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Tales of the Curious Cookbook #1
Le chant de la pluie
Contes d'un étrange livre de cuisine, numéro hors série
Robbie MacIntyre gère un bureau de poste à Barton Hartshorn, petit village endormi du nord-ouest de Londres. À la mort de sa propriétaire et amie, Maggie Simmons, il apprend avec stupeur qu’il hérite non seulement de son commerce, mais aussi du bâtiment qui l’abrite, l’ancienne gare du village.
Un neveu de Maggie se présente au village, Jason Young, jeune auteur américain. Robbie s’inquiète de son attirance pour un homme qui risque de contester ses droits sur sa maison. Mais alors, il reçoit une boîte pleine de secrets émanant du passé.
Avec l’aide de Jason, Robbie tentera de découvrir la recette du bonheur.
Robbie MacIntyre gère un bureau de poste à Barton Hartshorn, petit village endormi du nord-ouest de Londres. À la mort de sa propriétaire et amie, Maggie Simmons, il apprend avec stupeur qu’il hérite non seulement de son commerce, mais aussi du bâtiment qui l’abrite, l’ancienne gare du village.
Un neveu de Maggie se présente au village, Jason Young, jeune auteur américain. Robbie s’inquiète de son attirance pour un homme qui risque de contester ses droits sur sa maison. Mais alors, il reçoit une boîte pleine de secrets émanant du passé.
Avec l’aide de Jason, Robbie tentera de découvrir la recette du bonheur.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2015
19 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
306 books2,709 followersRJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 25, 2015
~3.25~
I like R.J. Scott's writing, and I enjoyed the small British village setting in For a Rainy Afternoon. The village of Burton Hartshorn, population 300, is as far off the beaten path as one can get.
That's why Robbie, manager of the town's post office/bakery/café, is so surprised to see a gorgeous American trying to locate Apple Tree Cottage, which used to belong to Maggie.
Maggie was Robbie's friend and surrogate grandmother. She made the best applesauce cake and gave Robbie much needed direction. Robbie's been bereft since Maggie's passing, but Jason intrigues him.
When Robbie and Jason are thrown together, they discover that their meeting is no accident.
Even though Maggie is on page only briefly, her presence shines through in the story. We learn more about her past and her connection to Jason and his family.
I felt like Maggie was a better developed character than either Robbie or Jason. Robbie is the fist-person narrator, so we are privy to his thought process, but Jason remained shrouded in mystery.
Jason is an author, but we never get a sense of the books he writes. He is wealthy, but we know next to nothing about his family and past.
Many of Jason and Robbie's interactions are summarized, and the steam/passion is almost nonexistent. This wasn't a surprise to me, as Scott's books are generally low on the steam, but I felt the lack strongly in this story.
There is plenty of sweetness here, and I would bill the ending a tentative HEA. I especially liked Robbie's many attempts at recreating Maggie's famous applesauce cake; he only gets it right when he bakes from his heart.
However, I wanted more focus on the relationship and definitely more spark between the MCs.
I like R.J. Scott's writing, and I enjoyed the small British village setting in For a Rainy Afternoon. The village of Burton Hartshorn, population 300, is as far off the beaten path as one can get.
That's why Robbie, manager of the town's post office/bakery/café, is so surprised to see a gorgeous American trying to locate Apple Tree Cottage, which used to belong to Maggie.
Maggie was Robbie's friend and surrogate grandmother. She made the best applesauce cake and gave Robbie much needed direction. Robbie's been bereft since Maggie's passing, but Jason intrigues him.
When Robbie and Jason are thrown together, they discover that their meeting is no accident.
Even though Maggie is on page only briefly, her presence shines through in the story. We learn more about her past and her connection to Jason and his family.
I felt like Maggie was a better developed character than either Robbie or Jason. Robbie is the fist-person narrator, so we are privy to his thought process, but Jason remained shrouded in mystery.
Jason is an author, but we never get a sense of the books he writes. He is wealthy, but we know next to nothing about his family and past.
Many of Jason and Robbie's interactions are summarized, and the steam/passion is almost nonexistent. This wasn't a surprise to me, as Scott's books are generally low on the steam, but I felt the lack strongly in this story.
There is plenty of sweetness here, and I would bill the ending a tentative HEA. I especially liked Robbie's many attempts at recreating Maggie's famous applesauce cake; he only gets it right when he bakes from his heart.
However, I wanted more focus on the relationship and definitely more spark between the MCs.
August 24, 2015
Very short and VERY sweet. I may have to see a dentist.
April 1, 2015
3.5 stars
This is an enjoyable little novella! I am quite familiar with Ms. Scott’s writing (although I haven’t read any of her stories for a year). It doesn’t mean that I don’t have any discontents, though. I’ll focus on those first.
I thought that Jason as a character wasn’t developed enough. Probably because the story was narrated from Robbie’s perspective and somehow it made me miss who Jason really was. It said that Jason was an author but I didn’t really get to know how successful he was, what kind of books he loved to write. Just the fact that Jason was writing something historical at the moment. Jason was also said to be very rich, that money was not a problem for him, but again, I didn’t get that from the story. There was one summarized paragraph on how Robbie and Jason connected and they talked about EVERYTHING. And all I could do as a reader was … “Say what?!? What is EVERYTHING??”
I also felt like I was missing the idea of this series – a tale of the curious cookbook – uhm, is it only because Robbie found that mysterious cookbook of Maggie’s? Will this be the kind of cookbook that is shared by different couples written by different authors? Is there something magical from the cookbook or is it stated as “curious” simply because the recipes there are written for different types of situations? I wish Ms. Scott explored that, especially since this is practically the first story of the series. It would be nice if there was a footing of it somehow. Even if the stories are meant to be stand-alone.
But despite those issues, I still found that there was something comforting in reading about two men in a quiet British village setting. I loved the relationship building – I loved that Robbie (with his red hair!!) always wanted someone who was quiet and could appreciate those rainy afternoons. And Robbie never thought he would find it in an American! Plus this little novella came to me right after I rated a book with 2.5*. So it felt like a wonderful remedy to my heart and soul.
Final thought, that lovely cover! Isn’t it a breath of fresh air, not having to stare at naked torsos? Or any facial expressions to be honest? I always love it when the MM romance covers don’t feature any men at all. So this one is just pretty for me and it’s actually the reason why I decided to read the whole series.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
This is an enjoyable little novella! I am quite familiar with Ms. Scott’s writing (although I haven’t read any of her stories for a year). It doesn’t mean that I don’t have any discontents, though. I’ll focus on those first.
I thought that Jason as a character wasn’t developed enough. Probably because the story was narrated from Robbie’s perspective and somehow it made me miss who Jason really was. It said that Jason was an author but I didn’t really get to know how successful he was, what kind of books he loved to write. Just the fact that Jason was writing something historical at the moment. Jason was also said to be very rich, that money was not a problem for him, but again, I didn’t get that from the story. There was one summarized paragraph on how Robbie and Jason connected and they talked about EVERYTHING. And all I could do as a reader was … “Say what?!? What is EVERYTHING??”
I also felt like I was missing the idea of this series – a tale of the curious cookbook – uhm, is it only because Robbie found that mysterious cookbook of Maggie’s? Will this be the kind of cookbook that is shared by different couples written by different authors? Is there something magical from the cookbook or is it stated as “curious” simply because the recipes there are written for different types of situations? I wish Ms. Scott explored that, especially since this is practically the first story of the series. It would be nice if there was a footing of it somehow. Even if the stories are meant to be stand-alone.
But despite those issues, I still found that there was something comforting in reading about two men in a quiet British village setting. I loved the relationship building – I loved that Robbie (with his red hair!!) always wanted someone who was quiet and could appreciate those rainy afternoons. And Robbie never thought he would find it in an American! Plus this little novella came to me right after I rated a book with 2.5*. So it felt like a wonderful remedy to my heart and soul.
Final thought, that lovely cover! Isn’t it a breath of fresh air, not having to stare at naked torsos? Or any facial expressions to be honest? I always love it when the MM romance covers don’t feature any men at all. So this one is just pretty for me and it’s actually the reason why I decided to read the whole series.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
July 21, 2016
3.5 Stars
Sweet as applesause cake and falling in love.
Sweet as applesause cake and falling in love.
April 5, 2015
A perfect afternoon read. No angst with charming characters. My only wish is that there were more. I would gladly read an extended version of this story.
April 1, 2015
I’m a sucker for anything with a WWII subplot.
July 19, 2015
Just because it's too small
May 12, 2015
I have a love of books set in the English countryside. I don't care which part of England, actually I like books set in the countryside anywhere in the UK. There is something about the romance of books with rural villages as their setting that make my heart sing. They are purely indulgent for me and I enjoy them unashamedly. Gossipy knitting circles, the pub that is the heart of the village, families that have known each other for decades or longer, newcomers, village schools...whatever stereotype is involved it's pretty much guaranteed I'm going to love it. I don't care that I've pretty much always lived in small English villages and know many of it to be er, shall go with, not entirely accurate (these days) I still love it.
This book was no exception, like others of its ilk it warmed the cockles of my heart. Take one local dealing with the death of an elderly neighbour, friend and bequeath-er (is that a word??? it is now), throw in an un-met American relative, a little bit of old lady magic and watch the sparks fly. I can't say how much I enjoyed this little gem, it's the perfect Sunday afternoon book, whether it be read lazing in a sunny garden with a nice glass of wine or curled up in front of a roaring fire with a cup of tea.
As well as watching Robbie and Jason fall in love we learn about Maggie's own lost love from seventy years prior. RJ Scott does a wonderful job of weaving the threads together. I have to say Maggie is a wonderful character and I love how her meddling ways set up Robbie and Jason - even though she is no longer with them.
I would say that to anybody who enjoys a good old fashioned love story then this is a story for you. Warm, moving and romantic, it is a beautiful little read.
This book was no exception, like others of its ilk it warmed the cockles of my heart. Take one local dealing with the death of an elderly neighbour, friend and bequeath-er (is that a word??? it is now), throw in an un-met American relative, a little bit of old lady magic and watch the sparks fly. I can't say how much I enjoyed this little gem, it's the perfect Sunday afternoon book, whether it be read lazing in a sunny garden with a nice glass of wine or curled up in front of a roaring fire with a cup of tea.
As well as watching Robbie and Jason fall in love we learn about Maggie's own lost love from seventy years prior. RJ Scott does a wonderful job of weaving the threads together. I have to say Maggie is a wonderful character and I love how her meddling ways set up Robbie and Jason - even though she is no longer with them.
I would say that to anybody who enjoys a good old fashioned love story then this is a story for you. Warm, moving and romantic, it is a beautiful little read.
January 8, 2022
Ich habe schon seit einer Weile mit dem Gedanken gespielt, ein Buch von RJ Scott zu lesen. Schlussendlich habe ich mich für »Für einen regnerischen Nachmittag« entschieden, da der Klappentext mich am meisten von ihren deutschsprachigen Büchern angesprochen hat. Leider wurde ich ziemlich schnell enttäuscht.
Das erste Kapitel besteht zu zwei Dritteln aus Infodump. Die erste Begegnung vor 10 Jahren zwischen Robbie und Maggie Simmons, einer alten Dame aus seinem Dorf, wird im Schnelldurchlauf erlebt, damit erklärt wird, wie Robbie zu seinem Job kam. Zurück in der Gegenwart trauert Robbie um sie, da sie gestorben ist, denkt aber gleichzeitig daran, dass er ja keinen Freund hat. Völlig zusammenhangslos. Ich habe die Stelle mal zitiert:
»Ich hatte ihr zugehört und jedes Wort hatte sich in meinem Herzen zu einem Ball der Trauer zusammengezogen und genauso war es geblieben. Der Tag, an dem wir Maggie Simmons zur Ruhe betteten, war hell und sonnig gewesen. Die vier Wochen seitdem waren die seltsamsten in meinem Leben. Ich hatte im Moment keinen festen Freund.«
– Scott, RJ. Für einen regnerischen Nachmittag (German Edition) (S.12). Love Lane Books Limited. Kindle-Version.
Direkt am Anfang des zweiten Kapitels habe ich das Buch abgebrochen. Der Stil ist für mein Empfinden zu unbeholfen, um ihn genießen zu können. Vor allem war ich genervt, dass die Tatsache, dass der Neuankömmling im Dorf »hübsch« ist, zu der Frage führt, was er dort will und nicht die Tatsache, dass er zu dem Haus der verstorbenen Maggie Simmons möchte.
»„Entschuldigen Sie bitte“, ertönte eine Stimme hinter mir und ich fuhr herum, um den Besitzer zu sehen. Hübsch. Mehr konnte ich in meinem überraschten „Was-um-Himmels-willen-macht-jemand-wie-er-hier“-Zustand nicht denken.
– Scott, RJ. Für einen regnerischen Nachmittag (German Edition) (S.16). Love Lane Books Limited. Kindle-Version.«
Ich kann das Buch leider nicht empfehlen und fand es schade, dass ich so enttäuscht wurde.
Das erste Kapitel besteht zu zwei Dritteln aus Infodump. Die erste Begegnung vor 10 Jahren zwischen Robbie und Maggie Simmons, einer alten Dame aus seinem Dorf, wird im Schnelldurchlauf erlebt, damit erklärt wird, wie Robbie zu seinem Job kam. Zurück in der Gegenwart trauert Robbie um sie, da sie gestorben ist, denkt aber gleichzeitig daran, dass er ja keinen Freund hat. Völlig zusammenhangslos. Ich habe die Stelle mal zitiert:
»Ich hatte ihr zugehört und jedes Wort hatte sich in meinem Herzen zu einem Ball der Trauer zusammengezogen und genauso war es geblieben. Der Tag, an dem wir Maggie Simmons zur Ruhe betteten, war hell und sonnig gewesen. Die vier Wochen seitdem waren die seltsamsten in meinem Leben. Ich hatte im Moment keinen festen Freund.«
– Scott, RJ. Für einen regnerischen Nachmittag (German Edition) (S.12). Love Lane Books Limited. Kindle-Version.
