Portia
Cuthcart woke up the first morning in her Upper West Side
garden apartment with thoughts of chocolate cake. She could
see and taste it. For the three years she had been married
to Robert Baleau, she had not cooked or baked anything. The
last meal she made was right before her Gram died in Willow
Creek, TX. Portia sold The Glass Kitchen, her Gram’s
café and split the proceeds with her two sisters. For
the past three years Portia had been the perfect political
wife. She had put aside her gift and become what Robert wanted
her to be – normal. He didn’t want her baking
pies for the bake sale before it had been announced. The first
time anyone knew of Portia’s gift was the morning she
woke, as a child, with thoughts of blueberries and peaches.
She made a breakfast of the fruit and angel food cake. She
later found out her sister Olivia was missing and she loved
blueberries and peaches. When Portia’s mother saw what
she had made, she knew where to find Olivia.
Robert
divorced Portia rather quickly since his soon-to-be new wife
was pregnant. Olivia headed to New York City to the townhouse
left to her and her sisters by Great Aunt Evie. Cordelia and
Olivia sold the floors left to them, but Portia held on to
her apartment. On her way to the grocery store she ran into
Gabriel Kane the man who purchased the upper two floors in
her building. There is definitely an attraction – but
Portia is not ready for romance. After picking up groceries,
Portia prepares the meal for four people. Her sisters show
up and there is still one portion left. Ariel, Gabriel’s
daughter shows up and is soon invited to eat. Portia’s
gift is back. She will have to figure out how to incorporate
it into her new life.
I loved
this story. This is the first book I have read by Linda Francis
Lee. It will not be my last. This book was impossible to put
down. The story is a feast for the soul. I loved the bits
of magic provided by Portia’s gift that are sprinkled
throughout the story. This is a compelling read that will
take you on a journey of food, second chances, romance and
secrets. An extremely talented woman needs to learn to trust
herself and use the gift that was given to her. This was a
delightfully delicious read. The author has thoughtfully included
many of the recipes mentioned throughout the story. So if
you like a read that is full of good food and a wonderful
story, then you should be reading The Glass Kitchen.
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