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Recipes For Love #6
Recipe for Mr Christmas
Sometimes second chances take a little time . . .
Susie Keane is mourning the death of her husband. They had a wonderful forty years of marriage, but now she’s unsure of what to do with her life.
Then the arrival of the annual Christmas card from the oh-so-perfect Bailey family gives Susie the push she so desperately needs. Next year, she’ll be the one with the exciting stories to gloat about.
Hello cooking courses, motorbike-riding lessons and pole-dancing classes. Goodbye moping about and feeling sorry for herself.
But then something happens that Susie isn’t prepared for. A school reunion.
And she definitely isn’t prepared to meet a man who does the impossible. Bob Diamond is the first person to put a smile on Susie’s face.
Bob lost his wife eighteen months ago and knows exactly what Susie’s going through. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s a singer and guitar player in a band. Together, perhaps they can fall back in love with life?
With Bob by her side, Susie discovers that, sometimes, the most unexpected gifts of all are the ones that bring two lonely hearts together . . .
Susie Keane is mourning the death of her husband. They had a wonderful forty years of marriage, but now she’s unsure of what to do with her life.
Then the arrival of the annual Christmas card from the oh-so-perfect Bailey family gives Susie the push she so desperately needs. Next year, she’ll be the one with the exciting stories to gloat about.
Hello cooking courses, motorbike-riding lessons and pole-dancing classes. Goodbye moping about and feeling sorry for herself.
But then something happens that Susie isn’t prepared for. A school reunion.
And she definitely isn’t prepared to meet a man who does the impossible. Bob Diamond is the first person to put a smile on Susie’s face.
Bob lost his wife eighteen months ago and knows exactly what Susie’s going through. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s a singer and guitar player in a band. Together, perhaps they can fall back in love with life?
With Bob by her side, Susie discovers that, sometimes, the most unexpected gifts of all are the ones that bring two lonely hearts together . . .
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
23 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 20, 2023
Recipe for Mr Christmas by Anni Rose
Recipes for Love series #6. Contemporary holiday romance. Older couple, second chance. Full family cast. Can be read as a stand-alone romance but better as part of the series as family is prevalent and intrinsic to this story.
Susie Keanu is mourning the death of her long-time husband. At loose ends, and trying to figure out what she would put in a hypothetical Christmas letter to people, she decides to try local classes in cooking, pole-dancing, and motorbike-riding. She also volunteers at a nursing home hoping it makes her feel capable and strong. At a chance meeting, she chats and connects with Bob, who has also lost his spouse. Both are busy trying to feel needed, or still meaningful so don’t feel they can make dating a priority at their age. Is being lonely at their age just accepted?
At an age both Susie and Bob feel they still have goals and purpose, they also don’t want to take away from memories of their lost spouses. I admired their passion and commitments to actively learn, renew and teach others. They both continue to build friendships which was wonderful for both sides. But I found it a bit sad too that family and other things took priority more times than not. Good on the family for their part.
I had a difficult time with all the family, friends, names and weaving all of them into the story and every page since I haven’t read any of the previous books. There are a lot of secondary characters. A lot.
Bob and Susie do successfully prove that life is not over either at their age or when a spouse passes.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Recipes for Love series #6. Contemporary holiday romance. Older couple, second chance. Full family cast. Can be read as a stand-alone romance but better as part of the series as family is prevalent and intrinsic to this story.
Susie Keanu is mourning the death of her long-time husband. At loose ends, and trying to figure out what she would put in a hypothetical Christmas letter to people, she decides to try local classes in cooking, pole-dancing, and motorbike-riding. She also volunteers at a nursing home hoping it makes her feel capable and strong. At a chance meeting, she chats and connects with Bob, who has also lost his spouse. Both are busy trying to feel needed, or still meaningful so don’t feel they can make dating a priority at their age. Is being lonely at their age just accepted?
At an age both Susie and Bob feel they still have goals and purpose, they also don’t want to take away from memories of their lost spouses. I admired their passion and commitments to actively learn, renew and teach others. They both continue to build friendships which was wonderful for both sides. But I found it a bit sad too that family and other things took priority more times than not. Good on the family for their part.
I had a difficult time with all the family, friends, names and weaving all of them into the story and every page since I haven’t read any of the previous books. There are a lot of secondary characters. A lot.
