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Bagels & Salsa: A Multicultural Romantic Comedy
Summer 1977. As the Son of Sam and a scorching heat wave plague New York City, Laila Levin, a Jewish sociology professor from Long Island,meets Dr. Eduardo Quintana while giving a spech on the epidemic problem of teenage pregnancies. Laila is relationship-shy after a disastrous marriage, and Eduardo has never completely recovered from his high school sweetheart's desertion. He is finishing up a residency in New York City and plans to open a family practice near his hometown in New Mexico. The unlikely pair share strong family values and an interest in helping prevent teen pregnancy. Their mutual passion is so intense it stuns them both. After a brief courtship, Eduardo persuades Laila to accompany him to his family ranch near Española, New Mexico, a rural area with one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in North America. Once in New Mexico, Laila is blatantly rejected by Sylvia, Eduardo's controlling mama. Sylvia desperately wants Eduardo to marry Violet, his high school sweetheart. Violet has just returned to New Mexico after a failed flight attendant career, and a walk on the dark side of Hollywood. Her mama and Sylvia cook up a plan to get rid of Laila and reunite their children. The Quintanas hold a large pig roast and invite a menagerie of tattooed cousins, rodeo stars, and mariachis, where the drop-dead gorgeous Violet makes a grand entrance. In the midst of the pandemonium that results, a shocking family secret is revealed, and Laila and Eduardo's love for each other is severely tested. Can their relationship survive the fierce clash of cultures, the murderous intentions of a Son of Sam copycat who has stalked Laila from New York City, and their own uncertainties about the upheavals that their union will cause in their lives? Bagels & Salsa is both a prequel and sequel to Reznik's best-selling novel, The Girl From Long Guyland. Both books are standalone novels.
- GenresRomance
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2018
104 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Lara Reznik
5 books9 followersLara Reznik, a native New Yorker, attended college at the University of New Mexico where she studied under esteemed authors Rudolfo Anaya and Tony Hillerman. Ambidextrous from birth, Lara preferred her right-brained creative side, but discovered she could make a better living with her left-brain skills so entered the I.T. field in 1995.
Lara launched her debut novel, THE GIRL FROM LONG GUYLAND, on Amazon on Nov 16,th 2012. The novel consistently ranked the #1 spot in Suspense, #1 in Contemporary Fiction, and #1 overall during it’s Amazon promotions..
http://www.amazon.com/Girl-From-Long-...
After the breakout success of THE GIRL FROM LONG GUYLAND, Lara retired from her day job to write fulltime.
In 2015, Lara published THE M&M BOYS. Currently, this coming-of-age digital book has had over Amazon 100k downloads.
Currently, Lara is finishing up BAGELS & SALSA the prequel/sequel to THE GIRL FROM LONG GUYLAND.
Coming Soon: BAGELS & SALSA - The much anticipated prequel/sequel to THE GIRL FROM LONG GUYLAND.
Lara launched her debut novel, THE GIRL FROM LONG GUYLAND, on Amazon on Nov 16,th 2012. The novel consistently ranked the #1 spot in Suspense, #1 in Contemporary Fiction, and #1 overall during it’s Amazon promotions..
http://www.amazon.com/Girl-From-Long-...
After the breakout success of THE GIRL FROM LONG GUYLAND, Lara retired from her day job to write fulltime.
In 2015, Lara published THE M&M BOYS. Currently, this coming-of-age digital book has had over Amazon 100k downloads.
Currently, Lara is finishing up BAGELS & SALSA the prequel/sequel to THE GIRL FROM LONG GUYLAND.
Coming Soon: BAGELS & SALSA - The much anticipated prequel/sequel to THE GIRL FROM LONG GUYLAND.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 2, 2022
Bagels and Salsa was a quick and easy read. Our couple are polar opposites: a New York Jew and a New Mexico Mexican. Laila and Eduardo are an unlikely pair, a major understatement!
However, how can you fight a mutual attraction?!
It’s a total surprise when Laila agrees to move to New Mexico with Eduardo after only dating for a short time. How can a life long New Yorker adjust to an isolated life on a ranch in the middle of no where? To make matters worse, not only is Eduardo’s first love is in town looking to rekindle their old flame. But also, Eduardo’s mother is not crazy about the “skinny, non catholic Jew” living with her son.
As Laila and Eduardo get to know one another and their families, it’s a roller coaster ride with lots of laughs, some cultural sharing, and a few heart rendering conversations.
If you love a romance with a slightly different plot mixed with humor and family antics, then I recommend Bagels and Salsa for the win!
However, how can you fight a mutual attraction?!
It’s a total surprise when Laila agrees to move to New Mexico with Eduardo after only dating for a short time. How can a life long New Yorker adjust to an isolated life on a ranch in the middle of no where? To make matters worse, not only is Eduardo’s first love is in town looking to rekindle their old flame. But also, Eduardo’s mother is not crazy about the “skinny, non catholic Jew” living with her son.
As Laila and Eduardo get to know one another and their families, it’s a roller coaster ride with lots of laughs, some cultural sharing, and a few heart rendering conversations.
If you love a romance with a slightly different plot mixed with humor and family antics, then I recommend Bagels and Salsa for the win!
February 22, 2018
A fun. quick read from an author I had read previously. Enjoyed her continuing 'high jinx' antics!
March 22, 2018
Lara Reznik's most recent novel, Bagels & Salsa explores the theme of intercultural relationships and recounts the story of a young Jewish sociologist from New York, Laila Levin whose existence is turned completely upside down by her falling in love with a medical doctor, Eduardo Quintana from New Mexico where his family were ranchers for over three centuries.
The couple's first encounter takes place in the emergency room of the Bronx Lebanon Hospital where Laila is rushed in after falling from the stage of a High School where she had joined a panel of speakers who were discussing the impact and ramifications of teen pregnancies. Laila is hesitant when she first meets Eduardo but has to admit he is handsome. As for Eduardo, there was something about Laila that interested him- perhaps it was her vulnerability combined with her feistiness?
As their courtship unfolds, we discover that Laila had been previously married however the marriage was annulled when she discovered her husband making out with the wife of his best friend just after their marriage ceremony. We also learn of Eduardo's relationship with an old high-school fling that ended badly when she decided to ditch him to further her career as an actress in Los Angeles. Incidentally, Laila and Eduardo keep hidden from each other their respective prior love relationships.
Eduardo is determined to return to the tiny village of Sabinal, New Mexico and tries to convince Laila to follow him. However, he realizes that the odds of having a lasting love involvement between two people whose worlds were far apart are not promising. And even if Laila decides to follow him, how content would she be living in a vastly different culture than her own and in the boonies of Eduardo's beloved Land of Enchantment?
After some persuasive prodding and with the possibility that Laila would be able to continue her research on teen pregnancies, which is quite prevalent in northern New Mexico, Laila agrees to follow Eduardo. Sadly, little did she know she would be living in a trailer, isolated from her family and life in New York, and the open hostility, intimidation and disdain of Eduardo's mother. Not a very good recipe for a durable liaison.
Experiencing life in Sabinal for a few months, Laila begins to question her sanity and if she committed a disastrous mistake in moving to the backwoods of New Mexico to endure these challenges. Had she become so desperate for love after her first disastrous marriage, that she lost all semblance of rational thought? To magnify her distress, Laila recognizes that she is totally unprepared for the reality of an impoverished culture that so enables teen pregnancy. All of this means that her research would be more complex than she ever anticipated. Moreover, Eduardo does not appear to have even noticed her state of mind.
One of the strengths of this satisfying serious novel is that it forces you to engage in it as it highlights the various challenges pertaining to the delicate dynamics of intercultural relationships. In addition, it is a narrative that intently observes a couple trying to keep their lives from spinning out of control by grasping hopefully at love. Bear in mind that our culture shapes us even though we may believe that we share the same world view and vision for our future together when we first fall madly in love. In examining the complex relationship of Laila and Eduardo, Reznik provides a great deal of thoughtful insights into the love and dependence that tied the two together as well as their differences that isolated them. She even throws in some humor all of which make for an enjoyable literary experience.
Although Reznik is not staking out new territory with her yarn, she does come with considerable experience concerning the subject of her novel as she is a native New Yorker who escaped to New Mexico in the 1970s and later married someone from there whose family, just as Eduardo's, were ranchers for over three hundred years. According to the back cover of the book, her marriage of 30-plus years is the basis for exploring the theme of celebrating cultural differences.
