The Glass Kitchen

The Glass Kitchen:  ANovel of Sisters by Linda Francis Lee is a sweet tale about three sisters, the magic of knowing, and romance.  Olivia, Cordelia, and Portia are the three Cuthcart sisters who live in Willow Creek, Texas.  Portia was seven years old when she has her first experience with the “knowing”.  Portia can predict what someone will want, need, or how to help them with food.  She inherited the gift from her grandmother.  Portia’s grandmother took her into the kitchen of the restaurant, The Glass Kitchen.  The restaurant had been passed down from generation to generation.

One day Portia envisioned a special meal for her grandmother.  That meal changed Portia life.  It sent her down the wrong path.  Portia married Robert Baleau a lawyer and local politician.  Robert wanted Portia to be “normal” so Portia suppressed her gifts.  After being married for a few years, Robert’s true colors came to light. 

The girls Great Aunt Evie was an actress living in New York City and the girls spent their summers with her growing up.  She owned a town home on the Upper West Side that she converted into three apartments before her death.  One apartment for each girl.  Cordelia and Olivia sold their apartments to Garbriel Kane.  Portia’s husband wanted her to sell, but she refused.  After her divorce Portia goes to New York City to start over.

Gabriel Kane’s wife passed away in an auto accident and he has moved his family from Montclair, New Jersey to the home in New York City.  Miranda is a teenager who is acting out.  Ariel is 12 (almost 13 as she likes to remind everyone) and has decided that her father needs a girlfriend.  Ariel thinks he needs to focus his attentions on someone other the girls.  Gabriel was always busy with business before his wife passed away.  He is determined to be a part of the girl’s lives.  However, Portia irritates and fascinates Gabriel.

Portia has to decide what to do with her future.  As she starts to embrace her gift again, the future becomes clear to her.  But what will become of Gabriel and Portia?  Gabriel is hiding something.

There is also a mystery involving Garbriel’s brother, Anthony.  It will provide a great twist near the end of the book.  The story also shows us a little about the lives of Olivia and Cordelia. 

I give The Glass Kitchen 4 out of 5 stars.  It is a sweet romance story with a touch of magic and whimsy.  It follows the normal romance formula:  boy meets girl, girl and boy are attracted to each other, they fall in love, they have an argument, and then they eventually get back together again.  However, I like the addition of the sisters, Ariel, and the magic element. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley (and St. Martin’s Press) in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for reading my review!  Wasn't Downton Abbey just wonderful last night?  I loved Mr. Carson proposing to Mrs. Hughes.  It was not the most romantic proposal in the world, but it was heartfelt!  We have to wait another year for more Downton Abbey.  I am hoping that Tom Branson and Lady Mary Crawley will get together.  I think they would make a formidable and cute couple!

I am off to finish Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule.  It is a good book.  I hope you have had a great Monday and Happy Reading!

Kris