In J. Ryan Stradal's latest novel, a Minnesota couple, Mariel and Ned, grapple with the complexities of their restaurant legacies. Mariel, owner of the struggling Lakeside Supper Club, faces familial tensions exacerbated by financial woes and her mother Florence's refusal to leave her church sanctuary. The rift between Mariel and Florence, stemming from Mariel inheriting the restaurant instead of her mother, looms large, straining their relationship.

Meanwhile, Ned, heir to a chain of diners, struggles to reconcile his family's business expectations with his own identity crisis. As Mariel and Ned navigate the challenges of their respective family legacies, they confront the enduring impacts of love, tragedy, and hardship.

Set against the rustic backdrop of Minnesota, Stradal weaves a poignant tale of resilience, hope, and the power of familial bonds. Through Mariel and Ned's journey, readers are drawn into a world where the past intertwines with the present, shaping the course of their lives and relationships.

As Mariel fights to save her beloved restaurant and bridge the divide with her mother, and Ned grapples with his family's expectations and his own aspirations, they discover the true meaning of love and forgiveness. With its richly drawn characters and evocative setting, Stradal's novel explores the complexities of family, tradition, and the pursuit of happiness.

"The Lakeside Supper Club" is a compelling exploration of the human experience, blending heartwarming moments with poignant reflections on the ties that bind us together, even in the face of adversity. 📚❤️