Table Manners by Mia King

I just finished reading Mia King's latest novel, Table Manners, and I loved it! I had not read Mia King's books before receiving Table Manners (thanks to Family Review Network,) but I am delighted to now be a bonafide fan of hers.

Reading is one of my all-time pleasures. Always has been. But since my reading opportunities are very limited these days, I really appreciate reading a book that makes me forget my own troubles and daily grind, and escape to another place. The kind of book that has you feeling like you are right there, in the midst of the story--like a fly on the wall almost. This is what Table Manners did for me. I fell right into the story....no slow start or boring build-up that would make reading on an effort. Nope! The main character, Deirde McINtosh, grabbed me right from the start. And once I started reading, it was so hard to put down!

Deidre McIntosh finally has all the ingredients for a perfect life. She has her own line of cakes and cookies, and the perfect boyfriend, Kevin Johnson, one of Seattle’s top bachelors. Creative, energetic, and loving, Deidre is the person friends go to when they need a helping hand.

But when Kevin’s ex-fiancée, the sultry and successful magazine publisher Sabine Durant, suddenly appears in Seattle, it’s Deidre who needs help. Already intimidated by Kevin’s glamorous, moneyed world–and his sister, who wants Deidre out of Kevin’s life–she knows she’s no match for Sabine.

Deidre turns to her friends for advice, but finds they’re having crises of their own. When her business begins to slip from her fingers, Deidre knows she must to do something to keep her career and her love life from imploding. Can everyone’s favorite go-to person save herself?

Table Manners is actually a sequel to a former Mia King book, Good Things, which introduces Deirde to readers, but you do not have to read it first to enjoy Table Manners. Deirde is a very believable character. I saw in Deirde traits that probably all women respect, admire and want to have. I enjoyed watching how she dealt with life's "surprises" and disappointments. And when I was done with the book, I so wished there was more pages to turn!

Mia King also shares recipes with readers that are used in the novel. Very cool. I have yet to try any, but they do sound delicious!

If you are like me, and love to read books with likable, realistic characters and fall in love with them, you will most definitely enjoy Mia King's Table Manners. I now have a new favorite author to look for next time I am in a book store.

Play Acting Can Make Manners Fun For Kids

Teaching toddlers and preschoolers table manners can be challenging. But getting little ones in the habit of saying "Please" and "Thank-You" and even "May I be excused?" is a very good thing. And the earlier kids use manners and polite words the more likely these habit will stick as they get older.

So once in a while we have "restaurant night" at our house. I help the kids make "menus" with pictures from magazines or simply have them draw pictures of three different "menu items" they can select from for dinner that night. This usually means macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, veggie hot dogs. I also add cut carrot sticks, broccoli with a dip (only way I can get them to eat broccoli!)and peas. Then the kids also make a "dessert menu" and have one or two choices to put on it like vanilla ice cream, yogurt, fresh cut up fruit salad, cookies, etc.

We all set the table with a special table cloth, cloth napkins, matching plates, and even some flowers. Usually I will play the part of the waiter first, seating the kids and passing out the menus. The hubby will come after me and pour the milk. The kids will pick out their dinner selections, and I will prepare them. It helps to have whatever items that are on the menu made ahead of time, or easily prepared very quickly. When we serve the dishes we speak very politely and emphasize saying "Please" and "Thank-you."

My daughter and 4 year old like to take turns being the waiter/server ( my 1 1/2 year old is just too little still), and hubby and I will be the customers.

It's a great way to practice manners, and it usually means the kids will eat some veggies without too much hassle ( a nice bonus!) It also reinforces the habit of staying seated at the table while eating.

Best of all though is the fun we have together doing our "restaurant nights".