girl’s spa weekend she is both mad and suspicious. Always the mischief-maker Naomi continually pushes Sloane past her limits. One evening they are invited to the home of a handsome stranger. The creepy old mansion is initially intriguing but it doesn’t take long for Sloane to sense something is not right. A charming man named Henry becomes the first person to whom Sloane admits her deep unhappiness. Henry makes her feel instantly at ease under the strangest of circumstances and Sloane experiences an attraction she hasn’t allowed herself to feel in years. While Naomi wanders off partying with the small group a series of events leads her to danger. To save Naomi’s life Sloane must make a difficult choice or risk losing her friend forever. Together the two women navigate this peculiar new life where something as simple as quenching one’s thirst can lead to murder. A fine line between love and hate - desire and fear. This paranormal thriller explores the strangest romance, friendship and meaning of life one bloody sip at a time. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Haunt Sweet Home

At twenty-something Mara’s parents have put some pressure on her to return to college. Currently working as a barista and helping her cousin manage a small apartment complex is not exactly her life’s dream but she has no idea what is. Born into a large close knit family full of talented artists and musicians Mara, the youngest, often feels completely left out in the cold. One day her cousin Jeremy offers her a job as a production assistant on the hit reality show he currently hosts called Haunt Sweet Home. Mara figures she has nothing to lose and accepts. Given she will be the lowest worker on the totem pole, Mara is the yes girl for whatever anyone needs on the night shift. As they choose old creepy Victorian homes with brand new owners about to renovate, it is not difficult to place some eerie sounds and fog late at night sending the contestants into panic mode. Mara is often so tired she can barely keep her eyes open, often confusing her surroundings with some of the special effects. Then she meets Jo. And suddenly there is an extremely fine line between the ghosts and reality. Sparking fear and curiosity, the idea of spirits lingering among us captures the imagination. This spooky supernatural novella is perfect for the Halloween season. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Chicken Sisters

It has taken Mae Moore six long years to reinvent herself. Here she is, in Brooklyn, with two gorgeous children and a successful husband, Jay. She is a self made organizational guru working on reality tv and doing well with her first book. But down in Merinac, Kansas her mother’s restaurant Chicken Mimi’s desperately needs her. Or at least they need her conniving manipulating determination. Apparently her sister Amanda, who works for Chicken Frannie’s, their arched enemy, applied to be a contestant on Food Wars. This uber popular food competition has a prize worth $100,000. Both chicken restaurants are badly in need of the cash. Mimi’s and Frannie’s have been competing for decades but when Amanda switches teams and shockingly marries the son, Frank Pogociello - it was the straw that broke the chicken’s back. Mae escaped this small town and never looked back. Well, now her mother desperately needs her help and frankly she is still furious at Amanda. It doesn’t take long for the conniving producer to pit the sisters against each other spilling recipes, lies and deep dark secrets. The whole town gets swept up in the rivalry, battling to crown the best restaurant. But in the end, it all comes down to a fairly simple choice and the sisters must figure out what matters more to them — family or fowl! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Poisonous Palate

One day Hayley Snow, our favorite Key Zest Food Critic/Amateur Sleuth receives an email from a woman named Catherine Davitt. She is in town writing a novel about Hemingway’s toxic love affairs. But Catherine has another motive, she has never given up on finding out what happened to her friend in the late 1970’s. The two young women had come down to the Keys seeking freedom and adventure. They wound up joining an eclectic group camping out in Big Pine. When the beautiful Veronica went missing the group dispersed and for decades Catherine has longed for answers to her friend’s supposed disappearance. We all know that Hayley Snow cannot resist a good mystery. Together with her faithful and funny sidekick, Miss Gloria, and against her husband’s better judgement, the detective work begins. The women start by tracking down Catherine’s old group of friends, researching records at the Sheriff’s department and generally being an excellent pair of nosey bodies extracting alibis from an array of dubious characters. As the unlikely secrets begin to unravel, the cold case looks more and more like murder. Fabulous local author Lucy Burdette serves up another cozy mystery that will leave you hungry for more—Key West has never tasted so deadly! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Trade Off

Bea has always been a standout, a genius with numbers who consistently topped her class. With a mind that effortlessly calculates and visualizes patterns, she excelled in the stock market like it was second nature. After attending Hunter college most women were getting married but Bea dreamed of becoming a stock broker. In the 1920’s women didn’t work on Wall Street and even though Bea was more than qualified the banks shunned her. Weaseling her way into a position in the wire room Bea was convinced she could prove her value. But the Abramovitz family was struggling. Living in the Lower East Side with her immigrant parents and twin brother was not easy. While her father managed a fruit and vegetable cart, her charming brother was a handful. Bea was expected to marry and stop this silly nonsense of a career. But she loved the rollercoaster ride of the fast paced market and it didn’t take long for the men at the bank to depend on her skills. Unfortunately, the promotion she never appeared. Bea would always be poor and a woman with no connections. As she watched the rich get richer, the poor continued to struggle. All Bea ever wanted was to help her father establish his own grocery and give her mother a bit of the glamour she left behind in Russia. It didn’t take long for Bea and Jake to come up with a plan. He could easily slide into the banking world with Bea as his secretary. She would funnel information making him an instant superstar. As Jake’s career soared, their wealth grew beyond anything their family had ever imagined. Yet Bea never stopped seeing the patterns. In 1929, what she foresaw was catastrophe—but who would listen to a woman? This masterful work of historical fiction transports readers to another era with a richly developed cast of characters, intriguing stock market history, and plenty of family drama. A must-read for fall! Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

That Librarian

Amanda Jones is a librarian in a small town located in Louisiana. Raised in this parish, Amanda and her family go to church every week, look out for their neighbors and always have the best interest of community at heart. Amanda has worked at the local middle school and currently as the school librarian. She is passionate about books and how they expand and affect everyones lives from the moment you learn to read. In 2022, Amanda decided to attend a local hearing where “book content” was on the agenda. She knew from the sensationalized media that this was a key word for certain groups aiming to censor book collections and restrict availability to the public. Amanda prepared a short statement on the value of a diverse collection and the processes already in place when material is challenged. There were some unfamiliar faces at that meeting. Looking back she learned a small group strategically seated and vocal were not even members of their community nor did they have children attending the schools or libraries later attacked. It was only after Amanda’s personal Facebook page blew up with derogatory lies and dangerous slander that she realized this group was political. Their motives were carefully hidden and the welfare of the local children was the least of their concern. An educator, not an activist, Amanda’s entire reputation was destroyed. With alarming speed and accuracy, Amanda became the target of a viscous movement aimed at censorship and banning books. Without going through the normal measures this group put pressure on the system by placing a target on the librarian’s back. Emotional, harmful and terrifying these women and men, most of whom have a masters degree in library science have been quieted. Part memoir and manifesto, Amanda stands strong, gaining allies across the nation and opening our eyes to the current socio-political climate regarding books in America. Both informative and inspiring, banning books is just another form of bullying. ⭐⭐⭐⭐