Follow Here http://1clickurls.com/bK7UEko To Read Norm's Interview With Lara Reznik
The couple's first encounter takes place in the emergency room of the Bronx Lebanon Hospital where Laila is rushed in after falling from the stage of a High School where she had joined a panel of speakers who were discussing the impact and ramifications of teen pregnancies. Laila is hesitant when she first meets Eduardo but has to admit he is handsome. As for Eduardo, there was something about Laila that interested him- perhaps it was her vulnerability combined with her feistiness?
As their courtship unfolds, we discover that Laila had been previously married however the marriage was annulled when she discovered her husband making out with the wife of his best friend just after their marriage ceremony. We also learn of Eduardo's relationship with an old high-school fling that ended badly when she decided to ditch him to further her career as an actress in Los Angeles. Incidentally, Laila and Eduardo keep hidden from each other their respective prior love relationships.
Eduardo is determined to return to the tiny village of Sabinal, New Mexico and tries to convince Laila to follow him. However, he realizes that the odds of having a lasting love involvement between two people whose worlds were far apart are not promising. And even if Laila decides to follow him, how content would she be living in a vastly different culture than her own and in the boonies of Eduardo's beloved Land of Enchantment?
After some persuasive prodding and with the possibility that Laila would be able to continue her research on teen pregnancies, which is quite prevalent in northern New Mexico, Laila agrees to follow Eduardo. Sadly, little did she know she would be living in a trailer, isolated from her family and life in New York, and the open hostility, intimidation and disdain of Eduardo's mother. Not a very good recipe for a durable liaison.
Experiencing life in Sabinal for a few months, Laila begins to question her sanity and if she committed a disastrous mistake in moving to the backwoods of New Mexico to endure these challenges. Had she become so desperate for love after her first disastrous marriage, that she lost all semblance of rational thought? To magnify her distress, Laila recognizes that she is totally unprepared for the reality of an impoverished culture that so enables teen pregnancy. All of this means that her research would be more complex than she ever anticipated. Moreover, Eduardo does not appear to have even noticed her state of mind.
One of the strengths of this satisfying serious novel is that it forces you to engage in it as it highlights the various challenges pertaining to the delicate dynamics of intercultural relationships. In addition, it is a narrative that intently observes a couple trying to keep their lives from spinning out of control by grasping hopefully at love. Bear in mind that our culture shapes us even though we may believe that we share the same world view and vision for our future together when we first fall madly in love. In examining the complex relationship of Laila and Eduardo, Reznik provides a great deal of thoughtful insights into the love and dependence that tied the two together as well as their differences that isolated them. She even throws in some humor all of which make for an enjoyable literary experience.
Although Reznik is not staking out new territory with her yarn, she does come with considerable experience concerning the subject of her novel as she is a native New Yorker who escaped to New Mexico in the 1970s and later married someone from there whose family, just as Eduardo's, were ranchers for over three hundred years. According to the back cover of the book, her marriage of 30-plus years is the basis for exploring the theme of celebrating cultural differences.
Follow Here http://1clickurls.com/bK7UEko To Read Norm's Interview With Lara Reznik
January 2, 2022
Bagels & Salsa by Lara Reznik is a realistic romance set in the 1970s that focuses on what cultural differences can do to a relationship when not properly nurtured.
This story is written in a beautifully unique way, showcasing deep emotions and situations through the eyes of the main and supporting characters.
Laila Levin, a Jewish sociologist whose main passion is helping with teen pregnancy prevention, finds herself in a whirlwind romance with a doctor who came to her rescue. Taking a chance, she uproots her life for love and is faced with obstacles she never imagined. Can love overcome all?
Dr. Eduardo Quintana is a New Mexico native and seems to be in the right place at the right time when he and Laila cross paths. Sharing many of the same passion's Eduardo cannot imagine his life without her. Bringing them both back to his home state to build a future together, he does what he thinks is his best to help his New Yorker adapt well within the cultural changes his family and town present. When things start to spiral, can he do what is necessary to put Laila first?
