Review: While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad
After graduating from Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution–the gas stove–and certainly doesn’t mind that the gas company has hired the handsome Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made–especially by this outspoken young woman.
When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?
Lorna Seilstad is definitely a fan favorite! So glad I had the chance to review the second book in this series! I loved the first one and the second one was no different.
Charlotte is a brilliant young woman who wants to be a chef – but a female chef? In the early 1900s? Not a chance. Instead, she ends up with a job demonstrating a gas oven/range in cities around Minnesota. When she’s home, she’s often at odds with Dr. Joel Brooks. Whether it’s over the care for her aunt when she has a bit of a health crisis or the food at the hospital, the two are like oil and vinegar. They just don’t mix.
Except they do mix. Very well. And despite their pasts, they find themselves drawn to each other. Until those insecurities from the past pop up in their present.
Lorna stirs up a delightful mixture of intrigue [Youngest sister Tessa has a secondary role and I can’t wait for her starring role in book 3!] at the theater and the house and on the road.
I do wish there had been a bit more explanation about the nurse. The explanation given was plausible but a bit… something. I thought there would be a bit… more? Something.
In the ends, big waffy sighs abound and I can’t for Tessa’s story!
Overall rating: 8.25 out of 10 stars