Feyre is a hunter by circumstance, though she dreams of her family no longer needing her to enter the dangerous woods near the border to kill for their food, especially during this cold, barren winter. She thrills when a doe is being hunted by an unnaturally large wolf, who she knows could be disguised. Her…
Category: women’s literature
“Pride and Prejudice” Book Discussion and Peach Cupcake Recipe
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” —such is the philosophy of Mrs. Bennet, mother to five daughters, including the opinionated, fond-of-walking Elizabeth Bennett, Lizzie to her sisters. When a wealthy, attractive young man by the name of Mr….
“The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris” Book Discussion and Molten Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan Anna worked at a boring mass-produced chocolate factory in a small English town, until a freak accident left her missing two of her toes, and her self-esteem. Feeling sorry for herself and bored, she rekindled a friendship with her old French teacher, who is also at…
The Swan’s Daughter Book Discussion and Lemon Blueberry Butter Cake Recipe
The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi “Hush Manor was built upon clouds.” Demelza lives in this castle as the youngest daughter of both a powerful wizard and a veritas swan. “Veritas swans were breathtakingly beautiful women” who told the truth and could compel others to as well. But they also have a tragic weakness. Once…
“Once Upon a River” Book Discussion and Easy Apple Cinnamon Buns Recipe
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield At winter solstice in the Swan at Radcot, a weathered pub beside the Thames river, where stories are told and retold round the bar and a roaring fire, a man washes up, banged-up and nearly dead, with a very young girl, as lifeless as a mannequin. Until her…
“Christmas in Vermont” Book Discussion and Maple Cinnamon Shortbread Cookie Recipe
Emma has a problematic habit: after one year of dating, she realizes each guy she’s with just isn’t marriage material, and she breaks up with him. So now, she’s suffering through winter in New York with a broken radiator (when she should have been on a tropical vacation with her now ex-boyfriend), working on a…
“One Day in December” Book Discussion and Chocolate Cupcake Recipe With Chocolate Mousse Topping
A single, sarcastic girl makes eye contact across a crowded bus station with a handsome boy, and wishes she got off the bus and got his number. Then the girl—Laurie—spends the next year searching for him in every pub in London. A year later at a Christmas party, Laurie’s best friend, Sarah, brings home Jack,…
“P.S. I Love You” Book Discussion and Strawberry Jam and Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting
Holly’s husband Gerry has just died of a brain tumor. She thought they would have the rest of their lives together, and instead she has to learn how to be a widow before she has even turned thirty. But Gerry didn’t leave her to fend for herself completely. He left a series of letters for…
“Jane Eyre” Book Discussion and Orange Almond Cardamom Cupcakes Recipe
Jane Eyre is an orphaned governess who develops romantic feelings for her employer, Mr. Rochester, a man ensconced in tragedy. Sent away to an orphanage as a child by her cruel aunt, Jane’s attachments in life have been few. At Lowood, she gains a friend whose perspectives enable Jane to reign in her anger and…
The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron
A castle in a forest inspires the stories of three women, scattered across centuries. Adeline is engaged to a Duke in 18th century France, though her opinions are more aligned with the “rabble” than the wealthy aristocracy to which she will belong. But when the Duke’s castle is burned by angry serfs, and Adeline as…