Lessons in Chemistry introduces 1960’s housewives to the concept of applying everyday chemistry to cooking.
Elizabeth Zott has two equally important deLessons in Chemistry introduces 1960’s housewives to the concept of applying everyday chemistry to cooking.
Elizabeth Zott has two equally important defining roles, both of which she takes very seriously. She is a brilliant chemist, a rarity in the 1960’s, and she’s also a single mother to four-year-old Madeline (Mad). Having experienced great hardship and adversary in her life, and due to circumstances beyond her control, Elizabeth reluctantly accepts a job offer to host an early evening cooking show, aimed at housewives. But, just like Elizabeth herself, Supper at Six is no ordinary show. Using chemical processes, Elizabeth teaches, encourages, and inspires her audience to not only create delicious, complex, and nutritious culinary dishes, but to value and believe in their self-worth, both in and out of the kitchen.
Eloquent, beautiful, and compassionately written, Lessons in Chemistry stole my heart. I experienced a torrent of emotions while reading – happiness, amusement, anger, hate, grief, and sadness. Some parts saw me seething with rage at the ignorance and bigotry characters displayed. Other bits made me smile and jump for joy at the support, tenderness and love I witnessed. Then there were the delightfully funny lines, several of which saw me erupting into fits of laughter. Finally, there were those sections where I had to bite my lip to keep myself from crying. On one occasion I had to turn my kindle off and put it away as I was in danger of bursting into tears in a public place.
The character of Elizabeth was a true innovative leader who demanded nothing less than gender equality as she bravely and tirelessly stood her ground and fought to receive the same rights as men in every sector of her life. As you can imagine none of the above went down well with the majority of the males she encountered, and even some women, in a 1950’s and 1960’s environment, resulting in Elizabeth being viewed as odd, argumentative, disruptive, and worse, and she faced sexism, belittlement, trivialisation, and abuse as a result.
There were other characters (but I’m loathe to spoil) who were just as strong, compelling, memorable and delightful, although I will mention that there was an adorable dog narrator, (yes you read that right), which I thought was pretty cool.
However, there were a couple of things which prevented this from being a 5-star read for me. This is going to be an unpopular opinion, but as much as I loved Elizabeth, her opinions were just a little too modern day I thought, almost as if she had been plucked from 2021 to land in 1962, (and there were some other things too but I can’t give them away) meaning this read like more of a fantastical 50’s/60’s rather than an authentic one. Not that it’s not okay to do this, but I prefer my historical more on the authentic side. My second little gripe related to the long-winded descriptions of rowing, as in the sport. I felt too much time was spent on this and I ended up skimming those bits.
All up though, it was a remarkable read, as well as a pleasure. Not to mention that it was definitely in a class of its own in terms of quirkiness and uniqueness.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Doubleday, and Bonnie Garmus for the e-ARC
Readers, set the table for the 5th April, 2022.
P.S: Okay, so it took me longer than it should have to realise that E.Z. was certain character’s way of shaming Elizabeth, as we pronounce the letter ‘Z’ ‘Zed’ not ‘Zee’....more
Note: This review contains major spoilers for the first book in the series, The Family Upstairs. Proceed with caution.
The Family Remains (fitting titlNote: This review contains major spoilers for the first book in the series, The Family Upstairs. Proceed with caution.
The Family Remains (fitting title btw) picks up a year after the events of The Family Upstairs. Libby Jones (birth name Serenity Lamb) has grown close to her biological mother, Lucy Lamb, her uncle, Henry Lamb, half-brother Marco, and half-sister Stella. Plus she is bound to them by the shocking shared truth of the horrors that occurred at Sixteen Cheyenne Walk – her family home turned cult, the property she inherited from her grandparents. She has recently sold the Chelsea house, given all the bad things that happened there, and split the proceeds of the sale with her mother and uncle. Libby is also keen to track down her birth father – Phineas (Phin) Thomsen (son of cult leader David Thomsen) – who has been missing for over twenty-five years.
The remains of Birdie Dunlop-Evers (one of the cult follows who abused Henry, Lucy, Phil, and his sister Clemency) have also been discovered by police, put there by Henry, who killed Birdie twenty-six years ago in self-defence to protect baby Serenity/Libby.
