The chapters of Maggie O’Farrell’s seventh novel, This Must Be the Place, link together like crossword puzzle pieces. It opens in a remote corner of Ireland where Daniel Sullivan hears a fragment of a BBC news show on his car radio that leaves him shaken. Into his present comes the memory of a former lover and the children he has not seen for many years. Moving from Ireland to San Francisco to London, O’Farrell paints the canvas of Daniel’s life in intricate and captivating detail. Family life’s shadows are leavened with humor. Perfect for winter reading–hours will slip away. Available at Barnes and Noble. —Maureen Millea Smith
Maureen Millea Smith is a librarian at the Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist.
I believe in drinking zesty whites and refreshing pinks in winter as a way to bring back the sensations of warm beach sand and sunny summer sun. Our friends in South America have already released the new 2016 vintages. My current season favorites include 2016 Boya Rosé from the Leyda Valley of Chile. Consisting primarily of Pinot Noir with just a smidge of Grenache, this succulent pink will have you thinking about summer well ahead of its time. Loaded with sun-ripened raspberry, tangerine and fresh ocean brine, the Boya rosé is a gorgeous winter warmer that will keep you feeling sunny during the winter months. It’s a perfect pair to those rich, cozy comfort foods we enjoy all winter long. Look for similar selections at Edina Liquor.
—Leslee Miller
Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier and owner of local wine consulting firm, Amusee.
Mark Lickteig is a major force in the Minneapolis music scene. As a vocalist and keyboard player, he became a mainstay with Dr. Mambo’s Combo at Bunkers Bar and is also a featured vocalist with the group The R Factor. Lickteig released his first CD in 2015 titled Workin’. It features 11 kickin’ songs with music and lyrics conceived, written, arranged, played and sung by Lickteig. He began the process right after his mother passed away and was compelled to write the song, I Can’t Say Good Bye. His title cut, Workin’, is one I often feature on my Jazz 88 radio show. It kicks off the flavor of the entire disc. You will immediately be hooked.CD available at Amazon.com, iTunes or on Mark Lickteig's website. —Patty Peterson
Patty Peterson is an award winning vocalist and Jazz 88, KBEM radio host.
