THE ICE CREAM QUEEN OF ORCHARD STREET by Susan Jane Gilman

July 4, 2014

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The Treynovsky family escaped the pogroms in Russia and emmigrated to the lower east side of New York, where Malka grew up to become Lillian Dunkle, the eponymous ice cream queen in Susan Jane Gilman’s charming first novel. Her journey from poverty stricken immigrant to enormously successful ice cream magnate is the quintessential American story.

The streets of New York are not always the safest place for children, teeming with vendors and their push carts. Malka is out one day when the Italian ices man’s horse accidentally crushes her leg in a truly Dickensian moment. Malka’s father takes off, her mother can’t handle it and ends up in a sanitarium. Mr. Dinello feels guilty for crippling the child and takes her in, so this Jewish immigrant girl is raised by an Italian immigrant family. The Italian ices cart grows into an ice cream factory and Malka learns the business until both Mr. and Mrs. Dinello pass away. Their sons form a partnership and a new company, and leave her out in the cold.

Revenge drives Malka, who eventually changes her name to the more American sounding Lillian. She meets Albert Dunkle, a movie star handsome Jewish immigrant with a bad stutter. She tries to help him and they fall in love and marry. Together they start up Dunkle’s Ice Cream. Albert invents a machine that makes soft serve ice cream (think Carvel here, I certainly did) and they become hugely successful. But vindictiveness against the Dinello family fuels Lillian’s fire, and she won’t be happy until they are out of business. Lillian is an unscrupulous businesswoman, and eventually her chickens come home to roost.

This is a family story about the immigrant experience in America, told with a lot of humor and pathos. The characters come alive on these pages and while you may not always like Lillian Dunkle, you can’t help but cheer her on.

7/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE ICE CREAM QUEEN OF ORCHARD STREET by Susan Jane Gilman. Grand Central Publishing (June 10, 2014). ISBN 978-0446578936. 512p.

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Posted by Stacy Alesi

ONE PLUS ONE by JoJo Moyes

July 2, 2014

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It is always difficult to follow up a beloved book like Me Before You, but I think Moyes fans will be happy with her latest – I was. This is another contemporary romance, but in a more traditional way.

Jess is a single mom who is barely scraping by. Her husband walked out two years previously but is living with his mother and hasn’t sent any money or even seen his own kids. Jess’s daughter Tanzie is an 8 year old math prodigy, and she also takes in her stepson, Nicky, a teenager with some social issues who is getting beaten up on a regular basis by a neighborhood family of ne’er-do-wells.

Jess works all the time, cleaning houses by day and tending bar by night. She juggles her bills, keeping one step ahead by robbing Peter to pay Paul, and manages to keep food on the table, but just barely. When Tanzie’s math teacher calls to say that Tanzie has earned the possibility of a scholarship to a prestigious private school, Jess is dubious about even being able to pay the registration fee.

Then one of her cleaning clients, Ed, a rude dot com millionaire, gets drunk at the pub where she works. She manages to get a friend to drive him home, but when she gets back in the car she finds a wad of bills. Jess is a very moral character, but desperate for the registration fee, she takes the money and swears to herself that she will pay it back.

Ed has troubles of his own. In trying to dump a girlfriend, he inadvertently gives her inside information and she makes a killing in the stock market. He doesn’t make a dime but the cops come after him anyway.

Tanzie is offered the opportunity to participate in a math competition with prize money enough to cover the private school expenses, except it is in Scotland and Jess can’t afford the train fare. Desperate, she decides to drive, taking a an old broken down Rolls Royce that’s been stored in her garage for more than 2 years. No license and no insurance is a recipe for disaster and sure enough, the cops impound the car.

Ed happens by and stops to help. He ends up driving them all to Scotland, a four day trip, and Jess and Ed fall in love along the way. They both have a lot of baggage, but can they get past all their issues? Will these kids work out their problems?

Moyes writes great characters, and I will not be forgetting these anytime soon. This was a really enjoyable, fast read that should please her legion of fans.

7/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ONE PLUS ONE by JoJo Moyes. Pamela Dorman Books (July 1, 2014). ISBN 978-0525426585. 384p.

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Posted by Stacy Alesi

THE MARRYING OF CHANI KAUFMAN by Eve Harris

June 25, 2014

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I found this book on the long list for the Mann Booker prize in 2013 and it was published here in the U.S. by Grove Press in April.

I always find books about the Orthodox Jewish community fascinating, it’s a whole different culture from anything I’ve personally experienced. This story is set in London, which adds another layer to the story.

Chani Kaufman is getting married. She’s 19, she’s had three dates with Baruch, who is looking for a wife before he goes off to Jerusalem to rabbinical school. Baruch comes from a very wealthy family, but Chani does not. Her father is a good man, a rabbi himself, but of a small congregation.

Baruch’s mother is none too pleased with her son’s choice. She wants him to find a rich girl to subsidize his studies, and to keep things on an even playing field. But Baruch sticks to his guns and Chani thwarts her future mother-in-law’s plans to end the relationship.

The book is about these families, and also about the Rebbetzin that Chani is studying with. She is a deeply unhappy character, and the book moves between these various characters and  their families, as well as moving back and forth in time, but it is always interesting and easy to follow. Definitely for fans of Naomi Ragen’s books or The Innocents by Francesca Segal.

6/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE MARRYING OF CHANI KAUFMAN by Eve Harris. Grove Press, Black Cat (April 1, 2014). ISBN 978-0802122735. 384p.

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THE GLASS KITCHEN by Linda Francis Lee

June 17, 2014

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Read through to the end to find out how you can win your own copy of THE GLASS KITCHEN or a Kitchen Aid mixer!

Portia was the perfect Texas politician’s wife – until he had an affair with her best friend and dumped her. She takes off for New York City, to an apartment she inherited from her aunt. Her sisters inherited the other two apartments in the house, but sold theirs to Gabriel, who seems shocked to find her living downstairs in the garden apartment.

Portia and her sisters grew up in Texas and after losing their parents, all three sisters lived with their grandmother who owned a restaurant called the Glass Kitchen. Portia inherited something special from her grandmother, a gift the family calls ‘the knowing.’

Portia finds herself cooking certain foods, with only the vaguest sense of why, but invariably someone shows up who needs whatever she has prepared, like the dozens of cupcakes made before knowing there was a school bake sale. But after her grandmother dies, and her husband tells her she’s crazy, she fights those impulses as best as she can. Portia just stops cooking. But living on her own in NYC has brought those feelings back, and Porita just stops fighting her gift.

There is a strong attraction between her upstairs neighbor Gabriel and Portia, and they start a secret affair, with him climbing down the fire escape into her bed at night. Gabriel has two children, the precocious 12-year-old Ariel and a rebellious teenager, Miranda. Their mother died the previous year in a tragic car accident, and Gabriel moved them to the city in hopes that would help with their healing. Portia and Ariel form a unique bond, especially after Gabriel hires her to cook for the girls, but Miranda is a much harder nut to crack.

When Portia’s sisters land in financial trouble, they decide the answer to all their problems is to open a Glass Kitchen in New York City. Gabriel is dead set against it, citing harrowing statistics about restaurant failures in the city but the women plunge ahead. Meanwhile Gabriel and Portia keep giving in to their attraction until Portia finds out he’s been lying to her, then she dumps him and hides out with a neighbor.

Romances never run smoothly, and Lee does a more than credible job here, even with the touches of magical realism sprinkled throughout the book. This is a charming, sweet and funny story with wonderful, warm characters you can’t help but care about. If you liked The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender, you should enjoy The Glass Kitchen as well – I actually liked it a lot more. Recipes are included, and the jalapeño mustard is on my list to try for sure.

If you are looking for a beach read with real heart, look no further.

6/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE GLASS KITCHEN by Linda Francis Lee. St. Martin’s Press; First Edition edition (June 17, 2014). ISBN 978-0312382278. 384p.

The publisher is offering up a special contest

Enter to win a Kitchen Aid mixer! 

 

If you would like to win your own copy of THE GLASS KITCHEN:

Send an email to contest@gmail.com with “GLASS KITCHEN” as the subject. You must include your snail mail address in your email.

All entries must be received by July 4, 2014. Five (5) names will be drawn from all qualified entries and notified via email. This contest is open to all adults over 18 years of age in the United States or Canada. One entry per email address. Subscribers to the monthly newsletter earn an extra entry into every contest. Follow this blog to earn another entry into every contest. Winners may win only one time per year (365 days) for contests with prizes of more than one book. Your email address will not be shared or sold to anyone.

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THE HEIRESSES by Sara Shepard

June 11, 2014

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Some say the Saybrook family has it all – wealth, class, looks… They’re known for their jewelry empire, a business built up after WWII when the family patriarch discovered a yellow diamond that would make the Saybrook name one of the biggest in the industry.

The Saybrook heiresses -Poppy, Corinne, Rowan, Aster, and Natasha – are set to inherit everything until one of them gives up her place and another is claimed by tragedy. As family secrets begin to spill out into the public, the remaining heiresses have to face the possibility that someone could be out to get them.

The start to Sara Shepard’s newest series does seem to be very much in the vein of Pretty Little Liars (or what I know about it). Nonetheless, the Saybrook heiresses make for fun reading. Each of them has their own story and their own secrets, all of which get equal play and fun development in this first outing.

The Heiresses isn’t an especially deep or complicated read, but it is definitely tantalizing and fun. Perfect beach fare for summer in other words.

 

6/14 Becky Lejeune

THE HEIRESSES by Sara Shepard. Harper; 1ST edition (May 20, 2014). ISBN 978-0062259530. 320p.

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DELICIOUS! by Ruth Reichl

May 9, 2014

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Ruth Reichl is well known for her memoirs, including my favorite, Garlic & Sapphires, about her stint as the New York Times restaurant critic. She is also well known  for her stewardship at Gourmet magazine before its demise, and her occasional appearances on TV shows like Top Chef. This is her first novel, and it’s a really fun read.

Billie Breslin quits college in her senior year to apply for a job as assistant to the editor at a famous food magazine, Delicious. At her interview she is asked to cook, which freaks her out a bit but she rolls up her sleeves and makes gingerbread. Billie concocted the recipe when she was ten years old after her mother died, taking the recipe with her. The gingerbread cinches her the job, and she moves from California to New York City.

On her first day she is sent out with Sal on an errand.  Sal owns Fontinari’s, a famous Manhattan cheese shop and deli, and he gives her a foodie  tour of the city. Turns out Billie has a gift, a palate that can easily pick out even the most unusual flavors. Sal keeps her out so long she fears she will be fired her first day, but she can’t bring herself to leave him and his fascinating tour.

Billie keeps her job, at least for a while, making friends with the staff along the way including Sammy, the tweed wearing, multi-syllabic vocabulary spouting travel writer.  She writes letters home to her older sister Genie, whom she idolizes. Billie has always felt second rate compared to her beautiful, talented, smart sister and fails to recognize her own gifts.

When Delicious is suddenly shut down, à la Gourmet magazine, all her new friends find themselves out of work, but Billie is asked to stay on to handle the “Delicious Guarantee”, basically a customer service nightmare of a job. But she has bills to pay so she says yes, rattling around in the big empty mansion that once housed the magazine.

Sammy shows her the previously verboten library, which had been locked for years. They find a secret room hidden behind a bookcase, which hides shelves of handwritten letters dating back to World War II. She is entranced with Lulu, a 12 year old girl who has a correspondence with famed chef James Beard, a one time employee of the magazine.

Tracking down Lulu’s letters becomes Billie’s preoccupation, and the meticulous research that Reichl did shines here, especially in light of the treatment of the Italian Americans (and Italians) during the war. This aspect of the book reminded me of Killer Smile by Lisa Scottoline, which also touched on this topic in a very personal way.

Billie also has a love interest, eventually – a regular customer at Fontinari’s, where Billie works on weekends. Dubbed “Mr. Complainer,” the mystery man keeps popping up throughout, adding another layer of interest.

I have carefully resisted all the food metaphors that would be so easy to employ here, but I have to say that this is a very sweet book, and an entertaining, fast read – a wonderful way to kick off summer reading.

5/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

DELICIOUS! by Ruth Reichl.  Random House (May 6, 2014). ISBN 978-1400069620. 400p.

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THE LAST ORIGINAL WIFE by Dorothea Benton Frank

May 3, 2014

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As Leslie and her husband Wes have grown older, certain things about their relationship have changed. But they are the last amongst their friends still in their first marriage. That doesn’t mean things are rosy. In fact, Les has had it with Wes. Their trip to Scotland was the final straw, leaving Les with the feeling that it may be the end for them. A trip to Charleston to stay with her brother is just what she needs, but will it force Les to reevaluate her marriage or will it open her eyes to all new possibilities?

Everything I’ve heard about Dorothea Benton Frank led me to expect a sultry and summery southern novel. I didn’t quite find that to be the case with The Last Original Wife.

The story was entertaining at times and there are definitely moments of great humor, but I also found it to be kind of depressing; through Les, Wes, and their friends it would seem that all marriage is doomed.

I can see why Dorothea Benton Frank’s work has charmed audiences for so long but The Last Original Wife didn’t hit the spot for me.

5/14 Becky Lejeune

THE LAST ORIGINAL WIFE by Dorothea Benton Frank. William Morrow Paperbacks; Reprint edition (April 1, 2014). ISBN 978-0062132475. 368p.

