What do you think?
Rate this book
No Place I'd Rather Be
Food, family, and secrets combine in Cathy Lamb's emotional and deeply honest novel as one woman discovers the recipes and life lessons that have shaped her family's past, and could guide her toward a second chance at happiness.
Two years ago, Olivia Martindale left behind her Montana hometown and her husband, Jace, certain it was the best decision for both of them. Back temporarily to protect her almost-adopted daughters from their biological mother, she discovers an old, handwritten cookbook in the attic. Its pages are stained and torn, their edges scorched by flame. Some have been smeared by water . . . or tears. The recipes are written in different hands and in different languages. In between the pages are intriguing mementos, including a feather, a pressed rose, a charm, and unfamiliar photographs.
Hoping the recipes will offer a window into her grandmother's closely guarded past, Olivia decides to make each dish, along with their favorite family cake recipes, and records her attempts. The result, like much of her life to date, involves a parade of near-disasters and chaotic appearances by her doctor mother, her blunt grandma, her short-tempered sister, and Olivia's two hilarious daughters. The project is messy, real and an unintended hit with viewers.
Even more surprising is the family history Olivia is uncovering, and her own reemerging ties to Montana, and to Jace. Generations of women have shared these recipes, offering strength and nourishment to each other and their loved ones. Now it's Olivia s turn to find healing and determine where her home and her heart truly belong.
Two years ago, Olivia Martindale left behind her Montana hometown and her husband, Jace, certain it was the best decision for both of them. Back temporarily to protect her almost-adopted daughters from their biological mother, she discovers an old, handwritten cookbook in the attic. Its pages are stained and torn, their edges scorched by flame. Some have been smeared by water . . . or tears. The recipes are written in different hands and in different languages. In between the pages are intriguing mementos, including a feather, a pressed rose, a charm, and unfamiliar photographs.
Hoping the recipes will offer a window into her grandmother's closely guarded past, Olivia decides to make each dish, along with their favorite family cake recipes, and records her attempts. The result, like much of her life to date, involves a parade of near-disasters and chaotic appearances by her doctor mother, her blunt grandma, her short-tempered sister, and Olivia's two hilarious daughters. The project is messy, real and an unintended hit with viewers.
Even more surprising is the family history Olivia is uncovering, and her own reemerging ties to Montana, and to Jace. Generations of women have shared these recipes, offering strength and nourishment to each other and their loved ones. Now it's Olivia s turn to find healing and determine where her home and her heart truly belong.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2017
266 people are currently reading
2367 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Lamb
24 books1,599 followersCathy Lamb was born in Newport Beach, California. As a child, she mastered the art of skateboarding, catching butterflies in bottles, and riding her bike with no hands. When she was 10, her parents moved her, two sisters, a brother, and two poorly behaved dogs to Oregon before she could fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a surfer bum.
She then embarked on her notable academic career where she earned good grades now and then, spent a great deal of time daydreaming, ran wild with a number of friends, and landed on the newspaper staff in high school. When she saw her byline above an article about people making out in the hallways of the high school, she knew she had found her true calling.
After two years of partying at the University of Oregon, she settled down for the next three years and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, and became a fourth grade teacher. It was difficult for her to become proper and conservative but she threw out her red cowboy boots and persevered. She had no choice. She had to eat, and health insurance is expensive.
She met her husband on a blind date. A mutual friend who was an undercover vice cop busting drug dealers set them up. It was love at third sight.
Teaching children about the Oregon Trail and multiplication facts amused her until she became so gigantically pregnant with twins she looked like a small cow and could barely walk. With a three year old at home, she decided it was time to make a graceful exit and waddle on out. She left school one day and never went back. She likes to think her students missed her.
When Cathy was no longer smothered in diapers and pacifiers, she took a turn onto the hazardous road of freelance writing and wrote almost 200 articles on homes, home décor, people and fashion for a local newspaper. As she is not fashionable and can hardly stand to shop, it was an eye opener for her to find that some women actually do obsess about what to wear. She also learned it would probably be more relaxing to slam a hammer against one’s forehead than engage in a large and costly home remodeling project.
Cathy suffers from, “I Would Rather Play Than Work Disease” which prevents her from getting much work done unless she has a threatening deadline. She likes to hang with family and friends, walk, eat chocolate, camp, travel, and is slightly obsessive about the types of books she reads. She also likes to be left alone a lot so she can hear all the odd characters in her head talk to each other and then transfer that oddness to paper. The characters usually don’t start to talk until 10:00 at night, however, so she is often up ‘til 2:00 in the morning with them. That is her excuse for being cranky.
She adores her children and husband, except when he refuses to take his dirty shoes off and walks on the carpet. She will ski because her children insist, but she secretly doesn’t like it at all. Too cold and she falls all the time.
She is currently working on her next book and isn’t sleeping much.
She then embarked on her notable academic career where she earned good grades now and then, spent a great deal of time daydreaming, ran wild with a number of friends, and landed on the newspaper staff in high school. When she saw her byline above an article about people making out in the hallways of the high school, she knew she had found her true calling.
After two years of partying at the University of Oregon, she settled down for the next three years and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, and became a fourth grade teacher. It was difficult for her to become proper and conservative but she threw out her red cowboy boots and persevered. She had no choice. She had to eat, and health insurance is expensive.
She met her husband on a blind date. A mutual friend who was an undercover vice cop busting drug dealers set them up. It was love at third sight.
Teaching children about the Oregon Trail and multiplication facts amused her until she became so gigantically pregnant with twins she looked like a small cow and could barely walk. With a three year old at home, she decided it was time to make a graceful exit and waddle on out. She left school one day and never went back. She likes to think her students missed her.
When Cathy was no longer smothered in diapers and pacifiers, she took a turn onto the hazardous road of freelance writing and wrote almost 200 articles on homes, home décor, people and fashion for a local newspaper. As she is not fashionable and can hardly stand to shop, it was an eye opener for her to find that some women actually do obsess about what to wear. She also learned it would probably be more relaxing to slam a hammer against one’s forehead than engage in a large and costly home remodeling project.
Cathy suffers from, “I Would Rather Play Than Work Disease” which prevents her from getting much work done unless she has a threatening deadline. She likes to hang with family and friends, walk, eat chocolate, camp, travel, and is slightly obsessive about the types of books she reads. She also likes to be left alone a lot so she can hear all the odd characters in her head talk to each other and then transfer that oddness to paper. The characters usually don’t start to talk until 10:00 at night, however, so she is often up ‘til 2:00 in the morning with them. That is her excuse for being cranky.
She adores her children and husband, except when he refuses to take his dirty shoes off and walks on the carpet. She will ski because her children insist, but she secretly doesn’t like it at all. Too cold and she falls all the time.
She is currently working on her next book and isn’t sleeping much.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
June 26, 2018
Olivia Martindale returns to Montana with her two girls, Stephi and Lucy, who she is in the process of trying to adopt. The children’s biological mother is in prison at the time but there is news she may soon be out. Olivia cannot imagine them going back with her to the life if neglect and abuse they had suffered before. But coming back to Montana and her grandmother’s home means Olivia also comes into contact with Jace, the husband she ran away from. She also reconnects with her mother, sister and grandmother. When she finds an old cook book hidden in the attic with recipes but also filled with drawing and small mementoes, Olivia hopes that maybe she will be able to get her grandmother to talk about the past she has always refused to talk about before. So the reader not only gets to find out more about Olivia but also events of this family from the early 1900s on. What is revealed tells a story of loss, hardship, and sacrifice.
This book seemed to have all the ingredients to make it an engrossing read. And yet, I struggled with it at times. This was mainly to do with the style, repetition of the emphasis on tough talking Montana women and incidents that attempted to be humorous and ended up a lot of the time being ridiculous and over the top. I also found the cause for Olivia’s split from Jace hard to believe and got irritated by hearing about Jace’s hotness, which is mentioned at every opportunity. My favourite character of the book was Kyle, Olivia’s autistic nephew. He talked more sense than many of the others.
All in all, while the premise of this story sounded so good, the characters were mostly annoying and it just didn’t work for me. Many times I considered giving up on it. But the story from the past was interesting so I kept reading. Not sure that was the wisest move. I have no doubt though there will be others who it will appeal to. In this case I think it is a lack of connection between the author and this reader. There is a story here, but for me it was overshadowed by too many other writing style and annoying character issues.
This book seemed to have all the ingredients to make it an engrossing read. And yet, I struggled with it at times. This was mainly to do with the style, repetition of the emphasis on tough talking Montana women and incidents that attempted to be humorous and ended up a lot of the time being ridiculous and over the top. I also found the cause for Olivia’s split from Jace hard to believe and got irritated by hearing about Jace’s hotness, which is mentioned at every opportunity. My favourite character of the book was Kyle, Olivia’s autistic nephew. He talked more sense than many of the others.
All in all, while the premise of this story sounded so good, the characters were mostly annoying and it just didn’t work for me. Many times I considered giving up on it. But the story from the past was interesting so I kept reading. Not sure that was the wisest move. I have no doubt though there will be others who it will appeal to. In this case I think it is a lack of connection between the author and this reader. There is a story here, but for me it was overshadowed by too many other writing style and annoying character issues.
September 19, 2017
Overall, A Disappointing Read.
I have read a few works by this author, so when I read the premise on the back of the book cover, I thought for sure I would enjoy this one too. However, I was greatly disappointed.
Even though there is a significant feminist theme quilted throughout this work, I just could not get into it. The main character was too wishy-washy for my taste. Additionally, I could not stand the constant jumping back and forth between present day, and multiple pasts. These transitions made no sense, and were terribly distracting.
However, I did like the tie in with the grandmother's past and what she had to endure during the War, but the other storyline (the main one) with main character and her husband and her adoptive daughters-just did not do it for me. I could not understand why there needed to be this big build up as to the reason why the main character left her husband. It was superfluous and a giant let down. The main character had many options at her disposal as to how she could make her marriage work, yet she was unable to think of any these until the end of the book, even though the answer was an easy one for her to fall into, once it miraculously presented itself.
The whole story line felt forced and contrived. I was most put off by the mother and sister's dialogue and language. Ok, absolutely no one in 2017 speaks the way the sister did in the story. Who the heck says, "I'm a tough talkin', hip-rockin' Montana woman."? If there are people who speak that way on a daily basis, then shoot me now.
I just couldn't get into this story, even though others have claimed it was witty and funny; I just couldn't see it. In fact, the only character I liked in this story was the nephew with Autism. At least he was rational and logical the whole way through.
Honestly, save your money and read something else. Try Diana Gabaldon!
I have read a few works by this author, so when I read the premise on the back of the book cover, I thought for sure I would enjoy this one too. However, I was greatly disappointed.
Even though there is a significant feminist theme quilted throughout this work, I just could not get into it. The main character was too wishy-washy for my taste. Additionally, I could not stand the constant jumping back and forth between present day, and multiple pasts. These transitions made no sense, and were terribly distracting.
However, I did like the tie in with the grandmother's past and what she had to endure during the War, but the other storyline (the main one) with main character and her husband and her adoptive daughters-just did not do it for me. I could not understand why there needed to be this big build up as to the reason why the main character left her husband. It was superfluous and a giant let down. The main character had many options at her disposal as to how she could make her marriage work, yet she was unable to think of any these until the end of the book, even though the answer was an easy one for her to fall into, once it miraculously presented itself.
The whole story line felt forced and contrived. I was most put off by the mother and sister's dialogue and language. Ok, absolutely no one in 2017 speaks the way the sister did in the story. Who the heck says, "I'm a tough talkin', hip-rockin' Montana woman."? If there are people who speak that way on a daily basis, then shoot me now.
I just couldn't get into this story, even though others have claimed it was witty and funny; I just couldn't see it. In fact, the only character I liked in this story was the nephew with Autism. At least he was rational and logical the whole way through.
Honestly, save your money and read something else. Try Diana Gabaldon!
August 30, 2017
Author Cathy Lamb has written an impressive number of books. This time she takes us to the lovely setting of Montana and introduces an interesting mix of characters, including three generations of strong women. A few storylines parallel but I thought the most compelling begins when Olivia discovers a chest full of memorabilia in a dusty corner of the attic, her curiosity will ignite conversation and the unveiling of generations past, weaving history into the current story. Well done.
February 24, 2020
Nah you guys. This was from beginning to end a hodge podge of other of Lamb's works.
A character who is overweight (check) a mysterious family secret that really isn't secret if you have any critical thinking skills (check) a family that has names for all of their food (check) a family that somehow is making the best food or cake ever (check) a woman who is in love with a 6 plus foot man with barely any personality (check) a comment on CPS (check) children who have been abused (check). I liked Lamb's "My Very Best Friend" because she at least moved all parties to Scotland which made things interesting. This was written in 2017 and it just reads so poorly I didn't know what to do with it besides feel aggravated and relieved when I finished.
I also did not like Olivia, she seems to be a victim of her own worst self at times and I had zero sympathy for her when she had her family and estranged husband ready to help but she was all, my pride, my pride. Don't keep going on about having $8 in your bank account and dealing with a terrible boss when you don't have to! I just...I am pulling my hair right now.
I can't say much about other characters because they are not developed at all. And I swear Olivia's nephew issues reminded me of another book of hers but I was too tired to look it up.
I also shuddered at the HEA we get cause I have so many comments on it, but will wait until below to discuss in spoilers.
A character who is overweight (check) a mysterious family secret that really isn't secret if you have any critical thinking skills (check) a family that has names for all of their food (check) a family that somehow is making the best food or cake ever (check) a woman who is in love with a 6 plus foot man with barely any personality (check) a comment on CPS (check) children who have been abused (check). I liked Lamb's "My Very Best Friend" because she at least moved all parties to Scotland which made things interesting. This was written in 2017 and it just reads so poorly I didn't know what to do with it besides feel aggravated and relieved when I finished.
I also did not like Olivia, she seems to be a victim of her own worst self at times and I had zero sympathy for her when she had her family and estranged husband ready to help but she was all, my pride, my pride. Don't keep going on about having $8 in your bank account and dealing with a terrible boss when you don't have to! I just...I am pulling my hair right now.
I can't say much about other characters because they are not developed at all. And I swear Olivia's nephew issues reminded me of another book of hers but I was too tired to look it up.
I also shuddered at the HEA we get cause I have so many comments on it, but will wait until below to discuss in spoilers.
May 2, 2019
No Place I'd Rather Be - and no book I'd rather be reading. Cathy Lamb has managed to enthral me again with her far reaching story of strong women who are loads of fun. Lamb has a strong, unique voice in all her writing, as Kristy Woodson Harvey says in her review "If I was on a deserted island and stumbled across a blank copy of No Place I'd Rather Be with no title, no author page and no distinguishing marks, I would still know it was Cathy Lamb's. Her voice is totally unique, pitch perfect and utterly charming." I couldn't agree more. And I'd know it too.
This is a mix of historical and contemporary fiction, both heart warming and heart breaking. Gisela is the great grandmother, a German Jew who was uprooted when the Nazi's went to work. She lost everyone, but did find a strong Montana man in Oliver Martindale an American airforce officer and a doctor. Together they set up a practice and have one child Mary Beth, who in turn becomes a doctor. She did not find a strong Montana man, her husband abandoned her and left Mary Beth and her daughters Olivia and Chloe. But like Gisela these women have spines of concrete. I so loved them all.
Olivia has left her wonderful husband Jace for some reason we don't know, and it takes quite awhile for that mystery to unfold. I kind of guessed it, but had to wait and see. Jace is amazing and it did break her heart to do it. Olivia has taken on the guardianship of two young girls who need her and she makes a wonderful mother. When she has to return to her home town relationships change, stories unfold and we are introduced to a family I'd love to meet. Chloe, Olivia's sister has a son - Kyle who has Aspergers. I loved his part in the story and how he was involved, his whole journey.
If you are a food lover then this book would definitely appeal from that angle. Much to Mary Beth's disappointment Olivia did not follow her into the medical field, but rather is a fantastic cook. And the discovery of a family cookbook in the attic is a thread that runs through the book, linking past family to the present.
This book has all I could ask for in a book - some history, some humor, some romance, some mystery and suspense, and a huge focus on family and what brings love and happiness. The characters are smart, flawed and totally loveable. Its a big, warmhearted, compassionate feast of a book. I'll be buying myself a paperback version to reread in future.
Every bit as good the second time around via audiobook - perfectly narrated.
This is a mix of historical and contemporary fiction, both heart warming and heart breaking. Gisela is the great grandmother, a German Jew who was uprooted when the Nazi's went to work. She lost everyone, but did find a strong Montana man in Oliver Martindale an American airforce officer and a doctor. Together they set up a practice and have one child Mary Beth, who in turn becomes a doctor. She did not find a strong Montana man, her husband abandoned her and left Mary Beth and her daughters Olivia and Chloe. But like Gisela these women have spines of concrete. I so loved them all.
Olivia has left her wonderful husband Jace for some reason we don't know, and it takes quite awhile for that mystery to unfold. I kind of guessed it, but had to wait and see. Jace is amazing and it did break her heart to do it. Olivia has taken on the guardianship of two young girls who need her and she makes a wonderful mother. When she has to return to her home town relationships change, stories unfold and we are introduced to a family I'd love to meet. Chloe, Olivia's sister has a son - Kyle who has Aspergers. I loved his part in the story and how he was involved, his whole journey.
If you are a food lover then this book would definitely appeal from that angle. Much to Mary Beth's disappointment Olivia did not follow her into the medical field, but rather is a fantastic cook. And the discovery of a family cookbook in the attic is a thread that runs through the book, linking past family to the present.
This book has all I could ask for in a book - some history, some humor, some romance, some mystery and suspense, and a huge focus on family and what brings love and happiness. The characters are smart, flawed and totally loveable. Its a big, warmhearted, compassionate feast of a book. I'll be buying myself a paperback version to reread in future.
Every bit as good the second time around via audiobook - perfectly narrated.
September 2, 2017
I just finished this book and all I can say is WOW - what a fantastic book. As always, Cathy Lamb has presented her readers with a complex book about family and love and acceptance. It was a book that caused laugh out loud moments as well as tears. I was so involved in this book that I cancelled lunch plans today so that I could finish it.
Olivia returns to her family in Montana after a 2 year absence with two little girls that she hopes to adopt. The girls had lived a neglected life with their drug-addicted parents who were now in jail and Olivia wants to protect them. Olivia's family is a loving but eclectic group of people - her sister (I loved her sister and their relationship), Kyle, her sister's Asperger's son, her mom, the doctor and her grandma the herbal healer and her husband. Olivia is a chef and her family believes that the family who cooks together, stays happy. (Trust me, don't read this book hungry!). When Olivia finds an old recipe book in the attic, it causes her grandmother to start talking about her past to her family, something that she has never shared with them.
Overall, this is a story about a strong family of women (with a few men thrown in) who cook together and love each other no matter their faults and always support each other. The author does a wonderful job of bringing in other subjects - bullying at school, sexual abuse in the work place and autism to name a few. Readers learn to know and to love the women in this book and to laugh and cry and cheer with them at their successes. I hated to leave them all behind in Montana at the end of the novel.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
Olivia returns to her family in Montana after a 2 year absence with two little girls that she hopes to adopt. The girls had lived a neglected life with their drug-addicted parents who were now in jail and Olivia wants to protect them. Olivia's family is a loving but eclectic group of people - her sister (I loved her sister and their relationship), Kyle, her sister's Asperger's son, her mom, the doctor and her grandma the herbal healer and her husband. Olivia is a chef and her family believes that the family who cooks together, stays happy. (Trust me, don't read this book hungry!). When Olivia finds an old recipe book in the attic, it causes her grandmother to start talking about her past to her family, something that she has never shared with them.
Overall, this is a story about a strong family of women (with a few men thrown in) who cook together and love each other no matter their faults and always support each other. The author does a wonderful job of bringing in other subjects - bullying at school, sexual abuse in the work place and autism to name a few. Readers learn to know and to love the women in this book and to laugh and cry and cheer with them at their successes. I hated to leave them all behind in Montana at the end of the novel.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2018
Oh my. I finished this book earlier today and have not been able to start another because Jace and Olivia are living in my head and heart. This is a powerful story of the awful price we pay for loss, grief, hatred and the redemptive power of love. I have always loved Cathy Lamb’s books. This one is special.
December 5, 2017
There are few books that I have been saving for December which I know to be good reads, books which would touch my heart and fill me with warmth. Well, isn't December a month of goodwill and happiness??
My first book by Cathy Lamb, and she was fabulous. Her writing, her words, her recipes, all were covered with heart warming, soul nourishing love. And of course the cakes... Oh yumm... I am not a cake person, but she made me want to eat one. It is not the recipes which made me long for one, but the warmth and genuine love between the 3 women which made me long for it.
Cathy has given us 3 strong women, the grandmother Gisele, the mother Mary Beth, and the daughter Olivia. And each of them had their own story, their struggles, and their own strengths. I was left amazed by them, at the end of the book.
I breathed in their story and held each of them close to my heart and I think I would be carrying a part of them as courage when the going gets tough. There are very few books who can do that...
Olivia rushes to her grandmother and her mother when the future of her adopted girls is threatened. She finds an old recipe book in the attic, and it contains the secrets, the tears and the blood of her ancestors, all waiting to be revealed by the grandmother. Her mother the doctor, has brought up her daughters when her husband deserted her. And Olivia has her own secret reason of leaving her husband Jace 2 years ago.
All this combined together make a beautiful story weaved by ancestry, pain struggle, and the ever binding love....
Not many authors can make their main character strong and decisive, with their own opinions and self-respect, and the author Cathy Lamb has not only given us one, she has given us 3 of them. Let me not forget all the supporting characters who deserve to have a mention as they brought smiles, laughter and feelings in this story.
There is a quote which I absolutely adored, when the Deserter father tells Olivia that blood is blood —
We cannot choose our family members, and when one of them is only going to bring a wrecking ball of destruction and hurt, I feel no obligation to have a relationship with them. Blood is blood, they say. And usually the person who’s saying it is the toxic one and using emotional manipulation to sneak their poisonous self back into your life...
I found these lines extremely poignant and direct to the point.
My first book by Cathy Lamb and definitely not my last, was everything what I want from a family saga.
I thank Ms. Lamb for giving me so much warmth on this cold winter evening.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Kensington and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
My first book by Cathy Lamb, and she was fabulous. Her writing, her words, her recipes, all were covered with heart warming, soul nourishing love. And of course the cakes... Oh yumm... I am not a cake person, but she made me want to eat one. It is not the recipes which made me long for one, but the warmth and genuine love between the 3 women which made me long for it.
Cathy has given us 3 strong women, the grandmother Gisele, the mother Mary Beth, and the daughter Olivia. And each of them had their own story, their struggles, and their own strengths. I was left amazed by them, at the end of the book.
I breathed in their story and held each of them close to my heart and I think I would be carrying a part of them as courage when the going gets tough. There are very few books who can do that...
Olivia rushes to her grandmother and her mother when the future of her adopted girls is threatened. She finds an old recipe book in the attic, and it contains the secrets, the tears and the blood of her ancestors, all waiting to be revealed by the grandmother. Her mother the doctor, has brought up her daughters when her husband deserted her. And Olivia has her own secret reason of leaving her husband Jace 2 years ago.
All this combined together make a beautiful story weaved by ancestry, pain struggle, and the ever binding love....
Not many authors can make their main character strong and decisive, with their own opinions and self-respect, and the author Cathy Lamb has not only given us one, she has given us 3 of them. Let me not forget all the supporting characters who deserve to have a mention as they brought smiles, laughter and feelings in this story.
There is a quote which I absolutely adored, when the Deserter father tells Olivia that blood is blood —
We cannot choose our family members, and when one of them is only going to bring a wrecking ball of destruction and hurt, I feel no obligation to have a relationship with them. Blood is blood, they say. And usually the person who’s saying it is the toxic one and using emotional manipulation to sneak their poisonous self back into your life...
I found these lines extremely poignant and direct to the point.
My first book by Cathy Lamb and definitely not my last, was everything what I want from a family saga.
I thank Ms. Lamb for giving me so much warmth on this cold winter evening.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Kensington and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 4, 2018
My first 5-star book in the new year!
I LOVED this book. Loved it, loved it, loved it. All the characters - the past and the present-day - will sweep you into their stories. I love when a book makes me giggle -- I loved the humor here! I even liked the sad, meaningful, sentimental parts.
I also like when a story keeps me guessing. I thought I had things predicted, but then the book would zoom off in a different direction.
The main characters are people you would want to be friends with, people you'd want to work with, and of course, people you'd want to cook with. What a treasure that old cookbook was! I also appreciated how some of the Martindales weren't that talented of cooks -- Mary Beth, Chloe... -- but within their family they still mattered.
I enjoyed the emphasis on family, home, animals, food, and being together. This is an amazing story of family, community, rescue, and romance, and I highly, highly recommend it. This is a book I would buy and read again.
I LOVED this book. Loved it, loved it, loved it. All the characters - the past and the present-day - will sweep you into their stories. I love when a book makes me giggle -- I loved the humor here! I even liked the sad, meaningful, sentimental parts.
I also like when a story keeps me guessing. I thought I had things predicted, but then the book would zoom off in a different direction.
The main characters are people you would want to be friends with, people you'd want to work with, and of course, people you'd want to cook with. What a treasure that old cookbook was! I also appreciated how some of the Martindales weren't that talented of cooks -- Mary Beth, Chloe... -- but within their family they still mattered.
I enjoyed the emphasis on family, home, animals, food, and being together. This is an amazing story of family, community, rescue, and romance, and I highly, highly recommend it. This is a book I would buy and read again.
August 7, 2017
If I was on a deserted island and stumbled across a blank copy of No Place I'd Rather Be with no title, no author page and no distinguishing marks, I would still know it was Cathy Lamb's. Her voice is totally unique, pitch perfect and utterly charming. That strength of voice is, I believe, one of the hallmarks of a great author and one of the things that keeps me coming back to Cathy Lamb's books time after time. Each of her characters is totally unique and finely drawn but infused with that signature warmth--and sass--that makes Lamb's characters leap off the page.
In No Place I'd Rather Be, I found myself laughing and crying, feeling completely joyous one moment and terrified the next. She is the kind of author that can make you feel so many things at once, which, of course, is a lot like real life.
I loved this multi-generational story, which has all the good stuff: romance, female relationships, suspense and history. I will not soon forget Olivia, her mother (who wants all her grandchildren to be doctors!), her grandmother (who really started the all-important Martindale family cake therapy) and, of COURSE, no one could forget Chloe, her totally hilarious, self assured and heroic sister.
Read this one and buy a copy for your sister and mom. You'll be so glad you did!
In No Place I'd Rather Be, I found myself laughing and crying, feeling completely joyous one moment and terrified the next. She is the kind of author that can make you feel so many things at once, which, of course, is a lot like real life.
I loved this multi-generational story, which has all the good stuff: romance, female relationships, suspense and history. I will not soon forget Olivia, her mother (who wants all her grandchildren to be doctors!), her grandmother (who really started the all-important Martindale family cake therapy) and, of COURSE, no one could forget Chloe, her totally hilarious, self assured and heroic sister.
Read this one and buy a copy for your sister and mom. You'll be so glad you did!
October 31, 2017
I have read several of Cathy Lamb’s book. Most I have enjoyed this one I was glad just to finish. The premise was set to be an excellent story. We meet Olivia immediately with two small girls driving in a blizzard there’s a car wreck and we meet the hero Jace. More characters are added each with an interesting story but the main story of Jace/Olivia just takes to dang long to tell. I’ll give the story kudos for not having them jump back in bed but what is it that caused the problem??? Trust me you are well into the book. I also got extremely tired of the “game” played with Chloe. Would someone constantly hand you the wrong thing asked for. Then I thought if I heard I’m a tough talking hip rocking Montana woman one more time I would SCREAM!!!! The story of Kyle I did enjoy. Chloe’s son had functioning autism, he reminded me of Sheldon Copper off Big Band Theory. His quirk was three back pats and taking notes on how to fit in. Lastly if you write a book with tons of baking to the point of being able to be a cookbook, includes some recipes. What would it hurt, the book was already overly long.
September 5, 2017
You know how people always say "write what you know?" Well, it's true. And unfortunately, Cathy Lamb knows nothing about cooking or Judaism. Most of the "recipes" in the book are for things like sandwiches and salads and steak. Not very impressive to have a large number of recipes be uncooked things assembled together or one item on a grill. Then there's the Judaism stuff. All of the women in the family have "green cat eyes???" It would be very unusual for a Jewish person to have green or cat-like eyes, so to have both is pretty much anomalous. Most Jewish people have brown eyes, next color up is blue. Now, let's combine the two problems: THERE WAS NOT ONE JEWISH FOOD RECIPE IN THE BOOK!!! No kugel? No gefilte fish? No matzoh ball soup? No Hamantaschen? Nothing?!?! I guess if your goal is to write a book about food and Jewish people that no one who cooks and/or is Jewish plans to read, then Lamb hit the nail on the head. But to me, this was a huge miss. Also, the title is entirely forgettable and should have been Red Geraniums.
February 27, 2018
A Great little book that combines the story of multi-generational family love and loss, functional and dysfunctional relationships, different personalities, the love and history of cooking, a broken marriage, World War II involvement, grief - and that’s just off the top of my head!
The story is interesting and has some funny moments with many twists and turns throughout. Chloe, Olivia’s sister, was some character - loud, funny, honest - you will either love her or hate her.
I was sad at some of the revelations that finally came out mid to end of book that explained some unexpected and painful questions in the readers mind at the start.
I don’t want to say this was a “light” read but I did enjoy the comraderie and support and love of all the women and young girls in the family. I liked how cooking was their therapy and how they all embraced it. Of course I was hungry as I read through the book. And as other reviewers mentioned, I was hoping for a recipe or two at the end of the book. Unfortunately, there were no recipes! ☹️
Jace, Olivia’s husband, whom she was separated from (for reasons of which you will shed a tear or two when finding out) is a perfect gentleman,sexy hunk, supporter, lover, successful businessman, partner, etc who still loves his wife, but gives her the space and whatever else she needs to work things through with the hopes of her coming back to him, restoring their relationship and moving back into their home. A very patient and kind and understanding man - someone else might have moved on when she walked away from him, their marriage and home.
The World War II journal and cookbook from former relations was good and relative to the story. It was spaced out in between current day and past and written just right - not overwhelmingly so as some books with World War II personal stories can be.
The story is interesting and has some funny moments with many twists and turns throughout. Chloe, Olivia’s sister, was some character - loud, funny, honest - you will either love her or hate her.
I was sad at some of the revelations that finally came out mid to end of book that explained some unexpected and painful questions in the readers mind at the start.
I don’t want to say this was a “light” read but I did enjoy the comraderie and support and love of all the women and young girls in the family. I liked how cooking was their therapy and how they all embraced it. Of course I was hungry as I read through the book. And as other reviewers mentioned, I was hoping for a recipe or two at the end of the book. Unfortunately, there were no recipes! ☹️
Jace, Olivia’s husband, whom she was separated from (for reasons of which you will shed a tear or two when finding out) is a perfect gentleman,sexy hunk, supporter, lover, successful businessman, partner, etc who still loves his wife, but gives her the space and whatever else she needs to work things through with the hopes of her coming back to him, restoring their relationship and moving back into their home. A very patient and kind and understanding man - someone else might have moved on when she walked away from him, their marriage and home.
The World War II journal and cookbook from former relations was good and relative to the story. It was spaced out in between current day and past and written just right - not overwhelmingly so as some books with World War II personal stories can be.
August 16, 2017
I so enjoyed this book!!
I have to say first off, I am a huge fan of Cathy Lamb & this book did not disappoint.
It was full of life, great family moments & also some sadness, current & in the past.
The book revolves around an old family cookbook, which is more than just recipes, it is a multi generational family history & we see how the book survived through many horrific historic times.
We meet Olivia, current time, daughter & granddaughter of 2 amazing women. Olivia has her own life struggles & needs to be with her family to help her get through some tough times. The family tends to cook together to deal with sadness & happy times too.
