This charming book hooked me from the start. I loved the author’s confident writing style and engaging narrative about three women with personal crises who bond over cooking.

Trista, a fired attorney, starts a cookbook club to test recipes for the bar she’s bought. Margo, just dumped by her husband, joins the club to indulge her love of cooking and to make friends. Aja discovers she’s pregnant with her rich boyfriend’s baby. His mother is highly judgmental and he’s never talked about commitment.

Cooking, of course, plays a huge role, with mouthwatering meals devoured throughout and even a recipe section at the end. I saw it as a metaphor for growth, by taking what you know (old recipes) and adding new spices and fresh ingredients for a more sumptuous taste.

Renovation plays a role, too, as Trista’s bar and Margo’s old farm get amazing redos. Both reflect the depth of change each woman undergoes.

I felt part of the club, rooting for each woman, wanting happy endings for all. Alas, the denouement seemed too abrupt for me. Only Margo’s new life was explored to any extent, leaving me wanting so much more. Sequel? I sure hope so!

4 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 20 Oct 2020

Thanks to the author, HarperCollins Publishers, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#TheCookbookClub #NetGalley

I received a free ebook of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

When I saw the title of this, and the author, I knew I wanted to read it. I collect cookbooks and I have read and enjoyed other books by Beth Harbison. This one did not disappoint.

Three very different women, each finding themselves at a crossroads in their lives for very different reasons, come together at a cookbook club. Margo was just dumped by her husband and is in the throes of a divorce. Aja is unexpectedly pregnant and not in a relationship with the father at this point. Trista has left behind her law career and done a complete life about face by opening a bar. The novel follows each of the women as they face their personal challenges. I appreciated that this was not ridiculously sweet or sassy; the characters had more of a realistic feel to them.

Good women’s fiction read exploring themes of friendship, second chances, and family.