Review and Giveaway: Julia's Child by Sarah Pinneo

Title: Julia's Child

Author: Sarah Pinneo

Genre/Audience: Women's fiction, adult

Publication: Plume, 2012

Source: For review

Summary: Julia Bailey has a whole lot on her plate. Not only is she a New York City mom and wife, she is also running a floundering business, Julia's Child, an organic food line for toddlers. She works long days concocting healthy, but appealing meals for children, while attempting to get her line into some big time stores such as Whole Foods, but can't seem to catch a break, or make a profit. Then, by chance, she gets to appear on a popular talk show, and things start looking up for her struggling business. Can she juggle all of her responsibilities and keep her head? Can she finally succeed enough in business to stop draining the savings account? This debut novel takes us into the mind and heart of an every day mother just trying to make her place in the world.


My Thoughts: First off, I'm incredibly impressed that this is Pinneo's debut novel. The writing is really great and the author seems like a seasoned pro. Additionally, I thought this was a pretty unique story. It takes the typical "busy mom living in the city" story and turns it on its head. I can't say I've ever read anything else that features an organic toddler food line and I think it was so cool that she added this element in to make for something unique. So, I liked that a lot... and now I want some muffets.

I also really liked Julia herself. She was a really sympathetic character and I found myself rooting for her the whole way. I felt terrible knowing that her business wasn't doing well, and I felt elated when she got several "big breaks." I admired her spirit and tenacity, most of all.

My one complaint with the novel was the pacing for me. At times, I felt it was a little bit slow and not very exciting. I do understand why that is, though. This is the story of a hardworking mom trying to succeed at being a mother, a wife, and an entrepreneur. I think that Pinneo wanted to show the day to day life and the struggles that come along with all of those responsibilities, so even though it isn't always thrilling, it is true to life, and I get that. I think one day I'll be able to relate better to these kinds of stories when I have kids of my own.

Anyways, a cute read about a hectic momma and her start-up business that I would recommend to fans of foodie type fiction, and especially to moms!

My Rating: 3.5/5

Giveaway: I have one copy available to a lucky U.S. reader! Just leave me your e-mail address below if you'd like to be entered into the drawing. Giveaway ends in one week on 2-9-12! Thanks and good luck!