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SPUN by Catherine McKenzie

May 2, 2014

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eBook

Amber Sheppard has worked hard to stay clean in the many months since her stint in rehab. But things haven’t been easy. The public is constantly on watch, waiting for her next screw up. Her parents have begun to hit the talk show circuit speaking out about their daughter’s behavior – even when there’s nothing of note to speak of. And the casting agents have their reservations about the new Amber as well.

Then there’s Connor Parks. In spite of everything Amber just can’t shake him. He’s been calling, texting, and emailing for months and while her heart longs to answer, she’s managed to put him off. Until now. Amber agrees to meet him one last time and it changes absolutely everything.

Oh, poor Amber. When we met her in Catherine McKenzie’s debut, Spin, she was kind of a snot. She was unwilling to listen to the advice of those around her and seemingly set on her ruinous ways.

But that’s not the case any more. Post rehab Amber has had a chance to reconsider her actions and longs for a change. But of course things aren’t that easy when you’re the center of the public eye.

Spin was one of my absolute favorite reads the year it was released – and still today. Not only was the story warm and funny, but the characters were so big and real. They were definitely people I wanted to see more of beyond that first book, so I was really, really excited to get the chance to return to them in Spun. And McKenzie did not let me down. Everyone I came to know and love in Spin is back but this time Amber is the star of the show. And once again the story is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Another truly excellent release from one of my favorite authors.

5/14 Becky Lejeune

SPUN by Catherine McKenzie. HarperCollins Canada (April 29, 2014). ASIN: B00I7WV51Q. 150p.

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VINTAGE by Susan Gloss

April 20, 2014

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Violet lives and breathes Hourglass Vintage. It’s all hers. It’s her baby, her concept and creation. Even before the shop was a reality, Violet was gathering and collecting items to sell. Items that all have a story. But now she’s in danger of losing it all.

April adored the wedding dress she discovered at Hourglass Vintage but with the wedding cancelled and a baby on the way, she’s not sure what to do. With a little help, April is offered a position as an intern at Hourglass Vintage. Violet accepts her return of the dress but finds it harder to accept the changes April suggests about running the store.

Amithi’s discovery of Hourglass Vintage comes at an opportune time. Thanks to events she’s yet to share with others, things that were once dear to Amithi are a burden to her now. She’s sure these things can find a new home with Violet’s customers, though.

These three women and so many more are brought together by Violet’s little shop and they will all have to work together if they are to save it before it’s too late.

Gloss introduces readers to a slew of women from all different walks of life, each of them undergoing a pretty big transition and the one thing that connects them all is Violet’s charming shop. As the story progresses Gloss shares more of their stories, drawing the reader into each of their lives. And yes, they are all fictional creations but it’s almost impossible not to get attached to them. Vintage is a fun and sweet read.

4/14 Becky Lejeune

VINTAGE by Susan Gloss. William Morrow (March 25, 2014). ISBN 978-0062270320. 320p.

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HIDDEN by Catherine McKenzie

April 11, 2014

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It was an almost normal Friday evening when Jeff Manning set off to walk home from work. Almost, in that he had had to fire the person who hired him at the company, but otherwise normal. A few hours later the police arrive at the Manning house with devastating news: Jeff has been killed in a car accident.

Claire is grief stricken at the loss of her husband. She tries to keep herself together for the sake of her twelve-year-old son, Seth, but she never imagined she’d be without her husband.

A few towns over Tish waits to hear how the firing went. When Jeff doesn’t call, Tish is immediately concerned. She worries that Jeff may no longer be interested in her but it’s not until the following Monday, when the company announces the tragedy, that Tish learns the truth.

Catherine McKenzie’s latest is a heart wrenching read about families and relationships. The story is told from three viewpoints—Claire’s, Tish’s, and Jeff’s—bringing the reader through each of the character’s lives and relationships as well as their intersections, allowing the reader an in depth look into the choices they’ve made along the way.

And it’s a sad story, to be sure. Jeff, dead at such a young age and Claire forced to face the possibility of her husband’s infidelity while unable to confront him over it. And Tish who must deal not only with the loss of someone she loves but must face the reality of her feelings and how they will affect her family if brought to light.

Hidden not only lives up to the expectations set by each of McKenzie’s three previous books (all of which have been personal favorites of mine) but also shows great growth on the part of the author. The previous three have all dealt with somewhat serious topics, they’ve also included enough comic relief to make them lighter in general. Hidden tackles infidelity, death, and so much more but in a more serious tone than the previous releases.

4/14 Becky Lejeune

HIDDEN by Catherine McKenzie. New Harvest (April 1, 2014). ISBN 978-0544264977. 304p.

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