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Tales of the Curious Cookbook #2
De la nourriture pour l'esprit (Contes d'un étrange livre de cuisine t. 2)
Contes d'un étrange livre de cuisine, numéro hors série
Emmett Gant avait l’intention de dire à son père quelque chose de vraiment important un dimanche matin… Mais son père est décédé avant qu’il ait pu le lui dire. À présent, près de trois ans plus tard, il ne semble pas savoir avec qui il devrait être… la fille aux joues comme des pommes et son impressionnante famille ou Keegan, son voisin narquois, qui ne voit jamais sa famille, mais qui le rend vraiment heureux juste en venant discuter avec lui.
Emmett a vraiment besoin de clarté.
Heureusement pour lui, la mère de son meilleur ami a un livre de cuisine qui promet de lui donner de la bonne nourriture et de la perspicacité. Emmett est intrigué. Le livre le suit chez lui et Keegan et lui décident de faire la recette « Pour plus de clarté » et ce qui s’ensuit est à la fois très clair et un peu surprenant, surtout pour la petite amie d’Emmett. Ce dernier va devoir réfléchir à son passé et à la chose vraiment importante qu’il n’a pas pu dire à son père s’il veut obtenir la recette de l’amour juste.
Emmett Gant avait l’intention de dire à son père quelque chose de vraiment important un dimanche matin… Mais son père est décédé avant qu’il ait pu le lui dire. À présent, près de trois ans plus tard, il ne semble pas savoir avec qui il devrait être… la fille aux joues comme des pommes et son impressionnante famille ou Keegan, son voisin narquois, qui ne voit jamais sa famille, mais qui le rend vraiment heureux juste en venant discuter avec lui.
Emmett a vraiment besoin de clarté.
Heureusement pour lui, la mère de son meilleur ami a un livre de cuisine qui promet de lui donner de la bonne nourriture et de la perspicacité. Emmett est intrigué. Le livre le suit chez lui et Keegan et lui décident de faire la recette « Pour plus de clarté » et ce qui s’ensuit est à la fois très clair et un peu surprenant, surtout pour la petite amie d’Emmett. Ce dernier va devoir réfléchir à son passé et à la chose vraiment importante qu’il n’a pas pu dire à son père s’il veut obtenir la recette de l’amour juste.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2015
22 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,487 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 24, 2015
~4.5~
All Emmett has ever wanted is a family, a big, close-knit, rowdy group that hugs and talks and cooks together. Raised by a taciturn, withdrawn father, Emmett has had enough silence for a lifetime.
After his heart is broken by the mysterious Jordyn and his father dies, Emmett vows to belong.
What Emmett doesn't realize is that he already has a family. His childhood friend Vinnie and Vinnie's parents and siblings have long ago embraced Emmett as one of their own.
Emmett means well, but watching him interact with his girlfriend Christine and best friend Keegan was a form of slow torture.
Even Emmett's cat, the feisty, punitive George (that's Madame George, if you please), knows better.
Stay with me; this story calls for a cat cuddle.
And then there's Keegan.
Keegan, Emmett's neighbor and best friend, deserves his own T-shirt! He is adorably snarky and insanely patient. In his tiny briefs and colorful tank tops, Keegan is hard to resist.
How has Emmett managed for so long?
This is a SWEET Amy Lane story, and those are my favorite.
This is a novella, but it reads at once longer and shorter than its 1,300 locations, longer because the characters feel real and are well developed, and shorter because it's so entertaining and well written (of course!), the words just flow and before you know it, the story's over.
I loved everything about Food for Thought: the grumpy cat, the hilarious banter between Keegan and Emmett, the beet explosion (yes, BEETS; don't ask), and the rather HUNGRY, dirty (very dirty in more ways than one!) sex.
Hell, I even liked Christine the girlfriend, especially after she left.
Emmett seeks clarity in a recipe from a family cookbook passed on to him by Vinnie's supportive, awesome mom.
But what Emmett finally comes to realize is that clarity is sometimes found in the mishaps and messes, in friendship, and in the real acceptance of a boy who's loved you all along.
Rounding down only because I wanted MORE, more Vinnie, more George the cat, and certainly more Keegan and Emmett.
All Emmett has ever wanted is a family, a big, close-knit, rowdy group that hugs and talks and cooks together. Raised by a taciturn, withdrawn father, Emmett has had enough silence for a lifetime.
After his heart is broken by the mysterious Jordyn and his father dies, Emmett vows to belong.
You didn't come home in 107 degree heat of a blistering July and heat your kitchen because you were looking to eat right. You did it to be kind to someone. You did it for love.
What Emmett doesn't realize is that he already has a family. His childhood friend Vinnie and Vinnie's parents and siblings have long ago embraced Emmett as one of their own.
Emmett means well, but watching him interact with his girlfriend Christine and best friend Keegan was a form of slow torture.
Even Emmett's cat, the feisty, punitive George (that's Madame George, if you please), knows better.
Stay with me; this story calls for a cat cuddle.
And then there's Keegan.
Keegan, Emmett's neighbor and best friend, deserves his own T-shirt! He is adorably snarky and insanely patient. In his tiny briefs and colorful tank tops, Keegan is hard to resist.
How has Emmett managed for so long?
Keegan rolled his eyes. "Emmett, after we wash dishes, can we have sex?"
"God, yes. Please."
"Then I've had all the food I need."
This is a SWEET Amy Lane story, and those are my favorite.
This is a novella, but it reads at once longer and shorter than its 1,300 locations, longer because the characters feel real and are well developed, and shorter because it's so entertaining and well written (of course!), the words just flow and before you know it, the story's over.
I loved everything about Food for Thought: the grumpy cat, the hilarious banter between Keegan and Emmett, the beet explosion (yes, BEETS; don't ask), and the rather HUNGRY, dirty (very dirty in more ways than one!) sex.
Hell, I even liked Christine the girlfriend, especially after she left.
Emmett seeks clarity in a recipe from a family cookbook passed on to him by Vinnie's supportive, awesome mom.
But what Emmett finally comes to realize is that clarity is sometimes found in the mishaps and messes, in friendship, and in the real acceptance of a boy who's loved you all along.
Rounding down only because I wanted MORE, more Vinnie, more George the cat, and certainly more Keegan and Emmett.
April 13, 2015
This is a short story with one of the type of MCs that Amy Lane does so well - the guy who seems to be doing all right, but hides a little well of past pain under a surface of coping. Emmett spent his childhood years after his mother's death feeling lonely, living with his caring but distant and silent father, and taking crumbs of comfort from the wonderful big family of his best friend. Over time, Emmett has decided that the thing he wants most when he grows up is to create that kind of big family for himself, the kind where there will be kids and food and laughter and people, and no one will live in silent loneliness.
The problem is, Emmett thinks the only way to have the kind of family he wants is to marry a girl and have children to raise in the cradle of her large family and relations. And that would be fine, if he was even a little bit attracted to girls. But he's got himself into a mess, dating a woman who is everything he wants and needs, except that she's not a man. Emmet lies to his friends, to her, and to himself about who he is and where this is going to go. And the fall-out may not be pretty. Fortunately he has good friends, including his flamboyantly gay neighbor Keegan, to help him figure it out.
This is Amy-light, with low-key angst, a cute grumpy cat, some fortunate disasters, and a happy ending. I felt really badly for the girlfriend right from the start, knowing it wouldn't turn out well for her, but the love story is funny and sweetly warm, and short. A little taste of sugar for a day when you're in the mood for that.
The problem is, Emmett thinks the only way to have the kind of family he wants is to marry a girl and have children to raise in the cradle of her large family and relations. And that would be fine, if he was even a little bit attracted to girls. But he's got himself into a mess, dating a woman who is everything he wants and needs, except that she's not a man. Emmet lies to his friends, to her, and to himself about who he is and where this is going to go. And the fall-out may not be pretty. Fortunately he has good friends, including his flamboyantly gay neighbor Keegan, to help him figure it out.
This is Amy-light, with low-key angst, a cute grumpy cat, some fortunate disasters, and a happy ending. I felt really badly for the girlfriend right from the start, knowing it wouldn't turn out well for her, but the love story is funny and sweetly warm, and short. A little taste of sugar for a day when you're in the mood for that.
April 8, 2015
3.5 stars
I fell in love with the cover of these series. Plus, I am familiar with all of the authors involved, although interestingly, I have NOT read their stories in quite a while. Yes, I have not read Amy Lane in over a year – I know she is a fan favorite in the genre but her stories are no longer what I am looking for. Not a sign of her quality writing of course, it’s just that, well, taste changes. Right? Anyway, so yes, this is my first Amy Lane since 2013.
This novella can easily be read as stand-alone (the first entry of Tale of the Curious Cookbook is written by R.J. Scott: For a Rainy Afternoon) because the only similarity in them is the cookbook. I thought the origin of the cookbook and how it can be ‘owned’ by different people is better explained in this one (compared to R.J. Scott’s). Recipes for the Heart: Mystical Meals and Dangerous Desserts, by Granny B is copied and passed on to family members, friends, relatives … and each recipe for different kind of situations: For Rainy Days, For Courting …
… and in Emmett’s case, he would need Food For Thoughts… for clarity.
Emmett needs it; he has wanted to have a big loud family for such a long time, ever since his mother left him, and his father, though loved him, was not very much of a talker. It had been quiet at Emmett’s house. Sure, Emmett has a good friend whose family welcome him with open arms, invite him to big shindigs and all. But Emmett wants his own, even if he must deny his own sexuality and dated a girl for it –she has awesome family that Emmett can be part of. Then there is Keegan, his snarky neighbor. Who may not have the big family Emmett wants, but whom Emmett feels so right to be with whenever they are doing things together.
This novella is opened with quite a sad scene. I immediately had tears in my eyes (damn you Amy Lane!). But no worries, in overall it is angst-lite story. I liked being involved in Emmett’s journey as he finally learned that he already had a family of his own. Maybe it started small, just two people, but family could be expanded with friends and other people who are important. It was wonderful when Emmett realized that.
Keegan was loud and colorful enough to brighten Emmett’s life. I loved the way he pushed his way in. I loved the contrast of Keegan and Emmett’s description of his own father, so for Emmett, he knows that there will be no more silent moments with Keegan in his life.
This could be a 4-stars read if not for one PERSONAL issue. I’m not really comfortable with the girlfriend situation. I am not a huge fan of one person being hurt in order for the main couple to be together (. Duly noted that the girlfriend is not portrayed as a villain (it is one of my pet peeves in MM romance. I am a woman, I refuse to feel happy whenever my gender being written with bad lights, except if, you know, it’s part of a thriller/fantasy context maybe, because villain chick in that way could be cool) … but I still would like it better if such plot doesn’t exist altogether.
As always, it’s a personal thing and may not be an issue for most readers. It’s still a good read, likable characters, sexy moments, and a CAT :).
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I fell in love with the cover of these series. Plus, I am familiar with all of the authors involved, although interestingly, I have NOT read their stories in quite a while. Yes, I have not read Amy Lane in over a year – I know she is a fan favorite in the genre but her stories are no longer what I am looking for. Not a sign of her quality writing of course, it’s just that, well, taste changes. Right? Anyway, so yes, this is my first Amy Lane since 2013.
This novella can easily be read as stand-alone (the first entry of Tale of the Curious Cookbook is written by R.J. Scott: For a Rainy Afternoon) because the only similarity in them is the cookbook. I thought the origin of the cookbook and how it can be ‘owned’ by different people is better explained in this one (compared to R.J. Scott’s). Recipes for the Heart: Mystical Meals and Dangerous Desserts, by Granny B is copied and passed on to family members, friends, relatives … and each recipe for different kind of situations: For Rainy Days, For Courting …
… and in Emmett’s case, he would need Food For Thoughts… for clarity.
Emmett needs it; he has wanted to have a big loud family for such a long time, ever since his mother left him, and his father, though loved him, was not very much of a talker. It had been quiet at Emmett’s house. Sure, Emmett has a good friend whose family welcome him with open arms, invite him to big shindigs and all. But Emmett wants his own, even if he must deny his own sexuality and dated a girl for it –she has awesome family that Emmett can be part of. Then there is Keegan, his snarky neighbor. Who may not have the big family Emmett wants, but whom Emmett feels so right to be with whenever they are doing things together.
This novella is opened with quite a sad scene. I immediately had tears in my eyes (damn you Amy Lane!). But no worries, in overall it is angst-lite story. I liked being involved in Emmett’s journey as he finally learned that he already had a family of his own. Maybe it started small, just two people, but family could be expanded with friends and other people who are important. It was wonderful when Emmett realized that.
Keegan was loud and colorful enough to brighten Emmett’s life. I loved the way he pushed his way in. I loved the contrast of Keegan and Emmett’s description of his own father, so for Emmett, he knows that there will be no more silent moments with Keegan in his life.
This could be a 4-stars read if not for one PERSONAL issue. I’m not really comfortable with the girlfriend situation. I am not a huge fan of one person being hurt in order for the main couple to be together (. Duly noted that the girlfriend is not portrayed as a villain (it is one of my pet peeves in MM romance. I am a woman, I refuse to feel happy whenever my gender being written with bad lights, except if, you know, it’s part of a thriller/fantasy context maybe, because villain chick in that way could be cool) … but I still would like it better if such plot doesn’t exist altogether.
As always, it’s a personal thing and may not be an issue for most readers. It’s still a good read, likable characters, sexy moments, and a CAT :).
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
August 10, 2016
I quite enjoyed this latest light, fluffy read from Amy.
Emmett knew that he was loved growing up; however, it's one thing to know it and another to have it shown to you, regularly and with feeling.
Emmett's mother left when he was very young, so he was left to be raised by his stoic, quiet father. But children need to be shown that they're loved and feel it in their little bones, so Emmett began to gravitate toward his best friend Vinnie's family home more often than his own.
There he was shown, without a doubt, that he was loved by their entire large family, while his dad mostly watched and waited for him on their front porch next door. Showing him that he is loved, but unable to express it.
But after having his heart broken by his first boyfriend, Jordyn, his college roommate, before he could come out to his father, he's devastated and climbs back into the closet.
After college, Emmett begins dating a woman, Christine (aka "Chris-thing"), as his adorable, flaming next door neighbor, Keegan, refers to her.
Keegan has always been there for Emmett, from the day he broke down shortly after moving into his new home, missing his recently-departed father. And Emmett regularly uses his free time, which could be spent with Christine, to spend time with Keegan. And Keegan does notice.
And Keegan isn't the only who doesn't like "Chris-thing". Emmett's sassy, vindictive cat, George, also hates her with a fiery vengeance; pooping on any item that she leaves behind.
Everything finally comes to a head while Emmett and Keegan are trying out recipes from a family heirloom cookbook from Vinnie's mother. Queue squishy lube sounds and a girl screaming from shock in 3... 2... 1... GO!
The story was short and sweet, with very little angst, but I definitely felt the connection between Emmett and Keegan.
And after reading this book, I will NEVER, EVER, EVER make beet porridge in my own kitchen, thank you very much. ;- )
It did lead to some HOT, flip-floppy sex, but my anal-retentive (shut up) side kept screaming, "OMG, beet juice on white carpeting, white walls and white sheets???" hehe
4 *beet-stain-red* stars for this sweet and sexy read.
-----------------------------------------
** My ARC copy of the book was provided to me by the publisher for a fair, unbiased review.
April 9, 2015
This was a great light and sweet Amy Lane short story and I really enjoyed it. Considering its short length the characters were developed pretty well and I really felt Emmet's and Keegan's connection.
I think we can all agree that the one sex scene in this book counts for ten. Plus, I don't think I 'll ever look at beets the same way ever again. Beets...on the floor, walls, kitchen cabinets and appliances....on the sheets, on their clothes...on the cat maybe?? Yeah, this gives dirty sex a whole new meaning but I Ioved it.
I also loved George the cat, Vinnie and his family but I could really do without the girlfriend part. The story with Jordyn, Emmet's boyfriend from college that left him, kind of broke my heart. I wish we could get his story, although I don't think it would be a light one...
Also, I felt that it ended a bit abruptly. I was really looking forward to Keegan meeting Emmet's family.
Overall, a realyll great read. Just what I needed...
I think we can all agree that the one sex scene in this book counts for ten. Plus, I don't think I 'll ever look at beets the same way ever again. Beets...on the floor, walls, kitchen cabinets and appliances....on the sheets, on their clothes...on the cat maybe?? Yeah, this gives dirty sex a whole new meaning but I Ioved it.
I also loved George the cat, Vinnie and his family but I could really do without the girlfriend part. The story with Jordyn, Emmet's boyfriend from college that left him, kind of broke my heart. I wish we could get his story, although I don't think it would be a light one...
Also, I felt that it ended a bit abruptly. I was really looking forward to Keegan meeting Emmet's family.
Overall, a realyll great read. Just what I needed...
June 8, 2015
Nope.
Cheating isn't my thing.
Cheating isn't my thing.
September 5, 2017
Oh, this one's adorable...
Amy Lane does family like few others do. There's the family you're given and the family you make. Sometimes you got to love and keep both but often times it's the one you make that nourishes your soul.
I really enjoyed this one. It was a bit of a slow burn on but worth the wait when things finally came together. As always Ms Lane knew what she was doing and I was left with a short, sweet romance that came together beautifully.
Philip Alces was the narrator for this book and I quite enjoyed his voices for both Emmett and Keegan and was given an enjoyable narration that enhanced a really sweet story.
This one definitely worked for me so far it's my favorite from these stories. But I've still got 2 stories to go...so we'll see what happens.
Amy Lane does family like few others do. There's the family you're given and the family you make. Sometimes you got to love and keep both but often times it's the one you make that nourishes your soul.
I really enjoyed this one. It was a bit of a slow burn on but worth the wait when things finally came together. As always Ms Lane knew what she was doing and I was left with a short, sweet romance that came together beautifully.
Philip Alces was the narrator for this book and I quite enjoyed his voices for both Emmett and Keegan and was given an enjoyable narration that enhanced a really sweet story.
This one definitely worked for me so far it's my favorite from these stories. But I've still got 2 stories to go...so we'll see what happens.
September 4, 2015
Amy always brings out a tear or two, even in her fluffier books, and this was no exception.
April 12, 2015
This story was cute in a way that only Amy Lane can really manage. Take a boy in denial, add in a big, loving, and perceptive surrogate family, stir in just a touch of magic, in the way of a very old cookbook, and you get Food for Thought.
Emmett was a boy who knew his father loved him, but they never really spoke. Emmett never got a chance to tell his father that he's gay and he never got the chance to say goodbye. So, for nearly three years, Emmett denies who he is. He has no idea that pretty much everyone sees through him. Poor Emmett.
Emmett's flamboyant friend and neighbor, Keegan, has been trying to get Emmett to have a moment of clarity since they met, two years ago. Emmett is a bit of a clueless boy, though, so Keegan has to work really hard. Keegan is quite clever, though, so maneuvering around the Chris-thing (that would be Emmett's girlfriend) is just part of the routine.
Thank goodness for Emmett's surrogate family and one very special cookbook.
Food for Thought is beautiful and brilliant. It's full of hope with a touch of whimsy. And it was just what I needed to read after a stressful and busy week.
Emmett was a boy who knew his father loved him, but they never really spoke. Emmett never got a chance to tell his father that he's gay and he never got the chance to say goodbye. So, for nearly three years, Emmett denies who he is. He has no idea that pretty much everyone sees through him. Poor Emmett.
Emmett's flamboyant friend and neighbor, Keegan, has been trying to get Emmett to have a moment of clarity since they met, two years ago. Emmett is a bit of a clueless boy, though, so Keegan has to work really hard. Keegan is quite clever, though, so maneuvering around the Chris-thing (that would be Emmett's girlfriend) is just part of the routine.
Thank goodness for Emmett's surrogate family and one very special cookbook.
Food for Thought is beautiful and brilliant. It's full of hope with a touch of whimsy. And it was just what I needed to read after a stressful and busy week.
October 21, 2015
4.5 stars This was just brilliant. Like Keegan said, there is something genuine about Emmett that is so sweet that you can't dislike him even when he is being an idiot. And keegan. Oh beautiful, patient, kind, Keegan.
I definitely cried a bit but I wouldn't say it's angsty. All the crying was related to family, heart-break, and loss. But interspersed between moments of sweetness and joy. And some hot, hot sex.
The fun little magical twist and Emmett's extended family through Vinnie's friendship rounded out a wonderful story.
Received 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 definitely cried a bit but I wouldn't say it's angsty. All the crying was related to family, heart-break, and loss. But interspersed between moments of sweetness and joy. And some hot, hot sex.
The fun little magical twist and Emmett's extended family through Vinnie's friendship rounded out a wonderful story.
Received 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.
August 26, 2017
buon romanzo e serie interessate,l'autrice è una garanzia,forse un pò breve ma piaciuto
May 8, 2015
Very few authors do tortured characters as well as Amy Lane, and I always think I can deal with the emotional torture she puts them (and by extension, me) through. Emmett and Kegan certainly fit that bill, especially Emmet, who tells the story. Chapter one already did me in, and it got worse from there. The thing is though, and that is one of the reasons why I keep reading Amy’s books, the characters need as much help as anyone I’ve ever known, their issues are real, and the reward at the end is all worth it. The special touch of Granny B’s mysterious cookbook appearing to help Emmett and Keegan sort things out is extra nice, and, as always, “Food created out of love casts a spell all its own, but Granny B’s recipes add a little something extra.” Definitely true for this amazing story.
Emmett has grown up an only child, and wants nothing more than a big, happy family. His father loved him (at least Emmett is pretty sure he did), but was a very taciturn man who did his best to raise Emmett after his wife left him. The tragedy of Emmett never having told him he is gay, and the wondering how he might have taken that news are hard on Emmett. Add to that the fear of rejection by the only family he has ever know, that of his best friend Vinnie from next door, and Emmett’s need to fit in is clear. But even three years later all his efforts to love a girl and start a family of his own are in vain. The struggle Emmett faces to be honest with himself, then maybe come out, is heartbreaking.
Keegan is the neighbor where Emmett lives now, and he is clearly interested in Emmett. Well, I could see that, but Emmett keeps forcing himself to see Keegan as “just a friend”. One thing they have in common is the need to talk, and they do, but that doesn’t mean they actually communicate. Not until Granny B’s recipe “For Clarity” comes along – and boy, does it work!
If you like tormented characters who have to really work for their happy ending, if you enjoy sweet romances starring one clueless man and the guy who hopelessly (or so he thinks) falls for him, and if you’re looking for a read that is as emotionally wrenching as it is hot and funny, then you will probably like this novella as much as I did. What a ride!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Emmett has grown up an only child, and wants nothing more than a big, happy family. His father loved him (at least Emmett is pretty sure he did), but was a very taciturn man who did his best to raise Emmett after his wife left him. The tragedy of Emmett never having told him he is gay, and the wondering how he might have taken that news are hard on Emmett. Add to that the fear of rejection by the only family he has ever know, that of his best friend Vinnie from next door, and Emmett’s need to fit in is clear. But even three years later all his efforts to love a girl and start a family of his own are in vain. The struggle Emmett faces to be honest with himself, then maybe come out, is heartbreaking.
Keegan is the neighbor where Emmett lives now, and he is clearly interested in Emmett. Well, I could see that, but Emmett keeps forcing himself to see Keegan as “just a friend”. One thing they have in common is the need to talk, and they do, but that doesn’t mean they actually communicate. Not until Granny B’s recipe “For Clarity” comes along – and boy, does it work!
If you like tormented characters who have to really work for their happy ending, if you enjoy sweet romances starring one clueless man and the guy who hopelessly (or so he thinks) falls for him, and if you’re looking for a read that is as emotionally wrenching as it is hot and funny, then you will probably like this novella as much as I did. What a ride!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 30, 2025
It’s very rare for Amy Lane to write a story that is less than 100 pages. Hell, most of the time she can’t contain herself to less than 200! I’m not saying this to scare you off. I’m telling you because when Amy does, the story is always as much of a jewel, with all the fabulousness that Amy makes it, as any of her other works. It amazes me, actually, that she can bring such incredible characters to life in such a short number of pages. But, I expected nothing else, and ‘Food for Thought’ might be Amy-lite, but it’s in no way less wonderful because of it.
There’s nothing Emmett wants more than family. Not just any kind of family, mind you, a great big one, with lots of kids. Growing up an only child, he practically lived next door at Vinnie’s house with his huge family, and that’s what Emmett wants. He wants it enough to be dating a girl, even though the thought of sleeping with her makes him a little grossed out. But, that’s how you get that big family, right? You marry a girl, and you make babies. Well, Vinnie’s mom is pretty sure that what Emmett needs is the family cookbook Recipes for the Heart: Mystical Meals, and Dangerous Desserts, by Granny B.
“Emmett?” Keegan whispered.
“Yeah?”
“Who taught you about gay sex?” Emmett tried to back up.
A sweet, lovely, story with two main characters I couldn’t help but fall for. Emmett and Keegan are, to borrow a friend’s phrase, simply adorkable. The angst was nowhere near what you expect from this author, but it was just enough to make me sigh. Thank you, Amy, beautiful, as always.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Christy Loves 2 Read
There’s nothing Emmett wants more than family. Not just any kind of family, mind you, a great big one, with lots of kids. Growing up an only child, he practically lived next door at Vinnie’s house with his huge family, and that’s what Emmett wants. He wants it enough to be dating a girl, even though the thought of sleeping with her makes him a little grossed out. But, that’s how you get that big family, right? You marry a girl, and you make babies. Well, Vinnie’s mom is pretty sure that what Emmett needs is the family cookbook Recipes for the Heart: Mystical Meals, and Dangerous Desserts, by Granny B.
“Emmett?” Keegan whispered.
“Yeah?”
“Who taught you about gay sex?” Emmett tried to back up.
A sweet, lovely, story with two main characters I couldn’t help but fall for. Emmett and Keegan are, to borrow a friend’s phrase, simply adorkable. The angst was nowhere near what you expect from this author, but it was just enough to make me sigh. Thank you, Amy, beautiful, as always.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Christy Loves 2 Read
January 2, 2016
*** 4.75 Stars ***
owned-tbr
November 23, 2015Amy Lane Lite! Me wants! Me wants baaaaad!
October 6, 2024
This was so good!! I am so happy with this series so far! Happy, happy, happy. Magic cookbooks are awesome.
dnf-no-go-situations
June 5, 2015DNF This isn't for me too many things that make me uncomfortable. I skimmed and I don't think the good can outweigh the aspects that make me squirm.
August 11, 2017
Drei Jahre nach dem Tod seines Vaters, der ihn alleine großgezogen hat, ist sich Emmett Gant noch immer nicht klar, was genau er eigentlich will. Seine Freundin Christine ist zwar nett und liebenswürdig, doch Emmett fühlt sich nicht zu ihr hingezogen. Und eigentlich ist er nur mit ihr zusammen, weil er sich nach einer Familie sehnt. Doch wirklich glücklich macht ihn die Beziehung nicht. Auch seine erste Liebe – zu einem Jungen – ging nicht gut aus und seither ist er in seinem Gefühlsleben ziemlich orientierungslos.
Unterstützung und Aufmunterung bekommt Emmett von seinem Nachbarn Keegan. Er ist sein bester Freund, die Schulter zum Ausheulen und der Freund zum Pferdestehlen. Allerdings fühlt er sich zu Keegan auch hingezogen und Keegan selbst ist längst in Emmett verliebt. Doch irgendwie scheint es zwischen ihnen nicht zu klappen. Erst ein Kochbuch samt dubioser Rezepte scheint endlich den Damm zu brechen. Damit wird es erst richtig kompliziert und Emmett sicheres, wenn auch langweiliges Leben scheint sich aufzulösen und alles wird in Frage gestellt.
Emmett wie Keegan sind nette Helden, die jedoch etwas blass bleiben. Vor allem Keegan wird nur vage beschrieben und irgendwie hat man das Gefühl, dass wichtige Informationen zur Person fehlen. Warum genau Emmett so gefühlsverwirrt durchs Leben stolpert und es sich damit selbst schwer macht, das erschließt sich mir ebenfalls nicht. Ein Pluspunkt ist die Freundschaft zwischen Emmett und Keegan. Sie passen wirklich gut zusammen und liefern viel Spass und Unterhaltung. Vor allem Keegan wächst einem da schnell ans Herz.
Insgesamt ist die Geschichte leider etwas oberflächlich und überhastet geschrieben. Sie ist gut übersetzt, aber es fehlt ihr letwas an Romantik und vor allem an dem Zauber, den ich mir erwartet hatte. Die Grundidee ist gut und macht Laune. Leider konnte Amy Lane das nicht ganz umsetzen und der Humor und Situationskomik machen die Defizite leider nicht ganz wett.
Unterstützung und Aufmunterung bekommt Emmett von seinem Nachbarn Keegan. Er ist sein bester Freund, die Schulter zum Ausheulen und der Freund zum Pferdestehlen. Allerdings fühlt er sich zu Keegan auch hingezogen und Keegan selbst ist längst in Emmett verliebt. Doch irgendwie scheint es zwischen ihnen nicht zu klappen. Erst ein Kochbuch samt dubioser Rezepte scheint endlich den Damm zu brechen. Damit wird es erst richtig kompliziert und Emmett sicheres, wenn auch langweiliges Leben scheint sich aufzulösen und alles wird in Frage gestellt.
Emmett wie Keegan sind nette Helden, die jedoch etwas blass bleiben. Vor allem Keegan wird nur vage beschrieben und irgendwie hat man das Gefühl, dass wichtige Informationen zur Person fehlen. Warum genau Emmett so gefühlsverwirrt durchs Leben stolpert und es sich damit selbst schwer macht, das erschließt sich mir ebenfalls nicht. Ein Pluspunkt ist die Freundschaft zwischen Emmett und Keegan. Sie passen wirklich gut zusammen und liefern viel Spass und Unterhaltung. Vor allem Keegan wächst einem da schnell ans Herz.
Insgesamt ist die Geschichte leider etwas oberflächlich und überhastet geschrieben. Sie ist gut übersetzt, aber es fehlt ihr letwas an Romantik und vor allem an dem Zauber, den ich mir erwartet hatte. Die Grundidee ist gut und macht Laune. Leider konnte Amy Lane das nicht ganz umsetzen und der Humor und Situationskomik machen die Defizite leider nicht ganz wett.
August 7, 2017
Auch im zweiten Buch der Geschichten aus dem kuriosen Kochbuch dreht sich wieder alles um alte Rezepte.
Zur Handlung. Emmett Gant ist schwul. Seine erste Liebe zu Jordyn endete leider in einer Enttäuschung. Weil er schon lange von einer eigenen Familie träumt, hat er nun eine Freundin, die nicht ahnt, dass er in Wahrheit nichts mit Frauen anfangen kann.
Keegan ist schon lange in Emmett verliebt, aber er hält ihn für hetero. Erst als sie gemeinsam kochen, erkennt er seinen Irrtum.
Die Story hat mir eigentlich gefallen, besonders das Rote-Beete-Massaker fand ich amüsant zu lesen. Trotzdem bin ich mit dem Paar Emmett und Keegan nicht so recht warm geworden. Mag an der Übersetzung liegen, aber da fehlten mir persönlich die Emotionen.
Die Story erhält von mir 4 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
Zur Handlung. Emmett Gant ist schwul. Seine erste Liebe zu Jordyn endete leider in einer Enttäuschung. Weil er schon lange von einer eigenen Familie träumt, hat er nun eine Freundin, die nicht ahnt, dass er in Wahrheit nichts mit Frauen anfangen kann.
Keegan ist schon lange in Emmett verliebt, aber er hält ihn für hetero. Erst als sie gemeinsam kochen, erkennt er seinen Irrtum.
Die Story hat mir eigentlich gefallen, besonders das Rote-Beete-Massaker fand ich amüsant zu lesen. Trotzdem bin ich mit dem Paar Emmett und Keegan nicht so recht warm geworden. Mag an der Übersetzung liegen, aber da fehlten mir persönlich die Emotionen.
Die Story erhält von mir 4 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
February 14, 2021
This book was a quick and heartwarming story. Emmet is struggling to come out due to past heartbreak and his father’s passing before he could tell him. He has a girlfriend but prefers to spend his time with a neighbor that is more to his liking. He has a close knit group of close family that let him know he is loved no matter and he finally lets loose. I connected with Emmet right out of the gate and understood his valuing of those he has chosen to be his family. I cheered for him throughout the book. The cookbook was a quirky addition but I’m not sure I totally got its role in the overall story!
April 20, 2015
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
The second story in the new series, Tales of the Curious Cookbook, features tall, socially awkward, shy Emmett Gant who has not been able to act on his desire for another man since he broke up with Jordyn, his college roommate and first love, three years ago. On the day he had been planning to come out to his father, he discovered his dad had passed away alone at his home. Devastated, and unable to vocalize the fact that he is gay to anyone else because, after all, he tried to tell his father but he died first so now he can’t tell anyone, and he turns to the solution of dating a woman.
He’s a pretty emotionally damaged young man in want, in need, of a big family of his own. When he was a kid he was “adopted” by his best friend Vinnie’s large and boisterous family and that’s what he wants for his life now. Thinking that being married to a female is the key to that happiness, he’s been dating Christine, but he’s been unable to go further than to kiss her. Even his new best friend, Keegan, the cute guy who befriended him when he bought his home in a neighborhood not far from his workplace, discourages him from pursuing Christine.
Emmett needs to have clarity, to be able to see the truth about himself as others see him and Flora, Vinne’s mom, has just the solution. She presents him with a copy of an old handwritten cookbook, Recipes for the Heart: Mystical Meals and Dangerous Desserts, by Granny B. He can’t believe she’d entrust him with something that should be a family heirloom and tries to leave it behind, but he finds it in his car when he gets back home.
The key to Emmett’s issues is found in that cookbook with a recipe for beet porridge—the recipe for clarity. He and Keegan decide to make that recipe, and though the recipe itself is a disaster, the outcome is not. Both men find the truth and each other But clarity indeed does ensue because Emmett pulls up his big boy panties and sets out to make things right—first with Christine, and then with his dad, and finally with Keegan.
This was a short, but very sweet and emotionally charged story. Hey, it’s Amy Lane—of course, there’s emotion! It amazes me that she can wrap characters around my heart as quickly as she does, and she fills in family relationships with a few quick strokes of her keyboard, yet they are rich in detail and serve as a strong support for the MCs.
I recommend this story to all lovers of M/M romance, but especially to those who love an emotionally damaged hero who finds the strength to accept love and move forward toward his HEA.
The second story in the new series, Tales of the Curious Cookbook, features tall, socially awkward, shy Emmett Gant who has not been able to act on his desire for another man since he broke up with Jordyn, his college roommate and first love, three years ago. On the day he had been planning to come out to his father, he discovered his dad had passed away alone at his home. Devastated, and unable to vocalize the fact that he is gay to anyone else because, after all, he tried to tell his father but he died first so now he can’t tell anyone, and he turns to the solution of dating a woman.
He’s a pretty emotionally damaged young man in want, in need, of a big family of his own. When he was a kid he was “adopted” by his best friend Vinnie’s large and boisterous family and that’s what he wants for his life now. Thinking that being married to a female is the key to that happiness, he’s been dating Christine, but he’s been unable to go further than to kiss her. Even his new best friend, Keegan, the cute guy who befriended him when he bought his home in a neighborhood not far from his workplace, discourages him from pursuing Christine.
Emmett needs to have clarity, to be able to see the truth about himself as others see him and Flora, Vinne’s mom, has just the solution. She presents him with a copy of an old handwritten cookbook, Recipes for the Heart: Mystical Meals and Dangerous Desserts, by Granny B. He can’t believe she’d entrust him with something that should be a family heirloom and tries to leave it behind, but he finds it in his car when he gets back home.
The key to Emmett’s issues is found in that cookbook with a recipe for beet porridge—the recipe for clarity. He and Keegan decide to make that recipe, and though the recipe itself is a disaster, the outcome is not. Both men find the truth and each other But clarity indeed does ensue because Emmett pulls up his big boy panties and sets out to make things right—first with Christine, and then with his dad, and finally with Keegan.
This was a short, but very sweet and emotionally charged story. Hey, it’s Amy Lane—of course, there’s emotion! It amazes me that she can wrap characters around my heart as quickly as she does, and she fills in family relationships with a few quick strokes of her keyboard, yet they are rich in detail and serve as a strong support for the MCs.
I recommend this story to all lovers of M/M romance, but especially to those who love an emotionally damaged hero who finds the strength to accept love and move forward toward his HEA.
July 28, 2019
Ein Buch, das seinem Serientitel alle Ehre macht 😉
Das zweite Buch aus der Serie “Geschichten aus dem kuriosen Kochbuch” macht dem Serientitel alle Ehre. Warum? nun ja, das Wort “kurios” bedeutet auch “seltsam, merkwürdig, sonderbar”. Und irgendwie war das diese Geschichte auch.
Sie war “schnell”, manchmal etwas wirr und fahrig, und trotzdem hat sie mich mitgenommen. Einige Sprünge ging so schnell, dass ich innehalten musste, um das Geschehen für mich zu sortieren und ja, trotzdem war ich mittendrin, denn es ist ein liebenswürdiges Buch, mit liebenswerten Protagonisten. Und ja, alles was Emmet dringend braucht, ist Klarheit und irgendetwas, das den Knoten in seinen verworrenen Gedankengängen lösen kann.
Ich habe das Buch nach einem wirklich besch…, anstrengenden und demotivierenden Arbeitstag gelesen und brauchte einige Zeit um reinzukommen. Das lag mit Sicherheit auch daran, dass ich den Kopf noch nicht frei hatte und eigentlich ein ruhiges, gemächliches Buch gebraucht hätte – und das ist Emmets Geschichte nun mal gar nicht. Gleich zu Beginn liefen mir die Tränen über’s Gesicht, dann musste ich wieder überlegen, in welcher Zeit wir uns gerade befinden und zwischendurch war dann wieder die Liebe zu spüren, die Emmet durch Vinnies Familie bekam …
Tja, und dann kam ich zu “Position 895” . Gott, bei mir schaltet sich nicht sehr oft das Kopfkino ein, wenn ich eine Geschichte lese. Hier allerdings saß ich in meinem Sessel und konnte nicht mehr vor Lachen. Slapstick vom feinsten. Das muss dir erstmal einfallen *g*.
Nun ja, wie der Serientitel ja schon sagt, spielt auch in dieser Geschichte das/ein besonderes Kochbuch eine Rolle und ich bin gespannt, was da noch an Geschichten auf uns zukommt.
Hier und heute hat mich (und das kommt wirklich selten vor) ein teilweise schnelles, verwirrendes, trauriges, fröhliches, liebevolles – sprich ein kurioses Buch irgendwie berührt.
Wer also das erste – sehr ruhige – Buch um einen regnerischen Nachmittag gemocht hat, bekommt mit “Klar wie Kloßbrühe” eine gänzlich andere, aber nicht weniger nette Geschichte geliefert. Ich freue mich, dass noch einige Bücher aus dieser Serie anstehen und bin gespannt, wie mir diese dann gefallen werden.
Was ich noch festgestellt habe, egal was ich bisher von Amy Lane gelesen habe, es hat mir immer gefallen .
Das zweite Buch aus der Serie “Geschichten aus dem kuriosen Kochbuch” macht dem Serientitel alle Ehre. Warum? nun ja, das Wort “kurios” bedeutet auch “seltsam, merkwürdig, sonderbar”. Und irgendwie war das diese Geschichte auch.
Sie war “schnell”, manchmal etwas wirr und fahrig, und trotzdem hat sie mich mitgenommen. Einige Sprünge ging so schnell, dass ich innehalten musste, um das Geschehen für mich zu sortieren und ja, trotzdem war ich mittendrin, denn es ist ein liebenswürdiges Buch, mit liebenswerten Protagonisten. Und ja, alles was Emmet dringend braucht, ist Klarheit und irgendetwas, das den Knoten in seinen verworrenen Gedankengängen lösen kann.
Ich habe das Buch nach einem wirklich besch…, anstrengenden und demotivierenden Arbeitstag gelesen und brauchte einige Zeit um reinzukommen. Das lag mit Sicherheit auch daran, dass ich den Kopf noch nicht frei hatte und eigentlich ein ruhiges, gemächliches Buch gebraucht hätte – und das ist Emmets Geschichte nun mal gar nicht. Gleich zu Beginn liefen mir die Tränen über’s Gesicht, dann musste ich wieder überlegen, in welcher Zeit wir uns gerade befinden und zwischendurch war dann wieder die Liebe zu spüren, die Emmet durch Vinnies Familie bekam …
Tja, und dann kam ich zu “Position 895” . Gott, bei mir schaltet sich nicht sehr oft das Kopfkino ein, wenn ich eine Geschichte lese. Hier allerdings saß ich in meinem Sessel und konnte nicht mehr vor Lachen. Slapstick vom feinsten. Das muss dir erstmal einfallen *g*.
Nun ja, wie der Serientitel ja schon sagt, spielt auch in dieser Geschichte das/ein besonderes Kochbuch eine Rolle und ich bin gespannt, was da noch an Geschichten auf uns zukommt.
Hier und heute hat mich (und das kommt wirklich selten vor) ein teilweise schnelles, verwirrendes, trauriges, fröhliches, liebevolles – sprich ein kurioses Buch irgendwie berührt.
Wer also das erste – sehr ruhige – Buch um einen regnerischen Nachmittag gemocht hat, bekommt mit “Klar wie Kloßbrühe” eine gänzlich andere, aber nicht weniger nette Geschichte geliefert. Ich freue mich, dass noch einige Bücher aus dieser Serie anstehen und bin gespannt, wie mir diese dann gefallen werden.
Was ich noch festgestellt habe, egal was ich bisher von Amy Lane gelesen habe, es hat mir immer gefallen .
April 13, 2015
3 heart review by Amber
The second installment of The Tales of the Curious Cookbook was a bit of a disappointment for me. And that fact alone seriously blows my mind because I’m not sure that I’ve ever been disappointed in an Amy Lane book before. She is now and forever will be an auto-buy author for me, so that hasn’t changed.
There was something just off about this story. I wasn’t pulled in. I wasn’t emotionally connected, at all. I got the friendship, I got the cutesty flirting but the passionate love I usually feel between Amy Lane characters, just wasn’t there, in my opinion.
Emmett Gant has put off telling his father he’s gay, for many years. Just when he builds up enough courage, his father passes away. Due to this event, Emmett decides to go back in the closet. Going as far as dating women and becoming emotionally involved with them. After his father’s passing he also grows closer to his best friend Vinnie and his family.
Keegan is a good friend and neighbor to Emmett. He’s also a very out and proud gay man. Emmett and Keegan form a tight bond and become very close friends.
Emmett is very much attracted to Keegan, that much is very obvious. The fact that Keegan reciprocates is obvious too. I don’t think I let myself really appreciate them together because I was still so hung up on some of the other aspects of the story.
I didn’t get Emmett’s relationship with his father. They never really talked but they were close? Seems like his father really loved him but they never had a real conversation? That confused me. I also didn’t get why he went back in the closet? Seemed like he was punishing himself but I really didn’t understand it. Also, the whole Christine dynamic left me cold. We didn’t get much background on her, but apparently she really cared about Emmett, again I didn’t feel the connection.
Overall, this story just perplexed me. The writing was great, as always, it was just the connections, the feelings that I missed.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
The second installment of The Tales of the Curious Cookbook was a bit of a disappointment for me. And that fact alone seriously blows my mind because I’m not sure that I’ve ever been disappointed in an Amy Lane book before. She is now and forever will be an auto-buy author for me, so that hasn’t changed.
There was something just off about this story. I wasn’t pulled in. I wasn’t emotionally connected, at all. I got the friendship, I got the cutesty flirting but the passionate love I usually feel between Amy Lane characters, just wasn’t there, in my opinion.
Emmett Gant has put off telling his father he’s gay, for many years. Just when he builds up enough courage, his father passes away. Due to this event, Emmett decides to go back in the closet. Going as far as dating women and becoming emotionally involved with them. After his father’s passing he also grows closer to his best friend Vinnie and his family.
Keegan is a good friend and neighbor to Emmett. He’s also a very out and proud gay man. Emmett and Keegan form a tight bond and become very close friends.
Emmett is very much attracted to Keegan, that much is very obvious. The fact that Keegan reciprocates is obvious too. I don’t think I let myself really appreciate them together because I was still so hung up on some of the other aspects of the story.
I didn’t get Emmett’s relationship with his father. They never really talked but they were close? Seems like his father really loved him but they never had a real conversation? That confused me. I also didn’t get why he went back in the closet? Seemed like he was punishing himself but I really didn’t understand it. Also, the whole Christine dynamic left me cold. We didn’t get much background on her, but apparently she really cared about Emmett, again I didn’t feel the connection.
Overall, this story just perplexed me. The writing was great, as always, it was just the connections, the feelings that I missed.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
May 2, 2015
+++ 4,5 stars +++
This is Amy freakin' Lane, and I knew it after the first chapter that I'm going to love this.
It was the same feeling like when I read Christmas Kitsch.
There are some sweet cute moments, some sad teary moments, typical Amy.
But OMG I loved these guys !!!!!
This is a good pick for weekend.
Highly recommended !
This is Amy freakin' Lane, and I knew it after the first chapter that I'm going to love this.
It was the same feeling like when I read Christmas Kitsch.
There are some sweet cute moments, some sad teary moments, typical Amy.
But OMG I loved these guys !!!!!
This is a good pick for weekend.
Highly recommended !
August 22, 2015
Short story but it not show because it is well developed. And the characters are all good . I absolutely loved Emmet and Keegan, so nice and tenderly sweet. I liked every single page of book, because family and home is be with who you love and that is what this story tells.
January 2, 2016
2.9 stars rounded up. A heart warming story as always from the author, but I did not like how the girlfriend issues were handled. It was unfair to everyone involved and cast a shadow over what could have been a very sweet romance.
May 19, 2016
3.5* well hell. I typed out a long (for me, anyway) review, and GR ate it! Just read the book. It's good.
August 16, 2015
enjoyed
April 17, 2021
Una lettura scorrevole e molto dolce... questo ricettario è un autentica curiosità.
April 1, 2018
“LE RIUNIONI di famiglia del suo amico Vinnie erano le migliori del mondo. Emmett, che era cresciuto solo con il padre, le aveva sempre invidiate. Quando arrivava il Quattro luglio, lui e Vinnie venivano spediti a preparare il cortile per l’arrivo dei parenti, un centinaio e passa di persone, alcune che nemmeno Vinnie conosceva. C’era la piscina da pulire e riempire perché i piccoli potessero fare il bagno, e gli alberi da potare perché le foglie non cadessero in piscina, sulla testa di qualcuno o nelle gigantesche terrine che le donne del parentado portavano o aiutavano ad assemblare in cucina. Emmett e suo padre erano sempre invitati, e per Emmett quella giornata di corse con gli altri bambini, stelle filanti e sguazzate in piscina era meglio di Natale. A Natale riceveva dei regali, ma in quegli incontri riceveva una famiglia.”
La serie “Il curioso ricettario di Nonna B”, è scritta da autrici diverse: Amber Kell, RJ Scott, Marie Sexton ed Amy Lane. 4 autrici per quattro libri. Ma quello che rimane un mistero è il perché si sia cominciato a pubblicare dal numero 2. Il filo conduttore che unisce questi libri autoconclusivi, è un libro di cucina che sembra avere proprietà magiche: contiene infatti ricette di cucina che aiutano a prendere decisioni importanti, e, molte volte, a trovare la felicità. Fra le sue pagine, oltre agli ingredienti, ci sono note scritte da tutte le persone che ne sono venute in possesso nel tempo: alcune aiutano nella realizzazione delle ricette, altre sono pensieri che vengono dal cuore di coloro che hanno maneggiato lo strano libro. Emmett ne viene in possesso dopo una delle riunioni che la famiglia del suo amico Vinnie tiene per ogni occasione gioiosa. Flora, la madre di Vinnie, lo invita a provare la ricetta che serve per chiarirsi le idee: la donna è convinta che il giovane non sia davvero felice nella vita che si è scelto. Emmett, infatti, ha una fidanzata che non ha mai portato ai pranzi di famiglia. Qualcosa nel rapporto con questa ragazza simpatica, anche se non bellissima, non convince Flora, che ha sempre considerato l’amico del figlio parte integrante della famiglia fin da quando, bambino solitario, Emmett andava a casa sua a giocare con Vinnie. Emmett ha sempre vissuto con il padre: un uomo buono ma molto taciturno, che lo portava al parco, ma non giocava mai con lui, che lo portava in biblioteca, ma non gli ha mai letto favole. Come se l’abbandono della moglie lo avesse privato della voglia di parlare e di vivere pienamente, ha però sempre spronato il figlio a frequentare la famiglia di Flora, sempre presente nella sua vita ma in disparte, come un osservatore. Il giovane aveva così imparato il silenzio: sapeva che il padre lo amava, anche se l’uomo non gliel’ ha mai detto. La sua morte improvvisa, ha impedito ad Emmett di fargli una confessione molto importante e sempre rimandata, e da allora si è imposto di vivere come suo padre forse avrebbe voluto: nascondendo i suoi veri desideri, persino a se stesso. Ed è questo ciò che tormenta il giovane uomo. Decidere se continuare a nascondersi per sempre dietro una parvenza di vita priva di slancio, o ammettere finalmente quanto sia attratto dal suo vicino di casa e fare qualcosa per essere felice? Un sabato pomeriggio, “un Porridge di barbabietole” e un vicino molto affascinante basteranno per schiarirsi le idee e ottenere la possibilità di una vita piena ed appagante?
E’ un libro molto carino ma breve. Nonostante questo, l’autrice riesce a tratteggiare bene i suoi personaggi: Emmett, con questo senso di colpa che si porta dietro per non essere riuscito ad essere sincero con suo padre; Keegan, il suo simpatico vicino che, dopo essersi dichiarato, ha perso la sua famiglia che lo invita a NON presenziare al matrimonio dei cugini; Vinnie, l’amico di sempre, che lo ha fatto adottare dalla sua famiglia fin da quando si è reso conto della solitudine in cui vivevano Emmett e il suo silenzioso padre, e, anche da sposato, rimane il suo migliore amico. Ci vuole davvero poco per finirlo e questo è forse la sua unica pecca. La storia non ha una grande trama, ma il tutto è molto curato: dalla scrittura fluida e piacevole, alle scene di sesso descrittive ma mai volgari, ai personaggi a cui ti affezioni immediatamente e che ti fanno passare qualche momento davvero rilassante.
La serie “Il curioso ricettario di Nonna B”, è scritta da autrici diverse: Amber Kell, RJ Scott, Marie Sexton ed Amy Lane. 4 autrici per quattro libri. Ma quello che rimane un mistero è il perché si sia cominciato a pubblicare dal numero 2. Il filo conduttore che unisce questi libri autoconclusivi, è un libro di cucina che sembra avere proprietà magiche: contiene infatti ricette di cucina che aiutano a prendere decisioni importanti, e, molte volte, a trovare la felicità. Fra le sue pagine, oltre agli ingredienti, ci sono note scritte da tutte le persone che ne sono venute in possesso nel tempo: alcune aiutano nella realizzazione delle ricette, altre sono pensieri che vengono dal cuore di coloro che hanno maneggiato lo strano libro. Emmett ne viene in possesso dopo una delle riunioni che la famiglia del suo amico Vinnie tiene per ogni occasione gioiosa. Flora, la madre di Vinnie, lo invita a provare la ricetta che serve per chiarirsi le idee: la donna è convinta che il giovane non sia davvero felice nella vita che si è scelto. Emmett, infatti, ha una fidanzata che non ha mai portato ai pranzi di famiglia. Qualcosa nel rapporto con questa ragazza simpatica, anche se non bellissima, non convince Flora, che ha sempre considerato l’amico del figlio parte integrante della famiglia fin da quando, bambino solitario, Emmett andava a casa sua a giocare con Vinnie. Emmett ha sempre vissuto con il padre: un uomo buono ma molto taciturno, che lo portava al parco, ma non giocava mai con lui, che lo portava in biblioteca, ma non gli ha mai letto favole. Come se l’abbandono della moglie lo avesse privato della voglia di parlare e di vivere pienamente, ha però sempre spronato il figlio a frequentare la famiglia di Flora, sempre presente nella sua vita ma in disparte, come un osservatore. Il giovane aveva così imparato il silenzio: sapeva che il padre lo amava, anche se l’uomo non gliel’ ha mai detto. La sua morte improvvisa, ha impedito ad Emmett di fargli una confessione molto importante e sempre rimandata, e da allora si è imposto di vivere come suo padre forse avrebbe voluto: nascondendo i suoi veri desideri, persino a se stesso. Ed è questo ciò che tormenta il giovane uomo. Decidere se continuare a nascondersi per sempre dietro una parvenza di vita priva di slancio, o ammettere finalmente quanto sia attratto dal suo vicino di casa e fare qualcosa per essere felice? Un sabato pomeriggio, “un Porridge di barbabietole” e un vicino molto affascinante basteranno per schiarirsi le idee e ottenere la possibilità di una vita piena ed appagante?
E’ un libro molto carino ma breve. Nonostante questo, l’autrice riesce a tratteggiare bene i suoi personaggi: Emmett, con questo senso di colpa che si porta dietro per non essere riuscito ad essere sincero con suo padre; Keegan, il suo simpatico vicino che, dopo essersi dichiarato, ha perso la sua famiglia che lo invita a NON presenziare al matrimonio dei cugini; Vinnie, l’amico di sempre, che lo ha fatto adottare dalla sua famiglia fin da quando si è reso conto della solitudine in cui vivevano Emmett e il suo silenzioso padre, e, anche da sposato, rimane il suo migliore amico. Ci vuole davvero poco per finirlo e questo è forse la sua unica pecca. La storia non ha una grande trama, ma il tutto è molto curato: dalla scrittura fluida e piacevole, alle scene di sesso descrittive ma mai volgari, ai personaggi a cui ti affezioni immediatamente e che ti fanno passare qualche momento davvero rilassante.
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