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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
I love when I can fully immerse myself into a book. That is what happened with this one. I started reading it and got lost in it. It is so good. I finished it in a matter of hours! I loved the characters.
Georgia may have gone over the top with her reaction when she discovered her boyfriend cheating but I don't blame her either for acting out. I loved the idea that her loss of taste had to do with her feelings. When Georgia's mother explaining how her gift was stowed upon her, I instantly got Practical Magic vibes.
I like the romance that was budding between Cole and Georgia. It was a sweet romance. They both found what they were looking for in each other. Reading this book is like receiving a hug from your Nana.
Georgia may have gone over the top with her reaction when she discovered her boyfriend cheating but I don't blame her either for acting out. I loved the idea that her loss of taste had to do with her feelings. When Georgia's mother explaining how her gift was stowed upon her, I instantly got Practical Magic vibes.
I like the romance that was budding between Cole and Georgia. It was a sweet romance. They both found what they were looking for in each other. Reading this book is like receiving a hug from your Nana.
3.5 stars
Recipe for a Charmed Life is a tale about self-discovery, with a hint of enchantment thrown in for good measure. The setting was lush, and the food descriptions enticing.
I appreciated Georgia’s journey, and the ways in which comes into herself throughout the book. I do think this feels more like women’s fiction with a romantic side plot, and there is no on-page steaminess, which was kind of a bummer for me. Even though we do get a few sections from Cole’s POV, this feels like it’s entirely Georgia’s story.
Overall, it’s a story that’ll leave you feeling hopeful. And I could definitely see it being adapted to the screen.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC.
Recipe for a Charmed Life is a tale about self-discovery, with a hint of enchantment thrown in for good measure. The setting was lush, and the food descriptions enticing.
I appreciated Georgia’s journey, and the ways in which comes into herself throughout the book. I do think this feels more like women’s fiction with a romantic side plot, and there is no on-page steaminess, which was kind of a bummer for me. Even though we do get a few sections from Cole’s POV, this feels like it’s entirely Georgia’s story.
Overall, it’s a story that’ll leave you feeling hopeful. And I could definitely see it being adapted to the screen.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC.
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group. I'm voluntarily leaving a review, and all opinions are my own.
Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction, Magical Realism
Spice Level: Medium. Previous sexual relationships are mentioned, but there is nothing on the page.
The primary focus in RECIPE FOR A CHARMED LIFE is on Georgia and her journey—that's why I think it can qualify as Women's Fiction in addition to romance. I enjoyed Georgia with her big dreams of being a chef in a French restaurant. Her background twisted and turned—and it was a lot of fun to see how she worked through all of those tough things like abandonment and not fitting in.
The love interest is Cole, and I was surprised when he suddenly had a chapter about 40% into the book. But I liked getting his perspective, though he doesn't have as many chapters. His traumatic background turned him into something of a Byronic Hero—he needed someone like Georgia to pull him out of his head.
One thing that is great in this book is how each character has to solve their own problems and can't rely on the other to do the heavy lifting.
The one thing that I hung me up a bit was how Cole caved into telling Georgia all his secrets so easily. It would have made more sense (to me) if she was the one who extended herself first because he was so private.
This was a heartwarming read. IF you're triggered by drug addition, car accidents, or abandonment, there might be some moments that are hard. Each one of these is handled with care.
Happy reading!
Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction, Magical Realism
Spice Level: Medium. Previous sexual relationships are mentioned, but there is nothing on the page.
The primary focus in RECIPE FOR A CHARMED LIFE is on Georgia and her journey—that's why I think it can qualify as Women's Fiction in addition to romance. I enjoyed Georgia with her big dreams of being a chef in a French restaurant. Her background twisted and turned—and it was a lot of fun to see how she worked through all of those tough things like abandonment and not fitting in.
The love interest is Cole, and I was surprised when he suddenly had a chapter about 40% into the book. But I liked getting his perspective, though he doesn't have as many chapters. His traumatic background turned him into something of a Byronic Hero—he needed someone like Georgia to pull him out of his head.
One thing that is great in this book is how each character has to solve their own problems and can't rely on the other to do the heavy lifting.
The one thing that I hung me up a bit was how Cole caved into telling Georgia all his secrets so easily. It would have made more sense (to me) if she was the one who extended herself first because he was so private.
This was a heartwarming read. IF you're triggered by drug addition, car accidents, or abandonment, there might be some moments that are hard. Each one of these is handled with care.
Happy reading!
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
“A Recipe for a Charmed Life” is the perfect companion for a rainy, cold, snuggle-at-home day. The contrast between Paris and San Juan Island, WA beautifully works as images in the mind as you read. I had to stop reading and find out about San Juan Island and immediately put it into my travel list.
Linden’s writing is smooth and immediately draws you into her world. And that’s not easy to do. The story is formulaic but it works. I found it a bit repetitive so it could have used a bit more editing but still a lovely read. Highly recommend it.
Linden’s writing is smooth and immediately draws you into her world. And that’s not easy to do. The story is formulaic but it works. I found it a bit repetitive so it could have used a bit more editing but still a lovely read. Highly recommend it.
lighthearted
relaxing
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Recipe for a Charmed Life is delightful. Highly recommend!
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Infidelity, Abandonment
Minor: Drug use, Dementia, Car accident
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix