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Letters from Wishing Rock: a novel with recipes
Pam Stucky's charming debut novel is already garnering rave reviews and demands for book two in the Wishing Rock series. This engaging, fun read is written in the format of letters/e-mails amongst characters. It combines the easy readability of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and the sassy, irreverent tone of Bridget Jones' Diary, with the slice-of-life sensibilities of Alexander McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street or Ladies' Detective Agency series.
What would happen if everyone in town lived in the same building? Ruby Parker is about to find out. Her fiancé has left her and she needs a fresh start, so she moves to Wishing Rock, Washington, a small town on Dogwinkle Island in the waters near Seattle, where she meets a quirky cast of characters who quickly become family. Letters between the neighbors and their friends chronicle the twists and turns of the characters’ daily lives. There’s Jake, a handsome and charming first-year medical student who catches Ruby’s eye from the start, despite his being over a decade younger. Millie, a Wishing Rock resident for forty years, runs the town’s library, post office, newsletter and grocery store, knows everyone and everything, and shares the history of the area with her playful wit. World traveler and psychic Alexandra bestows insight and wisdom with humor and compassion, and Ruby’s Gran heads to the United Kingdom, heeding her own advice to seize the day. And then there’s Ed; if something fun is going on, the grandson of the town’s founding father is likely at the center of it. Amidst all this action, Ruby manages to find passion and companionship, but will she be able to open her heart to love?
Online dating, a group trip to Scotland, a discussion about dogwinkles, a fateful hoedown, and friendships old and new, all interspersed with recipes from some of the town’s best cooks, make Wishing Rock come alive in this delightful and insightful look at life, love, relationships, and community.
What would happen if everyone in town lived in the same building? Ruby Parker is about to find out. Her fiancé has left her and she needs a fresh start, so she moves to Wishing Rock, Washington, a small town on Dogwinkle Island in the waters near Seattle, where she meets a quirky cast of characters who quickly become family. Letters between the neighbors and their friends chronicle the twists and turns of the characters’ daily lives. There’s Jake, a handsome and charming first-year medical student who catches Ruby’s eye from the start, despite his being over a decade younger. Millie, a Wishing Rock resident for forty years, runs the town’s library, post office, newsletter and grocery store, knows everyone and everything, and shares the history of the area with her playful wit. World traveler and psychic Alexandra bestows insight and wisdom with humor and compassion, and Ruby’s Gran heads to the United Kingdom, heeding her own advice to seize the day. And then there’s Ed; if something fun is going on, the grandson of the town’s founding father is likely at the center of it. Amidst all this action, Ruby manages to find passion and companionship, but will she be able to open her heart to love?
Online dating, a group trip to Scotland, a discussion about dogwinkles, a fateful hoedown, and friendships old and new, all interspersed with recipes from some of the town’s best cooks, make Wishing Rock come alive in this delightful and insightful look at life, love, relationships, and community.
285 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2011
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349 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 1, 2018
Ruby Parker is deeply in love and preparing for her marriage to her beloved when he ups and calls it off, breaking her heart. In an effort to heal her broken heart, she moves to a town called Wishing Rock. This is an unusual "town". The entire population lives in the same building.
It is inevitable that everyone knows everyone else's business. Over time, Ruby begins to adore her neighbors, who care for one another and take care of each other.
The story is told through a series of texts, emails and regular old snail mail letters. Included in some chapters are some recipes for the foods that the people share together.
Through these little peeks into emails and letters, you come to know each character, one little piece at a time. You will also come to care for them.
It is inevitable that everyone knows everyone else's business. Over time, Ruby begins to adore her neighbors, who care for one another and take care of each other.
The story is told through a series of texts, emails and regular old snail mail letters. Included in some chapters are some recipes for the foods that the people share together.
Through these little peeks into emails and letters, you come to know each character, one little piece at a time. You will also come to care for them.
June 2, 2011
I wondered to myself, how I could possibly write a proper review of "a novel with recipes" if I hadn't actually tried any of the recipes so... now as I sit here munching on the absolutely best oatmeal chocolate bars EVER (recipe pg. 19), I am wondering how I can get myself to Wishing Rock. I was drawn in to the unique town of Wishing Rock which seemed like a strange mix of commune/condos/retail in one giant building (possibly the new urban profile). I enjoyed the format of using email correspondence between all the characters to convey the story. The only quibble I had was that as entertaining as the writing was, I felt the characters all had the same voice. The style of their email correspondence was so similar as to be written by one person- not several individuals. This didn't seem to be as much of a problem further into the novel. There were also a few times when Millie (the self proclaimed historian of Wishing Rock), tended to get a bit long-winded -but she laid out the background of the town and set the stage very nicely. These citizens of Wishing Rock are all folks I would love to call my friends and I would gladly look forward to a series featuring more of Ruby, Gran, Erin, Pip, Ed, and Alexandra. This is a very promising first novel for Pam Stucky.
