Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: This Week's Picks & Pans

Is it terrible that my mood seems to be linked with the weather? We have had a string of absolutely spectacular summer days: little wind, low humidity, lots of sun, and highs in the 70s. Can it be like this every single day of the year?

My good mood sparked a pretty great reading week. It was so lovely be sitting on the deck with a book or taking a walk with an audiobook. I'm trying to be grateful for every second of these perfect days.

What I Read Last Week

(All books discussed in this post were provided to me for review or feature consideration.)

The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry (Berkely; July 11): I enjoyed this story of women's friendships, mothers and daughters, and coming to terms with the past, but I didn't love it as much as others have. I don't know why, but I often don't connect strongly to women's fiction, and that was my first issue with this novel. My second problem is probably related to the editor in me: the story revolves around two families who formed strong bonds after vacationing together for three summers. Each family had a daughter and a son, but one of the boys is mentioned only in passing, and I can't help but wonder where he was during that long-ago pivotal event that so affected the other three children, even into their adulthood. This really bothered me. Finally, the writing was a little overwrought and the plot was ultimately predictable. On the other hand, maybe that's just what's needed for a light summer read. The book is told from four perspectives, and the audiobook (Penguin Audio; 10 hr, 28 min) appropriately had four narrators: Andi Arndt, Lauren Fortgang, Shannon McManus, and Dorothy Dillingham Blue. The performances blended well together, and each narrator did a fine job picking up on her character's personality.

The Black Witch by Laurie Forest (Harlequin Teen; May 2): I love epic fantasy, and this first installment of a new series holds lots of promise. After being orphaned, a girl and her brothers are raised by their uncle in a small town far away from the major city where their late-grandmother was known as one of the strongest witches to have ever lived. Their uncle's sister remained in the city, where she has been seeking both political and magical power. Although tests show Elloren to have no magical abilities, her uncle eventually allows her to move to the city to attend university with her older brothers. There she meets a diverse set of beings and becomes entangled in a grass-roots civil rights movement. I liked the world building and the varied characters, although the several love matches seem a little convenient. Regardless, there is a good balance between action and narrative, and the novel is deserving of its starred reviews. My only complaint is the number times the main characters end up in tears. The audiobook (Harlequin Audio; 18 hr, 10 min) was wonderfully read by Julia Whelan. Whelan's voice sounded believable as a teenager, and I had no trouble distinguishing among the characters. She also has an excellent sense of pacing, pulling me through the action scenes and slowing down through the more emotional, quieter moments. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Koi: A Modern Folktalke by Sheldon Harnick with photographs by Margery Gray Harnick and Matt Harnick (Beaufort Books; June 21): I don't read a lot of poetry, but I couldn't resist giving this book, written by a Broadway legend, a try. The story is inspired by a traditional tale of how the Japanese koi came to be and how they can sometimes be transformed into dragons. The tale is told in a series of haiku that are easy to read and follow. Here is a section describing the beautiful fish before their contact with humankind: "In Far Eastern streams, / there swim resplendent creatures, / golden as sunlight, // silver as moonlight / iridescent as rainbows: the creatures called koi." The accompanying full-page photographs, taken by Sheldon Harnick's wife and son, are simply stunning. Some are straight shots, some emphasize reflections or rippling water, and others have been creatively edited. This is a delightful book that can be enjoyed by readers young and old. It would make a fantastic gift, and I know I'll look through and read this book many more times. (Note: the introduction was written by Alan Alda.)

A Paris All Your Own edited by Eleanor Brown (Putnam; July 4): I loved this collection of 18 essays written by woman authors who shared their personal stories about visiting or living in Paris. As a whole, the collection presents an intimate and authentic view of the City of Light, from the wonderful bakeries to the unclean sidewalks. I was fascinated by the varied experiences: Ellen Sussman was seduced by the city; M. J. Rose discovered some of the romance; Jennifer Coburn had two very different reactions, first with her daughter and many years later with her aging mother; Paula McLain had a frustrating (and, really, almost funny) time trying to capture Paris in photographs; and Eleanor Brown had this to say: "I didn't love Paris. I didn't, most days, even like it." I loved how these essays captured the essence of travel and how a single place can have so many different faces. Yet there were many common threads: the beauty of the city, the crusty baguettes, and the scarves! If you've ever traveled anywhere outside your native country and if you've ever been to or dreamed of Paris, this is a must-read collection. It's also a great way to see a more personal side of some of your favorite authors. The audiobook (Penguin Audio; 8 hr, 23 min) was read by Kimberly Farr, Cassandra Campbell, Susan Denaker, Emily Rankin, and Alana Kerr Collins, each of whom performed several essays. Each performance was strong and well matched to the mood and personality of the individual essays. My full audiobook review will be available through AudioFile magazine.

What I'm reading now

To Lay to Rest Our Ghosts by Caitlin Hamilton Summie (Fomite; August 8): I'm about halfway through this incredible collection of short stories. I'll have more to say in another post, but so far the underlining themes are families and friendships and coping with common troubles: deaths, aging, accidents, and conflicting personalities, all told against the clear backdrop of place. (Note: I know Caitlin personally, but my opinions are honest.)

Lockdown by Laurie R. King (Bantam; June 13): I just started this audiobook for a freelance assignment. I didn't realize when I said yes that this standalone thriller, set in a small town on the California coast, would likely take place in a middle school. It's too early for me to say much about the plot, so I don't know if there will be a school shooting or something else. The audiobook is read by Pilar Witherspoon. I'm only an hour in, but I'm enjoying her performance and her ability to pronounce the Spanish names and words.


Bookish Viewing

I finally got around to watching season 1 (7 episodes) of the Netflix original Anne with an E. I have mixed feelings about the series. The acting is fine and the actors' looks and mannerisms more or less match my exceptions. It's been a very, very long time since I read the books, and thus I'm not sure when I simply don't remember certain parts of the story and when the writers have decided to go off the original plot. I'm sure I'll continue to watch the series through to the end--it's Anne of Green Gables after all!--but I'm not feeling the connection I thought I would. Take a look at the trailer:

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Weekend Cooking: 2 Easy Summer Recipes

I like eating out as much as the next guy. I mean, who doesn't like to try fancy dishes made with tricky techniques, being waited on, and letting someone else do the cleanup? As lovely as that is, after an entire week of eating out three meals a day, I am always ready to get back to my own kitchen.

All our meals this week were farmers' market inspired. We had a salad of Italian greens with fresh blueberries and a buttermilk-goat cheese dressing, ratatouille, grilled chicken with grilled fresh corn, and more salads. Have I told you lately how much I love summer?

Here are two winning recipes from this week's dinner menus, both featuring the best of the season. I made a couple of changes to the salad, which I mention in the recipe.

Tomato Salad with Feta and Pistachios (from Bon Appetit)
4 servings

• 3 tablespoons pistachios (I used cashews)
• 1 pound mixed tomatoes, some sliced, some cut into wedges
• 2 small cucumbers, sliced (I added this)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup Basic Lemon Vinaigrette (click link)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus leaves for serving
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta

Preheat oven to 350F. Toast pistachios on a rimmed baking sheet tossing once, until golden brown, 6-8 minutes. Let cool, then chop. (I toasted the cashews in a dry cast-iron skillet on the stovetop.)

Arrange tomatoes and cucumbers on a plate; season lightly with salt and pepper. Mix vinaigrette, 1/4 cup parsley, and two-thirds of the nuts in a small bowl. Drizzle over tomatoes. Top with feta and remaining parsley and nuts. (photo: Bon Appetit)

Tuscan-Style Quinoa (from Vegetarian Today)
4 servings

• 1 can (15.5 oz) cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3-4 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 2 cups thinly sliced fennel bulb
• 2 small zucchini, halved and sliced
• 2 cups diced yellow squash
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives

Puree the beans, vinegar, 2 teaspoons of oil, and 2 teaspoons of garlic in a food processor. Drizzle in the water, add the thyme and process until smooth.

Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Stir in the basil after the grain has cooked.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fennel, zucchini, and yellow squash, and cook until softened, 8-9 minutes. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in the wine; simmer until liquid is reduced by half. Stir in tomatoes and thyme.

To serve: place the quinoa on a platter, add the vegetable mixture, and scatter the olives over top. Pass the bean sauce at the table. (photo: Vegetarian Times)

NOTE: Mr. Linky sometimes is mean and will give you an error message. He's usually wrong and your link went through just fine the first time. Grrrr.

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Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

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9 Books to Read in August

August is promising to be an exciting month for book lovers, just in time for vacations, afternoons at the pool, or warm evenings on the porch swing. Whether you like fantasy or literary fiction, I bet at least one of the following books is the perfect match for you.

Get Lost in a Good Story

• One Summer Day in Rome by Mark Lamprell (Flatiron, August 1): Three couples (two from the United States, one from London) travel to Rome for different reasons. While exploring the Eternal City, their paths crisscross during one transforming day.
• The Ready-Made Thief by Augustus Rose (Viking, August 1): A homeless teenager finds shelter in a squatters' cooperative in Philadelphia, but when fellow residents begin to go missing, she and a friend attempt to lose themselves in the city while figuring out who's behind the disappearances.
• If the Creek Don't Rise by Leah Weiss (Sourcebooks Landmark, August 22): Pregnant and newly married to a violent man, a young woman starts to question her choices, though she sees no way out of her South Carolina mountain town. The story is told from a variety of perspectives.

Give a Family Saga a Try

• The Ice-Cream Makers by Ernest van der Kwast (Atria / 37 Ink, August 1): When the heir to an Italian ice cream dynasty is called home to help rescue his family's business, he must decide between his passion to be a poet and his love for his heritage.
• The Half-Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker (Harper, August 1): This is the initial installment of a Viking tale of revenge, love, and family set on sea and land and based on ancient tales of the rise of Harald the Fair-Haired, the first king of Norway.

Step Back into the Past

• The Dress in the Window by Sofia Grant (William Morrow, July 25): Two talented sisters team up to create beautiful dresses suitable for postwar American woman and all the promise of the country's bright future. Their own small-town lives, however, are anything but easy.
• The Hidden Northern Fires by Daren Wang (Thomas Dunne, August 29): Few people know there was a secessionist town in upstate New York during the American Civil War. This novel explores the fate of a fugitive slave and an abolitionist in the most dangerous place north of Maryland.

Escape with an Urban Fantasy

• Rituals by Kelley Armstrong (Random House Canada, August 15): This is the final installment in the Cainsville series, which is set in the greater Chicago area, in a town that is anything but normal. Expect action, mystery, twists, and a good creep factor.
• Urban Enemies edited by Joseph Nassise (Gallery Books, August 1): A super collection of short stories from a variety of urban fantasy authors, including Jim Butcher Carrie Vaughn, Kelley Armstrong, and Seanan McGuire. The heroes of these stories are the villains we love to hate.

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Wordless Wednesday 456

Coneflower, 2017

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Today's Read: Finding Fontainebleau by Thad Carhart

Imagine being a young child and being uprooted from your home in suburban America to the chateau originally built by Louis VII in the 1100s and occupied by French royalty all the way through to Napoleon III in the late 1800s. Author Thad Carhart had just that experience when his father was stationed in Fontainebleau, France, in the early 1950s:

All these years later I can recall with keen precision the moment when the bottom dropped out, because that is exactly what it felt like: one moment we were flying, shaking a bit from turbulence, the next we were falling, in a calm, eerie-quiet broken only by the sound of the four engines laboring uselessly. Then the air caught us again and it was bad: the plane pitched violently up and down, from side to side, every way imaginable. The passengers found their voice then, after the expectant dread of the free fall. This was active, maniacal horror, and people screamed. It was the first time I saw an adult—many of them, in fact—expressing fear without reserve. The woman across from us started to cry and yell, and there was nothing to be done but listen and watch with a kind of terrified fascination.

—Finding Fontainebleau: An American Boy in France by Thad Carhart (Penguin, 2017, p. 1 [paperback])

Quick Facts

• Setting: 1950s, France (Fontainebleau & Paris)
• Circumstances:  A young boy finds a whole new world after his family moves from prosperous America to still war-weary Fontainebleau, where his father was to serve three years as an air force officer. Decades later, Carhart returned to see the restoration of the famous residence of kings that he explored in his childhood.
• Genre: memoir, narrative history
• Themes: Old World versus New World, postwar Europe, culture clash (including language, education, economy, food, expected behavior of children), architecture
• Reviews: Every review mentions how beautifully Carhart intertwines his own childhood memories with the history and architecture of the 900-year-old royal residence. Most reviewers comment on the author's sense of humor and his obvious love of his adopted country.
• Why I want to read it: I like the setup of this book, which takes us back in time to the building of Fontainebleau and introduces us to the famous people who lived there. We see the residence through the eyes of a young, active boy and then again from the perspective of the grown man. I understand the descriptions of the food are not to be missed, and I'm curious about how the author and his siblings adjusted (or not) to their new home. I love beautiful old buildings, and I want to know more about the history of the chateau and its restoration.
• Extra: The Boston Athenæum has posted a 25-minute video of the Thad Carhart talking about his memoir Finding Fontainebleau. Or watch the following short clip.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Back to Real Life

Happy Monday! Today is my first full day at home in more than week. I think it's going to take a me a while to readjust to real life.

Lace convention was terrific as always, especially spending time with my friends. My classes in knitted lace were only so-so, but I met new people and kept a positive attitude. I don't have photos to share right now, but I'll try to remember to post a picture next week.

As you might imagine, reading took a backseat last week. I never opened a print or eBook at all. Not surprising, considering there were meetings, lectures, and classes to attend, not to mention sharing a glass or two of wine with friends in the evening.

Current Audiobook: I've been listening to The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry (Penguin Audio; 10 hr, 28 min), read by Andi Arndt, Lauren Fortgang, Shannon McManus, and Dorothy Dillingham Blue. This is a light summer read about friendship, marriage, and mother-daughter relationships, and I'm anticipating a little romance as well. The book is told from multiple points of view and is a great choice when you have only sporadic listening time because the story lines are easy to follow. I'm not very familiar with any of the narrators, but I'm happy with the performances so far. I do, however, have a couple of issues with the novel itself, but I'll wait until I finish the book before I get into what's not working for me.

New Books: I came home to a pile of new books I can't wait to explore. Here is a photo of some of my incoming titles. The spiral-bound galley on the bottom of the pile is a new Kelley Armstrong book! The books on the sides are a biography of Black Elk and a Viking saga--both are on my I Can.Not.Wait. to read list. Also in that photo is a new novel from Flatiron Books, a fantasy collection, historical fiction, and a thriller. I plan to share more details on Twitter or Litsy in the coming week.

What's Up This Week: First and foremost is catching up with the first two episodes of the new season of Game of Thrones. I've successfully avoided spoilers so far, but I'm sure that won't last forever. Must watch tonight! Other than that, I haven't given a thought to my blogging, reading, or viewing plans for the week. I think I'll just see where my mood takes me.

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Weekend Cooking: 6 Books for Food Lovers

If you read my Monday post, then you know that I am away with my girlfriends, while my husband holds down the fort. Because I didn't cook all week, I thought I'd share a few summer books that would appeal to anyone interested in food and cooking. I haven't yet read any of these, but they're all are on my reading list. Note the publishing date in the parentheses.

• The Marley Coffee Cookbook: One Love, Many Coffees, and 100 Recipes by Rohan Marley, Maxcel Hardy, and Rosemary Black (Quarry Books, August 15): This cookbook is co-written by one of musician Bob Marley's sons, who started what is now a successful coffee plantation in Jamaica. As you would expect, each recipe in this book features coffee flavors in some way: whether in a sweet baked good or in a savory sauce.
• The Kelloggs: The Battling Brothers of Battle Creek by Howard Markel (Pantheon, August 8): This is the true story of two brothers who competed with each other in their joint desire to change the health and well-being of all Americans. They were indeed the men who started the company that we most often associate with corn flakes and breakfast cereal.
• The Cooking Gene: A Journey through African American Culinary History in the Old South by Michael W. Twitty (Armistad, July 12): A culinary historian searches for the origins of what is commonly considered Southern cooking, teasing out the tangled roots of European and African traditions. The narrative combines memoir, genealogy, cookbook, history, genetics, and sociology as the author "takes us through his ancestral culinary history."

• What She Ate: Six Remarkable Women and the Food That Tells Their Stories by Laura Shapiro (Viking, July 25): This is the book I'm most excited about. Shapiro examines the relationship that six famous women had with food and cooking and how that relationship was a reflection of her culture and times. The women are Dorothy Wordsworth, Rosa Lewis, Eleanor Roosevelt, Eva Braun, Barbara Pym, and Helen Gurley Brown. I'm familiar with Pym's recipes and Roosevelt's White House menus but know little about the other women's connection to food. I'm looking forward to learning more.
• Bianco: Pizza, Pasta, and Other Food I Like by Chris Bianco (July 5): Whether he really does make the best pizza in America, Bianco was certainly a driving force in the artisan pizza movement. In this book, he shares the secrets for great pizza making, geared to the home cook and home kitchen. We make pizza often, so I'm looking forward to perfecting my techniques. Besides, who doesn't love pizza?
• Toast & Jam: Modern Recipes for Rustic Baked Goods and Sweet and Savory Spreads by Sarah Owens (Roost Books, August 15): The recipes in this cookbook cover quick breads and scones, chips and bagels, and yeasted goods plus everything you could possible think of--or never thought of--to spread on top, such as watermelon jelly and sweet potato butter. Get ready to amp up your Sunday brunches!

