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A Helping of Hope #1
The Casserole Dish
Alternative cover edition of ISBN-13: 9798867841355, ASIN: B0CNHFYF6H
One broken woman. One broken house. One broken neighborhood. And one casserole dish to fix them all.
After a painful divorce that left her house rehabbing business in shreds, Lisa Bennigan seeks to rebuild her life with her three children. When she inherits a house with lots of sweat equity, she throws herself into the renovation to avoid her pain and loss.
While she attempts to rehab the house, she discovers the neighborhood also needs a little TLC. Backbiting and gossip have torn their cul-de-sac apart. Lisa hopes she can establish harmony by baking love into slightly magic casserole dishes shared with her neighbors and maybe even save her own heart as well.
One broken woman. One broken house. One broken neighborhood. And one casserole dish to fix them all.
After a painful divorce that left her house rehabbing business in shreds, Lisa Bennigan seeks to rebuild her life with her three children. When she inherits a house with lots of sweat equity, she throws herself into the renovation to avoid her pain and loss.
While she attempts to rehab the house, she discovers the neighborhood also needs a little TLC. Backbiting and gossip have torn their cul-de-sac apart. Lisa hopes she can establish harmony by baking love into slightly magic casserole dishes shared with her neighbors and maybe even save her own heart as well.
342 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2023
About the author
Amey Zeigler
40 books180 followersAmey Zeigler is an award-winning author of romantic comedies and mysteries. Her laugh-out-loud Rom-Com, The Swiss Mishap, won third place in the OCCRWA's Book Buyer's Best for Contemporary Romance. Her ten years of theater training in college and high school inspired her to narrate her own books. She spins stories with humor, charm, and heart, often with a dash of action and adventure. When she's not writing, she is teasing her three kids, globe-trotting with her husband (for book research of course!), or trying new things.
Follow her adventures on Instagram @ameyzeigler.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 10, 2021
Amid the raging gossip, can a casserole dish heal Lisa’s past and possibly the whole neighborhood? A horrific divorce left Lisa and her three kids aching for a fresh start. When she inherits a house located in St. Louis, she moves her family there. The plan: rehab the house on her own with a little help from a next-door neighbor, Jackson, who has some legit rehabbing skills. What she doesn’t expect is a neighborhood filled with animosity and gossip. Will she ever escape her husband’s sordid past? Can a casserole dish perform healing magic to a group of neighbors in desperate need of community?
The Casserole Dish is a heartwarming piece of women’s fiction. This story is one to savor, like a baked treat with coffee or tea. The Casserole Dish is a story about neighbors, gossip, fresh starts, starting over, forgiveness, parenting, family, emotional tragedies, friendships, and a sweet romance. While there is romance in The Casserole Dish, it is not the main thrust of the story. I found the bickering, prickly neighbors to be quite realistic and entertaining. Through all the strife and turmoil, this neighborhood really comes together. So many times, while reading The Casserole Dish, it reminded me of the neighborhood growing up. The plot moves at a great pace with emotional narration, so the reader connects with the characters. Amey Zeigler is a talented writer and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. An uplifting story most anyone can relate to, The Casserole Dish harkens back to what matters most: a sense of community. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited. My thoughts are completely my own.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
The Casserole Dish is a heartwarming piece of women’s fiction. This story is one to savor, like a baked treat with coffee or tea. The Casserole Dish is a story about neighbors, gossip, fresh starts, starting over, forgiveness, parenting, family, emotional tragedies, friendships, and a sweet romance. While there is romance in The Casserole Dish, it is not the main thrust of the story. I found the bickering, prickly neighbors to be quite realistic and entertaining. Through all the strife and turmoil, this neighborhood really comes together. So many times, while reading The Casserole Dish, it reminded me of the neighborhood growing up. The plot moves at a great pace with emotional narration, so the reader connects with the characters. Amey Zeigler is a talented writer and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. An uplifting story most anyone can relate to, The Casserole Dish harkens back to what matters most: a sense of community. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited. My thoughts are completely my own.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
September 15, 2021
I enjoyed this book which is more about intent in relationships than just romance. Yes, there is a lovely romance in the book. There are also relationships with family, friends and neighbours. What I enjoyed most was how the community worked to change itself.
Lisa is trying to overcome a horrible conclusion to her marriage/divorce. With the help of her previous sister-in-law she moves to a run-down home with the intent to fix it up and sell it. And then life happens.
