This book wasn’t written for me. I didn’t resonate with any of the characters but that doesn’t mean this is a “bad” book by any means. It flowed well, the dialogue was great between characters.

Buckle up for a hilarious and heartwarming rollercoaster ride because "Effie Olsen's Summer Special" by Rochelle Bilow is like a lobster roll for your soul! I picked up this book on a whim (thank you, Berkley, for the unexpected gem!), and boy, was I in for a treat.

Effie and Ernie, childhood friends with more history than a library, reunite after a whopping sixteen years, and folks, it's more entertaining than a game of bingo at the retirement home. Their bucket list dates are pure genius, and I've officially added "summer island escapades" to my own must-do list.

Now, onto the nitty-gritty. I'm giving mad props to Bilow for steering clear of the dreaded third-act breakup. No tear-stained tissues here—just gratitude and a vow to read everything she writes as a token of appreciation. This is an absolute delight—a clean slate, second-chance romance combined with the friends-to-lovers trope.

In the grand banquet of "Effie Olsen's Summer Special," you'll feast on heartwarming hometown vibes, savor the romantic reunion of Effie and Ernie, and nibble on a mystery that keeps you guessing. Rochelle Bilow's recipe for a summer read blends nostalgia, romance, and a dash of intrigue—all served with a side of small-town charm. So, dear readers, dig into this delightful dish and let the flavors of love and rediscovery dance on your palate. Your summer escapade awaits!

Again, special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this heartwarming book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

Someone better explain why I am kicking my feet and squealing over a man named ERNIE.

It's rare I get to be the first written review for a book on goodreads, so I will instantly assure you that I loved this! Maybe it was just the palate cleanser I needed, but I inhaled this book faster than any of the shorter ones I've read this month. It was well-written, nicely paced, had a neat food industry angle, and was perfectly atmospheric with a small-town second chance seaside romance.

I'm genuinely shocked by how much I loved Effie and Ernie. I requested an early copy on a whim (many thanks to Berkley for approving me for once!) and not gonna lie, if I had read the description beforehand I probably would have skipped over a book with characters named after senior citizens. That said, I really did like these two. They have a big history together as childhood friends, and it was so entertaining seeing them come back together almost two decades later and get reacquainted with each other. Their little bucket list dates were a great vessel for that. The explicit scenes were admittedly not the best, but there was a sexting scene that literally every other romance author needs to take notes on.

What kept this from being a five star read for me, however, was the ending. Don't get me wrong, mad respect for the no third act break up. Like, I will read everything Bilow puts out after this as a way to show my gratitude for that not happening here. However, there were some decisions made in the last ten percent that I did not jive with. It felt a little confusing given how the story had unfolded, but that's just me.

Definitely popping back into Bilow's backlist to read her debut now!

"Effie Olsen's Summer Special" by Rochelle Bilow offers a heartwarming and inviting story of rediscovering one's roots and rekindling old friendships. Effie Olsen's journey from a globe-trotting chef to returning to her Maine hometown is filled with the promise of redemption and healing.

The picturesque setting of the tiny Maine island, with its renowned restaurant, Brown Butter, provides a captivating backdrop for the story. Effie's return to her childhood home and her reunion with Ernie Callahan, her former best friend, give the plot a sense of nostalgia and a second chance at both love and a dream job.

The complex emotions and tensions surrounding Effie's past and her desire to set down roots are relatable and add depth to her character. The blossoming romance between Effie and Ernie is sweet and tender, and the small-town charm of Alder Isle shines through in the narrative.
The mystery hinted at with Brown Butter's secret adds a layer of intrigue to the plot, creating anticipation and curiosity. This plot element, along with the beautifully described Maine coast, is sure to draw readers into the story.

"Effie Olsen's Summer Special" appears to be a delightful summer read, filled with nostalgia, romance, and a touch of mystery. It explores themes of second chances, hometown connections, and the power of the heart to lead the way. Fans of contemporary romance and stories set in charming seaside towns are likely to enjoy this tale of love and rediscovery.

This felt fresh, wonderful and addictive; with the witty heroine and a charmingly alluring hero; tied together with one swoony, unputdownable romance. One ravishing read, for sure.