I loved this book! This story felt like a cozy blanket reminding me of my Italian Nana. It has a magical cookbook that shows you the recipe to make, family secrets, and all takes place on an Italian farm. Sweet romance and a whimsical storyline made this a new favorite for me!

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for the ARC!

What a breath of fresh air. Loved taking a vacation in Italy with Jules and her ½ sister Alex. I loved the foodie delights mentioned in the book and on Jules’ podcasts. I adored Jules’ Nonna and the magical cookbook that Jules needed to fulfill her cookbook contract. The race was on to meet the deadline.

I liked how the author combines family secrets, rich landscapes, and key characters searching for their true love and purpose. From start to finish, this journey is enchantingly beautiful and full of amazing culinary ideas. Did I mention how distracted Jules gets when she sees Nicolo come around the olive grove? He’s an Italian cutie who just so happened to be her first love. They met when she was fifteen. No one told her that Nicolo was back in town. How will she ever finish this cookbook?

The characters are fun, multifaceted, and relatable. I'd like to attend Nonna's cooking classes in Italy while staying at one of their villas. This was an outstanding novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I liked this book and the message the author challenges readers to ponder: this story is for any reader who refuses to be held back by fear and instead fearlessly says yes to the right challenging things in life. I loved the healing arc of the novel. The whole family was hurting and needed to face their fears and let the healing begin.

This author includes a winning combination for readers and their book club. The recipe for Orange Blossom cake and discussion questions.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

First and foremost, let me say that I am SORRY I have been living under a rock for so long. If every Rachel Linden novel is like this, I have been missing OUT and that ends now!

I truly adored this romance so much. It's warm, nostalgic, and tropey, with a familial, heavy-handed glug of magical realism, and I enjoyed myself the entire time. Admittedly, I identified with Juliana to a T; I am also in my early thirties and constantly feeling lost, anxious, and unsure about what exactly the right thing is supposed to be. I felt so seen by her fears and, unfortunately, could see how I sometimes fall into perpetuating similar behaviors in the name of safety and stability. I really longed for her happiness as much as I do my own, and so I really cherished those moments of family and romance that brought her closer to the strong self that was dormant inside her, hiding after so many years of carrying around heavy trauma. While there definitely were several soap boxy moments from Nonna Bruna, Nicolo, etc., to me it never felt trite—in fact, some of them felt almost too real, hurt because the messages about life and living in fear vs. living freely were something I needed to hear and maybe have not been ready to acknowledge. I also thoroughly enjoyed how much cooking there is in this book. While I may not like doing it myself, I LOVE reading characters that are passionate about food and how it creates/shares one's culture. I may actually put forth the effort to make an orange blossom cake myself—forgive me if I (jokingly) remove one star from my review in the future b/c I didn't have a vision of my happiest future moment...

If you need something heartwarming, romantic, and safe in its predictability but still inspiring and affirming, look no further! This is the romance for you.

5 out of 5 ⭐️s

I find books about cooking interesting to read, and this was a new twist for me. A recipe blogger, Jules, was having a bit of a crisis, and it was a surprise when her mother asked her to take her 15 year old stepsister to Italy for the summer. Jules was still mourning her father who had died on the family olive farm in Italy and was not sure if she could go back. But she agreed.
Jules reconnected with her beloved Nonna, who taught her how to cook and encouraged her love of cooking. Jules wanted to use Nonna's family recipe book to create a cookbook she was working on. As it turns out, the recipe book was empty! It was a magical cook book that only showed recipes when someone needed one. Got a cold? It will show chicken soup. Want to land a boyfriend? It will show a delectable pasta sauce that no man would say no to. But whenever Nonna opened the book, Jules glanced and saw only half of an Orange Blossom Cake recipe. Nonna said her ex-best friend and neighbor had the other half, but they were sworn enemies. It turns out, if you make that recipe, the first bite of the cake will show you the best day to come in your life, no matter your age.

The book was both poignant and funny and had an expected ending, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. And the recipe for the not so magical Orange Blossom Cake is included!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book to read and review.

A cozy & loving story that gives hallmark vibes?! Yes please. This is such a fun, easy read. I enjoyed the characters and how they all “fell” into place. The minor characters all had their places to shine. The book felt timely with mentioning technology & social platforms for growth.

All around happy, easy, and enjoyable summer read.

Also!! Yes I’ll be trying the cake recipe at the end of the book :)

The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden is a cozy mystery set in Italy on an olive farm where Jules Costa spent all her childhood summers. When her adult life starts to fall apart she is compelled to go back to the farm and her Nonna and try to recapture the food and comfort of those summers. The addition of her first love, still living next door and a magic cookbook which may solve all her problems, add to making the visit one to remember. This is a fun cozy with the addition of a little magic and a lot of food!

This was the perfect mix of the first two in the series! The ultimate cozy, low-stakes, and heartwarming read and I loved every second. As the hopeless romantic, believe it or not, I could have done away with the romance and actually had more between here and Alex. The found family that Alex finds in Julia's family is by far my favorite part of the book. I wouldn't be surprised if the rest of the series turns into Hallmark movies like the first.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I found this to be a delightful, whimsical book about love and family. The romance was sweet and the descriptions of Italy were so real. The ending was perfect and so was the recipe at the end.

Okay first half, diabolically good 2nd half. I went into ARC blind and selected it for the cute cover alone. Sometimes it bites me in the a$$, but most of the time it creates a fun twist I don’t see coming. That was very much the case here.

Our protagonist is Jules, who has an online cooking show with her roommate, Drew. Her life quickly upends when Drew is offered a hosting gig in LA, her book deal might not go through (even though she already spent the advance), and her mother is making her take her teenage half sister to her grandmother’s villa in Italy for the summer - where she hasn’t been since her father tragically drowned. She finally decides to go for inspiration for her cookbook.

It all feels very Under the Tuscan Sun except - cue magical cookbook. The story instantly becomes more vivid and enjoyable once the cookbook enters the story. We have rivaling nonnas, reunions with a first love, and delicious recipes. Epitome of the perfect summer read.

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

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!!

Another wonderful story from Rachel Linden! I love Rachel’s writing, the little touch of magic is the perfect addition to her stories.

I loved how this one was set in Italy - I felt like I was right there the whole time reading! And all of the food that was described sounded soooo yummy! Rachel writes in a way that you feel immediately transported into the story.

There were times where I felt like the story was a little slow and others where Jules was a little off putting and annoying. But not so much that made me not want to continue the story!

If you’re looking for a light hearted and sweet read, I highly recommend The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake!

The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden is like a warm hug in book form—sweet, comforting, and sprinkled with just the right amount of magic. It’s a charming story about finding yourself, chasing joy, and maybe indulging in a little cake (or a lot—no judgment here). The mix of heart, hope, and delicious food descriptions had me craving both adventure and dessert! Some moments felt a little predictable, but honestly, that added to the cozy vibes. It’s the kind of book you read with a smile on your face and maybe a snack nearby. Perfect for fans of feel-good fiction with a touch of wanderlust and whimsy.

What a great story! I loved the concept and the characters. Thank you for an enjoyable book. Well done.

Jules has a moderately successful internet cooking show and is trying to build a brand with her roommate and best friend, Drew. After being passed over for a show, she has the opportunity to head to Italy with her sister Alex for the summer. They're headed to spend time with her Nonna Bruna, at her farm in Italy near Lake Garda. She hasn't been there since her father passed away suddenly 15 years ago. It also happens that her first love, Niccolo, is back home and working at his family's farm next door.

I loved this story, which felt like a warm hug. I love the long, lingering descriptions of life in Italy, filled with family and good food. Jules is still mourning the loss of her father so many years ago and has avoided returning since then. It was a great story of second chances, moving on from grief, and a magical cookbook, reconnecting with family, and embracing your heritage. I thought the author did a great job of bringing the characters and Italy to life. I couldn't put it down.

Thanks to @berkleypub, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake was such a warm and comforting read. I really loved how it centered around healing from the past and learning to embrace the present. The way family and food were woven into the story was beautiful—there’s something so heartening about the idea that a shared meal can help bring people back together.

The reconnection love story added a sweet, emotional layer that I really enjoyed, and it was handled with just the right amount of tenderness and realism.

I was so excited to receive this ARC from NetGalley, and it did not disappoint! Perfect for readers who enjoy heartwarming stories about second chances, family, and the magic of good food.

4 stars - Rachel Linden writes old-school chick-lit mixed with just a touch of magic realism, and for me this combo really works, and I've enjoyed her novels! And I enjoyed her latest, "The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake" which was set in the Italian Lakes District (ahhh!). Loved the MC's and sweet storyline - just right! My thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for my advanced reader's copy - my pleasure to read & review it!

This is a weak four, despite the fact that there’s a recipe for Orange Blossom Cake at the end. I always love a book with recipes.

There was a lot to like with this book - the gorgeous setting in Italy, the return of a teenage crush that ended in heartache, wonderful Italian grandmothers, and a magical cookbook. These are all things I love - and I loved learning a few new things, too - but something was a teeny bit off for me in the flow of the book. I’m seriously considering re-reading it as an audio book when it’s released, to see how I feel about it with someone else’s voice and expression; perhaps that would add to the flow.

This sounds more negative than it should be. Both the setting and the family cookbook are magical, and what’s not to love about pasta making sessions, social media, sulky teenagers, and a hot Italian (former) love-interest?

I would have picked this one up based on the cover alone, but after loving Lemon Drop, my expectations were high and I wasn’t disappointed.

When Jules Costa's life pretty much implodes, she heads to her Nonna's home in Italy. A touch of magic, some mystery, some romance and lots of cooking and baking. A must-read for fans of magical-realism that involves food.

Jules thinks the only thing she needs is her Instagram cooking show. Bur when her co-host decides to go to Los Angeles, Jules goes back to Italy to have her Nonna help her with recipes for her recipe book. In Italy, she finds magic, a sister, a new love, and and the courage to save her family farm. A feel-goods story. Thanks NetGalley

Jules Costa’s life has been a bit stuck ever since her father died about 15 years earlier. Sure, she has a popular online cooking show with her roommate and BBF Dave (both curtsey of Covid lockdowns), and she’s writing a cookbook, but she spends as little time as she can with her mother and she hasn’t seen her beloved grandmother in decades. Fate intervenes, however, giving her a strong push (and a free ticket) to go back to Italy to spend the summer with her Nonna Bruna on the family olive farm with her half sister Alex tagging along. To further sweeten the pot, her teenage boyfriend Nicolo is back home living with his Nonna on the farm next door. They had been unceremoniously broken up years earlier when the two feuding Nonnas discovered them kissing in the barn.

There’s lots to love about this book. There’s a magic cookbook, lots of tasty dishes, beautiful Italian scenery, (re)connecting with family, and the rekindling of an old romance. There were a few times I felt Jules protested a bit much, and a few plot details didn’t make a lot of sense if you look at them too carefully. Otherwise, a heartwarming fun book that leaves a smile on your face (and perhaps craving good bread with olive oil and goat cheese).

Recommended. I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.