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Ергените на Анджелина
Ако любовта на мъжа минава през стомаха, то тя може да има всеки мъж…
Каква е причината седем ергени да се събират шест дни в седмицата за закуска и вечеря в малката, но уютна кухня на Анджелина Д’Анджело? Нейните ненадминати кулинарни умения, разбира се. Защото няма мъж, който да устои на вкуса на домашно приготвената храна, подправена с любов и поднесена с усмивка в компанията на добри приятели.
Но за всеки от тях храната е нещо много повече от сетивно удоволствие – тя има вълшебните свойства да лекува разбити сърца, да събира хората заедно, да вдъхва кураж, да носи утеха и радост, а защо не и да дарява нов шанс в любовта.
Изпълнена с домашен уют и щипка италианско очарование, „Ергените на Анджелина” е една емоционална и вдъхновяваща история за преоткриването на семейното щастие, колебанията и трепетите на сърцето и радостта от истинското приятелство.
„Съберете едно разбито женско сърце и седем необвързани мъже, подправете с обилна и вкусна храна, щипка тъга и щедро количество хумор. Четете в топлите летни следобеди на брега на морето.” – For Love of Books
„Очарователно чувство за хумор и невероятна храна – една наистина печеливша комбинация!” – Kirkus
„Ще ви зареди с добро настроение и оптимизъм, но неминуемо ще разпали апетита ви. Вкусно четене!” – коментар в Good Reads
„Много смях, малко сълзи, обилна и божествено вкусна храна – любовта и уюта на всяко семейно празненство са събрани в тази невероятно добра книга!” – Live to Read
Каква е причината седем ергени да се събират шест дни в седмицата за закуска и вечеря в малката, но уютна кухня на Анджелина Д’Анджело? Нейните ненадминати кулинарни умения, разбира се. Защото няма мъж, който да устои на вкуса на домашно приготвената храна, подправена с любов и поднесена с усмивка в компанията на добри приятели.
Но за всеки от тях храната е нещо много повече от сетивно удоволствие – тя има вълшебните свойства да лекува разбити сърца, да събира хората заедно, да вдъхва кураж, да носи утеха и радост, а защо не и да дарява нов шанс в любовта.
Изпълнена с домашен уют и щипка италианско очарование, „Ергените на Анджелина” е една емоционална и вдъхновяваща история за преоткриването на семейното щастие, колебанията и трепетите на сърцето и радостта от истинското приятелство.
„Съберете едно разбито женско сърце и седем необвързани мъже, подправете с обилна и вкусна храна, щипка тъга и щедро количество хумор. Четете в топлите летни следобеди на брега на морето.” – For Love of Books
„Очарователно чувство за хумор и невероятна храна – една наистина печеливша комбинация!” – Kirkus
„Ще ви зареди с добро настроение и оптимизъм, но неминуемо ще разпали апетита ви. Вкусно четене!” – коментар в Good Reads
„Много смях, малко сълзи, обилна и божествено вкусна храна – любовта и уюта на всяко семейно празненство са събрани в тази невероятно добра книга!” – Live to Read
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 453 reviews
December 4, 2012
I was really disappointed in this book. It should have been a nice story: A young widow begins cooking for the unmarried men in her neighborhood in order to make ends meet.
The problem is that there's no character to these characters. Angelina has no personality of her own, no opinions, very little back story. Everything (and supposedly these are are nice things, it's not anything bad or anything...) just seems to happen to her, while she happily, mindlessly, goes along with the flow.
I just couldn't get over how patronizing it all was. Angelina has no control over her life. All the decisions, including resolving a potential love triangle, are made by the men. She's just a place holder.
The author has probably noticed that food novels are quite popular right now. But, Mr. O'Reilly, there's more to a good novel than a few overly complicated recipes. We need to care about the characters. And it's hard to care about these.
The problem is that there's no character to these characters. Angelina has no personality of her own, no opinions, very little back story. Everything (and supposedly these are are nice things, it's not anything bad or anything...) just seems to happen to her, while she happily, mindlessly, goes along with the flow.
I just couldn't get over how patronizing it all was. Angelina has no control over her life. All the decisions, including resolving a potential love triangle, are made by the men. She's just a place holder.
The author has probably noticed that food novels are quite popular right now. But, Mr. O'Reilly, there's more to a good novel than a few overly complicated recipes. We need to care about the characters. And it's hard to care about these.
April 8, 2012
A fun read, one that even as certain things bothered me I felt compelled to keep reading during any free time.
The things that bothered me: it says explicitly on the front cover that it is "A Novel, with Food," and food plays a really significant role in the storyline, but man I got kind of tired it after a while. Really, don't read this if you're not at all interested in food. Each meal is described - the ingredients, the process, etc, and then characters comment on each meal, and then after everyone is finished there is an actual recipe. So every meal is covered at least twice, sometimes three times. Also, many of the recipes occur mid-chapter, and thus mid-action, which I felt was awkward (she leaves the kitchen - recipe - she goes upstairs)
The other thing that bothered me is that Angelina is treated as an Old Maid - a woman who missed her first round of opportunities, who sadly didn't have kids during her marriage and is now alone without any, etc. But I did the math, and I think she's just in her early 30's. So, really? I'm nearly 30 and I don't feel nearly so out of time as everyone seems to think Angelina is. Although, who knows in what decade this is set?
Anyway, clearly some complaints, but overall it is an enjoyable easy read, comfortable.
The things that bothered me: it says explicitly on the front cover that it is "A Novel, with Food," and food plays a really significant role in the storyline, but man I got kind of tired it after a while. Really, don't read this if you're not at all interested in food. Each meal is described - the ingredients, the process, etc, and then characters comment on each meal, and then after everyone is finished there is an actual recipe. So every meal is covered at least twice, sometimes three times. Also, many of the recipes occur mid-chapter, and thus mid-action, which I felt was awkward (she leaves the kitchen - recipe - she goes upstairs)
The other thing that bothered me is that Angelina is treated as an Old Maid - a woman who missed her first round of opportunities, who sadly didn't have kids during her marriage and is now alone without any, etc. But I did the math, and I think she's just in her early 30's. So, really? I'm nearly 30 and I don't feel nearly so out of time as everyone seems to think Angelina is. Although, who knows in what decade this is set?
Anyway, clearly some complaints, but overall it is an enjoyable easy read, comfortable.
February 8, 2012
As much as I wanted to like this book, it was a birthday present, but I couldnt' get into it. It was very sappy, cheesy, and not very well written. The main character just lost her husband, who dies while he is trying to get a piece of cake of a heart attack. She then is depressed but decided to relieve that depression by cooking for the single men in her neighborhood. Scattered throughout this novel are very complicated recipes that I would never make. This book got great reviews on Amazon, but as far as I am concerned, it's mostly fluff.
July 23, 2021
This is a recipe book with a story told on the side.
It started out strong, but the plot development weakened and I would have preferred better characterization. Everything was stereotypical. This would actually make for a great netflix series. There is enough of a solid outline that a good writer could really have fun developing it.
The recipes seem to be good, though a bit too complicated for my skill set.
2.5 stars rounded to 3 stars
It started out strong, but the plot development weakened and I would have preferred better characterization. Everything was stereotypical. This would actually make for a great netflix series. There is enough of a solid outline that a good writer could really have fun developing it.
The recipes seem to be good, though a bit too complicated for my skill set.
2.5 stars rounded to 3 stars
September 30, 2023
Angelina, an excellent cook, is suddenly left bereft when her husband of five years, Frank, keels over dead of a heart attack. The shock has barely sunk in when it’s followed by more shocks: the small company for which both Frank and Angelina worked has gone bankrupt, and now Angelina is without a job. Just when Angelina cannot be worse off, there’s a sudden light at the end of the tunnel: the gourmet brother of a neighbour (a neighbour who is a frightful cook) happens to taste Angelina’s lasagna and makes her an offer: he will pay her to make him breakfast and dinner, every day. From this start, Angelina goes on, until finally she’s cooking two meals daily for a group of seven men, all bachelors.
Food is very prominent all through this book, with Angelina dishing up some delicious-sounding dishes (recipes for all of them are provided, in great detail, in the respective chapter). Other than that, there’s a sort of warm chumminess, a camaraderie and general feel-good charm that permeates the entire book - getting occasionally a little too cloying. Angelina’s mother-in-law, her relatives, friends and neighbours seem universally too good to be true, and even the one forbidding bureaucrat our heroine meets in the course of her work ends up being revealed as a sweetie.
When Frank died in the beginning of the book, I had a creepy feeling that the ‘bachelors’ of the title would all be men trying to woo the widowed Angelina because of her cooking skills. Thankfully, no: at least Brian O’Reilly does not succumb to that temptation, and the relationships his protagonist builds with these fairly disparate characters are sweet.
Overall, fairly enjoyable. Not standout, not bad.
But yes: I do wish the recipes hadn’t mostly been such complicated ones. Barring one Roman egg drop soup near the start, all the recipes were so involved, I wasn’t tempted to cook any of them - I just wanted someone else to cook them for me.
Food is very prominent all through this book, with Angelina dishing up some delicious-sounding dishes (recipes for all of them are provided, in great detail, in the respective chapter). Other than that, there’s a sort of warm chumminess, a camaraderie and general feel-good charm that permeates the entire book - getting occasionally a little too cloying. Angelina’s mother-in-law, her relatives, friends and neighbours seem universally too good to be true, and even the one forbidding bureaucrat our heroine meets in the course of her work ends up being revealed as a sweetie.
When Frank died in the beginning of the book, I had a creepy feeling that the ‘bachelors’ of the title would all be men trying to woo the widowed Angelina because of her cooking skills. Thankfully, no: at least Brian O’Reilly does not succumb to that temptation, and the relationships his protagonist builds with these fairly disparate characters are sweet.
Overall, fairly enjoyable. Not standout, not bad.
But yes: I do wish the recipes hadn’t mostly been such complicated ones. Barring one Roman egg drop soup near the start, all the recipes were so involved, I wasn’t tempted to cook any of them - I just wanted someone else to cook them for me.
January 6, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed Angelina. Many romances involving second marriages add emphasis to the new relationship by denigrating the previous one, even in little ways, and even if it was a good, happy marriage that ended in tragic death instead of bitter divorce. This one avoided that miserable trap quite beautifully; basically the first 80% of the novel was the love story of Angelina and her recently-deceased husband, with the new relationship being something of a sub-sub-plot brought in to round off the end. I was grateful for the high view of marriage expressed here; more Christ-honoring, with one significant exception, than a great many "christian romances". The food aspect inspired humility, fear, and most of all my creative juices; I'd love to try some of those elaborately elegant recipes, though others not so much! They really did bring the narrative together in a special way. Such a fun idea, and a delightful execution.
October 29, 2011
I got this as an ARC at work, intrigued by the plot and the integration of recipes into the narrative. Unfortunately, the book didn't deliver on it's promises. The characters were dull and predictable, the plot boring and the recipes completely ridiculous. Above all, I felt like the author was part of a very conservative, staid generation that can't actually relate to modern life. None of the relationships felt real enough for the 21st century--that is if, as I assume, it was supposed to be a contemporary story? Not to mention that Angelina's grief at the death of her husband seemed to disappear early into the novel. Don't waste your time, folks.
