Only the Beautiful - Susan Meissner's latest

Only the Beautiful, by Susan Meissner, is a terrific book.  I definitely can't/won't give you any spoilers.  But I will say this...I was bawling at the end.  I know, I know.  You don't think this is anything unusual for me.  And I will admit that I do tear up on a (semi-)regular basis.  But this was actual crying.  That's all I'm going to say about that!

The story starts in 1938 and ultimately ends up in 1957.  Much of the book takes place in Austria.  And since we're talking about 1938 and moving forward, you can imagine that there will be some WWII storylines.  On top of that difficult subject, there's also a fair amount of references to eugenics.  You'll have to read the book to see how that fits in.

Bottom line is that Susan Meissner can flat-out write.  Do yourself a favor and get your copy.  And be warned that, as you would expect, there is some difficult reading.  But keep going.  It will be worth your time.  

The Cheesemaker's Daughter by Kristin Vukovic

The Cheesemaker’s Daughter is about Marina, a 34-year old woman whose family (not surprisingly) produces cheese.  The factory is on the south side of the island of Pag in post-civil war Croatia.  Marina has been living in New York City for many years (having been sent there by her father when she was in her late teens) and has recently split from her husband, who is Croatian and who she met in NYC.  She now finds herself visiting her family.  Does she just stay for a short visit?  Does she extend her time there to help her father?  Does she move back to Croatia?  You’ll have to read it to find out.

This book will definitely grab you.  There’s the ex-partner of her father, who left the south side quite a few years ago and who competitively produces cheese in the northern part of the island.  There’s his son who is Marina’s ex.  There’s Marina’s younger brother who just wants to play soccer.  And there’s even Marina’s Grandmother Badurino, who weighs in on just about every important decision.  You will get caught up in the happenings in the factory.  And you will definitely learn a lot about cheesemaking.

I must tell you I was rolling along in the story until…BOOM!  I was ambushed by my tear ducts!  I think I teared up (doesn’t that sound better than crying my eyes out?) every 3-5 pages until the book ended.  Whether you connect emotionally with the characters or not, you will, for sure, enjoy The Cheesemaker’s Daughter.  

P.S.  The Cheesemaker's Daughter will be available on August 6.