A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

The synopsis of this book sounded so good---I love books where food and cooking is a "character" and I enjoy romances, so I expected to appreciate it immensely.

I did not. This being said, it appears the author has lived multi-nationally all her life and this title was published in Germany in 2024---I am going to blame some of my disappointment on a poor translation to English.

I found all the characters to be very immature and annoying and the writing cliched., This kind of tempestuous behavior might be expected in teens and twenty-some-year olds, but in adults who are nearly forty years old? I find it impossible to believe that being "European" is an excuse for this kind of erratic behavior. I saw no "personal growth". Luisa and Aurelio were the same people at the end of the book as they were at the beginning, imho: irritating.

I did enjoy reading about the Michelin star process and about Luisa's food---I'd love to be invited to experience that ratafia sorbet for dessert!

I might try another Wassermann title, but if these caricatures of characters and the wooden translation remain the same, I probably wouldn't read past the first chapter.

Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

This book was absolutely breathtaking! The writing was beautifully crafted, drawing me into a story rich with emotion and depth. The characters felt so real, and their journey was both powerful and unforgettable. Every page kept me captivated—I didn’t want it to end. A truly stunning read!

From the very first page, The Scent of Laurel pulled me in and never let go! ✨ The writing is so smooth and engaging, making it effortless to get lost in Luisa’s journey. The vivid descriptions of food, Barcelona, and the people around her created such a cozy atmosphere. 🏙️🍷

The relationships were beautifully developed—not just the romance but also the side characters, who all added depth to the story. There was warmth, tension, and even a bit of mystery, with twists that made it impossible to put down! 🔥

Between the setting, the emotions, and the small stories woven throughout, this book felt like stepping into a world I didn’t want to leave. A truly satisfying and captivating read! 💛📖