April 6, 2013
After Angelina's husband dies at a young age, all she has left is her close South Philly neighborhood and gourmet cooking. Almost by accident, she sets up a small business cooking breakfast and dinner for several neighborhood bachelors, who become more like a family over the months. As Angelina's life goes through ups and downs, her bachelors are there for her, and one may even offer her more than just friendship. The book is filled with descriptions of wonderful meals, and apparently the audiobook comes with a PDF of recipes, but since I can't cook, I didn't bother to check it out!
This book was pretty much predictable from start to finish, which some people would probably enjoy (I enjoy a predictable book often enough, myself). A lot of it was depressing, naturally since her husband dies (there's a fairly graphic description of his death by heart attack that I could have done without), and some other things are also described too graphically for me. What I enjoyed most about the book was the description of the food. I thought other things didn't work so well. When Angelina has a baby (which I pretty much knew would happen, and that was graphically described as well), it's amazing how little work it ends up being for her, because her husband's family is so eager to take over all baby care for her. I don't even have kids, and I know it's not so easy to drop all your child responsibilities so you can get on with your life.
I also knew from the start that the bachelor who'd dropped out of seminary and was attracted to Angelina would not be the one she'd end up with; there's some unwritten rule that in books/movies/etc. sympathetic to the Catholic church, once someone is involved with the church (in seminary, as a priest, etc.), there is only one way out. By the end of the story, they must either return to religious life, or die. Witness Ballykissangel. It's like a street gang; once in, you can never get out with your life. 100% predictable. The last one who got out was Maria Von Trapp, and I think that was only because she managed to get herself seven children without ever having sex.
This book was pretty much predictable from start to finish, which some people would probably enjoy (I enjoy a predictable book often enough, myself). A lot of it was depressing, naturally since her husband dies (there's a fairly graphic description of his death by heart attack that I could have done without), and some other things are also described too graphically for me. What I enjoyed most about the book was the description of the food. I thought other things didn't work so well. When Angelina has a baby (which I pretty much knew would happen, and that was graphically described as well), it's amazing how little work it ends up being for her, because her husband's family is so eager to take over all baby care for her. I don't even have kids, and I know it's not so easy to drop all your child responsibilities so you can get on with your life.
I also knew from the start that the bachelor who'd dropped out of seminary and was attracted to Angelina would not be the one she'd end up with; there's some unwritten rule that in books/movies/etc. sympathetic to the Catholic church, once someone is involved with the church (in seminary, as a priest, etc.), there is only one way out. By the end of the story, they must either return to religious life, or die. Witness Ballykissangel. It's like a street gang; once in, you can never get out with your life. 100% predictable. The last one who got out was Maria Von Trapp, and I think that was only because she managed to get herself seven children without ever having sex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2011
To begin, I must disclaim that I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. This has not in any way influenced my review.
I have heard the old saying that you should never judge a book by its cover and I have read far too many books to rely exclusively on that method of judging. But, the sole reason I entered the Goodreads giveaway was because I was drawn in by the cover. I can't say exactly what it was, but I found it intriguing and I wanted a copy of this book. Within the first few pages, I was drawn into the story of Angelina and her grief. I read the book in two days, while simultaneously reading another book, because it was too good to put down.
Angelina, like so many women, used food to comfort her in her grief. But she did not simply consume the vast quantities of food she was making - she reached out to others and shared what she had created. In doing this, she found a way to support herself, both financially and emotionally. Overall, the characters were well drawn, though there were times where I would have liked to ask the author a few questions about a particular character.
I did check a few times to make sure I was remembering correctly that this book was written by a man. His grasp of the female perspective was excellent. This book was definitely a good read, though I fear that my waistline expanded as I read. I was inspired to make several favorites (lasagne) and try a few new recipes as I went along. It says on the cover that it is a novel with food. I misunderstood and thought the author intended for me to read the novel with food always available...
There are a few predictable plot lines throughout the story, but they are not really a negative impact on the entire book. The story moved well and the characters were likable.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to absolutely anyone who was looking for a great summer, or fall, read.
I have heard the old saying that you should never judge a book by its cover and I have read far too many books to rely exclusively on that method of judging. But, the sole reason I entered the Goodreads giveaway was because I was drawn in by the cover. I can't say exactly what it was, but I found it intriguing and I wanted a copy of this book. Within the first few pages, I was drawn into the story of Angelina and her grief. I read the book in two days, while simultaneously reading another book, because it was too good to put down.
Angelina, like so many women, used food to comfort her in her grief. But she did not simply consume the vast quantities of food she was making - she reached out to others and shared what she had created. In doing this, she found a way to support herself, both financially and emotionally. Overall, the characters were well drawn, though there were times where I would have liked to ask the author a few questions about a particular character.
I did check a few times to make sure I was remembering correctly that this book was written by a man. His grasp of the female perspective was excellent. This book was definitely a good read, though I fear that my waistline expanded as I read. I was inspired to make several favorites (lasagne) and try a few new recipes as I went along. It says on the cover that it is a novel with food. I misunderstood and thought the author intended for me to read the novel with food always available...
There are a few predictable plot lines throughout the story, but they are not really a negative impact on the entire book. The story moved well and the characters were likable.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to absolutely anyone who was looking for a great summer, or fall, read.
July 1, 2012
“The power of food is only second to sex.”
