I’m Matthew Bessette.
I run Fromagerie Bessette with my cousin, Charlotte. She manages the cheese side of the shop; I oversee the wine annex. I used to be a wine sommelier, but after my wife Sylvie ran out on me and our twin girls—long story—I wanted a simpler life. I returned to Providence, Ohio. It was the right choice. I have family and friends here. And I met the new love of my life, Meredith Vance. We’re getting married soon. I can’t wait. Truly. I am blessed to have Meredith in my life. She’s so wonderful. A teacher, she inspires me and the girls to be the best we can be. She’s always so positive, so gentle. She’s Charlotte’s best friend. I have to say dating was a little dicey at the beginning. We fell in love right away, but we didn’t want to tell Charlotte about it. We thought she might be, you know, worried that we were moving too fast. But we couldn’t help it. Love hits and, pow, you’re smitten. What can you do? Go with the flow, right? I know, that sounds trite, but it was how it was for Meredith and me. We speak with the same rhythm. We appreciate the same things in life.
Our wedding is coming up and I’m excited. Nervous, but excited. Nervous because we have family heading to town and there’s so much to do. Excited because, well, I explained that a second ago…Meredith. I get to spend the rest of my life with her.
Today, I’m preparing the cellar for a wine tasting for the rehearsal dinner – did you know we had a cellar below Fromagerie Bessette? We just installed it. With Jordan’s help –you know Jordan, right? He’s the love of Charlottte’s life. Real cool guy. Knows cheese, knows wine. I’m not sure what his entire story is. He keeps his past close to the vest, but he’s cool. I like him, and I have to trust my instinct. Anyway, with Jordan’s help, we installed a cellar beneath The Cheese Shop. At Pace Hill Farm, Jordan makes cheese. Around here, he’s the go-to guy when it comes to storing cheeses. He has these fabulous cellars built naturally into the hills. Our cellar holds the wines that I bring in from all over the world as well as the cheeses that Charlotte likes to age.
When I’m done setting up the cellar, I’ll head home—right now, my girls and I live with Charlotte in her old Victorian on the north side of town—and I’ll continue packing. We’re moving into Meredith’s place. There are so many boxes. When did we acquire so much stuff? It’s been fun going through everything. Seeing old photos, reliving memories with the girls. Major changes ahead.
When was the last time you made a major change in your life?
Thanks to the publisher, I have one (1) copy of TO BRIE OR NOT TO BRIE to give away. Contest open to US residents only and ends February 8. Leave a comment to be included in the giveaway. The book will be shipped directly from the publisher.
You can read more about Matthew in To Brie or Not To Brie, the fourth book in the “Cheese Shop” mystery series. The first book in the series is The Long Quiche Goodbye.
Meet the author
Avery Aames is the pseudonym for Daryl Wood Gerber. As Avery, she writes the nationally bestselling A Cheese Shop Mystery Series. The first in the series, The Long Quiche Goodbye, won the Agatha Award for best first novel. The series is set in the quaint, fictional town of Providence, Ohio, and features Charlotte Bessette, a feisty cheese shop owner with a colorful extended family.
Daryl writes short stories, the latest, “Palace on the Lake” has been nominated for numerous awards, and she has a new mystery series debuting in July 2013, The Cookbook Nook mysteries. This new cozy mystery series features Jenna Hart, an avid reader, admitted foodie, and owner of a cookbook store in picturesque coastal California.
Prior to her career as a novelist, Daryl wrote screenplays and created the format for the popular TV sitcom Out of this World. A fun tidbit for mystery buffs, Daryl was also an actress and co-starred on Murder, She Wrote, as well as other TV shows. Daryl is originally from the San Francisco Area and graduated from Stanford University. She loves to cook, read, golf, swim, and garden. She also likes adventure and has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. She has been happily married for over twenty-five years, and she and her husband have a grown son who has flown the coop.
Avery & Daryl blog at Mystery Lover’s Kitchen, a blog for foodies who love mysteries. And some of their characters show up at the Killer Characters blog.
Visit Avery at her website to see a sneak preview, her book trailer, find recipes, and more and Daryl at her website for the same.
Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
We have cheese caves in MN. Would love to take a tour sometime. TO BRIE is on my wishlist.
The aroma in a cheese cave is fabulous, Karen. Enjoy!
I am a fan of Avery’s can’t wait to read the newest book. Thank you for the chance to win it.
griperang at embarqmail dot com
Griperang, so nice to see you here! Thanks for the support.
Avery
Avery’s book always give me cheese cravings….I love cheese. Dee
Me, too, Dee. Me, too! LOL
Avery
This sounds like the perfect ending(or new beginning) to this series of books. I would love to own it.
Dottie, thrilled to hear it. Enjoy!
I love this series. The last major change is when I was diagnosed with a autoimmune disorder and what a big change it has been.
saba121167(at)usa(dot)net
Boy, Shonda, I guess. I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope you are coping well. Reading helps. 🙂
Avery
This is a wonderful series and I have to thank Avery for getting me out of my cheese “safe zone.” The wine I haven’t ventured as far into yet, but I see it coming. I am so glad that this series is going strong.
Mare, always thrilled to help someone experience something “new.”
Avery
Although I personally stick to boring basic cheeses, I love reading this book and hearing about all the different types.
Linda, there’s no boring cheese. None. Cheddar – yum! Monterey Jack, a great melter. Swiss, perfect for deli sandwiches. Enjoy!
Avery
Love this series, getting a wine cellar, how neat!
Yes, Nancy, a wine cellar. Always one of my own personal dreams. 🙂
Avery
Another series I’m woefully behind on. I read the first one and really enjoyed it. Liked the characters, the plotting and the cheese info (I like it when I accidentally learn things while being entertained). Going to have to catch up on these. Love to have a hard copy (I buy this author in real book cause I like her work so much). dz87507 at gmail dot com.
Denise, thanks for the sweet comments. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series.
Avery
I love this series and can’t wait to find out what happens
Sarah, thanks for chiming in!
Avery
I am a fan of the series, and this one looks as good as all the rest.
Annette, I love hearing from fans! Thank you.
Avery
I have not read this series but it sounds awesome! Will have to get the books.
This is another great series – I’d love to win a copy!
afarage(at)earthlink(dot)net
Alicia, thanks for chiming in!
I am a fan of this series, and would love to win this book!
Thanks for the giveaway. Loved your review!
Melissa, didn’t DruAnn give the best review?! I’m so blessed.
Avery
Thanks for giving us this opporunity. Say cheese!
Barbara, say cheese back. 🙂
Avery
We had a wonderful wine cellar and collection when we lived in upstate New York. I do miss it. I have not started this series, although I am a huge cozy fan.
Steph, I hope you’ll give the Cheese Shop Mysteries a try. Most cozy fans do. 😉
Avery
Love this series. I can’t wait to curl up and read the new book! I just love a good wedding.
Susie, I’m so glad you like the series. Best wishes.
Avery
Anyone who can come up with these titles is worth investigating. The next time I see any book by Avery, I promise to purchase it. I’m sure I’d be in for a few laughs. Would love to win this new one. Thanks. judydee22002@yahoo dot com
Judy, so glad you like the titles!! I do make them up and not my editor. 🙂
Avery
Sounds like a great book!!
Candace, thanks for chiming in!
Avery
Everyone should have a cellar-for wines, cheeses, bodies! But not in south Florida. Dig a basement and you have water. Oh well. I’ll have to hide the bodies somewhere else.
Elizabeth, funny!!! I lived in Orlando for a short year and yes, water, water, everywhere. 🙂
Avery
Sounds like a book I’d enjoy!
Readtome, I bet you will!
Avery
I love this series and learning about cheese.it’s so much fun to read mysteries and learn something.
lynettek51(at)yahoo(dot)com
Lynette, I agree. I love to read and learn something new in the process.
Avery
I really like this series but have gotten behind. I would love to win a new book in the series. Thanks for the opportunity. I follow Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen and really enjoy the recipes.
6186pep(at)msn(dot)com
Darlene, it’s hard to find time to read everything, isn’t it? Thanks for following Mystery Lovers Kitchen. We love our foodie fans. I’m blogging about Brie blueberry ice cream today!!!
Avery
Adding a wine expert to the cheese mysteries should be interesting. Will we get some advise about wine pairings? I’d love to win this book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Suekey, I’ve included some wine pairings from the beginning. Matthew has been there all along. He will be featured in book 5, Days of Wine and Roquefort (next February’s release).
Avery
Thanks Avery and Matthew for stopping by and letting us in on your wedding plans.
I will make a major change in June and move to the beach. Change can be fun!
Thank you for hosting this giveaway, my daughter has been wanting this book and it would be nice to win it for her.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
It is amazing to me the amount you learn reading these books. Also they are so much fun to try and solve! Love this little insight into characters’ lives.
Just finished reading ” Lost and Fondue “.Glad to learn things are looking up for Matthew and Meredith.Love learning about different cheeses . Can’t wait to read “To Brie or Not to Brie”. winning would be nice!
excerpt of your book, is catchy is a good kind of way. its one of those books I can see will be picked up and hard too put down. can’t wait for the book. signed would be good, free to
I’m a fan of the authors works and would love to win.
I love this series. My life has been full of major decisions the past six months. Major surgery and as of 9 hours ago just bought a new car. Fingers crossed that I win. Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
I love cheese (cheddar and colby) and I live in Ohio, where the book is set. The cover is great.
Contest is closed.