After the death of her grandmother, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and dark secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery away from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story.
Inspired by her grandmother’s evolving story, Juliette resolves to explore the world of online dating. To her surprise, she finds a kindred spirit in Neil McLaren, a handsome immunologist based in Memphis, Tennessee. With a long-distance relationship simmering, Juliette faces life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary life and Neil, a man a world away in more ways than one? And is it possible her Grandmother’s story can help show the way?
My Review: A Table by the Window was…good. Really good, actually. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The best word I can find to describe it would be heartwarming. It was about family and relationships. It was light and also held some depth as well. I didn’t figure out why the novel was called A Table by the Window. Maybe because the main character, Juliet, was watching life pass her by and letting fear control her? To find out what she does with that fear, you’ll have to read the book.
A Table by the Window was told in first person from Juliet’s point of view. I thought it was a good choice, as the story revolved around her. There was just enough romance to keep the story interesting. I loved Juliet’s big family. Her father was Italian and her mother was French so things were passionate, fun, and…well…foody! This book was very big on food both Italian and French and all things in between. Most of the terms went right over my head as I’m not a professional cook nor will ever claim that distinction. There was also a lot of movies mentioned. Ummm…I watch movies…just none of the ones mentioned in the book. So the references to the movies usually went right over my head as well since I was unable to relate at all most of the time. There were also a lot of interesting, yummy sounding recipes in this book at the end of a lot of chapters! I didn’t read most of them but they sounded great. This book would be wonderful for anybody who loves to cook and wants to try a new recipe.
There was a lot of wine drinking. But I suppose that is to be expected as Juliet’s family is Italian and French. But just thought I would mention that. I also think the book could have been given a more dynamic title. I didn’t get it at first because the title was so boring.
There is enough mystery in this book to keep the reader intrigued, enough romance to make you sigh a little, and enough familial troubles to make you laugh. There is also enough depth to make this book more than a light read. A Table by the Window deals with heavier subjects such as cancer and how fear can keep a person from listening to God. Any great cooks out there would truly appreciate this book. And anybody of French or Italian heritage as well!
I give A Table by the Window 4 out of 5 stars.
**Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. The opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.**