Our book whisperer, Linda Sullivan, is suggesting some lighthearted novels this week to lift your spirits.
Linda’s first recommendation is The Late Bloomers’ Club by Louise Miller, the author’s second novel. Miller is a pastry chef, who lives, writes and bakes in Boston, Massachusetts.
Linda says, “Have you visited Vermont? I have not, but after reading The Late Bloomers’ Club, a trip during leaf peeping season moved closer to the top of my travel list. While there, I want to have a maple creemee (described as a swirling tower of maple-flavored soft serve) and visit a real New England diner. I’ve also been inspired to bake a Burnt Sugar Cake with Maple Icing.”
Hmmm … food, a diner … must be something to do with the plot of this story?
Linda tells us this is a sweet story about community and family, something we all need now with the holidays rapidly approaching. She reminds us, too, if we have read Evvie Drake Starts Over, this story has a similar premise but with less angst.
So, if we haven’t read Evvie Drake Starts Over, we have a second recommendation. Written by Linda Holmes, an attorney, this is her debut novel. 
This book added another New England trip to Linda’s travel bucket list as she now wants to head to Maine and maybe Knox the Fox, our Friday travel adventurer, can hitch a ride, too.
Linda gives us a preview for this novel: “A young widow rents an attached apartment to a retired MLB pitcher with the Yips. This is a story about secrets, mistakes and most importantly, hope. You’ll laugh, and if you like baseball metaphors, you’ll enjoy it even more.”
Remember: Knox County Online Library to search for Linda’s recommendations each week.
All of us have a story and I want to tell yours! Send them to susan@knoxtntoday.com