I devoured this book. In my opinion, it’s an extremely well-written triumph of a ghost story that is perfect for foodies who enjoy magical realism. I heard about this book when it was listed as a June Indie Next pick and its premise piqued my interest. I listened to the audiobook on Libby and would be eager to read more from debut author Daria Lavelle. This captivating and haunting culinary masterpiece was *chef’s kiss!

Had to DNF this one halfway through after reading it on my bus ride every morning and falling asleep every single time. I can only describe this book as exhausting. Desperately in need of an editor that could rip the heart out of this book and cut out all the fatty tissue. Has an all-timer bad line in it: "I'm seventy-five and falling apart. My body, not my womanhood, nor my Japanese Americanness." With a line that bad you know this author is not a woman nor is he Japanese-American because genuinely what does that even mean?

EVERY TIME I GET IT I LOVE IT

A little slow but I loved the characters and history. It made me want to go back to Florence and see the artwork with more appreciation.

I never believed that the animal kingdom can have a predator protecting a prey

I like the castle cake because the chicklets make it and I like the chicklets. I think the pictures are funny. I think other kids would just like this book too

We loved this intro to Shakespearean England and the time of Queen Elizabeth I! We blazed through it.

Read book 2 times through.

4.5??

A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong is a fast-paced, clever blend of time travel and mystery that had me hooked from the start. When modern-day detective Mallory Atkinson wakes up in Victorian Scotland, trapped in another woman’s body, she’s forced to use her 21st-century skills to solve a chilling murder. I loved the mix of historical setting, suspenseful twists, and strong characters. It’s smart, gripping, and just plain fun. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series.