June 20, 2013
By: Pam Stucky
Published By: Createspace
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: GMTA
Series: Wishing Rock #1
Review:
"Letters from Wishing Rock" by Pam Stucky was a different intake of storytelling through emails, letters and yes, even recipes. This was some read...'an entire town living in a five story building' in this small town where you get to know each other through emails they sent to each other. Now you know that there would be some drama with that...dealing with people with all sort of issues. You will find that their will be a 'few wise people giving good and sound advice with others...well will make 'questionable choices.' Be ready for a read that will present some 'intense, sad and very dramatic moments. The characters...Ruby, Erin Pip, Ed, Jake, Pip, Millie and Gran were really very colorful and fascinating just being so entertained through the emails and text to each other. I found some of this was too funny where I would find myself laughing out loud at all of their 'shenanigans.' If you are looking for a light entertainment...I would definitely recommend "Letters From Wishing Rock." Be sure to check out the recipes.
Published By: Createspace
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: GMTA
Series: Wishing Rock #1
Review:
"Letters from Wishing Rock" by Pam Stucky was a different intake of storytelling through emails, letters and yes, even recipes. This was some read...'an entire town living in a five story building' in this small town where you get to know each other through emails they sent to each other. Now you know that there would be some drama with that...dealing with people with all sort of issues. You will find that their will be a 'few wise people giving good and sound advice with others...well will make 'questionable choices.' Be ready for a read that will present some 'intense, sad and very dramatic moments. The characters...Ruby, Erin Pip, Ed, Jake, Pip, Millie and Gran were really very colorful and fascinating just being so entertained through the emails and text to each other. I found some of this was too funny where I would find myself laughing out loud at all of their 'shenanigans.' If you are looking for a light entertainment...I would definitely recommend "Letters From Wishing Rock." Be sure to check out the recipes.
April 30, 2015
I loved this quirky, fun book. I listened to the audio book and loved the narration. I didn't like the style at first but it didn't take long for me to get past that. This book is written in emails from Ruby to and from all the people in her life. I am going to buy the two follow-up audio books now. So glad I stumbled upon this one
July 30, 2014
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to author Pam Stucky for providing me with a complimentary copy this book in exchange for my honest review.
My Review: When the author, Pam Stucky approached me about reading and reviewing her book I was intrigued -- a novel and recipes? Sounds perfect for me. But I was also a little nervous because this story is only told via emails and texts between the characters. In the past it's not a format that I've loved (and yes, I didn't love it in Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society either) because I felt disconnected from the characters but I figured I'd give it a shot.
Once I started to get a feel for the characters in Wishing Rock I was able to get into the storyline and the email format seemed to not matter so much. What I was left with was a heart-felt, feel good book that gives off a strong sense of community where readers are immersed in the lives of the people of this unique small town.
When I say 'unique' I'm talking about how the town is set up. This is a town on a small island off the west coast where all of the town inhabitants live in one big building. I will admit to furrowing my brow as I first read this because I had a hard time imagining such a place. I still do, actually. Think of it as a cute, multi-generational version of Melrose Place with everyone all up in each other's business (and beds) minus the cat fights and shocking storylines. Other reviewers claim that this is a cute version of Northern Exposure. I've never seen an episode of that show but if you're a fan you may want to pick up this book series.
This is a character-driven novel and the characters are definitely quirky (Ruby's Gran was my favourite - fun and feisty, she was!). Very quickly their different tones in speaking/writing came through making it easy to distinguish who was speaking. It's also a book that focuses on three things: food, romance and travel.
I have but two wee criticisms. First, I think a little too much time was spent describing the setting in Scotland. I adore travelling and Scotland is almost at the top of my 'next to visit' list but there was so much time spent on describing the landscape and culture that I found it distracted from the general storyline and I will admit to skimming a bit during those sections.
Secondly, while Letters From Wishing Rock deals with believable, quirky and sometimes humourous characters and situations it always had a light tone and fairly mild drama. A little grittier issues would have gotten me a lot more invested in their lives and spiced things up a bit.
Pam Stucky has taken an original idea, different format and some quirky characters and tops it off with some 'tried and true' recipes. Overall, I think this is a good start to a new series. It has a cute, charming feel to it - if a little too predictable for my tastes. If you're looking for a light summer read you may want to take a trip to Wishing Rock.
My Rating: 3/5 stars
** This book review, as well as many more, can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm (www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.ca). **
My Review: When the author, Pam Stucky approached me about reading and reviewing her book I was intrigued -- a novel and recipes? Sounds perfect for me. But I was also a little nervous because this story is only told via emails and texts between the characters. In the past it's not a format that I've loved (and yes, I didn't love it in Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society either) because I felt disconnected from the characters but I figured I'd give it a shot.
Once I started to get a feel for the characters in Wishing Rock I was able to get into the storyline and the email format seemed to not matter so much. What I was left with was a heart-felt, feel good book that gives off a strong sense of community where readers are immersed in the lives of the people of this unique small town.
When I say 'unique' I'm talking about how the town is set up. This is a town on a small island off the west coast where all of the town inhabitants live in one big building. I will admit to furrowing my brow as I first read this because I had a hard time imagining such a place. I still do, actually. Think of it as a cute, multi-generational version of Melrose Place with everyone all up in each other's business (and beds) minus the cat fights and shocking storylines. Other reviewers claim that this is a cute version of Northern Exposure. I've never seen an episode of that show but if you're a fan you may want to pick up this book series.
This is a character-driven novel and the characters are definitely quirky (Ruby's Gran was my favourite - fun and feisty, she was!). Very quickly their different tones in speaking/writing came through making it easy to distinguish who was speaking. It's also a book that focuses on three things: food, romance and travel.
I have but two wee criticisms. First, I think a little too much time was spent describing the setting in Scotland. I adore travelling and Scotland is almost at the top of my 'next to visit' list but there was so much time spent on describing the landscape and culture that I found it distracted from the general storyline and I will admit to skimming a bit during those sections.
Secondly, while Letters From Wishing Rock deals with believable, quirky and sometimes humourous characters and situations it always had a light tone and fairly mild drama. A little grittier issues would have gotten me a lot more invested in their lives and spiced things up a bit.
Pam Stucky has taken an original idea, different format and some quirky characters and tops it off with some 'tried and true' recipes. Overall, I think this is a good start to a new series. It has a cute, charming feel to it - if a little too predictable for my tastes. If you're looking for a light summer read you may want to take a trip to Wishing Rock.
My Rating: 3/5 stars
** This book review, as well as many more, can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm (www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.ca). **
March 15, 2014
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite.
Imagine a small island community in the Northwest of the United States, now image that all the housing is contained in one building. Wishing Rock is that town. A huge building had been built and was later transformed into shops on the first level and the upper four levels of housing. Later an addition on the roof of a bed and breakfast was added. What would it be like to live in the same building as all your neighbors? Letters from Wishing Rock tells the story of some of those residents. The whole book is just a collection of e-mails and text messages between the people of the town. You learn everything you know about the people through these e-mails. Pam Stucky takes an original approach in the design of this book, and it works well for this story.
Originally it seemed as if Letters from Wishing Rock was to be about Ruby and her move to Wishing Rock, but it reality all the characters play a pretty equal in importance to the story. There is Ruby's sister Pip, who is never in Wishing Rock, but has a long storyline. Then there is the resident psychic Alexandra, the historian Millie and the founding families. Pam Stucky takes the concept of letters, in this book in the forms of emails and texts, used to tell the story. At times it is hard to remember who is writing to whom, but you start to see differences in the style that each character writes in. This is definitely a woman's story, there is romance, love and betrayal. I think woman of all ages will enjoy this story and the concept of the letters, also included are some great recipes.
Imagine a small island community in the Northwest of the United States, now image that all the housing is contained in one building. Wishing Rock is that town. A huge building had been built and was later transformed into shops on the first level and the upper four levels of housing. Later an addition on the roof of a bed and breakfast was added. What would it be like to live in the same building as all your neighbors? Letters from Wishing Rock tells the story of some of those residents. The whole book is just a collection of e-mails and text messages between the people of the town. You learn everything you know about the people through these e-mails. Pam Stucky takes an original approach in the design of this book, and it works well for this story.
Originally it seemed as if Letters from Wishing Rock was to be about Ruby and her move to Wishing Rock, but it reality all the characters play a pretty equal in importance to the story. There is Ruby's sister Pip, who is never in Wishing Rock, but has a long storyline. Then there is the resident psychic Alexandra, the historian Millie and the founding families. Pam Stucky takes the concept of letters, in this book in the forms of emails and texts, used to tell the story. At times it is hard to remember who is writing to whom, but you start to see differences in the style that each character writes in. This is definitely a woman's story, there is romance, love and betrayal. I think woman of all ages will enjoy this story and the concept of the letters, also included are some great recipes.
January 20, 2013
Puget Sound's quiet islands, Scotland's dazzling attractions, witty email exchanges, and free recipes--this book is practically designed to woo me. And it worked! I was drawn in by the intriguing idea of a small island town where everyone lived in one extensive apartment building, and by the epistolary structure as well. The whole story is told through emails, with a few texts and newsletters, and while that did mean stretching emails to wordier and more descriptive lengths than people usually write, it still worked for me. It's a fun modern twist on old letter-based novels like 'Dangerous Liaisons,' but don't worry, it's not nearly as dark as that book. It's full of wit and gentle charm, which only increases as you get to know all the residents and their correspondents. What it reminded me of most, actually, was the show "Northern Exposure," which I also loved. Pam Stucky captures that same quirky, optimistic Northwest-with-worldly-influences feel. I came away from it with a) the desire to write an epistolary novel myself, b) a much extended list of places I want to travel, c) recipes to try, and d) a happier and more uplifted outlook on life. Thank you, Pam!
I hear she's working on book 2...yay!
I hear she's working on book 2...yay!
July 22, 2011
A good novel AND delicious recipes? What else does a person need?
It has been quite a while since I have read a book written in this format, but I found it quite refreshing. I don't personally know anyone who writes such long and detailed e-mails, and it took me a while to get past this, but it made me miss the days before Facebook took over as the primary form of internet communication (and actual written letters before that). The problem with this type of novel normally lies in the flatness of its characters, and the similarities of the writing, but Wishing Rock did not fall victim to this.
There is truly something in this novel for everyone: food, romance, travel, and the list goes on. Just when I started to get overwhelmed with hearing about the main character's rocky love life, Stucky throws incites on life that leave you feeling a bit wiser.
The only negative thing I can say about the novel is that I got bored with the passing descriptions of the areas that the characters were visiting. It took up too much space and did little to advance the story.
In the end, wouldn't it be great to live in a place like Wishing Rock? An island, one big box of a complex, and an active social scene= instant family. Now it is time for me to try out some of these recipes!
It has been quite a while since I have read a book written in this format, but I found it quite refreshing. I don't personally know anyone who writes such long and detailed e-mails, and it took me a while to get past this, but it made me miss the days before Facebook took over as the primary form of internet communication (and actual written letters before that). The problem with this type of novel normally lies in the flatness of its characters, and the similarities of the writing, but Wishing Rock did not fall victim to this.
There is truly something in this novel for everyone: food, romance, travel, and the list goes on. Just when I started to get overwhelmed with hearing about the main character's rocky love life, Stucky throws incites on life that leave you feeling a bit wiser.
The only negative thing I can say about the novel is that I got bored with the passing descriptions of the areas that the characters were visiting. It took up too much space and did little to advance the story.
In the end, wouldn't it be great to live in a place like Wishing Rock? An island, one big box of a complex, and an active social scene= instant family. Now it is time for me to try out some of these recipes!
May 31, 2012
OK...I have to be honest. It took me a bit to get into this book. I had a really difficult time with the format, written as a series of emails (that did have the tendency to be hilarious), so I had to keep track of who was "writing" what which was a distraction and it took a bit more to follow the storyline. Once I did, what an adorable and delightful read! I loved the depiction of Wishing Rock and its' quirky citizens, as well as Ruby's goofy but lovable friends. The globe-trotting Gran was tons of fun, as well.
I was just looking at a review on Goodreads which called it a female version of Northern Exposure, a show I loved (yes, I know I am aging myself!) and, in my humble opinion, that description nailed it! For some reason, I was also reminded of the movie "Christmas in Connecticut", one of my favorite Christmas movies.
