2 from the Library

All of the  books I have from publishers right now aren't being published until January or February, so I've had time to visit my local library and read some things that I've heard about from other book bloggers. Unfortunately, they've all been on my To Be Read list for so long I forgot where I discovered them.

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen is the first in a series of 4 young adult historical romances. I really couldn't figure out why it was young adult instead of just adult, but I greatly enjoyed it. It's the story of New York high society at the turn of the 20th century. Some of the characters are a little flat, playing the role for which they are needed, while others are more dimensional. I expect as I read each book they will be fleshed out as well. Ms. Godbersen has given her readers romance, intrigue, societal and parental pressures, and back-biting mean girls, kind of like Gossip Girl in big silk skirts. Speaking of skirts, the cover art on these books is gorgeous. Each features a beautiful, full ballgown in different colors. The Luxeis a fast, light read, with a little historical information from 100 years ago. I've already put the next book on hold.
Comfort Foodis by Kate Jacobs, the author of The Friday Night Knitting Club, In the style of much contemporary women's fiction, it is about a group of people, some related, some friends or co-workers, who each have their own set of issues and problems, some involving other characters. They are brought together by a live cooking show, where Gus has been a star chef for twelve years. In the course of the book the group airs 5 shows and go on a bonding/teamwork retreat, fall in and out of love, cancel a wedding, hold a wedding, and confront past demons. Many of the outcomes are surprising, in what could have been a very predictable novel.