Realistic fanfare about an outcast character. Would have loved it more with a focus on the engaged couple rather than the Jain character fighting to be loved and accepted by a family that didn’t want her.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the Advanced Copy!

This book was my first read from Robinson, and I'm glad to have read it. This novel was an important commentary of family dynamics and race, and I honestly look forward to the release of this book (so I can buy a copy of it lol).

Other than that, I felt that the pacing was a bit off, but other than that, I really enjoyed this novel and I am already recommending it to everyone I know in advance.

I’ve read Shauna Robinson’s work before (Must Love Books), and I think I have to say that this is a step up from that! I think I prefer the way that Mae’s character was handled and explored for the audience. She had her moments of weakness that made me cringe a bit, but Robinson has a way of writing flawed protagonists that you just can’t help but root for. They might go about things entirely the wrong way, and mess up in more ways than one, but with their heart always in the right place. Although, I very much disagree with the way she handled her relationship with Connor (he was a bit toooo understanding with all that she put him through).

The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster is excellently written. I was always on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next. When you think that something might be resolved, boom! There comes a plot twist (or a newfound conflict), that’s not unpredictable, but not exactly predictable either. The pacing was good, although the last ‘act’ felt a little rushed, and some loose ends that were tied a little too haphazardly (particularly Mae and Connor’s job opportunities and prospects).

How does one reconcile the good moments spent with family that could also be covertly racist? That’s what Mae was attempting to work through throughout this story. Do fun and happy memories cancel out the years of micro-agressions and (not-so-subtle) racial outcasting, commentary, etc? I really can’t say, and it’s not my place (or I risk sounding like Jacob from Abbott Elementary—jk we love Jacob, he tries SO hard and it’s so endearing), but I think that Robinson did a wonderful job trying to highlight the issue that what might seemingly unconsequential to one can be detrimentally harmful to another. I think it also serves as a good reminder that secrecy is not the best way to handle relationships, particularly familial. It’s also not your job to try to appease or please those who make you uncomfortable!!!

I would definitely recommend this book to those who struggle to stand up for themselves, or don’t know how to quite tell if they’re in an uncomfortable situation. Readers who also love family dynamics will love this book, as it’s chalked through with them!! Those who love flawed characters, this is also a book for you :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first experience with the author, and to my delight, I was not disappointed. While the beginning may have been a bit sluggish, Mae's character quickly won me over with her unwavering determination to heal the wounds of her family's past and bring together disparate worlds. The narrative is both captivating and heartwarming, leaving me with a renewed understanding of the significance of forgiveness and the power of connecting diverse cultures. I was genuinely impressed by the novel and eagerly anticipate delving into more works by this talented author.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this ARC.

Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster by Shauna Robinson is such an amazing read that follows Mae, a woman who has been seperated from her dad's family and the yearning she has to know that family. When her paternal grandmother passes away, she see this as an opportunity to go to the funeral and reconnect with the side of her she barely knows. This book follows the importantce of family, cultural heritage and the power of food has in bringing people together.

There’s so many layers to Mae’s personality. She’s confident, loving and protective one minute and the next minute selfishness, overbearing and unable to stand up for herself. The author did a really great job with portraying the realities of being mixed and the feeling of not being fully accepted by either side of the family. Also loved how the author showed Mae’s conflicting feelings about her white grandparents and cousin. Hoping this book is adapted into a movie soon.

Loved reading this book! This is the second title I’ve read from this author and it was just as good as the first one. Books that are centered around family drama and food are always right up my alley, and the vibe of this book was just what I needed to get out of a reading slump.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this!

Overall I really enjoyed this book & this was the first time I’ve read anything from this author. Mae, the main character is basically trying to learn about the other side of her family she didn’t know about growing up and learning about her roots was really endearing. I did find that Mae did go through a lot going up but I did think she did a lot of self pitying & overthinking that got a bit exhausting at first. I felt Connor was extremely supportive and knew how to communicate well but the Paris part was so crazy to me and felt so unfair the way that Mae handled that. Mae got lost in everything being about her and just her feelings but I loved that she eventually learned she had to communicate better and include him more in her thought process. Reading about both sides of her family, the food, the wedding plan etc was so detailed it felt like I was actually there lol. I really loved this authors writing style and the way she had twists throughout so that it wasn’t a slow burn. The storytelling was just how I liked it regarding family drama and humor sprinkled in. I appreciate getting a complimentary copy and all opinions are my own.

Shauna Robinson has a knack for writing characters you want to befriend. A recommended purchase for collections where WF is popular.

This is the first novel I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It touched on some very real subject matters - family, sisterhood, race and of course, good food! The passion and dedication of Mae to want her two sides of the family to connect and forgive the past was admirable.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

Overall: 4

This was a great example of fitting in doesn't always look like you think it will. Secrets and not speaking up can keep a family apart. Two sides to every story. I loved how this books touches on the what's it like to be biracial and only growing up with one side of the family. Those insecurities can lead you to thinking you don't belong with either group. The small comments that might be rooted in traditional culture can make you feel less than. You witness the growth of the FMC throughout the book and finally finding the courage to say everything she's wanted to say and then realizing she doesn't have to accept anything that doesn't empower her. A great read!!!

This uplifting story is about Mae, a woman searching for identity and belonging and hoping to find it by inviting her estranged father’s side of the family to her upcoming wedding. This story is rich with food, complicated family dynamics, and lovable characters. I appreciated Mae’s perspective of never quite fitting in between two worlds: the white family of her mother where she endured micro aggressions, and the Black family of her father that has not been part of her life. I truly enjoyed myself throughout this read!

I struggle sometimes with finding books that aren’t romances, but also bring the light and fluffy and happy vibes that are often associated with the romance genre. This one fit the bill! It’s the kind of relaxing book that is perfect when you want to just disassociate from the real world for a bit. Mae was well-written and impossible not to love and I really enjoyed being along for the ride of the twists and turns she faced trying to win the hearts of her extended family.

I will say, some of the twists (one in particular) pissed me off a little and I was a bit hung-up on that, but it didn’t take away from the overall comforting vibes of the story and wasn’t a dealbreaker by any means. Connor was also slightly unbelievably easygoing, but that just felt right for the tone of the story and another thing I just let roll off my back.

I loved the way Robinson highlighted that families don’t always have to look perfect to exist and it’s never too late to make new bonds.I finished it feeling warm and fuzzy (and craving Mac and cheese).

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

3.5 rounded up. I really enjoyed this, perhaps even more than the author’s previous works. I think the mystery to it was properly paced, but I feel the story tried to tackle *too* much. We get to the barbeque and somehow still have 20% of the book to go, where quite a bit is rushed through. It was still enjoyable but it felt a bit like a hodgepodge by the end. The work subplot especially annoyed me - I really thought Mae would end up quitting to work with Sierra and not be someplace that pinches every hour out of someone in a role that seems very typically salaried.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

OMG. This was such a delightful read. In this family, every meal is an opportunity to reflect on all the good things and bad things that have happened to the family.. I love reading about complex family dynamics and real topics in a more light-hearted way. I also love reading books where food is involved so this book was honestly right up my alley. While this was my first read by this author, it certainly will not be my last and this is a book that is absolutely perfect for a book club, especially if you made your own family meal and brought it to the discussion.

This book had me all in my feels in the best way possible.

Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publisher for this arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the Advanced Copy!

"Shauna Robinson's 'The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster' invites readers into the cozy world of the Townsend family, where every meal is a celebration and every mishap is an opportunity for laughter and growth. Through the eyes of protagonist Mae, we embark on a culinary adventure filled with family secrets, unexpected romance, and, of course, plenty of delicious dishes.

What truly sets this book apart is Robinson's ability to capture the essence of family dynamics. The Townsends may have their differences and disagreements, but ultimately, they come together over food, love, and the shared experiences that make them a family.

'The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster' is a delightful blend of heartwarming moments, unexpected twists, and, of course, mouthwatering recipes. It's a book that leaves you feeling warm and satisfied, much like a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones. So, grab a copy, cozy up with a cup of tea, and let yourself be transported into the charming world of the Townsends."

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster by Shauna Robinson. What a delight! Heartwarming with complex characters and issues. I was not familiar with the author until reading this book and now I'll be searching for more of her work.