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Belle in the Big Apple

A Novel with Recipes

About The Book

Now in paperback, a lively tale about a sassy, food-loving Southern gal who moves to New York City to become a jour- nalist—“think Scarlett O’Hara, and, dare we say it, maybe just a hint of Rachael Ray.” —Daily News (New York)

When vivacious, tart- tongued Belle Lee decides that the only way she’ll ever make a name for herself as a journalist is to head to New York, she quickly realizes just how daunting life in the big city can be. But with heroic persistence, a wicked sense of humor, and a taste for the gourmet, Belle finally catches her big break: a job as a produc- tion assistant at a conservative twenty-four-hour news network.

There she suffers the sexually suggestive commentary of one of the station’s better-known male anchors, fetches scripts, and pulls footage in the wee hours of the morning—never losing her Southern charm and positive attitude. But when Belle uncovers the truth behind an illegal network deal, she has no choice but to take matters into her own hands.

With thirty recipes for everything from Bribe-Your- Coworkers Pound Cake to how to make the perfect Manhattan—all told in the delightful and plucky voice of a determined and saucy young woman—Belle in the Big Apple is about following your dreams and finding love in the most unlikely places.

About The Author

Photo Credit: Colleen Duffley

Brooke Parkhurst: is an author, foodie, new mom and home cook. Her debut novel with recipes, Belle in the Big Apple (Scribner, 08’), features a small town Southern girl who moves to New York City in search of a career--and a good meal. Brooke currently pens an online food column, “Full Plate,” (think Carrie Bradshaw-turned-June Cleaver) for the New York Daily News. She has also hosted ABC’s internet and digital cable food series in addition to acting as the lifestyle/cooking correspondent for Conde Nast’s debut web network. Brooke has been featured on television and in such national and international media outlets as the BBC, Donny Deutsch, New York Times, New York Daily News and New York Post.

She and her chef husband, James Briscione, have been featured in The Knot and The Nest magazines as the “Newlywed Culinary Dream Team” (Oct-Dec issue, 09’). They currently teach couples cooking classes at New York City’s Institute of Culinary Education and at the artist’s studio, Studio B, in Alys Beach, Florida. Together, Brooke and James pen a couples cooking column for MyScoop Media.

Brooke, James and their 9 month-old daughter, Parker Lee, currently live and cook in Manhattan’s West Village.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Scribner (July 7, 2009)
  • Length: 240 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780743296977

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Raves and Reviews

"Parkhurst brings considerable Southern charm and sass (plus some mouthwatering recipes) to her debut.... The tartly told story is a genuine guilty pleasure." -- Publishers Weekly

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More books from this author: Brooke Parkhurst