Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre in the world, and anything set in my spirit country of Italy even more so. This marvelous book, The Chef's Secret, not only meets both of those criteria, but it's also about FOOD! And FORBIDDEN LOVE! and MYSTERY! And MORE FOOD! OK, I'll calm down now, but you … Continue reading The Chef’s Secret by Crystal King
Category: Books
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
I've felt a bit burnt out with my blog writing lately, though I can't figure out if it's because I've read through most of the books I really wanted to, or just haven't felt the yen to cook. It's a combination of both, but I think the New Year and wintertime is so gray and … Continue reading Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos
Reading this book and getting to know the main character of Cesar Castillo in The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love was both a joy and a sadness. This is a man with a great lust for life, dancing and drinking and eating and womanizing.......and with a talent for making decisions based on instinct and … Continue reading The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
One of my Christmas gifts, this book is one of the most compelling that I've read in ages. I'm a terrible literary snob, as I'm sure is no surprise to anyone who follows my blog, and I am very picky about what I read. So when I am compelled by a book, for me I … Continue reading Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton
Kate Morton is, for me anyway, hit or miss. I loved The Lake House, and have plans to blog it sometime in the future. I disliked The Forgotten Garden because it was just so implausible. But I really enjoyed The Clockmaker's Daughter. It is precisely the type of book I love - fictional but set … Continue reading The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
I am a diehard Bond Girl. I've seen all the films, read all the books and of course, have my own opinions about who has been the best Bond of all. Having a major crush on Timothy Dalton, I am biased in his favor, but there is also something to be said for the talents … Continue reading Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
The Waiting Room by F.G. Cottam
F.G. Cottam is my new favorite author of horror, supernatural and paranormal fiction. He's published several works, and I'd previously blogged The House of Lost Souls, which was the first book I read by him and the one that hooked me into his elegant, spare and eerie style of writing. The Waiting Room is a … Continue reading The Waiting Room by F.G. Cottam
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
In honor of this month's Fandom Foodie recipe takeover, of which I am the host and the theme of which is food based on Mexican literature and/or inspired by Day of the Dead - el Dia de los Muertos - as well as my adoration for this marvelous book Like Water for Chocolate, I decided to … Continue reading Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
It's my favorite time of year - the season of the witch! Yes, kiddos, Halloween is nearly upon us and as I do every October, I blog books that are scary, supernatural or just plain weird, and this month is no different. And of course, no scary book blog would be complete without the Big … Continue reading ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
Maledicus: The Investigative Paranormal Society by Charles French
Being a fan of anything paranormal, I quite enjoyed Maledicus: The Investigative Paranormal Society, although there were some pretty gruesome parts, too. (And I admit that I was too damn hungry to pause for my usual book-and-food photo, so I improvised and did one with a glass of the wine I used in the recipe … Continue reading Maledicus: The Investigative Paranormal Society by Charles French