~ Brian O'Reilly
(I couldn't agree more with the author's quote.)
Angelina's Bachelors by Brian O'Reilly (Executive Producer of Food Network's Dinner: Impossible) centers around young widow, Angelina and the men who flock to her South Philly neighborhood to sample her wares...but, I'm getting ahead of the story. Angelina starts cooking after her husband, Frank, passes away. Her neighbor, retiree Basil, loves her food and hires her to cook meals for him. She needs a job and he needs good food so it seems like a win-win match.
Word of her skill in the kitchen spreads and Guy, Basil's nephew, along with other eligible bachelors join in on Angelina's dinner club get togethers.
The story is as tasty as the Gorgonzola Beef Tenderloin in a Barolo Reduction or the Frangelico Chocolate "Dream" Cake recipes that are included in this delightful book. Warm and interesting characters, filled to the brim with emotion and fun, make this an enjoyable read.
Seasoned just so and peppered with the love of a huge Italian family at Sunday dinner--- a must read "love" story. Come hungry, Leave Full.
January 2, 2013
This book was a fast read (it took me about a day to finish) because a large percentage of the pages are filled with recipes. The book feels a lot like the movie “Tortilla Soup” did… a love letter to food and the power that it has to unite people and to bring them through hard times.
The story was fairly easy on the brainpan. Happily married woman loves her husband and loves to cook. Husband dies of a sudden heart attack. Newly widowed woman rebuilds her life and sense of purpose by cooking amazing meals for neighborhood bachelors. This “Bachelors Club” becomes her new family.
Each chapter ends with the recipes for the food that Angelina cooks for the Bachelors, including preparation and presentation instructions. Drooooooooool…. I wish I’d bought the book in ink-and-paper instead of kindle so that I could use the novel like a cookbook. The kindle version does come with an index of recipes, which is nice, but the ink-and-paper version would probably be easier to cook from.
A nice, light read that made me hungry… mmm… food….
The story was fairly easy on the brainpan. Happily married woman loves her husband and loves to cook. Husband dies of a sudden heart attack. Newly widowed woman rebuilds her life and sense of purpose by cooking amazing meals for neighborhood bachelors. This “Bachelors Club” becomes her new family.
Each chapter ends with the recipes for the food that Angelina cooks for the Bachelors, including preparation and presentation instructions. Drooooooooool…. I wish I’d bought the book in ink-and-paper instead of kindle so that I could use the novel like a cookbook. The kindle version does come with an index of recipes, which is nice, but the ink-and-paper version would probably be easier to cook from.
A nice, light read that made me hungry… mmm… food….
February 21, 2016
Such a comforting and delightful read! Angelina's husband dies suddenly, leaving her in a state of complete sadness and worry for the future. After a bout of mass cooking to comfort herself, she is asked to host her first bachelor for breakfast and dinner. More soon follow, and she ends up with seven bachelor's paying for her to cook the best foods of their lives. It brings her joy and peace after such a terrible loss. And, of course, there's recipes. I doubt I would actually make any of them myself, but I would certainly eat them if someone else did. The story is full of hope, humor, good banter, and an overwhelming feeling of family. Loved it so much.
December 29, 2015
This was a rewarding and comforting read about finding solace and rebuilding one's life after suffering a great loss. I really enjoyed every character and side story
November 11, 2019
Oooh all the dishes (except for the veal ones) sounded so yummy!
June 4, 2017
Quaint novel. Delicious sounding recipes. Worthy of a road trip listen if you like easy stories with happy endings.
January 20, 2018
This was a lovely book about resilience, friendship and the ways we make our own family. I found this book hard to put down. And don't forget the food, it was awesome!
March 29, 2012
Angelina’s Bachelors’ is a moving and heartbreaking story that will have you munching away on a piece of pie while turning the pages. Honestly, I think I gained ten pounds just reading this book, the recipes and the way the author describes how Angelina is cooking will make your mouth water and make even the undomesticated goddess among us want to run into the kitchen and start whipping up a soufflé.
Angelina has just lost her beloved husband of five years to a heart attack; the last thing he ate was a piece of her chocolate cake. Days later, she finds she is without a job as well; you would think this would make a woman cry foul and give up but one lonely night she decides to cook a thanksgiving style meal in hopes that will release all her anger, after all when does cooking not distress a woman? But the next day finds, her refrigerator stuffed and no way of eating it all by herself before everything is spoiled so with the help of her mother in law, she delivers the baked goods around the neighborhood.
Soon enough, Angelina’s doorbell starts ringing the next day from single men around the neighborhood who would like Angelina to start cooking for them because either they can’t cook or their mother can’t cook like Angelina. And so Angelina’s bachelor club is born, where five single guys ranging in age from 18 to 80 come together for dinner five days a week and get homemade fare.
But not soon after, a surprising revelation is made and a calamity ensues that finds Angelina owning her own restaurant with the help of the bachelor’s. And it just wouldn’t be a stunning read without a little bit of romance now would it? Yes, Angelina finds love again with one of the bachelor’s.
I just loved this book, not because cooking is my second passion after books but because of the message Angelina’s Bachelor’s gives. When one door closes, another opens. You just have to be ready and keep your eyes open.
Angelina has just lost her beloved husband of five years to a heart attack; the last thing he ate was a piece of her chocolate cake. Days later, she finds she is without a job as well; you would think this would make a woman cry foul and give up but one lonely night she decides to cook a thanksgiving style meal in hopes that will release all her anger, after all when does cooking not distress a woman? But the next day finds, her refrigerator stuffed and no way of eating it all by herself before everything is spoiled so with the help of her mother in law, she delivers the baked goods around the neighborhood.
