Hi Sarah! I actually had similar feelings about Spiced- I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it all that much, and the recommendation from Anthony Bourdain really put me off. It's been lingering on my "to-read" shelf, apparently just waiting for The Kitchen Reader to get me going!

I really loved Jurgensen's commitment to and love for her food, and realizing the potential for each dish to be truly remarkable. Her enthusiasm was infectious, though it definitely seemed to wane toward the end. Your "chick lit" comment really rings true for me as well.

THANK YOU for this great book recommendation via The Kitchen Reader. I too feel like I have made a friend from afar in Laurie Colwin, and felt so encouraged and heartened by her kitchen tales. I don't know the last book that made me giggle out loud so many times! Cheers, Stephanie
My recent post Home Cooking by Laure Colwin: A Book Review

love it!!

oh my gosh, this looks AMAZING!