Didn’t You Use to Be Queenie B?
By: Allison Raskin

The vibes:
- dual POV of 2 chefs—a once famous chef trying to find the real her and a younger chef getting started in the industry
- both have had their own struggles with addiction

This book was not what I was expecting and not my usual read! The focus was very much on addiction, the culinary world, and redemption.

The audiobook narrator was really good!

Content warnings: drug and alcohol addiction/relapse, absent parent

Thank you to NetGalley & the author for access to this ARC in return for my honest review!

DIDN'T YOU USE TO BE QUEENIE B? is an underrated feel-great read about the power of healing through cooking, and the luck of a second chance.

There have been several cooking stories that have turned into cultural phenomena: Kitchen Confidential and The Bear both come to mind. But it's about time that we get a second-chance comeback kitchen story from a woman's perspective, and there's no one better to step into that role than Queenie B. Once a mash-up of Gordon Ramsay and Martha Stewart, Queenie B had it all... until her party behavior and drinking problem stole her husband, son, and cooking empire out from under her. The public thinks that Queenie is gone forever, until a young chef named Gale, in recovery himself, finds himself crossing paths with a New Haven soup kitchen... one that seems to have food of immeasurable quality. As Gale gets to know its owner, Regina, he sees her as a beacon to model his own wrong-doings and demons against, and, with her mentorship, ends up with the chance to compete on a Chopped-style cooking competition. But as Gale's career begins to rise, more and more people get the chance to meet his mentor, who just isn't sure she's ready for the spotlight again...

I fell in love with author Terri-Lynne DeFino through her previous novel, the heartwarming family dramedy VARINA PALLADINO'S JERSEY-ITALIAN LOVE STORY. The author, who sure loves a mouthful of a title, knows how to express the importance of food as a breeding ground for community and company, and by setting her novel in the world of competitive cooking, she brings that thesis even closer to the center of her work. This is a story that feels ripe for cinematic adaptation: It's got a pair of anti-heroes with nothing to love, mouthwatering moments, a second chance love story... this plate's got all the major food groups on it. It explores the incredibly resonant arc of what it means to be in recovery, from whatever your vice of choice is, and does not shy away from revealing the difficulties of staying clean, even if it means compromising the characters in this novel. DIDN'T YOU USE TO BE QUEENIE B? is a beach read with major oomph, a story that will leave you full and satisfied and grateful you had a chance to taste it.

This book was not what I expected at all. I wanted it to be a little bit more juicy or at least rely on humor. But it was way more straight lined. It was super interesting to hear about the insides of the cooking life. I didn't realize it was such a "struggling artist" profession. After the initial chapter it took way too long to hear more about Queenie B and her past. Similarly the voice that Gale keeps speaking with. I'm a huge reality tv buff so I loved the Cut! Behind the scenes. Overall, I think this book is well written and tells a good story. It just wasn't necessarily my style - I prefer to keep things either super dark or very humorous and light hearted. Definitely recommend if you want a solid redemption story!

This is a story of loss, forgiveness and moving forward. I loved the chef/kitchen references that started each chapter…I learned a few things! I fell in love with all the characters. I found myself cheering them on and hoping for fresh starts.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was such a fun story. I really enjoyed following the FMC's character arc. I also love the color and art on the cover. such a beautiful book with a beautiful cover.

Highly recommend! This is an amazing story about food, restaurants, found family and redemption. I loved reading about the culinary world and the delicious food descriptions. And I loved the characters- flawed and complex as they are.
Regina Benuzzi had a traumatic childhood but had risen to the top of the culinary world as a chef and head of a food empire. Struggles with addiction cause her to massively fall from grace and Regina (aka Queenie B) disappears from the spotlight and is living under the radar while running a food kitchen serving those in need. Gale Carmichael, aspiring and talented chef- as well as a fellow addict- comes on the scene while visiting the soup kitchen for a meal and to volunteer. Regina ends up mentoring Gale and helps him hone his skills as he prepares to compete in a culinary reality competition show. Through it all, there are strong themes of found family, lasting addiction struggles, and redemption. I loved this book and highly recommend it!

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of the audiobook.

I enjoyed the story, but found the alternating POVs to be a bit confusing and disjointed.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC.

Terri-Lynne DeFino's *Didn't You Use to Be Queenie B?* is a heartfelt exploration of redemption, identity, and the healing power of food. The novel centers on Regina Benuzzi, once the celebrated Queenie B—a culinary superstar with Michelin-starred restaurants and a media empire—who retreats into obscurity after a public downfall. Now running a soup kitchen in New Haven, she crosses paths with Gale Carmichael, a young, newly sober line cook seeking purpose. Their mentor-protégé relationship becomes a catalyst for both to confront their pasts and seek second chances.

What Works:

DeFino excels in crafting complex, relatable characters. Regina's gruff exterior and Gale's earnest vulnerability create a dynamic that is both compelling and authentic. The narrative delves into themes of addiction, loss, and personal growth with sensitivity and depth. Additionally, the vivid descriptions of food and kitchen life add a rich layer to the storytelling, making the culinary world come alive.

What Falls Short:

The title of the novel is grammatically incorrect, which is a huge miss. The pacing of the novel is uneven, with certain sections dragging and potentially testing the reader's patience. Some plot developments, particularly surrounding the cooking competition show "Cut!", feel predictable and lack the tension that could have elevated the narrative. Moreover, while the characters are well-developed, the story occasionally leans heavily into familiar redemption tropes, which may diminish its impact for some readers.

Final Verdict:

*Didn't You Use to Be Queenie B?* offers a poignant look at the complexities of starting over and the bonds that can form in unexpected places. While it doesn't break new ground in the genre, its emotional resonance and character-driven narrative make it a worthwhile read for those interested in stories of personal transformation and the redemptive power of mentorship.

4.25
Regina is a former celebrity chef who had a fall from grace. She was on top of the world until her addiction took over her life. She lost her career, her husband and her son. She decides to open a soup kitchen in order to pay back society. She is hiding from the world and hoping no one will recognize her. Gale is a line cook and a former addict. He goes to a soup kitchen and finds amazing food. He starts volunteering and learning from Regina. She becomes his mentor.

This is very well written. I was interested from the start. It’s a dual perspective. And though the mmc are both former addicts, they are likeable.it’s great for fans of redemption and forgiveness. i listened to
It in one sitting. I’m a big fan of Chopped and the Bear.i will be recommending this book. I think it would be a good book club read. I’m excited to see more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for providing me the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This book deserves more hype. It’s a story of second chances, redemption and sobriety after spiraling addictions, mentorship, honing a craft, and learning to forgive yourself.

It’s important to know going in that this book is about addiction. The book blurb doesn’t really explain it, but it’s a major theme of the book. The author writes about the struggles of sobriety with honesty and care, and because of that, the characters feel fully real and well developed.

While it’s a book about food, the writing about the food feels unique. It isn’t necessarily about taste or texture. Instead, it focuses on the act of cooking itself: the dicing, the sautéing, the rhythm and flow of the skill. It captures the physicality of creating food in a way that feels almost meditative.

I also really liked how the author kept some moments in the plot hazy and others were vivid and specific. It created a natural focal point and drew me in.

The audiobook narrator brought the story to life. Each character felt distinct and layered, which added to how fleshed out everything felt.

The only thing I didn’t love was the voice inside Gale’s head. I know it was meant to be his conscience, but it felt more like something that needed psychiatric evaluation. I also don’t know why the book cover is pink, as that wasn’t one of Queenie B’s signature colors or anything.

Didn't you Use to be Queenie B is a must for any Food Network fan. It follows Regina Benuzzi, a former celebrity chef known as Queenie B, who is no longer seen in public after a fall from grace. She later shows up in a soup kitchen of all places, where she crosses paths with Gale Carmichael, someone who has his own skeletons in the closet.

In the same vein as The Bear, like Carmie and Syndney, Queenie takes him under her wing and teaches him everything he knows.

The way the book described Queenie, Id imagine she'd looked like Nigella Lawson.

I really enjoyed this book and could see it being made into a movie or TV series.

This was an unexpected like for me, I started listening to and almost immediately put it down because I didn’t think it would be something I’d enjoy. I’m so glad I didn’t!
Thank You to Netgally and Harper Audio Adult for this ARC.
Regina Benuzzi used to have it all, she was a celebrity chef who let the life get the best of her falling into a life of drugs and alcohol. After she hit rock bottom she disappeared from that work and started to work in a soup kitchen where things were simpler. Along comes Gale Carmichael a line cook with potential, but who is also newly sober after a traumatic experience with his best friend. Regina sees what he has to offer and helps mentor him.
I enjoyed how Defino delves into the culinary world and looks at the dark gritty parts of it. She deals with a hard subject of addition and sobriety with grace. I enjoyed her writing and character development. This was a really well written book, definitely recommend.

Queenie B was a famous TV chef, after some unwanted celebrity attention she went back to her own name is and she's laying low running a soup kitchen. When someone recognizes her, life gets messy again. I really liked this book; it was deeper than I was expecting it to be. I highly recommend it!

This was a beautifully layered, emotionally honest read about redemption, healing, and the power of found family.

After a string of rough years, Gale is newly sober and trying to rebuild his life, one fragile step at a time. Haunted by the overdose of his best friend, he struggles with guilt, self-doubt, and the overwhelming feeling that he’s not worthy of a second chance. Enter Regina—a former celebrity chef who gave up fame after her own battles with addiction derailed her life. Now running a soup kitchen funded by her past success, she sees something in Gale that reminds her of herself.

Regina offers Gale more than just a job as her sous chef—she offers him belief, stability, and something he’s been missing: a sense of belonging. As their connection deepens, Regina begins to see Gale not just as a project, but as someone she genuinely cares for, almost like the son she’s distanced herself from. For both of them, their relationship becomes a quiet, powerful redemption arc.

This story handles addiction and recovery with compassion and realism, showing that healing isn’t linear, and sometimes the people we least expect can help us find our footing. Gale’s journey is raw, vulnerable, and inspiring, while Regina’s role adds depth, warmth, and a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for this free advanced audio copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

"Didn't You Use to be Queenie B?" was an absolutely gem! Terri-Lynne DeFino blended humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia. The characters are flawed, but likable and the complicated relationships and serious situations keeps you captivated. This is a must-read for anyone who is a fan of cooking shows!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance audio copy of this title. Regina runs a soup kitchen that serves exceptionally delicious food to vulnerable populations. When neighborhood resident, Gale, needs dinner one night. He ends up helping at the end of the evening, and Regina eventually takes him under her wing. No one in the neighborhood suspects that Regina used to be a popular TV chef who flamed out spectacularly in all the usual ways. The supporting characters of family, friends, and neighborhood characters add color and flavor to the plot. This could be a "Chick-Lit" story, but it is much meatier. An enjoyable listen.

This is a miss for me. I thought it was going to be very interesting but as much as i struggled to get into this one i just couldn't. I'm sorry. The plot didn't plot at all and lost me.

Regina aka Queenie B had it all. A career as a larger-than-life chef, tv personality, wife and mother. Unfortunately, Queenie B likes to party, and she crashes and burns when she can't get it under control. She loses her husband and the right to take care of her child.

Regina atones for her wrong doings. She opens a soup kitchen in a rundown area to help those who are struggling.

Gale Charmichael is a broke aspiring chef who is dealing with addiction. He is sober but struggling with the urge to use again. He is haunted with the death of his best friend, his memory haunts with thoughts. Gale goes to the soup kitchen for a meal and meets Regina. He doesn't recognize her as someone who used to be a top chef.

This book is about addiction and living with the consequences. About trying to better for those that are around you. Trying not to have one taste or one hit. Being honest with others and yourself.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

I really enjoyed this one. Alternately light hearted and deep, with characters that really made you root for them. I would absolutely read more by this author.

Didn't You Used to Be Queenie B. exceeded my expectations! I liked the concept, but how Terri-Lynne DeFino writes this story kept me engaged in listening to the audio version in the car in front of the house. Eva Kaminsky did a nice job with the narration.

Gale Carmichael lives with his childhood friend, Kyle and a couple of other roommates, two years sober after a serious incident that left another close childhood friend, Sean dead. Gale is working his way up the prep line in a well-regarded Italian restaurant in New Haven Connecticut. Money is tight and he accepts no financial help from his folks who are happy he's alive but underwhelmed by his career choice. Gale went to culinary school and it is obvious to us early on that he has a certain something.

Regina is a wealthy woman who has settled into a marginal neighborhood in New Haven, her hometown. She operates a neighborhood soup kitchen and developed a close relationship with some of her regulars who help out for twenty bucks. There is something she has left behind. She is partly making amends and partly finding out how to be her authentic self. Her food, while simple, is outstanding. Because, it turns out, Regina was once a famous television chef and highly respected restauranteur, so successful that she continues to earn royalties from the products she spun off and reruns of her programs. She was Queenie B. But nobody knows her now. She does not venture into neighborhoods where she might meet old acquaintances and she so loathed New Haven, they would not think to look for her there. Most people assume she's dead.

And then, one day, Gale agrees to eat at the soup kitchen with Kyle because he's earning less due to an injury. And over time, without knowing her secret, he connects with Regina. Throughout this lovely, novel of humanity in all its permutations, people who are suffering, no matter their backgrounds, grow and get close and begin to figure out their lives. I thought it was beautifully written and that Gale's character, with his complex issues relating to his trauma, addiction and his better self trying to stay on top was particularly well written.