A second (more recent) body has been discovered in Antibes, France, belonging to Michael Rimmer, Lucy’s abusive ex-husband and Marco’s father, who she killed (also in self-defence) after he attacked her.
The past is catching up with the Lamb family.
With me so far? Honestly there was so much to remember from the first book. I highly recommend skim-reading it like I did, or at least have a copy handy to refer to if you get lost. POV’s alternated between Henry, Lucy, and Marco (and their search for Phin), DCI Samuel Owusu (investigating Birdie’s murder), and Rachel Gold (Michael Rimmer’s second wife). This is going to sound weird, but even though this was an engrossing read, with top-notch writing, I don’t think a sequel was really needed. Don’t get me wrong, it was great to re-visit these characters, I was emotionally invested, and I appreciated the closure regarding certain characters fates, but by the end of this book, I felt we were at the same place as the end of The Family Upstairs. Rachel’s story arc was my favourite, likely because she was a new character with a fresh take, but the hunt for Phin became rather tedious in the second half. Also, I really missed Libby’s POV, and thought she would’ve had more of an active role in the search for her father.
Furthermore, I would categorise Henry, Lucy, and Marco’s story as more family drama/secrets/tragedy, with Rachel’s being more domestic thriller, and a dash of police procedural thrown in.
An above average read, which I think fans of The Family Upstairs will appreciate, but I preferred The Family Upstairs.
I’d like to thank Netgalley UK, Random House UK – Cornerstone, Century, and Lisa Jewell for the e-ARC.
Three women’s Valentine’s Day dates are about to end in disaster, thanks to one man – The No-Show.
3.5.
Siobhan has been sleeping with Joseph Carter whThree women’s Valentine’s Day dates are about to end in disaster, thanks to one man – The No-Show.
3.5.
Siobhan has been sleeping with Joseph Carter whenever she’s in London on business. So, she’s thrilled when he asks her out on their first public date outside a hotel room – a breakfast on Valentine’s Day no less. But now Siobhan has been sitting alone in a café for the past half hour waiting for Joseph. Has he stood her up?
Miranda has been dating Carter for five months, and he’s planned a special Valentine’s lunch for them in a pricey restaurant. But, Joseph fails to show up, and he isn’t answering any of her texts. Has she been dumped by her boyfriend?
Jane’s friend Joseph Carter had promised to pretend to be her boyfriend for a Valentine’s engagement party dinner. But, there’s no sign of him, and her work colleagues think he’s imaginary. Where is he?
The No-Show started strong, and my compliments to the author for such an inventive premise – I was swept up in the first few chapters, and I found Miranda’s career choice particularly fascinating. And, even though I had my suspicions, I did enjoy the original and overlapping way it all came together in the end. I even shed a few tears. So, it started on high note, and finished on one.
But, given Joseph’s above behaviour and continued secretiveness it was hard for me to root for any of the couples. I was more invested in a secondary romance. Also, most of the book was boring. Jane’s story arc was my favourite, but even that started to drag after a while. Furthermore, any scene involving Miranda’s twin sister’s and Siobhan’s friend, Marlena was just too immature for my tastes.
I will say that when it comes to romances I am very hard to please, and there are few I love. Other reviewers have categorised The No-Show as a romantic mystery rather than contemporary romance, rom-com, or romantic drama, and I 100% agree. Problem is, I wanted the latter from Beth O’Leary – absolutely adored her first two novels The Flatshare and The Switch, and I don’t think romantic mysteries are really my thing....more
I’m in the minority, but Reminders of Him was cringey af. I almost threw in the towel at the 80% mark because of the direction the plot took.
The premiI’m in the minority, but Reminders of Him was cringey af. I almost threw in the towel at the 80% mark because of the direction the plot took.
The premise was intriguing with twenty-six-year-old Kenna returning to her deceased boyfriend’s hometown (having served five years in prison for the part she played in his death) to reconnect with her young daughter. The daughter she gave birth to in prison, who had been raised since birth by her boyfriend’s parents, who of course blame her for the death of their son, Scotty
Except it wasn’t about Kenna trying to forge a relationship with her daughter. The majority of the novel was devoted to the romantic subplot, and for the most part their physical rather than emotional connection. Because their emotional connection was difficult to fathom.
I’ve said it before, but I’m over these females who need a man to save them, have nothing and no one else in their lives, no skills, are unable to take care of themselves, and without a man they fall apart Boo-hoo!. Kenna’s past relationship with Scotty was extremely unhealthy and co-dependent, with her being totally reliant on him for everything. And her current love interest, Ledger, treated her badly for most of the book, but that was okay with Kenna because he was good in bed.
And of course, even though Ledger was only twenty-six himself he was exceedingly rich and successful. He was also a toxic alpha male – at one point he physically restrained Kenna by picking her up and carrying her against her will into his house to prevent her from doing something he didn’t agree with. No, no, no!
Pettiness ahead! I don’t expect characters to be called Peter and Susie, but the names CoHo chose were eye-rolling. Kenna’s wasn’t too bad I suppose, but Ledger? So dumb. And Kenna’s daughter was Diem (as in carpe diem). Seriously?
As you can see, I wasn’t a fan. I think I’m too old for CoHo. Next!...more
We open to the wedding ceremony of Stephen, and his (twenty-nine years his junior) bride, Heather.
Our narrator is an unknown, uninvited guest, who is We open to the wedding ceremony of Stephen, and his (twenty-nine years his junior) bride, Heather.
Our narrator is an unknown, uninvited guest, who is unhappy about the marriage.
Also unhappy, are Stephen’s adult daughters, Tully and Rachel, both older than the bride, their smiles painted on.
On the other hand, Tully and Rachel’s mother, Stephen’s ex-wife, is smiling and waving as if arriving at a red carpet event.
After the ceremony, the celebrant leads the bridal party to the sacristy to sign the registry.
Minutes later a scream is heard, followed by an ominous thud.
The celebrant reappears, her face ashen, her white pantsuit covered in blood.
We then rewind to one year earlier…
My oh my! It pains me to have to write this review, as up until the 90% mark I would have had no hesitation in rating The Younger Wife 5 stars. Just yesterday, I was singing its praises to my mum, promising to message her the title. But now, having finished, I think I’ll send her the link to The Mother In-Law instead, as Mum’s read my absolute favourite by Sally Hepworth, The Good Sister, which she also loved.
So, back to The Younger Wife. For the most part, the plot was dramatic, disturbing, engaging, and a unique slant on a theme prevalent in domestic thrillers and family dramas. The majority of the suspense and tension came from the character’s being oblivious, ignoring, or not wanting to accept, the warning signs, and their slow realisation that something was very wrong in their family.
The three main POV’s – Tully, Rachel, and Heather – were complex characters with realistic and relatable lives. Putting on a front for the world, hiding the less desirable parts of one’s self, and using addiction as coping mechanisms, and the shame associated with that, were prominent themes, and they were handled sensitively and honestly and furthered the suspense storyline in subtle and thrilling ways. The ‘wedding day’ flash forwards via an unidentified narrator heightened my excitement of what was to come.
Unfortunately, ‘what was to come’ completely changed my opinion of the book, and surprisingly my main issue wasn’t with the ‘open to interpretation’ ending {although I wouldn’t say I loved it), but rather the lack of closure and consequences regarding the serious event that occurred at the ceremony. It just didn’t not sit right with me what followed, too many things were glossed over and rushed, and the decisions made felt out-of character and selfish for characters that I had, up until that point, loved and respected.
I encourage you to check out other reviews, as a lot of my friends rated The Younger Wife 5 stars. For me, it was my least favourite, but keep writing Sally Hepworth, as I remain ever faithful...more
My first read by John Boyne was an absolute comedy delight. A 'laugh out loud' experience that I enjoyed immensely. But, it was also relevant, ironic.My first read by John Boyne was an absolute comedy delight. A 'laugh out loud' experience that I enjoyed immensely. But, it was also relevant, ironic., and a scary reminder of just how dependent, obsessed and addicted we are as a culture to our smart devices. The characters were spoiled and pampered, and behaved badly, but I couldn't help feeling some empathy for their escalating situations and naivety.. I definitely plan to read more by this author....more
It was drama/soap opera, not thriller or suspense, and I wouldn’t have requested it if I’d known that!
This was the second book I’ve read recently set It was drama/soap opera, not thriller or suspense, and I wouldn’t have requested it if I’d known that!
This was the second book I’ve read recently set in Paris, and this was by far the inferior of the two. I started listening to the audiobook, but five chapters in switched to my e-ARC, because I read faster than an audio narrator speaks, and just wanted to get this read, since I was finding it hard-going, and my mind kept wandering.
The writing was exceptional but the plot wasn’t anything to write home about. It took a lot of effort for me to even stay focused, there was just so much information that wasn’t required for the story, and the unlikeable characters weren’t unlikeable in a good way, if that makes sense? They were bland as.
These three friends (and I use the term loosely) were in a very toxic friendship, and these characters had no respect for themselves or each other. I wouldn’t even call them frenemies as their relationship appeared solely based on hate, one-upmanship and jealousy, and don’t get me started on the men in this book who were equally atrocious. And, to be blunt, it was tedious to read about. Also, I’d be surprised if this was an accurate portrayal of a prestigious ballet company as these prima ballerinas seemed very unprofessionalI, lacked focus and were self-centred. I know ballet has an ugly side but I wouldn’t have thought the artistic directors and choreographers would stand for it as it’s their reputation on the line? Maybe I’m over thinking it, as it was fictional after all. Learning about the cut-throat world of ballet was initially interesting, but since there was so much of it, it quickly got old.
I wish it had of been marketed better, as I clearly wasn’t the right audience for this book.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Rachel Kapelke-Dale, for the e-ARC.
A very dramatic and unexpected conclusion. The final few chapters felt a bit rushed, but I have faith that once I've read 'Home' (which I plan to readA very dramatic and unexpected conclusion. The final few chapters felt a bit rushed, but I have faith that once I've read 'Home' (which I plan to read next) I will receive the answers I need. Reading 'Win' did fill in some of the blanks, and I'm picking the last current book in the Myron Bolitar series will fill in the rest....more
Ordinary Grace is a beautifully written story focusing on family, small town life in 1961, and coming of age, as the novel is narrated through the eyeOrdinary Grace is a beautifully written story focusing on family, small town life in 1961, and coming of age, as the novel is narrated through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy. It deals with themes of tragedy, grief, loss, faith, miracle, and forgiveness. I was supposed to only be listening to it while walking, and exercising, but after two days of this I abandoned that idea as I just couldn't stop listening. Even though both Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land are both 5 star reads, and favourites of mine, I think I loved this one slightly more since it did involve small town secrets, crime and mystery. ...more
Emmy Blue is so much more than a contemporary romance. It's a journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing. It's sweet, light-hearted, fun, and hilaEmmy Blue is so much more than a contemporary romance. It's a journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing. It's sweet, light-hearted, fun, and hilarious, but also serious, and emotional. I teared up a couple of times ...more
I have no hesitation rating this 5 stars, as it was clever and surprising, and right up there with my top read by Moriarty - Big Little Lies. I reallyI have no hesitation rating this 5 stars, as it was clever and surprising, and right up there with my top read by Moriarty - Big Little Lies. I really enjoyed the characters too, particularly the four adult children - Amy, Logan, Troy, and Brooke. And, I'm not a sporty person, but even the tennis aspect was interesting. An all-round winner....more
All the stars, and more, for this incredibly moving epic historical fantastical masterpiece. Now I can't decide between this one and #thefourwinds. ThAll the stars, and more, for this incredibly moving epic historical fantastical masterpiece. Now I can't decide between this one and #thefourwinds. There were definite similarities....more
This sure was a hard review to write, and one I've kept putting off.
A group of strangers are on a cross-country road trip. They've hired a bus, and inThis sure was a hard review to write, and one I've kept putting off.
A group of strangers are on a cross-country road trip. They've hired a bus, and intend to spend their days and nights, sightseeing, partying, and having fun.
Their end destination is San Francisco. And, in this case, ‘end’ means driving their bus off a bridge in a final farewell.
Hard hitting. Honest. Powerful. Heart-Wrenching. This was one intense read that posed many, difficult, thought-provoking questions and scenarios. Surprisingly upbeat and positive given it’s dark, controversial themes. Not saying I wasn't uncomfortable, but the tone was lighter than I expected it to be. I was quickly immersed in the plot, and there were plenty of twists and shocking reveals to keep me engrossed.
All the characters were unique, strong, and complex, with a lot of depth. Being privy to their inner most thoughts had me aching for their emotional, psychological, and physical pain, suffering and scars. After feeling alone, misunderstood, and unseen all their lives they had finally found a safe space where they could let loose, be themselves, and open up, without fear of judgement and criticism. The premise mentioned The Breakfast Club, and there were similarities, but this was bleaker.
The novel utilized the epistolary format, meaning it was written as a series of online diary entries interspersed with text messages, emails, and recorded audio conversations, and it worked well, given the multiple POV's.
Given the sensitive and disturbing subject matter, this isn't a novel for everyone, and I will be careful who I recommend it to, but I'm not sorry I read it. It was completely worth my time.
I'd like to thank Edelweiss, Gallery/Scout Press, and J. Michael Straczynski for the e-ARC....more
In the 1920's the small farming community of Lonesome Tree in the Texas Panhandle was beautiful and prosperous, and for newly married Elsa Martinelli,In the 1920's the small farming community of Lonesome Tree in the Texas Panhandle was beautiful and prosperous, and for newly married Elsa Martinelli, her salvation from a lonely and reclusive upbringing. She quickly grew to love and respect the land, and settled into a hard but rewarding existence. That all changed with the stock market crash of ’29 and the start of the Great Depression. Then came the years of drought followed by the dust bowl – a series of storms with high winds and choking dust responsible for killing every crop planted and filling Elsa's home and beloved land with sand, dirt, and destruction.
With no end in sight to the dust, drought, and despair, unable to make ends meet, and with their health in jeopardy, Elsa and her family are forced to abandon their home and flee west to California in the hope of finding work and a better life. What they find instead is discrimination, injustice, poverty, and danger at every turn.
The Four Winds was not only one of the best historical novels I've ever read, but one of my favourite books ever, focusing on a very dark chapter in America's history. And I almost didn't read it, was put off because I'd heard there were scenes involving scared, starving, dying animals, which is a real trigger for me. And I'm not going to lie, those parts were difficult to stomach, but they weren't as bad or as graphic as I had feared, and they were thankfully brief and minimal. The depths of human pain, suffering and cruelty the characters endured affected me more, and saw me crying the hardest. But equally Elsa and her family's compassion, resilience, perseverance and determination, was an inspiration and the love and hope they maintained even in the saddest and most desperate of circumstances was incredible.
Kristin Hannah's extensive and richly detailed research combined with a realistic representation of the historical era was equally captivating and harrowing. I swear I could taste the dust. She blended fact and fiction seamlessly together in a dramatic, informative, engrossing, fast-paced manner. I'm embarrassed to admit that everything I previously knew about dust bowls I learnt from watching the sci-fi movie Interstellar and I honestly thought the storms depicted were largely a dystopian invention rather than a real life ecological and natural disaster. The characters were wonderfully drawn and memorable and the mother/daughter relationship between Elsa and Loreda (our two narrators) was my favourite. I loved that despite everything that was happening, Loreda was still portrayed as a typical teenager with all the growing pains and resentment and anger towards her mother you would expect from a girl her age.
Suffice to say I will be recommending The Four Winds far and wide to everyone I encounter....more
There was mystery, there was crime (although it was tame with serious topics glossed over), but The Perfect Family was more soap-opera drama, than3.5.
There was mystery, there was crime (although it was tame with serious topics glossed over), but The Perfect Family was more soap-opera drama, than suspense or thriller.
The Adler family of four’s home – parents Thomas and Vic, their college-aged son Eli and high school junior daughter Tarryn – was being plagued by bouts of vandalism – eggs thrown at their window, dog poop on their front door handle, paint-filled balloons, fruit attacks, and smoke bombs.
It’s kid stuff right?
Or, does it have something to do with the secrets they’re keeping?
Whatever the reason, it’s clear the Adler family are hated.
So maybe they deserve what’s coming to them…
Even though I was gifted an e-ARC I ended up listening to the audio on my morning walks, and I found it a fun, easy read that passed the time. Can’t say it was my favourite Robyn Harding though, and I struggled to take it seriously. Not even sure it was meant to be taken seriously? I found it hard to view ‘pranks’, such as ‘attack of the killer tomatoes’, as threats, and even when the vandalism ramped up in severity I never really felt like the Adlers were in any real danger. I realise their anxiety was compounded by their hidden secrets, but their fear and trauma still felt like an overreaction.
I failed to guess the mystery, but found the big reveal somewhat underwhelming. I did appreciate the ironic ending though – that final line sure was fitting and deserving – but given a choice I’d prefer Robyn Harding to stick to writing books with darker tones like The Swap and Her Pretty Face.
Would I recommend The Perfect Family? Yes, there are people in my reading circle who I know would enjoy it more than me. So, if my synopsis and review intrigues you, and/or you’re in the mood for a light entertaining family drama/thriller, then either the print or audio version would be perfect for exercising, driving or public transport, hairdressers or doctors office, or anywhere you’re trying to read that’s noisey or you’re likely to be interrupted or distracted.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Simon & Schuster Australia, and Robyn Harding for the e-ARC....more
I was completely swept up in this family's lives from the first page to the last.
The dismissal of a driver sets in motion a series of overlapping eveI was completely swept up in this family's lives from the first page to the last.
The dismissal of a driver sets in motion a series of overlapping events ending in the tragic disappearance of an eight-year-old boy whose whereabouts will remain unknown for forty-seven years.
9 Soi Nine – A large house in the centre of Bangkok, complete with swimming pool and garden enclosed by a high wall. For the past four years it's been home to an American family of five – Robert and Genevieve Preston and their three children, Beatrice (12), Philip (8), and Laura (7). Genevieve and her children lead a privileged chauffeured-driven life of parties, socializing, shopping trips, beauty parlours, hair salons, and ballet and judo lessons for the kids. And the running of the household is expertly managed by the Thai servants who cater to their every whim. Yet, Genevieve is dissatisfied with her life, is desperate to return to the States – her husband promised her they'd only be in Asia a year. And Robert has secrets of his own. His wife believes he's involved in a humanitarian project, building a dam in the north of Thailand but he's really there to gather American intelligence regarding the Vietnam War.
By the end of that long hot summer of 1972 their son will be gone without a trace.
What Could Be Saved saw me taking my time lingering and savouring. It's a slow satisfying burn and I admired every word of the beautiful prose. The heart-breaking story of a family torn apart by grief, loss, betrayal and their own secrets and shame, as well as the eternal bond that exists between siblings no matter how long they've been separated. There are plenty of twists and turns and shocks, and those final chapters left me reeling.
The plot followed two timeliness. 2019 sees Laura (now in her early fifties) receiving an email from a stranger saying she has a man with her claiming to be Philip Preston, Laura's missing-for-decades-brother. A subsequent Skype call to verify see's Laura traveling to Bangkok to investigate – a city she hasn't seen since she was seven-years-old. The 1972 plot thread follows the Preston family that fateful summer with multiple POV's including Genevieve, Robert, Laura, Philip, and Noi (a Thai servant girl who worked for the Preston). I liked that Liese O’Halloran Schwarz deliberately withheld the date and details surrounding Philip's disappearance as the most nail wracking and suspenseful part while reading the 1972 flashbacks was wondering when and where he was going to go missing. Almost as tense were the clever ways the author delayed the reveal of an adult Philip revealing what had happened to him the day he vanished and where he'd been for those subsequent years.
The Bangkok setting was unique, interesting and fascinating and contained the right balance of beautiful (the culture, architecture, art, food) and seedy (underage prostitution, servants treated no better than slaves, poverty and racism). There's some distressing content but the trance-like narration kept things from ever being too graphic or detailed. Not all the characters were likeable, but their POV's were never dull, and their pain was real and resonating. I will definitely be reading Liese O’Halloran Schwarz's first novel, The Possible World. I read on my kindle, but have since bought myself a physical copy to add to my collection....more