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Welcome Home Diner, The
Betting on the city of Detroit’s eventual comeback, cousins Addie and Samantha decide to risk it all on an affordable new house and a culinary career that starts with renovating a vintage diner in a depressed area of town. There’s just one little snag in their vision.
Angus, a weary, beloved local, is strongly opposed to his neighborhood’s gentrification—and his concerns reflect the suspicion of the community. Shocked by their reception, Addie and Samantha begin to have second thoughts.
As the long hours, problematic love interests, and underhanded pressures mount, the two women find themselves increasingly at odds, and soon their problems threaten everything they’ve worked for. If they are going to realize their dreams, Addie and Samantha must focus on rebuilding their relationship. But will the neighborhood open their hearts to welcome them home?
Angus, a weary, beloved local, is strongly opposed to his neighborhood’s gentrification—and his concerns reflect the suspicion of the community. Shocked by their reception, Addie and Samantha begin to have second thoughts.
As the long hours, problematic love interests, and underhanded pressures mount, the two women find themselves increasingly at odds, and soon their problems threaten everything they’ve worked for. If they are going to realize their dreams, Addie and Samantha must focus on rebuilding their relationship. But will the neighborhood open their hearts to welcome them home?
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Published October 10, 2017
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About the author
Peggy Lampman
4 books282 followersI’m thrilled with the release of “The Ruby of the Sea”. Writing this book did me in, more so than my others.
It took an army of professionals and friends to lend perspective and authenticity to Linnea, Delphina and Ivy’s story. I looked more to the council of others than I had done in my previous work. I've given everything I’ve got to this fragile crew--hopefully, the world is kind!
It's a gripping story of twin sisters caught in their mother’s crosshairs on what to do about their disturbed younger sister.
Lush with secrets, lies, romance and psychological drama…“You tell me about a family without a certain amount of dysfunction, and I’ll tell you that family is lying.”
Interested? Here's a mini synopsis:
After aimlessly traveling the country for fifteen years, Linnea Chandler returns to her hometown of Key West, Florida keeping the genesis of a life-altering phobia to herself—not a good idea, as she comes to find out.
The 19th Century lighthouse that she, her parents and two sisters call home also has a troubled past, carrying the frightening myth that eerily mirrors the mystery of her younger sister today. Should Linnea run while she can?
The women must decide to what extremes they are willing to go to protect their secrets. Ignore the brutality behind the retrieval of spoils from a fatal shipwreck in 1857? Defy a 2017 hurricane threatening to pummel their town? And when their world is upended, do the women have the strength to move forward?
My greatest hope is that you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing this third book-babe of mine.
My passion is writing novels that break down familial and cultural barriers. Creating a cast to populate a story is one of the great, cathartic joys of writing. Of particular pleasure to me is developing flawed characters-living in and reconciling with-the shadows cast by their equally flawed parents.
It took an army of professionals and friends to lend perspective and authenticity to Linnea, Delphina and Ivy’s story. I looked more to the council of others than I had done in my previous work. I've given everything I’ve got to this fragile crew--hopefully, the world is kind!
It's a gripping story of twin sisters caught in their mother’s crosshairs on what to do about their disturbed younger sister.
Lush with secrets, lies, romance and psychological drama…“You tell me about a family without a certain amount of dysfunction, and I’ll tell you that family is lying.”
Interested? Here's a mini synopsis:
After aimlessly traveling the country for fifteen years, Linnea Chandler returns to her hometown of Key West, Florida keeping the genesis of a life-altering phobia to herself—not a good idea, as she comes to find out.
The 19th Century lighthouse that she, her parents and two sisters call home also has a troubled past, carrying the frightening myth that eerily mirrors the mystery of her younger sister today. Should Linnea run while she can?
The women must decide to what extremes they are willing to go to protect their secrets. Ignore the brutality behind the retrieval of spoils from a fatal shipwreck in 1857? Defy a 2017 hurricane threatening to pummel their town? And when their world is upended, do the women have the strength to move forward?
My greatest hope is that you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing this third book-babe of mine.
My passion is writing novels that break down familial and cultural barriers. Creating a cast to populate a story is one of the great, cathartic joys of writing. Of particular pleasure to me is developing flawed characters-living in and reconciling with-the shadows cast by their equally flawed parents.
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October 27, 2023
I knew in the first chapter that I wouldn’t like this book:
1) Character dump at the very beginning – introduced a bunch of characters in a short period of time
2) The book is rambling. The narrator over explains. The prose isn’t crisp and engaging. It should have been edited to the most interesting parts, igniting our imagination and pulling us to the edge of our seats.
3) As someone who has lived in Metro-Detroit (and during the time period mentioned in this book), this book is laughable! I was literally exclaiming out loud at the absurdity of this book.
At one point, one of the characters says that she wonders why the diner has failed to bring in local Detroiters. Um……because 41% of Detroit residents live below the federal poverty line. On the east side (where the narrator specifically says that she lives) the family poverty rate is 83%! One of the characters buys a house for $3,000 and just tiptoes around the flooring that might collapse. Yes, you can buy very cheap houses in Detroit. However, they are not habitable. You can’t just tiptoe around the ruins. The homes also usually come with a promise that you will invest so many dollars in the home and live in it for a specified number of years.
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1) Character dump at the very beginning – introduced a bunch of characters in a short period of time
2) The book is rambling. The narrator over explains. The prose isn’t crisp and engaging. It should have been edited to the most interesting parts, igniting our imagination and pulling us to the edge of our seats.
3) As someone who has lived in Metro-Detroit (and during the time period mentioned in this book), this book is laughable! I was literally exclaiming out loud at the absurdity of this book.
At one point, one of the characters says that she wonders why the diner has failed to bring in local Detroiters. Um……because 41% of Detroit residents live below the federal poverty line. On the east side (where the narrator specifically says that she lives) the family poverty rate is 83%! One of the characters buys a house for $3,000 and just tiptoes around the flooring that might collapse. Yes, you can buy very cheap houses in Detroit. However, they are not habitable. You can’t just tiptoe around the ruins. The homes also usually come with a promise that you will invest so many dollars in the home and live in it for a specified number of years.
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November 1, 2023
3,5 Stars
A book with an interesting, substantial plot, memorable characters and scrumptious, irresistible food.
Cousins Addie & Sam Jaworski -with Polish roots- were both born and raised in Michigan. For them moving to Detroit to open their Welcome Home Diner in one of the more desolate parts of town seems the most natural thing in the world, while their families & friends are mostly horrified. But Addie and Sam believe in each other, in their Polish heritage from their beloved grandmother Babcia as well as in giving "The D" a chance. They hope that the establishment of their Diner will give boost to the renovation and revitalisation of their neighborhood.
But while their restaurant seems to go from strength to strength & is immensely popular among "outsiders", the local Afro-American community -apart from the co-workers of the Diner- are conspicuous by their absence, no matter how hard Addie and Sam are trying to reach out. There is also an enemy lurking behind the anonymity of cyberspace: trying to undermine the good reputation of the place through various social media attacks.
And the time comes when both Addie and Sam are put to the test and have to face their fears & past mistakes if they want to go on.
I have to admit that in the beginning I struggled to get into the book. I could not relate either to Addie or to Sam, through whose alternating POV the story unfolded. They both appeared too self-absorbed and not very understanding towards each other, though we were told they were close like sisters. But slowly they started to grow on me. Their compassion towards their employees, their willingness to give both Detroit and its inhabitants a second chance was very appealing.