Soon enough, Angelina’s doorbell starts ringing the next day from single men around the neighborhood who would like Angelina to start cooking for them because either they can’t cook or their mother can’t cook like Angelina. And so Angelina’s bachelor club is born, where five single guys ranging in age from 18 to 80 come together for dinner five days a week and get homemade fare.
But not soon after, a surprising revelation is made and a calamity ensues that finds Angelina owning her own restaurant with the help of the bachelor’s. And it just wouldn’t be a stunning read without a little bit of romance now would it? Yes, Angelina finds love again with one of the bachelor’s.
I just loved this book, not because cooking is my second passion after books but because of the message Angelina’s Bachelor’s gives. When one door closes, another opens. You just have to be ready and keep your eyes open.
April 8, 2012
Narrated by Xe Sands - Narration 5*s!
Reviewed for AAR's Speaking of Audiobooks - http://www.likesbooks.com/blog/?p=7644
From the moment I started listening to Angelina’s Bachelors: A Novel with Food, I was totally engrossed. Narrator Xe Sands brings this Italian neighborhood in South Philadelphia completely to life with her skilled narration of this moving and delicious storyline.
Frank and Angelina are blissfully happy in their marriage and with their life when Frank suddenly dies from a heart attack, leaving Angelina a young widow, adrift in a life without him. Vocally, we experience every emotion Angelina experiences – warmth and love, a wrenching grief, sadness mixed with determination that turns to hope, and then delight as she builds a very different but once again happy life for herself. This takes place over time with the help of family, friends and food.
Angelina uses her cooking ability as therapy and as a way to make ends meet, while filling a spot in several men’s lives. Angelina’s Bachelors moves at a fast pace with something new around every corner as the cast of characters builds and grows together with each artfully created and mouth watering meal.
Ms. Sands gives each character throughout Angelina’s Bachelors a beautifully defined voice, which is impressive considering the fact that there are multiple main characters, each with a vivid personality that shows through when they speak. I particularly enjoyed hearing the Italian accents prevalent throughout the story.
There is an HEA, but it was far from the focus of this wonderfully written book brought vibrantly alive with Xe Sands’ excellent narration
Reviewed for AAR's Speaking of Audiobooks - http://www.likesbooks.com/blog/?p=7644
From the moment I started listening to Angelina’s Bachelors: A Novel with Food, I was totally engrossed. Narrator Xe Sands brings this Italian neighborhood in South Philadelphia completely to life with her skilled narration of this moving and delicious storyline.
Frank and Angelina are blissfully happy in their marriage and with their life when Frank suddenly dies from a heart attack, leaving Angelina a young widow, adrift in a life without him. Vocally, we experience every emotion Angelina experiences – warmth and love, a wrenching grief, sadness mixed with determination that turns to hope, and then delight as she builds a very different but once again happy life for herself. This takes place over time with the help of family, friends and food.
Angelina uses her cooking ability as therapy and as a way to make ends meet, while filling a spot in several men’s lives. Angelina’s Bachelors moves at a fast pace with something new around every corner as the cast of characters builds and grows together with each artfully created and mouth watering meal.
Ms. Sands gives each character throughout Angelina’s Bachelors a beautifully defined voice, which is impressive considering the fact that there are multiple main characters, each with a vivid personality that shows through when they speak. I particularly enjoyed hearing the Italian accents prevalent throughout the story.
There is an HEA, but it was far from the focus of this wonderfully written book brought vibrantly alive with Xe Sands’ excellent narration
September 10, 2011
When Angelina's husband dies of a massive heart attack at only forty and while sneaking a piece of her "Dream" cake, you would think she would be put off of cooking forever. But to Angelina, her cooking and baking gives meaning to her life. She obsessively creates new recipes and through her loves of food brings her new friends. This story should be really sad, but I found myself totally charmed by the characters that come to inhabit Angelina's dining room as she tries to make ends meet by serving food to several bachelors with questionable eating habits. These men come to encourage her through their friendship and she keeps them in line with her food. It wonderful to read something encouraging and have happiness appear through unlikely places and people.
This book is not leaving my house and deserves a place of honor among my cookbooks! The story is interwoven with wonderful recipes that help tell Angelina's story and will have your mouth watering just reading them. The recipes go into detail that a lot of cookbooks don't even begin to cover with step by step instructions that are easy to follow. You can tell that the author truly loves food and I really wonder which came first: the recipes or the story. If you are a fan of food and looking for something a bit different for your book group, I think this one should be at the top of your list. It would be really fun to make a few of the recipes for your book club meeting.
This book is not leaving my house and deserves a place of honor among my cookbooks! The story is interwoven with wonderful recipes that help tell Angelina's story and will have your mouth watering just reading them. The recipes go into detail that a lot of cookbooks don't even begin to cover with step by step instructions that are easy to follow. You can tell that the author truly loves food and I really wonder which came first: the recipes or the story. If you are a fan of food and looking for something a bit different for your book group, I think this one should be at the top of your list. It would be really fun to make a few of the recipes for your book club meeting.
July 4, 2013
3.5 stars. I really liked the story and loved the food descriptions. I don't know that I would ever actually make those recipes as they look long and complicated. I loved Angelina and the bachelors and her extended family. But, I couldn't give the book a full 4 stars because a few things bothered me. Overall, though, these scenes didn't detract from the story.
This is a nice, make you feel good, happy ending kind of book. And those are nice to read sometimes!
This is a nice, make you feel good, happy ending kind of book. And those are nice to read sometimes!
January 19, 2016
Of late, all I've wanted from a book is to be comforted by a story and characters that make me feel content to get lost in the words. Angelina's Bachelors more than topped the comfort meter for me. The descriptions of Angelina's cooking had me sitting right there, in her kitchen, sipping freshly made coffee, watching her work magic with recipe ingredients. The bachelors were uniquely attuned to exactly what Angelina needed when she needed it. All in all, a wonderful reading experience.
Opening Lines...
"Perfect," whispered Angelina.
Standing alone in the moonlit warmth of her kitchen, she stroked them each softly in turn and applied the slightest, knowing pressure to each. They were cool to the touch now, all risen to exactly the same height, the same shape and consistency, laid side by side by side on the well-worn wooden table. The dusky scent of dark chocolate lingered in the air and on her fingers.
On happy endings...
Angelina thought about miracles and happy endings. They just don't happen, she thought. The hand of God doesn't reach down and pull you out of the fire, it just flips you in the pan so you get done evenly on both sides.
Opening Lines...
"Perfect," whispered Angelina.
Standing alone in the moonlit warmth of her kitchen, she stroked them each softly in turn and applied the slightest, knowing pressure to each. They were cool to the touch now, all risen to exactly the same height, the same shape and consistency, laid side by side by side on the well-worn wooden table. The dusky scent of dark chocolate lingered in the air and on her fingers.
On happy endings...
Angelina thought about miracles and happy endings. They just don't happen, she thought. The hand of God doesn't reach down and pull you out of the fire, it just flips you in the pan so you get done evenly on both sides.
December 27, 2016
Just finished Angelina's Bachelors: A Novel with Food by Brian O'Reilly. It has been on my TBR shelf for several years and just now got around to reading it thank to a Goodread's challenge.
Angelina D'Angelo suffers a great loss when her husband dies unexpectedly. No, this isn't a spoiler. She has to make a life for herself and begins to cook breakfast and dinner for what turns out to be six different bachelors in the South Philadelphia neighborhood. It's a very charming story of finding one's way in life after a tragic loss. I loved all the different characters and the individual stories. The recipes that are included sound delicious, however, I am not successful at cooking at this level. Great story to read during the Christmas holiday!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
Angelina D'Angelo suffers a great loss when her husband dies unexpectedly. No, this isn't a spoiler. She has to make a life for herself and begins to cook breakfast and dinner for what turns out to be six different bachelors in the South Philadelphia neighborhood. It's a very charming story of finding one's way in life after a tragic loss. I loved all the different characters and the individual stories. The recipes that are included sound delicious, however, I am not successful at cooking at this level. Great story to read during the Christmas holiday!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
June 15, 2023
Angelina’s Bachelors by brian O’Reilly
When Angelina suddenly finds herself a widow without a job, she takes the opportunity as a gourmet to cook for 7 bachelors. She creates amazing feasts for them and they help her all sorts of ways living on her own and preparing for impeding motherhood. She discovers she has more support than she dreamed with the women of her family, the bachelors, their connections and her own dreams when she dreams big enough.
179 7 fishes feast for Christmas:
Baccala salt fish because God’s Word gives flavor to the world
Clams and oysters - God is your armor from trouble
Calamari- because can reach out and find you everywhere you go
Eels- because God’s Word goes quick like flash to your ears
Smelts-even the smallest fish will be the biggest when the kingdom comes
Flounder- God’s eyes are always open
216 Guy about the priesthood: I was an RP when I was in the service. Or religious program specialist. I worked under a chaplain named commander Stanton. He was a Catholic priest, and a really impressive guy. I traveled with him overseas a few times, and you could see right away what it meant to guys who were far from home, we’re going through things, but nothing can really prepare you for, how is something as simple as saying mass could mean so much. When a chaplain shows up, it’s Sunday he used to say. I was with him at a service for marine lieutenant, who was killed in action; his men set up a field memorial with a man’s rifle, his boots, his helmet, and his dog tags. Commander Stanton talk to every man in the unit afterwards, and believe me they had some pretty serious questions for him. Sometime it somehow he almost always came up with the right thing to say and if he couldn’t, he prayed with them, and that seem to be enough. He made a difference, I could see it. So when I left the Marines and was trying to figure out, what the heck I was going to do next, I kept thinking back to Commander Stanton. The church has a lot of problems, but one it’s one of the few organizations you can join where the actual stated mission is to do some good. So, I thought, maybe I should give that a try. Maybe I can do some good.
But you have doubts, said Angelina
I have doubts. I’m sure it will all work out in the end, though.
God will take care of it?
He knows what he’s doing, said Guy. I like to think he does anyway.
Angelina: if that’s true, why would he take Frank in the middle of the night like that when the baby he wanted so much is on the way? Doesn’t seem right if you ask me.
Guy. Colin maybe it was Frank’s time. And now you’ll have a part of him with you forever. Not just in your heart, but here, in the kitchen, we’re at the table, eating spaghetti, with the rest of us.
She smiled at the thought of a room full of uncles her baby would be inheriting.
So maybe that’s his gift to you, Sid guy. Outside of that, maybe the best thing we have going for us is just believing, having faith that somebody really is looking out for us, out there somewhere.
Well, I’m glad he sent me you guys. I don’t know what I’d be doing, if he didn’t.
Guy: maybe God likes your cooking.
Angelina Maybe. Period.
