Customer Reviews

Recipes & Wooden Spoons (Tales from Grace Chapel Inn, Book 2)

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4 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Judy Baer tells a wonderful story. She addresses the strained relationships between three estranged sisters as well as the youngest sibling's struggle with her own inner demons and her dealings with others in this quaint little town. I would LOVE to visit this place!

The recipes included are delicious and they are beautifully woven into the tale. I'm not sure if I want to keep this book in my fiction library or my kitchen.

In RECIPES & WOODEN SPOONS, Judy Baer continues the Tales from Grace Chapel Inn series begun by Melody Carlson in BACK HOME AGAIN. In this book, Jane, an artsy 50-year-old divorcée with a flair for cooking, takes center stage. She and her two aged sisters --- Alice, a practical nurse who has always been single, and Louise, a widowed musician --- have gotten their bed and breakfast off and running in their old Victorian family home. If you haven't read BACK HOME AGAIN, stop now and begin with book one --- it lays the groundwork for everything in RECIPES & WOODEN SPOONS.

When Jane, the designated innkeeper and chef, finds an old recipe book belonging to Madeleine, her mother who died at her birth, she discovers more than just recipes. She finds a window of understanding into her own personality and glimpses of the mother she never knew. Her crotchety Aunt Ethel tells her that her mother is where she gets her "foolishness," doing such things as in-line skating around the small town of Acorn Hill, Pennsylvania. And, "You've always been different from the rest of us," her sister Louise tells her. Jane hungers to know more about her mother. The ladies in her church had often assured her that she was like her mother in personality and style. But, "Who was she really? Who was Madeleine in the privacy of her own thoughts and the emotions of her heart?" Jane wonders.

Things are not all wine and roses at the upstart B&B. Louise is on the warpath about the cost of the ingredients Jane is using in her mouthwatering meals. Jane, a professional chef, is determined to serve only the best. More squabbles ensue. Were her sisters afraid of failing with the new B&B? Is Jane being overly sensitive? And can Jane let go of the guilt she feels over her mother's death when she was born? The tension doesn't rise much more than this throughout the book, making it a quiet, relaxing read with some light drama.

Meanwhile, is it romance or friendship that is blooming between Jane and Pastor Ken Thompson? Aunt Ethel tells Jane she's robbing the cradle. At 45 years old or so, Pastor Ken is a good five years younger than Jane is. And what about the handsome traveling pharmacist who comes to stay? Is he interested in Jane also? Faith helps Jane keep her sense of humor and is the axis upon which the B&B revolves. Muses Jane, "God was tapping on her shoulder every day. From now on she would pay attention and rely on His guiding hand."

There are plenty of people in Acorn Hill who need God's help --- and that of the sisters. Sylvia, the proprietor of Sylvia's Buttons, is chockfull of artistic talent, just waiting for someone to help her realize her potential. Young Josie is a cute but somewhat neglected little girl, and Joe Morales is a homeless Hispanic man looking for work. But, as Jane tells a guest whose unexpected stroke lengthens her stay, "You aren't the only one who came to Acorn Hill to heal. I came with plenty of wounds myself."

Baer spins her tale with only a few problems. Sometimes, the words Madeleine pens in the cookbook seem overly prescient. "Maybe someday one of my daughters will open this book, try a recipe or two and think of me. It's odd, but I never think of myself as an old woman baking for my grandchildren. Is it because I will never have grandchildren, or because I will never be old?" Would a woman really write this in her cookbook? But the actual recipes sprinkled throughout the novel are a treat: mouthwatering items such as Swedish pancakes, porcupine meatballs and chocolate waffles. Most involve just a few ingredients, although some, like "Madeleine's Truffles," are a little more involved preparation-wise.

It's a winning combination. Readers who like a cozy, relaxing read and delicious recipes should enjoy this latest installment in the series.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

In this second installment of the "Grace Chapel Series" we find, Jane, youngest sister at 50, battling with old demons while plotting her future. She and two older sisters own a lovely little Bed and Breakfast and Jane is the artistic one in charge of the kitchen. While cleaning one day she finds her deceased mother's cookbook stashed away. Having never known her mother(she died having Jane) the cookbook aids her in finding the matriarch she desperately needed. A connection; a commonality. She finds comfort from the recipes and words of wisdom pressed between the pages of her mother's legacy.

This novel touched me deeply and had me in tears often. However, in the end, I was enfused with hope and joy as Jane was. Lovely writing, lovely story and lovely message.

The recipes are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. This is much better than the Melody Carlson book. Love Jane best of the three sisters, maybe 'cause I just turned 50 myself.

note: get a box of tissues ready

I've read about 10 of the "Tales from Grace Chapel Inn" and like this one the best. The book focuses on the youngest sister (age 50) Jane. Because Jane is a chef there is also actual recipes in the book which adds a nice touch. If you have not read any of the series start with the first one "Back Home Again" and then the second "Going to the Chapel". If you read those 2 first it will make this one event better.

I have just recently discovered the Chapel Inn Series of books. After reading the first two books in the series I am thoroughly enjoying these stories.

I would highly recommend this series.

Loved this book...and it was entertaining, and a quick fast read. I love the recipes, and have tryed several. The faith these women have grown up with(there father was the minister of Grace Chapel.) The work that the lord does, never stops me from being amazed. I do love all the books from Grace Chapel Inn. I would love to go there some day. I am there already in my thoughts. I wonder how the different people are doing today. Almost like a soap. I don't want it to end. I will get through all the books someday, but not today. Have a wonderful read.

And never be surprized at the mysterious ways our Lord works.

I enjoy all the books from Tales from Grace Chapel Inn. It amazes how so many different authors can write different books about the same people and not mix any thing up. These are the best books I have found since Grace Livingston Hill books.

I'm going to read this whole series. The characters are very believable, the situations real. They have a deep love of family and faith and know they can get though any difficulty, if they remember this.You can feel the struggles of all the characters.I would love to visit a place like the the Grace Chaple Inn and meet the people in the little town. You have to love Aunt Ethel,I believe everyone has a relative that resembles her. She's a busybody,and speaks her mind,sometimes without thinking first, but, she loves her family and friends and will always be there for them. I have three sisters and we're all very different.We may not always agree, but in the end we'll do what's right for all of us.We are always there for each other. I'm the oldest,but the Jane of the family.They lovingly call me the Martha Stewart of the family.One sister works in a retirement home and has such compassion for the residents. Another sister is the medical wonder. My baby sister does lots of charity work. We compliment each other just as the characters in this series are learning to do.I can't wait to read the other books to see how they grow and learn. This book is,also,a great recipe book. I can't wait to start trying them. I downloaded this on my Kindle and highlighted every recipe. The only thing that bothered me with this book was the great number of spelling mistakes, lack of puncuation (where it was needed), some grammar mistakes, and spaces between words. I believe the editor was asleep.

The book was in the condition as described, and it arrived very soon after the purchase. Thank you very much.