Table Manners

Mia King is a very talented writer! I think her biggest talent her ability to write real, believable characters and relationships that readers can care about. Every time I read one of her books, I find myself totally swept away, not wanting to put the book aside for even a little while, yearning to know what happens next and how it all turns out. Table Manners is about Diedre McIntosh, a former television host whose life was turned upside down in the Good Things. In that first novel, I came to truly care about the characters and was left wanting more. I wanted to know what happened next! With Table Manners, I wasn't disappointed. I followed Diedre through the next chapter of her life, as things were once again turned upside down for her. Will she and Kevin stay together, or will his ex-fiance' steal him away? Will Diedre's new cookie line soar or sink? Will Kevin's sister ever accept Diedre? You'll have to read the book yourself to find out! If you're looking for a great novel with characters you can really care about, a novel that makes you want to read it all in one sitting, even if you can't, you should read all of Mia King's novels! My only suggestion would be that you read Good Things before Table Manners, as it's a sequel.

Table Manners is a satisfying read from cover to cover. What a treat of indulgence! It was like sitting down to a table with old friends and listening to their new adventures. I am content and happy. Just like after a favorite meal. It was with both reservation and anticipation I began reading Table Manners, the sequel to Good Things. How could my appetite for another Deidre McIntosh obstacle and recovery novel compare to her first? Well, let it be said that I was not only satisfied, but satiated both by story line and character development. We not only revisit Lake WIsh in my home state of Washington, but are taken to my favorite City of Lights- Paris! The story moves quickly, and like a good meal, is over before you know it. (I still can not believe I read the entire book in just two days!). The good news is, we get "dessert." In the final pages we are treated to some very appealing and inspiring recipes. Congratulations Ms. King on your new endeavor. Bon Appetite readers!

A few years ago I was looking for new books by female authors. I was lucky enough to stumble upon Mia King. This led me to reading Good Things with Deidre. I was more then excited to see that Deidre was back. Deidre is launching a new cookie line, trying to hold on to her boyfriend, get accepted in to his family which includes, Marla who is fighting against them, help a friend get back on her feet and plan a commitment ceremony and doing it all in her own tasty, sassy way. Table Manners is a fun, touching engaging story about Deidre and all the interesting people in her life. Deidre is a smart, classy, sweet lady but yet vulnerable and naive at times. She works hard and never gives up. She does not feel deserving of the attention and "luck" as she calls it. She does so much for everyone and sometimes forgets that she deserves that much or more in return. She does what she does out of love but has to be reminded that she is loved in return. Kevin is the perfect match for her and I love how he continually shows how much he adores her. He makes no excuses for his love for her it is just a pleasant and passionate love. Mia King has made realistic, likable, and fun characters. Even the supporting characters are wonderful. From Lindsey to Marla to Uncle Harry you find yourself caring about them. Yes, even Marla who is a sometimes a mean, crass character has many redeeming scenes. Marla, like Deidre has insecurities they just handle them differently. The descriptions of the treats she makes not only make your mouth water but makes you believe you can make are in the kitchen too. I had so much fun with these characters and only hope that she tales another take of these characters. I personally would love to hear more about Marla and Wedge. For some reason Marla was an intriguing character for me. Table Manners is a must read for everyone. More recipes like the ones Mia King included in her book can be found on her website along with a monthly contest at www.miaking.com. Also available by Mia King are Good Things and Sweet Life, both also highly recommended.

I loved how Table Manners was written, if you had read Good Things you could quickly put the two stories together, but you didn't need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. Great plot and character development. It was a book that I couldn't put down. I had intended to read the book while exercising and camping, but I never got to do that because I finished reading it before I even made it to the gym...I just couldn't put it down until I was done. I'm glad to hear that I won't have to wait long for Mia's next book!

Deidre McIntosh, who we first meet in Mia King's debut novel, GOOD THINGS, is back in TABLE MANNERS. The very talented and creative foodie, has put the past behind her and is looking ahead to new ways to promote herself and launch a new line of cookies. Everything is going well in her business and her love life until the ultra-gorgeous and sophisticated ex-fiance of HER boyfriend, Sabine, appears on the scene. That's when things start to heat up! I really enjoyed this book not only for the fun, romantic story and the great character development but also for the creative ways Deidre found to solve what seemed like impossible situations and for the amazing recipes at the end of the book. Even though TABLE MANNERS is a sequel to GOOD THINGS, the story can stand alone and is a perfect summer read!