Rachel Bishop is an award-winning chef and part-owner of an upcoming restaurant who is seemingly at the peak of her career. Her life has been turned upside after a food blogger and restaurant reviewer publishes a less than a raving review on his popular blog. Her situation is worsened when essayist Alex Kanin innocently attempts to address the ills of social media in an article that eventually went viral. However, Rachel is implicated in his essay and her reputation is further damaged. So fuelled by his guilt-driven writer's block Alex attempts to help out Rachel by starting the Saturday night supper club.

Whether or not you are not a foodie or a diehard follower of Top Chef and Chopped, this book is quite atmospheric in its portrayal of the behind the scenes workings of a restaurant. Readers, especially of the non-vegan and non-vegetarian kind will appreciate the mouth-watering descriptions of the modern continental dishes which Rachel and her colleagues whip up in their kitchens.

The contemporary setting is laced with pop culture anecdotes which will make it quite relatable to readers in 2018. This is not your typical light and fluffy read with its colourful characters, mature and believable dialogues than the average romance novel.

Laureano does not shy away from weaving contemporary issues like social media influences and equal rights in her narrative. In one instance, Rachel seeks a professional endorsement from female chef colleague who declines. She reminds Rachel that she once walked off a speaking panel that they shared that was addressing gender and professionalism in the food industry. Rachel, in turn, defended her decision citing that was not going to bash male colleagues in the name of "we women have to stick together". While equal rights is a priority issue in this era, it does not mean that it should condemn all men for the actions of a selected few. There are men who are going out of their women to support and mentor women especially in the workplace and they deserve recognition for their contribution.

One thing that is quite was a bit unique about The Saturday Night Supper Club is that though it is branded as Christian fiction, the author is not preachy and does not thrust verses at the reader. Yet at the same time, the book is neither cheesy nor overly sanitised which seems to be one of the biggest criticism of Christian fiction. So Hallmark representatives out there, this would be a great movie adaptation. This would be a good book club pick since it has quite a number of great discussion topics that are highlighted above.

When Alex, a handsome young writer, tries to defend successful chef Rachel from an awful allegation, it leads to disaster. Rachel makes a mistatement on social media anbd ruins an interview leading to the shattering of her career. Luckily, she has good friends but she is only 30 and now she has to start again. Alex comes to the rescue but can Rachel really trust him?

This is a well-written and moving romance with likeable characters who struggle with their ambitions and their consciences. Both Rachel and Alex have also had problems with their families. Alex comes from a Russian Orthodox family but he is searching for a different kind of Christianity and his parents are also upset that he didn't become a psychologist. Rachel left home for various reasons at a very young age.

I also liked the sometimes glamorous setting of Denver's thriving food scene. Some of Rachel's recipes sound scrumptious! I suggest that it's a bad idea to read this novel if you are hungry - unless it inspires you to try to cook like Rachel.

The criticism of social media is also timely. People can easily lose their careers or be publicly shamed all over the world by one mistaken or even false tweet. Judgment is swift and there are very rarely second chances. It's a dangerous technology and this book highlights the problems associated with it, even for totally innocent people with good intentions.

I love Carla Laureano's writing. This is highly recommended if you like light romances with some depth.

Rachel Bishop lives a chef’s dream life. She has won the James Beard Award and co-owns and runs a fine-dining restaurant. But when the media twists her words and they go viral, her reputation crumbles, her business partners push her out of the very restaurant she created, and the industry shuns her. Determined to get back on her feet and prove everyone wrong, she’ll do anything, including work with the very man who unintentionally destroyed her career.

When Alex Kanin wrote an editorial denouncing online criticism, he never dreamed that it would backfire. While it flamed his dwindling career, it shattered a stranger’s. Afflicted with guilt-induced writer’s block, he sets out to right the wrong and hopefully recapture his inspiration.

Utilizing Alex’s influential contacts and Rachel’s cooking skills, the pair form the Saturday Night Supper Club — an exclusive pop-up dinner. It soon becomes evident that more than just their reputations and careers hang on the line. Neither one counted on what getting to know the person behind their preconceived notions would do to their hearts.

Carla Laureano serves a decadent tale of love, hope, and second chances. Simmered to perfection, The Saturday Night Supper Club enchants the taste buds while challenging the reader to explore all flavors of life. As we learn through Rachel, sometimes closed opportunities are God’s way of ushering us into something much better.

Flawed, hurting, and resilient characters who search for identity and meaning resemble people you might know in real life or even the reflection in your mirror. At times, I questioned whether the lessons Rachel encountered were meant for her, or me. Of course, Laureano doesn’t disappoint in the romance department either. I gladly stepped into Rachel’s shoes and let Alex gaze into my eyes and steal a kiss or two.

The author deftly brings the setting to life, placing the reader smack-dab in the middle of Denver and its beckoning streets and landscapes. By the end of the novel, Melody and Ana, Rachel’s best friends, will have become yours too.

Whether you are a loyal fan of Laureano’s or new to the author, but love romances, the first installment of the Supper Club series is bound to satisfy your sweet tooth. However, be warned! Prepare to fight the urge to eat your way through the book.

Food.

That is the FIRST great thing about The Saturday Night Supper Club. My mouth was watering almost every single time I started reading. Every chapter is filled with delicious descriptions that made me want to jump on the next plane to Denver and try these fabulous food trucks for myself!

This story not only contains quality food references, but also a quality and genuine spiritual journey for both Rachel and Alex. It was tender and yet agonizing at the same time to watch them dance around their feelings for each other. I completely SWOON over Alex and his gentle and adoring way with Rachel. Rachel's stubbornness, authority, and strengths coupled with the pain and sorrow of her past...makes her a woman that anyone would admire and look up to. However, opening the door to her heart to allow others to see her in her most vulnerable place, is not easy...I don't think that is an easy thing for anyone to accomplish. Yet the results of being free in who God created us to be and letting the events of our past to shape us into the person we are today...are stunning.

I love, Love, LOVE this story. From Alex's sister to Rachel's best friends, each person has a rich and real character. The emotions that Rachel feels, the love that Alex shows, the depth of care that God shows, takes my breath away. Because I have seen God work in crazy, mind-blowing ways in my own life. This may be a fictional book, but the stories are ones that we can relate to. Stories that we see around us every day in the real world. Do not let man dictate who you should be, but let God mold you into the person He created you to be.

I received a complimentary copy of The Saturday Night Supper Club. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Rachel is at the pinnacle of her career as the executive chef of a rather exclusive restaurant in Denver. When a tabloid takes something that she said totally out of context and blasts it all over town, she loses what she's worked so hard for. And now she is without a place to cook. Alex Kanin is an essayist/author who publishes an article that goes viral and totally trashes Rachel's reputation. Alex asks Rachel's friends, Ana and Melody, where he can meet up with her to apologize. They do tell him where they know she'll be on a certain night. He shows up and tells her he'll do anything to make it right. Through a few conversations, Alex agrees to set up a few meetings with some of his friends who could be likely investors in a new restaurant. And then the Saturday Night Supper Club begins.

I've read a couple of Carla Laureano books before and they are always excellent. She weaves together a story that grips her readers from the first page to the last. She has a deft hand a pen to create such engaging stories. The only criticism I really have for this book is that Carla didn't include recipes that Rachel cooked in the book. However given my cooking abilities, it's not that big of a loss. Maybe I just want a real Rachel to come and cook for me. Right now I have soup on the stove that involved opening three cans and three packages.

This is a five star, two thumbs up, and a dinner at the Saturday Night Supper Club!

My thanks to Tyndale House Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

Carla Laureano has a new book and it is both clever and delicious. It is a great blend of romance, friendship, and great food. The food entices you to jump through the pages for dinner with friends and it has the kind of romance that makes you remember what it’s like to fall in love for the very first time.
This book is not just about romance, food and friendship, there is so much more to this story. Like a great chef, Ms. Laureano adds a dash of realism, and a dollop of being true to one's self to finish off the meal.
Both Rachel and Alex feel as if they have to prove something to be worthy. Through twists and turns some of their own doing they learn that they are worthy. A trap we all fall into from time to time. Instead of doing what we’re gifted to do and sharing that gift with others we pull back determined to prove we are worthy before we do what God has called us to do.
My bottom line:
This book is satisfying in romance, flirty banter, delicious food, but most importantly it satisfies the soul. Ms. Laureano with her wit and style points not only the characters but us the readers back to the only person that can truly satisfy our soul, Jesus Christ. He makes us worthy when we aren’t satisfying our God shaped vacuum meant only for Him.

This is the first book I’ve read by Carla Laureano and I’m glad I gave it a try. I enjoy watching cooking shows and reading cookbooks. Both of these interests were stoked in this book. I could picture every scene. When Rachel sorted through items at the market, I was right there with her. When she painstakingly planned a meal and tested recipes, it brought me back to planning my daughter’s graduation with 15+ cakes. It was fascinating to learn more about what all goes into starting a restaurant….planning themes for the food and décor and even how to present the menu. I loved getting a sneak peak into that world and into different trends in the restaurant world.
Rachel has two amazing friends who will drop everything to come to her aid. I appreciated their encouragement and support of Rachel and hope that future books in this series will feature them.
This book made me hungry and made me want to go eat at a high end restaurant and at a food truck. The story was interesting and kept me reading long into the night. I think it would have been cool to have a recipe or two in the back of the book; otherwise, I wouldn’t change a thing. I thought the concept of a supper club was neat. If you’re a foodie or someone who likes to cook, I’d highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Tyndale for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

A timely read

What happens when our words have unintended impact on social media? The Saturday Night Supper Club offers a contemporary plotline about how social media can impact relationships and jobs. The book is one part foodie fiction, one part social media impact, and one part romance. I learned a surprising amount about the food industry (I didn't realize the Beard award was a real award until this book), and it left me wanting more. I wanted to eat at Rachel's restaurant and taste the dishes that sounded delicious. I've never worked in a restaurant, so I found the restaurant and cooking descriptions fascinating. Of course, the social media plotline is relevant for anyone online. Within the first few pages, I knew The Saturday Night Supper Club would be a good read. I have read some of Ms. Laureano's previous books, and I have been looking forward to this release for a long time.

Carla Laureano put into words how food can bring people together. The Saturday Night Supper Club gives you insight into food and restaurants that will make everyone hungry. Rachel’s story is about how important friends are, learning how to open yourself up to love and new ideas about who you are and learning how to let go of the past.

Laureano's first book in her Supper Club series overflows with palate delights.
This is a book for foodies and non-foodies alike - replete with plenty of description of Rachel's cooking creations but also enough information for those uninformed or uninterested (me!) to keep their food-bearings throughout the novel. The story centers on Rachel Bishop and her fall from restaurant-grace. It's a believable plot considering the prevalence and power of news, tabloids, and social media today.
Rachel is a pleasant character, confident enough not to be weak but flawed enough to be real. Her insecurities despite being a talented and award-winning chef blend into the story well. Insecurity doesn't only reside in those who appear to be failures...and this was the part of the story that resonated most with me. I also appreciated Alex and his career as an essayist (unique!). He's a good supporting character. His own struggles are a little too foggy to be a main character on his own (he has too few lessons to learn), but he adds a lot to the story by accidentally creating casualties while he tries to do good.
The romance between Rachel and Alex is sweet and grows well. I will say there was less tension between the characters than I expected from the synopsis. I found their relationship to be realistic, albeit a little less entertaining than it would have been had further tension been added.
Overall this is a sweet story of a woman and her need to learn to discover her own desires - and how to best pursue those.

I don't consider myself much of a foodie. I love to eat out, and I especially get excited when I find a new favourite restaurant. Honestly though, I am not a fine dining fan, and even though it intrigues me, most of the food described in this book and on fancy menu's doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. I like my food to be hearty and homemade and more along the lines of the 'Saturday Night Supper Club 2.0' which you will get introduced to near the end of the book.

That aside, you do not need to understand or appreciate the fine dining scene to love this book. This was such a joy to read, as the author is a true artist. She is able to write these scenes with such a smooth flow that everything runs together like a beautiful song. The emotion. The sights, sounds and smells. The thoughts and feelings of the main players. Both Rachel & Alex are complex characters, with differing backgrounds. They give us an insight into the world they individually exist in, while pulling together that which unites them.

It's been several months since I read a contemporary fiction with as much appeal as this one. Not only was it a joy to read, but I lost myself in their world. The locations in Denver may have been fictional, though based on the authors choice of real life restaurants and eateries, but everything seems tangible, right down to the food on the plate.

I'm excited to see that this is 'book 1' because I'd love to see where we go next and with whom. I loved all the minor characters in this story, and everything they brought - Rachel's friends, added that element of true solidarity, companionship and support that filled the void left by her family. Alex's sister and friends - even his parents, gave a depth to his life that would have been a little bland without them.

Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review,

Loved it - tried to force myself to slow down and extend the the pleasure but finished it in 2 days despite dragging my feet.. The story pulls you in and you feel like the characters are your friends and you want to support them in their hopes and dreams. My dreams last night were about Rachel's menus - I think I may become a foodie!

I have to admit I was a little intimidated going into this book. I'm not much of a foodie or a cook. The only cooking show I've ever watched was MasterChef Jr. (Those kids are adorable and amazing!) But I loved Laureano's MacDonald Family books SO much that I knew I wanted to try this one. I'm so glad I did because it is amazing!

This book definitely fits the swoon-worthy romance category. I absolutely fell in love with Alex from the very beginning and only grew to love him more as the book went on. His commitment to making things right was the first of many things that made him undeniably attractive.

I've always loved strong female characters, so it wasn't hard to love Chef Rachel. I was so inspired by the hard work she put into getting herself to where she was professionally. But I was equally impressed by her spiritual growth. I loved that she was part detail oriented but also very good at adapting when things didn't go perfectly. That was a unique combination you don't find often.

Now for the foodie parts. I'll admit that a lot it was over my head. But I learned a lot of new foodie vocabulary (thanks to my Kindle and hover over definitions!) and it was cool to read about such fancy fare. I enjoyed the scenes with food more than I expected to.

I also appreciated Laureano giving Alex an interesting hobby which also forced me to learn some adventurous vocabulary. The detail with which his climbs were told was amazing. I almost felt like I was there.

The romance in this book was so wonderful. Great kissing scenes and some really great flirting. But as much as I loved the romance and the kissing and flirting I really loved that prayer, journaling, and commitment to God were included as well. I love characters that seek God. This book was filled with wisdom and spiritual growth that really gave the book a depth that made it stand out from some other books I've read lately.

So, all that said...whether you're a foodie or not (like me!) please pick up this book - you won't regret it!

I received an advanced copy of this book from Tyndale through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

A charming story of food, friendship and romance. The descriptions of food certainly made me peckish. A pleasant, holiday read. Carla Laureano writes in a way that pulled me in to the narrative. The characters were well formed and interesting, with depth and variety.

SCINTILLATING!

The Saturday Night Supper Club is mesmerizing from start to finish! Carla Laureano has written an exquisite novel that is truly captivating! These are bold statements but I can attest they are true statements. This is one of those rare books that grabs your heart at the beginning and will not let it go until the last sentence.


The plot is complex as it delves into the lives of Chef Rachel Bishop and writer Alex Kanin. Their lives begin an inextricable link when Kanin writes a column in the WSJ that makes a stand against Bishop’s recent treatment by a notorious Food Critic. The power of the pen causes devastating consequences and Kanin feels compelled to do whatever he needs to do to correct this wrong. Out of the ashes of her former brilliant career, the Saturday Night Supper Club is created to provide opportunities for showcasing Rachel’s talent.


Laureano’s flawless character descriptions and continued character development have you feeling as though you know each of them intimately and cause you to desire to spend more time with them. Her imagery in describing the details of the cooking scenes will have you helping choose the fresh local vegetables, seeing the placement on the plates, tasting every morsel as she describes it in luscious details and leaves you desperately wanting to sign up as a participant in the next Saturday Night Supper Club!


This book has it all - family dynamics, career upheaval, treasured friends (that are like family), life choices, much introspection (that makes the reader think as well), learning that honesty about who you are is invaluable to where you are going, fabulous food scenes, a beautiful love story waiting to work itself out and an understanding of God’s providence without being overly religious.

I was provided an ARC by the Publisher. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and are without influence.

Another excellent book by Carla. If you like foodie books then this is one you won't want to miss. Follow Rachel, and her guests, as she starts up a Saturday Night Dinner club. I love the descriptions of the foods Rachel prepares and the restaurants she frequents.

Food and friendship are the perfect sides to this delicious and delightful read from author Carla Laureano.
Rachel Bishop’s dream of owning her own restaurant has come true, and the reviews and full house confirm its success. But that dream is quickly washed away with a few misplaced words taken out of context. Now Rachel finds herself without a job and without purpose. Alex Kanin’s writing career is finally taking off after floundering but at the expense of someone he’s never met and never intended to harm. In an attempt to make amends, he tracks Rachel down and offers his assistance.
As Rachel and Alex spend time together preparing for the inaugural Saturday Night Supper Club, they come to see each other for more than their first impressions. With very different upbringings, each of them appreciates the obstacles the other has overcome to obtain the success they now have. Oh, and there’s plenty of heat and attraction.
And while Alex and Rachel are the meat of this story, Melody and Anna add the perfect complement.
Prepare your book reading snacks, expect to want to go buy a cookbook or two when you’re finished, and enjoy the ride in the middle. I’m already looking forward to the next one in this series!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I have loved every one of Laureano's books and I couldn't wait to dig in to this first book in her new series. Having followed Laureano on social media for a long time, I knew she was a foodie and that her knowledge would make this book realistic and enjoyable. She certainly didn't disappoint! I loved the characters, the writing is superb, and it kept me turning pages long into the night. I finished The Saturday Night Supper Club in basically one sitting and loved every page. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

This book will make you hungry. It will make you want to get together with your girlfriends to chat and just enjoy each others company. It will also make you dream of fancy dinners on a balcony with a fantastic view of a sunset that seems to have come out from a painting.

Carla Laureano graciously dwelled into sensitive subjects and gently brought into topics currently trending that, as much as they promise justice, in my opinion, are actually drawing a dangerous line between "them and us". The author discreetly dwelled into this (it may not even have been her intention, but it made me think about this), without naming anything, but just challenging the pillars of life we stand upon about What is it mean to be equal? does finding for space in an easy-to-discriminate-world always means choosing opposite sides or is there a balanced partnership to be found?

Rachel Bishop is a talented award-winning cook. She's all in when it comes to her job. It takes up her full life and she's fine living this way. She has found safety in the kitchen since it once sheltered her during a difficult time in her life, and since then she has never looked back, only kept going, kept fighting to grow as a chef. So she has a sense of security in her work that makes her capable of ignoring coarse opinions and confident enough to not have to advertise her personal image too much to attract clients. She knows the quality of her food will keep people coming.

But this supposedly discreet side of her hides an insecurity so deep she might not even be aware of how much it has been keeping her from truly living. Until one day she loses everything and has to rebuild her career, her reputation, and her influence. What she doesn't expect is that the perfect person to help her do so is talented writer Alex Kanin, whose essay actually got her in trouble in the first place.

Their relationship built slowly but surely. It was endearing and sweet. But, as much as Rachel saw her walls coming down whenever she was around Alex, she still questioned when disappointment would come and she would wake up from this wonderful dream. Still, once you get to truly know yourself and feel a sense of peaceful rightness, she might just see where success authentically stands on, and discover that fallbacks and failure can be dealt with so much grace and hope to allow you to dream again.

I have been a fan of Carla Laureano since I read her first book. Nothing has changed since then. I eager await each book she releases because I know I'm in for a good read. This one surely whets the appetite (pun intended) for the next books in this series.

Her main characters are completely believable, as well as the secondary characters, some of which I'm assuming will have their own book in the series. At least, I hope so. The setting is Denver, CO and also well done. Her main female protagonist, Rachel, is a chef and let me tell you, I believe I gained weight reading all the wonderful dishes she created! I enjoyed very much learning about the restaurant business and how it all worked. It was fascinating!

Then, Laureano explores her characters' emotional depths to a great degree here as well. I sincerely felt deeply for Rachel as she went through the trials that came her way in her life. The author goes into detail about these characters' lives, both outside and inside, and I thoroughly enjoyed that. It all makes the reader understand not only the character, but the entire book better.

And then there's the romance part of the book. Perfectly done! And the spiritual aspect: trust God, seek His will and let Him lead and guide you and He will truly give you His best. Of course, that's not ever going to be the way we travel and it's certainly not always the least painful way, but it IS the best way.

I enjoyed this very much and I look forward to the next books Carla Laureano has to offer. I'm a forever fan.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers via Net Galley. My opinions are entirely my own.