Ann Mah's newsletter / August 2021
August 2021 newsletter
Hello!
I usually send this newsletter on Thursdays, but this special Sunday edition is brought to you by my most recent novel, The Lost Vintage, which is on sale today only for $1.99 (e-book format, US and Canada only)!
If you haven't had a chance to read this book, it tells the story of a young sommelier who visits her family's vineyard in Burgundy and discovers some harrowing secrets from World War II. There is mystery! There is wine! There is lost love! There are charcuterie boards!
I'm biased, but I think this book makes great summer reading – and if you've already read it and agree, I hope you'll tell a friend by forwarding this message :)
Thank you, dear friends and readers. I'm so grateful for your support.
Now, on to the rest of the month's news!
What I've been eating
–Here in Hanoi, we have been in a pretty severe lockdown for the past few weeks. Restaurants are all closed, even for delivery, which I must confess I really, really miss. I find myself constantly thinking about meals, worrying about what we're going to eat next. This pasta puttanesca (above) from Sara Jenkins's book The Four Seasons of Pasta, was a great pantry supper when the cupboard seemed bare.
–I love this gazpacho recipe from the New York Times. It calls itself the "best" and it really is not an exaggeration.
–I made a savory Ottolenghi cauliflower cake, which took far longer than I anticipated, but is really delicious. And I also made an Instagram reel while I baked it. Check out my holy basil bush!
What I've been reading
–A little while ago, I read a novel that I adored and now it's out in stores and I'm so thrilled to tell you about it. The People We Keep is full of heart, music, and characters you'll love. I first read it on a red-eye to Paris (haha, remember those?) and after I got off the plane and went home, I couldn't stop reading. I was exhausted, dirty, and starving, but I had to finish the book. Allison Larkin has created a beautiful, soulful story of a young musician on the road, a story that will keep you riveted to the page, and leave you crying (in a good way)! I promise you will fall in love with this book!
–Have you ever wanted to move overseas with your family? I shared my experiences with Cubby at Home.
–I talked all about choux pastry with the wonderful Andrew Prior on his aptly named Fabulously Delicious podcast.
–One of my favorite books, The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford, has been adapted into a three-part series – it's not perfect but it's a lot of fun and you can watch in on Amazon Prime! Here's the trailer.
See you soon!
Here in Hanoi, our lockdown was just extended for another two weeks.
Life is extremely quiet here – the streets are empty, and there are roadblocks set up to discourage movement. Even my beloved fruit and flower bicycle vendors are on hiatus. It's strange to see this bustling, vibrant city so deserted and still.
I am keeping busy working on the second draft of my new novel, which is tentatively scheduled for Fall 2022! I hope to share more with you soon.
I hope the rest of your summer is relaxing and delicious. I'll be back in September with another update. See you then!
XO,
Ann
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S'il vous plaît and merci!
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