Book Review: A Table by the Window

 

While I love a good Christian fiction book that I can really get into, cookbooks are my second favorite book genre. So, when I had the opportunity to read Hillary Manton Lodge's book that weaves fiction with cooking, A Table by the Window, I immediately took it. 

The novel begins in present day Portland, Oregon, where food writer Juliette D'Alisa and her family are grieving the loss of Juliette's French grandmother. Her grandmother was a highly acclaimed pastry chef, and willed her prep table to Juliette. While looking through the table, Juliette finds an old and interesting photograph--a photo of her grandmother with a man who has a striking family resemblance but isn't her grandfather. She sets out to find the truth behind the photograph and her family history, choosing to keep the photo a secret from her 4 siblings and parents.

While she's on this path to self-realization, Juliette agrees to help her brother Nico open a new restaurant. Juliette's mother, a Frenchwoman and her father, an Italian, have a successful restaurant, but Nico wants to open his own restaurant with his sister. 

Disheartened by the burdens of life, Juliette strikes up a long distance relationship with immunologist Neil, who encourages her to forge her own path through life. What does this mean to Juliette, and how can her grandmother's secrets help her discover her true calling?

A Table by the Window book was a fun read. I really liked the characters, and as someone who is part-French, part-Italian herself, I really related to some of the family gathering scenes. There were about a dozen recipes the author included at the end of select chapters, (some of which look very tasty, though time consuming), and I found myself really invested in Juliette's future. I rooted for her to find herself, and felt sad when she was struggling, as though she was a real person and not a fictional character.

As for critiques, each chapter begins with a quote, and I found this to really mess with the continuity of the book. It distracted me from the story as I had to switch gears between scenes and think about a quote. The book also used the word "cool" way too much. I know people say "cool" in normal conversation, but the characters said it a lot. I'm sure there are plenty of synonyms the author could have used to diversify a bit.

The book ends really suddenly...but luckily, the author provided an excerpt from her next novel in the series, Reservations for Two, which is supposed to be released next year. I plan to read the next book, since I really want to know what happens in Juliette's quest for the truth and her own personal happiness.

Bottom Line: 7*/10*

Thank you to Blogging for Books and Waterbrook Press for my free review copy of this book. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.