Luscious Lemon

Please don't whimsically cast off 'LUSCIOUS LEMON' into that "dreaded" chick-lit category, because this is certainly not your typical chick-lit. Don't let the cutesy name, cover or Downtown Press imprint fool you, Heather Swain has delivered a fresh, smart, funny and emotional novel that is a great read for everyone, not just chick-lit lovers like myself! Ellie "Lemon" Manelli is on top of the world. She has a wonderful boyfriend, a great large Italian family who dotes on her and best of all her restaurant, aptly named Lemon is a hit with the Manhattan set. But just as she begins to feel that she is on top of her game and more importantly escaping the trappings of her family, all the balls she has been juggling seem to come falling down around her when she finds out that she is pregnant. Her boyfriend Eddie is thrilled and more than ready to take the next step and become a real family but Lemon is not so ready to give up her old lifestyle (or her East Village apartment) just yet. But when the worst happens Lemon has to figure out how to deal with the guilt, loss and regret that threaten to smother her. 'LUSCIOUS LEMON' tackels a serious subject and does not make light or skirt around it, it hits it head on with all of the raw emotion it deserves. Swain created characters that are multi-dimentional and real who you will equally love and loathe at some point in the book. You will go from hating one character to understanding and maybe even sympathizing with them or from rooting for one to rallying against them and back to rooting for them in one fell swoop. This is true of the book as it is true in real life. And once you are finished with the book take the time to read the exceptionally well written "interview with the author" the combination of the two will have you wanting to run out and read more of Heather Swain, I know I do! Absolutely 5 big stars!

I started reading this book while I was pregnant, but before I finished the book I learned that I had miscarried (no the book didn't cause it). Unlike Lemon, I already have one child, but, like her, I was ambivalent about this pregnancy (though for different reasons). However, like Lemon, I was devastated by the loss. This book has helped me tremendously in working through my grief. It is also a wonderful read on its own. I look forward to reading more books by Heather Swain.

"Luscious Lemon" by Heather Swain is truly chick lit at its best. I found it be powerfully touching, exquisitely detailed and highly readable. Lemon, the main heroine of the book, is strong, hard-working and an excellent cook. As a matter of fact, she owns her own restaurant in NYC and is trying (so far unsuccessfully) to turn the place into something profitable. Her devoted boyfriend is dropping marriage hints, but she just doesn't have time or desire to settle down until she has made her restaurant into something spectactular. However, it soon becomes apparent that she is pregnant, but she is so busy that she doesn't realize it right away. When it finally dawns on her that maybe all the symptoms are pointing to pregnancy, Lemon has mixed emotions. On one hand, her wonderful boyfriend says he plans to be there every step of the way, which is reassuring. On the other hand, she is conflicted, because the timing just stinks. However, after some heartfelt talks with her boyfriend and getting an ultrasound, she becomes fiercely attached to the little creature growing within her. Things are hectic, but going along okay, when tragedy strikes. Lemon loses someone very close to her, and things begin spiraling out of control. She is forced to deal with her emotions and overcome her grief, sense of loss and feelings of abandonment. I don't want to give away any more details about the plot, so I'll leave the reader to find out the rest! One of the best things about Luscious Lemon is that it enticingly goes from one scene to another flawlessly. The story starts off with a daring food and love scene, then plunges into the details of Lemon's life. The author provides a detailed background on all of the main characters in the story as well as plenty of delicious descriptions of food. As with Heather Swain's previous book Eliot's Banana, there is a small supernatural side-story. All of these details combine to make Luscious Lemon into a wonderful, vivid and detailed story. Heather Swain does an amazing job in capturing the true feelings of abandonment and pain that one often experiences when they lose someone close to them. Overall, I highly recommend this book.

Luscious Lemon is a funny page-turner that actually addresses a difficult subject. Swain's writing had me hooked from the first page. Her main character is appealing but not perfect, her story is heartfelt and entertaining. If you like a good read, this novel is for you.