MY REVIEW:
With a leisurely plot that is meant to be savored, “A Table by the Window” is an extraordinary reading experience. From the delightful quotes at the beginning of each chapter to the tempting heirloom recipes scattered through Juliette’s story, I enjoyed every page.
This novel provided an inside look behind the scenes of a successful restaurant as well as the many details involved in preparing to open a new restaurant. The family dynamics of the D’Alisa crew were wonderful with plenty of drama and humor to go around. I enjoyed Juliette’s journey of self-discovery and all the details of her online dating experience. A family mystery added even more interest and depth to the story.
I would love to try out some of the delicious looking recipes but am forcing myself to ignore them due to current dietary restrictions. My only other complaint is that I have to wait for the next installment of this series to find out what happens with Juliette and Neil. I don’t always enjoy the delay!
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Heirloom recipes, family secrets…and a chance for love
The youngest heir to a French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D’Alisa has spent her life negotiating her skill with words and her restaurant aspirations. When her brother Nico offers her a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn—does she really have what it takes? Should she risk leaving her journalism career?
After the death of her grandmother, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and dark secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery away from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story.
Inspired by her grandmother’s evolving story, Juliette resolves to explore the world of online dating. To her surprise, she finds a kindred spirit in Neil McLaren, a handsome immunologist based in Memphis, Tennessee. With a long-distance relationship simmering, Juliette faces life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary life and Neil, a man a world away in more ways than one? And is it possible her Grandmother’s story can help show the way?
Read an excerpt from “A Table by the Window HERE.
Praise for A Table by the Window
“Food writer Juliette D’Alisa adores her temperamental, trilingual family of restaurateurs, but she could do without their bossy skepticism of her online love interest who’s so unlike them. Rainy, windy Portland has never felt quite as warm as it does when Juliette navigates long-distance romance, career decisions, and a genealogical mystery. A delectable tale from Hillary Manton Lodge, A Table by the Window includes recipes that are like a warm welcome to the D’Alisa family table.”
—Meg Moseley, author of Gone South and When Sparrows Fall“Warm, witty, and a culinary delight! Hillary Manton Lodge’s crisp writing reminds me of a vintage romantic comedy but with contemporary appeal as the story unfolds with perfect pacing and recipes to make you drool. More than once I found myself wishing I had a pastry chef in my own kitchen. Wonderfully romantic in all the best ways!”
—Carla Stewart, award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and Sweet Dreams“Not since Under the Tuscan Sun have I read a book that I both tasted and felt to such an enchanting degree. Author Hillary Manton Lodge has woven a captivating tale of one woman’s quest to discover not only herself, but the truths behind an old-world family legacy. With a touch of whimsy, the perfect helping of romance, and a hearty sprinkle of laugh-out-loud humor, A Table by the Window is a delight.”
—Joanne Bischof, award-winning author of the Cadence of Grace series“An endearing, smart, must-read novel! A Table by the Window is a delicious tale that had me slowing down so I could savor it longer. Major props to Hillary Manton Lodge for not only taking me on a beautiful journey alongside Juliette, but for making a non-foodie like myself want to take up a new hobby.”
—Katie Ganshert, award-winning author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows“Hillary Manton Lodge combines a perfect voice, endearing characters, and delectable recipes into a heart-winning story. A Table by the Window hooked me from the first page to the very last word. Bravo, Hillary!”
—Leslie Gould, best-selling and Christy Award–winning author
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.