Direkt am Anfang des zweiten Kapitels habe ich das Buch abgebrochen. Der Stil ist für mein Empfinden zu unbeholfen, um ihn genießen zu können. Vor allem war ich genervt, dass die Tatsache, dass der Neuankömmling im Dorf »hübsch« ist, zu der Frage führt, was er dort will und nicht die Tatsache, dass er zu dem Haus der verstorbenen Maggie Simmons möchte.
»„Entschuldigen Sie bitte“, ertönte eine Stimme hinter mir und ich fuhr herum, um den Besitzer zu sehen. Hübsch. Mehr konnte ich in meinem überraschten „Was-um-Himmels-willen-macht-jemand-wie-er-hier“-Zustand nicht denken.
– Scott, RJ. Für einen regnerischen Nachmittag (German Edition) (S.16). Love Lane Books Limited. Kindle-Version.«
Ich kann das Buch leider nicht empfehlen und fand es schade, dass ich so enttäuscht wurde.
September 17, 2017
3.5 stars rounded down to 3 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
Things are looking up...
While 'Tales from the Curious Cookbook' is a series there really doesn't seem to be an order to how the stories are read. The connection from story to story is the cookbook but other than that the order is really flexible which is a good thing for me since I've just been clicking play on whatever title is next on the list.
'For a Rainy Afternoon' is R.J. Scott's contribution to this series and as with pretty much anything R.J. Scott, I very much enjoyed this one and I was treated to a new narrator. Ian Gordon was the narrator for this one and while I'm normally a sucker for a good British accent and there was definitely one or two of those. It was the voice of Jason Young the American that totally enchanted me and like Robbie MacIntyre I was more than happy just to sit back and listen to Jason talk.
good story + good narration = WIN!
Things are looking up...
While 'Tales from the Curious Cookbook' is a series there really doesn't seem to be an order to how the stories are read. The connection from story to story is the cookbook but other than that the order is really flexible which is a good thing for me since I've just been clicking play on whatever title is next on the list.
'For a Rainy Afternoon' is R.J. Scott's contribution to this series and as with pretty much anything R.J. Scott, I very much enjoyed this one and I was treated to a new narrator. Ian Gordon was the narrator for this one and while I'm normally a sucker for a good British accent and there was definitely one or two of those. It was the voice of Jason Young the American that totally enchanted me and like Robbie MacIntyre I was more than happy just to sit back and listen to Jason talk.
good story + good narration = WIN!
March 15, 2016
I'm all about the sweet and fluffy lately but I didn't really like this one all that much. I know this series is supposed to be about the fluff and now I'm worried it might be too much for me. This had potential but it kind of lost that potential about halfway through and became a little sickly sweet. There was also something about Robbie and Jason that was a bit meh, again at the start I was excited about them but they seemed to become very one dimensional and everything felt rushed. I found them to be very disappointing. Yes, it's only 60 odd pages but I have read shorts with a lot less pages and more rounded characters so I don't think length has anything to do with that.
And do not get me started on the Applesauce cake.
I did very much like the picture of an english village this painted in my mind though.
Pretty!!
March 8, 2017
Really lovely short story <3
November 18, 2017
This first book in the ‘Tales of the Curious Cookbook’ collection definitely worked its magic on me. Warm, gentle, and with some delicious mentions of wonderful recipes, it is an excellent representative of what I would call “comfort food of the mind”. While Robbie and Jason are the focus of the story, Maggie and the slightly mysterious selection of recipes she passes on to them are characters in their own right. As the blurb for the collection says: “Food created out of love casts a spell all its own, but Granny B’s recipes add a little something extra.”
Robbie is a bit of a lost soul. He is an artist at heart, but scared to show his drawings and paintings to the world. He lives in a charming small village in the English countryside, far away form the hustle and bustle of bigger towns and cities. The quiet life suits him, and since he manages the local post office/bookstore/café, he sees enough people to feel part of the community. When Maggie, the woman who made his life possible by offering him this job, dies and leaves him the building, he is shocked not just because he will miss her friendship, but because she made it possible for him to keep his means of making a living.
Then Jason appears, a young American author who is somehow related to Maggie, and now the owner of her cottage. Robbie likes him from the very first, and as they maneuver their way through s small disaster at the cottage, the discovery of some of Maggie’s belongings, and the secret of one of her favorite recipes, Robbie slowly falls in love.
As gentle as a summer rain, the relationship between Robbie and Jason was wonderful to watch. If you like stories set in small villages located in the countryside, if two men from opposite ends of the world coming together and finding common ground is your thing, and if you’re looking for a food-centric and very tasteful romance with lots of discoveries and significant but understated passion, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Robbie is a bit of a lost soul. He is an artist at heart, but scared to show his drawings and paintings to the world. He lives in a charming small village in the English countryside, far away form the hustle and bustle of bigger towns and cities. The quiet life suits him, and since he manages the local post office/bookstore/café, he sees enough people to feel part of the community. When Maggie, the woman who made his life possible by offering him this job, dies and leaves him the building, he is shocked not just because he will miss her friendship, but because she made it possible for him to keep his means of making a living.
