I enjoyed this so much! The idea of women coming together and using their mutual love of food and cookbooks is not only relatable but really paints a vivid picture of something so many of us are missing during this season of Covid. The characters are all women I'd enjoy being around - I particularly loved Margo and her falling down farmhouse drama; and Trista, a fearless former lawyer who gave up security to follow a dream.

The Cookbook Club by Beth Harbison is a fun, light read about 3 women who bond over food and form a friendship. Trista, a former lawyer, buys a bar and decides to form a cookbook club as a way to try out recipes for the bar. She advertises the cookbook club on social media. Margo, whose husband has just left her, and Aja, who is alone and pregnant, answer the ad. The story of how each woman starts over is interspersed with wonderful descriptions of food. (If you get hungry and want to try the recipes, don’t despair! The recipes are included at the end of the book!)

I enjoyed the book, however, I expected that there would have been more of a focus on the women’s relationships with each other and how they supported each other with each of their personal issues. Each chapter focused on a character, telling that specific character’s story. Every once in awhile, the characters came together. The reader does not experience their developing bond at all.

The characters are likeable. I was interested in each of their stories, however, some of the plot-lines felt unfinished. I’d like to know what happened with some of the relationships with other characters. The book ended abruptly. Perhaps there will be a sequel or this could be a start of a series?? If Beth Harbison did decide to write a series based on these characters, I would definitely read it. I grew to care about these characters and would like to see what happens in their futures.

Overall, I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a light-hearted quick read with relatable characters, a touch of romance, and mouth-watering descriptions of food.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher of The Cookbook Club for providing me with an ARC of this book.

The story centered around three very different women all starting over with their lives. Coming together with food in the forefront bonds the group. They form a fast friendship that is enjoyable to see. Margo, I felt was a little too silly. Foodies will definitely enjoy this book, especially the recipes.

The Cookbook Club pulled me in right away with 3 compelling characters as well as great food description. I found myself bookmarking mentions of cookbooks so I could go back later and pick them up. I love seeing the inside workings of different jobs, and it was fun to see Trista get her bar up and running.

One of the stars of this book is the recipes and mentions of food peppered throughout the novel. If you didn't know, Beth Harbison once held the lofty position of DC chef. She even offers delicious recipes at the end of the novel and insight about her cooking life and the story she wrote that incorporates those elements from her life.

Ending a loveless marriage, Margo joins a cookbook club and meets Trista, a former lawyer and current struggling restaurateur, and Aja, a young yoga instructor, who is hiding a pregnancy. They get involved with each other's lives through this club while they're all at turning points in their lives. As you would suspect, they forge strong bonds with each other and really act as a trio of support. Unexpected romances bloom, businesses change and grow, and the friends guide each other through them.

I never miss a Beth Harbison novel. Generally, they are light and humorous but without fluff, and you can relate to her characters. The structure of this novel reflects her other ones in that a group of friends or relatives, whether new and unlikely or a solid crew, get through the tough times and persevere. This is a quick read with likeable characters, and a perfect one to tuck in your beach bag.

One issue I had with the book is that two main characters who become friends share some coincidences that do not unfold until right at the end of the book. I wish it was hinted at earlier in the book and then gradually brought to light. I also thought one of the love interests for the one woman could have been more multi-dimensional. Also, one character needed a much bigger comeuppance and confrontation--that seemed a little unfinished.

I have to say, though, that I really like her style of writing and not everything focuses on romance, but it doesn't dismiss it either. She presents strong characters with interesting lives, and I enjoyed this. I was so excited to read it, and I think this will appeal to those who love women's fiction and who enjoy cooking or eating like me!

4.5 stars

Thank you Net Galley for letting me read The Cookbook Club so I can honestly review it.

This was a hit for me. This isn't so much about the club as it is about the lives of the three women in the club. I think that is why I enjoyed it so much. I really like numerous perspectives. Their lives were relatable and the stories lines were fun. This is a light, but introspective book that I would recommend for anyone wanting to read for enjoyment.

Three women from different walks of life find friendship when they need it most. Trista Walker leaves her position as an attorney to open a pub/restaurant. In a fun way to test recipes, she sends out a invitation for a cookbook club. Margo's husband has just left her and cooking is a joy in her life that sustains this sudden change in her life. She decides to join the club. Aja is a pregnant yoga instructor who is having trouble telling the baby's father or his mother about her pregnancy. Food as a source for the soul as well as the body is extolled in this uplifting story.

I super wanted to love this because of the awesome premise, but the writing style is just not clicking. Wouldn't be fair to the book if I finished and rated it lowly. DNF.

Sweet and charming. A recommended first purchase for collections where foodie women's fiction is popular. Will please fans of Amy Reichart and Erica Bauermeister.

Beth Harbison's The Cookbook Club is charming, full of friendship, and humor.

Margo, Aja, and Trista are all facing a upheaval, endings, and beginnings. Margo's marriage is over, Aja is pregnant, and Trista is leaving her law firm and starting a restaurant. They meet at the Cookbook Club and the story is uplifting and a light hearted read. Including recipes at the end! Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

Lovely story a book about women’s friendship,a delicious book about food.A really wonderful warm read enjoyed it from beginning to end.#netgalley#thecookbookclub

Margo, Aja, and Trista are all facing a turbulent time in their lives. Margo's marriage is suddenly over, Aja is unexpectedly pregnant, and Trista is starting life over as a restaurateur after being fired from her law firm. The three women's lives intersect when Margo and Aja attend Trista's cookbook club meeting. As time marches on, these women find fulfillment where they least expect it.

There are many things appealing about this book: the food, the recipes, the strength of the women characters. I enjoyed most of the characters, especially Aja and Trista. Aja's journey through an unexpected pregnancy was especially interesting.

The book fell a bit flat for me. The first half of the book I could not stand Margo. When a chapter about her began, I found myself rolling my eyes. I feel as though the characters were interesting enough that this book could have been three separate books in a series, with each on centering on one of the main characters of the book. Instead, we got three less fleshed out stories in one short book.

There are several inconsistencies throughout the book that were major enough that it made the book less satisfying. The book opens with Margo having book club with her husband's co-workers' wives who know all about a promotion to San Francisco for Margo's husband that Margo had no idea about. But later in the book, Margo is informed that her husband was fired from that same firm over a year prior. So, was he actually promoted or was he fired? Also, Michael tells his mother that there are no children at her house, when he knows that there is, in fact, at least one that they both know about. I have no problem suspending belief while reading a book, but when an author contradicts two plot lines within a book, it's hard to reconcile.

Overall, it wasn't a bad read. It was light and fluffy and overall engaging. I wouldn't tell anyone to rush out and read it, but I also wouldn't say don't bother.

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read the uncorrected proof of this book.

Beth Harbison always does a wonderful job weaving the stories of her characters so everyone is connected. I thoroughly enjoyed the first cookbook club meeting but was slightly disappointed that the rest of the meetings were summed up in Trista's notes. The individual character stories were interesting, but would have loved reading more about Aja, Trista and Margo testing out their recipes together. I laughed out loud during the rat scene and wished Trista and Brice had more time to develop their story, rather than leaving it up to my imagination what happened next. Quick, fun read that left me wanting more at the end. I will definitely copy some of the recipes included in the end, especially the hot sauce!

Enjoyed this book about the healing qualities of good food and good friendship. I enjoy books about people going through difficult transitions that have amazing friends to boost them up. I enjoy this author vey much and I really really liked this one. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

A delightful look at friendships amid a Cookbook Club. Really fun!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

A feel good book about women creating friendships and wonderful food in a cookbook club. A light hearted feel good book perfect for these times.

The Cookbook Club
A Novel of Food and Friendship
by Beth Harbison
HarperCollins Publishers
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
William Morrow Paperbacks
General Fiction (Adult) | Humor | Women's Fiction
Pub Date 20 Oct 2020 | Archive Date 15 Dec 2020

I found this book to be encouraging and a delight to read. Don't friends, good food and wine help us all with the troubles of life. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins publishers for the ARC.

3 star

Margo has been married for ten years. Calvin is worried about his weight. Margo sometimes gets tired of bland food and routine. Margo is part of a book club. Calvin decides he wants to end the marriage and move alone.

I didn't like the cussing. I enjoy reading about Margo's cooking.Trista is the owner of the book club. She use to work at a law firm and now struggling for funds for even the book club meals.the pace started to pick up. I loved the different points of view. Max wants to be a caretaker for Margo's house.

Shortly after I began this book I thought I'd picked a dud but the plot soon picked up the pace and changed into something that many of us could recognize - situations where life pulls the rug out from under you and friends that help you find your feet again. These particular (new) friends came bearing fabulous home cooked dishes chosen from the cookbook of the week. Wine, excellent food, support and laughter can make any upsetting life change easier to overcome, as it did for these new friends finding their way to a new life. I actually wish the book had been longer. 3+1/2 stars.

The Cookbook Club was a quick enjoyable read. Perfect for a cool weekend sitting by the fire....I kept feeling as if I should hop up and cook some of the delicious sounding recipes (many of which are included). The novel is about three women who, during a major upheaval in each of their lives, find comfort and support through a book club. Specifically a cookbook club where at each of the club meetings the woman bring items from their favorite cookbooks. Through these encounters the woman share their worries and gain confidence in their cooking successes. I always enjoy a Beth Harbison book and this was no exception.