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The Highland Cookery School #1

A Recipe for Love: An uplifting rags-to-riches romcom set in the Scottish Highlands

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'Funny, romantic, with great characters and set in Scotland, this book has it all.' Katie Fforde

Cinderella meets Bake-Off in this contemporary rags-to-riches romcom

From the moment they meet, Bella and Adam know this is no ordinary holiday romance.

This is the real deal.

But when they find out Adam’s father has died and he has inherited the penniless Lowbridge Loch estate, their lives are changed in an instant.

Bella suddenly finds herself dealing with crumbling castles, battling baronesses and a tiny community of eccentric characters. Rising to the challenge, Bella has an idea to save Lowbridge Loch. She will create The Highland Cookery School.

But will her plans sink like a souffle when her skills are put to the test?

And can Bella and Adam’s love survive the pressure of saving the estate?

An irresistible, feel-good romance perfect for fans of Jessica Redland, Holly Martin and Heidi Swain

Praise for A Recipe for Love

'A heartwarming read full of engaging characters, fun moments and a captivating romance.' Bella Osborne

Beautifully written, with wonderful characters, a lively community and oodles of charm all wrapped up in a gorgeous Highland setting.’ Suzanne Snow

I devoured it in one sitting and was looking for more - so I can't wait for the next in the series. Second helpings, please!’ Lilac Mills

Utterly delightful. A truly gorgeous book that will hook you from the start…this has all the feels.’ Helga Jensen

'Warm and welcoming, a delicious Scottish holiday of a book.' Jeevani Charika

352 pages, Paperback

Published March 13, 2025

6 people are currently reading
137 people want to read

About the author

Amelia Berry

3 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Ritu Bhathal.
Author 5 books155 followers
March 19, 2025
What a lovely story filled with cake, castles and love!
Bella and Adam are very different characters who meet in Spain under extraordinary circumstances.
Their whirlwind romance leads to a quick proposal, and all seems terrific until they arrive back home in Scotland, where Adam learns some sad news about his father.
The thing is, he's not told his now fiance much about his life, and he is a Laird and has his own castle (that the whole family refers to as a house).
The way Bella and Adam fall in love is cute, and how Bella, a free spirit, deals with the possibility of a future very different from anything she has ever imagined is a great story.
There's not one, but two Dowager Lady Lowbridges to contend with, as well as a small, tight-knit community in the village of Lowbridge, where Adam's family lives.
Bella tries her hardest to ingratiate herself into the day-to-day running of the castle, offering so much to help the family get out of a tight spot. It is great to see how her character deals with the future looking very different from what she ever thought.
An excellent cast of characters, including Poppy, the castle ghost, brings more flavour to the story.
Of course, there is plenty of mention of food and cakes in particular, which I always enjoy.
Looking forward to reading what comes next!
Profile Image for Rhoda Baxter.
Author 23 books103 followers
December 17, 2024
It's the winter, and I fancied reading about cake, so I grabbed an ARC of this book when offered the chance. (Who am I kidding, I always fancy cake ... but I digress). The book definitely delivered.

The book is, as the title suggests, set in rural Scotland. There's a real castle (which the laird and family insist on calling 'the house') and everything. Bella gets engaged to lovely Adam after a whirlwind romance in Spain and comes back to Scotland expecting to settle down in Edinburgh, but due to the sudden death of Adam's father, ends up being whisked up to the highlands with him instead.

I loved Bella's pragmatic and practical attitude. She took stock of what was happening and made things happen - which was in direct contrast to Adam who was basically handstrung by grief. There are times when you want to shake him, but at the same time, you can see that he's grieving and everyone else getting behind Bella's plans and getting on with life is making him feel more and more alone.

The other thing I liked about this story is that Bella and Adam clearly love each other. Yes, their relationship has it's ups and downs, but when they're good, they're really good.

The secondary characters are brilliant (especially Netty, who APPARENTLY doesn't shut up, but Bella can't hear a word she says) and the sheep are hilarious.

Snack warning - have cake or at least shortbread biscuits to hand when reading, because there are some lovely cake descriptions. I completely agree with Bella's ire at mass produced brownies.

This book is warm and welcoming - a delicious Scottish holiday of book.

I received an ARC from the publisher (Thanks, Hera Books).
90 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy of this book.

This is a cosy story about two very different people who meet in Spain and enjoy a whirlwind romance that results in a very quick proposal before moving to Scotland where they have to navigate a massive life even that derails their plans and leads to decisions that jeopardise their future together.