The atmosphere of the Diner was very alluring and the food described just made me drool over my kindle.
‐‐‐‐-----‐-----------
Arc provided by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2017
Food and family equal love, and The Welcome Home Diner in Detroit definitely oozes with love.
Addie and Sam's grandmother taught them the love of and joy of making fresh food, and they both knew that opening a diner was something they were destined for.
Opening a diner in the new Detroit was a challenge, but a challenge that was proving to be very fruitful. The fresh food offered at the diner drew in the crowds along with great reviews from food bloggers. The only problem was the neighbors and specifically the next door neighbor to the restaurant.
The next door neighbor was grumpy and reluctant for the change, and the entire neighborhood was not happy about rebuilding that area.
We follow the cousins through the ups and downs of owning the restaurant as well as the ups and downs of their once-close relationship.
The descriptions were so beautifully detailed in THE WELCOME HOME DINER you could see the butter dripping down the sides of the pancakes and smell the delicious soups and sandwiches being served.
The descriptions also allowed you to experience the characters' feelings for each other, their passion for food, and for Detroit. You will also experience the kindness and love for mankind.
I enjoyed the banter between the characters and the uplifting feeling THE WELCOME HOME DINER gave off. The cover ITSELF is very welcoming.
If you are a fan of food and love, THE WELCOME HOME DINER fits the bill.
I truly enjoyed the book and the characters, but felt it could have been shortened a bit. 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the author and NetGalley in return for an honest review. I also reviewed this book for the GREAT THOUGHT'S NINJA REVIEW TEAM.
October 17, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
She’s also known for her outrageous wardrobe and is proud to proclaim she’s growing old disgracefully.
The staff is coming up with a language of its own. In a couple of years, we’ll be the only ones who understand one another. “A gastronoid,” Lella continues, “is a human subspecies that only lives to eat and complain.”
Your silence is becoming too loud in my head.
Yoga, Pilates, sashimi, and salads. Believe me, there’s nothing graceful about aging. It’s a full-time job.
And there were two brave women, Addie and Sam, who made a family from scratch, using what others left behind.
My Review:
While an entertaining and engaging read, The Welcome Home Diner was hazardous to my diet as each plate of food was lovingly and sensuously described in lip-smacking detail. In one instance, Ms. Lampman eloquently waxed on for a full page about a juicy and succulent heirloom tomato, which had my mouth watering and resulted in my increasingly frequent foraging for sustenance and nibbles. Not to diminish her humorous and colorful descriptions of the numerous quirky characters who also inhabited the pages and frequently had me smirking. Two female cousins with an impressive mission statement and admirable ideals established the diner in a derelict area of Detroit and featured farm-to-table heartland fare with the unique fusion of Southern soul food and Polish dishes. I couldn’t seem to wrap my head around that combination for quite some time. The cousins’ behaviors were not always admirable and were actually often annoying, yet I came to care about them and wanted all their dreams to come to fruition. However, their neighbors did not sure in those hopes for their success and the cousins found themselves being shunned, threatened, trolled, and traumatized. The storyline was slowly developed yet intriguing, enlightening, thoughtfully well-crafted, and quite tasty.
She’s also known for her outrageous wardrobe and is proud to proclaim she’s growing old disgracefully.
The staff is coming up with a language of its own. In a couple of years, we’ll be the only ones who understand one another. “A gastronoid,” Lella continues, “is a human subspecies that only lives to eat and complain.”
Your silence is becoming too loud in my head.
Yoga, Pilates, sashimi, and salads. Believe me, there’s nothing graceful about aging. It’s a full-time job.
And there were two brave women, Addie and Sam, who made a family from scratch, using what others left behind.
My Review:
While an entertaining and engaging read, The Welcome Home Diner was hazardous to my diet as each plate of food was lovingly and sensuously described in lip-smacking detail. In one instance, Ms. Lampman eloquently waxed on for a full page about a juicy and succulent heirloom tomato, which had my mouth watering and resulted in my increasingly frequent foraging for sustenance and nibbles. Not to diminish her humorous and colorful descriptions of the numerous quirky characters who also inhabited the pages and frequently had me smirking. Two female cousins with an impressive mission statement and admirable ideals established the diner in a derelict area of Detroit and featured farm-to-table heartland fare with the unique fusion of Southern soul food and Polish dishes. I couldn’t seem to wrap my head around that combination for quite some time. The cousins’ behaviors were not always admirable and were actually often annoying, yet I came to care about them and wanted all their dreams to come to fruition. However, their neighbors did not sure in those hopes for their success and the cousins found themselves being shunned, threatened, trolled, and traumatized. The storyline was slowly developed yet intriguing, enlightening, thoughtfully well-crafted, and quite tasty.
October 7, 2017
Let’s start with that gorgeous cover, isn’t it stunning?! I’ve not read the authors previous book and based on the blurb I was expecting it to be on the lighthearted side, basic women’s fiction with a cutesy plot. Instead this was SO much more, it definitely has its fun moments and happiness but at its core it’s much deeper and full of substance. It tackles some extremely relevant and timely current issues in a really respectful and realistic manner. It touches on love, loss, community, and quite a bit more.
This is told from two points of view, cousins Addie and Sam and it switches back and forth between the two every chapter. It follows their lives and those of the staff and their community over the course of a year. When it begins, The Welcome Home diner has already opened its doors and is struggling to find its place in this tight knit and hesitant neighborhood. The residents are suspicious and guarded and for good reason as Detroit has had many struggles as of late. Addie and Sam were both well drawn characters with interesting histories and plenty of emotional depth, I enjoyed getting to know both of them. There is a large cast of colorful supporting characters as well with often painful, unique pasts that added an extra layer of emotion.
This story revolves around food and Lampman’s descriptions were scrumptious. She includes a handful of recipes from the story at the end and I will definitely be trying a few out! Interspersed between the food are some heavy hitting topics such as human trafficking, race relations and gentrification of a community. It’s all handled with grace and a style all of the authors own and leaves much to be discussed, this is an ideal book club read.
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
This is told from two points of view, cousins Addie and Sam and it switches back and forth between the two every chapter. It follows their lives and those of the staff and their community over the course of a year. When it begins, The Welcome Home diner has already opened its doors and is struggling to find its place in this tight knit and hesitant neighborhood. The residents are suspicious and guarded and for good reason as Detroit has had many struggles as of late. Addie and Sam were both well drawn characters with interesting histories and plenty of emotional depth, I enjoyed getting to know both of them. There is a large cast of colorful supporting characters as well with often painful, unique pasts that added an extra layer of emotion.
This story revolves around food and Lampman’s descriptions were scrumptious. She includes a handful of recipes from the story at the end and I will definitely be trying a few out! Interspersed between the food are some heavy hitting topics such as human trafficking, race relations and gentrification of a community. It’s all handled with grace and a style all of the authors own and leaves much to be discussed, this is an ideal book club read.
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
September 1, 2017
Warning: Don't read this book if you are hungry or else have something close to your reading spot to snack on. Actually even if you aren't hungry, you will be after you read about the wonderful food served at the diner. Added bonus - recipes at the end of the book on how to make some of the wonderful food from the diner!
