In September 1982, 20-year-old Nina Stibbe leaves Leicestershire to work as a nanny for Mary-Kay Wilmers in London. There Nina cares for Sam and Will Frears, ages 10 and 9, and she longs to recount her days to her sister, Victoria. But she cannot because Vic does not have ready access to a telephone. So Nina writes letters. Her epistles home are funny, episodic and filled with details only a young person can offer, especially when Alan Bennett drops by for supper on an almost daily basis. Love, Nina: A Nanny Writes Home is a delight.—Maureen Millea Smith
Available for $16.75 (hardcover) at Barnes and Noble in the Galleria.
Maureen Millea Smith is a librarian at the Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist.
Nothing says style like bubbles! Born in the region of Champagne, France, bubbles make their way around the globe named by their grape, style or region. From the Italian grape prosecco, the sparkling sekts of Germany and the dry region of Cava, Spain to delicious sparkling wines of the United States, these are some of the most celebrated wines in the world. I recommend a delicious brut rosé from Domaine Chandon of the Napa Valley. Seductive and creamy, this sparkly is plump with vine-ripened strawberry, watermelon and cherry yet intricately laced with bright tones of apple and fresh citrus. Perfect for any occasion and most certainly, a wine Ms. Coco Chanel would never have turned down. —Leslee Miller
Available for $20 at Edina Liquor’s Grandview store.
Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier and owner of local wine consulting firm, Amusée.
Jazz and the Philharmonic is a one-of-a-kind DVD production where jazz meets classical meets interpretive dance. Conceived by music producer Larry Rosen, it features a cast of award-winning artists, and draws from young artists through the National Young Arts Foundation, to nurture the next generation of visual, literary and performing artists. These performers, ages 15-18, got the rare opportunity to perform with the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, Met Opera star Eric Owens, and classical pianist Elizabeth Joy Roe, both YoungArts alumni. The entire concept is an unforgettable and historical event. It made me excited for our next generation and this amazing opportunity to create art. —Patty Peterson
CD and DVD available at amazon.com.
Patty Peterson is an award-winning vocalist and is a Jazz 88 radio host.