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Wordless Wednesday 455

At the Creek, 2017

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: The Pre-Vacation Edition

Last week was busy, busy with work because this week I've escaped with some girlfriends to attend the lace guild's annual convention. I signed up late for classes, so instead of studying bobbin lace, this year  I'll be taking two classes in knitted lace. I love to knit, so this is hardly a hardship.

I suspect I won't get much reading done this week, but I know I'll have a ton of fun. Meanwhile, Mr. BFR will pick up all the slack on the reading front. He'll have the house to himself, and I bet a book will be his week-long dinner companion.

On the Blog This Week: Because I'll be away from computer, and I've decided not to pack my laptop, this will be a light week both in posting and visiting other blogs. I have today's post, a photo on Wednesday, and, of course, a Weekend Cooking post. I hope to share photos of my knitting on Twitter, Instagram, or Litsy ... see you next week.

What I Read Last Week

Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (Henry Holt, July 11): After 30-year-old Ruth Young's fiance dumps her, she makes the trip from San Francisco to LA to spend Christmas with her family. Although she knew her father had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, this was the first time she witnessed the symptoms. Still grieving her own lost relationship, she moves home to help her mother. Written in a kind of journal or diary style, the novel looks at how a young adult changes from being from her parents' child to her parents' caregiver. It also explores the transition of finally seeing one's parents as complete human beings, with all their flaws. I enjoyed the novel because of the themes of family and facing difficult changes, but I didn't love the novel as much as I had hoped. I didn't connect strongly to Ruth, maybe because we are very different people. I did, however, appreciate the compassion and humor of Khong's approach to a heartbreaking disease. (Thanks to Henry Holt for providing the review copy.)

The Wildling Sisters by Eve Chase (Putnam, July 25): Set on a small estate in the Cotswolds, this dual time-period novel with Gothic undertones is bound to be one of my favorites of the year. The novel involves two sets of sisters, secrets, troubles, grief, and family, and I really liked the way the events of summer of 1959 had repercussions in contemporary times. I loved both story lines, that of the Wilde sisters in the past and that of the Tucker family in the present, and how the reputation of the house, once made, was very difficult to shake. The unabridged audiobook (Penguin Audio, 10 hr, 46 min) was read by Clare Corbett and Emilia Fox, each of whom performed one of the time periods. Sometimes it's jarring to switch back and forth between narrators, but Corbett's and Fox's performances blended nicely. Each built the tension and left room for me to form my own opinions about the characters and plot lines. Highly recommended audiobook. (Thanks to Penguin Audio for providing the review copy.)

What I'm Reading Now

• The Goddesses by Swan Huntley: A family relocates to Hawaii to get a fresh start. Nancy signs up for yoga lessons, meeting Ana, who soon becomes her all-consuming best friend. I'm only halfway through, but I sense that some bad things are going to happen. There're some odd disruptions to the story, but I'm going to reserve judgment until I finish the book, hoping that it will all make sense later. The audiobook is read by Hillary Huber.
• One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus: I haven't yet started this twisty thriller, but I have high hopes. I've packed it for the knitting trip, though I'm not sure I'll have any time to read.
• A Paris All Your Own edited by Elanor Brown: I've downloaded this audiobook in case I finish The Goddesses during the week. I hope I enjoy this collection of essay written by women authors who have had connections to the City of Lights. This is a multi-narrator audibook.

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Weekend Cooking: Will It Skillet? by Daniel Schumski

I love my cast iron skillets and use them almost daily. Yes, I said skillets, I have six or seven and have thought about buying at least two more. Despite being an experienced iron cooker, I knew I had to have a copy of Will It Skillet? by Daniel Shumski.

If you're new cast iron, you'll be happy to know that Shumski starts by introducing cast iron skillets and providing sage advice on seasoning, cleaning, and restoring pans. Note too that the recipes in Will It Skillet? are for 10-inch skillets, measured from outside rim to outside rim.

As you'll learn after looking through the book, some of the dishes can, of course, be made in any skillet (paella, charred tomato salsa), but most of the recipes take advantage of cast iron's ability to withstand high temperatures and move from stovetop to oven to table (carnitas, savory stratas).

A couple of things I always make in my cast iron pans are roasted veggies (check out the "Snacks, Dips, & Sides" chapter) and roasted chicken (not in the cookbook). Will It Skillet? also includes several recipes for bread and bread dishes, another great use of your cast iron cookware. Don't forget to look through the breakfast chapter for egg dishes, pancakes, and even a giant muffin.

Although I often forget cast iron works well for desserts (see all the photos and scans!), Shumski did not. The dessert chapter contains recipes for puddings, cakes, and more.

More than just providing recipes, Will It Skillet? offers tips for success and fun cast iron facts as well as variations for many of the dishes. More important, the recipes are easy, use common ingredients, and are absolutely family friendly. Finally, because this is a Workman book, you know the photos are beautiful, the design is attractive, and the recipes are well edited.