I loved this book for several reasons - first, the personal reason. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit (on the east side) and went to college in the city so Detroit is a special place to me. I want to see it come back to being the great city that it once was and the revitalization of Detroit is one of the underlying themes of this book. Second, I love to read books that weave current issues of the day into it and this one does a great job of doing just that. The author writes about human trafficking, racial issues, drugs and white flight from the city to the suburbs among other topics. Third, I loved the characters in this novel. Two cousins buy an old gutted out diner in the city and try to become part of the neighborhood. They are met with resistance from the old time residents, no matter how hard they try but they keep trying. Not only are Addie and Samantha fantastic main characters but they are surrounded by great secondary characters who also work at the diner. And lastly, as mentioned earlier, the descriptions of the food served at the diner are awesome.
This is a fantastic well written book about two women who are trying to do their part to make not only their neighborhood but also a beautiful city come back to life again. I loved it.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book for several reasons - first, the personal reason. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit (on the east side) and went to college in the city so Detroit is a special place to me. I want to see it come back to being the great city that it once was and the revitalization of Detroit is one of the underlying themes of this book. Second, I love to read books that weave current issues of the day into it and this one does a great job of doing just that. The author writes about human trafficking, racial issues, drugs and white flight from the city to the suburbs among other topics. Third, I loved the characters in this novel. Two cousins buy an old gutted out diner in the city and try to become part of the neighborhood. They are met with resistance from the old time residents, no matter how hard they try but they keep trying. Not only are Addie and Samantha fantastic main characters but they are surrounded by great secondary characters who also work at the diner. And lastly, as mentioned earlier, the descriptions of the food served at the diner are awesome.
This is a fantastic well written book about two women who are trying to do their part to make not only their neighborhood but also a beautiful city come back to life again. I loved it.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
December 20, 2017
I won a free Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. And if there was ever any suspicion that I go easy on reviewing books that I get for free, this should put that to rest …
Ultimately, this book just wasn't for me. The idea sounded promising. I like good food, and live close enough to Detroit for the setting to have a special resonance. The descriptions and characters are vivid and detailed. It's just that not much happens.
Seriously. I read through about a quarter of the book, and couldn't find any reason to keep going. Yes, the diner is struggling, and someone from Addie’s past has returned, but there's no inkling of anything plot-like. It's pretty much all been internal character monologues. I kept struggling to find some reason to keep going, but just couldn't do it. If I’m still fighting that hard to keep my interest up at the 25% mark, it's time to admit defeat and move on. Perhaps you will get more out of this than I did, and more power to you. Not recommended.
Ultimately, this book just wasn't for me. The idea sounded promising. I like good food, and live close enough to Detroit for the setting to have a special resonance. The descriptions and characters are vivid and detailed. It's just that not much happens.
Seriously. I read through about a quarter of the book, and couldn't find any reason to keep going. Yes, the diner is struggling, and someone from Addie’s past has returned, but there's no inkling of anything plot-like. It's pretty much all been internal character monologues. I kept struggling to find some reason to keep going, but just couldn't do it. If I’m still fighting that hard to keep my interest up at the 25% mark, it's time to admit defeat and move on. Perhaps you will get more out of this than I did, and more power to you. Not recommended.
October 10, 2017
"'Our dream was to shape an old-fashioned neighborhood gathering spot - authentic and welcoming to all races and creeds - where everyone has a seat at the table.'" - Peggy Lampman - The Welcome Home Diner
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Calling all foodies - You won't want to be hungry while reading this book as the descriptions are drool worthy. The story alternates perspective between 2 cousins Addie and Sam, co-owners of the Welcome Home Diner. Addie and Sam are committed to restoring Detroit back to the once thriving community it used to be, so they decide to open a diner in order to bring people together and rejuvenate a depressed part of town.
I love how Lampman creates this family of unexpected characters that are all extremely important in the success of the Diner. It isn't just the owners against the employees, instead it's a community effort. I can also appreciate the amount of research that was done to make sure all of the history of Detroit was accurate and useful to her story.
The first chapter was a lot of detail into all of the characters and their backstory, and I found myself a little distracted and confused. In the end I just never connected with either of the main characters and it caused me to not enjoy the story as much as I wanted to. The supporting characters felt more real to me and I enjoyed watching them progress through the story.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Calling all foodies - You won't want to be hungry while reading this book as the descriptions are drool worthy. The story alternates perspective between 2 cousins Addie and Sam, co-owners of the Welcome Home Diner. Addie and Sam are committed to restoring Detroit back to the once thriving community it used to be, so they decide to open a diner in order to bring people together and rejuvenate a depressed part of town.
I love how Lampman creates this family of unexpected characters that are all extremely important in the success of the Diner. It isn't just the owners against the employees, instead it's a community effort. I can also appreciate the amount of research that was done to make sure all of the history of Detroit was accurate and useful to her story.
The first chapter was a lot of detail into all of the characters and their backstory, and I found myself a little distracted and confused. In the end I just never connected with either of the main characters and it caused me to not enjoy the story as much as I wanted to. The supporting characters felt more real to me and I enjoyed watching them progress through the story.
September 29, 2017
My favorite books are the ones with recipes. So thank you, Peggy Lampman, for more dinner ideas during the week.
Addie and Sam are cousins living in Detroit with the crazy idea to open a diner. While dealing with personal issues, they're also faced with a dozen and half issues arising around Welcome Home. Who is writing these untrue Yelp accusations? Who is this strange neighbor that seems to hate them?
Addie and Sam open Welcome Home in Detroit as a way of saving the cities economy. I studied this city in economics, and it really can use all the help it can get. But unfriendly neighbors within a mile radius seem to ignore the diner's presence. Addie is struggling with her goals of becoming a wife and mother, while her boyfriend is perfectly content being a live-in partner. Sam is faced between choosing love and a business she started.
There are so many characters in this book that you can connect with. Each of them has their own dark past that they struggle to overcome, the same way they're trying to help Detroit overcome the cities dark pasts. I truly wasn't expecting that from this story. Lampman creates her characters to be a diverse in personality so great that you can tell who is speaking without having to read the name. You can tell which POV you're reading from without having to double check the name at the start of the chapter. That is good writing at its best.
The book has suspense, love, and RECIPES. I can't stress that last part enough. Reading about food for 300+ pages, you get hungry. And there isn't a better time to cook or food shop.
I really loved this book, despite it not being my usual genre. But how could you not love a book about food?
Addie and Sam are cousins living in Detroit with the crazy idea to open a diner. While dealing with personal issues, they're also faced with a dozen and half issues arising around Welcome Home. Who is writing these untrue Yelp accusations? Who is this strange neighbor that seems to hate them?
Addie and Sam open Welcome Home in Detroit as a way of saving the cities economy. I studied this city in economics, and it really can use all the help it can get. But unfriendly neighbors within a mile radius seem to ignore the diner's presence. Addie is struggling with her goals of becoming a wife and mother, while her boyfriend is perfectly content being a live-in partner. Sam is faced between choosing love and a business she started.
There are so many characters in this book that you can connect with. Each of them has their own dark past that they struggle to overcome, the same way they're trying to help Detroit overcome the cities dark pasts. I truly wasn't expecting that from this story. Lampman creates her characters to be a diverse in personality so great that you can tell who is speaking without having to read the name. You can tell which POV you're reading from without having to double check the name at the start of the chapter. That is good writing at its best.
The book has suspense, love, and RECIPES. I can't stress that last part enough. Reading about food for 300+ pages, you get hungry. And there isn't a better time to cook or food shop.
I really loved this book, despite it not being my usual genre. But how could you not love a book about food?
October 13, 2017
Note: I received review copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I am glad I got a chance to read this book.
4.5 Stars
The book simply is beautiful with delicious food of Welcome Home Diner. It’s about struggling life of Jaworski sisters in new business and their personal life surrounded by lovely staff and hesitant, fearful neighbors of Detroit. Book revolves around The Welcome Home Diner and its owner Addie and Sam narrated in their alternative perspective. You will see ups and down of not only these sisters but the staff of their diner and their home like diner. It’s a journey of diner and its owner of starting a business from scratch to running it with a vision – an old fashioned place serving authentic and organic food and welcoming all races with blessing and recipes of their beloved grandmother.
Characters- Addie– Brain and owner of diner. She was sensitive, warm hearted and ambitious woman with spreadsheets and to-do list of diner and also her life. Sam– Addie’s cousin, partner of diner. Cook of the diner, who never organize anything and live and walk the present.
Staff of diner– Braydon (manager), Quiche (works the grill at counter), Lella (waitress). Diner started with these 3 staff and added new additions eventually- Paul, Sylvia, Gary. They all were amazing. They all had life story to share in the book.
There were other important characters in the book who were connected to the member of diner whom you will love to know and connect with. Specifically Addie and Sam’s babcia (grandmother) and Sun Beam– Quiche’s daughter, she was so adorable and I loved her sandwich inventions. Oh and magical hot sauce vendor Jessie, you would love the company of this woman and her tricks of calming down inner demons and purge the place with negative energy, she was one interesting character in the book. Hero, Sam’s dog, was a real hero in the book. And there was that angry neighbor Angus.
I’m feeling like I just started and I’m leaving out many other characters in the book but trust me you won’t forget all these characters. Character development of main characters was brilliant, heartwarming.
What I liked-
First that cover. Isn’t it beautiful? Here is the fact, when I got review opportunity, I decided to read this book by just looking at the cover. I read blurb later and I liked it but cover has already taken my heart. It’s so perfect with the theme of the book. Talking about theme and concept, this book covered lot of things and I really loved the way author represented it with unique writing style and delicious food.
Book started with the Polish word guide, tour to Welcome Home’s area, introduction to the staff, conditions of Detroit and their drawbacks with the area and weather. I loved the way all staff connected to diner and to each other to become a family. Best thing was life story of all characters, story of Addie and Sam’s life, their family and grandmother was beautifully narrated. They all had something to tell, something to teach and something to learn from them.
I came to admire the heart characters of this book (Addie and Sam) by the end of the book for their relationship, for their unique vision and thoughts on diner, city, and all those sensitive issues discussed in the book, and for the way they handles everything. They first won my heart when wind was against them they never discriminated or blamed their staff. The trust they had for them was remarkable.
There was very detailed history of Detroit from motor city to demographics, racial discrimination and segregation to revitalization of the city (it’s beginning of this time when our character started a business), weather of the city to the musical culture. I got very close look to this city and how characters were attached to it and loved it. History of the city played important role in the book as characters and city were struggling with the after effects of the city’s downtime. It was very delicately and perfectly handled.
There were other sensitive topic apart from color discrimination like, sex trafficking, kidnapping, impersonation and defamation that created problem to city and diner. Friendship, family, love, and community together poured warm and touching feeling to book. Romance and love story in the book was desert amid the terrific dreadful subjects.
I loved it when Addie compared some situations with the mythology. Specifically when she was asking the power of all the Goddess to conquer the problems of her personal life. The philosophy in the book, talk of Jessie and Addie’s references were so thought provoking and brilliant, they had left great impression on me and also turned me into believer like Addie.
Climax– finally the revelation of antagonist, who gave hard time diner and its staff was shocking. I couldn’t guess that person would do such things and the reason behind doing all the evil damage was so small. I couldn’t have guessed that person in ages. End was so feel-good and fair. I surely want to read more books by this author.
One last thing there are recipes from diner’s menu so don’t miss it. Book is also best for group read. It was fun thinking about answers of discussion questions given at the end of the book.
Why 4.5-
Only teensy thing. In the beginning of the book I was struggling for getting into the book. But once I learned little more about characters and situations, it was smooth till the end.
Overall, book was steady paced, with tasty family and romantic drama, sour sensitive issues of city and delicious food of dinner served at the end with desert of love, friendship and community. I recommend this book to everyone who love to read women fictions that serves something different.
4.5 Stars
The book simply is beautiful with delicious food of Welcome Home Diner. It’s about struggling life of Jaworski sisters in new business and their personal life surrounded by lovely staff and hesitant, fearful neighbors of Detroit. Book revolves around The Welcome Home Diner and its owner Addie and Sam narrated in their alternative perspective. You will see ups and down of not only these sisters but the staff of their diner and their home like diner. It’s a journey of diner and its owner of starting a business from scratch to running it with a vision – an old fashioned place serving authentic and organic food and welcoming all races with blessing and recipes of their beloved grandmother.
Characters- Addie– Brain and owner of diner. She was sensitive, warm hearted and ambitious woman with spreadsheets and to-do list of diner and also her life. Sam– Addie’s cousin, partner of diner. Cook of the diner, who never organize anything and live and walk the present.
Staff of diner– Braydon (manager), Quiche (works the grill at counter), Lella (waitress). Diner started with these 3 staff and added new additions eventually- Paul, Sylvia, Gary. They all were amazing. They all had life story to share in the book.
There were other important characters in the book who were connected to the member of diner whom you will love to know and connect with. Specifically Addie and Sam’s babcia (grandmother) and Sun Beam– Quiche’s daughter, she was so adorable and I loved her sandwich inventions. Oh and magical hot sauce vendor Jessie, you would love the company of this woman and her tricks of calming down inner demons and purge the place with negative energy, she was one interesting character in the book. Hero, Sam’s dog, was a real hero in the book. And there was that angry neighbor Angus.
I’m feeling like I just started and I’m leaving out many other characters in the book but trust me you won’t forget all these characters. Character development of main characters was brilliant, heartwarming.
What I liked-
First that cover. Isn’t it beautiful? Here is the fact, when I got review opportunity, I decided to read this book by just looking at the cover. I read blurb later and I liked it but cover has already taken my heart. It’s so perfect with the theme of the book. Talking about theme and concept, this book covered lot of things and I really loved the way author represented it with unique writing style and delicious food.
Book started with the Polish word guide, tour to Welcome Home’s area, introduction to the staff, conditions of Detroit and their drawbacks with the area and weather. I loved the way all staff connected to diner and to each other to become a family. Best thing was life story of all characters, story of Addie and Sam’s life, their family and grandmother was beautifully narrated. They all had something to tell, something to teach and something to learn from them.
I came to admire the heart characters of this book (Addie and Sam) by the end of the book for their relationship, for their unique vision and thoughts on diner, city, and all those sensitive issues discussed in the book, and for the way they handles everything. They first won my heart when wind was against them they never discriminated or blamed their staff. The trust they had for them was remarkable.
There was very detailed history of Detroit from motor city to demographics, racial discrimination and segregation to revitalization of the city (it’s beginning of this time when our character started a business), weather of the city to the musical culture. I got very close look to this city and how characters were attached to it and loved it. History of the city played important role in the book as characters and city were struggling with the after effects of the city’s downtime. It was very delicately and perfectly handled.
There were other sensitive topic apart from color discrimination like, sex trafficking, kidnapping, impersonation and defamation that created problem to city and diner. Friendship, family, love, and community together poured warm and touching feeling to book. Romance and love story in the book was desert amid the terrific dreadful subjects.
I loved it when Addie compared some situations with the mythology. Specifically when she was asking the power of all the Goddess to conquer the problems of her personal life. The philosophy in the book, talk of Jessie and Addie’s references were so thought provoking and brilliant, they had left great impression on me and also turned me into believer like Addie.
