READ
"Seven Days of Us" by Francesca Hornak
Andrew and Emma Birch will have their whole family home for Christmas in 2016. Their daughter, Olivia, who is serving as a physician in Liberia, fighting an epidemic of Haag, will return to England for the holiday. Immediately upon arrival, Olivia will go with her parents and her younger sister, Phoebe, to the family’s country home, Weyfield Hall, for seven days of government mandated quarantine. The four Birches will be together in a way they haven’t been for years. Each family member brings a secret home for the Yuletide that they will work hard not to reveal. In Seven Days of Us, journalist Francesca Hornak has beautifully crafted a debut novel of manners and heart. It would be the perfect gift for your favorite Anglophile, or a great read in the fast paced month of December.
Available online or at Barnes and Noble
Article author Maureen Millea Smith is a librarian at the Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist.
DRINK
Strawberry & Rhubarb Wine from Winehaven
This holiday season, I encourage you to look local for your gift giving and perfect pairing needs. Think Minnesota! Speaking as a true advocate for our local wine scene, I’m here to tell you that among the state’s 70-plus wineries, there is absolutely something for everyone when it comes to local wine. While La Crescent, Marquette and Marechal Foch are a few of my favorite grape based wines, don’t forget that Minnesota is also known for our excellent fruit based wines. Try Winehaven’s Strawberry/Rhubarb wine. This Chisago City gem might be one of the most delicious wines to share all season long. Made only from the family’s fresh strawberries and locally grown rhubarb, this wine has just the right sweetness to pair to a slice of hot holiday pie yet just the right amount of tart, bright fruit to pair to roasted pork or a board of artisanal cheeses. I promise you’ll be happy you grabbed an extra bottle.
Look for similar selections here at France 44 and Edina Liquor.
Article author Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier and owner of local wine consulting firm, Amusee and Sip Better Wine Club
LISTEN
"The Petersons"
After four years of sharing her love of music in these pages, Patty Peterson will step away from writing her monthly Listen column for Edina Magazine. We are truly grateful for her monthly contributions and musical suggestions. But don’t despair dear reader. You can still find Peterson entertaining audiences around the Twin Cities and we suggest you immediately add one of her December concerts to your holiday calendar.
The Petersons will perform “Twas The Jam Before Christmas” at the Dakota in Minneapolis on Sunday, December 17 from 6-8p.m. The musical entertainment will feature Linda Peterson on piano and vocals, Patty Peterson on vocals, Billy Peterson on bass, Ricky Peterson on keyboards and vocals, Paul Peterson on drums and vocals, Jason Peterson DeLaire on piano, sax and vocals, Russ Peterson on sax and vocals and many more 3rd and 4th generation Peterson family members.
Tickets on sale at dakotacooks.com
Article author Patty Peterson is an award winning vocalist and Jazz 88, KBEM radio host.