Bob and Susie do successfully prove that life is not over either at their age or when a spouse passes.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
October 25, 2023
I just love this cute cover. This was a bit of a sad but such a good read. There were some heavy topics. I enjoyed this second chance romance. This was a second chance of love after losing your partner. This was about so much more than romance. Both of our characters are trying to live life after grief. They are learning about themselves and how to navigate this world that has changed so much for them. There have been tears and laughter. I just loved this one. Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 15, 2023
5* Entertaining
You know when you receive that annual Christmas letter from an old school friend describing their perfect life, with a successful husband and over achieving children, and you can't even remember what you've done, let alone recalling any points of interest. That was Susie Keane's reaction as she read her school friend's letter. How could she reciprocate? Husband died, wouldn't be very jolly.
Married for 40 years, the last ten being a carer to her much older husband, Susie is determined to embrace a full and exciting life. In the New Year she enrols in pole dancing, then a less energetic bakery course, followed by a variety of classes and pursuits, even attempting a few longed for thrills and experiences. Over the course of a year Susie's inactive life changes completely, with the bonus of providing plenty of bragging points in her Christmas letter to her school friends.
This is worth reading just for the Christmas concert set in the nursing home.
Thank you Choc-Lit/Joffe Books for the eARC, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
You know when you receive that annual Christmas letter from an old school friend describing their perfect life, with a successful husband and over achieving children, and you can't even remember what you've done, let alone recalling any points of interest. That was Susie Keane's reaction as she read her school friend's letter. How could she reciprocate? Husband died, wouldn't be very jolly.
Married for 40 years, the last ten being a carer to her much older husband, Susie is determined to embrace a full and exciting life. In the New Year she enrols in pole dancing, then a less energetic bakery course, followed by a variety of classes and pursuits, even attempting a few longed for thrills and experiences. Over the course of a year Susie's inactive life changes completely, with the bonus of providing plenty of bragging points in her Christmas letter to her school friends.
This is worth reading just for the Christmas concert set in the nursing home.
Thank you Choc-Lit/Joffe Books for the eARC, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
December 28, 2023
This was a great easy Christmas read. Susie and Bob were loveable characters and were able to fall into this Christmas love story. A heartwarming tale of second chances, love, and the unexpected joys that life can bring. Susie Keane, mourning the loss of her husband, finds herself at a crossroads when she receives the annual Christmas card from the seemingly perfect Bailey family. Determined to create exciting stories of her own, Susie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, embracing cooking courses, motorbike-riding lessons, and pole-dancing classes. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when a school reunion introduces her to Bob Diamond, a man who not only understands her grief but also becomes the source of unexpected joy. As they navigate the complexities of loss and healing, Susie and Bob discover that sometimes, the most unexpected gifts are the ones that bring two lonely hearts together.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley.
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December 13, 2023This is a lovely, heartwarming holiday read!
Author, Annie Rose, has a gentle writing style that I enjoyed.
Second chance romance is in the cards for both leads as they maneuver losing a spouse.
It may be a bit predictable how the story plays out. But still, very enjoyable as it’s not meant to be suspenseful .
I definitely want to go back and read the series in order as there were a lot of characters that I didn’t know enough about to add depth to this particular story, but I just ignored them, knowing I would go back and read about them in other books.
I would recommend this book at this time of year for sure!
Thank you to author, Anni Rose, NetGalley, and Choc Lit publishing for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication date.
Charlene @lastnownext 🌸📚🤗
Author, Annie Rose, has a gentle writing style that I enjoyed.
Second chance romance is in the cards for both leads as they maneuver losing a spouse.
It may be a bit predictable how the story plays out. But still, very enjoyable as it’s not meant to be suspenseful .
I definitely want to go back and read the series in order as there were a lot of characters that I didn’t know enough about to add depth to this particular story, but I just ignored them, knowing I would go back and read about them in other books.
I would recommend this book at this time of year for sure!
Thank you to author, Anni Rose, NetGalley, and Choc Lit publishing for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication date.
Charlene @lastnownext 🌸📚🤗
October 23, 2023
This book revolves around an entire cast of characters that were so interconnected, it was challenging to put the book down - I'd lose track of who was who and what they knew if I left and came back! That said, it was a great story of family, community, moving on, various kinds of strength and confidence, and the challenges with being older and losing loved ones and loving again. I love this series from Anni Rose, as it is just heartwarming in genuine ways. While a different demographic, it still fits the bill.
#arc
#netgalley
#recipeformrchristmas
#arc
#netgalley
#recipeformrchristmas
October 24, 2023
A really cute story about two people trying to find their way! I love the idea of the holiday letter being Susie’s push to get up and try new things, and Bob is such a fun character! I loved his family! This was really enjoyable watching both characters navigate life after losing a spouse, and figuring things out in their own ways, while also being there for each other.
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and Choc Lit for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and Choc Lit for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 27, 2023
Susie lost her husband and the yearly christmas letter from a "friend" opened her eyes.
Not only a book for christmas, it's a book that shows up, that you can change your live whenever you want. You can go to a poledance course even if you're an "old" women, or other "crazy" things.
It's so cute and emotional and eyeopening.
Have fun reading!
Not only a book for christmas, it's a book that shows up, that you can change your live whenever you want. You can go to a poledance course even if you're an "old" women, or other "crazy" things.
It's so cute and emotional and eyeopening.
Have fun reading!
December 31, 2023
The book Recipe for Mr. Christmas was an enjoyable read. I would recommend any book written by Anni Rose. Happy Reading!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.
November 30, 2023
Lovely fun and fast romantic comedy
Another brilliant book by Anni Rose. A real page turner and thoroughly enjoyable. Beautiful characters and really well written. Loved it.
Another brilliant book by Anni Rose. A real page turner and thoroughly enjoyable. Beautiful characters and really well written. Loved it.
December 11, 2023
"Recipe for Mr. Christmas" by Anni Rose is a heartwarming tale of second chances, love, and the unexpected joys that life can bring. Susie Keane, mourning the loss of her husband, finds herself at a crossroads when she receives the annual Christmas card from the seemingly perfect Bailey family. Determined to create exciting stories of her own, Susie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, embracing cooking courses, motorbike-riding lessons, and pole-dancing classes. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when a school reunion introduces her to Bob Diamond, a man who not only understands her grief but also becomes the source of unexpected joy. As they navigate the complexities of loss and healing, Susie and Bob discover that sometimes, the most unexpected gifts are the ones that bring two lonely hearts together.
Anni Rose crafts a story filled with warmth, humor, and a touch of musical magic as Bob, a singer and guitar player, becomes a beacon of light in Susie's life. The characters are endearing, and their journey is relatable, making "Recipe for Mr. Christmas" a perfect read for fans of heartwarming romance and stories of rediscovering love after loss. Rose's storytelling is gentle yet powerful, delivering a message of hope and resilience that lingers with readers long after the final page.
Anni Rose crafts a story filled with warmth, humor, and a touch of musical magic as Bob, a singer and guitar player, becomes a beacon of light in Susie's life. The characters are endearing, and their journey is relatable, making "Recipe for Mr. Christmas" a perfect read for fans of heartwarming romance and stories of rediscovering love after loss. Rose's storytelling is gentle yet powerful, delivering a message of hope and resilience that lingers with readers long after the final page.
October 29, 2023
I enjoyed the previous Recipe for Love series books so much more - I knew going in this was a later in life story, that the characters were much older (generally a later in life story is characters in their 40’s or 50’s and closer to my own age, not 20’s or 30’s and harder to relate to), but these folks were widowed and celebrating their 50th class reunion… much older than usual!
It was hard to relate to them when they are my parents age, not even experiencing things my parents are or doing anything that they are or anyone I know is - trying out experiences and hobbies to keep occupied, like riding a motorcycle and taking pole dancing classes and other crafting things. All also while dealing with adult (including step) children and their own challenges…
I enjoyed the rest of this series and while I appreciate the later in life finding a second love idea, I just didn’t connect. I do enjoy Anni Rose and her writing and look forward to more from her - this particular book just was not for me. I know she will have an audience - just a single 40-something is not at all it!
This is definitely a women’s fiction book, not really a romance.
I received a copy from NetGalley and Joffe Books (Choc Lit), and this is my honest opinion.
It was hard to relate to them when they are my parents age, not even experiencing things my parents are or doing anything that they are or anyone I know is - trying out experiences and hobbies to keep occupied, like riding a motorcycle and taking pole dancing classes and other crafting things. All also while dealing with adult (including step) children and their own challenges…
I enjoyed the rest of this series and while I appreciate the later in life finding a second love idea, I just didn’t connect. I do enjoy Anni Rose and her writing and look forward to more from her - this particular book just was not for me. I know she will have an audience - just a single 40-something is not at all it!
This is definitely a women’s fiction book, not really a romance.
I received a copy from NetGalley and Joffe Books (Choc Lit), and this is my honest opinion.
October 30, 2023
It's always good to read a story where the characters are older and facing different issues and this book does just that as it looks at a woman grieving for her husband, and that wanting to move on with life and can you find love again?
Susie is at the centre of the story and we really get to see her wrestling with decisions of how best to move forward with her life. There's a school reunion on the cards and that trepidation about people you used to know and what to say to them!
She really throws herself into finding the new 'her' with attending lots of courses and also volunteering at the local nursing home, and this brings her into contact with people from all different backgrounds and I love her can do attitude! she's not afraid to say no to trying new things out - poledancing anyone?!
She's also dealing with finding out things from the past that her husband didn't tell her and it really shakes her memory of him as you just assume that your loved ones are honest with you. This story deals with some serious subjects and takes place over 1 year so definitely not just a festive read. A really good mix of serious stuff and learning to have fun again!
Susie is at the centre of the story and we really get to see her wrestling with decisions of how best to move forward with her life. There's a school reunion on the cards and that trepidation about people you used to know and what to say to them!
She really throws herself into finding the new 'her' with attending lots of courses and also volunteering at the local nursing home, and this brings her into contact with people from all different backgrounds and I love her can do attitude! she's not afraid to say no to trying new things out - poledancing anyone?!
She's also dealing with finding out things from the past that her husband didn't tell her and it really shakes her memory of him as you just assume that your loved ones are honest with you. This story deals with some serious subjects and takes place over 1 year so definitely not just a festive read. A really good mix of serious stuff and learning to have fun again!
October 5, 2023
Considering the seasonal-sounding title, it might be useful to mention that this story actually spans a whole year, so you really don't need to wait until you're in a Christmas mood to read it.
Readers who are familiar with previous "Recipes for Life" will recognise several names in this new book. Others might want to meet the main characters in Recipe for Mr Ideal first, as they were both more than just mentioned there, but it's not absolutely necessary.
Once again, I really enjoyed this visit to Redford, and it was particularly nice to see Susie, who became a widow during the events of Recipe for Mr Ideal, find a new chance at shared happiness. Also, the residents of Treetops (the care home where Susie volunteers) and some funny ideas of activities to report about in a "Christmas letter" (as Susie envies a friend whose exciting family life is detailed in such a letter every year) provide excellent comedic moments on par with those of previous Recipes.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Readers who are familiar with previous "Recipes for Life" will recognise several names in this new book. Others might want to meet the main characters in Recipe for Mr Ideal first, as they were both more than just mentioned there, but it's not absolutely necessary.
Once again, I really enjoyed this visit to Redford, and it was particularly nice to see Susie, who became a widow during the events of Recipe for Mr Ideal, find a new chance at shared happiness. Also, the residents of Treetops (the care home where Susie volunteers) and some funny ideas of activities to report about in a "Christmas letter" (as Susie envies a friend whose exciting family life is detailed in such a letter every year) provide excellent comedic moments on par with those of previous Recipes.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for allowing me access to this ARC.
Recipe For Mr. Christmas is a heartwarming story that takes place over a one-year time span, from Christmas to Christmas. It is refreshing that the main characters, Susie and Bob, are both over the age of 50 and not in their 20s and 30s. Suzie is a widower and Bob is a widow. This is a tale of their journeys and new adventures that bring them closer together. I enjoyed the way the characters were developed throughout the book and the way their relationship was built over the year time span.
This is my first book by Anni Rose but not my last. I plan to go back and read the other books in this series, although this book can be read as a standalone.
Publication date: October 31, 2023
Recipe For Mr. Christmas is a heartwarming story that takes place over a one-year time span, from Christmas to Christmas. It is refreshing that the main characters, Susie and Bob, are both over the age of 50 and not in their 20s and 30s. Suzie is a widower and Bob is a widow. This is a tale of their journeys and new adventures that bring them closer together. I enjoyed the way the characters were developed throughout the book and the way their relationship was built over the year time span.
This is my first book by Anni Rose but not my last. I plan to go back and read the other books in this series, although this book can be read as a standalone.
