I’d like to sincerely thank author J. Ryan Stradal for an incredible 72 hours of reading. I lost myself completely in both of these novels; Kitchens of the Great Midwest was published in 2015, The Lager Queen of Minnesota was just published in July of 2019. Both novels are set with love and care in the Midwest, and I love that J. Ryan does this respectfully and without unflattering stereotypes because we all know the Midwest is the place to be.
The best part for me, though, was the characters. I love character-driven stories. The characters in both novels have unique and spot-on Midwestern voices. Every character has a robust voice and presence for the time they’re with their readers. I fell in love with these people and didn’t want their stories to end. These novels are perfect cozy winter reads. Enjoy!
Find this and other great books at Valley Bookseller. 217 Main St. N., Stillwater, Minn.; 651.430.3385.