Then Jason appears, a young American author who is somehow related to Maggie, and now the owner of her cottage. Robbie likes him from the very first, and as they maneuver their way through s small disaster at the cottage, the discovery of some of Maggie’s belongings, and the secret of one of her favorite recipes, Robbie slowly falls in love.
As gentle as a summer rain, the relationship between Robbie and Jason was wonderful to watch. If you like stories set in small villages located in the countryside, if two men from opposite ends of the world coming together and finding common ground is your thing, and if you’re looking for a food-centric and very tasteful romance with lots of discoveries and significant but understated passion, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 28, 2015
That was lovely. It made me feel very happy. Recipes very easily can be just like a magic spells.
I am definitely reading the others.
I am definitely reading the others.
September 26, 2018
3 e 1/2
"Non ero mai tanto felice come quando avevo il naso in un libro, del tè accanto e forse un paio di biscotti al cioccolato su un piatto. Aggiungeteci della pioggia contro la finestra ed ero in paradiso."
Quando sei reduce da una luuunga e deludente lettura non c'è niente di meglio di queste storie brevi e dolci per ridarti la carica! ;D Tanto più che qui ci sono molti elementi che mi porto nel cuore, come la malinconica campagna inglese con la sua immancabile dolce pioggerellina e la dolce e un filo aspra torta di mele (del misterioso ricettario intorno cui gira la serie *ç*)! Non guasta il fatto che abbia già conosciuto e apprezzato l'autrice in altre opere e che mostra anche in una manciata di pagine il suo stile: romantica al punto giusto la storia tra Jason e Robbie, ma ancora più appassionante il personaggio di Maggie che pervade tutto il racconto ;D
"Non ero mai tanto felice come quando avevo il naso in un libro, del tè accanto e forse un paio di biscotti al cioccolato su un piatto. Aggiungeteci della pioggia contro la finestra ed ero in paradiso."
Quando sei reduce da una luuunga e deludente lettura non c'è niente di meglio di queste storie brevi e dolci per ridarti la carica! ;D Tanto più che qui ci sono molti elementi che mi porto nel cuore, come la malinconica campagna inglese con la sua immancabile dolce pioggerellina e la dolce e un filo aspra torta di mele (del misterioso ricettario intorno cui gira la serie *ç*)! Non guasta il fatto che abbia già conosciuto e apprezzato l'autrice in altre opere e che mostra anche in una manciata di pagine il suo stile: romantica al punto giusto la storia tra Jason e Robbie, ma ancora più appassionante il personaggio di Maggie che pervade tutto il racconto ;D
February 21, 2016
Perfect story for a rainy afternoon. Sweet and romantic with a touch a mystery.
March 7, 2017
Eine unerwartete Begegnung und eine unerwartete Erbschaft ereilen den Künstler Robbie, der in einem verschlafenen Nest in der englischen Provinz lebt. Seit Jahren hat er für Maggie gearbeitet und eine enge Freundschaft mit ihr gepflegt. Doch nun ist Maggie tot und er einer ihrer Erben. Der andere Erbe ist ein junger Amerikaner – Jason, der entfernt mit Maggie verwandt ist.
Jason, der eigentlich Maggies Haus geerbt hat, wird schon in der ersten Nacht obdachlos, als ein Wasserschaden ihn aus dem Haus zwingt. Robbie nimmt Jason sofort bei sich auf und gibt ihm Obdach und schnell entwickelt sich eine Freundschaft zwischen den beiden Männern. Gemeinsam versuchen sie auch Maggies Geheimnisse und Geschichte zu ergründen, die weit in die Vergangenheit zurückreicht und Stoff für eine neues Buch bieten.
Für mich war dieser Kurzroman bezaubernd geschrieben und ich fand die Helden sehr sympathisch und liebenswert. Es fehlt ihnen leider ein wenig an Tiefe und man erfährt zwar sehr viel über die verstorbene Maggie, weniger jedoch über Robbie und Jason. Das ist sehr schade und nimmt dem Buch auch etwas von seinem Charme. Die Handlung plätschert tatsächlich dahin und es gibt jetzt keine dramatischen Wendungen, Schurken oder sinnbefreite Verwicklungen.
Dafür erlebt man eben wie Jason und Robbie sich näherkommen und dabei in die Lebensgeschichte von Maggie und
Diese Art von Geschichte kann man mögen – oder eben nicht. Es hängt sicherlich auch von der augenblicklichen Stimmung des Lesers ab. Für mich war sie perfekt und mir hat sie auch sehr gut gefallen. Weniger gefallen hat mir die Übersetzung. Einige Formulierungen waren sehr ruppig, andere Ausdrucksweisen etwas unpassend.