Recipes
146, 8
INGREDIENTS for ratatouille frittata
3 tablespoons canola or olive oil (I tablespoon to sauté the onion and garlic and 2 tablespoons for the
squash)
I large red onion, diced medium
2 large garlic cloves, lightly crushed and minced I small zucchini squash, sliced into ½-inch-thick pieces I small yellow squash, sliced into ¼-inch-thick pieces I tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced
1 teaspoon dried savory, ground to a powder with a mortar and pestle
12 eggs, beaten
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 ounces Gruyère cheese, thinly sliced with a cheese
plane
6 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream
6 small fresh basil sprigs
6 squash blossoms (optional)
METHOD FOR THE FRITTATA
Hear I tablespoon of the oil over medium heat in a 10-ind skillet with a lid, reserving the rest of the oil for the vegetables. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 2-3minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic briefly to a small plate.
In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of the oil over low heat, making sure the entire inside surface of the pan is coated. Quickly layer alternating slices of zucchini and yellow squash, in concentric circles with the edges overlapping. Distribute the sautéed onion and garlic over the surface of the squash and sprinkle with cilantro and savory. Cover the pan and increase the heat to medium. Cook until the squash begins to soften, about 10 minutes. (Be careful not to disturb the arrangement of the squash when checking on its progress).
Pour the beaten eggs over the squash and season the surface of the eggs with salt and pepper. Cover and let cook undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow eggs to set up. Then, remove the lid and loosen the edges the frittata carefully with a thin spatula. Place the un-covered skillet of eggs and squash in the oven 350 degrees for about 10 minutes to allow the eggs to tighten up Remove the pan from the oven and top with the sliced guyère. Cover to keep warm and to melt the cheese a bit.
203 Red sauce
Angelina showed her how to build the sauce: start with white onion, and a fine mince of celery, fresh flat leaf parsley , and deep red, extra-sweet frying peppers; add copious amounts of garlic (chopped not so finely); season with salt, crushed red pepper, and freshly ground black pepper simmer and sweat on a medium flame in good olive oil; generously sprinkle with dried herbs from the garden (palmfuls of oregano, rosemary, and basil); follow with a big dollop of thick, rich tomato paste; cook down some more until all of the ingredients were completely combined; pour in big cans of fresh-packed crushed tomatoes and a cup of red wine (preferably a Sangiovese or a Barolo); reseason, finish with fresh herbs; bring to a high simmer, then down to a low flame ; walk away.
When Angelina suddenly finds herself a widow without a job, she takes the opportunity as a gourmet to cook for 7 bachelors. She creates amazing feasts for them and they help her all sorts of ways living on her own and preparing for impeding motherhood. She discovers she has more support than she dreamed with the women of her family, the bachelors, their connections and her own dreams when she dreams big enough.
179 7 fishes feast for Christmas:
Baccala salt fish because God’s Word gives flavor to the world
Clams and oysters - God is your armor from trouble
Calamari- because can reach out and find you everywhere you go
Eels- because God’s Word goes quick like flash to your ears
Smelts-even the smallest fish will be the biggest when the kingdom comes
Flounder- God’s eyes are always open
216 Guy about the priesthood: I was an RP when I was in the service. Or religious program specialist. I worked under a chaplain named commander Stanton. He was a Catholic priest, and a really impressive guy. I traveled with him overseas a few times, and you could see right away what it meant to guys who were far from home, we’re going through things, but nothing can really prepare you for, how is something as simple as saying mass could mean so much. When a chaplain shows up, it’s Sunday he used to say. I was with him at a service for marine lieutenant, who was killed in action; his men set up a field memorial with a man’s rifle, his boots, his helmet, and his dog tags. Commander Stanton talk to every man in the unit afterwards, and believe me they had some pretty serious questions for him. Sometime it somehow he almost always came up with the right thing to say and if he couldn’t, he prayed with them, and that seem to be enough. He made a difference, I could see it. So when I left the Marines and was trying to figure out, what the heck I was going to do next, I kept thinking back to Commander Stanton. The church has a lot of problems, but one it’s one of the few organizations you can join where the actual stated mission is to do some good. So, I thought, maybe I should give that a try. Maybe I can do some good.
But you have doubts, said Angelina
I have doubts. I’m sure it will all work out in the end, though.
God will take care of it?
He knows what he’s doing, said Guy. I like to think he does anyway.
Angelina: if that’s true, why would he take Frank in the middle of the night like that when the baby he wanted so much is on the way? Doesn’t seem right if you ask me.
Guy. Colin maybe it was Frank’s time. And now you’ll have a part of him with you forever. Not just in your heart, but here, in the kitchen, we’re at the table, eating spaghetti, with the rest of us.
She smiled at the thought of a room full of uncles her baby would be inheriting.
So maybe that’s his gift to you, Sid guy. Outside of that, maybe the best thing we have going for us is just believing, having faith that somebody really is looking out for us, out there somewhere.
Well, I’m glad he sent me you guys. I don’t know what I’d be doing, if he didn’t.
Guy: maybe God likes your cooking.
Angelina Maybe. Period.
Recipes
146, 8
INGREDIENTS for ratatouille frittata
3 tablespoons canola or olive oil (I tablespoon to sauté the onion and garlic and 2 tablespoons for the
squash)
I large red onion, diced medium
2 large garlic cloves, lightly crushed and minced I small zucchini squash, sliced into ½-inch-thick pieces I small yellow squash, sliced into ¼-inch-thick pieces I tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced
1 teaspoon dried savory, ground to a powder with a mortar and pestle
12 eggs, beaten
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 ounces Gruyère cheese, thinly sliced with a cheese
plane
6 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream
6 small fresh basil sprigs
6 squash blossoms (optional)
METHOD FOR THE FRITTATA
Hear I tablespoon of the oil over medium heat in a 10-ind skillet with a lid, reserving the rest of the oil for the vegetables. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 2-3minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic briefly to a small plate.
In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of the oil over low heat, making sure the entire inside surface of the pan is coated. Quickly layer alternating slices of zucchini and yellow squash, in concentric circles with the edges overlapping. Distribute the sautéed onion and garlic over the surface of the squash and sprinkle with cilantro and savory. Cover the pan and increase the heat to medium. Cook until the squash begins to soften, about 10 minutes. (Be careful not to disturb the arrangement of the squash when checking on its progress).
Pour the beaten eggs over the squash and season the surface of the eggs with salt and pepper. Cover and let cook undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow eggs to set up. Then, remove the lid and loosen the edges the frittata carefully with a thin spatula. Place the un-covered skillet of eggs and squash in the oven 350 degrees for about 10 minutes to allow the eggs to tighten up Remove the pan from the oven and top with the sliced guyère. Cover to keep warm and to melt the cheese a bit.
203 Red sauce
Angelina showed her how to build the sauce: start with white onion, and a fine mince of celery, fresh flat leaf parsley , and deep red, extra-sweet frying peppers; add copious amounts of garlic (chopped not so finely); season with salt, crushed red pepper, and freshly ground black pepper simmer and sweat on a medium flame in good olive oil; generously sprinkle with dried herbs from the garden (palmfuls of oregano, rosemary, and basil); follow with a big dollop of thick, rich tomato paste; cook down some more until all of the ingredients were completely combined; pour in big cans of fresh-packed crushed tomatoes and a cup of red wine (preferably a Sangiovese or a Barolo); reseason, finish with fresh herbs; bring to a high simmer, then down to a low flame ; walk away.
November 5, 2014
This was a quick, light read for me. I skipped over most of the recipes because they were unbelievably gourmet and usually quite fattening. But Angelina (love this name) herself broke my heart. When she loses her husband Frank, the love of her life, Angelina opens her South Philly home to a table full of hungry bachelors. She cooks for them twice a day, six days a week. By doing so, she gains not only a foodie fan club and a much-needed income, but also their loving support and allegiance, almost as if they are family. Because she is Italian, many of her recipes start with red sauce. She even makes her own pasta. I found myself thinking that Angelina should open a restaurant. Read it to find out if she does, and to glory in her journey towards healing during her first year of widowhood. Heartwarming, cute, slightly formulaic, but much like the tasty food Angelina loves to prepare, this novel goes down easily and inspires gratitude.
November 21, 2013
If this had had a long haired beau and a beautiful damsel on the front it would have been more appropriate as it belongs in the Mills and Boon section where it can be ignored by those who need reality or at least a brush with it. The whole story is so ridiculous I almost choked. Angelina loses her husband who meant the world to her and grieves for a whole day. I kid you not. Then she starts cooking and the guy across the road offers to pay her to provide breakfast and dinner. By the end of the following day she's cooking for 7 bachelors who all come every single evening and all get along perfectly and most fancy her. Oh PUL EASSSSSEEEE. Then she has a baby but is still able to carry on as though nothing has happened and open a restaurant. Which is of course a smash hit. No prizes for guessing the ending. Sigh.
October 22, 2011
This was a tolerable book. The recipes were not for me,but some people will like them. They seemed too complicated,fattening and unhealthy for me.
Including them in the book helped me to visualize the dishes made, the time it took to make them and the complexity of them.
The story is a sweet tale of love.loss and the grieving process.I was a quick read for me. Good to carry with you on the road. you can pick it up & put it down without forgetting what has happened prior to the point you left off.
I think it would be fun for a reading group to have a potluck with each member fixing one of the dishes in the book and bringing them to a meeting.
Enjoy this fast, easy read.
Including them in the book helped me to visualize the dishes made, the time it took to make them and the complexity of them.
The story is a sweet tale of love.loss and the grieving process.I was a quick read for me. Good to carry with you on the road. you can pick it up & put it down without forgetting what has happened prior to the point you left off.
I think it would be fun for a reading group to have a potluck with each member fixing one of the dishes in the book and bringing them to a meeting.
Enjoy this fast, easy read.
October 22, 2012
Angelina's Bachelors is a tale of overcoming grief, redefining family and bringing people together through food. This book is sweet, but doesn't have much substance. I liked the story but found it a little shallow and contrived. The book was filled with good descriptions of cooking meals and recipes to try yourself but I felt like the story in between the recipes fell a little flat. I guess it seemed that Angelina's grief over her husbands sudden death seemed easily set aside, which didn't ring true to me. But if you are looking for a sweet story without a lot of thinking involved then this book will fit the bill.
January 15, 2014
After only 5 years, Angelina suddenly becomes a widow. Luckily, she knows how to cook & her close knit family & community rally behind her. This was one of the nicest books that I have ever read. The characters were all kind, decent people, without appearing overly, or ridiculously sweet. The food descriptions were total food porn! And although, I will probably never make any of the recipes, I found the process delightful. I highly recommend this sweet, funny & well-written book!
December 5, 2014
I loved this book. It drew you in quickly and you couldn't help but love the characters. There was a romance angle but it wasn't pushed too hard and didn't take over the entire storyline. It was a very subtle hint on the brain. Food, family and moving on were the focal point here. Hard knocks and over coming them. It was such a good book. I would love to read more.
August 13, 2016
a predictable story of a young widow who feeds all the bachelors in her neighborhood in South Philly to make ends meet after her husband dies unexpectedly (and she loses her job). The cathartic process helps her learn to accept love when it comes along. Ok book with lots of great recipes. surprised it was written by a guy. major chick lit.
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