Lisa is trying to overcome a horrible conclusion to her marriage/divorce. With the help of her previous sister-in-law she moves to a run-down home with the intent to fix it up and sell it. And then life happens.
December 13, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Extremely delightful. That’s what one would use to describe “The Casserole Dish” by Amey Zeigler.
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Extremely delightful. That’s what one would use to describe “The Casserole Dish” by Amey Zeigler.
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 19, 2021
This is the 2nd book I have read from this author, and i loved this one just as much as the first - if not a little bit more.
If I am totally honest, the cover doesn't grab me, and i would potentially overlook this book in a shop BUT as they say 'Never judge a book by its cover' and this saying couldn't be more apt!
This book had multiple characters that all lived in a neighbourhood, and they all had their own issues, and their own problems, and i enjoyed getting to know their characters.
This book is so much more than I expected it to be - I honestly really enjoyed it, and would highly recommend it.
I will definitely look out for all this Authors books in the future.
If I am totally honest, the cover doesn't grab me, and i would potentially overlook this book in a shop BUT as they say 'Never judge a book by its cover' and this saying couldn't be more apt!
This book had multiple characters that all lived in a neighbourhood, and they all had their own issues, and their own problems, and i enjoyed getting to know their characters.
This book is so much more than I expected it to be - I honestly really enjoyed it, and would highly recommend it.
I will definitely look out for all this Authors books in the future.
May 31, 2022
This book falls firmly into the women's fiction category, which is not my normal read either. I guess I'm branching out this summer! There is a romance thread, but the main focus of the story is Lisa's journey of healing after her divorce as well as that of the neighborhood.
This cut-de-sac is more of a mess than the house that needs to be decluttered and fixed up. Everyone is dealing with their own issues and their coping mechanism is to judge and complain about everyone else. Of course, this only makes everything worse. Jackson encourages Lisa to over an olive branch to try and make things better. She decides to take one neighbor a meal and wait to see what happens.
This was an enjoyable read. I felt extremely lucky that I'd never experienced this kind of neighborhood. It made me appreciate all the great relationships I've enjoyed over my lifetime.
I give The Casserole Dish a solid 4 Stars and a Clean Rating.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no intimacy on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, intimacy is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to intimacy), more talk about intimacy, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but intimacy is closed door.
PG-14—somewhere between PG-13 and R. Not erotica, but at least a paragraph of on-screen intimacy
R--swearing (F-bomb, on “screen” intimacy, sometimes feels like the whole story is about the intimacy and not the relationship or some other plot, but not always
This cut-de-sac is more of a mess than the house that needs to be decluttered and fixed up. Everyone is dealing with their own issues and their coping mechanism is to judge and complain about everyone else. Of course, this only makes everything worse. Jackson encourages Lisa to over an olive branch to try and make things better. She decides to take one neighbor a meal and wait to see what happens.
This was an enjoyable read. I felt extremely lucky that I'd never experienced this kind of neighborhood. It made me appreciate all the great relationships I've enjoyed over my lifetime.
I give The Casserole Dish a solid 4 Stars and a Clean Rating.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no intimacy on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, intimacy is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to intimacy), more talk about intimacy, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but intimacy is closed door.
PG-14—somewhere between PG-13 and R. Not erotica, but at least a paragraph of on-screen intimacy
R--swearing (F-bomb, on “screen” intimacy, sometimes feels like the whole story is about the intimacy and not the relationship or some other plot, but not always
November 13, 2021
Book review
This book is a nice easy read. Very clean and refreshing. Towards the end a bit drawn out, but still a sweet read.
This book is a nice easy read. Very clean and refreshing. Towards the end a bit drawn out, but still a sweet read.
October 11, 2021
The cul-de-sac neighborhood is a mess - gossip, fighting, name-calling, backstabbing, inconsiderate (in)actions. Lisa is as guilty as anyone, but she's going to fix it, taking a casserole dish with pot pie to Hazel, who's having a horrible day. The caveat is that Hazel has to pay it forward to someone else. "Good karma oozes from the casserole dish." Lisa is trying to rebuild her life after a devastating divorce, moving her children to St. Louis to start over. Their neighbors are an interesting mix of folks - all with their own little quirks - mostly trying to deal with their own issues. But when they pull together to help someone in need... Jackson is a mess, but Lisa makes him want to be better. Vivian, the mail carrier, knows everything about everybody, and isn't afraid to interfere. I just loved this book, staying up far into the night reading "just one more chapter" several times over. I love this feel-good story. The author's really outdone herself with this wonderful book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2021
BE the change
What a great story about fixing a home, a family and a neighborhood.
I enjoyed this book about a newly-single mother with three children moving halfway across the country to the home of her crook of an ex-husband's grandmother. Her plan: to find peace, start her life over, renovate & flip the house, and give her kids a chance to live without gossip about their dad's conviction. When she arrives, she finds that the house is a disaster and the cul de sac neighborhood is filled with antagonism and backbiting.
When the back fence neighbor volunteered assistance with the bath remodel, they begin to talk about the project, their histories, and the neighborhood issues. Then he offers her the challenge to "extend an olive branch". Can an olive branch in the shape of an vintage casserole dish help heal the rifts in the community?
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author and voluntarily chose to share my review.
What a great story about fixing a home, a family and a neighborhood.
I enjoyed this book about a newly-single mother with three children moving halfway across the country to the home of her crook of an ex-husband's grandmother. Her plan: to find peace, start her life over, renovate & flip the house, and give her kids a chance to live without gossip about their dad's conviction. When she arrives, she finds that the house is a disaster and the cul de sac neighborhood is filled with antagonism and backbiting.
When the back fence neighbor volunteered assistance with the bath remodel, they begin to talk about the project, their histories, and the neighborhood issues. Then he offers her the challenge to "extend an olive branch". Can an olive branch in the shape of an vintage casserole dish help heal the rifts in the community?
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author and voluntarily chose to share my review.
September 17, 2021
Lovely story
I loved this book. Our leading lady, Lisa, is just trying to get back in her feet (with 3 kids in tow) after a tragic divorce. While our leading man, Jackson (also with a tragic divorce) is such a great partner for Lisa. Very balanced duo here!
They have quite the meet cute with dogs and an actual broken fence. I love that Jackson is actively pursuing Lisa but he isn't unrealistic in his approach.
And the neighbors? Whew wee! I've had some of those neighbors. There is quite the lesson about not judging a book by its cover here.
There is an overlying message about forgiveness and hope in this story. Sometimes we have to clear out the mess before we can bring something new in.
I loved this book. Our leading lady, Lisa, is just trying to get back in her feet (with 3 kids in tow) after a tragic divorce. While our leading man, Jackson (also with a tragic divorce) is such a great partner for Lisa. Very balanced duo here!
They have quite the meet cute with dogs and an actual broken fence. I love that Jackson is actively pursuing Lisa but he isn't unrealistic in his approach.
And the neighbors? Whew wee! I've had some of those neighbors. There is quite the lesson about not judging a book by its cover here.
There is an overlying message about forgiveness and hope in this story. Sometimes we have to clear out the mess before we can bring something new in.
October 9, 2021
Life is hard for her three children and herself because of what her husband did. Now she has inherited a house and it needs fixing up, she wonders if she can do it herself. A neighbour is in a rut when he sees his neighbour needs some help so he offers. What will happen when rumours start about her? Will he be able to help her? Will she be formed to move again? See where it takes them
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2022
Lisa's life reaches its lowest point. She has lost her husband, her home, her business, and her money. She and her three children relocate to a rundown inherited home, and she uses her remodeling skills to rehab and eventually sell it. This is the story of how she uses a casserole dish to heal her life, and a broken neighborhood. This is a heartwarming story of the value of forgiveness and of fresh starts. There is a romance, but it is not the focus of the story. It was a pleasure to read.
April 5, 2022
A very entertaining story
This has been a very entertaining story! Lisa, a divorcee with children move into a house to remote and sell. Then here come the neighbors, from gossipy to cantankerous until a casserole dish starts bringing peace and happiness. It won't take very long to be pulled into this story!
This has been a very entertaining story! Lisa, a divorcee with children move into a house to remote and sell. Then here come the neighbors, from gossipy to cantankerous until a casserole dish starts bringing peace and happiness. It won't take very long to be pulled into this story!
October 5, 2021
so so good
I read this book straight through and enjoyed the characters and storyline so very much. Editing was a bit weak but easily overlooked. Makes me want to be a better person and a better neighbor….
I read this book straight through and enjoyed the characters and storyline so very much. Editing was a bit weak but easily overlooked. Makes me want to be a better person and a better neighbor….
May 22, 2022
Amazing Book!
This was a new author to me and I will definitely be reading more of her books. I couldn't put this down.
This was a new author to me and I will definitely be reading more of her books. I couldn't put this down.
October 25, 2021
When Lisa Bennigan discovers horrible things about her husband topped off with his embezzlement from their rehab business, she divorces him and relocates with her children to St Louis. Nearly penniless, her sister's husband gives her a house he inherited from his grandmother for her to fix up and sell. It's just the chance for financial stability she needs...or is it? A mid-century modern ranch that needs major rehabbing would be enough of a challenge for her to do with only her children's help. Unfortunately, the previous owner was a hoarder, and it took more than a week to clear it out enough just to uncover beds for everyone.
This was a wonderful story of a determined mother and three cooperative children. The descriptions of people, places, and neighborhood problems was excellent and left the reader feeling like a part of the story. The characters (both main and minor ones) became real and interactions between them never seemed contrived. I liked the determination of these people that allowed them to step out of their comfort zones with surprising results.
The problem with this book (or why I didn't give it 5 stars) is numerous typos that any editor or Beta reader should have pointed out to the author. They detracted from my reading enjoyment.
I liked the story and the author's presentation of a different single mom story.
This was a wonderful story of a determined mother and three cooperative children. The descriptions of people, places, and neighborhood problems was excellent and left the reader feeling like a part of the story. The characters (both main and minor ones) became real and interactions between them never seemed contrived. I liked the determination of these people that allowed them to step out of their comfort zones with surprising results.
The problem with this book (or why I didn't give it 5 stars) is numerous typos that any editor or Beta reader should have pointed out to the author. They detracted from my reading enjoyment.
I liked the story and the author's presentation of a different single mom story.
February 6, 2022
Good premise
I liked the premise of this book, but the quality of the writing was disappointing. The storytelling was choppy, and there was odd word usage and sentence structure in a number of passages. (Like using the word "slovenly". Who uses that word n this day and age?) I liked the part about the casserole dish, but instead of being woven throughout the book, it was a chunk right in the middle. But the worst was the characterization of the heroine, Lisa. She was a sympathetic figure at first, but I got tired of her whining and judgemental attitude toward everyone else. She gossips but no one else is supposed to and she made snap judgements about other peoples characters with little to no information. She had little regard for her kids in several instances, leaving them at home alone while she goes to a ball game and then a day at a farm, both of which are kid friendly events. She hides the truth from her kids, and when the truth comes out in a semi-public way, instead of being concerned about their well being, she sends them to bed and leaves, because it's all about her and her feelings, then blames it all on the neighbors. Seems like the casserole dish did it's work on everyone but her.
I liked the premise of this book, but the quality of the writing was disappointing. The storytelling was choppy, and there was odd word usage and sentence structure in a number of passages. (Like using the word "slovenly". Who uses that word n this day and age?) I liked the part about the casserole dish, but instead of being woven throughout the book, it was a chunk right in the middle. But the worst was the characterization of the heroine, Lisa. She was a sympathetic figure at first, but I got tired of her whining and judgemental attitude toward everyone else. She gossips but no one else is supposed to and she made snap judgements about other peoples characters with little to no information. She had little regard for her kids in several instances, leaving them at home alone while she goes to a ball game and then a day at a farm, both of which are kid friendly events. She hides the truth from her kids, and when the truth comes out in a semi-public way, instead of being concerned about their well being, she sends them to bed and leaves, because it's all about her and her feelings, then blames it all on the neighbors. Seems like the casserole dish did it's work on everyone but her.
February 17, 2022
Can a casserole dish heal a neighborhood?
A little slow start, but certainty carries a message about kindness. Looking forward to reading more from Andy Zeigler, and her uplifting message.
A little slow start, but certainty carries a message about kindness. Looking forward to reading more from Andy Zeigler, and her uplifting message.
January 4, 2022
Great book, gives you much food for thought!!!!!!!!
February 8, 2022
Great beach read
I loved the clean, interesting plot. I will definitely recommend it to my teenage reading friends. Good book for the plane or beach.
I loved the clean, interesting plot. I will definitely recommend it to my teenage reading friends. Good book for the plane or beach.
Read
December 29, 2021Read for the Whitney award
October 10, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Lisa is taking steps to improve life for her and her children. Things had been very bad for a while. Some days those steps are hard but things might be turning around. A home renovation and a good guy to help seems like a step in the right direction. Things are not always easy she has learned that the hard way. Jackson is a neighbor that becomes a friend. He helps on the house and they all get to know each other. Friendship develops into more of a relationship. There is some drama and heartache but also growth laughter and love. Lisa has things getting better all around the neighborhood.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2022
Be the Change
The Casserole Dish is a heartwarming tale that shows the ripple effect one small act of kindness can have.
Amey Zeigler writes a neighborhood filled with compelling characters, and proves without a doubt that it's possible to be the change you wish to see in the world.
The Casserole Dish is a heartwarming tale that shows the ripple effect one small act of kindness can have.
Amey Zeigler writes a neighborhood filled with compelling characters, and proves without a doubt that it's possible to be the change you wish to see in the world.
August 20, 2024
After fifteen years of marriage and a successful home remodeling company, Lisa Bennigan's life is turned upside down when she discovers that her husband was cheating on her... with multiple women. To make matters worse, he was sent to prison for at least ten years.
Now, she is completely broke, the company is closed, with three children to raise (who don't know what happened to their father), and in need of a miracle.
Well, the miracle didn't exactly come ready-made.
With the help of her sister-in-law who offered her her husband's grandmother's old house, Jane moves to the other side of the country ready to start over.
But how it hurts to carry so much weight on her shoulders! The house was in dire need of urgent renovation. Not to mention that her ex-husband's grandmother seemed to be a hoarder. A lot of work ahead that Lisa would have to do practically alone since there was no money to hire a company.
The neighborhood, a mix of honey and bile, was Lisa's new challenge. She desperately wanted to keep what had happened to her family a secret, and feeling vulnerable with so much emotional pain, how could she still put up with a neighbor who loved to gossip?
But there was Jackson. The neighbor from the backyard.
Although their first impression was not the best, with a dog fight, he soon proved to be the most adorable neighbor.
Could she resist his country guy charm?
In the midst of so much pain, Lisa makes it her goal to be the first to "offer an olive branch", and that's when a "magic carrerole" comes into play.
A clean romance with delicious and touching scenes that make us think about how the power of kindness can make a difference.
Like me, you'll also want to buy a red casserole dish.
A must-read for anyone who wants to feel their heart warmed at the end of the day.
10 stars
Now, she is completely broke, the company is closed, with three children to raise (who don't know what happened to their father), and in need of a miracle.
Well, the miracle didn't exactly come ready-made.
With the help of her sister-in-law who offered her her husband's grandmother's old house, Jane moves to the other side of the country ready to start over.
But how it hurts to carry so much weight on her shoulders! The house was in dire need of urgent renovation. Not to mention that her ex-husband's grandmother seemed to be a hoarder. A lot of work ahead that Lisa would have to do practically alone since there was no money to hire a company.
The neighborhood, a mix of honey and bile, was Lisa's new challenge. She desperately wanted to keep what had happened to her family a secret, and feeling vulnerable with so much emotional pain, how could she still put up with a neighbor who loved to gossip?
But there was Jackson. The neighbor from the backyard.
Although their first impression was not the best, with a dog fight, he soon proved to be the most adorable neighbor.
Could she resist his country guy charm?
In the midst of so much pain, Lisa makes it her goal to be the first to "offer an olive branch", and that's when a "magic carrerole" comes into play.
A clean romance with delicious and touching scenes that make us think about how the power of kindness can make a difference.
Like me, you'll also want to buy a red casserole dish.
A must-read for anyone who wants to feel their heart warmed at the end of the day.
10 stars
October 5, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was entertaining to read how the neighbors interacted. I thought it was a great reminder about how we all have issues going on in our lives and what others see is such a distorted view of what is happening.
August 24, 2026
Good storyline, needs better editing
Interesting storyline, however the editing needs work. For example, in the final chapter of the book, a conversation with Whitney just starts, no preamble, just mid conversation. There are also several spelling errors.
Interesting storyline, however the editing needs work. For example, in the final chapter of the book, a conversation with Whitney just starts, no preamble, just mid conversation. There are also several spelling errors.
September 15, 2021
Great story about a woman who needs to find peace after a divorce.
June 21, 2023
Filled with heart, I love how Lisa heals as she spreads love to others. This book will make you smile and might even make you cry.
April 8, 2024
Loved this story with a good message. 🥰
September 14, 2021
Rating: 1.5/5.0
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I was not expecting The Casserole Dish to be more about the neighbors than the love story. I've been on a spree of reading romance novels recently, and for some reason, I was expecting this to be that type of story.
I don't get it. I mean, I do, but I don't. Lisa gets upset that her neighbors are gossips, but she does the same thing and spills her life story/biggest secrets to the first neighbor she sees within a few weeks, and then gets upset like she didn't see this coming. (Also, there was a big buildup as to how the kids would react based on the secret, but it ended up having too perfect of an ending, and the kids kind of... let it go)
The kids were too perfect. First, the youngest has a bit of a bathroom issue, but after the first few times that result in some teasing, the entire issue disappears. It's never mentioned again, whether Lisa helped her through or if she kept having problems. The middle child didn't have that large of a presence, but the oldest is a teenager. His personality involved earbuds and his phone being a permanent fixture on his body, and a little lack of responsibility, but also extremely helpful, never complaining or talking back, and being this all-around perfect child with only a couple tiny things.
I was a teen not too long ago. My brother is a teen now. There is no way a teenaged boy will be that helpful or perfect without having any fights with the parent. In fact, all of the children felt too perfect. They only fought with each other once or twice, but they also didn't appear that much. By that, I mean, they showed up physically and appeared a lot, but they only had specific scenes in which they had to appear, so when they didn't, they were outside playing. It felt like the kids were only there to add to Lisa's stress or add some issues.
I didn't like the POV switches as none of them were labeled and sometimes they changed mid-chapter. I'm glad to see the insider take on each of the neighbors and why they were jerks, but I still think the sudden shifts came out of nowhere and added nothing to the story.
I didn't like Jackson, the love interest. He was somehow this perfect guy except that he also kind of looked homeless in the beginning. But he seemed to have a slight anxiety when speaking with people in the beginning, but that disappeared almost immediately, so that can't be right.
The casserole dish made no sense. I do like the method and the idea, but the way it was carried out was strange. A casserole dish does not make people suddenly feel like cleaning up their yards after having been nagged about it for years, it does not magically make children enjoy the food cooked in it, and I highly doubt it changes the attitudes of every single neighbor so quickly.
The seasons also made no sense. Lisa throws a Fourth of July party within the first month of moving, and later she mentions it's been a few months and is raking the fall leaves, and then something big happens nine months later - but she said it would occur in the spring. Maybe my math is wrong or I don't remember the order of seasons, but does the timeline actually fit?
I will say, I enjoyed the addition of the recipes in the back. I will look into trying out a few of them at home.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I was not expecting The Casserole Dish to be more about the neighbors than the love story. I've been on a spree of reading romance novels recently, and for some reason, I was expecting this to be that type of story.
I don't get it. I mean, I do, but I don't. Lisa gets upset that her neighbors are gossips, but she does the same thing and spills her life story/biggest secrets to the first neighbor she sees within a few weeks, and then gets upset like she didn't see this coming. (Also, there was a big buildup as to how the kids would react based on the secret, but it ended up having too perfect of an ending, and the kids kind of... let it go)
The kids were too perfect. First, the youngest has a bit of a bathroom issue, but after the first few times that result in some teasing, the entire issue disappears. It's never mentioned again, whether Lisa helped her through or if she kept having problems. The middle child didn't have that large of a presence, but the oldest is a teenager. His personality involved earbuds and his phone being a permanent fixture on his body, and a little lack of responsibility, but also extremely helpful, never complaining or talking back, and being this all-around perfect child with only a couple tiny things.
I was a teen not too long ago. My brother is a teen now. There is no way a teenaged boy will be that helpful or perfect without having any fights with the parent. In fact, all of the children felt too perfect. They only fought with each other once or twice, but they also didn't appear that much. By that, I mean, they showed up physically and appeared a lot, but they only had specific scenes in which they had to appear, so when they didn't, they were outside playing. It felt like the kids were only there to add to Lisa's stress or add some issues.
I didn't like the POV switches as none of them were labeled and sometimes they changed mid-chapter. I'm glad to see the insider take on each of the neighbors and why they were jerks, but I still think the sudden shifts came out of nowhere and added nothing to the story.
I didn't like Jackson, the love interest. He was somehow this perfect guy except that he also kind of looked homeless in the beginning. But he seemed to have a slight anxiety when speaking with people in the beginning, but that disappeared almost immediately, so that can't be right.
The casserole dish made no sense. I do like the method and the idea, but the way it was carried out was strange. A casserole dish does not make people suddenly feel like cleaning up their yards after having been nagged about it for years, it does not magically make children enjoy the food cooked in it, and I highly doubt it changes the attitudes of every single neighbor so quickly.
The seasons also made no sense. Lisa throws a Fourth of July party within the first month of moving, and later she mentions it's been a few months and is raking the fall leaves, and then something big happens nine months later - but she said it would occur in the spring. Maybe my math is wrong or I don't remember the order of seasons, but does the timeline actually fit?
I will say, I enjoyed the addition of the recipes in the back. I will look into trying out a few of them at home.
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