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Vegan Recipes for New Age Men
Lauren really, really needs a break.
There’s just one problem: a bearded bohemian is squatting in her Highland cottage by the sea. He’s performing reiki on her plants and cluttering the fridge with strange ingredients. What on earth is aquafaba, anyway?
When her busybody granny turns up to crash her much-needed holiday, along with Lauren’s boyfriend Patrick - who really is perfect for her, by the way - things get even worse.
As her life unravels, Lauren is forced to confront the ghosts lurking in her idyllic Scottish retreat. But with a skilled hand in the kitchen and a heartfelt recipe or two, she might discover that maybe - just maybe - chickpeas aren’t so bad after all.
There’s just one problem: a bearded bohemian is squatting in her Highland cottage by the sea. He’s performing reiki on her plants and cluttering the fridge with strange ingredients. What on earth is aquafaba, anyway?
When her busybody granny turns up to crash her much-needed holiday, along with Lauren’s boyfriend Patrick - who really is perfect for her, by the way - things get even worse.
As her life unravels, Lauren is forced to confront the ghosts lurking in her idyllic Scottish retreat. But with a skilled hand in the kitchen and a heartfelt recipe or two, she might discover that maybe - just maybe - chickpeas aren’t so bad after all.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2023
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Liz Treacher
4 books19 followersLiz is a writer of romcoms and women's fiction. She lives in the Scottish Highlands with a view of the sea.
She has written four novels. The Wrong Envelope and The Wrong Direction are romantic comedies set in 1920 that chart the romance of an artist and a post lady.
The Unravelling is a darker contemporary novel with a touch of magic realism.
Vegan Recipes for New Age Men is a contemporary rom-com set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Website: https://www.liztreacher.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/liztreacher
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizTreacherA...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liztreacher...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@liztreacherau...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@liztreacher
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She has written four novels. The Wrong Envelope and The Wrong Direction are romantic comedies set in 1920 that chart the romance of an artist and a post lady.
The Unravelling is a darker contemporary novel with a touch of magic realism.
Vegan Recipes for New Age Men is a contemporary rom-com set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Website: https://www.liztreacher.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/liztreacher
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizTreacherA...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liztreacher...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@liztreacherau...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@liztreacher
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/liztreacher/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 12, 2024
5+ stars - I loved, Loved, LOVED this!
This is NOT filled with real recipes. I mean, yes, there are recipes, but they're fictional and not intended to be followed. (Sorry, vegans!)
Things begin in 2015. Lauren does proofreading for a London publishing company, and she's very, very good at it. Her grandmother raised her. Granny lives alone but is in her mid-eighties now; Lauren visits her in Croydon once a week to make sure she's all right. Lauuren's boyfriend of three years, Patrick, is the steady, reliable type (a lawyer), and she considers herself lucky to be with such a solid, respectable man.
And Nash is Lauren's tenant at a secluded cottage she inherited from her mother on the edge of Loch Fleet near Dornach. He's the opposite of Patrick - an unemployed, bearded, long-haired, sandal-clad oddity who lets the property for a week, hoping it has the right Feng shui for him to be able to compose a book.
A month after Nash's week ends, Lauren takes vacation from work and goes to her cottage, looking forward to some time alone. She's appalled to find her short-term tenant still occupying it. Nash broke his leg that first week, rendering him physically unable to leave until his cast is removed. Things get REALLY interesting when Granny joins them, and then Patrick decides to show up. What was planned as Loren's solitary getaway becomes a mismatched group sharing the space for a few days.
The story takes unpredictable turns. It's a compelling tale of a young woman finally dealing with her past and becoming a more authentic version of herself. There is some romance, but that isn't the primary focus.
The writing mesmerizes, fully capturing the reader from the first pages to the last. Excellent three-dimensional development of both major and minor characters makes them all feel quite real. The different ways the cottage inhabitants respond to their surroundings reveal much about their personalities. The setting in and around the cottage is almost a character itself and is an integral component of the story. Vivid word pictures describe its beauty and mystique: the unconventional aqua decor inside, and the surf, the sand, the mist, the wildlife outside...
Content is clean.
Highly recommend!
This is NOT filled with real recipes. I mean, yes, there are recipes, but they're fictional and not intended to be followed. (Sorry, vegans!)
Things begin in 2015. Lauren does proofreading for a London publishing company, and she's very, very good at it. Her grandmother raised her. Granny lives alone but is in her mid-eighties now; Lauren visits her in Croydon once a week to make sure she's all right. Lauuren's boyfriend of three years, Patrick, is the steady, reliable type (a lawyer), and she considers herself lucky to be with such a solid, respectable man.
And Nash is Lauren's tenant at a secluded cottage she inherited from her mother on the edge of Loch Fleet near Dornach. He's the opposite of Patrick - an unemployed, bearded, long-haired, sandal-clad oddity who lets the property for a week, hoping it has the right Feng shui for him to be able to compose a book.
A month after Nash's week ends, Lauren takes vacation from work and goes to her cottage, looking forward to some time alone. She's appalled to find her short-term tenant still occupying it. Nash broke his leg that first week, rendering him physically unable to leave until his cast is removed. Things get REALLY interesting when Granny joins them, and then Patrick decides to show up. What was planned as Loren's solitary getaway becomes a mismatched group sharing the space for a few days.
The story takes unpredictable turns. It's a compelling tale of a young woman finally dealing with her past and becoming a more authentic version of herself. There is some romance, but that isn't the primary focus.
