#BookReview Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery
(Little Beach Street Bakery #2)
by Jenny Colgan

Genre: Chick Lit, Romance, Women's Fiction
Publication: March 22nd, 2016
Format: ebooks
Source: Author, Publisher
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Summer has arrived in the Cornish town of Mount Polbearne and Polly Waterford couldn't be happier. Because Polly is in love: she's in love with the beautiful seaside town she calls home, she's in love with running the bakery on Beach Street, and she's in love with her boyfriend, Huckle.

And yet there's something unsettling about the gentle summer breeze that's floating through town. Selina, recently widowed, hopes that moving to Mount Polbearne will ease her grief, but Polly has a secret that could destroy her friend's fragile recovery. Responsibilities that Huckle thought he'd left behind are back and Polly finds it hard to cope with his increasingly long periods of absence.

Polly sifts flour, kneads dough and bakes bread, but nothing can calm the storm she knows is coming: is Polly about to lose everything she loves?

I always wanted to read Jenny Colgan's books. The cover looks lovely and the title sounds delicious. I'm just happy that I finally read this book. Jenny Colgan's writing is easy to get into. Summer in Little Beach Street Bakery is the second book from Little Beach Street Bakery series. I haven't read the first book yet, but this book can be read as a standalone.

Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery centers around Polly's life on Mount Polbearne. Polly is a baker. She's happy with her boyfriend, Huckle and her bird, Neil. Then, Selina, recently widowed, move to Mount Polbearne. Suddenly, everything is about to change for Polly.

I didn't expect that I would enjoy this book so much. The beginning was a bit slow for me. But once I keep going, I was hooked. The story showed how Polly deal with the changes around her—with her friends, bakery, and romance life. I love reading about how Polly bakes bread. Jenny Colgan had a wonderful way of describing each baked goods. I could almost imagine the smell of bread and yeast. It was interesting to know how Polly lives in a lighthouse. And I had the pleasure to get to know the people from Mount Polbearne. Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery is a great, light, chick lit read featuring two of my favorite things—beach and bakery. There were just enough amount of romance, friendship, drama and humor.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Greedily Yours by Emma Hamilton

Greedily Yours - Book 1: Taste Test
by Emma Hamilton

Genre: Chick Lit, Culinary Theme, Romance
Publication: June 15th 2015 by Bastei Entertainmen
Format: Kindle Edition, 79 pages
Source: NetGalley

Mia Maxwell loves food. She loves it so much that she's made it her career. On the surface Mia seems to have it all. She lives in trendy east London with her best friend, Lizzie, who owns a cupcake cafe. By day she runs her own food PR consultancy, and by night she's a food blogger with a burgeoning audience. Mia has a banker boyfriend, Paul, who enjoys travelling the world, enabling her to taste the globe's culinary delights. But Mia is still hungry and, when she heads down to Cornwall to run a food festival, she doesn't realise that her entire life is about to be cast adrift.

Episode 1 - Mia Maxwell knows that her love of food is tied to her healthy appetite for romance. She's admitted as much on her food blog, "Culinary Confessions of a Greedy Girl." But could a chance encounter with a fellow foodie in Cornwall really entice her to question her own romantic relationship?

This book was actually written in eight parts, and Taste Test was just the first book. I couldn't pass the chance to read this book when I saw it on NetGalley. The cover was pretty and the summary hooked my interest when it mentioned food and food blogging.

Greedily Yours: Taste Test started off a bit slow to my liking. It took me a while to like the author's style. But I guess, the first part started to introduce the characters. At first, I was a bit confused as to who is the main character of the book. There's Lizzy, who owned a cupcake cake and Mia, who owned a food PR consultancy, and both of them were interesting characters.

This book is definitely a fun, quick read. It took me a short time to finish the book from the start. There are enough mentioned of food to get my stomach rumbling. And I do enjoy reading about Mia and her work at the food festival. There is a bit of romance in the story, but not so much. I guess, I will have to read the next book to find out about Mia's work, blog and romance.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Review: Yes, Chef! by Lisa Joy + Q&A

Yes, Chef!
by Lisa Joy

Genre: Chic k Lit, Romance, Drama
Publication: July 14, 2014
Format: ebooks, 195 pages
Source: Netgalley
Connect: Website | Twitter

Sassy foodie Becca Stone is over her job taking reservations in one of London's most successful restaurant empires. So when she is unexpectedly catapulted into working as PA to celebrity chef, Damien Malone, it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime.

Becca is quickly caught up in an exciting whirlwind of travel, reality TV and opening nights, and even her usually abysmal love life takes a turn for the better. But as Becca is slowly consumed by the chaos of life in the spotlight, she begins to lose touch with her friends, her heart and even with reality. Working with Damien has its challenges and she is soon struggling with his increasingly outrageous demands and sleazy advances, all while managing the ridiculous requests of his self-centered wife. It takes a disastrous trip to Italy for Becca to realize that she may have thrown away exactly what she's been looking for all along.

Inspired by real-life adventures, this deliciously funny and romantic story reveals a tantalizing glimpse of the trendy restaurant scene: a world where chefs are treated like rock stars, and cooking isn't all that goes on in the kitchen.

I’m a sucker for chick lit with a culinary theme book. When I saw the cover and the title for Lisa Joy’s Yes, Chef!, I knew that I have to add this book into my tbr list.

Becca Stone worked with the reservation department for one of London’s successful restaurant empire.  She was pushed to work for as a PA for Damien Malone, a famous celebrity chef, when his PA, Abigail was going on a vacation. Becca learned that working as Damien’s PA isn’t as exciting as she thought it would be. Becca had to cope with Damien’s (and his wife) demands, while struggling to keep up with her friends, and finding her happiness. 

Yes, Chef! was definitely a good debut by Lisa Joy. The book wasn’t what I was expecting to read, judging from the blurb. But it was interesting to read how Becca Stone was going to survive working as the Damien’s PA. Becca was a great character. I have to admit that she wasn’t very likable at first, but I slowly start to like her as I watch how she grew up and finding out what she really want throughout the story.

My only complain is that the story was a bit rushed towards the end. I do think that the book could be, and should be longer. I wish there were more moments/scene of Becca working with Damien. I’d love to know more about how was it to work as a celebrity chef’s PA. All that juicy drama and stuff.

Overall, Yes, Chef was an enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to those who love a book with a hint of culinary theme.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Q&A with Lisa Joy

1. Please introduce yourself and your book.

Hello! I’m Lisa Joy and I live in Melbourne, Australia which is a wonderful foodie city. Yes, Chef! is my debut novel and it was inspired by my years working in the restaurant industry as a manager, reservations coordinator, host, waitress and PA. In addition to writing novels I still work part time as PA to a well known Melbourne chef but fortunately for me he is not like the bully celebrity chef in my book. I’ve never worked in the kitchen but I do love to bake and I live on a farm that supplies vegetables and berries to some of Melbourne’s top restaurants.

2. What inspired you to write?

I love the feeling of being taken out of your ordinary existence and experiencing something extraordinary that reading gives you. I had a teacher in high school that encouraged my short stories but I didn’t consider writing as a profession until about five years ago. Writing makes me feel at peace and gives me a rush all at the same time so it’s something I would do even if my stories weren’t published.

3. Can you relate yourself to any of the characters? Did you experience anything Becca had experienced?

I can certainly relate to the feeling of uncertainty the heroine Becca Stone feels in regards to her career and love life. The angst and bitterness that comes from not knowing your passion in life and experiencing a run of bad dates with scoundrels. I can also relate to the profoundly comforting feeling that comes when you do finally find someone that loves you just as you are.

4. What is the biggest challenge in working in restaurant business?

The hours are long and unless you are dating someone in the industry it’s difficult to find time to spend with your partner. I think one of the hardest things is meeting the customers’ expectations, which in our foodie culture, can sometimes be unrealistic. Some chefs say food is art but ultimately it’s just diner.

5. And what is the biggest challenge in writing this book?

I’d struggled with another novel before Yes, Chef! because I placed so much pressure on myself to become published that I forgot to enjoy the process of writing. With Yes, Chef! my biggest challenge was to drive all thoughts of publication from my mind and write the story as though I were writing it for my good friends. In the end it worked because not worrying so much about becoming a publish author freed up my writing and allowed me not only to finish the book in less than six months but also to really enjoy writing it.

6. Grade your book. How many stars out of a perfect score of 5 stars? Please give the reason too.

I’m not sure if I can do this! I’ve always been very aware that novels are subjective and what I consider to be 5 stars someone else may only rate 1 star. But if I must rate my book, I would like to give Yes, Chef! 5 stars because it brought me so much happiness and enjoyment and I have had so many messages from readers saying it did the same for them.

7. What are you working on right now?

I’m doing lots of promotion work for Yes, Chef! which I love. I’m so pleased readers are taking an interest in the book. I’ve also begun working on my next novel, another foodie adventure-romance set in England and Italy. This book will again touch on the theme of discovering what you truly want from life, even if it’s not what others expect of you. I’m taking a break from restaurants to explore the lush farms of the Italian countryside and the peace and happiness cooking and eating can bring.

8. Anything you would like to say to your readers?

Thank you! I really hope you enjoy reading Yes, Chef! as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you’d like to read more about the research for my next book, news from my farm and life as a writer or recipes from some of the worlds top chefs please visit my journal http://www.lisajoyauthor.com/journal

Book Review: The Way to a Woman's Heart

The Way to a Woman's Heart

by Christina Jones

Genre: Chick Lit, Culinary Theme, Contemporary

Publication: February 2011

Format: Paperback, 455 pages

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

The Way to a Woman’s Heart is mainly about Ella, who went to this remote English country village called Hideaway Farm as a nanny to get away from her life and boyfriend, Mark. Ella wants to have her own kids and Mark wasn’t fond of kids. Ella thought that by separated with Mark for three months, Mark might think that he can’t live without her and change his mind about having kids.

When Ella met Poll and George (Poll’s son) in Hideaway Farm, she was quickly smitten. Poll then told Ella about her plan to open her home to help those who need a home and that she need Ella to look after young George while she was taking care of the others. Of course, Ella wasn’t sure of the idea, but thought that she will go along with Poll’s plan. Poll then revealed that she had ‘adopted’ three people – Ash (a young chef who lost his home and job because his chef refuse to let his partner, Roy stay with them) Billy (who was accused for murdering his wife) and Trixie (who was accused as an arsonist and lost her home in a fire). They get along just well and found out that they all shared two things in common – cooking and T.V cookery show called Dewberrys Dinners. 

When they found out that their favorite Dewberry’s Dinners comes to Hideaway Farm looking for their latest contestant and looking for a venue to film the show, they all (unknown to each other) applied to the show. And thus, their journey to win cash prize and a chance to own their own restaurant begins.

I haven’t read anything written by Christina Jones before, and I thought that I should give The Way to a Woman’s Heart a try. But, this book wasn’t really what I thought it would be. I think I might be deceived by its cover, title and summary (which is the reason why I bought the book in the first place)!

The Way to a Woman’s Heart is a light read with light romance, humor and a little magical element in it (with Trixie believing in fairies). But I thought that the book was more into romance. But sadly, it is not. Although there was a hint of romance, I think it wasn’t enough. There were so little scene of Ella and Ash to the point that I wasn’t really sure when they start to like each other (I just knew that Ella thought of him as hot and handsome and that she like him instantly when they met). Then, there was the romance between Poll and Billy, which sadly didn’t get much coverage as well, except that they start to like each other in first sight.

The story had a slow pace at the beginning with the author trying to introduce the characters into the book. I think that the book finally picked up its pace when the Dewberry’s Dinners TV program is being introduced (which is 1/3 through the book). I thought the book had too much trivial dialogue. It would be better if the author use them to enhance the character’s relationship. I was disappointed with this book but overall, it was an okay read.

Book Cover's Description

Cooking seemed like the perfect distraction - until a delicious chef was thrown in the mix ...

Escaping from corporate city life into the heart of the Berkshire countryside, Ella Maloney hopes to find rural tranquillity and a chance to sort out the problems in her long-term relationship. On arriving, she realises tranquillity is in short supply, but welcomes the distraction her chaotic new life offers - until she meets devastatingly gorgeous, but equally attached, chef Ash Lawrence, and realises that he's maybe one distraction too many. 

And when Ella's favourite top-rated TV cookery programme - Dewberry's Dinners - comes looking for a venue to film their latest show, she pulls out all the culinary stops in an attempt to keep her mind on the task in hand (and not on the sexy Ash), but it's hard to keep your head when all around you people are losing theirs ...

Book Review: Humble Pie

Humble Pie

Gordon Ramsay

Genre: Autobiography, Non-Fiction, Culinary

Publication: 2008

Format: Paperback, Special Edition, 96 pages

Website: Gordon Ramsay

Buy: Amazon

I bought this book after as it was recommended to me. I always wanted to read this book and was glad when I found this quick read version. This book was a really quick read (96 pages!!) and I finished it within an hour and half.

I really enjoyed the book. It was fun to know what he was before he was famous. As a culinary graduate, I really respect on his journey and adventure to learn what he knew now. Not many culinary students would want to sacrifice their working hour with low payment for the sake of a journey…

Book Cover’s Description:

Everyone thinks they know the real Gordon Ramsay: rude, loud, driven, stubborn. But this is his real story…In this fast-paced, bite-sized edition of his bestselling autobiography Ramsay tells the real story of how he became the world’s most famous and infamous chef: his difficult childhood, his brother’s heroin addiction, his failed first career as a footballer, his fanatical pursuit of gastronomic perfection and his TV persona - all the things that have made him the celebrated culinary talent and media powerhouse that he is today.

Book Review: Gastro Detective

Gastro Detective: A Frank Bruno Novel

Vincent McConeghy

Genre: Mystery, Crime, Culinary

Publication:  November, 2010

Website: Gastro Detective

Buy: Amazon

As a foodie, a culinary arts graduate and a mystery lover, I just can’t ignore this book. The synopsis and cover piqued me to read this book! Gastro Detective is more than a culinary-mystery book as I expected it would be. The author also included a bit of economy – food inflation and politic in his writing. I haven’t read much book as this one. I think it’s quite refreshing to learn on what’s been happening to the food industry.

I really enjoy the book. I love McConeghy style and humor. I like the concept of Frank Bruno as a food detective. I was definitely hooked up with the opening chapter. But I was a bit disappointed with the ending. Sure, I like the twist McConeghy had in the book. But I think the ending could have been better. I wish Frank Bruno would do more investigation on the murder. I wish McConeghy would focus more on the thriller and mystery in his writing.

I think this is my first book from an indie writer!

Book cover description:

Gastro Detective marks the advent of a new genre for the fiction thriller category-the Resto Thriller- where food, finance, global politics and the recurring drama of the restaurant business collide with dramatic and unexpected consequences.

Chef Joe Bass, owner of a celebrated regional restaurant and well-known television personality on Food Network, has been murdered in the kitchen of his eponymous restaurant. His sudden and unexpected demise prompts the return of life-long friend Frank Bruno, who is also immersed in a high-level facet of the food industry for the U.S. government, far beyond the machinations of sole proprietorship.

Yet, as the nitty-gritty of a return to life in the restaurant business envelopes him, Frank Bruno is reminded that the fundamentals of food, family and restaurants remain the same.

It’s a hands-on business where everyone’s hands are dirty.

Book Review: Bone in the Throat

Title: Bone in the Throat

Author: Anthony Bourdain

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Culinary

Publication: 2000

Rating: 1/5

When up-and-coming chef Tommy Pagana settles for a less than glamorous stint at his uncle's restaurant in Manhattan's Little Italy, he unwittingly finds himself a partner in big-time crime. And when the mob decides to use the kitchen for a murder, nothing Tommy learned in cooking school has prepared him for what happens next. With the FBI on one side, and his eccentric wise guy superiors on the other, Tommy has to struggle to do right by his conscience, and to avoid getting killed in the meantime. 

I like Anthony Bourdain as a chef and I like his TV shows. I got this book because I was curious to know how Bourdain would write a fiction. Besides, I always love a culinary/food related mystery/crime/thriller books. 

However, I’m sorry to say that I was greatly disappointed with this book. The pace is slow, the dialogue is poor and boring and the characters are poorly constructed. I had a hard time keeping track of what’s going on and who the characters are. There was nothing special about the characters. It’s like they didn’t have their own personality. 

I was annoyed to see that almost everyone in this book used foul languages. There are too much unnecessary details and parts where I deemed that it would be better if it wasn’t there. I’m sorry Bourdain. I don’t think that I’m going to read another fiction from you :(