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Table for Two
Mandy Seymour always books a table for one
So the pretty food critic is stunned when she captures the eye of dashing chef Leo Romano. Leo's good looks and fabulous cooking are swoon-worthy, but it's his tender care of his ailing father and affection for his warm Italian family that really touch her heart.
A broken engagement has made Leo cautious. And as he grapples with his dad's illness he's skeptical about starting a new relationship, even with a woman as compelling as Mandy. But as he spends more time with Mandy, Leo starts to realize maybe the last thing he should give up is love.
So the pretty food critic is stunned when she captures the eye of dashing chef Leo Romano. Leo's good looks and fabulous cooking are swoon-worthy, but it's his tender care of his ailing father and affection for his warm Italian family that really touch her heart.
A broken engagement has made Leo cautious. And as he grapples with his dad's illness he's skeptical about starting a new relationship, even with a woman as compelling as Mandy. But as he spends more time with Mandy, Leo starts to realize maybe the last thing he should give up is love.
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 20, 2013
44 people want to read
About the author
Brandy Bruce
13 books96 followersBrandy Bruce was scribbling stories in purple spiral notebooks at the age of 12. She traded in notebooks for a laptop and now writes romance novels. Having worked as a book editor for a traditional publishing house for more than a decade, Brandy is thrilled to work in an industry she loves. She's currently a freelance editor, a writer, a wife, a mother to three fabulous children, and she's someone who really loves dessert. Brandy makes her home in Virginia with her family. She's the author of After the Rain, Looks Like Love, The Romano Family Collection, and the award-winning novel The Last Summer.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 4, 2014
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2014/05/...
This book was so cute and sweet! Mandy is a food critic, and she meets handsome Leo when she reviews his restaurant for her column. Leo is enamored with Mandy – but, he’s still suffering from the pain of a broken engagement. Plus, his father is ill and now Leo has agreed to run both of his father’s restaurants. Can he do all of this and still have a relationship with Mandy?
I loved this book – one main reason was the food! Lobster, torte, tiramisu, lasagna, Chinese food…breakfast food…the author did an awesome job with her food descriptions. The story was a nice, sweet Christian romance. This is a nice, quick, sweet, enjoyable story.
- See more at: http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2014/05/...
This book was so cute and sweet! Mandy is a food critic, and she meets handsome Leo when she reviews his restaurant for her column. Leo is enamored with Mandy – but, he’s still suffering from the pain of a broken engagement. Plus, his father is ill and now Leo has agreed to run both of his father’s restaurants. Can he do all of this and still have a relationship with Mandy?
I loved this book – one main reason was the food! Lobster, torte, tiramisu, lasagna, Chinese food…breakfast food…the author did an awesome job with her food descriptions. The story was a nice, sweet Christian romance. This is a nice, quick, sweet, enjoyable story.
- See more at: http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2014/05/...
April 24, 2019
Table for Two is a sweet story with a hint of zest! The characters are as engaging as the dialogue and the restaurant setting makes the reader want to be there in person, if only the chef, food and setting were real.
Mandy Seymour is a character who I instantly connected with. She’s a food critic (I love good food and have often been called a critic). She’s a journalist (I am too), she’s a little overweight (me too) and she’s cautious with her heart when it comes to guys and romantic relationships. Can she not be more like me? If Mandy were real, we’d be best friends or like sisters!
Leo Romano is a man who I wish existed in real life. He’s a talented chef. He’s compassionate, kind, thoughtful, a true gentleman with a soft spot for Mandy. Did I mention that he’s good-looking? Yes, honey. He is ALL that AND a bag of chips as they used to say when I was growing up. Do they still say that? The point is, Leo is a Renaissance man and who else better to satisfy his humanitarian, artistic soul than a woman like Mandy?
Author Brandy Bruce knows how to tell a story. I loved the way she paid attention to detail in not only telling but *showing* the love story that emerged between her hero (Leo) and heroine (Mandy). Brandy makes the GMC (Goal/Motivation/Conflict) of each character evident from page one. She’s talented at writing characters in a way that makes the reader relate and root for them early on and keeps the reader’s attention to the very last sentence of the story. I could NOT put this book down! It’s my favorite story written by Brandy so far!
Table for Two should be a movie. I would pay good money to see it!
Bravo to Brandy Bruce for writing a story with deep characterization, engaging dialogue, love and a slice of humor! It’s worth every ounce of a five-star rating!
*The author provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of "Table for Two" in exchange for an honest review.
Mandy Seymour is a character who I instantly connected with. She’s a food critic (I love good food and have often been called a critic). She’s a journalist (I am too), she’s a little overweight (me too) and she’s cautious with her heart when it comes to guys and romantic relationships. Can she not be more like me? If Mandy were real, we’d be best friends or like sisters!
Leo Romano is a man who I wish existed in real life. He’s a talented chef. He’s compassionate, kind, thoughtful, a true gentleman with a soft spot for Mandy. Did I mention that he’s good-looking? Yes, honey. He is ALL that AND a bag of chips as they used to say when I was growing up. Do they still say that? The point is, Leo is a Renaissance man and who else better to satisfy his humanitarian, artistic soul than a woman like Mandy?
Author Brandy Bruce knows how to tell a story. I loved the way she paid attention to detail in not only telling but *showing* the love story that emerged between her hero (Leo) and heroine (Mandy). Brandy makes the GMC (Goal/Motivation/Conflict) of each character evident from page one. She’s talented at writing characters in a way that makes the reader relate and root for them early on and keeps the reader’s attention to the very last sentence of the story. I could NOT put this book down! It’s my favorite story written by Brandy so far!
Table for Two should be a movie. I would pay good money to see it!
Bravo to Brandy Bruce for writing a story with deep characterization, engaging dialogue, love and a slice of humor! It’s worth every ounce of a five-star rating!
*The author provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of "Table for Two" in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
April 21, 2018
Excellent Romance. I love Brandy because her books are about both romance and religion
April 25, 2014
I loved Table for Two! It was such a refreshing romance novel for me! It wasn't overly predictable (I knew that there was going to be a happy ending, but I wasn't sure what might happen before then) that kept me turning pages! Also I really just loved the entire premise of the book with all the yummy food that is mentioned!
From the very beginning I bonded with Mandy! I felt I was so like her in many ways in how she felt about her mother, Leo, and just life in general! Her best friend was completely awesome and every time she showed up on the scene it made me laugh! It would be really cool to hear more of her story! I could relate to Leo in many ways as well! He was such an awesome guy, but had many responsibilities that weighed him down!
As much as I liked Mandy and Leo (which is a lot), I enjoyed the Biblical message that was woven throughout this novel even more so! Brandy did such a beautiful job in really declaring that none of us can go through the stresses or joys of this life on our own! We have to depend on Christ and not only that but believe in His promises for us! We have to view ourselves through the eyes of Christ rather then through any insecurities we have!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a clean romance that has relatable characters and a powerful message of having ultimate faith in Jesus no matter what! It's the perfect Christian romance!
I give Table for Two by Brandy Bruce a 5 out of 5 stars!
*(I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts expressed are my own! I was not required to write a positive review!)*
From the very beginning I bonded with Mandy! I felt I was so like her in many ways in how she felt about her mother, Leo, and just life in general! Her best friend was completely awesome and every time she showed up on the scene it made me laugh! It would be really cool to hear more of her story! I could relate to Leo in many ways as well! He was such an awesome guy, but had many responsibilities that weighed him down!
As much as I liked Mandy and Leo (which is a lot), I enjoyed the Biblical message that was woven throughout this novel even more so! Brandy did such a beautiful job in really declaring that none of us can go through the stresses or joys of this life on our own! We have to depend on Christ and not only that but believe in His promises for us! We have to view ourselves through the eyes of Christ rather then through any insecurities we have!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a clean romance that has relatable characters and a powerful message of having ultimate faith in Jesus no matter what! It's the perfect Christian romance!
I give Table for Two by Brandy Bruce a 5 out of 5 stars!
*(I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts expressed are my own! I was not required to write a positive review!)*
April 30, 2014
I was pleasantly taken back by the writing style of Brandy Bruce. I haven't picked up a Heartsong novel in quite some time and I often have trouble sticking with them as they are so rushed in the plot development. Or maybe I should say there isn't much time for that to occur. The author in this story reveals quite a knack for not making the romance and the story line feel rushed.
We meet several people and I would really love to hear more about them in future books if possible. My favorite would have to be Mandy, the heroine and food critic of the story. She goes to a meeting to hear well-known chef Gabriel Romano speak and ends up with his son(unknown to her) flirting with her. Now I have to say, Mandy is a klutz. Full blown ditzy:) But I like her! She is really sweet. Leo Romano took me a bit to like. He is very handsome, kind and gracious but when he keeps putting Mandy on hold, I wanted to slap him. You don't keep a girl dangling like that.
One of my favorite parts was the ceremony for Gabriel Romano. This book included a lot of good dialogue not only between Leo and Mandy but Mandy and Ashley, Mandy and her mom, and lastly between Gabriel and his sister Isa. There was a scene or two where I came close to tears as you see Mandy and her mom come to reconcile the differences between each other and even a bit of that with Leo and his father.
Overall an excellent book that combined well written characters and a good plot. Loved it Brandy!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are 100% mine.
We meet several people and I would really love to hear more about them in future books if possible. My favorite would have to be Mandy, the heroine and food critic of the story. She goes to a meeting to hear well-known chef Gabriel Romano speak and ends up with his son(unknown to her) flirting with her. Now I have to say, Mandy is a klutz. Full blown ditzy:) But I like her! She is really sweet. Leo Romano took me a bit to like. He is very handsome, kind and gracious but when he keeps putting Mandy on hold, I wanted to slap him. You don't keep a girl dangling like that.
One of my favorite parts was the ceremony for Gabriel Romano. This book included a lot of good dialogue not only between Leo and Mandy but Mandy and Ashley, Mandy and her mom, and lastly between Gabriel and his sister Isa. There was a scene or two where I came close to tears as you see Mandy and her mom come to reconcile the differences between each other and even a bit of that with Leo and his father.