Climax– finally the revelation of antagonist, who gave hard time diner and its staff was shocking. I couldn’t guess that person would do such things and the reason behind doing all the evil damage was so small. I couldn’t have guessed that person in ages. End was so feel-good and fair. I surely want to read more books by this author.
One last thing there are recipes from diner’s menu so don’t miss it. Book is also best for group read. It was fun thinking about answers of discussion questions given at the end of the book.
Why 4.5-
Only teensy thing. In the beginning of the book I was struggling for getting into the book. But once I learned little more about characters and situations, it was smooth till the end.
Overall, book was steady paced, with tasty family and romantic drama, sour sensitive issues of city and delicious food of dinner served at the end with desert of love, friendship and community. I recommend this book to everyone who love to read women fictions that serves something different.
October 19, 2017
When I began reading this book, I soon thought it to be a travel book for the state of Michigan. The author talks about beautiful areas of Michigan and the fact that Detroit is a city on the verge of a comeback. It did make me want to visit Michigan next summer, but not much more. I, obviously, was missing the point!
Addie and Samantha are two cousins, descendants of a wonderful Polish woman, who open a diner in the inner city of Detroit in hopes of being part of a rebuilding and rebranding effort in Detroit. Along the way they encounter prejudice, even hatred. But through it all they find love in both their personal lives and in their surroundings.
This book was beautifully written. I loved the characters, especially Angus, an elderly curmudgeon, who had seen it all in his city!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Addie and Samantha are two cousins, descendants of a wonderful Polish woman, who open a diner in the inner city of Detroit in hopes of being part of a rebuilding and rebranding effort in Detroit. Along the way they encounter prejudice, even hatred. But through it all they find love in both their personal lives and in their surroundings.
This book was beautifully written. I loved the characters, especially Angus, an elderly curmudgeon, who had seen it all in his city!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 5, 2018
A yummy treat set in a Detroit neighborhood diner managed by cousins Sam and Addie. You’ll cheer along with the memorable cast as they undergo conflicts ranging from family issues to the trials and joys of running a small business. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2017
Yes, I do love a good foodie novel and I was excited to get a chance to review The Welcome Home Diner about two cousins who buy and renovate an old urban diner, hoping to transform their neighborhood and help (and benefit from) the urban renewal happening in Detroit. I have my own a cafe fantasies. When I make something delicious in my kitchen I often think, "that's totally going on my cafe menu!" Having spent some time in and around the food business, a cafe is much more work and effort than I have to give at this point in my life but I can live vicariously (at least through the good moments) through Addie and Sam in this book. Their path to success and happiness isn't an easy one between their own personal dramas, a neighborhood and neighbors that are not very welcoming, and an online troll who seems bent on making things difficult for the cousins.
I've read a couple of books recently that have written about Detroit and efforts to rehabilitate and rebuild the city and The Welcome Home Diner does it so lovingly in the way Lampman describes the city and it's surrounding communities--it made me want to go take a look. I enjoyed the main characters and although Sam and Addie are cousins, they are as close as sisters and that relationship with it's high and low points, felt realistic. I loved the supporting characters, particularly the Welcome Home's staff. They were a group of colorful personalities, most overcoming personal challenges and situations, and I enjoyed seeing how they were rebuilding their lives and themselves as much as the diner, the neighborhood and their city.
Almost as important to the story and the characters for me in a foodie novel is the description of the food. I liked the blend of southern favorites and Polish and other ethnic traditions with farm-to-table practices and the focus on local ingredients. The Welcome Home had the kind of menu that would thrill me as a patron and I like when an author truly appreciates food and the art of cooking--it's no surprise Lampman is a popular food blogger. This quote from Addie, sums it up nicely, "Recipes are much more than instruction manuals. They're stories, rich with history, connecting the dots between past and present." This is not a book to read on an empty stomach as you'll see from my list of its food inspiration below.
The Welcome Home Diner is about more than the food--it's about relationships, friends and family--both the one you are born into and the one you create, and it's about community and reinvention. I found it to be an enjoyable read and I would happily go back and visit with these characters in another book. I'll be adding it to my collection of foodie books--I'd probably put it on my shelves for the gorgeous cover alone, but the story earns it a firm place.
You can see my review, two recipes inspired by and/or from the book and enter to win a giveaway for a copy of your own on my blog post here: https://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/2...
Note: A review copy of "The Welcome Home Diner" was provided to me by the author and the publisher via TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
I've read a couple of books recently that have written about Detroit and efforts to rehabilitate and rebuild the city and The Welcome Home Diner does it so lovingly in the way Lampman describes the city and it's surrounding communities--it made me want to go take a look. I enjoyed the main characters and although Sam and Addie are cousins, they are as close as sisters and that relationship with it's high and low points, felt realistic. I loved the supporting characters, particularly the Welcome Home's staff. They were a group of colorful personalities, most overcoming personal challenges and situations, and I enjoyed seeing how they were rebuilding their lives and themselves as much as the diner, the neighborhood and their city.
Almost as important to the story and the characters for me in a foodie novel is the description of the food. I liked the blend of southern favorites and Polish and other ethnic traditions with farm-to-table practices and the focus on local ingredients. The Welcome Home had the kind of menu that would thrill me as a patron and I like when an author truly appreciates food and the art of cooking--it's no surprise Lampman is a popular food blogger. This quote from Addie, sums it up nicely, "Recipes are much more than instruction manuals. They're stories, rich with history, connecting the dots between past and present." This is not a book to read on an empty stomach as you'll see from my list of its food inspiration below.
The Welcome Home Diner is about more than the food--it's about relationships, friends and family--both the one you are born into and the one you create, and it's about community and reinvention. I found it to be an enjoyable read and I would happily go back and visit with these characters in another book. I'll be adding it to my collection of foodie books--I'd probably put it on my shelves for the gorgeous cover alone, but the story earns it a firm place.
You can see my review, two recipes inspired by and/or from the book and enter to win a giveaway for a copy of your own on my blog post here: https://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/2...
Note: A review copy of "The Welcome Home Diner" was provided to me by the author and the publisher via TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 26, 2017
Cousins, Addie and Sam, open Welcome Home Diner in Detroit. They start to see some success, the only problem is that they don't exactly have the support of the neighborhood where the restaurant is located.
This story is told from alternating points of view. Addie was super annoying and Sam was only slightly better, though she was the more flighty one. It was okay to read both Addie and Sam's viewpoints, but a third person story would have worked too. The most interesting characters were the staff of the diner.
The cousins are both a bit idealistic, but work hard to build a successful business. Part way into the novel, their relationship is strained. That makes both their personal and professional lives more tense.
This book was hard for me to get into. Not a lot happens. It's about food and relationships, where the food part was more engaging than the relationships.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This story is told from alternating points of view. Addie was super annoying and Sam was only slightly better, though she was the more flighty one. It was okay to read both Addie and Sam's viewpoints, but a third person story would have worked too. The most interesting characters were the staff of the diner.
The cousins are both a bit idealistic, but work hard to build a successful business. Part way into the novel, their relationship is strained. That makes both their personal and professional lives more tense.
This book was hard for me to get into. Not a lot happens. It's about food and relationships, where the food part was more engaging than the relationships.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
October 10, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is a heartwarming book. Cousins Addie and Samantha open a diner in a rundown area of Detroit. Their hope is that by bringing the diner and business to the area it will start the much needed revitalization program. They also source all their supplies from local growers and merchants. I found all this very compelling. Their hope is to bring delicious healthy food to the people that live nearby and therefore breaking the cycle of too much fast food consumption. Unfortunately their plans are thwarted as the community sees them as an intrusion at first. There is a great cast of characters that work at the diner and they are vital to the story. Addie and Sam both have their own personal growth throughout the book as they come to terms with the direction and goals they each have for their lives. I enjoyed the atmosphere and descriptions of the diner and the area of Detroit they have chosen to live and work in. This was all very well written. The descriptions of the food the diner served were mouth watering. A very enjoyable book.
January 17, 2018
I am so glad I'm done. I would have abandoned this book had I not been committed to reading it for my book club. I was thrilled to find I was done sooner than expected because the back pages are filled with recipes.
The story, if there was one, didn't start until about two thirds full. This book is full of pages and pages of pretty much nothing. Tedious back stories of people who are not part of the, um, hard to say there was a plot. Seven full pages about the weather, which ironically starts with a statement, "Talking about the weather, how boring!" It must have been an editorial criticism that not only went unheeded, it accidentally got merged into the book.
Some things finally happen, but even then, those happenings are punctuated with trivial nothingness. It was more like reading a boring blog than a novel.
As many said in Amazon reviews, however, it has a gorgeous cover.
The story, if there was one, didn't start until about two thirds full. This book is full of pages and pages of pretty much nothing. Tedious back stories of people who are not part of the, um, hard to say there was a plot. Seven full pages about the weather, which ironically starts with a statement, "Talking about the weather, how boring!" It must have been an editorial criticism that not only went unheeded, it accidentally got merged into the book.
Some things finally happen, but even then, those happenings are punctuated with trivial nothingness. It was more like reading a boring blog than a novel.
As many said in Amazon reviews, however, it has a gorgeous cover.
October 10, 2017
The first thing I have to say about THE WELCOME HOME DINER by Peggy Lampman is this story will make you so hungry!!!! With mouth-watering descriptions of food throughout, I could almost taste the rich pancakes drizzled in maple syrup, so my advice is make a cup of tea and have a lovely piece of cake to hand when you settle down to read this touching novel.
Addie and Samantha are two cousins who have poured their heart and soul into their new business venture, their diner with a difference, and have created a unique and special place with special people. But when some of the locals seem to have it out for them, they must band together to figure out who is behind it all. With pressure and problems in their personal lives as well as their business, trouble seems to be following them wherever they go. But can love, friendship, and community spirit save the day for the Welcome Home diner?
I really enjoyed this story of family, friendship, and finding your place in a community as the characters passion for their city, its people, and their food shines through on every page. This book contains a multitude of characters from all walks of life that will find their way into your heart, and make you think about life. THE WELCOME HOME DINER by Peggy Lampman is a warm and satisfying story and I highly recommend it.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.com
Addie and Samantha are two cousins who have poured their heart and soul into their new business venture, their diner with a difference, and have created a unique and special place with special people. But when some of the locals seem to have it out for them, they must band together to figure out who is behind it all. With pressure and problems in their personal lives as well as their business, trouble seems to be following them wherever they go. But can love, friendship, and community spirit save the day for the Welcome Home diner?
I really enjoyed this story of family, friendship, and finding your place in a community as the characters passion for their city, its people, and their food shines through on every page. This book contains a multitude of characters from all walks of life that will find their way into your heart, and make you think about life. THE WELCOME HOME DINER by Peggy Lampman is a warm and satisfying story and I highly recommend it.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.com
September 18, 2017
MY REVIEW OF "THE WELCOME HOME DINER" BY PEGGY LAMPMAN
I appreciate some of the relevant topics in "The Welcome Home Diner" by Peggy Lampman. The genre for this novel is Women's Fiction. The story takes place in a vintage diner in a depressed area of Detroit.The author writes this in a current timeline, only going back to clarify and describe something relevant to the characters or story.
The author describes some of her characters as dysfunctional., quirky and colorful. The characters are diverse and some are complicated and complex as dictated by the circumstances. Cousins Addie and Samantha partner together to buy an old house in need of much renovation. and old diner and name it "The Welcome Home Diner" Their dream is to unify and help rebuild the depressed town in Detroit. Some of the neighbors are less than happy to see the neighborhood change. They encounter obstacles and problems.
For those of you who love great recipes, the author provides most of the recipes described in the story at the back of the book for you.
I appreciate that the author brings up topics such as human sex trafficking, kidnapping, rescue dogs, unifying and building, and integration of a community.
The author also discusses the importance of family, friendship, loyalty, love, hope and faith.
I received a copy of this ARC for my honest review. For those who love delicious food and recipes, you will appreciate this book.
October 15, 2017
(4.5) This was a very enjoyable book which is filled with some wonderful descriptions of the delicious food being served up at The Welcome Home Diner. I loved the characters of cousins Addie and Sam, as well as the many other diverse characters in the book. This is not only a story about delicious food in a vintage diner but it's also about the love that goes into creating that food, romantic love, and love for friends and neighbors. It deals with some very current issues: human trafficking, racism and the revitalization and rebuilding of neighborhoods in some depressed areas of Detroit, one of those neighborhoods is the setting of The Welcome Home Diner. I thought this was very well done and found it as satisfying as one of those Heartbreaker Chocolate Chip Cookies. Yes, there are recipes included at the end of the book. A very big bonus!!
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 29, 2017
Peggy Lampman's books are delicious in every way, not merely when she writes about food ... which she does brilliantly, I might add. The characters in this story are diverse and real, as is the neighbourhood setting in Detroit. Lampman weaves magic with her words as we become completely engaged in the challenges faced as cousins Sam and Addie work flat out to ensure the success of their diner, as well as their personal relationships. There's a lot going on, many social issues addressed, and page after page of a great story. More, please!
October 20, 2017
Thank you so much TLC Book Tours for having me on this tour and providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I rate this beautiful contemporary foodie fiction 4 out of 5 stars. A harmonious blend of family, diversity, acceptance, and food make for the perfect ingredients to this delicious, feel good story.
"And there were two brave women, Addie and Sam, who made a family from scratch, using what others left behind."
The beginning of this story starts off slowly, to me it dragged a bit, but as I kept going I got more caught up in the lives of these characters. I wanted to know their back stories and how they came to where they are now. I wanted to know how things would play out going forward. By the end of the book I was so invested in this diverse group of characters that I was happy I stuck through the slower start.
Addie was probably my favorite character. She was really selfless and genuine and came into her own as the book went on. I admired the strength she had to do what she thought was best for her life and work on herself a bit. I also loved the many side characters that made this group feel like such a close family. Little Sun Beam and kind and humble Braydon and even grumpy old Angus, each character had something to offer.
Unfortunately I didn't love two of the characters. I could not get on board with David at all during this read and while I know we should be rooting for him and Addie, I just wasn't feeling it. I felt very much like he was just in it for the sex and treated Addie like an object rather than a person. I also did not really like other main character Sam. I thought she sort of came off selfish and rude and only did things when she had too. I don't want to give anything away, but her "big decision" at the end was a little extreme and she only choose what she did because of there being no other choice, when really she should have made that choice because it was the right one.
Peggy's writing was beautiful, it made me feel a connection to each of the characters and cheer for the success of the diner. I was so emotional by the end and I would absolutely have loved to jump in the pages and take a seat at the Welcome Home Diner alongside these characters having a glass of Potlikker! Which, by the way, I had no idea was a food until this book, but it sounds scrumptious.
