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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
I was so incredibly excited to read Recipe for a Charmed Life after falling in love with Lolly's story in Lemon Drop Pie.
This book is less of a romance and more about one woman's journey to discover her past that will ultimately change her future. The magical realism elements in this one are super light so that anyone who isn't into that genre will hardly notice them with how naturally they are woven into the story in a really fabulous way. The plot surrounding her taste...a devastating blow to her career was very intriguing and one of my favorite aspects of the story.
Georgia's occupation as a renown chef will have your mouth watering at all the foodie descriptions throughout the book. This one has an island setting, touches of Paris cooking, and a romance that blooms from a misunderstanding into more.
For some reason I just didn't connect to this story and the characters. It's a perfectly lovely story but just missed the mark for me. I did feel like it might have been the abundance of family drama/trauma mixed with some lighter plot elements that just felt a tad disjointed. This one felt a bit more predictable and it didn't hit the mark quite like Lemon Drop Pie did.
This book is less of a romance and more about one woman's journey to discover her past that will ultimately change her future. The magical realism elements in this one are super light so that anyone who isn't into that genre will hardly notice them with how naturally they are woven into the story in a really fabulous way. The plot surrounding her taste...a devastating blow to her career was very intriguing and one of my favorite aspects of the story.
Georgia's occupation as a renown chef will have your mouth watering at all the foodie descriptions throughout the book. This one has an island setting, touches of Paris cooking, and a romance that blooms from a misunderstanding into more.
For some reason I just didn't connect to this story and the characters. It's a perfectly lovely story but just missed the mark for me. I did feel like it might have been the abundance of family drama/trauma mixed with some lighter plot elements that just felt a tad disjointed. This one felt a bit more predictable and it didn't hit the mark quite like Lemon Drop Pie did.
Faith, hope, love and luck. And family.
I picked this up with no clue as to what it was about beyond what the cover showed up a the Eiffel Tower and baked goods. And it blew me away with amazing characters, great imagery and an engaging storyline that while at times was predictable, highly satisfying. Rachel Linden just went to the top of my must read author’s list.
There’s something about a book with a chef that always leaves me incredibly hungry! Georgia’s plans go up in flames when she catches her boyfriend with another woman, her career veers off course and she loses her sense of taste which is detrimental to a chef. When she receives an email from her estranged mother she heads to the Pacific Northwest and reconnects with her mom, while also finding a new life and of course, some love along the way. There’s a dose of magical realism which is enjoyable but I really loved the message in this one.
“The real recipe for a charmed life was simple. Not easy, but simple. To do the work that filled her with wonder and delight. To walk lightly through the world, giving generously to those around her. To love all in her care as best she could.”
Don’t forget to check the recipes in the back!
.
Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads @prhaudio and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Georgia May has one goal to run her own restaurant in Paris but in one night, she loses her job, her boyfriend and her sense of taste. When she gets an email from her estranged mother she decides to visit and learn about her past while trying to get her spark back.
What I liked: I liked the bit of magical gift element that ran in Georgia May’s family. It felt believable.
An epilogue I didn’t hate. If you’ve followed me awhile, you know they aren’t my favorite. This one I liked - it was a good wrap up without feeling unnecessary.
Be prepared for alllll the food.
What didn’t work for me: I felt like Georgia May and Cole’s relationship progressed quickly, especially at the end.
Who should read it: You like sweet novels with a bit of PG romance and family drama. This would make a good read between those heavier books.
Recipe for a Charmed Life with its wonderfully appealing food descriptions, excellent setting descriptors (she captures life on Washington's island quite well from a transplant's viewpoint (right down to the green Subaru suv), the sense of finding where you belong (I'm still waiting myself), and the burgeoning relationships between the characters , and well, this was the exact right book for where I was.
Before I even finished reading, I recognised that I am absolutely excitedly awaiting Linden's future work. The real deal, she is quickly becoming a favorite of mine as well as a must-read author.
Her style is unique but if I were trying to describe what comes across to me while reading is somewhat related to the gorgeously lyrical writing of Patti Smith and Alice Hoffman. Add some Kate Bush and the result is this must-read that I can't recommend any more highly.
One of my favorite reads this year.
I loved Recipe for a Charmed Life - it was exactly the book I needed when I read it.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the DRC!
✨Pub Day Review: RECIPE FOR A CHARMED LIFE✨
Thank you for my free copy @berkleypub #berkleypartner #berkley
Swipe for synopsis 👉
💭 my thoughts ⤵️
- this was a cozy, atmospheric read with a touch of romance. If you love Paris or the PNW setting, this story occurs in both. I'm a PNW girl - so I loved it!
- there is magical realism, but it's minimal, and I wish this had been explored more.
- the food descriptions are so yummy, and I didn't ever get bored with how the author incorporated this into the story
- a handsome, grumpy local mystery man 👀
- dual POV
- there are family secrets, mother/daughter relationship, rediscovering passions, and forgiveness. There are other heavier topics, but I don't want to spoil anything; check CW if needed.
It gave Virgin River vibes (not the same plot at all) but just cozy, small-town, FMC running away from a big-city vibe. I appreciate how we get each of the character's backstories, making the story feel complete at the end.
I have yet to read The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, but I definitely will be adding it to my TBR.
4⭐️ (i liked it!)
Genre: contemporary romance / magical realism
Format: Physical
Pub date: today! ✨
Pages: 362
Thank you for my free copy @berkleypub #berkleypartner #berkley
Swipe for synopsis 👉
💭 my thoughts ⤵️
- this was a cozy, atmospheric read with a touch of romance. If you love Paris or the PNW setting, this story occurs in both. I'm a PNW girl - so I loved it!
- there is magical realism, but it's minimal, and I wish this had been explored more.
- the food descriptions are so yummy, and I didn't ever get bored with how the author incorporated this into the story
- a handsome, grumpy local mystery man 👀
- dual POV
- there are family secrets, mother/daughter relationship, rediscovering passions, and forgiveness. There are other heavier topics, but I don't want to spoil anything; check CW if needed.
It gave Virgin River vibes (not the same plot at all) but just cozy, small-town, FMC running away from a big-city vibe. I appreciate how we get each of the character's backstories, making the story feel complete at the end.
I have yet to read The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, but I definitely will be adding it to my TBR.
4⭐️ (i liked it!)
Genre: contemporary romance / magical realism
Format: Physical
Pub date: today! ✨
Pages: 362
Many thanks to my friends at @berkleypub @uplitreads and @prhaudio for the free #gifted copy of this book.
Heartwarming and charming.
With the cozy decorations put away, the beginning of each year begs for an extra dose of magic. And Linden’s newest gem provides a sweet uplift able to combat those winter blues.
Georgia was living her dream, on the verge of reaching the very pinnacle… just when it all fell apart, forcing her to reevaluate everything… most importantly, her relationship with her long estranged mom.
Key elements:
🥐Drool worthy recipes and food
✈️Vacation worthy settings: PNW and Paris
👩🏻🍳Pertinent advice from Julia Child
✨Magical elements
🌿Personal growth
Part family drama, part romance. The handsome and brilliant male lead was a delicious part, indeed. Though I’m not sure the romance was necessary. Where this book shined was in its exploration of reflection and growth. It was a positive reminder of the power found in giving people second chances.
This one felt very predictable but in the sense that the story brimmed with hope. Seeing what was to come allowed me to cozy into the book, enveloped in its comfort.
This is a tasty read (pun intended!) perfect for dreary winter days.
🎧 I combined the print and audio for this one. While the narration by Traci Odom was easy to listen to, I found myself preferring to read my print copy. The narration’s depiction of Georgia just didn’t seem to match my own.
A touching story that combines two of my reading favorites-magical realism and characters that work in the food industry.
These characters were well crafted, complete with flaws and dreams and a complex history that has shaped their lives. Linden does a fabulous job bringing the setting to life, from Paris to San Juan Island. Added to Georgie’s work in the kitchen and a sprinkling of magic and the result is a heartwarming read that readers will savor.
Thank you to Berkley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy, all thoughts and opiniond are my own.
These characters were well crafted, complete with flaws and dreams and a complex history that has shaped their lives. Linden does a fabulous job bringing the setting to life, from Paris to San Juan Island. Added to Georgie’s work in the kitchen and a sprinkling of magic and the result is a heartwarming read that readers will savor.
Thank you to Berkley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy, all thoughts and opiniond are my own.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book, especially after loving Linden's earlier work, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐏𝐢𝐞.
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 follows Georgia Jackson, an American chef living in Paris. Georgia is living her dream in The City of Lights, as one of the hottest chefs in the Parisian culinary scene. After a series of emotionally-charged revelations, Georgia decides to take some time off work to reconnect with her estranged mom, Star, in the Pacific Northwest. While there, she meets Cole, a ridiculously handsome oyster farmer with a past.
Georgia relies on the wisdom and memory of her idol, Julia Child to guide her while she's away.
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 is a heartwarming story of family, forgiveness, self-discovery, tasty food, and love.
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 follows Georgia Jackson, an American chef living in Paris. Georgia is living her dream in The City of Lights, as one of the hottest chefs in the Parisian culinary scene. After a series of emotionally-charged revelations, Georgia decides to take some time off work to reconnect with her estranged mom, Star, in the Pacific Northwest. While there, she meets Cole, a ridiculously handsome oyster farmer with a past.
Georgia relies on the wisdom and memory of her idol, Julia Child to guide her while she's away.
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 is a heartwarming story of family, forgiveness, self-discovery, tasty food, and love.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes