Deep Fried Reservations

by Kathleen Irene Paterka

Cooking up family secrets...

Katy Malinski and her widowed father, Chuck, serve up great food and a friendly atmosphere in their Northern-Michigan-family-owned restaurant. But when a mysterious visitor from Hawaii shows up one day claiming to be Chuck’s daughter, things between Katy and her dad head south fast. Confronted with the consequences of a long-forgotten romance, Chuck welcomes Mai with open arms. But Katy isn’t buying the exotic new addition to their family menu. Who is Mai and why, after all these years, has she suddenly shown up in James Bay? Tensions flare between the two sisters as Mai dons an apron, joins the family business, and starts giving orders to staff and Katy alike. Convinced her disagreeable sister is up to no good, Katy does her best to warn Chuck. But sharing her suspicions backfires big time, and Katy finds herself all alone in her quest to expose the truth behind Mai’s true motives, and find out exactly who her sister really is.

What happens when you suddenly find yourself at war with the loved ones in your life? For Katy and Chuck, the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s not just their restaurant on the line: this simmering feud has the potential to explode, destroying their family forever.

Genres: Fiction

266 pages, Paperback

Published December 7, 2017

About the author

Kathleen Irene Paterka is a bestselling author of Women's Fiction. New for 2023 and now available: DON'T OPEN THE DOOR, a psychological domestic suspense novel. Kathleen and her husband live in the beautiful north country of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Reviews

[Claire Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Irene Paterka has cooked up another winner in her James Bay series with “Deep Fried Reservations,” a story whose main setting is a restaurant but is really about the bonds of family. This novel is the fifth entry in Paterka’s James Bay series, set in a fictional Michigan resort town. The story stands alone, so you don’t have to have read the prior volumes (but if you like this one, I predict you’re going to want to go back and catch up.)

Chuck’s Tavern & Grill is a popular eating and drinking spot in James Bay, and it’s been run for years by Chuck Malinski and his grown daughter Katy. Katy’s mom died many years ago, so it’s been father and daughter arm-and-arm against the world. Katy’s shown herself to be capable enough that her father’s made her a partner in the business. All is good in the world, until one day a mysterious stranger shows up, claiming to be Chuck’s daughter.

Is Mai really who she claims to be? Chuck accepts her from the moment they meet, while Katy’s a skeptic of this woman claiming a share of her father’s time and affection. The story unfolds in chapters that alternate between Katy and Chuck’s points of view, which build steadily toward a dramatic conclusion.

Paterka has a great gift for creating human characters of real dimension and depth. They’re flawed, as we all are, but there’s enough goodness in them that you find yourself rooting for them every step of their journey.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Insta Love for me!!! I jumped at the chance to read and review this book from one of my favorite authors! How could I resist, it is set in St. James Bay and in a Diner! Katy has found out that her father has a secret daughter from his past that has now entered their lives. Mai, the long lost daughter is not what she seems and Katy has her doubts about what Mai is really after, meanwhile her father is completely taken in by Mai. I felt that this was due to guilt from not knowing of Mai's existence. I was so exasperated at times by Chuck, Katy's father, I found myself saying out loud to him come on Chuck be cautious and listen to Katy! Katy is also dealing with a heavy burden of guilt concerning her mother's death. This book really deals with family drama and forgiveness. The dynamic between Father and daughter in this book is so well written.  Mai , I really grew to detest her, has her own drama  and story but the dynamics between Katy and Mai are very interesting and I sensed a bit of a bond between them.

What a drama filled and shocker of an ending! I am definitely hoping for a sequel to this book!