Overall an excellent book that combined well written characters and a good plot. Loved it Brandy!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are 100% mine.
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January 3, 2016This book was the perfect ‘whirlwind’ romance for me. The story was well thought out and written. I can’t wait to get and read more books by Brandy Bruce.
Leo was the ‘perfect’ man in this story. He wasn’t this guy who had his whole life figured out and nothing went wrong for him. He had insecurities, hopes, dashed dreams, and an Italian temper.
Mandy has never been in a relationship before and feels as though she is a failure. Her mom has always put her down and it had resulted in huge insecurities on her part. But when she comes face to face with her mom and they both start sharing their feelings, they both get a huge pick-me-upper.
The one thing I really loved about this book was that the characters had a big love for God and were Christians. That for me is always a huge benefit for me in any book I read.
I really hope y’all decide to read this book as it’s the perfect short romance where everything seems to go wrong but then turns out right as God’s will unfolds in this couples’ lives.
Leo was the ‘perfect’ man in this story. He wasn’t this guy who had his whole life figured out and nothing went wrong for him. He had insecurities, hopes, dashed dreams, and an Italian temper.
Mandy has never been in a relationship before and feels as though she is a failure. Her mom has always put her down and it had resulted in huge insecurities on her part. But when she comes face to face with her mom and they both start sharing their feelings, they both get a huge pick-me-upper.
The one thing I really loved about this book was that the characters had a big love for God and were Christians. That for me is always a huge benefit for me in any book I read.
I really hope y’all decide to read this book as it’s the perfect short romance where everything seems to go wrong but then turns out right as God’s will unfolds in this couples’ lives.
April 27, 2014
This was a great story about the affects other people have on our lives. Mandy spent most if her life feeling like a failure because she was the perfect child her mother wanted her to be. But she likes her life the way it is. She likes her job and going to eat at restaurants so she can review them.
Leo on the other hand has had a pretty charmed
life, until his fiancé decided he wasn't enough for her. Now he's taking over the family business and wants to be content with not having time to have a relationship with Mandy. He's got to be there for his family through their time of trial and keep his Dad's dream alive, not sure if it's his dream or not.
I enjoyed the scene where they met and the first couple of chapters that it took to clear that all up. And the story progressed nicely, giving them a chance to be friends and to look at their dreams and decide what it was they really wanted.
Looking forward to more from this author.
Leo on the other hand has had a pretty charmed
life, until his fiancé decided he wasn't enough for her. Now he's taking over the family business and wants to be content with not having time to have a relationship with Mandy. He's got to be there for his family through their time of trial and keep his Dad's dream alive, not sure if it's his dream or not.
I enjoyed the scene where they met and the first couple of chapters that it took to clear that all up. And the story progressed nicely, giving them a chance to be friends and to look at their dreams and decide what it was they really wanted.
Looking forward to more from this author.
April 29, 2014
I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In Table for Two, Brandy Bruce weaves a sweet, romantic tale of a food critic and a chef. Mandy Seymour, the food critic, has issues with self-confidence because she's never felt good enough to please her overly critical mother. Leo Romano, the chef, is skeptical of love after having his heart broken by his fiancé.
Mandy and Leo are drawn to each other, but there are many obstacles in the way. They must learn to depend on others and to trust each other. While the characters were very likable and endearing, Mandy's mother could've been a little more developed since she played such an important role. I felt like the drastic turnaround in her was a little clichéd and didn't come across as natural. HOWEVER, that slight issue doesn't detract from the sweet novel in a major way. It's still a fun, quick read that won't disappoint.
In Table for Two, Brandy Bruce weaves a sweet, romantic tale of a food critic and a chef. Mandy Seymour, the food critic, has issues with self-confidence because she's never felt good enough to please her overly critical mother. Leo Romano, the chef, is skeptical of love after having his heart broken by his fiancé.
Mandy and Leo are drawn to each other, but there are many obstacles in the way. They must learn to depend on others and to trust each other. While the characters were very likable and endearing, Mandy's mother could've been a little more developed since she played such an important role. I felt like the drastic turnaround in her was a little clichéd and didn't come across as natural. HOWEVER, that slight issue doesn't detract from the sweet novel in a major way. It's still a fun, quick read that won't disappoint.
April 30, 2014
Table for Two is a cute, sweet love story that flies by. These Heartsong Presents books are quick reads for the romantic heart. I like how realistic the story was in terms of characters and their problems. Both Mandy and Leo felt real as did the stress they had in their lives and how it impacted their relationship. It was fun to see how each of them had to confront their own weaknesses and challenges in order to make their relationship work. The food sounded scrumptious and seriously made me want some to eat. Leo's family was great and I loved their relationships with each other. Recommended.
March 2, 2014
This was a beautiful story of faith, trust and growth - he had to let go and stop trying to do it ALL himself, in his own stregnth, and let God in, to trust God to have his back and in God's will before he could move on in other areas of his life.
July 2, 2015
I loved Table for Two! It was such a refreshing romance novel for me! kept me turning pages plus all the yummy food! I highly recommend this novel to anyone and it is a great Christian romance!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews