Narrated by Christine Lakin, Sugar and Salt by Susan Wiggs is the fourth audiobook in the standalone women’s fiction series, the Bella Vista Chronicles. Come to San Francisco as Margot Salton, a barbecue master from Texas, opens her new restaurant named Salt next to a bakery named Sugar. History, romance and a foodie lover’s dream await you…..
by Susan Wiggs
Series: Bella Vista Chronicles #4
Narrator: Christine Lakin
Length: 11 hours and 58 minutes
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.3x
Jerome "Sugar" Barnes learned the art of baking in his grandma's bakery, also called Sugar, on historic Perdita Street in San Francisco. He supplies baked goods to the Lost and Found Bookshop across the street.
When the restaurant that shares his commercial kitchen loses its longtime tenant, a newcomer moves in: Margot Salton, a barbecue master from Texas.
Margot isn't exactly on the run, but she needs a fresh start. She's taken care of herself her whole life, pulling herself up by her fingernails to recover from trauma, and her dream has been to open a restaurant somewhere far, far from Texas. The shared kitchen with Jerome Sugar's bakery is the perfect setup: a state-of-the-art kitchen and a vibrant neighborhood popular with tourists and locals.
Margot instantly takes to Jerome's grandmother, the lively, opinionated Ida, and the older woman proves to be a good mentor. Margot thinks Jerome is gorgeous, and despite their different backgrounds their attraction is powerful--even though Jerome worries that Margot will simply move on from him once she's found some peace and stability. But just as she starts to relax into a happy new future, Margot's past in Texas comes back to haunt her..
I didn’t realize this was part of a series, but had in fact listened to and enjoyed The Lost and Found Bookshop (book three).
In this story, we meet a young woman with a big dream of owning her own barbecue restaurant and that dream takes her from a food truck in Texas to a shared kitchen. It’s the perfect setup: a state-of-the-art kitchen and a vibrant neighborhood popular with tourists and locals.
Wiggs writes magic blending character growth with dreams, history and love. I expected a light, feel-good novel with small-town charms, and a side of sweet romance, but Wiggs delivered more. Jerome’s grandmother and her story tugged at my heartstrings, reminding us of the injustices of the world and gave us hope of more. Her characters a real, flawed and those you want to spend time with. I love Ida, and other secondary characters.
The story was heartfelt and genuine, with some added drama from Margot’s past. Both Jerome and Margot had some growing pains along the way. The tale wrapped up nicely, leaving me with fond memories of time well spent.
Christine Lakin narrates and did a wonderful job of capturing the tone and characters of this story. I highly recommend listening and I find myself tempted to grab the first two books in these chronicles.
Fans of women’s fiction, foodie books and character growth will enjoy this and other stories from the Bella Vista Chronicles.
Sugar and Salt by Susan Wiggs delivered a heart-felt tale about food, friendship, love and small-town charm. #BellaVistaChronicles #WomensFiction #audiobook #ChristineLakin Share on XAbout Susan Wiggs
Susan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
About Christine Lakin
Christine Lakin is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and acclaimed television actress, best known for her roles as Alicia “Al” Lambert on the hit family comedy Step by Step and as Joan of Arc on Showtime’s Reefer Madness.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
I read the first two books in the Bella Vista series and loved them so I’ve added this and The Lost and Found Bookshop to my TBR. This sounds wonderful.
Kimberly
I am so glad to hear you loved them Katherine.
Nadene
I wasn’t aware this was part of a series. The Lost and Found Bookshop was good.
Kimberly
Apparently many of us missed the memo..🤣🤣🤣
Wendy
Nice review, Kimberly. I also read and enjoyed this book, and I have read the previous book in the series but not the ones before that.
Kimberly
Good to know I am not alone 🙂
Anne - Books of My Heart
I really wanted to read this from the blurb but I also realized it is a series so I may go back and start at the beginning. I’ve really enjoyed all I have read by this author but it’ s only a couple books so far.
Kimberly
Honestly, they are truly standalone, which is why I think they are called chronicles.
Lorna
This author was a automatic buy for me for years. All of them 4-5 stars for me and I’ve read some of her later books and they were at least 4 stars but maybe not as good as her Lake books. Her historical romances were wonderful as well. If you haven’t read her lake books you really should try them. And they are in order and feature people you see again and again in the series. I loved the whole series and there are a bunch of books.
Kimberly
I haven’t read much of her, I will look up the Lake books. Didn’t even realize she wrote historical fiction.
Debbie Haupt
Great review Kim. I didn’t know it was part of a loosely connected series either, I also enjoyed The lost and Found Bookshop. Thanks
Kimberly
I am so glad others felt the same Debbie!
Mary
I also read the previous book so will add this one to my audio wish list.
Kimberly
Enjoy Mary!
Mareli Thalwitzer
Who doesn’t love a good book with food? Don’t know this series, but will take a look!
Kimberly
Right!! LOL, between the bakery and the ribs and corn bread, I was drooling!