When Lemons Give You Life by Anna Johnston (2026), 380 pages
Griff (64) is a grumpy, grieving
chef who is living in a nursing home. Lisa (51) is his chaotic, estranged
half-sister who refuses to give up on their relationship. Both have their
personal issues to work through and secrets to navigate, but through love and
food they find their way back to each other.
This book is like a Hallmark
movie with some pointed societal takes. Griff's partner (and friend of Lisa)
has been given a terminal diagnosis and the only way for them to remain
together is for Griff to fake dementia and be admitted to the nursing home.
Lisa cannot understand why Griff doesn't want a relationship, while simultaneously
blocking the traumatic childhood they shared. Through his experiences at the
nursing home, Griff realizes the lack of dignity many nursing home patients
face and takes steps to remediate it through food. I could go on and on about
the societal issues the author tackles (and really, it is too much), but in the
end, the book is about relationships, love, and respect. I enjoyed the book,
but was also super frustrated by it.
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