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Sweet Reads: Yes, Chef and Murder at First Slice

21 Jul

Yes, Chef
by Grace Reilly

Yes, Chef is the new novel by Grace Reilly author of the Beyond the Play Series. In this story a social media influencer falls for the handsome chef her father just fired. The two of them work to launch a new restaurant in Florida. Both have ADHD, which leads them to bond over the struggles they experienced growing up in neurotypical world. The book is inhabited by a diverse group of characters representing a variety of sexual orientations and ethnic backgrounds. Yes, Chef will appeal to those fond of grumpy/sunshine romances and who enjoy foodie fiction. Chapters alternate between the two main characters giving insight into both their experiences falling for each other. Beyond the romance there are also strong stories about the complexity of biological and found family relationships. Interested in more culinary romances? Check out T.J. Alexander’s Chef’s Kiss and Casey McQuiston’s The Pairing.

Murder at First Slice
by Valerie Burns

Murder at First Slice is the latest charming entry in Valerie Burns cozy A Baker Street Mystery series about Maddy Montgomery a content creator who inherited her grandmother’s bakery (and her giant pet dog). In this serving Maddy is preparing for her wedding and dealing with the feud between her future grandmother-in-law, Hannah, and Hannah’s cousin, Dorothy. When Dorothy is murdered, it is up to Maddy to exonerate Hannah before she walks down the aisle. I always appreciate a mystery series that allows it’s protagonist to develop their relationships and life making it rewarding to enjoy the overall story arc, but the mystery will appeal to those who have not read the previous entries as well. If you enjoy this series, you may also enjoy Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series and Mia P. Manansala’s Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery Series.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

Quirky Fantasies: The Moonsingers & That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon

14 Jul

The Moonsingers
by Robyn J Pritzker

Ismay Beghart has never felt like she fits in, while her sister is content with attending balls and a life of leisure, Ismay wants to feel useful, but her efforts at becoming a teacher have not gone as planned and when she leaves her last post humiliated, she takes a position in a far away village tutoring three very unusual girls. I found The Moonsingers to be a fresh and unusual take on the typical fairy tale. Ismay is an interesting protagonist, she makes mistakes and often feels awkward but still manages to charm with her compassion. Neurodivergent readers may especially find her relatable, but she will will appeal to anyone looking for a unique and not stereotypical heroine. If you like The Moonsingers you may also enjoy The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna.

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon
by Kimberly Lemming

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon is a very silly story filled with absurd situations that manages to be uniquely original while still satirizing some of the popular tropes of fantasy cozies and steamy romantasies including modern language as well as culinary creations one would not expect to find in a medievalesque world. I felt the story would have been stronger if the author had not relied so heavily on cliched language in her descriptions, but her humor was well timed and kept me reading. If you are looking for something light and funny to bring with you to the beach or for a plane trip, than this would be a good pick. There are additional volumes in Mead Mishaps series and Lemming also has a series of equally ridiculous Science Fiction Series: Cosmic Chaos.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager