The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster was the first book I’ve read written by Shauna Robinson, and I really enjoyed it. You really become drawn in to Mae’s struggles as the story progresses, so the point that I couldn’t wait to find out what happens. At time heavy and emotional, Robinson dealt with difficult topics in a way that makes the issues relatable and understandable. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a great read. It kept me engaged and I finished it easily. The characters were developed and the story line was great.

This book was just a delight. I adored Mae and her optimism and drive. This book made me hungry too, I only wish it included recipes for each of Althea's lost dishes.

Mae learns what happens when things go south. She always wanted to connect with her estranged Black family in the South, growing up picturing relatives that looked like her, crowded dinner tables, bustling kitchens and traditional family barbecues. The same barbecues that kept her late father returning every year but mysteriously leaving her behind.

As Mae's wedding draws closer and no one from the Townsend family responding to the invitations, she decides to head South. What she finds is a family in disaster and grief, a long-standing grudge, secrets and a lost food recipe.

Being the newbie in the family, Mae steps up and volunteers to host a barbecue four days before her wedding. Most importantly, she hopes to win favor and figure out the recipe of her deceased grandmother's famous mac n' cheese for the prized dish. What a task!

Author Shauna Robinson says her goal was to write the book she wanted to read. Job well done! This novel satisfied the goal from a reader's perspective too. It might have been a slow burn but it was a complete story that left no plot stone unturned. I wish the pace was a bit quicker but came to realize this is the best way for family drama to be told and fully fleshed out to a satisfying ending.

The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster is the first book I've read by Shauna Robinson but certainly will not be the last. I recommend for local book clubs to read and for audiobook listeners as they cook mac n' cheese for barbecues this summer.

Happy Early Pub Day, Shauna Robinson! The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster will be available Tuesday, July 2.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Shauna does it again!!!
I love reading books where food is involved so this book was honestly right up my alley. This is a book that is absolutely perfect for a book club, especially if you made your own family meal and brought it to the discussion. This book had me all in my feels in the best way possible.

Loved this one from Shauna Robinson! The topics were heavy and sometimes hard to read as they hit so close to home, but boy are they important! This one navigates race, racism, family secrets, estranged family, and the power of food so well! Highly recommend!

Deeply resonated throughout the plot, we embark on a poignant journey with Mae Townsend, a young woman longing to connect with her estranged Black family in the South. What she finds is a family in turmoil, haunted by secrets, grudges, and a lost mac and cheese recipe that holds the key to reconciliation.

Mae's unwavering determination to bridge the gap between her and her family resonates deeply. Her desire to belong and to understand her roots fuels her resilience as she navigates the complexities of her family's past. The author skillfully captures the emotional weight of Mae's quest, as she grapples with her own insecurities and the wounds that have kept her family apart.

The Townsend family is a tapestry of flawed and intricate characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. The author deftly unravels the layers of their relationships, revealing the deep-seated wounds and misunderstandings that have divided them. Through their struggles and triumphs, we witness the enduring power of family and the transformative potential of forgiveness.

Speaking of forgiveness, the lost mac and cheese recipe serves as a poignant symbol of the family's fractured past and their longing for reconciliation. Mae's quest to recreate the dish becomes a metaphor for her own journey to mend her family's broken bonds. The barbecue, which serves as the novel's centerpiece, is a microcosm of the family's struggles and triumphs, showcasing the power of food to bring people together and heal old wounds.

"A Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores the enduring themes of family, identity, and the search for belonging. Mae Townsend's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish the final page, reminding you that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to bridge the gaps that divide us and find our place in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Two of my favorite book genres are books about books and books about food. Thus, it should be no secret why I am a huge fan of Shauna Robinson. However, that's not all. There's something about Shauna's writing that's gentle and warm; it feels like a hug, a comfort reading it. That's how I felt with her first two books, and was not disappointed this time around. If anything, my one qualm is that Mae's grandma's recipe was more theoretical, than something I could make at home!

This book did a great job of weaving heavy topics such as race and family relations, othering, and how we truly see each other, in a way that was profound and emotional, completely engrossing, yet, light as well, as it was often punctuated by the mention of food bringing people together and the hunt for this elusive macaroni and cheese recipe.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of contemporary fiction, books about family, books about love, and truly, anyone who is need of a hopeful story.

I genuinely loved this book, and devoured it quite quickly. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!

This is my third Shauna Robinson book and I was not disappointed! Each of her books are highly entertaining and very well written.

The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster tells the story of a young woman wanting to reconnect with her family before she gets married. This is a great book for anyone who is struggling to fit into their family.

Mae Townsend (FMC)
Born to a white mother and a black father, Mae has always wanted to reconnect with her father’s side of the family. After she receives word that her grandmother has passed away, Mae takes that as her sign to visit South Carolina before her wedding.

Shauna Robinson is an amazing storyteller, this is a highly recommended title!

Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title!

Where is the Mac and Cheese Recipe!? I just knew we'd get that at the end of the book LOL

An unexpected funeral, an unexpected guest, encounters with an estranged family, an unknown family recipe, and a community of neighbors who become family. "The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster" is literally like a warm and delicious pan of Mac and Cheese straight out of the oven.

After the unexpected death of her black paternal grandmother, Mae decides to attend the funeral in Hobson, North Carolina. What she finds is a family she's never really known but finds familiar after years of feeling other'ed by her white maternal side of the family. After a family dinner she embarks on the mission of organizing the annual 4th of July barbecue and cracking the mystery of her late grandmother's Mac and cheese recipe. What ensues on this quest is a story full of heart, joy and laughter.

The wonderful cast of characters really make this story shine. Ariel was by far my favorite, Wendell a close second. The Townsend's are a lovely beautiful bunch and really make you feel at home in the pages of this book. There are unexpected twists in the story and though a bit predictable, I wanted to continue reading to see how things would shake out.

Mae as a protagonist really grows throughout the story and I loved her quiet resilience. I appreciated her determination to win over her paternal family and the juxtaposition when having to confront and deal with her maternal side of the family. These are real life issues and complex to navigate and Mae really has to work to find her voice and express her feelings.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun family drama-medy and anyone who needs a feel-good story.

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

OK as someone who has read all of Shauna Robinson’s books, I can definitely say that this is her best one yet! I think her writing and characters are a lot more mature this time around, which is what really sold me on this. Not to mention Mae, omg. I love her and just want to be her bestie and give her the biggest hug.

This book is great for the summer, poolside or at the cottage. Definitely enjoy it with a side of Mac ‘n Cheese <3

Loved, loved, loved this book!

This novel by Shauna Robinson had me going through a variety of feelings. This is a hard book to review without giving away spoilers.

If you are interested in stories about finding identity, reuniting with estranged family, family secrets, a missing family recipe, and a wedding, this book is just for you.

I highly recommend this as a book to read for 2024. I definitely want to read more by Shauna Robinson.

What a ride. This book was a book about self-worth, family, growth, secrets and a tiny little dash of love.

Mae wants to connect with her dad’s estranged family. They’ve ignored her for most of her life but she has always longed to be apart of them. With the passing of her grandmother, Mae finds the excuse she needs to go and meet her family.

Mae made some very interesting choices… I would have walked away so fast but her endurance paid off.

And can I just say, Conner is absolutely the sweetest, most understanding and gracious fiancé to ever exist. He was so kind and made me smile each time he remained steadfast where most men would falter.

This wasn’t the most fast-paced book but I enjoyed the journey. It caused me to pause and take time to think and process things a few times. And the donut wall may have made my eyes burn a little 🥹

A cute little read about family dynamics.
Loved loved this one as it made me sad, laugh and cry at the same time. I love books like this! This book actually made my day especially the secret recipe for granny's homemade Mac and cheese. This was the best part in my opinion!
I sometimes feel like the main character with my dad's side of the family so I knew how she felt at times.
I simply enjoyed this book so much that I hated for it to end.
When I seen the cover for this book I just knew it was going to be good!
I wasn't disappointed at all with this new to me author.
Lots of wonderful characters to get to know.
I will be adding this to my favorite list of books and putting it on my display shelf!
I'm giving this story 5 stars! It was hands down a bit fun and serious at the same time! I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Rating is 4.5 rounded up.
This was my second book read by this author and I love all of her work, especially this book. Ms. Robinson did a beautiful job of balancing light/fluffy and discussing themes of biracial identity, race, microagressions, racism, and family dynamics. While some parts had me doubting if some of the characters' reactions would truly happen in real life (such as the in laws being okay with some of her actions), I still throughly enjoyed the book and all the messages. Also I appreciate the sense of hope that the book was able to portray. Looking forward to more works by this author!



Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

hank you NetGalley for the ARC. This was my first book from the author and ai will definitely be seeking out her other books to add to my reading list because I really enjoyed this one. Heartwarming and relatable for many reasons. A complicated family tree and familiar divides are not that unusual.

Im a foodie and related to the connection of food and family. What is better than sharing food with those you love. I so resonated with how the book focuses on the sharing of meals and how families create lasting memories and traditions that strengthen their bond. How many times does nostalgia wash over you when you smell or taste a food that is attached to the fondest memories of childhood.

The book tackled some hard topics, reminding us all there is a difference between giving grace and sacrificing of oneself. Which in turn teaches others how to treat you.

I felt a little cheated by the end, i wanted more closure…someone needs to buy Altheas house for one! 🤣 Also, quit your job girl and take that honeymoon!!!

The only additional i might add off of the public review is the pace from climax to end felt a little off. Otherwise wonderful book!!!!

OMGoodness! I absolutely loved this book. It was such a beautiful story of a woman finding herself and her voice.

I enjoyed the love story between Mae and Conner an interracial couple. I believe the author wrote the characters and scenarios very well.

And then there was the plot twist that came with a postcard. My mouth literally fell open!!! This author did her thing on this book and I will be looking for more of her work. I love her writing style. This story was very engaging. Please support this author and buy this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read this book.

I cannot thank Netgalley and the publisher enough for an ARC because this might be one of my favorite books of the year. Wow...wow. I think this book will sit with each individual differently depending on who you are, your experiences, your background and your life in general. And for me, it hit me like a ton of bricks in a "you've been seen" kind of way. This is my first book by Shauna Robinson but it will not be my last, that's for sure.

No, I have not gone through everything our FMC, Mae, has gone through but our journey is very similar as bi-racial women with complicated family lives. Just like Mae, I do not know much about my black family and in my adult life that is something I am working HARD to change. Also, I have a complicated relationship with my white grandparents. I also am in an interracial relationship and just the way this author handles family complication but also family love was just so perfect.

Boyyyy, this book took me for a journey. I cried, laughed, my heart burst with love and light and I just... wish I could put this book down and start it again for the first time. Mae's family and friends felt so real to me. I forgot I was reading fiction and not an autobiography. The author did an amazing job capturing family dynamics and how food can really bring a family together. The twists and turns were done so well.

This book releases on July 2nd and I seriously recommend adding this to your summer read. Make sure you're not reading this on an empty stomach!

First let me say that I adore Shauna Robinson. All three books by her have been such a breath of fresh air. The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster was so refreshing, so well written and truly a joy to read. Reading about Mea and her finding a balance between the white family she’s grown up with and the black side of her family she never knew was truly beautiful. Shauna has a way of making me smile, feel all the feels and laugh in every book she’s written. Now, I’m going to go make some Mac and Cheese 😉

Realistic fanfare about an outcast character. Would have loved it more with a focus on the engaged couple rather than the Jain character fighting to be loved and accepted by a family that didn’t want her.