The Kitchen We Keep

by Stephanie Nelson

Becoming a chef is her dream, but marrying him could cost her everything. What will she sacrifice to stay in the kitchen—and save her family from ruin?

It’s the summer of 1960 in Chicago, and Rosa Bianchi is determined to make it as a serious chef in her family’s restaurant, even as her future seems already decided. As the daughter of Italian immigrants, she’s expected to marry well and settle down. She’s done everything right so far. But marriage feels less like a beginning and more like an end to the life she wants.

When her father’s mistakes draw the attention of the Chicago mob and put their restaurant at risk, Rosa is forced to fight for the place that shaped her—and the future she’s not ready to surrender. With her engagement unraveling, her sister in danger, and the stakes rising by the day, Rosa must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to claim a life that’s truly her own.

This forced proximity, friends-to-lovers, love triangle, mafia romance features an ambitious woman and the family who wants her to do things the Italian way. With plenty of closed door steam, and a HEA for Rosa, it is a prequel to book one of the Riverbend Series, A Recipe Called Home. It can be read in any order or on its own.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2026

About the author

Stephanie Nelson is a former speechwriter for the U.S. Federal government and current communications consultant. She earned her B.A. in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Iowa and went on to study Professional Writing and Rhetoric at George Mason University and is currently a full-time MFA Creative Writing student at Southern New Hampshire University—she’s always had a thing for the power of words. Stephanie writes about how love, messy families, and real women have persevered throughout history. When she’s not writing, she’s likely in the kitchen testing a new recipe. She lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia with her husband, their son, and two dogs.

Reviews

[Kayden Michael-Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

Hard to put down. A great history and follow up to the first book. The story captivates you from all angles especially the mouth watering meals and the way they form each relationship.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the Riverbend series and this prequel didn’t disappoint. I’m a sucker for anything mafia and/or 1960s historical fiction.