What is also fun about this book is all the recipes at the back of the book that I will no doubt be trying my hand at! After reading 300 pages worth of this delectable food I can't not try making some of them myself.
"And there were two brave women, Addie and Sam, who made a family from scratch, using what others left behind."
The beginning of this story starts off slowly, to me it dragged a bit, but as I kept going I got more caught up in the lives of these characters. I wanted to know their back stories and how they came to where they are now. I wanted to know how things would play out going forward. By the end of the book I was so invested in this diverse group of characters that I was happy I stuck through the slower start.
Addie was probably my favorite character. She was really selfless and genuine and came into her own as the book went on. I admired the strength she had to do what she thought was best for her life and work on herself a bit. I also loved the many side characters that made this group feel like such a close family. Little Sun Beam and kind and humble Braydon and even grumpy old Angus, each character had something to offer.
Unfortunately I didn't love two of the characters. I could not get on board with David at all during this read and while I know we should be rooting for him and Addie, I just wasn't feeling it. I felt very much like he was just in it for the sex and treated Addie like an object rather than a person. I also did not really like other main character Sam. I thought she sort of came off selfish and rude and only did things when she had too. I don't want to give anything away, but her "big decision" at the end was a little extreme and she only choose what she did because of there being no other choice, when really she should have made that choice because it was the right one.
Peggy's writing was beautiful, it made me feel a connection to each of the characters and cheer for the success of the diner. I was so emotional by the end and I would absolutely have loved to jump in the pages and take a seat at the Welcome Home Diner alongside these characters having a glass of Potlikker! Which, by the way, I had no idea was a food until this book, but it sounds scrumptious.
What is also fun about this book is all the recipes at the back of the book that I will no doubt be trying my hand at! After reading 300 pages worth of this delectable food I can't not try making some of them myself.
November 25, 2017
I feel the need to visit this diner and meet Addie and Sam! And all the amazing employees that work at this establishment. The author makes you feel at home and comfortable while enjoying all the comfort foods that are served. It's a thought-provoking read with a little romance, humor, mystery and mouth-watering recipes. A big shout out to author Peggy Lampman for sending me this book. Also thanks to Lake Union Publishing and bookclubcookbook
September 7, 2017
I received an advanced review copy of this book from The Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own. An absolute gem of a book. I was astonished by the depth and details of the story. I was thinking it would be light and frilly and it was so much more than that. You need to make time to read this book. You absolutely will love having made the time.
October 8, 2017
THE WELCOME HOME DINER by Peggy Lampman combines a veritable menu of literary flavors. While the story is peopled with a cast of engagingly quirky characters as diverse as the neighborhood in which the diner is located, the lighthearted themes of the novel often touch on a darker index of issues that trouble inner cities today. For instance what happens when an influx of folks—outsiders basically—move into an old neighborhood with their ideas for revitalization? In the case of the Welcome Home Diner when cousins Addie and Samantha set up business, they meet with opposition, and the clash of ideals isn’t limited to the old timers versus the newcomers either. As the conflict gets more personal between the cousins and their differing ideas on how to address the opposition of the very neighbors they are attempting to entice, their dreams for the restaurant, their ideals, and even their lives come under threat. But above all, this is a book about food cooked with love and the warmth of home and how it can bind families and friends and entire communities. One word of caution, reading THE WELCOME HOME DINER, is guaranteed to make your mouth water!
November 4, 2017
Peggy Lampman previously owned a specialty food store, The Back Alley Gourmet, in her college town of Ann Arbor before writing a weekly food column for the Ann Arbor News. Now she writes a food blog, dinnerfeed.com and all this led her to write two novels- The Promise Kitchen (2016) and this year's The Welcome Home Diner.
Addie and Sam, two cousins from Birmingham, Alabama, move to Detroit to open a diner. Detroit has been through some rough times, and the cousins hope to help resusitate an area of Detroit with their neighborhood diner.
They got their love of cooking from their Babcia, their Polish grandmother. She inspired them, and her photo hangs up in a corner of the diner to remind them of how they got here. Addie and Sam share a two-story house- Addie lives upstairs with her boyfriend David and they seem very happy and well-suited to each other.
Addie is the organizer and planner, she handles the ordering, and the paperwork, along with the front of the house issues. She sees a future for her and David, marriage and children, but David is happy with things the way they are.
Sam runs the kitchen, she is beautiful and a great cook and after getting out of a bad relationship in New York, she is trying to find her footing again with men. Meanwhile, she has Hero, her dog who watches over her.
The Welcome Home Diner has money issues, as most new businesses do. They don't have much money leftover after payroll and food costs, but Addie and Sam are committed to making the diner work, sacrificing much to make it successful.
They draw a decent crowd from the young professionals in the area, but they are perplexed as to why the neighborhood residents do not eat at the diner. Their prices are reasonable, the food is delicious, and there isn't another comparable restaurant in the neighborhood.
In addition, there is a person giving them bad and inaccurate Yelp reviews, a next door neighbor who is openly hostile to them, and a business vendor who is menacing them.
I loved the characters in The Welcome Home Diner. Along with Addie and Sam, they have an interesting staff- Braydon, who started with them on day one and has worked his way up to floor manager, Quiche, a cook who brings her smart young daughter Sun Beam to work with her, and Sylvia, a young woman rescued from sex traffickers whom Addie and Sam take under their wing.
Having owned a restaurant with my husband, I found The Welcome Home Diner fascinating. Lampman gets so much right, such as the stress, the hard, physical work and the comraderie of the team effort. You get a great look at the day-to-day grind of running a restaurant.
The setting of Detroit is a character as well. We get a real feel for what a once-vibrant city is now going through, the struggles of the residents to get back on their feet. Some people appreciate the efforts of newcomers investing in their city, others fear the gentrification and the strangers moving into their neighborhoods.
I recommend The Welcome Home Diner for those who like foodie fiction, and family stories mixed with serious issues and there are even some recipes at the end, like Lamb Burger Sliders with Tzatziki and Beetroot Relish, and Sylvia's Heartbreakers, which are similiar to the amazing Levain's Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies, famous in NYC (and my guilty pleasure).
Addie and Sam, two cousins from Birmingham, Alabama, move to Detroit to open a diner. Detroit has been through some rough times, and the cousins hope to help resusitate an area of Detroit with their neighborhood diner.
They got their love of cooking from their Babcia, their Polish grandmother. She inspired them, and her photo hangs up in a corner of the diner to remind them of how they got here. Addie and Sam share a two-story house- Addie lives upstairs with her boyfriend David and they seem very happy and well-suited to each other.
Addie is the organizer and planner, she handles the ordering, and the paperwork, along with the front of the house issues. She sees a future for her and David, marriage and children, but David is happy with things the way they are.
Sam runs the kitchen, she is beautiful and a great cook and after getting out of a bad relationship in New York, she is trying to find her footing again with men. Meanwhile, she has Hero, her dog who watches over her.
The Welcome Home Diner has money issues, as most new businesses do. They don't have much money leftover after payroll and food costs, but Addie and Sam are committed to making the diner work, sacrificing much to make it successful.
They draw a decent crowd from the young professionals in the area, but they are perplexed as to why the neighborhood residents do not eat at the diner. Their prices are reasonable, the food is delicious, and there isn't another comparable restaurant in the neighborhood.
In addition, there is a person giving them bad and inaccurate Yelp reviews, a next door neighbor who is openly hostile to them, and a business vendor who is menacing them.
I loved the characters in The Welcome Home Diner. Along with Addie and Sam, they have an interesting staff- Braydon, who started with them on day one and has worked his way up to floor manager, Quiche, a cook who brings her smart young daughter Sun Beam to work with her, and Sylvia, a young woman rescued from sex traffickers whom Addie and Sam take under their wing.
Having owned a restaurant with my husband, I found The Welcome Home Diner fascinating. Lampman gets so much right, such as the stress, the hard, physical work and the comraderie of the team effort. You get a great look at the day-to-day grind of running a restaurant.
The setting of Detroit is a character as well. We get a real feel for what a once-vibrant city is now going through, the struggles of the residents to get back on their feet. Some people appreciate the efforts of newcomers investing in their city, others fear the gentrification and the strangers moving into their neighborhoods.
I recommend The Welcome Home Diner for those who like foodie fiction, and family stories mixed with serious issues and there are even some recipes at the end, like Lamb Burger Sliders with Tzatziki and Beetroot Relish, and Sylvia's Heartbreakers, which are similiar to the amazing Levain's Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies, famous in NYC (and my guilty pleasure).
September 19, 2017
The Welcome Home Diner is another foodie book to add to the favorites. Lampman shines as she tells the story of two close cousins who open a diner in Detroit. Sam and Addie put everything they have into this diner, praying they will succeed in the urban decay. The girls took this chance in order to honor their Babcia, their grandmother, who taught them everything they know and whose picture hangs with care in the dining room of the restaurant. They did this for Detroit. To help bring it back to what it once was. The descriptions of Detroit, the difficulties in gentrification, and racial tension are on point and well done. As are the descriptions of the food and garden. Don’t read this on an empty stomach or you’ll be yearning for some comfort food. Actually, you’ll be yearning regardless. Worth it. OK, time for a shot of potlikker.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2017
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own. Addie and Sam are cousins and they open a diner in Detroit. It is a lovely story of family and how those who aren't blood related can become your family. I loved all the references to Addie and Sam's grandparents and the food and recipes sound amazingly delicious!
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January 30, 2018I'm making cabbage rolls for dinner, thanks to this book.
November 24, 2017
The Welcome Home Diner is a diner started by Addie and Samantha. They have chosen a run down area of Detroit, in the hopes of bringing more life into the area.
The story is told in alternating viewpoints from Addie and Samantha. They basically retell each thing that happened though from a different point of view. Each person’s retelling of the event doesn’t really add anything to the story, just gives you a glimpse of what that character was thinking.
Other than some differences in their lives like one is happy in love and one is not, they seem to share the same voice. And, it’s an annoying voice. They are always thinking some sort of mean, snippy thoughts.
I love the idea of this novel, just didn’t care that much for the execution. This book spends too much time explaining everything that is going on in Detroit. It’s one big cheering section for Detroit. Perhaps if I had lived in Detroit, I would have liked it more. Then there are the other issues thrown in with everything from human sex trafficking to reduce dogs.
I did enjoy the foodie parts of the story and the recipes at the end. I just wish I had liked the characters more.
I received an ARC of this book.
The story is told in alternating viewpoints from Addie and Samantha. They basically retell each thing that happened though from a different point of view. Each person’s retelling of the event doesn’t really add anything to the story, just gives you a glimpse of what that character was thinking.
Other than some differences in their lives like one is happy in love and one is not, they seem to share the same voice. And, it’s an annoying voice. They are always thinking some sort of mean, snippy thoughts.
I love the idea of this novel, just didn’t care that much for the execution. This book spends too much time explaining everything that is going on in Detroit. It’s one big cheering section for Detroit. Perhaps if I had lived in Detroit, I would have liked it more. Then there are the other issues thrown in with everything from human sex trafficking to reduce dogs.
I did enjoy the foodie parts of the story and the recipes at the end. I just wish I had liked the characters more.
I received an ARC of this book.
October 29, 2017
First of all I must disclose that Peggy Lampman grew up here in Birmingham, AL, but I don't know her (she currently lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, her college town). Because of her heritage, I wanted to read and review this book. She wrote me a very nice card (along with the book) that contained a recipe for Louisiana Okra Gumbo which I plan to make soon. She obviously had no idea that Mr. Sketchy Reader is from New Orleans, and his favorite food is gumbo. In her note, she states: "I refer to my writing as food-centric, grit-lit. That said, I also enjoy developing characters-living in and reconciling with- the shadows cast by their equally flawed parents." She nailed her goal for characterization, and for that I give her five stars on Goodreads.
The story is told from two points of view: early thirty-something cousins Addie and Samantha. Both share a home they picked-up for a song and a diner. Usually I don't like changes in narration, but it works in this novel especially the times when there's overlap in the storyline. Both want to contribute to Detroit's renaissance, and they're both idealistic and naive about the reception they'll receive in the predominantly black neighborhood. The cousins also give insight into the secondary characters, all of whom are well-defined. That's what I enjoyed most about the story: the quirky, unique "family" Addie and Samantha have assembled at the Welcome Home Diner. Also adding to the drama are the parents of Addie, her boyfriend David, Samantha, and her boyfriend Uriah. The parents provide drama and conflict as their relationships with their children (both current and in the past) are affecting how they relate to their significant others. These parental relationships allow the reader to identify with the cousins and their boyfriends because many of the circumstances are typical.
Y'all know how much I love books with recipes, and this one is special because every dish mentioned in the narrative has a corresponding recipe in the back of the book. I enjoyed reading about Polish culture: Many of Detroit's immigrants after World War II were polish like Samantha and Addie's grandparents. Lampman includes a handy pronunciation guide and definitions for the Polish words used in the story at the beginning; I found this very helpful. For you chocolate lover you should buy the novel strictly for Sylvia's jumbo "Heartbreakers" chocolate chip-walnut cookies. My youngest daughter would love some during finals week to help her study!
If you enjoy gritty family dramas in an urban setting with the added bonus of fantastic recipes, then you'll love The Welcome Home Diner.
Disclosure: I received a copy to The Welcome Home Diner from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The story is told from two points of view: early thirty-something cousins Addie and Samantha. Both share a home they picked-up for a song and a diner. Usually I don't like changes in narration, but it works in this novel especially the times when there's overlap in the storyline. Both want to contribute to Detroit's renaissance, and they're both idealistic and naive about the reception they'll receive in the predominantly black neighborhood. The cousins also give insight into the secondary characters, all of whom are well-defined. That's what I enjoyed most about the story: the quirky, unique "family" Addie and Samantha have assembled at the Welcome Home Diner. Also adding to the drama are the parents of Addie, her boyfriend David, Samantha, and her boyfriend Uriah. The parents provide drama and conflict as their relationships with their children (both current and in the past) are affecting how they relate to their significant others. These parental relationships allow the reader to identify with the cousins and their boyfriends because many of the circumstances are typical.
Y'all know how much I love books with recipes, and this one is special because every dish mentioned in the narrative has a corresponding recipe in the back of the book. I enjoyed reading about Polish culture: Many of Detroit's immigrants after World War II were polish like Samantha and Addie's grandparents. Lampman includes a handy pronunciation guide and definitions for the Polish words used in the story at the beginning; I found this very helpful. For you chocolate lover you should buy the novel strictly for Sylvia's jumbo "Heartbreakers" chocolate chip-walnut cookies. My youngest daughter would love some during finals week to help her study!
If you enjoy gritty family dramas in an urban setting with the added bonus of fantastic recipes, then you'll love The Welcome Home Diner.
Disclosure: I received a copy to The Welcome Home Diner from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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