Secrets of the Tsil Café: A Novel with Recipes

"Wes Hingler lives in the shadow of his eccentric, fiercely opinionated cook parents, whose separate kitchens and shared bedroom spontaneously combust into battlegrounds at the flip of a spatula. Argument and habanero chile are the dominant spices of Wes's life, permeating the ever-tense atmosphere of Kansas City's Tsil Caf&eacute (his father's Southwestern/Native American restaurant) and the kitchen of Buen AppeTito (his mother's eclectic catering business). Professional rivalries, romantic triangles, and assorted betrayals all make for a volatile upbringing...A lovingly written coming-of-age gem." (Library Journal)

"Sex...heartbreak and habaneros...Averill's sure hand in the culinary department keeps this Café simmering." (San Antonio Express-News)

"Completely satisfying...It may be made only of words, but the great tastes of this novel linger like honey and burn like chili." (Calgary Herald)

"In a time when one of our food groups is 'fast,' there is something genuinely nourishing about the banquet that Averill prepares." (USA Today)

"Compelling." (Kansas City Star)

"Voluptuous." (Booklist)