A recipe box for your thirteenth birthday is probably not what most teenagers would request as a birthday present. But this recipe box helps Sammantha "Sam" Mullins understand the choices that her mother, Deana, and grandmother, Willo, faced. Each recipe reveals family history and choices that Deana and Willo made. I really enjoy Viola Shipman's stories, it's great to have a feel good story to enjoy on gray days. The Recipe Box focuses on food, family and the special bond between grandmother and grandchild. Fans of Viola Shipman will want to read this latest story. Each recipe that was featured is included at the back of the book and they all sound delicious! Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Really loved this one!
Five Stars: A delightful and delicious book that is all about love, family, roots and wings.

Sam trudges to work. It is early in the morning, but New York City is awake and buzzing. Why does she feel this knot of dread in her stomach every day when she arrives at what is supposedly her dream job? Today is different. The cute little bakery is dark and quiet. A note from the head pastry chef alerting their ridiculous boss that she is quitting is the way Sam starts her day. Things go from bad to worse when Chef Dimples acts like the pompous fake he is, leaving Sam no choice but to quit. Tail between her legs, Sam slinks home to her family’s orchard and pie shop. While Sam is home, she reconnects with her family, her roots and her heritage all courtesy of her family recipe box. Each recipe is a tried and true and each one has a story. Will Sam find her way?
What I Liked:
*The Recipe Box is a charming, sweet treat that I absolutely adored. I was enchanted by the recipe box and the familial stories that were tied into each of the recipes. This is a story about life, love, family and baking. The best part is that the book is packed with mouth watering, scrumptious recipes.
*I loved that this novel was all about family and roots. The book is filled with small stories about the women in Sam’s family, from her great great grandmother, Alice, her great grandmother, Madge, her beloved grandmother, Willo, and her own mother. Each woman was instrumental in making sure the family orchard survived for the next generation, and each woman added her own recipes and stories to the treasured recipe box. It was a joy to uncover each recipe and to learn the story behind each recipe card in the box.
*This story is a loose collection of familial stories woven around the main story arc that follows Sam as she battles with her personal choices. Will she continue to seek out the world and reach for big city dreams, or will she find love and return to her roots? I think everyone goes through a point in their life when they struggle to find their place and their path. I enjoyed following Sam’s journey.
*I loved the strong female characters in this book. Each of the women in the book somehow found a way to save the family orchard during hard times such as the depression and war time, bad weather, illness and death, and the ever changing economy of agriculture. The women made the orchard run, and they did it with luck, love and sheer determination as well as a few sweet treats and recipe boxes.
*I was enchanted by the concept of the recipe box. The women believed that baking was an act of love, and they treasured the recipes passed down from woman to woman in the family. I recall watching my own grandmothers bake as a girl, and I am sad that many of my paternal grandmother’s recipes are lost as she mainly cooked and baked from memory. What a treasure it would be to have a recipe box loaded with recipes from my female ancestors.
*One of the best parts of this book for me was the delicious recipes. There were some yummy recipes in this book, and I am more than anxious to try them. I loved that at the end of the book, the author shared the true story behind each and every recipe. Make sure you read the author’s notes.
*The ending is nostalgic and wonderful. It was perfect.
And The Not So Much:
*I loved the women in this book, but I have to admit, I struggled with Sam, the main character. She is constantly pushing away people in her life, especially those who care the most about her, whether it be her family, a man who adores her or her childhood boyfriend. I wish she had been warmer and more endearing.
*I was drawn in by so many of the stories about the women who came before, and there were numerous times after a story completed, that I was left wanting more. I especially wanted more of Grandma Willo’s stories. I couldn’t get enough.
*The romance was a bit of a miss for me, and I think because it lacked spark because one of the participants is closed off and unwilling to open up and take a chance. The other put themselves out there over and over only to be shut down. That drove me nuts!

The Recipe Box was the perfect pick me up, feel good read that I have been craving. This book has so much heart and soul. It is all about family, roots, heart, home and recipes. If you want a book with scrumptious recipes and a wonderful story, this is one to grab. This will be a favorite on my shelf.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

My Rating: 4 stars

This is the second book I’ve read by Viola Shipman and so far, this is definitely my favorite out of the two. Last year, I had the opportunity to read this author’s second novel The Hope Chest and while it was an enjoyable read for me, it didn’t capture my heart like this third book The Recipe Box did. At the heart of this book was a wonderful story about family, love, relationships, identity, and one of my favorite topics : FOOD -- not just any food though – pies, cakes, tarts, cookies, and all manner of delicious baked goods! The story centers around Sam, a young sous-chef for a fancy bakery in New York who ends up quitting her job and returns home to Michigan, where her family owns an orchard and pie shop. Having grown up on the orchard surrounded by a loving family as well as the two women who inspired her love of baking – her mother Deana and her grandmother Willo – Sam returns to her childhood home to “lick her wounds,” sort out the mess she made of her life, and hopefully gain some clarity on the next steps for her future. Sam is welcomed back with open arms and quickly falls back in step with working at the orchard alongside the women in her life who had always meant so much to her – together, as they work through the recipes in the family’s recipe box, Sam not only develops a deeper understanding of her family’s treasured history and legacy, she also embarks on a journey of self-discovery that reignites her passion for baking as well as opens her heart to love.

I enjoyed this gem of a story that was filled with characters I adored from the start! I love stories about strong, smart, independent-minded women and this story had plenty of them – from Sam to Deana to Willo, also the generations that came before them with Madge and Alice, even though not mentioned as much but yet still so important to the story, I loved all these women! With well-written and descriptive prose, the story was incredibly atmospheric, to the point that I felt as though I was transported to the Mullins family orchard right from the very first page. In fact, I would say that the setting of the orchard (and pie pantry) became actual “characters” for me, coming vividly alive as the story unfolded and we learned more and more about Sam and her family with each chapter. I felt that the story itself was lovely and heartwarming, though yes it was a bit predictable and perhaps a little too saccharine and sweet, but that’s fine because it was the perfect escape for me after a series of heavier reads and also me dealing with a few rough patches in my own life. From the moment I started reading, I was expecting a light-hearted, feel good story with a plot that wasn’t too complicated and also characters I could possibly relate to – I ended up getting that and much, much more! Included at the end of each chapter was the recipe – ingredients and step-by-step instructions – for making each of the desserts featured in the story, which was a lovely surprise and an aspect of this book that I loved! In addition, I also enjoyed reading about the origin of each recipe as well as explanation of the real-life significance behind each dessert in the author’s note at the end of the book. Even though I most likely won’t attempt to make these desserts myself due to the fact that I’m a lousy cook and an even worse baker, I am also blessed to have wonderful women in my family who are fantastic when it comes to turning food into delectable creations so I know for sure they will enjoy trying these recipes out!

I recently found out that Viola Shipman is actually the pen name for Wade Rouse, a male author who writes under his grandmother’s name to honor her. Just like with his two previous novels The Charm Bracelet and The Hope Chest, this book The Recipe Box was also inspired by one of his grandmother’s heirlooms that was passed down to him. As he writes in his author’s note, this book “is a tribute to our elders, especially the women in our lives whose voices were often overlooked in their lifetimes.” What a wonderful way to honor his grandmother and also remind us as readers to treasure the elders in our lives and continue to pass along their love, lessons, family stories, and heirlooms to those we love as well! Wonderful book and definitely a highly recommended read!

Received ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley.

Viola Shipman does such an incredible job of weaving together a tale of family history and love cultivated in the kitchen. I have always believed that the kitchen is the heart of a home and thought my experience of passed down cookbooks and secret ingredients was unique to me and my family but I loved reading about another family that generations over have cherished the same flavors.
Everyone has a moment where they understand why their parents made the choices they did, and Sam Mullins gets a chance to understand and admire the choices the women in her family have made for years and years. She learns that her hardships and struggles to find purpose are the same as theirs. And while the times have changed, the heart of their family values gives great direction and comfort to her while cultivating a closer relationship with her loved ones.

For many of us, memories are formed around food. In The Recipe Box, Ms. Shipman merges the story of Sam's finding herself with cherished family recipes and the stories surrounding them. Ultimately, she finds that she had spent years running from herself and had to return home to reconnect and find the path she was meant to walk.

Overall, this was a delight to read and I appreciated the inclusion of recipes along the way.

A well-written story that will make you feel good and warm your heart. Story was great but just a little too sugary sweet for me.

Title: The Repice Box

Author: Viola Shipman

Chapters: 36 Plus Epilogue

Pages: 336

Genre: women’s fiction

Rating: 3.5 stars

In the Recipe Box by Viola Shipman Sam doesn't really know what's she's doing with her life. She left her small town in Michigan for culinary school in the Big Apple. She's always enjoyed baking it seems to be in her blood. She has recipe's and her own recipe box handed down to her when she turned 13 from her mother and grandmother.
The main purpose of the novel and focus of the novel is the recipe box and recipes. As well as the family orchard and Sam's baking. I enjoyed the dual timelines in the box. While the main story takes place in the present focusing on Sam and her journey. The novel does going back in time so to speak and includes the stories of Sam relatives when they were younger.
While I didn't love the book I did enjoy the story and the lessons that can be gleamed from the book. I do plan to read something else from Viola Shipman in the future.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I was in the mood for a feel-good story, and I knew what I was getting with a Viola Shipman novel. I think it's so interesting it's written by a man using his grandmother's name. This is a sweet story about generations of women who have worked hard to build up an orchard in Suttons Bay, Michigan. The story centers around the granddaughter, who is torn between baking in New York and being with her family. It does bother me that the author inserts an insane amount of random facts about Michigan into his stories (though I like some of them!), but overall, it was exactly what I needed after reading too many thrillers and depressing stories.

This is a beautiful and charming book. This book tells the story of Sam, a twenty something pastry chef, and her search to find what she truly wants in life. Sam grew up in Michigan on her family's orchard which is also the family business. Not sure if she wants to follow other generations in her family and stay and work at the orchard and bakery she heads to NYC to go to culinary school. After leaving her pastry chef job there she heads home for a break and to try and discover what will fulfill her and make her happy. Stories and recipes have been passed down through the generations of women in her family and once she arrives home her grandmother and mother tell her more stories of family history she was unaware of. There are lovely bonds between all the women in the book whether through family ties or friendship. The issue of migrant workers and their struggles is touched upon in the book which I was happy to see. As Sam continues to search for answers her family emboldens her telling her that change is good and to follow whatever path in life makes you happy. Angelo is the love interest in the story and he also provides more clarity and insights for Sam. The descriptions of the baking and the fruit are vibrant and mouth watering. The beauty of Michigan is described in detail with some of the history of certain places also added. All in all a very charming book. Extra bonus - the recipes for the baking are also interspersed throughout the book.

Wonderful book that reminds me of bygone days. This is the first book that I’ve read by Ms. Shipman but it won’t be the last.

Well written with wonderful characters. At first I had issues getting into it. The reference to apple's and apple trees were endless and repetitive, but as the story unfolded it got much better. I loved the family bond and how they would welcome everyone in. A very sweet and warm story to make you smile....oh and bring a fork..there are lots of very awesome recipes in there!

This is a charming story about Samantha moving back home to small town Michigan from her temporary pastry chef stint in NYC. Though her big city boss was a total jerk, Samantha did leave behind good friends and big dreams.

She didn’t realize that her dreams could be fulfilled in Michigan if she’d only give it a chance. Back at her family’s orchard, Samantha spent time with her mom and grandmother, finding out little by little just how special the family recipe box was. I loved how her two worlds collided via the recipe box, giving Samantha the opportunity of a lifetime – if she decided to take it.

I loved the orchard setting, the convivial relationships among the women, persistent Angelo, and that awesome recipe box. I couldn’t quite identify with Samantha’s personal struggles, and the story was fairly predictable, but in the end I was satisfied — much like I am when hearing the expected crunch of an apple. All good stuff. https://randombookmuses.com/2018/03/31/review-the-recipe-box-by-viola-shipman/

I really wanted to like the book. Up until the judgemental bit about the girls "using foul language". Ugh. Seriously? I was done right then and there.

This book was about what I expected. It was a nice story but a bit too saccharine and repetitive to really hook me. I gave it a try because I like multi-timeline stories and stories with food, and I definitely think that many people will love this. It does have a lot of heart and a few well-drawn characters (though many others are flat plot devices), but just too simplistic in terms of conflict and plotting for me. Many of the recipes, however, I would love to try baking!

Again, this is definitely a winner - for the right audience.

This is a 3+ rating. This was worthwhile to me for the recipes alone, and the descriptions of parts of Michigan that are familiar to me, were memory-evoking. There are times the writing and descriptors feel a little forced. I'm afraid the story line alone wouldn't do it for me. It is, however, a book that is sweet and chaste, and won't offend anyone.

Sad to say I think I'm the odd one out on this one. It moved back and forth in time too much for me (and an epilogue set in 2068? really?) and therefore I didn't feel as though I got to know any of the characters particularly well. I understand the structure- each section is built around three different generations baking the same thing- but I would have liked more of a narrative thread. Sam's fine, I knew from the start how things would end up with Angelo, and all in all, I expect others will enjoy this more than I did. I did like the recipes but I have to admit I had to look up what baking spice is despite having baked for many many years. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Such a heartfelt story of a girl named Samantha who left the family business to begin her career as a sous chef. After all the disappointment and struggles life has to offer, she realizes how important the women in her family are, and how recipes and their love of food bonds them all. Very warm, down to earth story from the heart. Highly recommend!

The Recipe Box is a novel steeped in family traditions with a sprinkling of romance and a dash of self discovery mixed in. Sam is trying to make her way as a pastry chef in New York while she tries to move past the mark of her family's orchard in Michigan. When things in New York suddenly take a turn, Sam returns home, but is it for a brief visit or is it her turn to head up the family orchard business? As Sam struggles to define herself and her future, she turns to what she loves best - cooking. All the women in her family have an exact copy of a recipe box that is filled with all the family's favorite recipes and it is through these recipes that Sam begins to find her way and see different paths to a bright future.

Viola Shipman's novels take me back to a place where I can feel the past generations of the women in my family looking down on me and reminding me of all the wonderful family traditions we have had, whether it be the meaning behind family jewelry (The Charm Bracelet), the memories behind our family heirlooms (The Hope Chest) or the stories behind our family's favorite dishes (The Recipe Box). As always, I enjoyed this book journey and look forward to the next Viola Shipman novel.

Book club members, take note. The Recipe Box would make a fun book club selection that could be enhanced by making and sharing the recipes included in the book, and maybe making one of your family favorites too.

I received this book courtesy of St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Roots, individual (and family) strength and recipes fill the pages of this saga. Sam left Suttons Bay and her family to seek her independence and her place in the world. Returning home, she felt like a failure...
Enjoyed this inspirational romance. Generations are shared thru this family. Loved Willo, Deana, Gary and Angelo, the history and recipes. Slow moving and repetitive, at times. Good read. 3 1/2 stars.
Voluntarily read ARC, thru Netgalley and publisher, for honest review.