MY FIRST BOOK CLUB

I started a book club with one of my book besties. We figured that since we’re always talking about books and comparing notes, why not just make a book club? (So far, we are its only members but you have to start somewhere, right?) 

Anyway, the Food in Fiction Book Club combines two of our favorite pastimes - eating and reading. Together we call it “reating” and why not? It works great as a tagline (Tshirts coming soon…) 

The rules of book club are fairly straightforward: it has to be fiction. The book hopefully mentions food that we can recreate and enjoy at our next book club, but if it doesn’t, then we will try to bring something related to the theme of the book. Don’t worry - we have great imaginations thanks to all the fiction we read. 

Today we kicked off a discussion on “Accomplice to the Villian” by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (pronounced “mare”). We wouldn’t typically start on the third book of a series, but since we had both HAPPENED to have been working our way through the series and both HAPPENED to get the book at the same time we decided to go for it. The stars do align, sometimes. 

Let me tell you, our first meeting was so much fun! We met at our local Barnes & Noble, purchased some overpriced (but very tasty) beverages, and settled in for a discussion. I felt a bit awkward at first setting up all my snacks at a random table in the B&N Cafe, but - like any mom of 3 - I very quickly tuned out all distractions and made the most of my situation. I’m honestly a little surprised we didn’t get “shushed” because, for my part, I do get a little passionate when I’m talking about food and books. 

Accomplice to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Enough about that. On to the food. This book didn’t mention too many food items, but the characters do often enjoy “Bitter Brew,” which neither of us could remember what that actually was. My brew of choice was Starbucks’ London Fog Latte and I found it quite satisfying. Chef’s kiss and all that. (I forgot to take a picture of my tea but you didn’t miss much - the basic B&N Cafe cup with lid and fancy sleeve.) 

Another food item mentioned in the book included “pink blueberry scones” and a “picnic.” We didn’t want to go overboard in a public space, so suffice it to say we went with standard blueberry scones and some picnic-appropriate fruit items including blueberries, strawberries, and red grapes. 

Per the rules of our book club, we can bring treats that are themed for the story and that made me happy, because my favorite addition was a Kingsley-themed cookie. For those of you who don’t know, Kingsley is a prince that has, unfortunately, been living as a frog for the past ten years due to a good old-fashioned misplaced curse. He’s the best-friend-turned-sidekick that has quickly become our favorite character. And boy is he cheeky! 

Team Kingsley

Now, on to the book review. This is Book 3 of a 4-book series (or so we know for now!) so, like all in-between books, it felt very much like a filler book. Yes, the main plot and the romantic sub-lot both advanced, but only after a lot of fun scenes that felt somewhat like a repeat of the second book. 

However, Maehrer has built such fun dynamics into her characters that we didn’t really mind the sidetrips - she uses each scene to deepen relationships, build intrigue, and foster character introspection. We do get a few more point of view characters which always adds another layer of interest and some extra subplots that I’m sure will be tied up nicely - or not so nicely, as Maehrer loves some good villainy! 

As for today’s book club, we wrapped up after almost TWO HOURS worth of discussion. Yes, we unabashedly geeked out. Yes, we laughed out loud shamelessly. And yes, we probably got some strange looks. But guess what? These conversations are good for my soul and I can’t wait to do it all again next month. 

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Happy Reating :) 

#justkeepreating