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Deliciously Delightful Foodie Fiction set in New York: Aftertaste and Food Person

21 May

Aftertaste
by Daria Lavelle
Aftertaste is an intriguing novel that will appeal to fans of foodie literary fiction and dark fantasy. If it were a restaurant it would be a mysterious fusion place which merges dishes in unique and delightful, but challenging ways. The story focuses on Konstantin Duhovny, whose childhood was defined by his family’s immigration to the United States from Soviet Ukraine and his father’s early death. Duhovny has a unique ability, clairgustance, which allows him to taste the foods that are most emblematic of unseen spirits. He is warned against interacting with these “Hungry Ghosts” by a beautiful young psychic, Maura, who he meets at a rave event, but Duhovny is spurred on by his desire to have closure with his father and works his way up the line at Micheline star restaurant in order to learn to recreate the dishes that linger on his tongue. Maura is also working through her own loss, her sister who committed suicide. There are many twists and turns and the story will keep you guessing till the very end. The books conclusion is satisfying and hopeful, if not a completely happy ending.

Food Person
by Adam Roberts
Food Person is like merging Top Chef with Entertainment Tonight, it gives a fictionalized insight into the world of cookbook writing something the author is familiar with from his past nonfictions works. There is a gossipy element to the novel which name drops famous chefs both for their culinary feats as well as their social mistakes. It is the literary equivalent of a juicy hamburger at the new celebrity hot spot. The story centers on Isabelle, who feels a bit adrift after being fired from her job. She has allowed a domineering mother and catty best friend make her feel unworthy. Working as a ghostwriter with a party girl former child star, Molly, seems like an ill fit at first but the story finds Isabelle finding her way towards being not only a successful author, but also more confidence in herself. I wasn’t expecting the dramatic moment that happened towards the later half of the story, but I liked seeing how it leads to Isabelle working through her judgmental attitude towards Molly and how Molly also works through her own self-absorption. I also enjoyed the sweet romance that develops between Isabelle and a sous chef at an up and coming restaurant.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Charming Romances: A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic and Written in the Stars

9 Apr

A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic
by J. Penner
A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic is the first in a previously self-published, Adenashire series now being published next Tuesday as a new special hardcover edition with new scenes from The Poisoned Pen Press, who publishes my favorite Phryne Fisher Mystery series. This a charming cozy fantasy for those who are looking for a Legends and Lattes read-a-like. The stakes are low, but the romance and recipes created are sweet when Arleta, a human woman, enters an eleven baking competition. She worries her lack of magic will keep her from winning the competition and even more importantly winning the heart of the head judge’s handsome and kind son. The story has strong themes about being open to friendship and that it is ok sometimes to ask for help as well as giving it. I felt Arleta was very relatable as a character and I enjoyed seeing her journey. I loved the idea of ice fairies being used for cooling the warm baked goods for icing so I wish there had been a bit more fantasy elements at times since sometimes the food, ingredients and cooking equipment seemed a bit too modern and “real world” for the fantasy setting, but on the whole I found the story to be a page turner and I look forward to reading the other two novels in the series focusing on Arleta’s BFFs. We will also see a fourth added in the fall that follows the next chapter in Arleta’s life post her happily ever after.

Written in the Stars
by Alexandria Bellefleur
In Written in the Stars, Darcy Lowell is setup by her brother, Brendon, on a blind date with Elle Jones, his new business partner, both women find each other attractive, but Darcy views astrologer Elle as being flaky and Elle thinks Darcy is a stuck up bore. But when Darcy fibs to her brother that the date went great something he then tells Elle about in front of her mom, both women decide to make a pact to act like they are dating through the holiday season. But when New Years rolls around both women are left wondering if perhaps they are more complimentary than they first believed. I enjoyed the banter between the two women and seeing how they both learned to open their minds and hearts as they learned more about each other. I listened to the audiobook version performed by Lauren Sweet, who has narrated over 100 audiobooks including several New York Times and USA Today bestsellers. If you enjoy Written in the Stars, you should also check out Hang the Moon which focuses on Brendon finding love and Count Your Lucky Stars which tells the story of Margot, Darcy’s fellow astrologer and bff.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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