Sue Lawrence (1) (1955–)

Lady Grange is dead and her funeral is held at the start of the book. We learn though that her husband wanted rid of her and things aren't as they seem.

Based around the real life story the author imagines what could have really happened. From a life of plenty she becomes isolated on a Scottish island where she can't even communicate with the Gaelic speaking locals.

It's a fascinating read and feels like the real story of lady Grange. She gradually makes some kind of life but aways longs to show more be reunited with her children. show less

3.5 1879, a viscous storm hits Dundee, Scotland, as Anne and her two children wait at the window for the returning train bringing home their husband and father. As they watch the train cross the bridge at the river Tay, they soon see a horrific tragedy. The bridge collapses and the train descends into the river, killing all. But was Robert on that train?

In the present day Fiona living with Pete and her son by her dead husband, weakens to find Pete gone and their bank account emptied. How show more these two stories tie together encompasses the plot.

Very atmospheric and I actually liked both parts of this story. The historical story is very twisty as a woman must now fight form the survival of herself and her children. But Anne has a past, not known to many, and she wishes to keep it that way. The present day story had some quite likable characters. So all was well and good, reading along nicely. But, then came the ending, which I felt not only rushed but a very strange way to end this book. Not quite fitting. Still I did fond it enjoyable and the author did a good job tying the two stories together.

ARC from Netgalley. show less

Contents are:
A Fresh Start (starters)
A Salad for all Seasons (main courses)
A Bit on the Side (accompaniments)
The Sweet Hereafter (puddings and desserts)
Lettuces and Leaves (reference)
Dressings (recipes)

I like the way there are salads for different courses (ie ranging from hearty to light) and Lawrence's twists on international recipes.

(Includes a Lebanese salad where adding salt is optional, if you're watching your sodium levels.)

Most of the methods are fairly straightforward with minimal show more cooking though the occasional one does need roasting or baking. There are some recipes (like the elephant foot bread & avo salad or the barley & porcini salad) that stretch my understanding of the word 'salad' a bit but they do look interesting. Recipes do often call for slightly exotic ingredients such as smetana (but offers alternatives) or raspberry vinegar (not something I usually have to hand).

I've tried a few of these recipes which tasted good - but didn't look like the photos ;0)

January 2022
3.5***

Interesting salads, covering courses from appetisers, through main courses and accompaniments to even salads for dessert. Some recipes are accompanied by photographs including some artistic ones which, while pretty, would have been more useful if they illustrated an actual completed dish.
November 2017 show less

Two families 100+ years apart living close to the Tay River in Dundee. Each woman looses her husband/ partner/ father figure to their children and how they cope with that/ rebuild their lives Rather slow to begin. Probably picked up in the last 100 pages. Story didn't have enough depth, sadly rather predictable. Didn't spot the ending for Fiona, although to me a rather quick ending to bring the story to a close. Both women lived in the same house. Will I keep a copy on my book case for show more further reads, no. show less