Really great story. Characters. Puzzle. She’s an excellent storyteller.

What a beautifully written book, I feel like I know the characters and was along for the journey. A fantastic read!!!

This is a good light Summer read. Only problem was it made me want to go in the kitchen and cook!

A fabulous book that leads you through the food Mecca of NYC with an under-taste of history and the challenges and triumphs of a woman's personal voyage of self-exploration.

Well told, beautiful descriptions, warm characters, good plot. The book ran a little long in my opinion but this is the perfect read for a foodie. Also, loved the history that the author shared of World War 2, food, architecture and how gay people were treated in the 50s and 60s. Excellent book all around, would definitely recommend this one!

I read this in one sitting. Wonderful,intriguing characters. Such fun. Well worth the read.

This was a wonderful book. Like experiencing a great meal in a beautiful setting, this book takes you on a trip with good friends. I loved it and hope that Mrs. Reichl will write more books. This was wonderfully satisfying but I know I will crave more- as you would an incredible meal. Thank you.

I have really enjoyed Ruth Reichl’s writing in the past: Tender at the Bone was a favorite memoir of mine in the food writing genre. Unfortunately, her first venture into fiction disappoints. The storyline feels like a hodgepodge of anecdotes/experiences from her own life with a layer of very transparent make-believe on top. The letters written by the narrator as well as those written by the girl, Lulu, from the past, which are sprinkled throughout the book, while initially cute, become a distraction, and as a reader you wish she would just get on with the story rather than drawing out the „suspense“ for so long. The book also often feels like it is written for a 13-year old girl, and it’s hard to imagine it’s meant to appeal to adult audiences. The prose often feels forced - carefully crafted sentences that feel and read as such. Wish I could be more positive, but I wasn’t pulled into this one like I have been to her other writing.