Oh, I can't forget to mention the recipes in the book. Seeing that I have picked up a large number of great recipes by authors including them in their books, I know I will be trying a couple in this book!
I was just looking at a review on Goodreads which called it a female version of Northern Exposure, a show I loved (yes, I know I am aging myself!) and, in my humble opinion, that description nailed it! For some reason, I was also reminded of the movie "Christmas in Connecticut", one of my favorite Christmas movies.
Oh, I can't forget to mention the recipes in the book. Seeing that I have picked up a large number of great recipes by authors including them in their books, I know I will be trying a couple in this book!
June 12, 2012
I picked this up after sending a tweet out asking if anyone could recommend something that wasn't dark and miserable like everything else that I'd been reading. The author suggested this and I'm glad she did. It was just what the doctor ordered, fresh, quirky, funny in places and seasoned with wisdom. Light without being frivolous, it follows the story of a woman trying to find someone to fill her desire for true love and family. The inhabitants of Wishing Rock embody this sense of family in the most delightful way, and I fell in love with the characters in a flash, especially Gran. The rythmn the author created with the different length emails and occaisonal texts was skillfully done and gave an almost musical undercurrent to the text. The characters are delightful and the recipes a nice touch. The travels in Scotland made me want to visit.
December 2, 2012
I received this book as a giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
The story was written in the form of texts, emails and letters between the residents and friends of the community of Wishing Rock. What I liked about this book was the format in which it was presented – the short sections made it easy to read. I loved Millie’s ‘on a completely separate note’ sections of her newsletter as these always made me smile, and also the descriptions of Ruby’s experiences of internet dating. These seemed so true to life and, for me at least, echoed some of my own experiences. Overall a lovely book, the recipes looked good, although I didn’t try them myself. I’d recommend this book as the perfect read for lazing on the beach (or even just curled up at home) as it’s a light, but enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the new instalment about the residents of Wishing Rock. 4 star
The story was written in the form of texts, emails and letters between the residents and friends of the community of Wishing Rock. What I liked about this book was the format in which it was presented – the short sections made it easy to read. I loved Millie’s ‘on a completely separate note’ sections of her newsletter as these always made me smile, and also the descriptions of Ruby’s experiences of internet dating. These seemed so true to life and, for me at least, echoed some of my own experiences. Overall a lovely book, the recipes looked good, although I didn’t try them myself. I’d recommend this book as the perfect read for lazing on the beach (or even just curled up at home) as it’s a light, but enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the new instalment about the residents of Wishing Rock. 4 star
July 7, 2011
This book had me hooked from start to finish and I believe I had a smile on my face from start to finish too. A complete chick read and if you like the likes of "Bridget Jones Diary" by Helen Fielding or "PS I Love You" by Cecelia Ahern then this is the book for you.
This book took me to a place I would dream of living in with so many diverse characters each with different backgrounds and this book is written with such humour it will have you in stitches.
I have bought this book for friends and they too loved it. A great read and a refreshing change from all he doom and gloom going on in the world.
This book took me to a place I would dream of living in with so many diverse characters each with different backgrounds and this book is written with such humour it will have you in stitches.
I have bought this book for friends and they too loved it. A great read and a refreshing change from all he doom and gloom going on in the world.
December 31, 2014
This was a delightful book with lots of interesting characters. The idea of an entire novel being written in emails sounds daunting but the flow was easy to follow. The writing was very witty, with a few laugh out loud moments.
I'm not sure if I would have been bored with the parts that were pretty much a travelog of Scotland, but since it was about many places I had visited, some not often heard of such as Skara Brae, I really enjoyed that part.
I recommend this book highly and am hoping to read others as this was the first of a series.
I'm not sure if I would have been bored with the parts that were pretty much a travelog of Scotland, but since it was about many places I had visited, some not often heard of such as Skara Brae, I really enjoyed that part.
I recommend this book highly and am hoping to read others as this was the first of a series.
April 27, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. The format is that you are reading e-mails between all the charactors which in some ways make for a less visual book but in this case I don't think it takes away from the book at all. I found myself wishing I could move there. The insights of the some of the women even at different ages I found easy to relate to. It was a fun book and may look at getting it in print to share with friends.
September 17, 2011
I bought this from the author at the Edmonds Farmer's Market. It was one of those impulse purchases that I might have chalked up to 'supporting local artists and authors' but once I started reading it, I discovered it was REALLY FUN! I was left with questions about the characters of Wishing Rock and what they would be doing next so I guess that means I'm looking for the sequel. More letters from Wishing Rock, please!