Insgesamt habe ich mich jedoch gut unterhalten gefühlt und RJ Scott bleibt auf jeden Fall auf meinem Radar. Geschrieben hat sie ja genug.
Jason, der eigentlich Maggies Haus geerbt hat, wird schon in der ersten Nacht obdachlos, als ein Wasserschaden ihn aus dem Haus zwingt. Robbie nimmt Jason sofort bei sich auf und gibt ihm Obdach und schnell entwickelt sich eine Freundschaft zwischen den beiden Männern. Gemeinsam versuchen sie auch Maggies Geheimnisse und Geschichte zu ergründen, die weit in die Vergangenheit zurückreicht und Stoff für eine neues Buch bieten.
Für mich war dieser Kurzroman bezaubernd geschrieben und ich fand die Helden sehr sympathisch und liebenswert. Es fehlt ihnen leider ein wenig an Tiefe und man erfährt zwar sehr viel über die verstorbene Maggie, weniger jedoch über Robbie und Jason. Das ist sehr schade und nimmt dem Buch auch etwas von seinem Charme. Die Handlung plätschert tatsächlich dahin und es gibt jetzt keine dramatischen Wendungen, Schurken oder sinnbefreite Verwicklungen.
Dafür erlebt man eben wie Jason und Robbie sich näherkommen und dabei in die Lebensgeschichte von Maggie und
Diese Art von Geschichte kann man mögen – oder eben nicht. Es hängt sicherlich auch von der augenblicklichen Stimmung des Lesers ab. Für mich war sie perfekt und mir hat sie auch sehr gut gefallen. Weniger gefallen hat mir die Übersetzung. Einige Formulierungen waren sehr ruppig, andere Ausdrucksweisen etwas unpassend.
Insgesamt habe ich mich jedoch gut unterhalten gefühlt und RJ Scott bleibt auf jeden Fall auf meinem Radar. Geschrieben hat sie ja genug.
March 16, 2020
Un inizio di serie davvero molto tenera e con un'intensa quantità di dolcezza.
April 20, 2015
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
The first book in the new series, Tales of the Curious Cookbook, this story takes place in England where Robbie MacIntyre manages a small post office-slash-bookstore-slash-coffee-shop-slash-art gallery in the old Station House owned by his good friend Maggie Simmons. He’s been doing this work for about ten years—ever since Maggie offered him the position to help ground him when he was at loose ends after he graduated with a degree in art. He’s devastated when Maggie passes away and even more shocked when he finds out that she’s left the Station House to him.
But more intriguing is the fact that she left her home, Apple Tree Cottage, to an American. Jason Young is the great grandson of Maggie’s sister who immigrated to America after the war. He’s a writer who happens to be gorgeous and in need of help when the water tank at the cottage rusts out and floods the place. Robbie offers him a place to stay and a shoulder to lean on, and the two become friends.
While the cottage is being worked on, they retrieve a box holding several rare first editions of one of Robbie’s favorite mystery writers and an old handwritten cookbook, Recipes for the Heart: Mystical Meals and Dangerous Desserts, by Granny B. The book is organized by sections and marked by emotions. For example, there are recipes for foods that are for sadness, or finding what was lost, or inspiring passion. The one Robbie most likes is for applesauce cake because it was Maggie’s favorite, and he hasn’t been able to match it exactly even though she had given him the recipe. This cake is for finding love. The mystery in this story is what happens when the guys stumble upon information about Maggie’s past which includes a lost love and a separation from her sister and her family. There’s humor and heartache, romance, and adventure to be found. And when the new recipe for applesauce cake, aka the recipe for love, is followed, the boys finally find their way to their HEA.
This is a sweet short story, perfect as the kickoff for the new series. RJ Scott’s style is very evident throughout the story up to and including the building of a wonderfully matched pair of MCs. I recommend this to all who enjoy a bit of a history mystery and a little whimsy with their M/M romance.
3.5 stars
The first book in the new series, Tales of the Curious Cookbook, this story takes place in England where Robbie MacIntyre manages a small post office-slash-bookstore-slash-coffee-shop-slash-art gallery in the old Station House owned by his good friend Maggie Simmons. He’s been doing this work for about ten years—ever since Maggie offered him the position to help ground him when he was at loose ends after he graduated with a degree in art. He’s devastated when Maggie passes away and even more shocked when he finds out that she’s left the Station House to him.
But more intriguing is the fact that she left her home, Apple Tree Cottage, to an American. Jason Young is the great grandson of Maggie’s sister who immigrated to America after the war. He’s a writer who happens to be gorgeous and in need of help when the water tank at the cottage rusts out and floods the place. Robbie offers him a place to stay and a shoulder to lean on, and the two become friends.
While the cottage is being worked on, they retrieve a box holding several rare first editions of one of Robbie’s favorite mystery writers and an old handwritten cookbook, Recipes for the Heart: Mystical Meals and Dangerous Desserts, by Granny B. The book is organized by sections and marked by emotions. For example, there are recipes for foods that are for sadness, or finding what was lost, or inspiring passion. The one Robbie most likes is for applesauce cake because it was Maggie’s favorite, and he hasn’t been able to match it exactly even though she had given him the recipe. This cake is for finding love. The mystery in this story is what happens when the guys stumble upon information about Maggie’s past which includes a lost love and a separation from her sister and her family. There’s humor and heartache, romance, and adventure to be found. And when the new recipe for applesauce cake, aka the recipe for love, is followed, the boys finally find their way to their HEA.
This is a sweet short story, perfect as the kickoff for the new series. RJ Scott’s style is very evident throughout the story up to and including the building of a wonderfully matched pair of MCs. I recommend this to all who enjoy a bit of a history mystery and a little whimsy with their M/M romance.
3.5 stars
November 22, 2015
Robbie is a rootless artist who is gifted a benefactor in the form of 80 year old Maggie. She and her ladies read and drink tea at the Post Office/Library she sets up in an old train station. Robbie runs the place and lives in the apartment above it – giving him time and space to paint. This works excellently for 10 years until Maggie dies. She then gifts the entire place to him in her will along with some enigmatic papers and instructions.
Jason, an American, is a long lost distant great-grand-nephew to Maggie. He’s gifted her house and the other half of the enigmatic papers and instructions. Under suspicious circumstances the house he inherits needs massive renovations and he’s forced to seek shelter with Robbie.
Well, it’s a match made in heaven… literally? The two get along great and end up solving Maggie’s “mystery” and living HEA.
**
RJ is a great writer and this short little story is a wonderful example. It’s sweet, very British: full of tea, cold weather and old things! Though the romance between them is quick, and I wish that there was more character development and maybe some more smexy times, but I enjoyed the setting and the sentiment very much.
Jason, an American, is a long lost distant great-grand-nephew to Maggie. He’s gifted her house and the other half of the enigmatic papers and instructions. Under suspicious circumstances the house he inherits needs massive renovations and he’s forced to seek shelter with Robbie.
Well, it’s a match made in heaven… literally? The two get along great and end up solving Maggie’s “mystery” and living HEA.
**
RJ is a great writer and this short little story is a wonderful example. It’s sweet, very British: full of tea, cold weather and old things! Though the romance between them is quick, and I wish that there was more character development and maybe some more smexy times, but I enjoyed the setting and the sentiment very much.
October 21, 2015
This was sweet, although not my favorite of this series. I was worried the guys weren't gonna do ANY cooking! I don't feel like the recipe (spell) played as integral a role in this book as in some others. I enjoyed this as a short and sweet audio, and liked the little mystery side-plot about Maggie's life.
I thought that Ian Gordon did a nice job with the narration, he had a nice British accent and was able to pull-off an American one without sounding constipated. There weren't really highs and lows in emotions in this story( as there are in some others from this series) so I wasn't 'wowed. But it was nice.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
Part of the Tales of the Curious Cookbook anthology, I liked 4/5 of the stories.
I thought that Ian Gordon did a nice job with the narration, he had a nice British accent and was able to pull-off an American one without sounding constipated. There weren't really highs and lows in emotions in this story( as there are in some others from this series) so I wasn't 'wowed. But it was nice.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
Part of the Tales of the Curious Cookbook anthology, I liked 4/5 of the stories.
July 24, 2018
Rating: 2.5 stars
This book was just meh for me. The whole book was pretty blah. Of the two MCs, Jason seemed the most interesting but unfortunately the story was told from Robbie’s perspective. There just wasn’t anything to his personality that made him interesting. It set the tone for the whole story. Really there wasn’t anything memorable about the story at all. I have already forgotten most of it and I just finished it five minutes ago.
This book was just meh for me. The whole book was pretty blah. Of the two MCs, Jason seemed the most interesting but unfortunately the story was told from Robbie’s perspective. There just wasn’t anything to his personality that made him interesting. It set the tone for the whole story. Really there wasn’t anything memorable about the story at all. I have already forgotten most of it and I just finished it five minutes ago.
August 22, 2015
Sweet story, I liked Robbie very much. Sure it is a short novel but it is lacking of structure. We deduce a grand love and mystery story and Maggie is a fascinating character, but all is so sketchy; Jason's character, for example seem a spook seen how little we know of him. However I enjoyed the reading.
July 15, 2021
Story 3 stars
Narration 1.5 stars
Narration 1.5 stars
February 12, 2016
Good start to the series
September 16, 2016
3.5 Stars
October 29, 2017
lettura molto piacevole,indecisa tra 3 e 4 stelle ho deciso x 4 per la scrittura e la cura del romanzo
October 9, 2017
Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Questa nuova novella, dedicata all’ormai famoso ricettario di Nonna B., è stata affidata alla penna di RJ Scott che, dopo Amy Lane e Marie Sexton, trasporta le ricette in Inghilterra per dar vita ad una storia dolce e romantica tra un artista che gestisce un piccolo ufficio postale e un ricco scrittore di New York.
In una settantina di pagine dove l’intera narrazione è affidata al pov di Robbie, veniamo trasportati nella brughiera inglese tra cottage, pub e frutteti. In un paesino dove tutti conoscono tutti e dove l’ufficio postale ha annessa una mini biblioteca con bar dove poter sorseggiare una tazza di tè nei piovosi pomeriggi autunnali. Robbie è un artista, ma non brama le luci della ribalta e limita la vendita dei suoi acquerelli. Ha trovato il suo posto nel mondo a Barton Hartshorn quando Maggie ha avuto l’idea dell’ufficio postale nel vecchio edifico della stazione ferroviaria, dieci anni prima. L’arrivo di Jason, parente alla lontana di Maggie, a rivendicare parte dell’eredità sconvolge, in positivo, la tranquilla routine di Robbie, portandolo a provare, in breve tempo, forti emozioni e sentimenti sconosciuti. Purtroppo vista la brevità del racconto il personaggio di Jason viene a perdere profondità e lo si conosce solo superficialmente in relazione a Robbie, senza che abbia il suo spazio nella novella.
Una storia romantica dove il sentimento tra i due protagonisti nasce subito, ma si evolve lentamente in un gioco di sguardi, carezze e lenti baci. Raccomandato per i romantici e per chi crede che un tazza di tè e una fetta di torta di mele fatta con il cuore possano essere la ricetta ideale per i pomeriggi di pioggia.
Questa nuova novella, dedicata all’ormai famoso ricettario di Nonna B., è stata affidata alla penna di RJ Scott che, dopo Amy Lane e Marie Sexton, trasporta le ricette in Inghilterra per dar vita ad una storia dolce e romantica tra un artista che gestisce un piccolo ufficio postale e un ricco scrittore di New York.
In una settantina di pagine dove l’intera narrazione è affidata al pov di Robbie, veniamo trasportati nella brughiera inglese tra cottage, pub e frutteti. In un paesino dove tutti conoscono tutti e dove l’ufficio postale ha annessa una mini biblioteca con bar dove poter sorseggiare una tazza di tè nei piovosi pomeriggi autunnali. Robbie è un artista, ma non brama le luci della ribalta e limita la vendita dei suoi acquerelli. Ha trovato il suo posto nel mondo a Barton Hartshorn quando Maggie ha avuto l’idea dell’ufficio postale nel vecchio edifico della stazione ferroviaria, dieci anni prima. L’arrivo di Jason, parente alla lontana di Maggie, a rivendicare parte dell’eredità sconvolge, in positivo, la tranquilla routine di Robbie, portandolo a provare, in breve tempo, forti emozioni e sentimenti sconosciuti. Purtroppo vista la brevità del racconto il personaggio di Jason viene a perdere profondità e lo si conosce solo superficialmente in relazione a Robbie, senza che abbia il suo spazio nella novella.
Una storia romantica dove il sentimento tra i due protagonisti nasce subito, ma si evolve lentamente in un gioco di sguardi, carezze e lenti baci. Raccomandato per i romantici e per chi crede che un tazza di tè e una fetta di torta di mele fatta con il cuore possano essere la ricetta ideale per i pomeriggi di pioggia.
September 24, 2017
My Quickie Review:
Overall: 3.5
Performance: 3.25
Story: 3.5
This was a quick, quirky little story. Robbie lives in a tiny little English village where he runs the local post office. When his benefactor dies, her death brings some interesting changes...most notably his new neighbor, Jason.
This one was different from the other two stories that I've read in this anthology in that this one is set in England. Having lived in England for two years where I remember the tiny little villages just like this one with fondness, reading this book was like a little mini-vacay back there. I loved that aspect of it.
It's a quick story, a sweet romance, and a fun diversion for a couple of hours.
Overall: 3.5
Performance: 3.25
Story: 3.5
This was a quick, quirky little story. Robbie lives in a tiny little English village where he runs the local post office. When his benefactor dies, her death brings some interesting changes...most notably his new neighbor, Jason.
This one was different from the other two stories that I've read in this anthology in that this one is set in England. Having lived in England for two years where I remember the tiny little villages just like this one with fondness, reading this book was like a little mini-vacay back there. I loved that aspect of it.
It's a quick story, a sweet romance, and a fun diversion for a couple of hours.
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