Customer Reviews

Table Manners

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Deidre McIntosh, who we first meet in Mia King's debut novel, GOOD THINGS, is back in TABLE MANNERS. The very talented and creative foodie, has put the past behind her and is looking ahead to new ways to promote herself and launch a new line of cookies. Everything is going well in her business and her love life until the ultra-gorgeous and sophisticated ex-fiance of HER boyfriend, Sabine, appears on the scene. That's when things start to heat up!

I really enjoyed this book not only for the fun, romantic story and the great character development but also for the creative ways Deidre found to solve what seemed like impossible situations and for the amazing recipes at the end of the book.

Even though TABLE MANNERS is a sequel to GOOD THINGS, the story can stand alone and is a perfect summer read!

I loved how Table Manners was written, if you had read Good Things you could quickly put the two stories together, but you didn't need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. Great plot and character development. It was a book that I couldn't put down.

I had intended to read the book while exercising and camping, but I never got to do that because I finished reading it before I even made it to the gym...I just couldn't put it down until I was done.

I'm glad to hear that I won't have to wait long for Mia's next book!

I couldn't even get through the first 100 pages when I decided to just throw the book into the trash. I can't honestly say there's a single character that I really even liked - and too many that I did not. The writing could be described as "light summer reading", but I just think it's bad. The characters are so two-dimensional as to be caricatures. I was fooled by the good reviews in this site -- I should have gotten it at the library and not wasted $14.

"Table Manners," by Mia King, is like a light, airy and double delicious chocolate mousse...that, yes, leaves you craving for more; wouldn't it be nice to get a sequel, perhaps? In fact, it was only after I read the book that I learned that "Table Manners" was a sequel to Mia's 2006 book "Good Things." Obviously, you do not have to read "Good Things" as a prerequisite.

Anyway, the book targets a 40ish audience and unveils a main character Deidre who is sweet, utterly smart and, oh, so hip and mod. I went beyond what I interpreted as, at times, shallowness and appreciated the fact that I did not have to over think Deidre's motives, desires and, basically, the things that make her tick. This, in most part, goes for the other characters, too.

What I also like is that the author accentuates the positive aspects of her characters. There is even hope for villainous Marla. This element is a refreshing one, especially in a world that seems fueled by the media's penchant for the macabre vision of life.

Characters aside, Mia's strongest suit is plot development. Each element of surprise that the author creates enticed me to devour the book swiftly and fully. Who, after all, would not sail through "Table Manners"? Mia cranks up the volume with a witty and sitcom-ish style. What could possibly go wrong, goes wrong in Deidre's world. Whether she bakes an array of botched up cookies or misinterprets the motives of her boyfriend, I could not help but languish over each page. The book's ending offers a good surprise punch...sequel, Mia, please! The best part is that after readers finish reading the book, they can test out the recipes offered at the end. Good books, like good food, make for a delicious life worth living...just mind your manners!

Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell, Author/Book Reviewer/Teacher
CONSUMMATE CONNECTICUT: DAY TRIPS WITH PANACHE

A few years ago I was looking for new books by female authors. I was lucky enough to stumble upon Mia King. This led me to reading Good Things with Deidre. I was more then excited to see that Deidre was back. Deidre is launching a new cookie line, trying to hold on to her boyfriend, get accepted in to his family which includes, Marla who is fighting against them, help a friend get back on her feet and plan a commitment ceremony and doing it all in her own tasty, sassy way.
Table Manners is a fun, touching engaging story about Deidre and all the interesting people in her life. Deidre is a smart, classy, sweet lady but yet vulnerable and naive at times. She works hard and never gives up. She does not feel deserving of the attention and "luck" as she calls it. She does so much for everyone and sometimes forgets that she deserves that much or more in return. She does what she does out of love but has to be reminded that she is loved in return.
Kevin is the perfect match for her and I love how he continually shows how much he adores her. He makes no excuses for his love for her it is just a pleasant and passionate love.
Mia King has made realistic, likable, and fun characters. Even the supporting characters are wonderful. From Lindsey to Marla to Uncle Harry you find yourself caring about them. Yes, even Marla who is a sometimes a mean, crass character has many redeeming scenes. Marla, like Deidre has insecurities they just handle them differently.
The descriptions of the treats she makes not only make your mouth water but makes you believe you can make are in the kitchen too.
I had so much fun with these characters and only hope that she tales another take of these characters. I personally would love to hear more about Marla and Wedge. For some reason Marla was an intriguing character for me.
Table Manners is a must read for everyone. More recipes like the ones Mia King included in her book can be found on her website along with a monthly contest at www.miaking.com. Also available by Mia King are Good Things and Sweet Life, both also highly recommended.

So what did I think about Table Manners?
I gobbled it up in one sitting and found myself fully satisfied!

I was really drawn into the lives of the characters and felt their struggles and victories. But beware, this book will make you hungry with all of the tempting foods mentioned along the way! Thankfully, Mia has included many of the fantastic recipes in the back and on her site.

Mia has already begun her 4th novel, and, as an avid fan, I am eagerly awaiting its release! Will we meet back up to learn more about Deidre? Or, perhaps a visit with Marissa from Sweet Life? Maybe we'll meet someone new altogether. I guess I'll have to wait and see, but whomever it is, I'm certain I won't be disappointed

When I first opened this book I quickly realized I would not be able to put it down. We enter the life of Deidre McIntosh and get so swept up with her you find yourself pulling for her. She is the "girl next door" and the protagonist in the story. As I turned each page I could not get enough of her. This is a very light-hearted read and you will find yourself falling in love with the characters and wanting more.

Fun, easy read with good character development. Nothing too serious. Great for reading at the beach.

I was so pleased to find that there was a sequel to Good Things by Mia King! I just love the character of Deidre and can't wait to see what happens next. The fact that she is a strong woman, that can stand on her own, with a little help from her friends, is a great thing to read about in today's society. Mia is an exceptional writer and I look forward to book #4!

Table Manners, the follow up novel from Mia King's Good Things, introduces Deidre McIntosh back into reader's lives. Everything seems to be going so smoothly for our heroine: she has her own line of pastries with a fabulous company and secured the perfect boyfriend, Kevin Johnson, one of the most eligible bachelors in all of Seattle. Deidre's perfect world suddenly comes to a halt though when everything falls apart at once. The company she is working for isn't letting her run with her creative ideas for her pastries, Kevin's snarky sister Marsha seems out to get Deidre, and worse- Kevin's sexy seductive ex-fiancé suddenly enters into the picture- with her eyes on Deidre's man.
Mia King brings another fabulous and delectable novel to readers, who follow Deidre and her friends along their difficult journeys. Deidre's best (gay) friend is soon to get married to his partner, but what they envision for their special day is difficult to achieve. And Deidre's friend Lindsey from Jacob's Pointe is thinking about selling the beloved Wishbone diner after suffering a heart attack and losing any positive outlook on life. During her time of crisis, Deidre finds that she has no one she can turn to. But like all good chick lit stories, readers will get that happy ending albeit a few unexpected bumps along the way. Table Manners left me hoping for a third novel from the truly gifted Mia King.