They are all delightfully wise and witty chapters in blogger Marsha Palanci's new book, Tarte Tatin Tales. Part memoir and part cookbook, this collection of valuable life lessons is spun from memories of an American raised in France and Belgium, educated in Ohio, and nurtured through four decades working as wine marketer in New York City.

Topics as diverse as surviving a first job, enjoying summer in the city, and sustaining lifelong friendships are explored with candor and enthusiasm. As she does in her weekly blog (tartetatintales.com), Marsha's own experiences are amplified with additional insights and opinions from a carefully curated group of friends. The crowd-sourced perspective gives the reader entertaining storytelling and much food for thought.

Tarte Tatin Tales is also a cookbook that will inspire cooks of all levels. Filled with family favorites and an assortment of international recipes, it reflects Marsha's childhood in Europe, extensive travel in her adult years, and her careers promoting cheese and then wine. Although Marsha studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and in master classes with chef Giuliano Bugialli in Italy, she prides herself on making dishes that appear more complex than they really are. Fifty fully tested recipes ranging from Fresh Pea Gazpacho to Belgian Waterzooi to--of course--Tarte Tatin are easily made by anyone who loves to cook--and eat!