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One Friday in Napa: A Novel
Vene feels like she and her mother have always been at odds—since she was a child, the first word she used to describe Olivia was “cold.” When news of her mother’s imminent death comes, Vene returns to her family’s home in Napa to see if their strained relationship can be mended, only to find Olivia as harsh as ever and their reconciliation seemingly unreachable.
But when Vene stumbles upon Olivia’s old cookbook, she discovers a passion within her mother she didn’t know existed. The clipped tone and quick judgments of her dying mother don’t match the young woman whose voice she finds between the pages—one that tells a story of romance, longing, duty, and aching heartbreak. Curiosity consumes Vene, and she embarks on an intimate journey to learn about the Olivia she never got to meet—before it’s too late.
A captivating story told in alternating perspectives a half-century apart, One Friday in Napa explores the pains and joys of devotion as two women learn the price of loyalty, the power of secrets, and the meaning of sacrifice.
But when Vene stumbles upon Olivia’s old cookbook, she discovers a passion within her mother she didn’t know existed. The clipped tone and quick judgments of her dying mother don’t match the young woman whose voice she finds between the pages—one that tells a story of romance, longing, duty, and aching heartbreak. Curiosity consumes Vene, and she embarks on an intimate journey to learn about the Olivia she never got to meet—before it’s too late.
A captivating story told in alternating perspectives a half-century apart, One Friday in Napa explores the pains and joys of devotion as two women learn the price of loyalty, the power of secrets, and the meaning of sacrifice.
- GenresContemporary
248 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2023
7 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 25, 2023
I first got to say that this book is such a page turner. Going into it, I didn’t think it was going to be the genre for me, but because of Hamm’s brevity , her emphatic poeticism, and her seamless descriptions and evolution of characters, I was quickly immersed into the two prominent worlds. These worlds which incessantly battle love, loss, guilt, desire, and the social commentary of each era. One Friday In Napa elicited such a deep submersion into a novel making it more difficult to put down than to keep reading. Highly recommend!!
July 16, 2023
A perfect vacation read, I sped through this lovely novel in a day at the beach, moved by the evocative Napa Valley setting and the wonderfully delicious-sounding gourmet menus that punctuated the chapters. Wrapped within this well-crafted and unexpected story is a stirring tale of the fraught relationship between a mother and daughter, never fully understanding each other until the end is near. Author Hamm tells this tale in alternating chapters by the main characters, daughter Vene and mother Olivia, and crosses a 50 year time span to bring her characters and their stories fully to life. What we know on the surface about our parents is often so different from the real story of love and loss they endured. Equally, the daughter's true nature is overlooked by a strict and exacting mother trying to protect her daughter from the heartbreaking decisions made in her own life. I've never read a novel that dealt so compassionately and poignantly with the complexities of a love affair. One Friday in Napa by Jennifer Hamm is an excellent read that I whole heartedly recommend.
July 24, 2023
The following is an abridged version of my review. The full length version can be found on my blog www.readinghasruinedmylife.com or click the following link: https://www.readinghasruinedmylife.co...
Thank you to She Writes Press. They sent me an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; they aren’t paying me, they just sent me the book for free. Thank you so much to She Writes Press for sending me a copy, it means so much to me that someone out there wants to send me books. Thank you!
This story jumps between 1946 and 1996. It follows mother and daughter, Olivia and Vene respectively, as they both deal with major events occurring in their lives. The 1946 story focuses on Olivia as she tries to find love and happiness in her marriage. The 1996 story focuses on Vene and her strained relationship with her mother.
Beach read. That’s really all I got. This is the perfect summer beach read if you want some family drama mixed with a little bit of romance. Truthfully, this book wasn’t my cup of tea. Not a big fan of it if I’m being honest; not necessarily because it's bad but because this isn’t my genre of choice. I found it boring. I’m getting really tired of duel POV novels. Without fail there is always one POV I care about much more than the other. In this case, it’s Olivia’s story. Forbidden love, decadent food, messy, messy drama, a few mentions of haute couture; Olivia’s part of the story has it all. Vene’s story didn’t have much. I found her to be a relatable enough character despite her lack of personality, but it never felt like much occurred. It was mainly her going about her life while trying to connect with her mom. That’s just not my cup of tea.
I also found the plot to be a pretty simplistic one. A mother is sadly on her death bed and a daughter is trying to mend bridges with said mother. Daughter finds important writings of the mother’s life that changes the way she thinks of her mother and sets out to discover her mother’s long buried secrets. It’s your standard women’s fiction plot. It’s nothing overly special and you can guess what the mother’s secrets are right at the start.
One Friday in Napa is a book that’s not taxing, is an easy read, and is a book readers know what they’re getting when they pick up a copy. If the synopsis sounds like something you enjoy then you probably will, this book is just not my preferred genre or read.
Thank you again to She Writes Press for sending me a copy of One Friday in Napa. Again you can find the full length version of my review on www.readinghasruinedmylife.com. I post new reviews every Wednesday at noon EST.
Thank you to She Writes Press. They sent me an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; they aren’t paying me, they just sent me the book for free. Thank you so much to She Writes Press for sending me a copy, it means so much to me that someone out there wants to send me books. Thank you!
This story jumps between 1946 and 1996. It follows mother and daughter, Olivia and Vene respectively, as they both deal with major events occurring in their lives. The 1946 story focuses on Olivia as she tries to find love and happiness in her marriage. The 1996 story focuses on Vene and her strained relationship with her mother.
Beach read. That’s really all I got. This is the perfect summer beach read if you want some family drama mixed with a little bit of romance. Truthfully, this book wasn’t my cup of tea. Not a big fan of it if I’m being honest; not necessarily because it's bad but because this isn’t my genre of choice. I found it boring. I’m getting really tired of duel POV novels. Without fail there is always one POV I care about much more than the other. In this case, it’s Olivia’s story. Forbidden love, decadent food, messy, messy drama, a few mentions of haute couture; Olivia’s part of the story has it all. Vene’s story didn’t have much. I found her to be a relatable enough character despite her lack of personality, but it never felt like much occurred. It was mainly her going about her life while trying to connect with her mom. That’s just not my cup of tea.
I also found the plot to be a pretty simplistic one. A mother is sadly on her death bed and a daughter is trying to mend bridges with said mother. Daughter finds important writings of the mother’s life that changes the way she thinks of her mother and sets out to discover her mother’s long buried secrets. It’s your standard women’s fiction plot. It’s nothing overly special and you can guess what the mother’s secrets are right at the start.
One Friday in Napa is a book that’s not taxing, is an easy read, and is a book readers know what they’re getting when they pick up a copy. If the synopsis sounds like something you enjoy then you probably will, this book is just not my preferred genre or read.
Thank you again to She Writes Press for sending me a copy of One Friday in Napa. Again you can find the full length version of my review on www.readinghasruinedmylife.com. I post new reviews every Wednesday at noon EST.
August 11, 2023
One Friday In Napa is a novel that struck a chord with me as I saw myself in the main character Vene, who has come home to try and say goodbye to her Mother. Why are daughter and mom relationships sometimes the most difficult ones? I had a rough time with my Mother, and when she passed, suddenly, I felt sad, ashamed, and wondered why it was so difficult. Vene has kept her distance from her Mother due to her dislike of her husband, and she never felt they were close. When she comes home, she discovers a cookbook with all these notes and discovers her Mother was different long ago. The secrets are vast, and I was in tears by the novel's end.
August 20, 2023
Deep in the Napa Valley, a story of past and present unfolds. When Vene learns that her mother Olivia is nearing death, she reluctantly returns to her family home, only to find her mother as cold and difficult as ever; but when Vene discovers an old cookbook, filled with revelatory notes, a whole new side of her mother is revealed to her: a passionate young woman capable of love, of humour.
Moving back and forth in time, between Vene and Olivia’s stories, set half a century apart, One Friday in Napa is a rich story of love and loss, of generational hurt and complex family dynamics, of sacrifice, bitter disappointments and the expectations placed on women, about how our past shapes our own future relationships, about the choices we make out of loyalty rather than love, as well as the small moments of agency and rebellion that allow us to regain some sense of self, and control over our lives. As the stories unfold in tandem, this challenging mother-daughter relationship enters new territories with the slow reveal of a past, and new reflections on the present, that creates space for each to better understand the other before it’s too late, and for long held secrets to finally be revealed.
Hamm’s writing is particularly descriptive, taking great pleasure in the small details with evocative writing that captures the views, light, colours, tastes and vineyards of Napa Valley, as well as the joys and passion of Italian food.
A beautifully written and heart wrenching multigenerational small family saga, reminding us of the lives our parents lived long before us, and the secrets and rich stories that may lie within any family.
Thank you to the publisher for my eARC.
Moving back and forth in time, between Vene and Olivia’s stories, set half a century apart, One Friday in Napa is a rich story of love and loss, of generational hurt and complex family dynamics, of sacrifice, bitter disappointments and the expectations placed on women, about how our past shapes our own future relationships, about the choices we make out of loyalty rather than love, as well as the small moments of agency and rebellion that allow us to regain some sense of self, and control over our lives. As the stories unfold in tandem, this challenging mother-daughter relationship enters new territories with the slow reveal of a past, and new reflections on the present, that creates space for each to better understand the other before it’s too late, and for long held secrets to finally be revealed.
Hamm’s writing is particularly descriptive, taking great pleasure in the small details with evocative writing that captures the views, light, colours, tastes and vineyards of Napa Valley, as well as the joys and passion of Italian food.
A beautifully written and heart wrenching multigenerational small family saga, reminding us of the lives our parents lived long before us, and the secrets and rich stories that may lie within any family.
Thank you to the publisher for my eARC.
August 7, 2023
Having this being someone’s debut novel is utterly breathtaking. I found myself completely immersed in the story from the get go, unable to put it down. Certain stories that explore various POV’s sometimes dissuade me away from them, however, ONE FRIDAY IN NAPA does it with grace. I was consistently looking forward to jumping back into Olivia’s life while being thoroughly enthralled by Vene’s unfolding story. Jennifers story had me physically on the edge of my seat waiting for the final clash between characters. And boy did it not disappoint!
Can’t wait to read whatever comes next!!
Can’t wait to read whatever comes next!!
August 7, 2023
Anyone wishing to extend their summer by immersing themselves in Hamm’s book will not be disappointed! A touching mother-daughter love story interspersed with mouthwatering Italian recipes, all within the gorgeous setting of California wine country. As another reviewer said, “A delicious read!”
March 5, 2024
I bought this while on vacation in Napa at a local bookstore and it was a solid effort. The setting was beautiful and the missed chance at true love always gets to me, but the chapters were so short, I found I couldn’t really immerse myself in the story. This would make a good Lifetime movie.
November 19, 2023
So unbelievably good!! Didn’t put it down once. Went cover to cover unlike any book I’ve read all year. Can’t recommend enough.
February 7, 2024
A smart, compelling + fast paced read that I thoroughly enjoyed! I’ll be on the lookout for Jennifer’s next book!!!
August 20, 2023
One Friday In Napa by Jennifer Hamm
This is the story of an estranged mother and daughter, telling a tale of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. Told in alternating chapters set fifty years apart, one half of the narrative is Olivia’s love story, and the corresponding half is her daughter Vene discovering her mother’s life through an annotated cookbook. Surrounded by the beautiful Napa Valley scenery, these two strong women must learn to forgive but never forget.
This novel strongly reminded me of two other books: The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah, and The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel. Perhaps it is because all of them contain storylines set in vineyards during World War II, or the fact that they alternate between two timelines as the modern heroine tries to uncover her family secrets. I did find this story to be particularly predictable. By the time I was 10% through the book, I had guessed several plot twists, as well as the ending. It was rather shocking to find I had indeed correctly predicted the entire dramatic arc of the story, and somewhat frustrating as I was hoping for some twist that would subvert my expectations. However, if you enjoyed the other novels mentioned above, it is very likely that you will appreciate reading One Friday in Napa. It is an ideal book to read on vacation, or at the beach - a blend of evocative atmosphere, enduring love, and one woman’s passion for creating excellent cuisine.
My thanks to BookSparks and She Writes Press for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of an estranged mother and daughter, telling a tale of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. Told in alternating chapters set fifty years apart, one half of the narrative is Olivia’s love story, and the corresponding half is her daughter Vene discovering her mother’s life through an annotated cookbook. Surrounded by the beautiful Napa Valley scenery, these two strong women must learn to forgive but never forget.
This novel strongly reminded me of two other books: The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah, and The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel. Perhaps it is because all of them contain storylines set in vineyards during World War II, or the fact that they alternate between two timelines as the modern heroine tries to uncover her family secrets. I did find this story to be particularly predictable. By the time I was 10% through the book, I had guessed several plot twists, as well as the ending. It was rather shocking to find I had indeed correctly predicted the entire dramatic arc of the story, and somewhat frustrating as I was hoping for some twist that would subvert my expectations. However, if you enjoyed the other novels mentioned above, it is very likely that you will appreciate reading One Friday in Napa. It is an ideal book to read on vacation, or at the beach - a blend of evocative atmosphere, enduring love, and one woman’s passion for creating excellent cuisine.
My thanks to BookSparks and She Writes Press for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2023
One Friday in Napa
By Jennifer Hamm
This book made me want to eat my feelings in the most delicious and relatable way - mother daughter strife + authentic Italian cooking all set in beautiful Napa Valley.
One Friday in Napa is an emotionally charged story of an estranged mother-daughter relationship. Their relationship is weighed down with secrecy, envy, and missed opportunities.
One of the story's strengths is its exploration of the mother's character. Her envy and sorrow created a painful divide between mother and daughter that neither seems capable of bridging. her daughter - determined to bridge the gap - finds herself piecing together her mother’s life through memories written in a recipe book’s margins.
Vene, the daughter, is equally well-developed, Her life choices are depicted as genuine expressions of her individuality. The story successfully captures the generational gap and the clash between traditional and modern values.
The writing is picturesque welcoming the reader to walk among the vineyards. It was a powerful display of the role that food plays in our relationships and memories.
Readers who enjoy Kristen Hannah, Tracey Lange and Emma Staub’s This Time Tomorrow will enjoy this story. Those looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative will find this story both engaging and relatable.
Thank you @booksparks @jenniferhamm and publisher for advanced copy
By Jennifer Hamm
This book made me want to eat my feelings in the most delicious and relatable way - mother daughter strife + authentic Italian cooking all set in beautiful Napa Valley.
One Friday in Napa is an emotionally charged story of an estranged mother-daughter relationship. Their relationship is weighed down with secrecy, envy, and missed opportunities.
One of the story's strengths is its exploration of the mother's character. Her envy and sorrow created a painful divide between mother and daughter that neither seems capable of bridging. her daughter - determined to bridge the gap - finds herself piecing together her mother’s life through memories written in a recipe book’s margins.
Vene, the daughter, is equally well-developed, Her life choices are depicted as genuine expressions of her individuality. The story successfully captures the generational gap and the clash between traditional and modern values.
The writing is picturesque welcoming the reader to walk among the vineyards. It was a powerful display of the role that food plays in our relationships and memories.
Readers who enjoy Kristen Hannah, Tracey Lange and Emma Staub’s This Time Tomorrow will enjoy this story. Those looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative will find this story both engaging and relatable.
Thank you @booksparks @jenniferhamm and publisher for advanced copy
August 29, 2023
💫Book Review Spotlight💫
Thank you @booksparks @shewritespress @jenniferhamm04 for the gifted copy
💫Review Thoughts💫
This was a very enjoyable story about a mother and daughter making amends after not speaking for a time. I don’t know what it is about the nature of mother-daughter relationships and the strain of communicating love between them; but this is a very enjoyable story about that. Told during the past 1946, and present 1996. In the present Vene’s mother Olivia is on her deathbed. In the past we see her as a young woman, and learn secrets of love and pain. The best part is her story is mostly written in a very old cookbook through notes she’s written. This was an easy, fast paced read. I enjoyed the authors intricate details of the time period and the house the story takes place in- which is basically a castle. I loved the healing journey of the characters, makes me think What should I leave my daughters to tell them the story of me before I was a mother? Bring a woman is hard, bring a mother is harder. Mother daughter relationships definitely need this story.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#summerpopup #booksparks #onefridayinnapa #jenniferhamm #romance #forgiveness #motherhood #vineyard
📸 on location @blissbooksandwinekc thanks for always supplying great props
Thank you @booksparks @shewritespress @jenniferhamm04 for the gifted copy
💫Review Thoughts💫
This was a very enjoyable story about a mother and daughter making amends after not speaking for a time. I don’t know what it is about the nature of mother-daughter relationships and the strain of communicating love between them; but this is a very enjoyable story about that. Told during the past 1946, and present 1996. In the present Vene’s mother Olivia is on her deathbed. In the past we see her as a young woman, and learn secrets of love and pain. The best part is her story is mostly written in a very old cookbook through notes she’s written. This was an easy, fast paced read. I enjoyed the authors intricate details of the time period and the house the story takes place in- which is basically a castle. I loved the healing journey of the characters, makes me think What should I leave my daughters to tell them the story of me before I was a mother? Bring a woman is hard, bring a mother is harder. Mother daughter relationships definitely need this story.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#summerpopup #booksparks #onefridayinnapa #jenniferhamm #romance #forgiveness #motherhood #vineyard
📸 on location @blissbooksandwinekc thanks for always supplying great props
September 27, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping and poignant story with many layers
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 September 2023
Verified Purchase
One Friday in Napa is a poignant and beautifully written story based on the relationship of a mother and her daughter. There are many layers and underlying themes which are subtely infused throughout the story, like the flavours that dance on your tongue when eating something delicious and nourishing. The story resonated with me in particular from the point of view of a moral question being, should you live your life for yourself or sacrifice that freedom to accommodate the needs of others? This coincides with a dilemma I happen to find myself in. Also, being an artist, I could empathise with the need for creativity to feel fulfilled which is brilliantly described by the author using the the artistry of high quality cuisine. I have made a note of all the recipes mentioned along with the delicious wines to go with them. Jennifer Hamm's book was indeed an education in every way! I cannot recommend this very clever and inspiring book highly enough.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 September 2023
Verified Purchase
One Friday in Napa is a poignant and beautifully written story based on the relationship of a mother and her daughter. There are many layers and underlying themes which are subtely infused throughout the story, like the flavours that dance on your tongue when eating something delicious and nourishing. The story resonated with me in particular from the point of view of a moral question being, should you live your life for yourself or sacrifice that freedom to accommodate the needs of others? This coincides with a dilemma I happen to find myself in. Also, being an artist, I could empathise with the need for creativity to feel fulfilled which is brilliantly described by the author using the the artistry of high quality cuisine. I have made a note of all the recipes mentioned along with the delicious wines to go with them. Jennifer Hamm's book was indeed an education in every way! I cannot recommend this very clever and inspiring book highly enough.
November 29, 2023
What a beautiful story! Exquisite read with so many multi-faceted layers and complex characters who are all so intertwined in the narrative of a tale as old as time. The way the story weaves through multi-generational, historical narratives and cross cultural nuances all while maintaining a level of nuance through the every day lives of a fascinating family dynasty where the unspoken words are the story itself. The inevitability of reaching a point in one’s life where one is forced to reflect on the different paths taken and all the unspoken words and actions that lead us to uncover our ultimate truths. I don’t want to give too much of the story away but trust me when I say this is a beautifully, well written and delicious read. I see film adaptation all over this. (Guaranteed mother, daughter Oscar winning worthy relationship dynamic - amongst a whole other array of character and cinematic potential.) You heard it here first. Just beautiful all around. Must read. Must make into a beautiful film!
September 15, 2023
Thank you to Sparkpoint Studio / She Writes Press for an advanced copy of this book!
One Friday in Napa is a bittersweet tale, as you might have guessed from the description. My favorite part of the book was the beautiful setting and all the details about food and wine. The book's split perspective, with the present narrated by Vene, and the past by Olivia, was also engaging (although I would have loved more of Olivia). I did think the plot was pretty predictable though, and I guessed most of the twists early on. Despite the subject matter, it never feels too heavy and would make a good vacation read (especially if you enjoy book's about fraught mother-daughter relationships).
One Friday in Napa is a bittersweet tale, as you might have guessed from the description. My favorite part of the book was the beautiful setting and all the details about food and wine. The book's split perspective, with the present narrated by Vene, and the past by Olivia, was also engaging (although I would have loved more of Olivia). I did think the plot was pretty predictable though, and I guessed most of the twists early on. Despite the subject matter, it never feels too heavy and would make a good vacation read (especially if you enjoy book's about fraught mother-daughter relationships).
July 25, 2023
Jennifer Hamm's debut novel ONE FRIDAY IN NAPA is satisfying in every way. The emotional story is steeped in a relatable mother-daughter conflict that allows for evolution and exploration. The romance is beautifully handled, artfully crafted and tugs at the heart strings. Hamm weaves the narratives of different POVs and timelines while also providing a delicious tapestry of food and wine. In essence, the novel is more than a beach read, it's a portrait of the myriad of complexities that arise when one faces the truths of family. And that portrait is painted with delicate brushstroke.
September 6, 2023
Jennifer Hamm's debut novel lures you in from the very beginning, then continues to delight all of your senses. The beautifully written prose spectacularly sets the scene, enticing readers to not only want to cook more, explore the Napa region & sip fabulous wine, but to also focus on the importance of family.
I was instantly drawn in, especially captivated by the mother/daughter relationship & their complicated discoveries along the way. Curiosity kept me flipping through the pages...
A must read and a perfect gift!
I was instantly drawn in, especially captivated by the mother/daughter relationship & their complicated discoveries along the way. Curiosity kept me flipping through the pages...
A must read and a perfect gift!
July 25, 2023
A beautiful and evocative debut novel from Jennifer Hamm exploring the mother daughter dynamic with depth and a quiet complexity. The story takes you on a journey between characters and time periods, allowing glimpses into their inner worlds through different devices, including a well loved cookbook full of unexpected clues. The Napa Valley setting is richly hewn and a perfect backdrop for this poignant, romantic, probing family saga. I enjoyed this book immensely!
July 27, 2023
I’ve never experienced a novel quite like this one. On the surface, it’s a poignant story of a complex mother-daughter relationship fraught with misunderstanding and regret. But a tender love story is slowly revealed, and with it, comes an unexpected culinary journey. Foodies will delight in Hamm’s mouthwatering descriptions of California wines and Italian food, while anyone with a beating heart will appreciate her powerful lesson on forgiveness. A stunning debut!
January 24, 2024
I think anyone reading this book will find a way to connect with at least one of the characters. For me, it was the mother (Olivia). Her many sacrifices for her family resonated deeply within me. The story was very well crafted while simultaneously allowing the reader to take a journey of their own, exploring ones own past and life choices. Pick up a copy of this book and enjoy!
August 25, 2024
Select your favorite wine or tea and plan on some couch time. When I read it, the weather forecast wasn't great so I binge-read my way through it. Expect moments of joy, challenging family relationships complicated by long-held secrets, and Italian food thrown into the mix---what more can you ask for?
November 15, 2024
One Friday in Napa was a perfect vacation read! Set in gorgeous Napa, it explores the mother-daughter relationship and how we don't always know our loved ones true selves. Wonderfully written. I can't wait to read Jennifer's second effort!
January 2, 2025
Was pleasantly surprised by this book! My mom gave me this book and loved the story. Kept me interested all the way through. I also love Napa so I loved the way the author really made the location a huge part of the story. Super easy read!
June 8, 2023
A wonderful debut that was a joy to read. I loved the flow and pace of the story and the characters that lie within. I will be looking forward to more by this author.
July 25, 2023
Hamm delivers to her readers an intimate view of a family and gracefully sifts through the longing and disappointment that all too often accompany love.
November 10, 2023
A very enjoyable read with great characters.
March 5, 2024
2.5⭐️ this book will make you want to go / go back to Napa. It was predictable and the mother/daughter relationship dynamic wasn’t anything new. Enjoyable enough for something quick and mindless.
April 24, 2024
Cute little book. Read the week before we went to Napa
May 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
one friday in napa by jennifer hamm
💬 thoughts: this book is a bittersweet story that alternates between vene’s present-day struggles with her cold mother and the story of her mother’s past, revealed through an old cookbook. i really loved the recipes at the beginning of olivia's chapters. i appreciated how the narrative unfolded in alternating perspectives—it gave depth to the story, especially as vene uncovered the hidden layers of her mother's life.
📌 read if you like:
• family drama
• hidden pasts
• bittersweet reconciliations
• slow-burn emotional discoveries
one friday in napa by jennifer hamm
💬 thoughts: this book is a bittersweet story that alternates between vene’s present-day struggles with her cold mother and the story of her mother’s past, revealed through an old cookbook. i really loved the recipes at the beginning of olivia's chapters. i appreciated how the narrative unfolded in alternating perspectives—it gave depth to the story, especially as vene uncovered the hidden layers of her mother's life.
📌 read if you like:
• family drama
• hidden pasts
• bittersweet reconciliations
• slow-burn emotional discoveries
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews