When Susan Wiggs wrote this book, she couldn't have imagined the overturn of Roe vs Wade. Sugar and Salt is a cautionary tale of what transpires when woman aren't in charge of their bodies or lives.

Margie had to fight for everything she's achieved and life comes full circle when she's served. From that moment, readers are taken on a journey to discover Margie's roots and how the judicial system was stacked against her.

Without giving away too much of the story, Margie now Margot's fight stemmed from facing unfair treatment due to her upbringing and not having the means to defend herself. Parts of the novel are difficult to read due to the subject matter and it's frightening to think of a woman forced to carry a child against her will.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #SugarandSalt in exchange for an honest review. The story hit home reading it during the recent Roe vs Wade overturn. It's scary to think that in this day and age, anyone has the right to dictate what a woman does with her body. How will women ever achieve equality if men dictate their actions? If we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it.

Despite the difficult nature of some of the scenes in this book, which were all warranted, I couldn't put this down. The growth that Margot went through as a character was practically unparalleled in any book I can recall. I very much appreciated so much about this book: that it included a main character who spent time in prison, that it addressed white privilege, and that it was, after all, a beautiful (and delicious!) romance.

Not what I was expecting. The backstory out Margot was drawn out for much of the first part of the book. I realize this is the fourth in the series and the author needed to catch readers up but more about present day Margot and the restaurant, please. Sexual assault stories and all the drama it entails is not what I expected.

It has been awhile since I read a Susan Wiggs book. This upcoming novel by Wiggs has some tough content in it - rape, jail, unwanted pregnancy, bi-racial relationshipd to name a few. That said I liked and cared about these characters. The main character is a strong Texas woman who even through a hard rough life figures out that she deserves to accomplish her dreams. I recommend this new book. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. #NetGalley #SaltandSugar

I, too, thought this was going to be a sweet romance, but it went much deeper in a good way. Margot's background in Texas was very disturbing at times, and it made me want to see her succeed even more. I also loved the characters of Jerome and his mother and their history. If you are willing to stretch out of "Hallmark Mode" and into some gritty parts, I think you'll really enjoy the story.

Thank you to Net Galley, William Morrow and Susan Wiggs for my advanced copy and I have left an honest review.

Holy heck - did not see that coming! Whomever wrote the blurb on this description must not have read the entire book, because whoa it's so much more involved than I expected! Dang!

The description of this book led me to believe it was going to be a sweet romance about a bbq chick and her guy neighbor baker as they share a kitchen. It is part that -- but so much more of the story is Margie/Margot's background from Texas before she moved away. So many triggers, and a huge part of this backstory isn't even mentioned in any blurbs/chatter I've seen. I really wanted to enjoy the book - and I did the current day parts, except the main characters just didn't feel real - and his mother's story line is a bit incredible, too.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

Sugar and Salt by Susan Wiggs is an extraordinary book about something that I learned can be ordinary circumstances for some women.. Kudos to Wiggs for bringing this subject to her readers.

When I began reading Sugar and Salt, I was expecting a breezy romance with a little suspenseful drama mixed in. This story surprised me by being much more political and delving into some pretty serious subjects that I hadn’t expected. That being said, I found it very engaging and thought-provoking. There are two major story lines in this book, as well as some well-developed secondary characters’ stories, too. Wiggs tackles some tough subjects such as rape, abortion, gay rights, discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and race, This might be an unwelcome surprise for readers who look at the sweet cover and imagine a lighthearted beach read, but if the reader can change their expectations, they will find this is a difficult book to put down. If they stick it out till the author’s note at the end and discover that a lot of the most shocking parts of this novel were based in real life, they might just find themselves seeing the world around them a little differently.

This was a really good book. It's also the second book i have read by Susan Wiggs. I see myself reading more. What I really liked was the fact it was inspired by true events. I am grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

Jerome Sugar learned the art of baking in his grandma’s bakery, also called Sugar, on historic Perdita Street in San Francisco. He supplies baked goods to the Lost and Found Bookshop across the street. When the restaurant that shares his commercial kitchen loses its longtime tenant, a newcomer moves in: Margot Salton, a barbecue master from Texas. Margot isn’t exactly on the run, but she needs a fresh start. She’s taken care of herself her whole life, pulling herself up by her fingernails to recover from trauma, and her dream has been to open a restaurant somewhere far, far from Texas. The shared kitchen with Jerome's Sugar bakery is the perfect setup: a state-of-the-art kitchen and a vibrant neighborhood popular with tourists and locals. Margot instantly takes to Jerome’s mother, the lively, opinionated Ida. The older woman proves to be a good mentor, and Margot is drawn to Jerome. Despite their different backgrounds their attraction is powerful—even though Jerome worries that Margot will simply move on from him once she’s found some peace and stability. But just as she starts to relax into a happy new future, Margot’s past in Texas comes back to haunt her…

First of all, I love that Susan Wiggs mentions that the bakery supplied baked goods to the Lost and Found Bookshop across the street, which just happens to be the title of her previous book and one that I have read. This book is well written and emphasizes how important friends and family can be while also showing how emotions can lead people astray, sometimes with disastrous results. I liked how the characters matured and was especially horrified at how she was treated after being sexually assaulted. I think that backstory explained the entire book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request to read this book.

Big love for this book! I auto requested due to author without knowing content and was fully hooked from the first page. Don't be fooled by the sweet title and cover image...this book has a gritty plot based on true stories of survival over injustice.

When I get the opportunity and good fortunate to read and review something by Susan Wiggs, I admit putting it aside for a while. Kind of like an amazing piece of chocolate just waiting to be savored. That’s truly how I feel about Susan Wiggs. I have a long history with this prolific author if unabashedly some of the best books ever. When I started reviewing, I kept my eyes peeled for specific authors and Susan Wiggs was top of my wish list and has continued to this day. If SUGAR AND SALT is your first by this talented writer than you are in for a treat as it is a truly luscious example of her fare.

The titles meaning seems exposed from the very beginning. Margot learned barbecue sauce from her mother and from two wonderful people that helped and supported her until she was an adult. According to Margot there are two basic and important elements to making a delicious sauce and that is sugar and salt, of course in the proper dimensions. So Margot labeled her BBQ sauce Sugar+Salt. And her first brick and mortar restaurant is of course named Salt.

Margot chose the site of her restaurant with care and wound up next to a local bakery whose name was, well you guessed it Sugar. Ah but that was too easy. Susan Wiggs wouldn’t reveal so much in the first chapter. So her fans know all too well to be prepared for something fabulous to follow. And it does not disappoint.

Margot and Jerome, owner of Sugar, are destined to become good friends. Susan Wiggs doesn’t pull any punches letting you know that there are still some prejudices with biracial couples. But how about friends. Surely by the 2000’s some growth has been made in this regard. But what Susan Wiggs does is pure genius. We travel back and forth between the 1970’s and prior to that as well. All so that we truly get to know these characters, past and future. Lots of characters to be introduced along with their shared experiences. And here’s when the review gets murky.

Never one to spoil the experience of reading a story on your own I grappled with just how much the review needs to include to whet your appetite. There were very many ah ha moments along with surprising revelations. But all and all the character development is pure Susan Wiggs in all her glory. SUGAR AND SALT. Sweet and spicy. Just like life. Just like people.

Susan Wiggs likes to teach or make people aware. So many of those moments in SUGAR AND SALT. I will note one that had me pause. An awareness pause. A definite learning moment. When offered specially made hoodies Jerome’s son says they don’t wear hoodies. Margot replies oh you don’t like them. But Jerome’s response clarifies still another difference between being black and white. Hoodies. Think about it. It made me so very sad.

And then Susan Wiggs fills us in on how Margie Salinas became Margot Salton. That was enough to encompass the story of a character on its own. Gritty. Honest but at times brutal portrayal of the ultimate betrayal by society and justice. I can’t think of anyone who could have captured that time in Margot’s life better than Susan Wiggs, and I am certain after reading SUGAR AND SALT you will concur. And on that note, I will conclude with saying that SUGAR AND SALT is the go-to book for this summer. It hits so many points and will keep you turning pages until the end – at the same time – you wish this story never ends. Susan Wiggs is that good and SUGAR AND SALT is truly amazing.

Sugar and Salt
by Susan Wiggs
Pub Date: July 26, 2022
William Morrow & Company
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
#4 Belle Vista Chronicles
I have some problems with this book. First of all the cover doesn't represent the true content of this book.
Trigger: sexual assault, abortion, adoption
What it failed to mention was that we were going to be pulled into her past at page 130 and wouldn't return to the present until nearly 300. It was written well for what it was, but this was not marketed as a book about court cases, and abortion. Not to mention that the main character, Margot, is a BBQ chef, not the bakery owner. Anyway, the story pulled us into Margot's past much longer than necessary. I kept waiting for it to return to the present, or at least switch back and forth, but it didn't return for the longest time. I am very upset at how misleading this book was and I wish more time had been spent on the present— Margot's success with the restaurant, her story with Jerome, etc.. There were a couple of typos throughout the book. This is marked as #4 in a series but it worked fine as a stand-alone. I've liked other books by this author, but for me this was a dud.
3 stars

Susan Wiggs is my go to author for women’s fiction that ‘s more than a simple love story. Her characters are so well written that you can feel their emotions. I love that she tackles important subject matters that leave you wrestling with their decisions. Sugar and Salt tackles a few controversial topics in today’s headlines in a meaningful and informative storyline with a few dashes of romance thrown in. Well written and highly recommended. #SusanWiggs #SugarandSalt #NetGalley

Margot has worked long and hard to escape her Texas past and make the life she's always dreamed of including opening her own barbecue restaurant. But to make this life she has built walls and doesn't let anyone one. When she meets Jerome Sugar and he starts to break down those walls she worries that her past is going to catch up to her and destroy everything she has built. A story of life and love and learning to trust.

Thanks to NetGalley for access to this title!
This was a title that was much needed in my world, I devoured it in just a day, and it's been awhile since I have done that! The characters were a lot of fun, and you wanted to be their friend and confident. The alternate storyline of a long lost love was much welcomed and had it's own happily ever after. I loved the diverse cast of characters as well.

I especially loved the food references in the main love story. Jerome and the running of his bakery, and Margot and her BBQ restaurant. The journey that Margot took to get to her spot was remarkable and full of strength. Jerome was a steady friend and partner, and I instantly liked him. This is a book with a love story, but it's also full of hope and love and delicious food.

Margot Salton finally has realized her dream: opening a barbecue restaurant in San Francisco. While her cooking and recipes win rave reviews, not everyone is a fan of Margot. Before reinventing herself, Margie Salinas had a not-so-fairytale life in Texas. After enduring a traumatic experience, she thought she'd left that name and life behind her. Unfortunately, as her new restaurant is gaining raves and attention in California, her Texas past is catching up with her. Margot must try to protect her new life while keeping the old one from destroying everything she's worked for. We go back in time to read about what happened to Margot and why it's coming back to haunt her today. The story also touches on some social issues that have been in the news recently. The story is quite a powerful telling of how the justice system works against those without power or connections.

Susan Wigg's is a dependable author of contemporary women's fiction in the vein of Susan Mallery, Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr.. Her newest novel, which uses some of the characters from the Lost and Found Bookstore in a small role, does not disappoint.

It is a story about food, friendship, love and finding a second chance at love. Set in Texas and San Francisco, it follows the path of Margot Salton, who has moved to San Francisco, California and has opened the restaurant, "Salt" that she has been dreaming of and planning for years. Before moving to California, Margot changed her name from Margie Salinas as part of her new beginning. following a tragic incident that landed her in jail. The story is from the perspective of more than just Margot, and flashes back in time to the 1970's, which Wiggs describes perfectly. I enjoyed that portion of the book as much as Margot's story.

This story is captivating and so well developed that I felt as though I was saying goodbye to old friends when I had finished. I loved everything about the plot and character development as I felt it was driven by each. This story is charming, gentle and so entertaining. I recommend this to the fullest extent!

This is the story of Margie Salinas - Texas BBQ entrepreneur starting up a brick and mortar all the way out in San Francisco. She is excited and nervous, and completely beside herself that this opportunity has presented itself. She can't wait for people to feel the love from her smoked meats, delicious sides, sweet desserts, and most definitely her sauces! The sauces are what Margie remember the most from when her mom was alive. One early morning when she couldn't sleep, Margie decides to go on into the restaurant to work. While out back, she sees a dark figure coming toward her. She drops him like a bag of flour. He is stunned. Nice to meet you Jerome "Sugar" Barnes - the OWNERS son of the bakery next door!

This romance story goes on and follows Margie's journey from Texas, and Ida's story of the past. This is a fantastic story with a twist that I didn't see coming. Rape and self-defense don't always get the justice that is earned.