Full of midwestern charm and traditions of a bygone era, this novel chronicles the lives, losses, and loves of the folks who haunted the tables of the Lakeside Supper Club. Mariel grew up at the club and has spent her whole life serving up prime rib dinners and old fashioned to her regulars. The familiarity and routine of her life in Bear Lake, Minnesota is a comfort to her, especially in times of tragedy. Meanwhile her husband, Ned, is also part of a restauranteur family. His family is set to take their chain diner concept Jorby’s and take over the Midwest, including adding a location in Bear Lake, in direct competition with the supper club.

Mariel’s story is woven alongside the stories of her mother Florence and her grandmother Betty. Although Mariel and Ned are both main characters, it’s the matriarchal figures in Mariel’s family that tell the story of the supper club through the decades.

This is a book full of everyday moments, not splashy or over the top. For me it was a good break from my usual thrillers and suspense novels and I enjoyed the slice-of-life Midwestern storytelling. While the pace was slower, the author packed a LOT of plot points into these pages. Alternating characters and timelines made it a bit confusing to follow at times as an audiobook, so if possible I would read it in print. If you enjoy books about family sagas, the Midwest, or food, you should consider this one.

Place a hold on it here.

Happy reading!

-Melinda