‘Reservations for Two’: Book Two in the Blue Doors Trilogy

April 22, 2015 Rissi JC 6 Comments

STORY: Picking up where her story leaves off in A Table by the Window, newly minted restaurateur Juliette D’Alisa is currently basking in the sun and enjoying her extended family in Italy. What makes her trip even better is her love, Neil, flying over to spend a whirlwind and romantic holiday with her; a trip that cements her feelings for Neil. But all too soon, Juliette is back on solid ground in Portland, busy preparing for the opening of Two Blue Doors. Back to reality, Juliette’s life changes; she learns something about her family she never expects, her relationship with Neil becomes complicated, and all as she begins to grow closer to someone else.


RESERVATIONS FOR TWO, BY HILLARY MANTON LODGE | BOOK REVIEW


‘Reservations for Two’: Book Two in the Blue Doors Trilogy. A review of the 2015 novel by Hillary Manton Lodge. All text © Rissi JC

REVIEW: Though this story is first-person, which can be difficult to relate to, there is a natural ebb and flow. There are trials and triumphs, sorrow and smiles, and through it all, the heroine proves to be some we admire. I enjoy Juliette’s character, ever since that first meeting, and it continues here. Choices lie before her that may break her heart. She struggles to come to a place of acceptance, none of which put her in a good place. As usual, I love all of the characters though feel at a disadvantage of knowing them considering its first-person. Still this in no way underestimates their importance or likability. I come to like some of these characters more than before, even swoon a time or two and develop a new respect and appreciation for another certain male character.

BOOK REVIEW | ‘Until I Met You’: This is about a Librarian & Her Hero Neighbor
‘Reservations for Two’: Book Two in the Blue Doors Trilogy. A review of the 2015 novel by Hillary Manton Lodge. #BookReview #FWArchives Click To Tweet

Aside from the food, which is again a pivotal part of the story – the characters are passionate about creating only the best, and the book includes recipes every few pages – the fascinating part of this novel is the mystery that backlights the present story. Through letters, Juliette unearths a piece of their family tree that no one can explain. Because of that, this reads like an old-fashioned love story as a result of the charm the love letters bring to an otherwise (equally delightful) very contemporary novel. Juliette’s research through the letters is an interesting way to honor the past and blend it (in this case, effortlessly) with the present of Juliette’s life and those around her.

I admire so much about this series, but putting it all down to words isn’t possible. Suffice to say, two books in and this series is one of my favorites. Reservations for Two is charming with some hints of vintage influences that balance nicely with the contemporary setting. It’s an enjoyable read that is sure to tempt you; if not with its swoony romance, then certainly your taste buds.  

About the Book:

(Disclosure: this post does contain affiliate links; if you buy anything through these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you to anyone who makes a purchase through these links. Read the disclosure page for details.)

Author: Hillary Manton Lodge
Source: Publisher provided Netgalley
Find the Review elsewhere: Amazon ǀ Goodreads ǀ Life is Story ǀ WordPress
Shop the Book: Amazon ǀ Bookshop.org ǀ Goodreads ǀ WaterbrookPress
Series: Table for Two Trilogy, book 2
Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Fiction
Published by: WaterBrook Press
Publication Date: April 2015
Rating: 5 out of 5

This review originally appeared on Life Is Story. Sincere thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of Reservations for Two.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

All posts

6 Comments

  • Hayden April 22, 2015 at 3:25 PM

    I'm expecting this one in the mail soon. I'm really looking forward to it!

    • Rissi April 22, 2015 at 8:20 PM

      This series is on point. Love what Hillary has done with it (so far) and am anxious for book three… which won't arrive until this time next year. Oh the suspense. :)

      Happy reading, Hayden!

  • A Flurry of Ponderings April 23, 2015 at 12:48 AM

    This sounds amazing, food and good characters, yes please!
    Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings

    • Rissi April 24, 2015 at 7:48 PM

      Right?! What combination could be better!? :)

  • Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com April 30, 2015 at 11:09 PM

    I really dug the first. I need to check this one out.

    • Rissi May 1, 2015 at 12:53 AM

      Yes, ma'am! You sure do. :)

    Leave a Reply

    (Enter your URL then click here to include a link to one of your blog posts.)

    Bonjour and Welcome!

    Welcome | thank you for visiting and reading. if you like, you are invited to join our conversations and follow along – join us.  You’re most welcome.
    Read more about us

    Find Us Elsewhere

    Find us on Gab, Gettr, and MeWe! Plus, join our Reader Group page on MeWe!

    Culture Characteristics in your Inbox!

    Subscribe! Have our new content sent to your inbox; sign up for our once (or twice) monthly round up of new content. If you'd like to have this newsletter sent to your inbox, you can enter your email address here. Please note, this does require a sign-up confirmation via email, and that email may be sent to a junk or spam folder.

    RSS Feed

    Enter your email address:

    Archives

    Disclosures

    Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, I may receive (a small) compensation. This compensation comes at no additional cost to you.

    Rissi JC (RissiWrites.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    All written content (unless noted) is © Copyright Rissi JC and RissiWrites.com.

    Categories

    ×
    %d bloggers like this: