Helpful Score: 3
A new president with his wife and two young children are moving into the White House. Ollie knows that she will be scrutinized, but she doesn't realize that following safety protocols will cause tensions with the First Lady and her children on the day they move in! A box of barbecue chicken wings are left for the children as a gift, and since Ollie doesn't know where they came from she puts them safely away. Ollie's assistant, Cyan, makes a poor choice when she takes the wings (which have been poisoned) and gives them to the laundry staff who are hospitalized and they then become hostages while in the hospital. However, when Ollie realizes that the poisoned wings were meant for the First Kids, she can't get anyone to listen to her. Tom, her ex-boyfriend, is head of security and wants her to butt out, two new officers wanting to make a name for themselves decide that Ollie is the culprit, and Ollie has to have "babysitters" in her kitchen to watch all preparation and taste test before food is served to whomever is eating it.
Along with this, the First Lady brings in her personal chef who makes it plain that he plans on taking over Ollie's position as soon as the publicity of Ollie being the first female executive chef of the White House dies down.
This book was an enjoyable read. Ollie stands up for herself well, and any situations she gets herself into are truly not her fault! I am just hoping that in the next book, the author does not introduce another antagonist for Ollie. The two she deals with in this book (and since they are part of the staff, they don't leave) are more than sufficient.
Along with this, the First Lady brings in her personal chef who makes it plain that he plans on taking over Ollie's position as soon as the publicity of Ollie being the first female executive chef of the White House dies down.
This book was an enjoyable read. Ollie stands up for herself well, and any situations she gets herself into are truly not her fault! I am just hoping that in the next book, the author does not introduce another antagonist for Ollie. The two she deals with in this book (and since they are part of the staff, they don't leave) are more than sufficient.
Donna W. (dmwoeckener) reviewed Buffalo West Wing (White House Chef, Bk 4) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Often by the time you get to a 4th book in a series, they all start sounding the same, or the story drags and it's just not as good as the first.
However, Julie Hyzy continues to keep me hooked on the White House Chef books. I love them because the story line is wonderful, and keeps me guessing. There is nothing raunchy or objectionable in the books, which for someone who usually reads Christian fiction, is welcomed!
In the first 3 books, the main character Ollie manages to get herself into trouble, winding up involved in a murder investigation, or the like, somehow. And I admit that when I opened this book, I thought "Oh Lord. Wonder what mess she'll get herself into this time." And I dreaded it, thinking it would be a little predictable. However, she was much less involved than in the previous books, and that was a welcome, more realistic change. Thanks Julie!
However, Julie Hyzy continues to keep me hooked on the White House Chef books. I love them because the story line is wonderful, and keeps me guessing. There is nothing raunchy or objectionable in the books, which for someone who usually reads Christian fiction, is welcomed!
In the first 3 books, the main character Ollie manages to get herself into trouble, winding up involved in a murder investigation, or the like, somehow. And I admit that when I opened this book, I thought "Oh Lord. Wonder what mess she'll get herself into this time." And I dreaded it, thinking it would be a little predictable. However, she was much less involved than in the previous books, and that was a welcome, more realistic change. Thanks Julie!
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book and the new mystery author I discovered at Goodreads and the book I traded for here. The m.c. is a female white house chef who ushers in a new first family with young children. They decide to bring in their own family chef for their meals. I learned so much about the white house protocol for meals, state dinners and chefs. And the plot of this male chef wanting to take over the head chef job was interesting. The secret service presence and the interactions among the staff was interesting, too.
Oh the plot thickens with a change in administration! And Ollie once more is plunged into a situation not of her own making, that only she can work her way out of - with some help from the Secret Service, of course. I just love the behind-the-scenes look at the White House kitchen, and in this one, the ego mania behind so many chefs (not Ollie, of course!).
Barbara M. (barbaramcg) reviewed Buffalo West Wing (White House Chef, Bk 4) on + 4 more book reviews
as with all the white house chef books, it is excellent.
