Jane of Austin Book Review

A Novel of Sweet Tea and Sensibility

SUMMARY:  Just a few years after their father's business scandal shatters their lives, Jane Woodward and Celia Woodward find themselves forced out of their San Francisco tea shop.  The last thing Jane wants is to leave their beloved shop on Valencia Street, but when Celia insists on a move to Austin, Texas, the sisters pack up their kid sister, Margot, and Jane's tea plants, determined to start over yet again.

     But life in Austin isn't all sweet tea and breakfast tacos.  Their unusual living situation is challenging, and unspoken words begin to fester between Jane and Celia.  When Jane meets and falls for up-and-coming musician Sean Willis, the charm grows deeper.

     While Sean seems to charm everyone in his path, one person is immune - retired Marine Captain Callum Beckett.  Callum never meant to leave the military, but the twin losses of his father and his left leg have returned him to the place he least expected - Texas.

     In this modern spin on the Austen classic Sense and Sensibility, the Woodward sisters must contend with new ingredients in unfamiliar kitchens, a dash of heartbreak, and the fragile hope that maybe home isn't so far away.

REVIEW:  When I read Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen the first time, I found it difficult due to the 18th century writing and language.  Throw in some dry British humor and it took me MUCH LONGER to finish than usual.  After watching the movie staring Kate Winslett, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman about a thousand times :-D I understood it a lot better the second time.  So, when I got the opportunity to read this modern retelling of one of my favorite movies, I couldn't resist.  It also helped that it was written by one of my new favorite authors.

     Jane of Austin was a delight to read!!!  I didn't want to put it down but my boss and family insisted I do the jobs I'm supposed to do.  It was MUCH easier to read and comprehend than the original.  I fell in love with the characters, cried when they cried, laughed when they laughed, and smiled at all the happy parts.  Jane, or Marianne, is the main character.  I liked seeing everything from her point of view.  It helped me understand the original character's actions, reactions and responses a little better.  There were so many things that I enjoyed about this book.  I like how the author used local southern (and Texas) cuisine, tea shops and scones (as well as wonderful recipes) as a part of the story.  The flow of the action and dialog flowed easily.  I found myself excitingly turning pages and disappointed when it ended.

     Whether or not you are a fan of Jane Austen or the movies based on her books, this is one book that you need to read.  I promise, you will NOT be disappointed. It's amazing!!

This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah for review 

without any compensation.

Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of the critically acclaimed Two Blue Doors series and the Plain and Simple duet.  Jane of Austin is her sixth novel.  In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, graphic design, and finding new walking trails.  She resides outside of Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and two pups.  She can be found online at www.hillarymantonlodge.com.

Together at the Table Book Review

Two Blue Doors Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Great love, like great food, always involves risk.
     Three months ago, Juliette D'Alisa's world changed.
     In a bittersweet series of events, her mother's health took a turn for the worse.  Juliette and her brother opened their restaurant together to rave reviews, but her romance with Memphis immunologist Neil McLaren ended in anger and tears.
     Now as autumn sweeps into the Pacific Northwest, Juliette feels that she's finally on the cusp of equilibrium.  The restaurant continues to thrive, and her family is closer than ever.  She and sous-chef Adrian are seeing each other, both in and out of the kitchen.  Just when she thinks her world might stop spinning, a trip to the waterfront brings a familiar face across her path.
     Rather than dwell on her personal life, Juliette throws herself into work and research.  After reading her grandmother's letters from war-torn Paris, she still wants to know the full story - and she'll travel across countries and oceans to find it.
     But even Juliette can't outrun the man who stole her heart.  As she finally uncovers the truth about her family history, what will it mean for her own chances at lasting love.

Recipes and Readers Guide Included

REVIEW:  Oh. My. Goodness!!!!  I love this book, this series, everything!!  I got so caught up in Juliette's story and the letters of her grandmother, it was difficult returning to reality when I would have to set the book down.  The author kept my attention all the way through this novel and the series.  As Juliette worked her way through the letters, and eventually her grandmother's journal, I would get frustrated when the characters would have stop reading because I was anxious to see how everything worked out for Mireille and her little family. I also loved how Juliette came through her many trials stronger and better than before.  The way Juliette's life, and Mireille's, work out was satisfying, uplifting and inspiring.  

     This is one series you will want to check out.  You will need to read the other two books in order as each builds on the previous one.  It is one that will have a permanent place on my bookshelves.  This is one author that will be top on my list.

This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah and Blogging for Books 

for review without compensation.

Hillary Manton Lodge loves nothing more than an good story.  She is the author of several novels, including the Two Blue Doors and the Plain and Simple series.  In her free time, Hillary enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and exploring her most recent hometown of Portland, Oregon.  She shares her home with her husband, Danny, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shiloh and Sylvie.

Reservations for Two Book Review

A Novel of Fresh Flavors and New Horizons

Two Blue Doors Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  A culinary concoction of taking chances and finding love in the most delectable places.

     Food writer-turned-restauranteur Juliette D'Alisa has more than enough on her plate.  While her trip to Provence might have unlocked new answers to her grandmother's past, it's also provided new complications in the form of Neil McLaren, the man she can't give up.

     Juliette and Neil find romance simple as they travel through Provence and Tuscany together, but life back home in Portland presents a different set of challenges.  Juliette has a restaurant to open, a mother combating serious illness, and a family legacy of secrets to untangle.  So how does Neil, living so far away in Memphis, fit into her life?

    As she confronts an uncertain future, Juliette can't help but wish that life could be as straightforward as her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Can her French grandmother's letters from the 1940s provide wisdom to guide her present?  Or will every new insight create a fresh batch of mysteries?

REVIEW:  Having read the first book, A Table by the Window, I was anxiously waiting for this one to be released.  All the anticipation I felt was not for nothing: this book was fabulous!!  It grabbed me from the very first paragraph and held it to the very last word.  The Memphis scenes had me turning pages rapidly to see what sights and restaurants Neil and Juliette would go to, being that it's my hometown.  :-)  One of my most favorite things was how chaste Neil and Juliette's relationship was. They traveled through France and Italy together but did not share a room.  Even when Juliette went to Memphis, she stayed with Neil's best friends.  Now, don't get me wrong.  They did kiss and hug but just did not spend the night together, which I think is just awesome.  Another favorite part was reading Juliette's grandmother Mireille's letters to her sister as they discussed Mireille's budding relationship with Gabriel and later, their life together as husband and wife.

     Now, I could see part of the ending coming from a long way away.  I just wasn't sure exactly how how and when it would happen.  I was surprised at why it happened.  To me, it seemed like Juliette was overreacting, but given the stress she was under with the opening of the restaurant and her mother's health, it made sense when I thought more on it.  

     All in all, this is a marvelous book and series.  You really need to read the first book because it gives the familial history of Juliette and helps you understand how and why she ticks.  It also gives you insight on how Juliette and Neal met and see the beginning of their love for each other.  Even though the third and final book isn't due for another year, I am anxiously awaiting it's arrival.  There are some great sounding recipes in this book. Can't wait to see what the next one holds.

This book was provided by Blogging for Books/Waterbrook Multnomah for review without compensation.

 

Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of A Table by the Window, Plain Jayne, A Carol Award Finalist; and Simply Sara, an ECPA Bestselling book.  A graduate of the University of Oregon's School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during an internship at Northwest Palate magazine.  A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring her most recent hometown of Portland, Oregon.  She shares her home with her husband, Danny, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shiloh.

A Table by the Window Book Review

A Novel of Family Secrets and Heirloom Recipes

SUMMARY:  Every cook knows finding the right balance between savory and sweet is a tricky business.

     The youngest heir to the French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D'Alisa has spend her life negotiating her skill with words and her restaurant aspirations.  When her brother Nico offers a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn - does she really have what it takes?  Should she risk leaving her journalism career?

     Sorting through her late grandmother's belongings, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother.  As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and startling secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery hidden from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story.

     Beginning a long-distance relationship with a Memphis-based immunologist just complicates Juliette's life-shifting decisions.  How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary career and a doctor whose life is worlds away from her own?  Is it possible her grandmother's past can help her move forward?

REVIEW:  To be honest, at first I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book.  But, once I opened it and started reading, I didn't want to put it down.  Juliette's character sounds like someone I would love to be friends with.  She was conscientious and thoughtful. Instead of taking advantage of the spotlight she was put in due to her food columns, she passes it on to her friend, who was much better suited for the job. There were times I wished I could eat at her family's restaurant and taste the food she and her family and friends' make because it all sounded so delicious.  I loved how she decided to keep the antique photo found in her late grandmother's things a secret until she got more information about it and how it would affect her family.  She didn't want to to stir up trouble but was thinking of the  questions and maybe even heartache that could/would come out of it.

     There are a bunch of recipes included in this book, from main courses, sides dishes, desserts, breads and everything in between.  There are a few I would like to try if I ever get up the courage.

     Now, the book seemed to end abruptly with a LOT of unanswered questions.  But, when I realized there was another book to follow, I got excited.  This is one series I hope to continue to follow and see how Juliette fairs in her relationship with Neil, how the restaurant with Nico turns out, and the mystery behind the man in the photograph.  This is a book to put on your MUST READ list.

This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah (Blogging for Books) for review without compensation.

 

Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA best-selling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon's School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine.  In her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails.  She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.