In the summer of 2017, my husband I wanted to try an experiment. We shut off the internet access in our apartment. A new habit formed from that experiment; I reconnected with the novel. I found out that there is a genre called foodie fiction. Naturally, I am hooked, and I thought I would share my reviews of these books. I would like to share reading recommendations while I keep a running list of what I have read. The protagonists usually own bakeries, restaurants; they are personal chefs, food writers or work behind the scenes or are hosts of food TV shows; they are strong, independent women who somehow also find true love in their midst. What am I finding is that for some authors, this is their specialty. So I am thought I would categorize this food fiction by author. Come back often because I read at least one food-related book once a week. Feel free to add in the comments your favorite foodie fiction book and/or author.
Stacey is from Chicago. Her protagonists usually know what the best food combinations are, how to chop and prep food in no time at all, and are creative in the kitchen; but out of the kitchen they are a little unsure what they want in friendships and love. In each book Stacey wants to explore a different venue in the food world, whether it be a personal chef, a personal assistant/prep chef or a chef TV personality. I always imagine myself in one of these roles. Her characters are also fun, honest and vulnerable.
The books that I have read penned by Stacey are:
Her characters will do anything to cook for others and pass on their passion for cooking. The women always seem to get themselves in precarious situations that make you feel anxious for them. They have gumption and courage and you are rooting for them the entire time. You will learn about ghost writing for a celebrity, starting your own supper club, food writing and journalism.
Dana’s foodie fiction that I have read are:
Jenny resides North of Edinburgh, Scotland. Her books usually take place in a small town not far from water. It is refreshing to be transported to a slower life and to a small town community. Her characters find love while figuring out their life/heart callings. I was sad when I found out that I read all of her books that the library carries. These books are as sweet and endearing as the characters she creates. The protagonists heal by cooking, baking and owning cafes.
The books thus far I have read from Jenny Colgan
- The Cafe By The Sea
- Little Beach Street Cafe
- Loveliest Chocolate Shop In Paris
- Summer At Little Beach Street Cafe
- Sweetshop of Dreams
Judith has written a beautiful trilogy of a woman who finds solace baking bread whenever her life gets a little wonky. I grew up in Seattle, so her stories situated in the neighborhood of Queen Anne and the magical Orcas Island resonate with me. She accurately describes both places. It is hard not to fall in love with Wynn and her co-workers at the bakery. It is an honor to see her evolve as she maneuvers between the messiness of love, letting go and running a bakery.
Nicole is best known for her book Lost in Translation and her book flaps tell us she lives in Portland. Her book The Last Chinese Chef delves into the depths of Chinese Cuisine. Their is such reverence in the preparation and she gives you so much to consider when preparing a meal. You will be craving the food you read about.
Eating Heaven is the only book that Jennie has written about food. The main character, Eleanor, is a contract writer for food magazines who explores her relationship to food and what a major role it plays in life and finding happiness. This book felt raw, real and you feel Eleanor and her family’s grief as they mourn a close family member.
How I love Ruth; Her writing inspires me. It is filled with humor, reality and love. When I grow up I want to write like Ruth. Her cookbook is on my inspiration page. I also highly recommend reading her memoirs. To date, Ruth has only penned one book of fiction, titled Delicious. The book is intriguing and there is a mystery to solve and Ruth wrote it.