Violet Sanchez, an entitled woman whose acting career hasn't reached the level she always dreamed of, is then forced back to her hometown to reassess. Thinking fate is making its course, Violet takes matters into her own hands when the love she abandoned all those years ago is simultaneously moving back home. When someone is that used to having their way, will they accept the knock-back with grace?
Eve Levin is a mother whose own priorities soar above her daughter's. Only going out of her way if there is personal gain can Eve overcome her selfish indulges and be there when her daughters need it most?
Sylvia Quintana stubbornly knows her son is perusing the wrong woman. Letting secrets and insecurities cloud her judgment, she makes Laila's adjustment within New Mexico as difficult as possible. Will she put her indiscretions aside before she pushes her son away?
Dave Burke is a forgotten memory from Laila's past who will stop at nothing to fill an internal, endless void. Loneliness pulling him deeper into a self-made abyss, Dave acts on impulse, doing the unimaginable to get what he wants. Will he be successful in the end?
Bagels & Salsa is a very intriguing piece that is professionally edited and holds no errors. Gladly, I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to a wide variety of readers and am proud to have it on my shelf.
This story is written in a beautifully unique way, showcasing deep emotions and situations through the eyes of the main and supporting characters.
Laila Levin, a Jewish sociologist whose main passion is helping with teen pregnancy prevention, finds herself in a whirlwind romance with a doctor who came to her rescue. Taking a chance, she uproots her life for love and is faced with obstacles she never imagined. Can love overcome all?
Dr. Eduardo Quintana is a New Mexico native and seems to be in the right place at the right time when he and Laila cross paths. Sharing many of the same passion's Eduardo cannot imagine his life without her. Bringing them both back to his home state to build a future together, he does what he thinks is his best to help his New Yorker adapt well within the cultural changes his family and town present. When things start to spiral, can he do what is necessary to put Laila first?
Violet Sanchez, an entitled woman whose acting career hasn't reached the level she always dreamed of, is then forced back to her hometown to reassess. Thinking fate is making its course, Violet takes matters into her own hands when the love she abandoned all those years ago is simultaneously moving back home. When someone is that used to having their way, will they accept the knock-back with grace?
Eve Levin is a mother whose own priorities soar above her daughter's. Only going out of her way if there is personal gain can Eve overcome her selfish indulges and be there when her daughters need it most?
Sylvia Quintana stubbornly knows her son is perusing the wrong woman. Letting secrets and insecurities cloud her judgment, she makes Laila's adjustment within New Mexico as difficult as possible. Will she put her indiscretions aside before she pushes her son away?
Dave Burke is a forgotten memory from Laila's past who will stop at nothing to fill an internal, endless void. Loneliness pulling him deeper into a self-made abyss, Dave acts on impulse, doing the unimaginable to get what he wants. Will he be successful in the end?
Bagels & Salsa is a very intriguing piece that is professionally edited and holds no errors. Gladly, I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to a wide variety of readers and am proud to have it on my shelf.
February 18, 2018
This was cute and a fast read. Definitely a beach-read or trip-worthy entertainment on a flight. It is basically a love story between a Hispanic Dr. Eduardo and a Jewish gal named Laila. Sparks fly at their first meeting. He’s from New Mexico and wants to settle there. She’s a New Yorker. He convinces her to give New Mexico a try and off they go, culture clashes be damned.... and there are plenty of them.
I did find some minor errors with the Spanish translations, as I am fluent in the language, but these could have been auto-correcting kicking in on the keyboard. Example: the word in Spanish for “better” is “mejor“ but it appeared as “major” which is what auto-correct does with that word. Evidently not caught in editing. Another error: “como esta Ramon?” is the proper question, not “como es Ramon?”
Otherwise I found it entertaining, a fun read. The reader is rooting for Eduardo and Laila to work out their differences in culture, religion, and all the obstacles they face, including an old Latina girlfriend that wants Eduardo back, and Eduardo’s meddlesome mother trying to make that happen and give the Jewish Laila the boot. Recommended for a light read.
I did find some minor errors with the Spanish translations, as I am fluent in the language, but these could have been auto-correcting kicking in on the keyboard. Example: the word in Spanish for “better” is “mejor“ but it appeared as “major” which is what auto-correct does with that word. Evidently not caught in editing. Another error: “como esta Ramon?” is the proper question, not “como es Ramon?”
Otherwise I found it entertaining, a fun read. The reader is rooting for Eduardo and Laila to work out their differences in culture, religion, and all the obstacles they face, including an old Latina girlfriend that wants Eduardo back, and Eduardo’s meddlesome mother trying to make that happen and give the Jewish Laila the boot. Recommended for a light read.
May 23, 2022
This was a wonderful book. I read it for free to review. I got frustrated a bit with the miscommunication but it fed into showing the differences in culture between the FMC and the MMC. I also enjoyed the cameo of the Son of Sam as the book is based during the time he is active in New York and talks about the FMC’s fear since she resembles the victims. This book is romantic but it’s not necessarily spicy in my opinion. There are some light mentions of sexual acts but nothing I wouldn’t find inappropriate (again in my opinion). It reminds me of the kind of books assigned to be read in high school English class. Up there with To Kill A Mockingbird and The Giver
July 18, 2018
Elegant writing
The book brings the cultural differences to light as they truly are, in an elegant writing style and very stylish. Even sexual moments are presented in such a respectable way. This is a very talented author, the rich vocabulary and choice of words keep this book on the list of good literature. I highly recommend the book to the reader who appreciate the true art of writing, on an intellectual platform.
The book brings the cultural differences to light as they truly are, in an elegant writing style and very stylish. Even sexual moments are presented in such a respectable way. This is a very talented author, the rich vocabulary and choice of words keep this book on the list of good literature. I highly recommend the book to the reader who appreciate the true art of writing, on an intellectual platform.
October 23, 2024
Oy, vey! Muy Bueno!
Most rollicking adventure. Read this imagin
ative tale. Such fun. Good writing! Amazing similes. Will definitely read Lara's other books.
So enjoyed the bossy Mamas and good hearted Papas.
Lots of tension and angst as the cultures clashed.
And of course, just the best HEA!6
Most rollicking adventure. Read this imagin
ative tale. Such fun. Good writing! Amazing similes. Will definitely read Lara's other books.
So enjoyed the bossy Mamas and good hearted Papas.
Lots of tension and angst as the cultures clashed.
And of course, just the best HEA!6
April 27, 2018
A great little romance story with a twist of comedy. I found my self indulged and giggling at times. Love how it has some twist to it. It's a fast read so you'll find yourself so wrapped up in it that you'll finish it in one setting! Highly recommend!
February 18, 2018
Amazing
A nice and funny love story.I had a whole lot of fun reading this one.There's a little bit of suspense and thrills,but most of all there's a whole lot of laughs.
A nice and funny love story.I had a whole lot of fun reading this one.There's a little bit of suspense and thrills,but most of all there's a whole lot of laughs.
April 28, 2018
Couldn't put it down.
Loved this book hope to read more from this author. So glad I found it and read it. Now to find more
Loved this book hope to read more from this author. So glad I found it and read it. Now to find more
June 25, 2018
Jewish New York city girl meets Mexican doctor who wants her to go to Mexico to live with him in a remote area where he will take over as doctor
August 2, 2018
Oh my goodness
Lara Reznik knows how to write a good novel. Thanks for the good read.😁.mucho travato . Just with it was on audible. The narrator was British
Lara Reznik knows how to write a good novel. Thanks for the good read.😁.mucho travato . Just with it was on audible. The narrator was British
April 20, 2019
Enjoyed
It was a fun read, gave me lots of Laughs. Also learned something I didn't know that Jews had settled in N M in morning 1500s.
It was a fun read, gave me lots of Laughs. Also learned something I didn't know that Jews had settled in N M in morning 1500s.
April 28, 2022
I'm not a romance novel reader, but I thoroughly enjoyed this. I loved the adventure, and twists and turns, and humor, in this story about trying to blend families and cultures.
May 3, 2025
Nice book. Not a very compelling book. But was a good change of pace.
July 7, 2019
Wonderful book. Great Story. I might want to read it again.
April 18, 2021
Nice little light romance, set in among the hills and towns of New Mexico, one of my favorite places. I loved both the sense of the Jewish easterner, finding happiness with the Hispanic doctor. It's an odd-couple mix - shouldn't-have-gotten-together- but-did, sort of romance. Pleasant to see that one can change their mind, even a couple of times, and take a risk.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews