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anabel_unker 's review for:
Didn't You Use to Be Queenie B?
by Terri-Lynne DeFino
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
Queenie B, beloved celebrity chef for her exacting skills in the kitchen and the uncontrolled mess in her personal life, disappeared from the public after a bender that cost her her marriage, her child, and her dignity. While Queenie still lives in infamy through her syndicated tv shows and her fleet of Michelin Star restaurants, Regina Benuzzi (the person behind Queenie B) prefers her day-to-day anonymity and running the day to day operations of her soup kitchen.
When line-cook Gale Carmichael enters her life, first as a patron, then as her assistant at the soup kitchen, Regina sees herself in the young man and his internal battles. She sees his talent and his struggle with addiction, the constant push and pull of fear and hope, which mirrors her own story so closely. When Gale has the opportunity of a lifetime to compete on the cooking show <I>Cut!<I/>, one Queenie B ironically laid the groundwork to create during her time on the network, Regina shocks herself by deciding to help-- despite the risk of losing her quiet existence.
Gale doesn't recognize Regina for who she was, but who she is now-- an amazing, spirited, hard working, and slightly cranky chef; and he jumps at the chance to become her unofficial protege. Haunted by the loss of his best friend to an overdose, and the role he played, and fighting to hold onto his sobriety; Gale needs the opportunity <I>Cut!</> can provide: notoriety, money, and the chance that doors will open if he wins. But he also needs to prove to himself, and those he loves, that he won't waste this second chance at life.
DIDN'T YOU USED TO BE QUEENIE B? was a tender, thoughtful, and surprisingly real story about addiction, heartbreak, forgiveness, fame, and love. DeFino handled sensitive topics of this book with care and sensitivity, and she really amazed me with the characters of Gale and Regina and their intertwining stories. This is my second of DeFino's books, and I have a feeling it won't be my last.
Queenie B, beloved celebrity chef for her exacting skills in the kitchen and the uncontrolled mess in her personal life, disappeared from the public after a bender that cost her her marriage, her child, and her dignity. While Queenie still lives in infamy through her syndicated tv shows and her fleet of Michelin Star restaurants, Regina Benuzzi (the person behind Queenie B) prefers her day-to-day anonymity and running the day to day operations of her soup kitchen.
When line-cook Gale Carmichael enters her life, first as a patron, then as her assistant at the soup kitchen, Regina sees herself in the young man and his internal battles. She sees his talent and his struggle with addiction, the constant push and pull of fear and hope, which mirrors her own story so closely. When Gale has the opportunity of a lifetime to compete on the cooking show <I>Cut!<I/>, one Queenie B ironically laid the groundwork to create during her time on the network, Regina shocks herself by deciding to help-- despite the risk of losing her quiet existence.
Gale doesn't recognize Regina for who she was, but who she is now-- an amazing, spirited, hard working, and slightly cranky chef; and he jumps at the chance to become her unofficial protege. Haunted by the loss of his best friend to an overdose, and the role he played, and fighting to hold onto his sobriety; Gale needs the opportunity <I>Cut!</> can provide: notoriety, money, and the chance that doors will open if he wins. But he also needs to prove to himself, and those he loves, that he won't waste this second chance at life.
DIDN'T YOU USED TO BE QUEENIE B? was a tender, thoughtful, and surprisingly real story about addiction, heartbreak, forgiveness, fame, and love. DeFino handled sensitive topics of this book with care and sensitivity, and she really amazed me with the characters of Gale and Regina and their intertwining stories. This is my second of DeFino's books, and I have a feeling it won't be my last.