3.66 AVERAGE

tchtramcd's review

5.0
emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

khim217's review

4.0
adventurous challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Didn't know what I was getting myself into other than what I read in the synopsis at the back of the book, but it was pleasant with its own quirky twists that got me questioning, but just rolling with it. I loved how it turned out in the end, some chapters a little obvious what would happen, but still it was enough to be a page turner for me.

emcchillin's review

4.0

It’s like a longer hallmark movie. Nothing wrong with something like this every now and again
b00kpanda's profile picture

b00kpanda's review

3.0

I LOVED "Lemon Drop Pie" by the same author, so I was excited for this one. I love the magic within Georgia, and losing her mojo and having to go find what life is about. Great set up. Spoilers...



I disliked how perfect things line up. Finds the love of her life in two weeks, a restaurant sharing their common interests conveniently needs a chef, her getting all senses back right before her judging...

I wanted more of Georgia finding herself- separate from a relationship.
inkedupmargins's profile picture

inkedupmargins's review

5.0

Quick Synopsis:
I’ve never read a Rachel Linden novel, and I’m not always a magical realism fan so I was surprised by how much I adored Recipe for a Charmed Life.

The quick synopsis is that the MC, Georgia May, walks in on her boyfriend cheating on her. This leads to immediate retaliation that results in the loss of her job and potentially her career as a chef. At the same time Georgia is dealing with everything mentioned above, she realizes her sense of taste is diminishing. She sets off on an adventure to uncover secrets of her past to avoid her current demise. There are elements of luck throughout the story, so if you’re a reader who has trouble suspending disbelief, this one isn’t for you.

Characters:
I loved the major characters in Recipe for a Charmed Life. The MC, Georgia May, comes across as the lovable, serious character who desperately needs fun in her life. Star comes across as a free-spirited woman with the wisdom that all of us could use from time to time. Lastly, Cole, the love interest, just comes across as humble and genuine.

Storyline/Pacing:
I’m a sucker for a fast-paced novel. This one hooked me from the start, and while most reviewers on StoryGraph seem to think this is medium-paced, I felt the book moved at a steady and engaging pace.

Author:
As mentioned earlier, magical realism is hit or miss for me, and this one I loved. Rachel Linden wove the magical elements into the plot so that it didn’t overtake the narrative, and it made the characters and their problems that much more authentic for me.

Overall:
Real-world career burnout is rarely met with an island getaway, which is why I was immediately enamored with this plot and its setting. I love escapism fiction, and it didn’t hurt that this story focused so heavily on food.

Disclosure:
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the Digital Review Copy of Recipe for a Charmed Life. All opinions are my own.
lyzaface's profile picture

lyzaface's review

3.75
hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

cozybookjlc's review


Just not my vibe.  

christy59's review

3.0
emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
bookish720's profile picture

bookish720's review

3.0

This was cute. It took an unexpected turn with the magical element. I feel like more could have been done with that part of the story on my opinion. This was an easy read light and fluffy.

gabyestevezp's review

3.0
emotional funny fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated