Last Bite: A Novel of Culinary Romance
By Nancy Verde Barr
Algonquin, 2006, $22.95
Barr was an executive chef for Julia Child and the culinary producer for PBS' "Baking With Julia" and ABC's "Good Morning America."
She uses her experiences in this delightful romantic novel, spiced with a little mystery for fun.
Casey Costello is a chef for a network morning news show. Her romantic life isn't going too well — she's just discovered that her lover has been cheating on her. She's sworn off relationships forever.
Enter the handsome Danny, an Irish chef making a guest appearance on the show. It's hard not to be attracted to this man, but Casey tries to keep her feelings hidden.
Sally, Casey's boss, is taping some segments in Italy, so Casey is among the crew flying over. In addition to her concerns about getting into a relationship with Danny, she is also worried about Sally, who has not been herself recently.
Much to Casey's shock, Danny flies over to Italy for her birthday, making her wonder if she should lump him in the same category with her previous boyfriend. Maybe he's really a nice guy.
Casey confides in Danny about her concern over Sally, and the two of them put their heads together to help solve Sally's problem.
I really enjoyed this look behind-the-scenes about what goes into making food segments for television shows. Any food junkie will like this book.
Letter to a Godchild:
Concerning Faith
By Reynolds Price
Scribner, 2006, $15.95
Author Reynolds Price passes on the wisdom of his seven decades in the form of a letter to his six-year-old godchild to be read when he is old enough to understand.
This reflection about life and faith is described by Publisher’s Weekly as "close to being a spiritual autobiography."
Sons of Providence:
The Brown Brothers, the Slave Trade, and the American Revolution
By Charles Rappleye
Simon and Schuster, 2006, $27
This intriguing book offers the story of two brothers from Rhode Island — John and Moses Brown — who were very different in personality and eventually their beliefs. I don't recall ever hearing about either of them in a history class, but Rappleye's book brings them to life.
The brothers were both members of the Sons of Liberty, but John, more of a hothead, was a hands-on kind of fellow, leading raids on ships, while his brother preferred an attempt at mediation.
John, a merchant, participated in the slave trade through his shipping business. He approved of it and profited from it. Moses, who was involved in the business at the beginning, eventually changed his opinion of slavery and worked to outlaw it.
This was an interesting (although long) read.
Faye M. Dasen may be reached at fdasen@thepilot.com or at 693-2475.
