Don’t Sleep on the Quiet Ones

Blaze Collection Part Two- Don’t sleep on the Quiet Ones!

I finally read two more books from the Blaze Collection. These two may be my favorite books from the collection. I still have three more books to read.

The Forgotten Chapters by Pen Jenoff

We are set in World War 2, where we meet Paige Miller, a shopgirl who is just trying to live during the turmoil times of World War 2.  Paige is a gentlewoman who is curious but careful about her life when she meets an American GI, Danny.  At first, as readers, we think it is a love story, but she and Danny start to meet for dates and learn about each other’s backstory.  When Paige is offered an opportunity, she takes it!  I loved the story’s pacing; it did not feel too fast or long.  Paige’s story has layers along with Danny’s, and each layer seems to match like a puzzle.  Paige, who starts reserved, becomes the bravest and most honorable person in the book.  The action occurs in the last twenty pages of the book, and you are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that I can describe as a heroic triumph. Consider this a commuter book you can read while driving to work.  If you are taking the train or bus to work, it can be listened to during your commute.  You can read this in the afternoon if you are at home one weekend (with limited errands) and want a quick evening read. I suggest a beautiful Shandy like Shakedown Shandy from Pherm Brewing or the newest flavor, Magenta Mountain Sour, which is Dragon fruit, Prickly Pear, and Calamansi. It is tropical and citrus-forward but will keep you sipping as you learn about Paige Miller Shopgirl by day, Lady of Mystery, when needed.  4.89 wine glasses out of five wine glasses.

Fires to Come by Asha Lemming

This, by far, is my favorite book in a series. It is nothing that I expected when I first saw the cover. I thought, is she fighting for Civil Rights in the fifties, or is she a Scientist making her way in a male-dominated field? We meet Carlotta, an adopted girl from a traditional Italian Family.  As the story unfolds, you realize Carlotta is trying to find her place in the world where racism and sexism have left little to no opportunity for Carlotta, bringing in an older Brother who hates her guts and being a Black woman in an Italian community. I was still determining what to expect. Like Paige from the earlier book, we, the reader, see Carlotta’s preservation as she learns about Harlem, finds love, and tries to decide the next phase of her life.  Nothing is as easy as it appears, and she deals with family turmoil and changes in the world.  I connected with Carlotta for being a dutiful daughter but an intelligent and plotting woman.  As she realizes that to keep peace and her life in order, you know that sometimes the enemy is tradition.  I was enthralled by this book and finished it during my work day, as I finished my work.  I listened to this book again on the drive home, but it was beautiful.  Carlotta’s story is like Paige’s from the earlier book: never underestimate a woman because of their demeanor.    I would also get a delicious Italian meal with an excellent wine. Try the Saladini Pilastri Rosso Piediprato; it is an excellent medium-bodied, spicy, intense wine. It compliments this book perfectly. If Asha Lemming wanted to write a follow-up where Carlotta ends up running some terrorism under her family and is forced to protect it from another family, I would read this book in a NY minute—5 out of five wine glasses.

 The best drink for both books is a  French 95, which is sophisticated and delicious. As a bonus, it only has four ingredients. I am suggesting this because the Magenta Mountain Sour at Pherm is out of season, but a French 95 is never out of style or season. My friends will enjoy this because it features their favorite bourbon, Woodford Reserve.

Here is the website  I got the recipe from: https://thegandmkitchen.com/french-95-aka-a-french-75-with-bourbon/

Ingredients

• ½ ounce of Lemon Juice
• 1 ounce of Simple Syrup
• 2 ounces of Bourbon ( Woodford Reserve or Uncle Nearest)
• 2 ounces of Champagne

Add lemon juice and simple syrup. Add your bourbon, then top with Champagne.

Then, of course, drink and read.

Cheers!

Che Michelle