"These potent little wonders here," in Nick's square, meaty, palm nestled several round, white seeds, "are said by the ancients to possess aphrodisiac powers enhancing a man's virility. I have it on good authority from The Arabian Nights, among other sources. Conversely, in the Middle Ages, to slip a sachet of it beneath the marriage bed would ensure a wife's fidelity," he advised, returning his treasure to the spice jar.

Professor Nick Ponti knows about many things, Renaissance art, jazz, gourmet

cooking and fine wines. He thinks he knows who he is, and everything about the lives

and loves of his family and friends. Like coriander, his favorite spice to season with, his

world seems sweet and uncomplicated.

But life soon stirs-up a minestra of conflicts and vexing questions:

Is a sin of omission, a lie?

Should secrets be taken to the grave, or stay buried?

How many friends and lovers can a marriage hold?

When to bring a child home, when to let her go?

Time will tell, as Nick tries, like his favorite spice, to make everything in life sweet

again, in this delicious story of love, family, and friendship.

The novels in A Pinch of Coriander Trilogy, like those of Maeve Binchy,

are full of interesting, quirky characters, intriguing plots, and gentle humour. Deep, heart-

felt stories; they are books to be savored, like good food, and fine wine.