All Books Considered

A Town with Half the Lights On by Page Getz Blurb from Goodreads : Welcome to Goodnight, Kansas. Many Kansans, three New Yorkers, and one chance to save the place they love most With more wind chimes than residents, folks don't move to Goodnight when their lives are going well. That's why all eyes are on chef Sid Solvang and his family from the moment they turn down Emporia Road to the dilapidated Victorian they inherited. While Sid searches for work and a way back to Brooklyn, his daughter searches for answers to the cryptic messages her grandfather left behind to save both her family and the town. But then Sid makes an impulsive the fledgling May Day Diner, an iconic eatery under the threat of the wrecking ball. As the Solvangs search for their ticket out, they discover the truth of one of heart and tradition, of exploitation and greed, and n...

The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire Swinarski Blurb from Goodreads : Armed with a Crock-Pot and a pile of recipes, a grandmother, her granddaughter, and a mysterious young man work to bring a community together in this uplifting novel for readers of The Chicken Sisters. Esther Larson has been cooking for funerals in the Northwoods of Wisconsin for seventy years. Known locally as the “funeral ladies,” she and her cohort have worked hard to keep the mourners of Ellerie County fed—it is her firm belief that there is very little a warm casserole and a piece of cherry pie can’t fix. But, after falling for an internet scam that puts her home at risk, the proud Larson family matriarch is the one in need of help these days. Iris, Esther’s whip-smart Gen Z granddaughter, would do anything for her family and her community. As she watches her friends and family move out of their lakeside town onto bigger and better thi...

Monday Musts is a weekly event, started and hosted by Jessica @ Lovin' Los Libros , which asks you to highlight your must read, must listen and must see! MUST READ! Kitchens of the Great Midwest  by J. Ryan Stradal From Goodreads : When Lars Thorvald's wife, Cynthia, falls in love with wine--and a dashing sommelier--he's left to raise their baby, Eva, on his own. He's determined to pass on his love of food to his daughter--starting with puréed pork shoulder. As Eva grows, she finds her solace and salvation in the flavors of her native Minnesota. From Scandinavian lutefisk to hydroponic chocolate habaneros, each ingredient represents one part of Eva's journey as she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and secretive pop-up supper club, culminating in an opulent and emotional feast that's a testament to her spirit and resilience. Each chapter in J. Ryan Stradal's startlingly original debut tells the story of a single dish and c...

Number of Books Read I read 22 books (including four re-reads but not including my one DNF) in September!  Re-Reads! Highest rating Not including re-reads, these were all 4 STARs!! Lowest rating Only one DNF, which is serious progress after last month! Best read of the month Book which surprised me the most This was so good! Fictional crush of the month Todd Sparrow! Three books I’m looking forward to reading next month                    Monthly Recap Reviews The Graces (The Graces #1) by Laure Eve You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott Dear Mr M by He...