"Tales from the Kitchen" Review

Tales from the Kitchen is a delightful anthology, full of stories that elicited smiles, tears, laughter, gasps, and ones that made me HUNGRY! (Sometimes for more of the story, sometimes for the food they described, often both!) It features sweet stories, haunting tales, and poems that make you ponder, even in their brevity.

Every piece focuses on the kitchen—the comfort, rhythm, traditions, and sanctuary it provides. They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and it is the living, beating heart of this book.

As a caveat, yes, I have a story in the book, but it doesn't bias my opinion. I would've bought this book even if I wasn't included.

My favorite pieces:

*Half-Fast Cook by Alexandria Faulkenbury-Humorous, heartwarming, and tugs at the heartstrings.

*Kitchen Ghosts by Juliette Beauchamp-Funny, touching whodunnit with a twist.

*Keeping the Memories Alive by Marie Kofoed-An achingly, heartbreakingly beautiful and relatable tearjerker.

*Sisterhood, Bloodhood by Taty Guedes-A rich tale of tradition, legacy and sweet memories of ancestry.

*Here Lies the Cake by Lis Maestro-Witty, jaw-dropping dark humor with satisfying delayed justice. I went back and re-read this one 3 times because I was so stunned and entertained.

*Something Broken, Something Blue by J.M. Williams-Engaging, twisty story with a powerful ending.

*The Apron by Suzanna de Baca-Sweet, sentimental poem with lovely imagery.

*Potluck Sunday by Joseph S. Klapach-Two sided tale with familiar twangs of kindness, humility, and service. Beautifully written.

*A Conversation with a Killer by Wendy Eiben-Unexpected twist and compelling plot.

**Theresa Green did a masterful job editing this book and was terrific to work with.