Nelson-based author Erin Palmisano has recently released her second novel, The Secrets of Maiden’s Cove, a story that blends her deep love of food with elements of magical realism. The novel draws heavily on Palmisano’s childhood memories of Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, where she spent time crabbing with her father—an experience that has profoundly shaped her writing.
Now residing in a one-bedroom cottage overlooking the picturesque Tasman Bay, Palmisano reflects on the importance of being near water. Her connection to the Chesapeake Bay, where crabs were a cultural staple, forms the heart of The Secrets of Maiden’s Cove. “It’s crabs everywhere—on buildings, in the atmosphere. It’s truly a centerpiece of the Chesapeake,” said Palmisano, who moved to New Zealand after years of living in California.
Palmisano’s journey to New Zealand began in 2009 when she arrived on a Working Holiday Visa. She worked as a waitress at the Boat Shed Cafe in Nelson, where she met her partner, Dan Monopoli. The couple has since expanded their business ventures, owning three restaurants in Nelson: the Boat Shed Cafe, Urban Oyster Bar and Eatery, and Parts and Service, the latter of which is currently undergoing renovations.
Food plays a central role in both of Palmisano’s novels, with recipes often featured throughout the stories. “My partner has been a huge help with the recipes used in the books,” she shared. Her first novel, The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna, focused on Mediterranean cuisine, while her latest book features recipes inspired by her Maryland roots, including crab cakes and shrimp salad.
“The novels are standalone stories set in different locations,” Palmisano explained. “However, they share common themes of friendship, food, romance, and just a touch of magical realism.” In the world of magical realism, elements of the supernatural are subtly woven into the fabric of otherwise realistic narratives—a literary genre Palmisano embraces. Authors like Joanne Harris and Gabriel García Márquez, known for their work in this genre, have been significant influences on her writing.
For Palmisano, the magic of storytelling lies in the small moments that blur the line between the possible and the impossible. “I think books inherently ask readers to suspend their belief in reality,” she said. “When you read a book, you invest in the world of the story. I love introducing a hint of magic—something that makes readers pause and think, ‘Maybe this could happen.’”
Her work aims to transport readers to a place where they can reconnect with the sense of wonder and belief in magic they experienced in childhood. In The Secrets of Maiden’s Cove, as in her first novel, food serves not only as a backdrop but also as a conduit for deeper themes of connection, love, and memory.
Palmisano’s literary career continues to evolve, but the blend of food, friendship, and the faintest touch of the supernatural remains a hallmark of her writing style.
