LeseLust & LeseLiebe

For hundreds of years beginning back in the 16th century, Indonesian islands monopolized the spice trade. The country’s flavorful cuisine reflects that bygone era. In Ashes in a Coconut , Manhattan fashion designer Laura Harrison sets aside her career and accompanies her banker husband Jack to Indonesia to save her marriage. There are several scenes in the story where Laura and Jack experience the diverse local fare. In Jakarta, they’re served gado gado , vegetables in a hot chili and peanut sauce, and a large bowl of steamed rice. Jack comments that he’s heard rice is used to calm the spice. Laura speculates that could be why there’s so much of it.  In the Hotel Kediri’s elegant ballroom, waiters scurry about making last minute preparations for Laura and Jack’s welcoming reception. Over 500 guests have been invited. Laura fidgets concerned she might do or say something offensive to the local culture.  An ice sculpture in the shape of a mythical bird dominates the buffet table...

I love this blog! So many writers take food, and other important aspects of life, for granted in their books. Make sure that you include meal times, sleep times, etc., because people can’t live without food and sleep, even driven law enforcement types. I’ve been asked to write a few things about the importance of food in my new novel for the blog. So I thought about what might go well with my new novel and my main character, Charlene Taylor. As a busy, on-the-run detective, who needs food for fuel, Charlene doesn’t always have/take the time or worry about eating. Luckily, Charlene has a loving, caring mother nearby to take care of her (moms are the best). Charlene’s mother loves to bake, and she keeps her daughter fueled with hearty, nutritious home-cooked meals/food. In this newest story, even though Charlene’s adventure takes her from Los Angeles (her home) to Denver (visiting her sister). Luckily, Brenda Taylor tags along to see her daughter and first grandchild, so she is still abl...