Book Club Treats

Indisputably, books are the number one treat at a book club. They're the stars, featured front and center. The meeting and discussion revolve around them. It's not uncommon, however, to find a table of refreshments laid out for everyone's additional enjoyment. Who wouldn't welcome an array of snacks to nibble on while sharing literary insight? After all, good food always makes a get-together more fun.

What are you serving for your next book club meeting? Sure, you could settle for the usual fare of chips, pretzels, dip, and perhaps a healthy fruit or vegetable tray. But letns face it: Ho-hum, boring. Isn't it time to feature something unique and truly tempting? Something that will really enhance the charm of the meeting and maybe even transform it into a party?

Why not lay out an eye-catching tray of pretty petit fours? These little cakes, so dainty and refined, make the best book club treats. They're as scrumptious and cozy as a good read in front of a fireplace (and the perfect size to pop into your mouth discreetly between chatting).

No doubt about it: Petit fours are for book lovers. Books and sweets make a perfect pair. Both are delectable -- one for the mind, the other for your taste buds. With pastel icing and sugary rose buds, petit fours are also a feast for the eyes. You just may find people talking more about the petit fours than the latest book. In that case, you'll have no choice but to polish off the tray to remove the distraction!

Additionally, petit fours are also a conveniently scrumptious treat to enjoy on your own while reading a good book. We must warn you, though: It's easy to eat too many!

Why not consider one of the following novels for your next book club book? We guarantee that while the plot's suspense will grip you, these stories are also charming, tasteful, and satisfying. No wonder they go so well with petit fours!

Past Suspicion

by Therese Heckenkamp

"Don't trust anyone . . ."
So whispers Robin's mother just moments before she dies, setting in motion the intriguing story of a teen on a quest to unravel the secrets of her mother's past.

Reviewers Respond: "[The] plot is solid . . . lots of action; pathos; conflict; glamour; etc. It's all there, and Heckenkamp is a confident and sure writer. She has no trouble keeping all of her balls in the air and resolving them at the end of this page-turner with a flair. . . Past Suspicion is a terrific first mystery/novel from a very promising talent."
- Shelley Glodowski, reviewer for the Midwest Book Review

"A story that will hypnotize you, awaken your curiosity and make you want more. The characters are well developed, the plot is unmistakably alluring and the ending will surprise you."
- Susett Castro, reviewer for www.roundtablereviews.com

"Once in a while I come across some great new authors as a book reviewer. . . Past Suspicion is one of those rare, first, books . . . . Watch out for this author!"
- Reviewed for www.women-together.com

The Shadow of the Bear

by Regina Doman

Once upon a time, in New York City, two girls meet a mysterious stranger, Bear, who comes to their door one winter night. Rose quickly befriends him, but Blanche is suspicious.

Black as Night

by Regina Doman

Blanche Brier is alone for the summer in New York City, separated from her boyfriend, Bear. And her summer job inadvertently brings her a jealous enemy and unsuspected terror. She finds temporary shelter with seven friars, but it's not clear to Blanche how she can escape the evil that's stalking her.

Waking Rose

by Regina Doman

Ever since he rescued her from Certain Death, Rose Brier has had a crush on Ben Denniston, otherwise known as Fish. But Fish, struggling with problems of his own, thinks that Rose should go looking elsewhere for a knight in shining armor. Trying to forget him, Rose goes to college, takes up with a sword-wielding band of brothers, and starts an investigation into her family's past that proves increasingly mysterious.

The Midnight Dancers

by Regina Doman

Rachel Durham, 18, is tired of her father and stepmother's staid morality and pristine prosperity. The summer of her senior year, she's more than ready for a walk on the wild side, and the door opens - literally - when she and her eleven sisters (and stepsisters) discover a secret passageway out of their historic home on the Chesapeake Bay.

Petit Four Recipes