Good evening to Hidden Lake’s finest readers and conversationalists!

Our recent book club gathering at Marji Hunnewell’s home reminded everyone that while we come together for the books… the food is always a very close second.

From the moment guests arrived, it was clear we were in for something special. Fresh off a whirlwind trip, Marji welcomed the group with a beautifully prepared Peruvian-inspired meal that had many wondering if the evening might turn into a full two-hour dining experience before the book discussion even began.

The steak was incredibly tender, the orzo dish paired with a sauce that had everyone asking for the recipe, and the homemade empanadas quickly became a favorite. Each detail of the meal reflected the same care and thoughtfulness Marji brings to everything she does.

And then came dessert.

The cupcake brownies were almost too pretty to eat… almost. That hesitation didn’t last long, and after the first bite, the table fell into a series of quiet, appreciative reactions that said everything.

As if that wasn’t enough, Marji also shared chocolates she brought back from Peru, adding one more thoughtful and delicious touch to the evening.

Eventually, the group shifted from food to literature, turning their attention to the featured book, Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. The consensus was clear. The author’s writing is immersive, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. It is the kind of story that keeps you reading long past when you planned to stop.

The discussion that followed was engaging, thoughtful, and, at times, delightfully off track. Conversations wandered, laughter was constant, and the evening captured exactly what makes the Hidden Lake Book Club so special.

It is never just about the book. It is about connection, shared experiences, and the joy of gathering together.