JL

The end of the book where Julia is recovering and Nicholas comes to her is the sweetest and most endearing part of the entire series.

I was not thrilled with the beginning of the book where Julia blows up bits of their workspace. She comes across as a moron and I didn't like that

I love the descriptions of how traditional Chinese cooking separates flavors and textures in dishes, for example. I also thought the idea of meals as community (served family style) was profound. As I worked my way through the book, I began to see links between the stated theories and principles of Chinese cooking *as it is described in the book* and quiltmaking. There is a beauty and meaning to the way Chinese cooking is described, which I do not feel when I enter an American Chinese restaurant.

The beginning of every chapter has excerpts from a book called the Last Chinese Chef. I don't know if this a real book, but the passages are evocative and towards the latter part of the book, especially the last chapters, I found my mind forming connections between what the narrator was saying and the Design Series I work on with Sandy. Throughout the book, the characters talk about links between the food and history, literature and poetry. I find this very beautiful.

I think this might be one of my favorite books. I know I want to listen to it again.I wasn't sure about listening to this book. I don't know who recommended it initially or why I added it. I know I downloaded it, because I didn't know what else to download.I am not am not much of a fan of the premise, but find the food aspect fascinating. I love the descriptions of how traditional Chinese cooking separates flavors and textures in dishes, for example. I also thought the idea of meals as community (served family style) was profound. As I worked my way through the book, I began to see links between the stated theories and principles of Chinese cooking *as it is described in the book* and quiltmaking. There is a beauty and meaning to the way Chinese cooking is described, which I do not feel when I enter an American Chinese restaurant.The beginning of every chapter has excerpts from a book called the Last Chinese Chef. I don't know if this a real book, but the passages are evocative and towards the latter part of the book, especially the last chapters, I found my mind forming connections between what the narrator was saying and the Design Series I work on with Sandy. Throughout the book, the characters talk about links between the food and history, literature and poetry. I find this very beautiful.Maggie's situation is very sad, but seems to be about money and since she has downsized, I have a hard time feeling sorry for her with regard to the suit in China. I do feel sorry for her loss of her husband and think the grief she feels is fairly well described. I( don't think the name is a good one for the character. It doesn't seem to fit the story or her life story.After finishing the whole book, I see the sort of crudeness of the beginning chapters in the description of the suit and China and think that Nicole Mones smooths out the writing in such a way that the reader is soothed as the story goes on.This is a book where I might want to see the words on the page. This book also makes me want to add a section on Aesthetic to the Design series.

I wasn't really planning to read this book, but I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the way Betta tentatively made new friends and opened her heart and life to new and old friends.

I have not listened to other books by her.

I think it would be interesting to read about the store and have the customers take up part of the story.

Beautifully written, good pacing and a lovely story line. I think this book ended just as it should have. All the main story lines were tied up, but there was still a promise of Phoebe having a future. I didn't feel like I NEEDED a sequel.