The writing mesmerizes, fully capturing the reader from the first pages to the last. Excellent three-dimensional development of both major and minor characters makes them all feel quite real. The different ways the cottage inhabitants respond to their surroundings reveal much about their personalities. The setting in and around the cottage is almost a character itself and is an integral component of the story. Vivid word pictures describe its beauty and mystique: the unconventional aqua decor inside, and the surf, the sand, the mist, the wildlife outside...
Content is clean.
Highly recommend!
September 21, 2023
Liz Treacher is more than a romance writer. Her clever dialogue and descriptions of the beautiful Scottish Highlands really elevate this love story between the strait-laced proofreader and the amiable hippie who steals her heart. I revelled in every page of this charming tale. This is the author's fourth novel and I have read and enjoyed them all. I hope there are many more to come.
June 10, 2024
Reading a novel by Liz Treacher is always a happy reminder that one can enjoy romantic comedy without being pandered to or manipulated. That a book can be shaped by the marriage plot without being enslaved to worn-out tropes.
Vegan Recipes for New Age Men takes us into the tightly controlled life of Lauren, a proofreader in London. She has a longtime boyfriend, an attorney, and an aging grandmother. Lauren is a bit wound up; she likes her life to have boundaries, to be predictable. You just know she’s overdue for a little chaos and it arrives in the form of a hippie would-be tenant for her Scots cottage, Fois (the word means “peace” in Gaelic, but also echoes the French word for “faith”; wordplay in names is a recurrent element). Nash books a week at the cottage in July; she finds his loosey-goosey ways irritating but needs the money.
Comes August and Lauren goes up to her cottage for a week’s vacation—only to find Nash still in residence. He has broken his leg and can’t leave till it’s time to get his cast off. Lauren is furious to find her plans spoiled, and there ensue some entertaining negotiations as they try to make do with each other’s presence. Then her grandmother turns up, shortly followed by the boyfriend, who hadn’t intended to join Lauren but is suspicious of a male house guest. They make a hilarious quartet.
Of course, it’s clear from the start the unsuitability of the boyfriend and the contrasting promise of the tenant, but Treacher isn’t into plot gimmicks to get us to the outcome we expect. She can always be counted on to take the reader on a more thoughtful journey. That journey requires Lauren to turn her world upside-down and herself inside-out.
There is one rather stagey scene toward the end, but by this time readers are so primed to need a happy ending that we gulp it down. And we’re rewarded with one of Treacher’s just-right endings—not too drawn-out, not too hasty, tidy without being pat. I loved this witty but not facile book.
Vegan Recipes for New Age Men takes us into the tightly controlled life of Lauren, a proofreader in London. She has a longtime boyfriend, an attorney, and an aging grandmother. Lauren is a bit wound up; she likes her life to have boundaries, to be predictable. You just know she’s overdue for a little chaos and it arrives in the form of a hippie would-be tenant for her Scots cottage, Fois (the word means “peace” in Gaelic, but also echoes the French word for “faith”; wordplay in names is a recurrent element). Nash books a week at the cottage in July; she finds his loosey-goosey ways irritating but needs the money.
Comes August and Lauren goes up to her cottage for a week’s vacation—only to find Nash still in residence. He has broken his leg and can’t leave till it’s time to get his cast off. Lauren is furious to find her plans spoiled, and there ensue some entertaining negotiations as they try to make do with each other’s presence. Then her grandmother turns up, shortly followed by the boyfriend, who hadn’t intended to join Lauren but is suspicious of a male house guest. They make a hilarious quartet.
Of course, it’s clear from the start the unsuitability of the boyfriend and the contrasting promise of the tenant, but Treacher isn’t into plot gimmicks to get us to the outcome we expect. She can always be counted on to take the reader on a more thoughtful journey. That journey requires Lauren to turn her world upside-down and herself inside-out.
There is one rather stagey scene toward the end, but by this time readers are so primed to need a happy ending that we gulp it down. And we’re rewarded with one of Treacher’s just-right endings—not too drawn-out, not too hasty, tidy without being pat. I loved this witty but not facile book.
June 11, 2024
This is what is generally described as a 'RomCom' - not my usual reading matter (I read it because the author is a friend of a friend!) but I was pleasantly surprised. The plot and outcome are somewhat predictable, following a typical trajectory for the genre, but then it's an unapologetic 'feelgood' book - you don't want any unpleasant surprises. It's a tale of two apparently incongruous people being reluctantly drawn to each other.
The writing is very good. I wouldn't usually favour the first-person ('Lauren is doing this, Lauren is thinking this, etc.') but I didn't find it too obtrusive or distracting. The characters are, I suppose, somewhat stereotypical, but convincing nevertheless.
There are some interesting presentational ideas. One of the main characters is a chef, and his recipes appear throughout the book, as a way of illustrating aspects of the story. I liked the disclaimer that 'Nash Adderman is not as good a chef as he thinks...' 'readers should approach his recipes with extreme caution.' (despite which, I did find myself tempted to try some of them!)
I'm not sure about the title - you have to type almost the full title in a search in order to get past the list of actual recipe books. I made the same mistake myself with my first novel, 'Single Point Perspective', which was tucked away behind a guide to drawing techniques!
The descriptive work is good - particularly the evocations of the remote cottage on the shores of a loch, where much of the action takes place. And Lauren's jog through Hampstead Heath and beyond made me smile, because I'd been on a long walk on a similar route only a few weeks earlier.
A brief note of disapprobation: the author describes herself as a writer of 'womens' fiction' - I'm living proof that her work is not just for women, so can we please stop categorising people by gender!?!
All in all I would say this is an enjoyable, easy-going read - ideal holiday fare.
The writing is very good. I wouldn't usually favour the first-person ('Lauren is doing this, Lauren is thinking this, etc.') but I didn't find it too obtrusive or distracting. The characters are, I suppose, somewhat stereotypical, but convincing nevertheless.
There are some interesting presentational ideas. One of the main characters is a chef, and his recipes appear throughout the book, as a way of illustrating aspects of the story. I liked the disclaimer that 'Nash Adderman is not as good a chef as he thinks...' 'readers should approach his recipes with extreme caution.' (despite which, I did find myself tempted to try some of them!)
I'm not sure about the title - you have to type almost the full title in a search in order to get past the list of actual recipe books. I made the same mistake myself with my first novel, 'Single Point Perspective', which was tucked away behind a guide to drawing techniques!
The descriptive work is good - particularly the evocations of the remote cottage on the shores of a loch, where much of the action takes place. And Lauren's jog through Hampstead Heath and beyond made me smile, because I'd been on a long walk on a similar route only a few weeks earlier.
A brief note of disapprobation: the author describes herself as a writer of 'womens' fiction' - I'm living proof that her work is not just for women, so can we please stop categorising people by gender!?!
All in all I would say this is an enjoyable, easy-going read - ideal holiday fare.
October 30, 2023
This was a short and lovely read. Honestly, it really did feel like a breath of fresh air.
This is my first book by Liz Treacher, and it definitely isn't the last! After I finished reading, I immediately looked up the author to find her other reads. Don't you love it when you discover a new-to-you author?!
Beautiful. Quirky. Funny. Growth. Sad. Self-discovery. Love. Self-acceptsnce. Thought-provoking. Heartwarming. Challenges. Romance.
These are the words that come to mind when I think about this story. Although it's short, it really packed a punch. I will remember this story for a long time, in terms of its originality as well as characters. I've truly never read something like this before.
I've never read such a short story before where I felt I understood each and every character. That's a difficult thing to do, and Liz did an amazing job! Nothing felt rushed, and Nash's humour will stay with me for a while.
I'm not even exaggerating, I just want to pick the book up and reread it. The only reason this wasn't 5 stars is the length, I wanted more! I can't wait to see what Liz writes next. Definitely recommend.
This is my first book by Liz Treacher, and it definitely isn't the last! After I finished reading, I immediately looked up the author to find her other reads. Don't you love it when you discover a new-to-you author?!
Beautiful. Quirky. Funny. Growth. Sad. Self-discovery. Love. Self-acceptsnce. Thought-provoking. Heartwarming. Challenges. Romance.
These are the words that come to mind when I think about this story. Although it's short, it really packed a punch. I will remember this story for a long time, in terms of its originality as well as characters. I've truly never read something like this before.
I've never read such a short story before where I felt I understood each and every character. That's a difficult thing to do, and Liz did an amazing job! Nothing felt rushed, and Nash's humour will stay with me for a while.
I'm not even exaggerating, I just want to pick the book up and reread it. The only reason this wasn't 5 stars is the length, I wanted more! I can't wait to see what Liz writes next. Definitely recommend.
September 20, 2023
A banging tale of books, baking and romance, set in the Scottish Highlands and London. What’s not to love?
Engaging and quirky, LIz serves up a tasty treat of characters with a good sprinkling of humour and a side of human frailty - a proven recipe for enjoyment.
Engaging and quirky, LIz serves up a tasty treat of characters with a good sprinkling of humour and a side of human frailty - a proven recipe for enjoyment.
January 29, 2024
This lovely cosy romantic novel arrived though me letterbox on the coldest day of the year so far and consequently I didn't need much persuading to make a coffee and snuggle down in front of a roaring fire for a few hours of escapism to Loch Fleet, just above Dornoch, on the East coast of Scotland.
This actually evolved into a few cups of coffee and several logs on the firs whilst I lost myself into reading this book in one sitting as I was drawn into the setting with the wonderfully descriptive writing.
Lauren, Nash and Amelia are characters who you will embrace as you read their evolving story, whilst at the same time wondering what on earth is Lauren doing in London with someone like Patrick , when she could be living her life running free on the shores of Loch Fleet.
The story follows the ups, and downs, indecisiveness, counselling and memories that Lauren goes through on her path through life.
As belies the title, the story is interspersed with recipes which nash is writing into his book. Some of them sound intriguing, meringues made with chickpea water, grannies muffins made with apple vinegar !!!!! Whether you try them or not is up to you, though Liz does issue a disclaimer for the recipes and their outcomes at the beginning of the book !!!!!
This is a beautifully written story that draws you with ease through Lauren's life, both past and present and, to my mind, is the writing of a skilled author who knows what her readers want and how to deliver it . At 186 pages this is one of those stories which provides a few hours of escapism to a beautiful part of Scotland. I love it around Dornoch and I have visited, and purchased books in, the wonderful bookshop when I stayed there for a week a few years ago.
Thanks to Vegan Recipes for New Age Men I will be returning to this beautiful area of Scotland as an added bonus very soon.
And in the future ?............. well I ,for one, will be looking out for more 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 books by Liz to add to my pile of books to read and review.
October 1, 2023
I've read all of Liz's books and I have to say, this one is my favourite - it's fabulous!
First of all, you have a fun setup with characters who are brilliantly drawn, starting with the exacting Lauren who 'proofreads every word that enters her life. Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, a note from the neighbour; Lauren’s grammatical eye is always at work.'
Then there's the holidaymaker who rents her cottage for a week, his problems starting on the train north, where the limited food choices don't go down well: 'Nash bends his head over the bottle and says a little prayer. He prays that the plastic will not end up on a ship to China but will be effectively recycled into a bag or a T-shirt. And while he’s at it, he prays for the chickens, too. The ones that so generously sacrificed their eggs, life sustaining life in a beautiful circle, if not exactly a vegan one.'
We also meet Patrick, Lauren's perfect boyfriend (or is he?): 'Dark, curly hair, large bright eyes, a lovely smile and immaculate taste in clothes. He’s also got the three Rs: reliable, reputable, respectable.'
Add into the mix the woman who means the world to her: 'Granny was born before the Second World War and, like all babies born at that time, she was programmed in the womb to think solely about bargains, the good old days and the price of butter.'
Now we're set to go!
Liz paints the scenery so beautifully, you can understand why Lauren longs to leave London to return to Loch Fleet. She heads up when her property is vacated except, of course, nothing goes to plan and the fun then begins!
The repartee between the central characters is wonderful - personality clashes make for such fun! - and we change POVs to learn what our characters are really feeling, ramping up reader-tension even further.
I don't want to reveal any more, you need to read it yourself, but I will say that the ending is ace and I adored the epilogue - congratulations Liz!
First of all, you have a fun setup with characters who are brilliantly drawn, starting with the exacting Lauren who 'proofreads every word that enters her life. Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, a note from the neighbour; Lauren’s grammatical eye is always at work.'
Then there's the holidaymaker who rents her cottage for a week, his problems starting on the train north, where the limited food choices don't go down well: 'Nash bends his head over the bottle and says a little prayer. He prays that the plastic will not end up on a ship to China but will be effectively recycled into a bag or a T-shirt. And while he’s at it, he prays for the chickens, too. The ones that so generously sacrificed their eggs, life sustaining life in a beautiful circle, if not exactly a vegan one.'
We also meet Patrick, Lauren's perfect boyfriend (or is he?): 'Dark, curly hair, large bright eyes, a lovely smile and immaculate taste in clothes. He’s also got the three Rs: reliable, reputable, respectable.'
Add into the mix the woman who means the world to her: 'Granny was born before the Second World War and, like all babies born at that time, she was programmed in the womb to think solely about bargains, the good old days and the price of butter.'
Now we're set to go!
Liz paints the scenery so beautifully, you can understand why Lauren longs to leave London to return to Loch Fleet. She heads up when her property is vacated except, of course, nothing goes to plan and the fun then begins!
The repartee between the central characters is wonderful - personality clashes make for such fun! - and we change POVs to learn what our characters are really feeling, ramping up reader-tension even further.
I don't want to reveal any more, you need to read it yourself, but I will say that the ending is ace and I adored the epilogue - congratulations Liz!
November 3, 2023
This book was not what I was expecting at all, it was 100 times better & left me feeling all warm & happy after reading. Its a short read but so much is packed into it. A beautifully original story centred around a cottage in the Scottish Highlands & a collection of quirky characters, I instantly feel in love with all the characters (even Peter, I mean you have to laugh at the driving gloves & predictability of his 'journey'), the sparring between Nash & Lauren had me smiling throughout & Granny made the story more than once in all the best ways.
This is not a typical romance, nobody swoops the other off their feet or rescues the other promising them happily ever after, instead Nash's simple existence in her life allows Lauren to figure out who is really is & what she wants from life. I loved the authors writing style, the characters & locations are described perfectly & I could picture everything & everyone clearly throughout, it will be a while before I stop picturing plant reiki. The short paragraphs worked really well & the recipes throughout really added something unique (they are fictional, do not try at home).
My favourite part of this book?, that the ending was Peter looking on at Lauren & Nash now, it was just perfect.
This is not a typical romance, nobody swoops the other off their feet or rescues the other promising them happily ever after, instead Nash's simple existence in her life allows Lauren to figure out who is really is & what she wants from life. I loved the authors writing style, the characters & locations are described perfectly & I could picture everything & everyone clearly throughout, it will be a while before I stop picturing plant reiki. The short paragraphs worked really well & the recipes throughout really added something unique (they are fictional, do not try at home).
My favourite part of this book?, that the ending was Peter looking on at Lauren & Nash now, it was just perfect.
February 10, 2024
Culinary and Other Discoveries in the Scottish Highlands
"Vegan Recipes for New Age Men" invites readers to the picturesque Highlands of Scotland, where the story unfolds with a blend of culinary and social tension. Lauren, with her carefully constructed life and the ‘perfect’ boyfriend in London, finds herself confronted with the unanticipated presence of Nash, a vegan 'hippy' whose extended stay in her cottage disrupts her own brief escape to her childhood home. Annoyed by his intrusion and alternative lifestyle, Lauren might find herself forced to challenge her assumptions.
What distinguishes this novel is its strong but seamless use of language, both in evoking the Highland setting and in contrasting it with the claustrophobic atmosphere of a big city. I also liked the way Liz Treacher skillfully shifted narrative voice, opening up the reader’s perspective on the unfolding events and private moments hidden from the awareness of the other characters.
"Vegan Recipes for New Age Men" is a compelling journey of self-discovery and unlikely connections. It is a highly readable and not overly-long novel suitable for young and not so young adults who like well-set stories with sympathetic characters.
"Vegan Recipes for New Age Men" invites readers to the picturesque Highlands of Scotland, where the story unfolds with a blend of culinary and social tension. Lauren, with her carefully constructed life and the ‘perfect’ boyfriend in London, finds herself confronted with the unanticipated presence of Nash, a vegan 'hippy' whose extended stay in her cottage disrupts her own brief escape to her childhood home. Annoyed by his intrusion and alternative lifestyle, Lauren might find herself forced to challenge her assumptions.
What distinguishes this novel is its strong but seamless use of language, both in evoking the Highland setting and in contrasting it with the claustrophobic atmosphere of a big city. I also liked the way Liz Treacher skillfully shifted narrative voice, opening up the reader’s perspective on the unfolding events and private moments hidden from the awareness of the other characters.
"Vegan Recipes for New Age Men" is a compelling journey of self-discovery and unlikely connections. It is a highly readable and not overly-long novel suitable for young and not so young adults who like well-set stories with sympathetic characters.
October 22, 2023
This is one of those books where the title is a bit misleading about the plot of the story so I was going into this one a bit blind. And it paid off. This was a sweet, enjoyable read.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was that although it is a romance, it was really a book which focused on the importance of getting to know yourself and enjoying your own company. This could easily have been one of those stories where the male hero swoops in and rescues the female heroine from the wrong life but that isn’t what happened here and I loved that Lauren completely rescued herself.
This was an enjoyable, pacey read. The story flowed and I read this in one sitting.
I enjoyed the cast of characters although Amelia has to be my absolute favourite. She’s quirky and clearly knows what Lauren needs but lets her figure it out for herself.
The setting of this book was great and while I was reading I found myself longing to go sit beside the sea and listen to the waves rolling in.
A charming little read.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was that although it is a romance, it was really a book which focused on the importance of getting to know yourself and enjoying your own company. This could easily have been one of those stories where the male hero swoops in and rescues the female heroine from the wrong life but that isn’t what happened here and I loved that Lauren completely rescued herself.
This was an enjoyable, pacey read. The story flowed and I read this in one sitting.
I enjoyed the cast of characters although Amelia has to be my absolute favourite. She’s quirky and clearly knows what Lauren needs but lets her figure it out for herself.
The setting of this book was great and while I was reading I found myself longing to go sit beside the sea and listen to the waves rolling in.
A charming little read.
November 4, 2023
Thank you @liztreacher @KellyALacey @lovebookstours #Ad #LBTCrew #BookTwitter for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. I absolutely adored Vegan Recipes for New age. It took me a chapter to get into the story but then I loved it. From reading the recipes in each chapter made me consider going back to being a vegan. The story about Laura who goes for holiday in her cottage in Scotland but there seems to be a man staying there that has been squatting in her cottage. Nash has gone there to write a recipe book and Laura life seems to change after meeting Nash. I loved Nash lifestyle and wish that I could live like that one day. I loved Granny she so nice and made me smile and I loved how she wanted to try Vegan food. I didn’t like Patrick very much who was Laura Boyfriend did not seem a nice a person. I liked Laura a lot and did feel for her when she hit rock bottom, but I loved how her character developed through the book. Vegan Recipes for new age is a heartwarming and fantastic story . The recipes made me hungry. Enjoyable read 5
November 6, 2023
What a fabulous book I absolutely devoured it! I really enjoyed the story and the characters!
The way the book was written was excellent, I loved getting glimpses of Nash's book. I was very tempted to try one of the recipes but took heed of the memo at the start saying they were made up!
It was so nice to see veganism being portrayed in such a nice way even if Nash is more eclectic than me haha! But it was nice that he wasn't pushy about it which is exactly how I am.
Lauren and Nash were brilliantly written. I loved their connection from page 1 until the very last page. I especially love the part at the book launch.
Granny was the star of the book! I thought she was going to be a nag but she was absolutely brilliant and just took to Nash straight away. I loved their relationship and was kind of sad to not have seen them reconnect at the end!
This book captured all the emotions there were so many funny, sad, anger inducing, and uplifting parts of this book which just made it the perfect combination!
I'm off to go buy all of Liz's other books!
The way the book was written was excellent, I loved getting glimpses of Nash's book. I was very tempted to try one of the recipes but took heed of the memo at the start saying they were made up!
It was so nice to see veganism being portrayed in such a nice way even if Nash is more eclectic than me haha! But it was nice that he wasn't pushy about it which is exactly how I am.
Lauren and Nash were brilliantly written. I loved their connection from page 1 until the very last page. I especially love the part at the book launch.
Granny was the star of the book! I thought she was going to be a nag but she was absolutely brilliant and just took to Nash straight away. I loved their relationship and was kind of sad to not have seen them reconnect at the end!
This book captured all the emotions there were so many funny, sad, anger inducing, and uplifting parts of this book which just made it the perfect combination!
I'm off to go buy all of Liz's other books!
January 7, 2024
I've now read all four of Liz Treacher's books and I consider myself a fan. Vegan Recipes for New Age Men is my favourite of them all.
Lauren is a proofreader with an uptight boyfriend. She has a lovely cottage in the Scottish Highlands that she rents out. Needing a break she heads there whilst it's unrented only to find her last tenant, scruffy hippy type Nash, is still there. In a version of the 'one bed, two enemies' trope, she finds herself sharing the cottage with him (and later her granny), and although things become a little chaotic at times, it is ultimately just what Lauren needs.
One thing I have come to expect with Treacher's books is dry humour and it's here again in spades. I found it very amusing and giggled quite a bit, but there's also an underlying depth to it that crept up on me as the story progressed. For a short book (under 200 pages) it packs a full story in and I loved every minute I spent reading it.
I had a bit of a soft spot for Nash with his strange vegan recipes. There's a note at the beginning saying not to take them too seriously which is a shame as my mouth was starting to water. I liked his bumbling nature and his perceptive personality.
This is a quirky, funny and astute book with brilliant characters and a storyline to savour. I loved the setting too - it's described beautifully (the author's home turf) and reminded me of the peace and tranquillity of my own visits to the Scottish Highlands. Vegan Recipes for New Age Men is a fantastic read.
Lauren is a proofreader with an uptight boyfriend. She has a lovely cottage in the Scottish Highlands that she rents out. Needing a break she heads there whilst it's unrented only to find her last tenant, scruffy hippy type Nash, is still there. In a version of the 'one bed, two enemies' trope, she finds herself sharing the cottage with him (and later her granny), and although things become a little chaotic at times, it is ultimately just what Lauren needs.
One thing I have come to expect with Treacher's books is dry humour and it's here again in spades. I found it very amusing and giggled quite a bit, but there's also an underlying depth to it that crept up on me as the story progressed. For a short book (under 200 pages) it packs a full story in and I loved every minute I spent reading it.
I had a bit of a soft spot for Nash with his strange vegan recipes. There's a note at the beginning saying not to take them too seriously which is a shame as my mouth was starting to water. I liked his bumbling nature and his perceptive personality.
This is a quirky, funny and astute book with brilliant characters and a storyline to savour. I loved the setting too - it's described beautifully (the author's home turf) and reminded me of the peace and tranquillity of my own visits to the Scottish Highlands. Vegan Recipes for New Age Men is a fantastic read.
October 17, 2023
📚REVIEW: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book warmed the cockles of my heart! It’s hilarious, and moving all at the same time. The author’s dry sense of humour is so entertaining! Living in Scotland myself, I was able to paint a great vision of exactly what Lauren’s cottage looked like and the surrounding area and stunning scenery! The author described her characters to perfection and every one was a joy, each in their own way. Lauren and Nash were wonderful and Granny is an absolute star! I loved the author’s writing style. She uses short sharp sentences almost like statements to perfectly describe certain characters, points and situations and then switches seamlessly to smooth longer pieces of writing to back them all up and elaborate further. This is the first time I’ve read one of Liz’s books but it won’t be the last! This is a perfect feel good read with real life issues thrown in for good measure! I highly recommend it. Not sure about the recipes though! 🤣
This book warmed the cockles of my heart! It’s hilarious, and moving all at the same time. The author’s dry sense of humour is so entertaining! Living in Scotland myself, I was able to paint a great vision of exactly what Lauren’s cottage looked like and the surrounding area and stunning scenery! The author described her characters to perfection and every one was a joy, each in their own way. Lauren and Nash were wonderful and Granny is an absolute star! I loved the author’s writing style. She uses short sharp sentences almost like statements to perfectly describe certain characters, points and situations and then switches seamlessly to smooth longer pieces of writing to back them all up and elaborate further. This is the first time I’ve read one of Liz’s books but it won’t be the last! This is a perfect feel good read with real life issues thrown in for good measure! I highly recommend it. Not sure about the recipes though! 🤣
November 5, 2023
What a story! It wasn’t what I was expecting. It is not your average romantic story. For one I like the unique storytelling pattern of the author. There is going to be a HEA but the events leading up to this were unpredictable.
I lost myself in the story. It was so immersive that I didn’t want it to end. It was funny and filled with quirky, interesting and relatable characters.
This book describes love in its purest form. Just by simply challenging Lauren’s life choices, Nash forces her to confront the past she has tried to forget and take on newer experiences to enrich her present.
The description of the Scottish Highlands was so vivid that it will make you will want to visit just to experience the bliss described in the book.
If you love a departure from the usual then I urge you to give this a go.
I received a copy of this book and the review is entirely mine and voluntary.
I lost myself in the story. It was so immersive that I didn’t want it to end. It was funny and filled with quirky, interesting and relatable characters.
This book describes love in its purest form. Just by simply challenging Lauren’s life choices, Nash forces her to confront the past she has tried to forget and take on newer experiences to enrich her present.
The description of the Scottish Highlands was so vivid that it will make you will want to visit just to experience the bliss described in the book.
If you love a departure from the usual then I urge you to give this a go.
I received a copy of this book and the review is entirely mine and voluntary.
October 30, 2023
We begin in 2015. Lauren works for a publishing company in London, she enjoys and is very good at proofreading. Lauren's granny has raised her and done a good job. Lauren now lives on her own, but sees her granny weekly. Lauren has been with her boyfriend Patrick for three years. Lauren decides she needs time away on her own, and heads to her cottage near to Loch Fleet, her cottage was left to her. There was one problem when she arrives at the cottage, Nash. Nash had been renting the cottage and should of moved out a week ago, but he had, had an accident and can't go anyway. But that's not the only problem Lauren has to face, let's just say there's more than Nash for Lauren to cope with. The character all fitted nicely into the story. I found the descriptions of the Loch and the cottage, made you feel as if you were there.
October 31, 2023
When I read the title of this, I thought oh god, new age hippy rubbish, when I read the blurb I thought hmm OK let's give this a go, and I'm blooming glad I did.
It's quite a quick read, short chapters, engaging storyline, fun characters, and a happy ending.
If I had one complaint, it was that it wasn't all set in the Highlands, I loved the time spent there.
I really liked the recipes being interspersed with Nash's thoughts, very clever, though all that talk of food did make me hungry!
I really liked the flashbacks as Lauren started her recovery, and feel like the book could have explored that more if it had wanted to become a more meaty subject, but for the matter it covered, it did it well.
I particularly loved Amelia. Grannies often steal the show in a story.
It's a really lovely read that I'd definitely recommend.
It's quite a quick read, short chapters, engaging storyline, fun characters, and a happy ending.
If I had one complaint, it was that it wasn't all set in the Highlands, I loved the time spent there.
I really liked the recipes being interspersed with Nash's thoughts, very clever, though all that talk of food did make me hungry!
I really liked the flashbacks as Lauren started her recovery, and feel like the book could have explored that more if it had wanted to become a more meaty subject, but for the matter it covered, it did it well.
I particularly loved Amelia. Grannies often steal the show in a story.
It's a really lovely read that I'd definitely recommend.
September 21, 2023
Highland rom com - funny, clever and heartwarming
I absolutely loved the title of the book and got stuck in as soon as it was delivered... and finished it in one day. A rainy Sunday was perfect for this heartwarming story. I loved that the protagonist wasn't a whiny woman who would do anything to finally find love but a strong female character who makes decisions that are good for her (and realises when something was a bad choice).
My favourite part, apart from the hilarious mix of characters, are the descriptions of the Highlands. Whether it is flora or fauna, the author manages to capture life in the Highlands beautifully. Having visited locations mentioned in the novels, I can confirm that it is absolutely spot on.
Highly recommend reading!
I absolutely loved the title of the book and got stuck in as soon as it was delivered... and finished it in one day. A rainy Sunday was perfect for this heartwarming story. I loved that the protagonist wasn't a whiny woman who would do anything to finally find love but a strong female character who makes decisions that are good for her (and realises when something was a bad choice).
My favourite part, apart from the hilarious mix of characters, are the descriptions of the Highlands. Whether it is flora or fauna, the author manages to capture life in the Highlands beautifully. Having visited locations mentioned in the novels, I can confirm that it is absolutely spot on.
Highly recommend reading!
November 2, 2023
A heartwarming Scottish Highlands rom-com.
I read this is one sitting on a chilly autumn Sunday morning, while thinking about great holidays the family and I have had in Scotland.
Although not my usual type of read, I'm glad i gave it a go as i really did enjoy this.
At 188 pages, I flew through this read and found it to be a real page turner.
The storyline is incredibly humerous, clever and bursting with adult themes.
Our main character is a strong female who's not afraid to make good choices for herself and the story is based in a beautiful little Highland cottage.
The descriptions of the Scottish nature in the book are just brilliant, and allow the reader to form the landscape clearly in the mind.
Four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
I read this is one sitting on a chilly autumn Sunday morning, while thinking about great holidays the family and I have had in Scotland.
Although not my usual type of read, I'm glad i gave it a go as i really did enjoy this.
At 188 pages, I flew through this read and found it to be a real page turner.
The storyline is incredibly humerous, clever and bursting with adult themes.
Our main character is a strong female who's not afraid to make good choices for herself and the story is based in a beautiful little Highland cottage.
The descriptions of the Scottish nature in the book are just brilliant, and allow the reader to form the landscape clearly in the mind.
Four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
November 3, 2023
📚review book📚 153rd finished in 2023
Liz Treacher - Vegan recipes for new age men
Thank you so much Liz Treacher and Love book tours for gifting me a paperback copy of 'vegan recipes for new age men' in exchange for an honest review.
I have an obsession with books set in Scotland, I have always wanted to visit but my concern is that I won't want to leave and this book just added to that feeling. The magic setting of Lauren's cottage made me want to dive in and walk the lochs with the ferns and dappled tree cover. I liked Lauren as a character, she went on a deep dive of her own feelings, self worth and love for life through out the book. This book is more than recipes its a love story with multiple POVs that keep you engaged throughout.
#prbook #gifted #giftedbook #booktour
Liz Treacher - Vegan recipes for new age men
Thank you so much Liz Treacher and Love book tours for gifting me a paperback copy of 'vegan recipes for new age men' in exchange for an honest review.
I have an obsession with books set in Scotland, I have always wanted to visit but my concern is that I won't want to leave and this book just added to that feeling. The magic setting of Lauren's cottage made me want to dive in and walk the lochs with the ferns and dappled tree cover. I liked Lauren as a character, she went on a deep dive of her own feelings, self worth and love for life through out the book. This book is more than recipes its a love story with multiple POVs that keep you engaged throughout.
#prbook #gifted #giftedbook #booktour
November 4, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful book. It's a good, wholesome love story that leaves you with all the feels. The characters are brilliant. I particularly liked Granny. She seemed like a real hoot! I even liked Patrick, even though he turned out to be a love rat! The relationship between Lauren and Nash was so endearing, very heartwarming. I thought is was great how their relationship developed, with each one giving the other what they needed most without even realising it. The setting of a village in the Highlands of Scotland was so intricately described that I felt like I was there and it left me longing to visit. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book. I highly recommend it!
September 23, 2024
A Fresh and Hilarious Take on Modern Romance
Vegan Recipes for New Age Men by Liz Treacher is a delightful romcom that blends humor, romance, and modern-day dilemmas in a refreshingly unique way. The title might suggest a recipe book, but it’s far more—a witty, heartwarming story filled with memorable characters and laugh-out-loud moments.
Liz Treacher skillfully weaves a lighthearted narrative that addresses themes of self-discovery, love, and modern masculinity. The quirky interactions and clever dialogue keep the story engaging, while the underlying message is both timely and thought-provoking. It’s the perfect read for anyone looking for a fun, feel-good romance with a twist.
Highly recommended for fans of romcoms and anyone in search of a good laugh.
Vegan Recipes for New Age Men by Liz Treacher is a delightful romcom that blends humor, romance, and modern-day dilemmas in a refreshingly unique way. The title might suggest a recipe book, but it’s far more—a witty, heartwarming story filled with memorable characters and laugh-out-loud moments.
Liz Treacher skillfully weaves a lighthearted narrative that addresses themes of self-discovery, love, and modern masculinity. The quirky interactions and clever dialogue keep the story engaging, while the underlying message is both timely and thought-provoking. It’s the perfect read for anyone looking for a fun, feel-good romance with a twist.
Highly recommended for fans of romcoms and anyone in search of a good laugh.
October 30, 2023
This is such a good read that I started and then several hours later when I finished I realised I hadn't eaten and in fact hadn't even gone to the toilet.
It is beautifully written with a compelling story line that is both heart warming and heart wrenching at times. The characters are well developed and i instantly fell in love. All of the characters both main and minor felt like they had had so much love and attention poured in to them that they just jumped off of the page, I felt like I was watching a movie, I could see them so clearly in my mind.
I loved the setting of both London and the Scottish Highlands and the little cottage within the book sounds magical and immediately made me feel like I was there too. The way the cottage is described and the way the characters are within the cottage almost made the cottage itself feel like a main character and it reminded me very much of how The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson was written with the house feeling like a character.
I don't want to ruin anything about this book so all I will say is please read it
It is beautifully written with a compelling story line that is both heart warming and heart wrenching at times. The characters are well developed and i instantly fell in love. All of the characters both main and minor felt like they had had so much love and attention poured in to them that they just jumped off of the page, I felt like I was watching a movie, I could see them so clearly in my mind.
I loved the setting of both London and the Scottish Highlands and the little cottage within the book sounds magical and immediately made me feel like I was there too. The way the cottage is described and the way the characters are within the cottage almost made the cottage itself feel like a main character and it reminded me very much of how The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson was written with the house feeling like a character.
I don't want to ruin anything about this book so all I will say is please read it
September 27, 2023
Loved this novel!
Liz Treacher's writing just gets better and better. This gem of a novel has all the best ingredients (vegan, of course) for a great read. The characters really come alive and, along with Nash, I fell more and more in love with Lauren the better I got to know her. Her story is one of heartbreak early in life and the emotional defenses she has to find her way past to become the fullest, and wildest, version of herself. Beautiful descriptions of Loch Fleet and Dornoch too, making me feel quite homesick for that special corner of the Scottish Highlands.
Liz Treacher's writing just gets better and better. This gem of a novel has all the best ingredients (vegan, of course) for a great read. The characters really come alive and, along with Nash, I fell more and more in love with Lauren the better I got to know her. Her story is one of heartbreak early in life and the emotional defenses she has to find her way past to become the fullest, and wildest, version of herself. Beautiful descriptions of Loch Fleet and Dornoch too, making me feel quite homesick for that special corner of the Scottish Highlands.
November 9, 2023
When I first saw this title, I thought what on earth, that's one heck of a title - I expected, as you would imagine, a book filled with vegan recipes and wondered why just for men!?
But then I read the blurb and I was totally surprised to find this to be a romcom! And couldn't wait to get stuck in!
I loved the setting for this one being mainly in the Scottish Highlands. I don't know what it is about this setting, but I instantly imagine cold weather, log fires and cosy cabins and just can't resist!
I was not disappointed! The descriptions of the settings (both the Highlands and London) transported me there and I was completely immersed until the end.
Our characters were so relatable and I instantly fell in love with them - especially dear old Granny who was such a character (as they often are!)
I loved the humour woven throughout the narrative and the banter and dynamics between all the characters.
Apart from the fact this was quite a short book with short chapters which encourage you to read on (just one more) ....This was beautifully written and a real joy to read and I finished it in no time at all.
It's the first book I've read from this author, but definitely won't be my last.
But then I read the blurb and I was totally surprised to find this to be a romcom! And couldn't wait to get stuck in!
I loved the setting for this one being mainly in the Scottish Highlands. I don't know what it is about this setting, but I instantly imagine cold weather, log fires and cosy cabins and just can't resist!
I was not disappointed! The descriptions of the settings (both the Highlands and London) transported me there and I was completely immersed until the end.
Our characters were so relatable and I instantly fell in love with them - especially dear old Granny who was such a character (as they often are!)
I loved the humour woven throughout the narrative and the banter and dynamics between all the characters.
Apart from the fact this was quite a short book with short chapters which encourage you to read on (just one more) ....This was beautifully written and a real joy to read and I finished it in no time at all.
It's the first book I've read from this author, but definitely won't be my last.
February 19, 2024
This novel is a light, fun, short read with some vegan and New Age humour—something like a rom-com.
If you are looking for vegan recipes to make you won't find them here!
However you will find recipes that make you laugh and weave together with the underlying theme of this novel—how unnerving it can be when someone truly sees the parts of us we have kept hidden or have lost. It is a story of rediscovering ourselves.
I really enjoyed this novel and recommend it!
If you are looking for vegan recipes to make you won't find them here!
However you will find recipes that make you laugh and weave together with the underlying theme of this novel—how unnerving it can be when someone truly sees the parts of us we have kept hidden or have lost. It is a story of rediscovering ourselves.
I really enjoyed this novel and recommend it!
March 31, 2024
I wanted more Nash and more Scotland!!
Light-hearted and easy-to-read novel, very entertaining. Not a cookery book at all, but a funny romance. For my taste, the "baddy" is uncovered a bit too soon, so you know what eventually will happen...but it's still very enjoyable. Also grateful to the author for making it a short book. Waaaay too many books reach 500 pages with a story that can be told in less than half.
Light-hearted and easy-to-read novel, very entertaining. Not a cookery book at all, but a funny romance. For my taste, the "baddy" is uncovered a bit too soon, so you know what eventually will happen...but it's still very enjoyable. Also grateful to the author for making it a short book. Waaaay too many books reach 500 pages with a story that can be told in less than half.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
I bought this book from a little local bookshop in a small village in Scotland. As it turns out, the writer lives in the area, and actually references the very bookstore I was in! It was a joy to read, and added color to my memories of our trip.
Want to read
January 15, 2025The title alone caught my attention; the review of the plot/lines intrigued me. Neither of my libraries has copies; will have to recommend for purchase. Suggested read by Canadian author Elinor Florence, in her most recent newsletter/Reading Round up.
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