Publication date: October 31, 2023
September 8, 2024
This is a charming holiday romance that stands out for featuring older characters, which was a refreshing change from the usual. The story revolves around second chances, love, and the magic of the Christmas season, with mature characters at the heart of it. I loved that the author gave depth and complexity to these older protagonists, making them relatable and heartwarming.
The writing is easy to follow, and it makes for an enjoyable, lighthearted read. However, at times, the plot meanders a bit, and the pacing can feel slow, which at times caused me to lose interest. But if you're in the mood for a simple, feel-good holiday story with down-to-earth characters, this one is worth picking up.
The writing is easy to follow, and it makes for an enjoyable, lighthearted read. However, at times, the plot meanders a bit, and the pacing can feel slow, which at times caused me to lose interest. But if you're in the mood for a simple, feel-good holiday story with down-to-earth characters, this one is worth picking up.
November 10, 2023
What a great book! It was lovely meeting old friends from previous books and following their story. I especially liked the fact the main couple are not youngsters in their 20s or 30s but a little older. Good to show love doesn’t stop at 40, or 50, or any other age – and show that hobbies for over 40s don’t have to consist of crochet & knitting! It was very believable that bereaved people sometimes struggle with when to love again, when is too soon? Can it be too late? It was so nice to follow their story. I also liked catching glimpses of characters from other Redford books! So looking forward to the next Redford book!
October 31, 2023
This is a good story with some unusual twists. The hero and heroine at the start seem made for each other but, as is often the case real life gets between them. Susie iis recovering from the death of her husband and Bob his wife. Between their health, jibs and families there seems to be everything against their budding romance. Add in a group of pensioners and the twists are inevitable. Enjoy a read which I sure you will.
November 2, 2023
It was a lovely easy read and I really liked the chats the characters had. Susie and Bob were really likeable and I was really excited to see how they grew as widows navigating life after their respective partners died. There was a lot of warmth and fun from them. All in all a lovely book and I will go back and read more in this series.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2023
I really enjoyed reading from a more mature perspective, Susie and Bob were very loveable characters. This story features many interwoven characters - but the stars of the book were our main characters. This book brought a lot of hope and joy with their story of them finding love again after losing their spouses. This book was a very slow burn, but did make me feel very warm inside and festive!
Thank you netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2023
This was a relatively easy book to read but it did deal with some heavy topics! The main characters are a bit older than me so it was hard to connect to them but I enjoyed reading their story.the book had more of a women’s fiction instead of romance book for me though. Overall I enjoyed the book it was just hard for me to connect so I’m giving it 3.5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this book!
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this book!
October 22, 2023
I received this ARC for honest feedback.
Susie and Bob were wonderful characters to get to know. Watching them come together after losses, and grow as people through the book was quite enjoyable. Even though there was a couple of over-the-top, unbelievable scenarios, over all, I would recommend this cozy read.
Susie and Bob were wonderful characters to get to know. Watching them come together after losses, and grow as people through the book was quite enjoyable. Even though there was a couple of over-the-top, unbelievable scenarios, over all, I would recommend this cozy read.
November 15, 2023
Recipe for Mr. Christmas by Anni Rose was surprisingly funny and inspiring. This book is about Susie, a recently widowed woman, and Bob, a widow. Susie receives a Christmas letter that inspires her to change her life. I had a hard time starting the book, but once I got into it, I enjoyed it very much. Ultimately, I wanted to know what new activity Susie would try. Would Susie and Bob find love?
November 30, 2023
This is a cute romance about two older people finding love in others and themselves after a loss. It was more about trying new things, self exploration, and trying to enjoy life than romance (or Christmas) imo. I think there were a few too many characters for its length, but overall decent. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.
February 8, 2024
This book was such a sweet story overall! I found myself having a number of emotions and reactions throughout reading it. With a storyline that incorporated grief and finding oneself, there was also a romance. I enjoy both Bob and Susie's characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
December 25, 2023
This was a great easy Christmas read. Susie and Bob were loveable characters and were able to fall into this Christmas love story.
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February 24, 2024
Omg! 😭😍 this book was perfect! I didn’t expect them being an older couple, but it just made it so much better them over coming the loses and looking for the greater things in life. The book was written well, and had me hooked from the beginning!!
December 12, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I really liked that the two main characters Bob and Sue are over 50 and are still figuring out who they are. A lot of different side stories in this one. A quick, easy, holiday read.
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