I absolutely love the characters in this book and the complexities of each of them. The character and world building are fantastic. Add in trying to save a castle in Scotland by opening a cookery school in the kitchens and the drama that comes with life in a small village, and you've got an entertaining read.

However, I've never been a fan of the third act breakup trope in romance books, it always feels rushed and unrealistic: a rash decision is made based on a comment or an action, a short time apart passes, and then an apology is given and everything is immediately infinitely better than it was before. And this one is no exception. I do like the way the author used it as a chance to break down how life experiences have shaped the way the main characters see themselves and their relationships, though, instead of just focusing on the characters wallowing and self pitty.

If you're looking for an easy to read, cosy romance with a mixture of lighthearted, funny and tense moments (along with a dash of cooking and a sprinkling of wayward sheep) then definitely give this book a chance.

Publication date: 13th March 2025
Profile Image for Hsiau Wei.
1,872 reviews7 followers
August 8, 2025
This book follows Bella and Adam, two very different people who meet in Spain and experience a whirlwind romance that quickly leads to an engagement. Expecting to settle in Edinburgh, Bella is instead swept up to the Scottish Highlands after Adam’s father unexpectedly passes away. As they adjust to life in a rural castle—referred to simply as “the house” by Adam’s family—they face the challenge of saving the estate by opening a cookery school in the castle kitchens.

Bella is pragmatic and proactive, in stark contrast to Adam, who is struggling with grief and feels increasingly isolated as life moves forward without him. Their love for each other is evident, but their relationship is tested by the weight of responsibility and emotional turmoil. A third-act breakup threatens their future together, but rather than being just about misunderstanding or miscommunication, it delves into how their past experiences shape their views on love and relationships.

The book offers rich character development, an engaging small-town setting, and a fantastic cast of secondary characters—especially the chatty but mostly incomprehensible Netty and some hilariously memorable sheep. While the third-act breakup trope may feel predictable, the emotional depth and unique setting make for an entertaining and heartfelt read.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,292 reviews61 followers
January 25, 2025
3.7⭐️




Bella es una nómada y no cree que alguna vez se asentará, hasta que conoce a Adam, con quien no puede mantenerse lejos, y lo mismo le ocurre a él. Su romance es vertiginoso; ninguno de los dos quiere separarse, pero él debe regresar a su país, así que deciden comprometerse. Parecía que todo sería felicidad, hasta que, al aterrizar, se enteran de que el padre de Adam ha muerto y que él ha heredado el empobrecido estado de Lowbridge Loch.

De repente, Bella se encuentra inmersa en un mundo completamente diferente y no sabe si podrá sobrellevar todo lo que ahora se espera de ella, los planes que tenían parecen cada vez más lejanos y comienza a ver un lado diferente de Adam. Mientras tanto, él se ve lleno de responsabilidades y duda si podrá tomar el lugar de su padre. Pero lo que ambos tienen claro es su amor, o eso creían, hasta que su relación es puesta a prueba.



~



Me gustó, aunque hubo momentos en los que me despertaron algunas de sus actitudes. Sin embargo, al entender cómo habían vivido tanto Bella como Adam, sus reacciones me parecieron de lo mas natural y a esto se le suman las expectativas de todos.






Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julia S.
56 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2025
Bella is working in Spain as a chef when she meets Adam, who is visiting on holiday. After a whirlwind romance, they both realise that what they have is for keeps, get engaged, and head for a future together in Edinburgh.

On arrival, they are shocked to find that:
1. Adam's Father has passed away
2. They are suddenly changing plans and heading to the Scottish Highlands
3. Adam has left out a teeny tiny detail of who he is...

"A recipe for love" is a delightful romance, and although it does touch on the grief associated with losing a loved one, the author does so in a really gentle way. I also feel that the author has done a great job in balancing writing about serious themes with some great humourous and light-hearted moments.

I really enjoyed reading this gorgeous, cozy closed door romance. The beautiful setting of the Scottish Highlands, the descriptions of delicious sweets interwoven with some of the most memorable and lovable characters makes for a book that is hard to put down!

Thank you to Netgalley, Hera Books, and the Author for the ARC.
Profile Image for Kaveesha Bandara.
169 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/5

A Recipe for Love is a contemporary romantic comedy set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands by Amelia Berry. The novel follows Bella and Adam, whose romance quickly turns serious. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Adam inherits the financially troubled Lowbridge Loch estate after his father’s sudden death. Determined to save it, Bella proposes establishing The Highland Cookery School.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its setting. The Scottish Highlands come to life through the author’s vivid descriptions, creating a cozy atmosphere. The charming castle adds extra depth to the story, making it even more captivating.

The supporting characters, from quirky locals to well-meaning family members, add charm and much-needed humor, further enhancing the book’s warm and inviting feel.

If you love small-town settings, second-chance love stories, and a dash of culinary charm, this book is a delightful addition to your TBR.
Profile Image for Kirsty (BookBlogger).
2,078 reviews63 followers
June 2, 2025
A Recipe for Love by Amelia Berry

Blurb

From the moment they meet, Bella and Adam know this is no ordinary holiday romance.

This is the real deal.

But when they find out Adam’s father has died and he has inherited the penniless Lowbridge Loch estate, their lives are changed in an instant.

Bella suddenly finds herself dealing with crumbling castles, battling baronesses and a tiny community of eccentric characters. Rising to the challenge, Bella has an idea to save Lowbridge Loch. She will create The Highland Cookery School.

But will her plans sink like a souffle when her skills are put to the test?

And can Bella and Adam’s love survive the pressure of saving the estate?

My Opinion

A Recipe for Love was a sweet read. Amelia Berry has written a delightful novel and I already know that I will be returning to this series. From the beginning I found myself rooting for Adam and Bella. An interesting read.

Rating 4/5
Profile Image for Kinsey Mitton.
14 reviews
January 29, 2025
I really wanted to love this book. I was persuaded to read it partly by the castle on the cover but mostly by the idea of the Highland Cookery school.

I found the description of the book to be very misleading. There was no mention of the "Cookery school" until halfway through the book and even then the idea wasn't as developed as I was hoping it would be. Most of the book was about a mopey laird and Bella just trying to fit in. It could have been 2 separate books. One with the plot about a girl falling in love with a guy who turns out to be a Laird and then another book about saving a castle in the Highlands by opening a Cookery school. Having one foot in each idea made for an underdeveloped plot and unlikable characters.

I think if this were a movie on Netflix it would be ok to watch. But overall it missed the mark for me as a novel.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,376 reviews571 followers
May 4, 2025
What a promising start to a new series this is. I loved Bella and Adam from the start and was rooting for their whirllwind romance to last.

However when Adam becomes the new Baron of Lowbridge after his father suddenly dies, their plans are up in the air and they have to adjust to their new normal.

A not so warm welcome for Bella from the two ladies of Lowbridge house, but yet somehow she seems to be a breath of fresh air for the property and the local community too.

While Adam is struggling with his new role, Bella is setting up her Highland Cookery School amongst other ideas.

Their first test session of it is very funny, as are various other moments in the book.

This was a joy to read and I loved every second of it and am already looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to Hera and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Isabelle D.
443 reviews
June 14, 2025
Usually, a proposal happens near the end of a romance novel. Here, it happens near the beginning. Then, right as Bella and Adam are about to start living together in the city where his business is based, he inherits his family's estate in the "middle of nowhere", aka some place called Lowbridge in the Highlands.
I greatly enjoyed following Bella into that Scottish castle (complete with a mischievious ghost, apparently), meet Adam's family (even though his grandmother and stepmother's multiple disagreements didn't make for a very good first impression of how pleasant the company would be) as well as several inhabitants of the nearby village, and witness the creation of the cookery school that gives the series its name.
Now I'm very curious about the future second book, which I already consider a must-read.
Profile Image for Lisa Penninga.
922 reviews8 followers
January 30, 2025
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to read this ARC through NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.

I loved the Scottish Highlands, the whirlwind romance right from the start, but the third person limited made it feel more distant. Such a great cast of characters and history with the “house” aka castle, but I wanted more development and internal conflict. It is a cozy, warm read, and while it discusses grief and loss, it is balanced with humor, accidental sheep incidents, and even a broken bridge. I loved the connections between plants and cooking, and how important it is that we have an outlet to relieve our stress!
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,603 reviews
March 10, 2025
A Recipe for Love sounded like a book that I was going to enjoy. I loved the setting of where the story took place. As I was reading, I could see everything about the location.
Bella and Adam had a connection that fit the story. I liked being with them as they tried to estate and starting a cookery school seemed like the way to save the estate.
I really liked the ups and downs and all that was in between in this book. I am a fan of sweet and easy to read romance books and for me this hit every point to a HEA.
Thank you NetGalley, Amelia Berry and Hera Books for the copy of A Recipe for Love which is the first book of The Highland Cookery School series.
This is my personal review.
Profile Image for Abbey Wales.
Author 6 books13 followers
July 18, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)

Picked by my Part of Your Book World wheel, A Recipe for Love was a cute, warm-hearted rom-com.

Bella opens a Highland cookery school to save her fiancé’s estate in Scotland, and sparks fly when Adam her unexpected royal connection—steps in to help🥧💖

Their whirlwind romance blends cozy food vibes with sweet banter and charming small‑town charm.

It was a delightful, feel‑good read that made me smil but the insta-love and rapid proposal felt a bit rushed for me.

Overall, a 3-star taste of Highland romance lovely if you prefer light, heartwarming escapes, but not quite full-course dining.
Profile Image for ..
120 reviews12 followers
February 16, 2025
Thank you netgalley for giving me this book to review.

Bella and Adam's relationship is the highlight of this book. They faced their fair share of ups and downs but their love for each other is epic, and their chemistry is wonderful. The supporting cast is equally impressive. I loved all of them especially netty. Also the mouthwatering descriptions of baked goods left me craving a treat.
Warm, welcoming, and utterly engaging, this book is like a cozy Scottish holiday. Perfect for anyone looking for a charming, heartfelt read with a touch of humor and a lot of heart. I loved it.
Profile Image for JANELLE.
846 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2025
This one has a lot going on!

Bella is on vacation in Spain when she meets Adam. They fall in love and then his father's passes away and they go back to his hometown in the Scottish Highlands for the funeral...and end up staying. She's trying to find her way and with the help of the townsladies, starts a cookery school at the castle to save the estate. It's a fast romance and a bit far fetched in story but it was entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
Profile Image for Stacey Warner.
95 reviews
December 14, 2025
4.5 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. Admittedly, outsider who finds herself in a Scottish castle is my favourite sub genre of Hallmark style film so naturally I was hook, line, and sinker for this book.

I loved the characters, the setting, the humour, the cozy factor. I've detracted half a star because I didn't fully buy into the romance, the situation the characters are thrown into is compelling enough but I do feel a little more time could have been spent on building that.

SO excited to read the next one!
14 reviews
February 7, 2025
3.5 stars

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I'm too much of a cynic for this one. A proposal in the prologue where the characters just met weeks ago and don't even know each others middle names? Not for me.

That aside, this book focuses more on familial relationships than the cookery which I was disappointed with. However, the writing is enjoyable and the two main characters clearly do love each other even if their start was (imo) way out there.
Profile Image for R.F. Long.
Author 9 books29 followers
February 10, 2025
After a whirlwind romance Bella finds outs that her beloved Adam's father has died, leaving him the laird of Lowbridge estate, with all the debt that entails. In order to save it, she sets up a cookery school, but will all the unexpected pressures be too much for them.

A wonderful hug of a book. Loved every minute of it, and read it so quickly. Lovely smooth style, delightful characters, and a gorgeous love story. The perfect recipe for escapism.

Can't wait for more by Amelia Berry.

Profile Image for Rachel Stansel.
1,436 reviews19 followers
January 27, 2025
A fun story about two very different people who find themselves falling in love and then see a dramatic family event changing the future they saw for themselves. I enjoyed Thai story and the people of this small village. A cozy read.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Victoria  Fairchild.
83 reviews
February 21, 2025
“A Recipe for Love” by Amelia Berry is such a cozy, feel-good read. I loved how Bella and Adam’s relationship grew while they worked to save his Scottish estate by opening a cookery school. The small-town charm and relatable struggles felt real, though the third-act breakup felt a little rushed. Still, it’s heartwarming and totally worth the read!
Profile Image for Alice.
154 reviews
March 4, 2025
DNF @ 25%. Got this from NetGalley and was very excited to read it, but at 25% it’s still a snore fest. Nothing is happening. I have no connection to the characters. The insta love was lacking for me. I just don’t care about anyone. At this point I’m hoping Veronica kicks them all out. I wish I enjoyed it more to finish the book, but I can’t make myself read it anymore.
373 reviews7 followers
May 1, 2025
i loved this book! this was a new author for me and i loved her way of writing.
the story had everything and i devoured it, this is definitely a fun read for any day of the year to get lost lost in.
i am so looking forward to reading the next instalment in this series
definitely recommend
251 reviews
March 7, 2025
What happens when you get engaged on a holiday romance and then find out he lives in a castle??
Read this book and join Bella as she discovers Adam's life at Lowbridge, a "house" (CASTLE!) in Scotland. Can Adam learn how to be the Laird? Can Bella win over the dowager and help the community thrive? You'll have to read and see!
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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