July 6, 2011
The concept of a whole story told through email was interesting. The concept of a town all in one building was also interesting. I could have done with fewer discussions about sex. The travel logs were a bit long and tedious, I skipped over many of those pages. Overall, however, I enjoyed the book.
December 8, 2011
Loved the letter/email format. Wasn't as successful at it as Potato Peel Pie Society though. Some of the letters were a little wordy and full of dialogue that wouldn't make a real letter. There was also some foul language that I didn't appreciate. I haven't tried any of the recipes.
June 20, 2014
Pam Stucky's Wishing Rock series is a joy to read. Her characters are lively, her style is fresh and innovative. I wanted to move to Wishing Rock myself when I was done! The Wishing Rock series is fun, and well worth your reading time.
Want to read
May 3, 2011Sounds like a wonderful book, I love fun reads sometimes they are the perfect pick me up.
April 19, 2011
Well written charming story about one woman's journey of love and trust.
April 10, 2013
I liked this book. While I did find myself skipping over quite a few of the long passages, the general story line was unique and quite good.
July 7, 2022
ecovering from a break up Ruby moves to the fictional Island of Dog Winkle to the community/town of Wishing Rock after her childhood friend Erin suggests Wishing Rock as change of scenery. There is a strong sense of community and friendship as everyone lives in the same building (about 150 people in total. )
The email/text format of the book is told in the many voices of the soon to be familiar characters. Introduced in the first of three novels are Millie the humourous shopkeeper and newsletter writer, Alexandra the psychic and deep thinker, Ed one of the co-owners of Dog Winkle and the owner of the Distillery. Michael his brother who is married to Carolyn, a “Martha Stewart”, Claire and Tom who own the Inn and their two sons Ben and Jake. Ruby's grandmother (Adele) and sister Pip also find a place in the novel too although they don't live on Wishing Rock.
The folk of Wishing Rock are more than neighours, they become like family. Friendships span all ages and age is just a number.
Through out the novel there are many 'pot luck' meals shared and the recipes for some of the the food are interspersed in the emails. I found this concept refreshing and appetizing,combining both my love of cooking and reading!
It was a comforting book to read, with many wise notions, Don't put things off that you can do today, live life to the fullest and no matter your age have fun.
The worst thing about the book was finishing it, I am ecstatic that there are another two books still to read.
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
Lauren -The Kindle Book Review.
The email/text format of the book is told in the many voices of the soon to be familiar characters. Introduced in the first of three novels are Millie the humourous shopkeeper and newsletter writer, Alexandra the psychic and deep thinker, Ed one of the co-owners of Dog Winkle and the owner of the Distillery. Michael his brother who is married to Carolyn, a “Martha Stewart”, Claire and Tom who own the Inn and their two sons Ben and Jake. Ruby's grandmother (Adele) and sister Pip also find a place in the novel too although they don't live on Wishing Rock.
The folk of Wishing Rock are more than neighours, they become like family. Friendships span all ages and age is just a number.
Through out the novel there are many 'pot luck' meals shared and the recipes for some of the the food are interspersed in the emails. I found this concept refreshing and appetizing,combining both my love of cooking and reading!
It was a comforting book to read, with many wise notions, Don't put things off that you can do today, live life to the fullest and no matter your age have fun.
The worst thing about the book was finishing it, I am ecstatic that there are another two books still to read.
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
Lauren -The Kindle Book Review.
March 4, 2020
This is an interesting concept. Everyone living in one building. I think it would either force people to get a long, or avoid each other. For Wishing Rock, they have their ups and downs, but they do get along. Each character brings a different aspect to the community. It is a unique way to write a story, through letters. But through the letters, we come to love the citizens of Wishing Rock. The best part is all the new recipes that are discussed in the story, and then I could create myself.
Tiffany Williams can narrate any cookbook she wants for me. I love Ms. Williams narration, but I was worried how it would be to have a recipe read to me. Ms. Williams made the reciped flow as if it was just another page in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this narration.
Tiffany Williams can narrate any cookbook she wants for me. I love Ms. Williams narration, but I was worried how it would be to have a recipe read to me. Ms. Williams made the reciped flow as if it was just another page in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this narration.
June 10, 2019
Very cute and sweet! Kind of chick-lit. Sexual situations, but innuendo rather than tmi. Does remind one a bit of Northern Exposure. Told in a series of (mostly) emails. There are two sequels if you want to continue - but no cliffhanger and it ends at an emotionally satisfying point so stands alone nicely. Recommended!! (-and the recipes look decent as well. I now know how to make limoncello.) 4.5 stars.
July 7, 2018
Interesting
I have to admit that I was a bit put off by the writing style at first. However after reading Debra rap of the “letters” the story became interesting enough to keep the pages turning. It almost felt like having a peek at someone’s personal email and was fun.
I have to admit that I was a bit put off by the writing style at first. However after reading Debra rap of the “letters” the story became interesting enough to keep the pages turning. It almost felt like having a peek at someone’s personal email and was fun.
June 6, 2021
Sass and sizzle
Really enjoyed this first of three in the series. The characters seemed like old friends. Stucky builds descriptive nature scenes, captivating characters, and fast-paced storylines equally well. Looking forward to the next two books.
Really enjoyed this first of three in the series. The characters seemed like old friends. Stucky builds descriptive nature scenes, captivating characters, and fast-paced storylines equally well. Looking forward to the next two books.
November 5, 2023
This was a quirky, fun book. Told entirely by emails from one character to myriad others and their return messages. When I first started I thought I wouldn’t enjoy it, but soon got into the swing of the story and enjoyed meeting all the characters and hearing about their adventures.
May 23, 2020
A story told in letter & email format. Ruby moves into a new job at a distillery in the quirky town of Wishing Rock, where everyone living in the same building.
January 13, 2023
Enjoy
A little obvious, but enjoyable nevertheless. Fun characters and interesting places (a little too description). Nice to spend time with.
A little obvious, but enjoyable nevertheless. Fun characters and interesting places (a little too description). Nice to spend time with.
March 24, 2013
When I read the synopsis for this book I was eager and thankful to receive a review copy (and here’s my disclaimer that I was given a copy of this book to write an honest review). A book written in letters AND one that includes recipes? I’ve been pen palling since 1991, and cooking is one of my hobbies, so yes, I was very excited.
This book did not let me down. The author did a great job giving individual voices to Ruby, Gran, Pip, Alexandra, and Ed, among others. I enjoy books told by multiple persons, and I consider it a challenge and gift when the author is able to differentiate between characters, especially in a book like this with so many different voices. Readers will be drawn into the charming town of Wishing Rock and want to search to see if such places do exist.
That being said, some of the letters were long-winded, and even though it’s easy to let your mind just keep going, I wondered if there are people that regularly write letters that are probably three pages typed out. I also thought the closeness of Ruby and Gran’s relationship seemed a bit far-fetched, but maybe there are granddaughters out there who are comfortable talking with their grandmothers about sex and vise versa.
Without giving away too much, the ending was predictable in who Ruby would end up with, but I was concerned how the author was planning on making it happen. I didn’t need to worry. She wrapped things up neatly and the ending did not seemed rushed. Though the ending has a “stay tuned” implication, I don’t see a need for a sequel or series. Stucky chose the right note to end this book on, and I think that any more would have made the whole thing too drawn out.
As far as the recipes go, I haven’t had a chance to try any of them out, though I do plan on doing so soon, especially the chocolate oat bars.
This book did not let me down. The author did a great job giving individual voices to Ruby, Gran, Pip, Alexandra, and Ed, among others. I enjoy books told by multiple persons, and I consider it a challenge and gift when the author is able to differentiate between characters, especially in a book like this with so many different voices. Readers will be drawn into the charming town of Wishing Rock and want to search to see if such places do exist.
That being said, some of the letters were long-winded, and even though it’s easy to let your mind just keep going, I wondered if there are people that regularly write letters that are probably three pages typed out. I also thought the closeness of Ruby and Gran’s relationship seemed a bit far-fetched, but maybe there are granddaughters out there who are comfortable talking with their grandmothers about sex and vise versa.
Without giving away too much, the ending was predictable in who Ruby would end up with, but I was concerned how the author was planning on making it happen. I didn’t need to worry. She wrapped things up neatly and the ending did not seemed rushed. Though the ending has a “stay tuned” implication, I don’t see a need for a sequel or series. Stucky chose the right note to end this book on, and I think that any more would have made the whole thing too drawn out.
As far as the recipes go, I haven’t had a chance to try any of them out, though I do plan on doing so soon, especially the chocolate oat bars.
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