Gina’s grandfather was a French chef whose life was cut short by a robber’s bullet. The only lasting legacy he could leave his family was his passion and talent for cooking.
Growing up poor but with a mother who is a gifted cook. Gina learns cooking a great meal is an act of love. An art that sustains and enhances life.
A world of new challenges, new friends, and new loves opens up for her when she’s chosen to cook for a Michelin-starred restaurant.
But danger lurks where one never expects it.
Can her passion for cooking help Gina survive and thrive in this world of privilege, pleasure and menace?
Evy Journey, writer, wannabe artist, and flâneuse (feminine of flâneur), wishes she lives in Paris where people have perfected the art of aimless roaming. Armed with a Ph.D., she used to research and help develop mental health programs.
She's a writer because beautiful prose seduces her and existential angst continues to plague her despite such preoccupations having gone out of fashion. She takes occasional refuge by invoking the spirit of Jane Austen to spin tales of love, loss, and finding one’s way—stories into which she weaves mystery or intrigue.
The story Ivy Journey has created is an interesting bit of intrigue mixed with romance and a very confused protagonist. Gina is an aspiring chef who's taken on a position at a fancy, well-to-do restaurant in California. While working there, she attracts the attention of wealthy Leon Barrett, who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He instantly decides he's in love with her, dumping her childhood friend practically on the spot. But despite his advances, she resists giving in to the temptation of finding out what it would be like to live the finer life.
Meanwhile, devastated, her now former best childhood friend goes into a jealous fit of insanity and stabs her, which leads Gina to find Brent, a lieutenant with the police department sent to investigate the incident. Gina doesn't want to condemn her friend and fights for her. During the legal battle, she finally accepts Leon's offer of giving themselves a chance at a relationship, only it goes a lot farther than she thought it would. There's only one problem, he's not the only one she's developed feelings for.Mixed in a sea of jealousy and intrigue, Gina may not make it out of this alive.
Ms. Journey has created an interesting story with a heroine full of heart, even if she is misguided. The pacing of the story is fantastic and the story compelling. There is a bit more "pink" in some of the scenes than I care for, but, overall, it's not as explicit as some things I've read. If you like completely clean romances, this is not for you as there is a bit more than a suggested 'behind closed doors" incident or two.
Overall, I'm giving it four out of vie stars.
To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page