Olivia stumbles upon a box in the attic & in it is the cookbook. Over time within the book, we hear stories from the actual moments in history, as if they are happening in current time. These parts of the book were very emotional & raw at times. But we saw how each generation of this family moved on until we reached Olivia's grandmother. It was written so beautifully!
Not all was sad, there was plenty of humor & lighthearted moments & some romance too!!
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own & thank you to Net Galley for providing this advance copy!
I have to say first off, I am a huge fan of Cathy Lamb & this book did not disappoint.
It was full of life, great family moments & also some sadness, current & in the past.
The book revolves around an old family cookbook, which is more than just recipes, it is a multi generational family history & we see how the book survived through many horrific historic times.
We meet Olivia, current time, daughter & granddaughter of 2 amazing women. Olivia has her own life struggles & needs to be with her family to help her get through some tough times. The family tends to cook together to deal with sadness & happy times too.
Olivia stumbles upon a box in the attic & in it is the cookbook. Over time within the book, we hear stories from the actual moments in history, as if they are happening in current time. These parts of the book were very emotional & raw at times. But we saw how each generation of this family moved on until we reached Olivia's grandmother. It was written so beautifully!
Not all was sad, there was plenty of humor & lighthearted moments & some romance too!!
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own & thank you to Net Galley for providing this advance copy!
September 17, 2017
This amazing novel hooked me, didn't let go, and then wrung me out with so many subplots peaking near the end that I cried for two straight hours while finishing. I'd laughed the half hour before that. This story has it all: flawed, quirky adult characters, well-drawn child characters that will grab you by the heart, romantic tension, long-buried secrets, a stunning Montana locale--even the antagonists were highly entertaining. Lamb somehow knits themes of child abuse, bullying, Asperger's, Jewish persecution, megalomania, and family secrets together with strong female characters and cake therapy to create a cohesive whole about the nature of familial love. Throughout all she never loses sight of the roles that humor, romantic tension, and legacy play in ensuring our will to survive. This story is as entertaining as it is important for our times. Highly recommend.
April 25, 2021
DNF
Really really liked the main female characters a LOT. The woman who is running back home with her two foster children to her mom and grandma. Major strong women, interesting and funny. Also really liked the narrator.
Then there was an abrupt change into some silliness with an older woman and her husband having sex - one was a cougar and the other was another animal. What?! I’m not a prude but wth does it have to do with anything? And who cares...
I may pick this up again and skip the silly parts but I am exhausted post COVID while also helping plan my daughter’s wedding. I have limited time and am choosing carefully. So maybe you ignore my review entirely OR ignore the cougar crap. Lol.
Really really liked the main female characters a LOT. The woman who is running back home with her two foster children to her mom and grandma. Major strong women, interesting and funny. Also really liked the narrator.
Then there was an abrupt change into some silliness with an older woman and her husband having sex - one was a cougar and the other was another animal. What?! I’m not a prude but wth does it have to do with anything? And who cares...
I may pick this up again and skip the silly parts but I am exhausted post COVID while also helping plan my daughter’s wedding. I have limited time and am choosing carefully. So maybe you ignore my review entirely OR ignore the cougar crap. Lol.
October 20, 2017
Bleh. Very boring. Lamb has officially settled into formulaic nonsense. I'll still continue to read her, but this book did nothing for me. I'm getting sick of the perfect macho man she keeps writing. To get into her books, you have to forgive Lamb's rambling narrative, but this jarred massively with the subject matter (such as the Holocaust). It was just too shallow. The people were shallow. (And everybody's a busybody). I was prepared to write a very long review for this, but when I opened this site, I realize I don't care enough to be bothered. I'm surprised this book has such a high ratings; it reminds me to not place too much trust in the Goodreads rating system.
September 6, 2017
This book had a great story to tell but there was just too much silliness thrown in for me to like it. I'm a sucker for books that tell good stories and involve food and families. I liked the characters but The author made ridiculous things come out of their mouths. In the end I just couldn't get through it.
January 9, 2018
There is a little bit of everything in this one. Drama, humor, some historical fiction, romance, and lots of descriptions of food. One bummer for me is that I thought that since there would be a focus on food that there would be recipes, but there wasn't any.
September 6, 2017
Measure. Mix. Stir. Whip. Bake. Sometimes all you need is a little Martindale Cake Therapy.
Or maybe I just heard that from Ruthie. She tends to stay up late, cleaning her gun. Did you hear she has a boyfriend? Younger than her too!
Cathy Lamb has hit it out of the park with this one. No Place I’d Rather Be is a fantastically wonderful story of love lost, love found, and coming home. Olivia returning from Portland with her two girls in tow, I have not connected with a mother in a long time as I have with Olivia in this book. The way your heart can ache for a child because you only want what is best for them, you want them to have a good life. You want to protect them at all costs. This theme runs rampant through the entire book though, not just with Olivia. It is clear that her sister Chloe, mother Mary Beth and grandmother Gisela, and even Jace, have a love and devotion so strong, they would do anything for family. They are a strong group of Montana women, those Martindale girls. They heal the sick, fix the bones, bake the cakes and love with all they have. From Russia, to Germany, to England, Portland and Montana, this book will fill your heart. But not your stomach, actually, it will just remind you of how hungry you are. You probably will need a Carefree Coconut Chocolate Cake. Or perhaps a Feminist Fun Caramel and Chocolate with pecans? I think I might prefer a Kick Ass Carrot Cake. It fits the theme of the book, after all.
This just might be my favorite Cathy Lamb book yet. Well, done Cathy. You kicked some ass. (Chloe would be proud).
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
Or maybe I just heard that from Ruthie. She tends to stay up late, cleaning her gun. Did you hear she has a boyfriend? Younger than her too!
Cathy Lamb has hit it out of the park with this one. No Place I’d Rather Be is a fantastically wonderful story of love lost, love found, and coming home. Olivia returning from Portland with her two girls in tow, I have not connected with a mother in a long time as I have with Olivia in this book. The way your heart can ache for a child because you only want what is best for them, you want them to have a good life. You want to protect them at all costs. This theme runs rampant through the entire book though, not just with Olivia. It is clear that her sister Chloe, mother Mary Beth and grandmother Gisela, and even Jace, have a love and devotion so strong, they would do anything for family. They are a strong group of Montana women, those Martindale girls. They heal the sick, fix the bones, bake the cakes and love with all they have. From Russia, to Germany, to England, Portland and Montana, this book will fill your heart. But not your stomach, actually, it will just remind you of how hungry you are. You probably will need a Carefree Coconut Chocolate Cake. Or perhaps a Feminist Fun Caramel and Chocolate with pecans? I think I might prefer a Kick Ass Carrot Cake. It fits the theme of the book, after all.
This just might be my favorite Cathy Lamb book yet. Well, done Cathy. You kicked some ass. (Chloe would be proud).
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
October 21, 2017
I really enjoyed the story. Oh, I realize that some of the situations are not quite realistic--but, hey, I do not necessary need total realistic. The main characters are marvelous and Cathy Lamb has a real talent in how she lets us get to know them. The only reason I gave this novel 4 stars instead of 5 was the pace of the story. I had to put down the book many times because I was exhausted! Oh, I thought of the book and wanted to get into it but I needed time so that I could go back to the break neck speed that was this story.
July 25, 2017
MY REVIEW OF " NO PLACE I'D RATHER BE" by Cathy Lamb
Kudos to Cathy Lamb, author of "No Place I'd Rather Be" for writing such a descriptive and intriguing story of family, life, and love. The recipe of family and love, is based on an old family cookbook, where the ingredients include, history, secrets, tears, blood, sweat, tradition, faith, despair and hope. Symbolically this recently found cookbook registers several generations of family that have recorded struggles to survive under adverse circumstance. Family pictures and drawings and special recipes for favorite family foods are written in this book.
The genres for this book are fiction, historical fiction and a dash of romance. The timeline for this story is mostly in the present with visits to the past to explain the times and characters.
Cathy Lamb describes the characters as complex and complicated. Olivia Martindale, famous chef returns home to her family in Montana. Olivia is accompanied by two young girls, sisters, that she hopes to adopt. The girls come from an abusive mother and father, and Olivia wants them to provide them with a safe home full of love and safety. I really like Olivia's family. Olivia's grandmother holds many secrets, but is the voice of reason. Olivia's mother is a physician, who tells it like it is. She "shoots" from the hip. Olivia's sisteris courageous, quirky and fun. I especially like Kyle, Olivia's nephew, that has a big heart. When the family is upset, they bake and cook, and whip up intriguing creations. Cooking and the newly discovered cookbook helps to bring the family together.
It is difficult for Olivia to come home to Montana. She has been separated from her husband Jake. Olivia has secrets of her own.
I appreciate that Cathy Lamb brings up historical references to the persecution of minorities. The author also discusses issues such as bullying, drug abuse, mental illness, autism and children on the spectrum. I love that Cathy Lamb describes family, love, hope and faith. I would highly recommend this novel as a captivating and enjoyable layered story. I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and the Great Thoughts Ninja Review team for my honest review.
Kudos to Cathy Lamb, author of "No Place I'd Rather Be" for writing such a descriptive and intriguing story of family, life, and love. The recipe of family and love, is based on an old family cookbook, where the ingredients include, history, secrets, tears, blood, sweat, tradition, faith, despair and hope. Symbolically this recently found cookbook registers several generations of family that have recorded struggles to survive under adverse circumstance. Family pictures and drawings and special recipes for favorite family foods are written in this book.
The genres for this book are fiction, historical fiction and a dash of romance. The timeline for this story is mostly in the present with visits to the past to explain the times and characters.
Cathy Lamb describes the characters as complex and complicated. Olivia Martindale, famous chef returns home to her family in Montana. Olivia is accompanied by two young girls, sisters, that she hopes to adopt. The girls come from an abusive mother and father, and Olivia wants them to provide them with a safe home full of love and safety. I really like Olivia's family. Olivia's grandmother holds many secrets, but is the voice of reason. Olivia's mother is a physician, who tells it like it is. She "shoots" from the hip. Olivia's sisteris courageous, quirky and fun. I especially like Kyle, Olivia's nephew, that has a big heart. When the family is upset, they bake and cook, and whip up intriguing creations. Cooking and the newly discovered cookbook helps to bring the family together.
It is difficult for Olivia to come home to Montana. She has been separated from her husband Jake. Olivia has secrets of her own.
I appreciate that Cathy Lamb brings up historical references to the persecution of minorities. The author also discusses issues such as bullying, drug abuse, mental illness, autism and children on the spectrum. I love that Cathy Lamb describes family, love, hope and faith. I would highly recommend this novel as a captivating and enjoyable layered story. I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and the Great Thoughts Ninja Review team for my honest review.
September 20, 2017
A beautiful story of family, love, and life. And the recipe for Olivia's family and her love, is based on a old family cookbook handed down for generation, where the ingredients include, secrets, tears, blood, sweat, history, faith, sadness and hope. Cathy Lamb also tackles issues such as bullying, drug abuse, mental health issues, Asperger syndrome, and she does it with excellent style. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, it is a enjoyable layered story that tugs at the heart.
March 23, 2021
I am on a solid 3 for 3 streak with Cathy Lamb, so I’m convinced she can’t write a bad book. And with each one I think, now THIS is my favorite. So lucky to have found a talented author with a hefty backlist.
August 19, 2017
Wow! One of the best books I've read this year. Full review to follow, after the tears stop flowing!
August 4, 2017
What an amazing book! I laughed, I cried, and I cheered all with my finger in the air! This book is a story of family, love, and secrets in the past. A family heirloom cookbook passed down from many generations is a major part of the story and tells it's very own story. The characters oh the characters are just perfect and I wish I lived in Montana with them. The descriptions in the book are just wonderful. I see the cabin with the many windows, the red door, and the red geraniums planted. I loved the strong women in this book each having their own life issues to conquer. I truly loved this story and I didn't want to leave Montana. This book is a book that will stay in your heart forever. Thank you so very much to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 15, 2018
It's no secret Cathy Lamb is one of my most favorite authors. Don't ask me why unless you plan on staying awhile. I will,however, give you the short version.
You can expect the following from any Lamb novel you read: Expect the main character to be a flawed, quirky, and hilarious women who is surrounded by an equally cast of strong, quirky, and hilarious characters. No Place I'd Rather Be is no exception. In Lamb's latest we are taken home to Montana with Olivia Martindale and the two girls she is on the verge of adopting. We quickly learn that Olivia once had a whole other life in Montana including a husband. Enter Jace. (Another Lamb strength is creating hunky sexy men).
While getting back on her feet and staying at the family cabin that was once her Grandmothers home, she comes across a cookbook/scrapbook that reveals so much more than recipes. Like her previous novel, The Language of Sisters, there is a historical element to the book. We learn of the horrors that make up the past that Olivia's grandmother as kept secret for years.
