REVIEW: Nowhere But Home by Liza Palmer

 Title & Author: Nowhere But Home by Liza Palmer

 SYNOPSIS: (According to my husband, who has NOT read the book —  see how well he listens to my bookish ramblings)

 A girl cooks for people on death row.  It’s crazy.  This book made Betty look up last words from inmates on death row – true story!

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•  THE KISSING –  Not nearly enough, especially not enough with the right guy!  I’ll let it slide though since this book was about a whole lot more than the romance!
• THE SWOONING - EVERETT.  Wow.  I’m in love.  I liked him from the first encounter at the bar, but I was sold during his confrontation with Hudson at the football party!  HOLY CRAP!  THIS–  Hudson: “It seems the only thing between us two is you.”  Everett:  ”Damn right.”  If I was Queenie I would have jumped on that man and got a room!  He is also freaking adorable because he walks his ragged old dog every morning.  Oh!  The bare feet and glasses look in the evenings— *melted*  I couldn’t get enough of this MAN!  Yeah, I said it.  ADULT BOOK, whaaaat!
• THE SWAGGER –  This book takes place in Texas!  The setting had me hooked right away.  I’m talking serious soul food, small town drama, and the word “y’all” being thrown around like it is the word THE.  It had so much charm and the characters were amazing.  After being away from home for a decade, Queenie faces a situation that forces her to return.  Coming from a family that has quite a reputation, the story gets interesting REAL FAST!
• THE OH SNAP! –  1. BJ Wake is a ho  2.  FOOD- ALL THE FOOD!  3.  The Number One  4. Forgiveness  5.  Family  6.  Putting Piggy Peggy in her place!  7.  Men fighting over Queenie!  8.  Harlan & Cody  9.  Football  10.  Texas Pride  11.  Death Row
• THE UMMMM WHAT?? –  1. Someone chooses to reveal a deep secret at church one afternoon.  No one would reveal something that big in a situation like that.  It felt a little cheesy and pretty unrealistic considering how quickly all was resolved.  2. Queenie gets a job offer just by sending in her resume.  She never interviews.  Who would hire an executive chef without ever meeting or talking to them?
• THE ROCK -  Drive by Incubus 

ENCORE:

This book involved a lot of southern cooking, so let me put it this way– this book was loaded with meat and potatoes.  It left me contemplating about my life, my mistakes, and how I let the past affect my present.  In general, people spend so much time seeking the approval of others than they forget how to let themselves be genuinely happy and just be themselves. Queenie has spent so much time running that she hasn’t been living.  I loved watching her come to terms with her past and allow herself to move on and focus on the future.  No looking back!  Anyone can relate to this book.  We’ve all had experiences that have altered the way we see ourselves and the way we move forward with our lives.  Queenie inspired me by facing her fears and having the courage to be the person she has never allowed herself to be.  Life doesn’t wait and life is too short to wait for other people to change.  I read it over a week ago and am still thinking about it.  So, come on.  Read this book.

RATING: