HEART THE LOVER

I was/am/will always be enraptured by this slim, deliriously intoxicating novel that I read almost without stopping while on vacation last month. When the story begins, the narrator meets Sam and Yash in her college literature class, and is quickly engulfed by the whirlwind of their deep intellect, witty banter and abiding friendship. However she is soon enmeshed in a love triangle that pits loyalty against passion, and can have no happy conclusion. Decades later, long held secrets and new surprises may jeopardize her carefully constructed adult life. Will flames of the past threaten a present filled with trust and love?

Consider yourself warned: this is one of those books where you’ll want to backburner all your responsibilities and pick it up in every spare minute. Nobody tells stories, writes dialogue or builds tension like Lily King, who has become an autobuy author for me. I was already mourning the end of this book when I was just halfway through, yet found myself racing through every page to find out what would happen. Is that what it means for a book to have five stars? Maybe - all I know is I was consumed and obsessed with this one, and so was everyone I know who read it. You’ll love it and you’ll also cry your eyes out. I’ll say it again: five stars.

The book’s young trio of characters have evenings filled with wine, literary references, in-jokes, and spirited card games. These jam-filled card cookies are a tribute to their game, made with card suit cookie cutters (I used an actual playing card case for the rectangles). They’re delicious linzers but with a fun twist and plenty of butter and raspberry jam. I can’t wait for you to try them and to read this gorgeous book!