In the introduction, Shumski notes that this cookbook is "more a beginning than an end" and is meant to get you started with using cast iron in your kitchen. I'm a seasoned (ha!) cast iron cooker but still found plenty of new information and recipe inspiration. I recommend Danial Shumski's Will It Skillet? for everyone who loves, or wants to love, cooking and baking in cast iron skillets. For more experienced cooks, like me, the cookbook provides not only solid recipes but also fresh ideas. For newbies, the book serves as a complete guide to getting the most out of your cast iron cookware.

Peaches are just coming into season in central Pennsylvania, and the cast iron peach cobbler in Will It Skillet? was calling to me. I'm a little biscuit challenged, so my topping doesn't look very biscuit-like, but it sure was yummy. Note that I didn't peel my peaches.

Peach Cobbler
Serves 8

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 cups peeled and sliced peaches (about 6 medium peaches, cut into eigths)
• 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpouse flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut inot small chunks
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 375F with one rack in the middle.

2. In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup of the sugar, the cornstarch, and the cinnamon. In a medium-size bowl, pour the sugar mixure over the peaches and toss the peaches to distribute the sugar mixture evenly. Spread the peaches on the bottom of the skillet.

3. In a medium-size bowl or a food processor, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and the remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Stir with a fork or puse several times to combine.

4. Add the butter and rub it into the flour, working the lumps of butter between your fingers until only very small bits of butter remain. If using a food processor, add the butter and pulse 10 times.

5. Using a fork, stir in the egg and vanilla unti the mixture is dampened and about the consistency of thick cake batter.

6. Drop the mixture onto the fruit about 1 tablespoon at a time, being sure to cover the fruit. The mounds should touch one another but might still leave bits of fruit exposed.

7. Place the skillet in the oven and bake until just starting to brown, about 40 minutes.

8. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer to a rack to cool until warm but not hot, about 30 minutes. Leftovers can be stored for 1 day at room temperature in the skillet, covered loosely with plastic wrap. Portions can be frozen in covered containers for up to 3 months.

NOTE: The photo of the peach cobbler is my own. The other photo was scanned from the cookbook. The recipe and photo were used here in the context of a review; all rights remain with the original copyright holders. I bought this book.

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Review: Manchester by the Sea (Movie)

I avoided watching the much-praised film Manchester by the Sea (written and directed by Kenneth Logan) for a number of reasons, but recently decided it was time to see what all the buzz was about.

When Lee, a broken man (played by Casey Affleck), returns to his home town to put his late brother's affairs in order, he learns he has been named the sole guardian of his nephew, Patrick (played by Lucas Hedges). This is a heartbreaking movie of a family beset by tragedy and troubles.

The acting, especially the performances by Affleck and Hedges, is fantastic. They push their characters' conflicts and emotions front and center, making it almost impossible for the viewer to turn away from the screen. The filming too is beautifully done, evoking the dark themes of the movie and providing a look into life in an East Coast sea town.

Manchester by the Sea is deserving of its many awards and nominations, but I'm recommending it with reservations. It's a difficult movie to watch, with little relief from the overriding sadness. It explores grief, forgiveness, broken relationships, and loss of self-confidence/-respect. Often times we moviegoers hope for great leaps of character growth or tidy, happy resolution of difficult issues. This film won't give you that.

In fact, my first reaction to the ending was, "What? That's it? No!" But like all good stories, Manchester by the Sea wouldn't leave my head. The more I thought about the final scenes, the more I began to understand what happened to Lee and Patrick during the months they lived together. This is one of those slow-burning films that you'll mull over for days.

If you can handle a movie that focuses on loss, disconnection, and loneliness, then put Manchester by the Sea in your queue. You might want to watch this one with a buddy.

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Wordless Wednesday 454

Garden Visitor, 2017

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Bullet Review: The Painted Queen by Elizabeth Peters and Joan Hess

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Peters's Peabody-Emerson novels. I started reading the 20-book series before I began this blog, but I believe I've reviewed at least half of the books here.

Peters died in 2013, leaving behind the unfinished manuscript for The Painted Queen. Joan Hess had the honor of using the manuscript and Peters's copious notes to complete this Peabody-Emerson adventure.

So, as I wrote yesterday, I picked up this novel with mixed feelings: very happy to get one last visit with Amelia Peabody but very sad to know it truly was time to say good-bye.

Background on the series: In case you are unfamiliar with the series, the Amelia Peabody-Radcliffe Emerson books take place primarily in Egypt in the early decades of the last century. Emerson is, according to his wife, the best archaeologist in the world. The books each cover a single digging season. Although Peters's scientific, cultural, and historical details are spot-on, the stories are less about Emerson's discoveries and more about murder, theft, and mayhem. We also meet the couple's friends, family, and crew, all of whom become dear to us readers. Throughout the series, we also get to know Peabody and Emerson's arch-enemy, the master criminal Sethos. No summary is complete without mentioning Peters's wonderful sense of humor, which she used to give her characters spark and personality.

Chronology of The Painted Queen: Peters initially wrote the bulk of the Peabody-Emerson novels in chronological order, intending from the beginning to stop the series with the discovery of King Tut's tomb. However, she wrote at least three installments that bridged gaps in the general story arcs, and The Painted Queen was meant to come after book 13 (The Falcon at the Portal).

What I liked about The Painted Queen: Besides the obvious joy at reading another Peabody-Emerson story, I was glad to have a little more information about the second-generation of characters: Ramses (the couple's son), Nefret (their ward), and David (a relative of one their staff), and this book helped provide some missing bits. I was also relieved that the familiar attempted murder, thefts, and forgeries propelled the plot, and I had a least one surprise. The personalities of the characters were true to form, and Amelia's trusty parasol (read: weapon) was put to good use. Long-time fans of Peters will enjoy the nods to the other books in the series, and it was fun to recognize the titles in the running dialogue.

What I didn't like about The Painted Queen: It took me a while to get into this installment because I could tell it wasn't pure Peters. But after a few chapters, I relaxed and let myself be carried off to Egypt, seeing the world through Amelia's eyes. I noticed some repetition of information, a little bit of strain with some of the familiar motifs, and a lot more telling than showing. I also missed the cats, which were always part of the Emerson household. Despite what I wrote in the last paragraph, the details about the next generation were pretty skimpy, and I can't help but wonder what Peters had in mind for the book's role in furthering the series in general. The tensions and friendships among the three younger characters were not as intense as readers have come to expect. Finally, a couple of threads were left unresolved, which I presume would have been followed up in further books, if Peters had lived.

Overall recommendation and thoughts: Even though The Painted Queen had a few weaknesses, I think Joan Hess did an admirable job of completing Elizabeth Peters's manuscript. I can't imagine it's an easy thing to write in someone else's voice, and the job was made all the harder because of Peters's avid fans and because the novel had to fit into an already determined story line. If you've read or are reading the Peabody-Emerson books, you will not want to miss The Painted Queen. I suggest, however, you accept the novel for what it is. I'm grateful for this last Egyptian adventure, and I appreciate the work Hess did to create the story Peters wanted to share with her readers.

The audiobook: Thank goodness the unabridged audiobook (Harper Audio; 13 hr, 18 min) was read by Barbara Rosenblat; I don't think I could have stood hearing another voice as Amelia, Emerson, and the gang. Although I think her performances were stronger when they were paired with Elizabeth Peters as a solo writer, Rosenblat's familiar characterizations, sense of timing, accents, and pronunciation of the Arabic words were comforting and helped me connect to the story. Rosenblat is the narrator for this series, and her work as a whole on these books is outstanding. (Thanks to Harper Audio for the review copy.)

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Best Reading Week of 2017

What is the huge benefit of working ahead so one gets a full four days off for the holiday last week? Lots and lots of reading and listening time. Especially listening time, because cooking and cleaning were in order to prepare for our annual July 4 party.

Even better is that I'm back to a normal work schedule, so my evenings have been relaxing and I even stayed out of my office this past weekend. I know the easy life won't last, but I am making the most of it while I can.

The icing on the cake has been the mild weather. I don't even mind the bouts of gentle summer rain because the windows are open and the house is cool and comfortable. This is what summer is all about, isn't it?

What I Read

• The Purple Swamp Hen and Other Stories by Penelope Lively (Viking, May 9): I wasn't quite sure what I was going to think about this collection because the opening (and title) story was told from the viewpoint of a swamp hen in Pompeii, just before the volcano erupts. I'm glad I stuck it out though, because I was soon giving my full attention to the remaining stories, which take place in a variety of more contemporary time periods and focus on different kinds of relationships and how well we really know the people in our lives. The audiobook (Recorded Books, 7 hr, 6 min) was read by Davina Porter, one of my favorite narrators. She was expressive and teased the right emotional level out of the short pieces, though sometimes I had difficulty telling male from female voices. My full audio review will be available from AudioFile magazine.
• A Different Pond by Bao Phi (Capstone Young Readers, August 1): This short graphic novel is written for a young middle grade reader and tells the story of a young Vietnamese American boy who goes fishing with his father in the wee hours of the morning. While at the water's edge, his father tells him about his boyhood across the ocean. The messages in this comic have cross-over appeal and can sow the seeds for a larger discussion on immigration, family, and people who are different from ourselves. The illustrations by Thi Bui are rendered in a beautiful range of predawn colors, and although fairly simple in detail, the panels add to the emotional impact of the book. Highly recommended.
• Hello Sunshine by Laura Dave (Simon & Schuster, July 11): I reviewed this fun escape novel on Saturday for my Weekend Cooking post.

• Walking with Miss Millie by Tamara Bundy (Nancy Paulsen, July 4): I made the mistake of finishing this audiobook right before my guests were due to arrive on the Fourth. I sure hope I didn't look like I had been crying! Alice, 11 years old, is upset when her mother moves the family from Columbus, Ohio, to small-town Georgia to take care of her own aging mother. When Alice is asked to do their elderly neighbor a favor, she obeys, not realizing that she was going to make a new friend. This is a delightful and heartfelt coming-of-age story with themes of family, disability, racism, friendship, and more. I fell in love with Alice and her brother and found it difficult to stop listening to the book. Don't be thrown by the middle grade rating, you won't soon forget Alice's story. The audiobook (Listening Library, 4 hr, 39 min) was read by Catherine Taber who was fantastic. Her voice sounded authentically preteen to me, and I loved the way she picked up on the characters' personalities. A fantastic listen.
• Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane (Ecco, April 26): I'm normally a big fan of Lehane, so I started his newest thriller with very high expectations. This novel, set in the Boston area, is kind of three books in one: it starts out focusing on a damaged young woman who looks for love in all the wrong places, moves into a story of her healing under the care of her husband, and then turns into a psychological thriller. There are a lot of twists, though some of them are heavily signaled. I'm not sorry I read the book, but this wasn't Lehane's strongest entry. Credibility was stretched thin in places, and the plot took too many sharp turns. I'd give it a solid 3 stars. The audiobook (Harper Audio, 12 hr, 2 min) was nicely read by Julia Whelan, who clearly distinguished among the characters and kept me listening, even though the book itself wasn't a favorite.
• The Painted Queen by Elizabeth Peters and Joan Hess (William Morrow, July 5): It was bittersweet to have had a chance to return to one of my favorite series ever. This novel was left unfinished at Peters's death, and Hess was given the difficult chore of filling in the blanks of Peters's work. See tomorrow's post for details.

What I'm Reading Now

• Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (Henry Holt, July 11): I am thoroughly drawn in by this novel about a women caught in that transition from being cared for by her parents to being the person doing the care giving. So far, the book is well written and easy to relate to.
• The Wildling Sisters by Eve Chase (Putnam, July 25): I started this audiobook about 15 minutes before I sat down to finish this post last night (Sunday). I have high hopes.
• Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry (Custom House, June 6): I put this novel aside while I was buzzing through all.the.books last week, but that's no reflection on the story. I just needed something a little more contemporary for my down time.

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Weekend Cooking: Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave

Are you the same person on your blog and on other social media as you are in real life? I think most of us can answer that question with a resounding yes. Okay, so maybe we don't photograph our kitchens when the sink is full of dirty dishes, but for the most part, what we present to the world is fairly truthful.

Sunshine Mackenzie (not her real last name), started on her road to culinary personality fame after Ryan, an agent and producer, decided he could turn her amateur YouTube videos into a brand. All seemed to be going as planned until, on the morning of Sunny's thirty-fifth birthday, all her social media accounts were hacked.

In this way Laura Dave's newest novel, Hello Sunshine (Simon & Schuster, July 11), begins. The story of how Sunny copes with having all her secrets exposed to the world is both funny and a little scary.

For Sunny, the biggest problem is not that her husband learned about her one-night stand but that her fans know she is not at all who she said she was. She can't cook, she can't develop recipes, and she's most decidedly not from the South. In fact, she grew up in a large beachside house in the Hamptons. Oops.

After Sunny loses her marriage, her book deal, and her television series, she is forced to confront her authentic self and decide whether she wants to remain in the food world and, if so, in what capacity. Other plot lines involve Sunny figuring out which person in her life was responsible for the hacking, her rocky relationship with her sister and niece, and her friendships with various people in the Hamptons.

Hello, Sunshine is a cute, fun book, perfect for foodies and bloggers. The characters are easy to root for or boo at, and the story moves along at a decent clip. Dave has a good sense of humor, but manages to add depth to her novel, particularly when exploring branding, image, and competitiveness. I can't say I liked Sunny's husband or her producer much, but I enjoyed getting to know the other people in her life.

Some of my favorite scenes took place in the kitchen of a snooty Hamptons restaurant. In addition, I also liked the mystery of the identity of the hacker, and I was as surprised as Sunny when the culprit was revealed. The ending was left a little up in the air, but I'm okay with that.

I recommend Laura Dave's Hello, Sunshine for foodies, bloggers, and anyone looking for an afternoon escape. The novel is light on one level, but the underlying layers will give you pause to think. In fact, I bet this would make a great book club pick, and I think Sunny would agree that grilled cheese sandwiches are the thing to serve at your meeting.

[Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the review copy.]

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Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

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14 Standalone Thrillers to Read This Summer

There's something about pairing summer with a good mystery or thriller, but at the same time, there's the issue of not wanting to start a new series. I'm here to say you can have your page-turner without a making a commitment. Take a look at these 14 recent standalone novels, perfect for warm-weather entertainment. (Publishing dates are in parentheses.)

• Defectors by Joseph Kanon (Atria Books, June 6): Two brothers on different sides of the cold war star in this story of a divided family, spies, and politics.
• Don't Close Your Eyes by Holly Seddon (Ballantine, July 4): The past comes back to haunt shattered, estranged twins, forcing the sisters to face their demons.
• Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker (St. Martin's Press, August 8): Two teenage sisters go missing; three years later, one returns with a questionable story of abduction and a mysterious island.

• Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips (Viking, July 25): Set in a zoo after closing, a woman and her four-year-old son are caught in a deadly game of hide and seek in the midst of an active mass shooting.
• Final Girls by Riley Sager (Dutton, July 11): Years after surviving a mass shooting, a woman once again fears for her life when she realizes she may be the next victim of a serial killer.
• The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter (William Morrow, August 8): A teenage survivor of a home intrusion grows up to be a lawyer tapped to investigate a school shooting; the incidents may be related.
• The Lying Game by Ruth Ware (Simon & Schuster, July 25): Four friends, reunited after seventeen years, face the long-reaching consequences of a series of lies they circulated when still teenagers.

• Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz (Harper, June 6): A murder mystery within a murder mystery discovered by the editor of a best-selling author.
• The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond (Bantam, July 25): Newlyweds join an organization that promises to make their relationship last a lifetime, until they realize there's no quitting the group.
• My Sister's Bones by Nuala Ellwood (William Morrow, July 11): A war reporter, just back from the Mideast to bury her mother, must sort out her PTSD symptoms from a possible crime involving a child.

• The Other Girl by Erica Spindler (St. Martin's Press, August 22): While a Louisiana police officer investigates the ritualistic murder of a professor, she transitions into a suspect.
• The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Robotham (Scribner, July 11): Two pregnant Londoners--one successful, one not; both with secrets--cross paths with devastating consequences.
• A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena (Pamela Dorman, August 15): A double-crossing by a third party leaves a husband and wife full of doubts and accusations.
• You Belong to Me by Colin Harrison (Sarah Crichton, June 6): Who knew an auction of antique maps could set off a violent chain of events, including kidnapping, murder, and a mystery?

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Wordless Wednesday 453

July 4, 2017

click image to enlarge. For more Wordless Wednesday, click here.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Holiday Weekend Reading

North America is partying! Happy Canada Day and/or Fourth of July. Many of us had long weekends with plenty of time to relax, be with family and friends, and (duh!) to read.

Although I have had to split some of my free time with cooking ahead for our annual July 4 party, I did manage to spend a few hours with my books. You can't beat audio for keeping you company while you straighten the house, work in the kitchen, or do some gardening. Plus the weather has also been perfect for sitting on the deck with a book (or tablet). Yay for holidays!

What I Read

• The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin (Orbit, 2010). I discovered Jemisin just last year and decided to give her backlist a try. This book is the first installment in her Inheritance Trilogy and is, I believe, her debut novel. The plot explores what happens when humans have a way to control (or, really, enslave) the gods. Of course, only some people are granted such power, and those same people have also enslaved "lesser" humans. When Yeine's estranged and aging grandfather brings her to court to compete for a chance to inherit the throne, she gets a firsthand look at just how cruel unlimited power can be. Although the novel is not as tight as Jemisin's more recent books, it is an admirable debut. The concept is unique, and the plot holds a few surprises. I liked the way the gods were portrayed, but not all characters were fully fleshed out. The book did not end on a true cliffhanger, which means it can be read as a standalone with a satisfying conclusion. This is a good thing, because I'm not sure I'll continue with the trilogy. The unabridged audiobook (Brilliance; 11 hr, 46 min) was read by Casaundra Freeman, who was generally expressive and engaging. Some of her characterizations were slightly inconsistent, but the audiobook is still worth the listen.
• The City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong (Minotaur Books, 2016). I love Armstrong, so I'm not sure why I haven't read her Rockton series yet. Our hero, Casey, is a police detective with lots of personal baggage and a best friend, Diana, with even more issues. When Diana's life is endangered by her abusive, stalking ex-husband, the two apply for refuge in a secret town in the wilds of the Yukon to hide out for a few years until they can reenter society. They are accepted because the town is in great need of good law enforcement in the wake of a couple of murders and one disappearance. From this premise, we meet the townsfolk, learn their backstories, and get a feel for life in a very isolated community. Armstrong is great at creating unforgettable characters, and her plotting of this thriller / mystery is nicely done. I can't wait to read the next in the series. The unabridged audiobook (Macmillian; 13 hr, 47 min) was skillfully read by Therese Plummer. She tapped into the personalities of the characters and her pacing was spot-on. Highly recommended audiobook.
• When the English Fall by David Williams (Algonquin, 2017): I really liked the premise of this novel: after a solar flare takes down most of the grid, leaving people without electricity, money, and food, the Pennsylvania Amish live life as they always have, suffering very few inconveniences. That is, until the English (outsiders) remember the Amish have food and supplies and begin to violently invade their homes. The novel is written in the form of diary entries by an Amish man who recounts the days leading up to and then after the event, noting the weather, his family's activities, and news of his neighbors. While I enjoyed the story, especially because I live in Pennsylvania and recognized many of the towns mentioned in the book, I was not wowed by it. I think I wanted more, and the diary format couldn't provide it. I don't want to give spoilers, but there was one plot line involving his daughter that didn't seem complete to me, I was confused by the fate of another character near the end, and I had questions about the effects of the solar flare. It's important to note, however, that this novel has won starred reviews and much buzz, so maybe it was just me or my mood. (Algonquin provided a review copy.)

What I'm Reading Now

• The Purple Swamp Hen and Other Stories by Penelope Lively (Viking, 2017). This is a short story collection that I'm listening to for a freelance assignment. I love the narrator, Davina Porter, but I'm not sure this book is going to be for me. I'll let you know.
• The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry (Custom House, 2017). This novel is totally holding my attention. I think it might be one of favorites so far this year. Hope it holds up.

A Trio of Fun Links

• 11 Books on Science Bill Gates Thinks Everyone Should Read (from Business Insider)
• 6 Life Changing Lessons for Creatives from Neil Gaiman (from the Mission)
• Writers to Watch Fall 2017: Anticipated Debuts (from Publishers Weekly)

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Weekend Cooking: Celebrating the Fourth of July

Happy long holiday weekend to all my friends celebrating U.S. Independence Day. We're pretty traditional in our Fourth of July meal (read: meat, sweets, salt), so this week has been full of mostly vegetarian, ultra-nutritious dinners, and that theme will hold until Tuesday.

The only downside of this week's menus is that they didn't produce fodder for a Weekend Cooking post. I didn't try any new recipes, and what's more, I was working ahead so I could enjoy four full days off of work, thus I didn't read any new cookbooks or food-related novels.

Instead of tried-and-true, I thought I'd share a recipe I plan to make (so far untested), some ideas for a side dish, plus a fun link.

For dessert on the Fourth, I plan to make a lime no-bake cheesecake from Martha Stewart. It looks simple, it won't heat up the kitchen, and I can make it the day before. The recipe calls for key limes, but I'm using regular limes. I know it's not quite the same, but my grocery store was out of key limes, and I was too lazy to go on a hunt for them.

Basically you beat the cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and zest and then fold in whipped cream. Spoon that over a graham cracker crust in a springform and let chill overnight. Super easy. YMMV, but I've always had good luck with Stewart's recipes. (The photo is from her website.)

As for side dishes, I'm partial to potato salad, which I like better than macaroni salad and cole slaw, two other traditional Fourth of July sides. This year, Mr. BFR specifically asked for macaroni, so that's what I'm going to make. I don't have a go-to recipe, but I think I'll use Food.com's ingredients and the Pioneer Woman's dressing. Or I may go in another direction altogether. If you have a favorite macaroni salad that's not too heavy on the mayo, let me know. (The photo is from Food.com.)

For the grilling part of the dinner, we're serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and chorizos. We always buy Hebrew National dogs, and they seem to be the brand our guests like too. I was pleased to see that in the New York Times's "We Tasted 10 Hot Dogs. Here Are the Best" article published this week, the three testers rated Hebrew National as their second favorite grilled hot dog. The first is a brand sold only at Whole Foods, but we don't have a Whole Foods in our area.

Other items on our menu are homemade baked beans, a veggie platter, watermelon slices, and various munchies to go with drinks. We can see the local fireworks from our yard, so we won't have to travel to get all the fun of a traditional Fourth of July cookout and celebration.

What's on your holiday menu?

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Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

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