Lizzy & Jane

Lizzy and Jane are two sisters torn apart by the past in this thoughtful family story. The pair have had a tense relationship since their mother's death, but now that Jane has been diagnosed with cancer, Lizzy is trying to reconnect with her. Narrator Hillary Huber successfully projects the tenuous relationship between the sisters, the story's pervading sense of loss, and the crisis Lizzy is going through at work and at home. Huber also portrays Lizzy's growth as she becomes more forgiving and more open to building a new future with her family. A tender story for listeners looking for a quiet novel about family. S.B.T. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Starred review from August 11, 2014
In a rich feast for the senses—both literary and culinary—Reay’s (Dear Mr. Knightley) sophomore novel introduces two estranged sisters who rediscover the meaning of family 15 years after their mother succumbed to cancer. Master chef Elizabeth, or Lizzy, has lost her touch at work and finds her New York restaurant slipping out of her control. Needing time off, she journeys back home—to sit in the oncology ward with her sister, Jane, who is now fighting breast cancer. The stressful circumstances force them back into a real relationship, an uncomfortable reunion in which they confront their past and contemplate their uncertain futures. Jane Austen books and delicious foods remind them of surprising and comforting truths imparted to them by mother. Jane’s husband and children, her fellow chemotherapy patients, and her colleague Nick play important roles in helping Lizzy find the source for the peace she desperately craves. Reay treats readers to a banquet of flavors, aromas, and textures that foodies will appreciate, and clever references to literature add nuances sure to delight bibliophiles. The relatable, very real characters, however, are what will keep readers clamoring for more from this talented author. Agency: Alive Communications.