I laughed out loud and I cried. This is NOT something I do often while reading. I can be moved but rarely moved to actually tears or bursts of laughter. The pacing was perfect, nothing was rushed and nothing was drug out.
Another reason Cathy Lamb is one my favorites is after I have read each book I feel a little more empowered. I have the sense that maybe if I just got up and decided that while life may suck right now, the only way is through it. That pride can't stand in the way. I can bitch about it but only while I'm doing something about it. I feel like taking an extra moment to truly listen to my loved ones and learn more of who they are and not just who they are to me.
So yes, that is the SHORT version of why Cathy Lamb is a favorite author.
I received an advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. (Is there any other kind?)
You can expect the following from any Lamb novel you read: Expect the main character to be a flawed, quirky, and hilarious women who is surrounded by an equally cast of strong, quirky, and hilarious characters. No Place I'd Rather Be is no exception. In Lamb's latest we are taken home to Montana with Olivia Martindale and the two girls she is on the verge of adopting. We quickly learn that Olivia once had a whole other life in Montana including a husband. Enter Jace. (Another Lamb strength is creating hunky sexy men).
While getting back on her feet and staying at the family cabin that was once her Grandmothers home, she comes across a cookbook/scrapbook that reveals so much more than recipes. Like her previous novel, The Language of Sisters, there is a historical element to the book. We learn of the horrors that make up the past that Olivia's grandmother as kept secret for years.
I laughed out loud and I cried. This is NOT something I do often while reading. I can be moved but rarely moved to actually tears or bursts of laughter. The pacing was perfect, nothing was rushed and nothing was drug out.
Another reason Cathy Lamb is one my favorites is after I have read each book I feel a little more empowered. I have the sense that maybe if I just got up and decided that while life may suck right now, the only way is through it. That pride can't stand in the way. I can bitch about it but only while I'm doing something about it. I feel like taking an extra moment to truly listen to my loved ones and learn more of who they are and not just who they are to me.
So yes, that is the SHORT version of why Cathy Lamb is a favorite author.
I received an advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. (Is there any other kind?)
August 24, 2019
This would have been a good story had the writing been better. But the dialogue, characterization, and plot pace need a lot of improvement.
November 29, 2018
Cathy Lamb’s No Place I’d Rather Be is a multi-period saga that leans more heavily on the contemporary side of things, so it can work as a gateway for readers wanting to dip their toe into the historical fiction world. It intermingles the themes of cooking, family heritage, and strong women – and how broken bonds are relinked.
In 2011, Olivia Martindale returns to Kalulell (a small city modeled on Kalispell), Montana, after a two-year absence spurred by the breakdown of her marriage, for reasons not revealed until later in the book. Accompanying her are two girls, Stephi and Lucy, she hopes to adopt once their abusive, drug-addicted mother’s parental rights are terminated. All three are quickly swept up into Olivia’s family baking traditions (what they call “Martindale Cake Therapy”).
The Martindale women are tough and independent, and each has struggled to get where she is. There’s sister Chloe, a widowed paramedic whose teenage son, Kyle (a terrific character), has Asperger’s; mother Mary Beth, a divorced surgeon who encourages (in a lovingly pushy way) Stephi and Lucy’s interest in medicine; and her kind grandmother Gisela, a traditional healer and former nurse who works with Mary Beth in a family clinic.
Their personalities are oversize, and their dialogue sometimes over-the-top, but this story has a strong heart and manages to balance their eccentricities with a much more serious side. During a rainstorm at the family home, Olivia rushes up to the attic and rescues a taped-up old trunk from water damage. Within it, she discovers artifacts from Gisela’s past: a wedding dress, a 1940s nurse’s uniform, a menorah, and a singed, stained cookbook filled with handwritten recipes in several languages and old drawings. Gisela had never spoken of her parents or family in the Old Country, since their history clearly caused her pain. The stories of Gisela's own mother and grandmother, dating back to the 1890s along the outskirts of Odessa, are interspersed. As Olivia slowly uncovers what her grandmother endured seven decades earlier, can she also reconnect with her estranged, seemingly perfect husband?
For those who enjoy relationship-focused novels with a lot of sass and a dash of history, this book is a good choice to curl up with on a chilly autumn afternoon.
First published at Reading the Past.
In 2011, Olivia Martindale returns to Kalulell (a small city modeled on Kalispell), Montana, after a two-year absence spurred by the breakdown of her marriage, for reasons not revealed until later in the book. Accompanying her are two girls, Stephi and Lucy, she hopes to adopt once their abusive, drug-addicted mother’s parental rights are terminated. All three are quickly swept up into Olivia’s family baking traditions (what they call “Martindale Cake Therapy”).
The Martindale women are tough and independent, and each has struggled to get where she is. There’s sister Chloe, a widowed paramedic whose teenage son, Kyle (a terrific character), has Asperger’s; mother Mary Beth, a divorced surgeon who encourages (in a lovingly pushy way) Stephi and Lucy’s interest in medicine; and her kind grandmother Gisela, a traditional healer and former nurse who works with Mary Beth in a family clinic.
Their personalities are oversize, and their dialogue sometimes over-the-top, but this story has a strong heart and manages to balance their eccentricities with a much more serious side. During a rainstorm at the family home, Olivia rushes up to the attic and rescues a taped-up old trunk from water damage. Within it, she discovers artifacts from Gisela’s past: a wedding dress, a 1940s nurse’s uniform, a menorah, and a singed, stained cookbook filled with handwritten recipes in several languages and old drawings. Gisela had never spoken of her parents or family in the Old Country, since their history clearly caused her pain. The stories of Gisela's own mother and grandmother, dating back to the 1890s along the outskirts of Odessa, are interspersed. As Olivia slowly uncovers what her grandmother endured seven decades earlier, can she also reconnect with her estranged, seemingly perfect husband?
For those who enjoy relationship-focused novels with a lot of sass and a dash of history, this book is a good choice to curl up with on a chilly autumn afternoon.
First published at Reading the Past.
January 21, 2018
Cathy Lamb’s dual timeline novel explores how several generations of strong females—both biological and adopted—overcome suffering & heartbreak to embrace life. At first, I thought the contemporary story was the typical women’s fiction/light romance combo. But it’s more that the self-deprecating humor and quirkiness keep the story bouyant as we learn of the the characters’ deep pain. Then the beautiful, healing sacrifices the family members make for each other unfold until the sad/sweet ending. Other aspects of the novel I really enjoyed include the WWII connection (always a plus for me), the autistic nephew (one of my fav students EVER was an autistic teen boy), the cakes, grandma’s nicknames, the talent show & that ending. The Audible narrators did a great job with this story, as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews