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Frida's Cook: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 26This colorful, emotive historical debut whisks us to the home of Frida Kahlo, where food, art, and love weave together an unforgettable story of friendship and loyalty, with a bright Coyoacán as a vivid background.
A hidden painting. A buried past. A legacy waiting to be uncovered.
Mexico City, 1939: Young and determined Nayeli Cruz flees from her Oaxaca home to arrive in Mexico City with neither friends nor prospects. Alone and armed only with her sharp wit and extraordinary talent in the kitchen, she finds herself in front of La Caza Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. As she begins work as the artist’s cook, Nayeli is pulled into Frida’s world of pain, passion, and defiance. But it isn’t long before amid the vibrant tapestry of flavors, scents, and colors, the two women form a deep bond—one that will shape the course of Nayeli’s life and leave behind a secret buried in art.
Buenos Aires, Present Paloma, Nayeli’s granddaughter, stumbles upon a mysterious painting depicting her grandmother as a young woman. The artist’s identity is unknown, but the artwork’s existence threatens to unravel long-held family secrets. As Paloma delves into her grandmother’s past, she uncovers a tale of passion, betrayal, and resilience that challenges everything she thought she knew about the one woman who raised her.
A lyrical and timeless portrait of the human side of one of the world’s most famous painters, Frida’s Cook celebrates the power of female friendship, art, and love.
A hidden painting. A buried past. A legacy waiting to be uncovered.
Mexico City, 1939: Young and determined Nayeli Cruz flees from her Oaxaca home to arrive in Mexico City with neither friends nor prospects. Alone and armed only with her sharp wit and extraordinary talent in the kitchen, she finds herself in front of La Caza Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. As she begins work as the artist’s cook, Nayeli is pulled into Frida’s world of pain, passion, and defiance. But it isn’t long before amid the vibrant tapestry of flavors, scents, and colors, the two women form a deep bond—one that will shape the course of Nayeli’s life and leave behind a secret buried in art.
Buenos Aires, Present Paloma, Nayeli’s granddaughter, stumbles upon a mysterious painting depicting her grandmother as a young woman. The artist’s identity is unknown, but the artwork’s existence threatens to unravel long-held family secrets. As Paloma delves into her grandmother’s past, she uncovers a tale of passion, betrayal, and resilience that challenges everything she thought she knew about the one woman who raised her.
A lyrical and timeless portrait of the human side of one of the world’s most famous painters, Frida’s Cook celebrates the power of female friendship, art, and love.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 10, 2026
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About the author
Florencia Etcheves
20 books177 followersEscritora y periodista, Florencia Etcheves ha trabajado como especialista policial de los informativos de El Trece, siendo ganadora de premios como el de Mejor Labor Periodística Femenina en los Premios Martín Fierro. Hizo sus estudios secundarios en el Instituto de Lenguas Vivas y egresó en el año 1989. Al siguiente año ingresó a TEA para estudiar periodismo y se recibió en el año 1993.
En 2012, la editorial Planeta publicó la primera novela policial de Florencia Etcheves, titulada La virgen en tus ojos. A partir del éxito comercial y de crítica de su primera ficción, en 2014 se publicó su segunda novela La hija del campeón.
En 2012, la editorial Planeta publicó la primera novela policial de Florencia Etcheves, titulada La virgen en tus ojos. A partir del éxito comercial y de crítica de su primera ficción, en 2014 se publicó su segunda novela La hija del campeón.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 9, 2025
This historical novel explores the character of Frida Kahlo and her fascination with Tehuanas – indigenous women from Oaxaca, renowned for their strong matriarchal society and vibrant traditional attire – famously adapted by Frida.
Nayeli Cruz is a fictional character who represents Tehuanas.
In 1939, young Nayeli Cruz arrives in Mexico City, after fleeing from her Oaxaca home per her older sister’s insistence, who took on the burden of getting married, but wanted a different life for her younger sister. Nayeli’s fate leads her to La Caza Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. Frida finds a constant connection with the lost girl standing in her garden and takes her under her patronage. Nayeli becomes Frida’s cook, through Nayeli’s cooking and Frida’s artistry; both women form a deep bond.
In present time, Buenos Aires, Paloma - Nayeli’s granddaughter – explores a mystery. After the death of her grandmother, Paloma is given a key which leads her to a painting depicting her grandmother as a young woman. This leads Paloma to uncover her grandmother’s past. The past of a woman she thought she knew as she raised her but it turns out she didn’t know the most passionate tale of her grandmother’s.
Personally, I prefer past story without any modern twist, and I felt a stronger connection with the past story.
This historical fiction reflects well Frida’s passion, resilience and her independence. The senses of smell and taste awaken with Nayeli’s cooking. The descriptions of places give strong sense of surroundings. The customs and beliefs are rich part of the storytelling. Overall, it is a fascinating story and beautifully presented.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nayeli Cruz is a fictional character who represents Tehuanas.
In 1939, young Nayeli Cruz arrives in Mexico City, after fleeing from her Oaxaca home per her older sister’s insistence, who took on the burden of getting married, but wanted a different life for her younger sister. Nayeli’s fate leads her to La Caza Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. Frida finds a constant connection with the lost girl standing in her garden and takes her under her patronage. Nayeli becomes Frida’s cook, through Nayeli’s cooking and Frida’s artistry; both women form a deep bond.
In present time, Buenos Aires, Paloma - Nayeli’s granddaughter – explores a mystery. After the death of her grandmother, Paloma is given a key which leads her to a painting depicting her grandmother as a young woman. This leads Paloma to uncover her grandmother’s past. The past of a woman she thought she knew as she raised her but it turns out she didn’t know the most passionate tale of her grandmother’s.
Personally, I prefer past story without any modern twist, and I felt a stronger connection with the past story.
This historical fiction reflects well Frida’s passion, resilience and her independence. The senses of smell and taste awaken with Nayeli’s cooking. The descriptions of places give strong sense of surroundings. The customs and beliefs are rich part of the storytelling. Overall, it is a fascinating story and beautifully presented.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2026
Fridas Cook" is a delightful novel that intertwines the rich tapestry of art with the life of Frida Kahlo. The story explores her story along with the main character and how it parallels her emotional journey, offering readers a unique perspective on the iconic artist's life.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Did I read a different book than all the other early reviewers of Frida’s Cook? I’m thoroughly confused by what Florencia Etcheves was trying to accomplish in this book, and I’m really confused that everyone else seemed to think it was really good.
My point of contention isn’t about whether or not I like the protagonists of the story, which can, fair or not, skew a rating higher or lower. There wasn’t any depth to any of the characters, and half the time I was trying to sort out what POV I was even reading from, since I think it was told by at least eight different people.
This was another book where the premise sounded great to me; the opportunity to see a new perspective on a historical female figure, about strong, independent women, rounded out by a storyline about food and cooking.
I don’t think Frida Kahlo has ever had the reputation of being a calm, sensible artist. This book not only does nothing to dispel her reputation for being mercurial, it fully leans into the idea that she was not just that, but impetuous, melancholic, and more than a little bit mentally unstable. Portions of the book that focus on her and her art and relationships with others are enough to give the reader whiplash.
I saw absolutely no evidence of strong women in this book, just women without men. In the Paloma storyline, she’s focused on what a strong woman her grandmother Neyali was, raising her because her mother Felipa was cold and uninterested (and also crazy), but in the earlier Neyali timeline, she doesn’t come off as a strong woman at all. She runs away from home because her sister Rosa tells her to, then ends up in Kahlo’s home more as a nursemaid than a cook, cheerfully and unquestionably doing whatever Frida asks of her. Despite being a country girl in the big city with no connections and no money, she faces no real adversity, she just gets welcomed into the home of a famous artist.
The cooking and food part might have been what I was looking forward to the most. I’ve found that good stories about food or cooking also invoke the senses of taste and smell, bringing a story to life through more than just character development or good scene setting. But this was the biggest disappointment from what I thought I was going to get, because it was such a small part of the story and did so little to make me feel like I was experiencing the joy of the food. I don’t think there was more than three or four brief scenes of Neyali cooking something for Frida or Diego Rivera.
The earlier timeline seems to consist of Neyali mindlessly and cheerfully going along with whatever the whims of Frida are at any given moment.
The more contemporary timeline is split between Paloma, Nayeli’s granddaughter, and the four people who are trying to steal a painting of Nayeli away from her. There’s no depth to Paloma’s character; she is either getting together with her grandmother’s friends or hooking up with a man named Rama, even after he betrays her.
The reader never gets to see Nayeli truly deal with adversity. They never get to see her passion for cooking and food. The reason behind her picture existing is underwhelming and says little about her relationship to the artists she knew.
Paloma is even less impressive. She isn’t really interested in her grandmother’s secrets after seeing the painting, even after it gets stolen from her twice. She barely does anything to learn more about Nayeli’s relationship with the prickly Eva, and she has regular interactions with her mother that leave the reader completely befuddled. There is no explanation or backstory for why Felipa is the way she is, she’s just there as an unexplained crazy person Paloma has to deal with.
I don’t think the story got lost in translation, though that is probably a factor. I just think this was not a well plotted book, that does not have good character development either.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My point of contention isn’t about whether or not I like the protagonists of the story, which can, fair or not, skew a rating higher or lower. There wasn’t any depth to any of the characters, and half the time I was trying to sort out what POV I was even reading from, since I think it was told by at least eight different people.
This was another book where the premise sounded great to me; the opportunity to see a new perspective on a historical female figure, about strong, independent women, rounded out by a storyline about food and cooking.
I don’t think Frida Kahlo has ever had the reputation of being a calm, sensible artist. This book not only does nothing to dispel her reputation for being mercurial, it fully leans into the idea that she was not just that, but impetuous, melancholic, and more than a little bit mentally unstable. Portions of the book that focus on her and her art and relationships with others are enough to give the reader whiplash.
I saw absolutely no evidence of strong women in this book, just women without men. In the Paloma storyline, she’s focused on what a strong woman her grandmother Neyali was, raising her because her mother Felipa was cold and uninterested (and also crazy), but in the earlier Neyali timeline, she doesn’t come off as a strong woman at all. She runs away from home because her sister Rosa tells her to, then ends up in Kahlo’s home more as a nursemaid than a cook, cheerfully and unquestionably doing whatever Frida asks of her. Despite being a country girl in the big city with no connections and no money, she faces no real adversity, she just gets welcomed into the home of a famous artist.
The cooking and food part might have been what I was looking forward to the most. I’ve found that good stories about food or cooking also invoke the senses of taste and smell, bringing a story to life through more than just character development or good scene setting. But this was the biggest disappointment from what I thought I was going to get, because it was such a small part of the story and did so little to make me feel like I was experiencing the joy of the food. I don’t think there was more than three or four brief scenes of Neyali cooking something for Frida or Diego Rivera.
The earlier timeline seems to consist of Neyali mindlessly and cheerfully going along with whatever the whims of Frida are at any given moment.
The more contemporary timeline is split between Paloma, Nayeli’s granddaughter, and the four people who are trying to steal a painting of Nayeli away from her. There’s no depth to Paloma’s character; she is either getting together with her grandmother’s friends or hooking up with a man named Rama, even after he betrays her.
The reader never gets to see Nayeli truly deal with adversity. They never get to see her passion for cooking and food. The reason behind her picture existing is underwhelming and says little about her relationship to the artists she knew.
Paloma is even less impressive. She isn’t really interested in her grandmother’s secrets after seeing the painting, even after it gets stolen from her twice. She barely does anything to learn more about Nayeli’s relationship with the prickly Eva, and she has regular interactions with her mother that leave the reader completely befuddled. There is no explanation or backstory for why Felipa is the way she is, she’s just there as an unexplained crazy person Paloma has to deal with.
I don’t think the story got lost in translation, though that is probably a factor. I just think this was not a well plotted book, that does not have good character development either.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love all things Frida Kahlo, so requesting this on NetGalley was a no-brainer. I know the facts of Frida’s life – including her on-again/off-again relationship with Diego Rivera and her crippling accident – so I was looking for a little insight into her personality…and I was not disappointed. This is a dual time-line story, focusing first (1939) on a young girl named Nayeli who escapes her home in Oaxaca, Mexico for a better future in Mexico City, and second, on Nayeli’s granddaughter Paloma to whom the dying Nayeli leaves a mysterious painting.
In Mexico City, Frida notices the young Nayeli as the girl pauses outside her Casa Azul, Frida’s vibrant and alive home, famously painted a bright blue (check it out online if you don’t believe a house can be bright blue). After Nayeli shows skill in the kitchen, she is hired as Frida’s cook and the two women become close friends. Nayeli is gradually brought into Frida’s world of pain and passion, her daily battle with her broken spine and her on-again/off-again romance with famous muralist Diego Rivera. Like most women that meet him, Nayeli becomes fascinated with Diego and their close proximity leads to the making of an enigmatic painting that will become a mystery for Nayeli’s granddaughter Paloma.
I enjoyed this book. I feel like I understand Frida a little better having seen her from the lens of a close friend. I was slightly disappointed with the “mystery painting” for being not much more than a sketch when I looked it up online. But I liked how the painting served as a bridge between the two main characters, and how it brought into the story a nefarious underground art world. While not literature on the highest order, this is a well-written, fast-plotted book, one which should please fans of Frida’s at all levels. Recommended.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Primero Sueno Press for giving me access to this DARC in exchange for my honest opinions. Frida’s Cook publishes on March 10, 2026.
In Mexico City, Frida notices the young Nayeli as the girl pauses outside her Casa Azul, Frida’s vibrant and alive home, famously painted a bright blue (check it out online if you don’t believe a house can be bright blue). After Nayeli shows skill in the kitchen, she is hired as Frida’s cook and the two women become close friends. Nayeli is gradually brought into Frida’s world of pain and passion, her daily battle with her broken spine and her on-again/off-again romance with famous muralist Diego Rivera. Like most women that meet him, Nayeli becomes fascinated with Diego and their close proximity leads to the making of an enigmatic painting that will become a mystery for Nayeli’s granddaughter Paloma.
I enjoyed this book. I feel like I understand Frida a little better having seen her from the lens of a close friend. I was slightly disappointed with the “mystery painting” for being not much more than a sketch when I looked it up online. But I liked how the painting served as a bridge between the two main characters, and how it brought into the story a nefarious underground art world. While not literature on the highest order, this is a well-written, fast-plotted book, one which should please fans of Frida’s at all levels. Recommended.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Primero Sueno Press for giving me access to this DARC in exchange for my honest opinions. Frida’s Cook publishes on March 10, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Won this novel as part of a Goodreads giveaway. . .
This is a duel timeline historical fiction novel. The 1936 timeline is centered around the fictional character of Nayeli Cruz. Nayeli flees her hometown to escape an arranged marriage and ends up in Mexico City. With nothing other than her talents in the kitchen Nayeli finds herself working and living with famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
The present day timeline concerns itself with Nayeli’s granddaughter Paloma. After Nayeli’s death, Paloma finds herself questioning how well she really knew her grandmother. As she is putting her grandmother’s affairs in order she come across a painting that Paloma is almost certain is her grandmother, but not as she ever knew her. Paloma must try to unravel her grandmother’s story while not losing one of the most precious things left to her.
I did enjoy the content of this book. I learned so much about Frida and her husband Diego Rivera. The pacing of the novel was nice and the chapters were for the most part on the shorter side. There were times that this worked really well and there were other times that this was not to the storyline’s benefit. I would just find myself getting lost in Nayeli’s stories with Frida and the chapter would end and we would be jumping to present day.
I also felt that the ending was kind of abrupt and left me wanting more from both storylines. It felt like the author was being told to wrap it up and they did, but when you spend 300 pages with the characters they deserve a fully fleshed out ending.
This is a duel timeline historical fiction novel. The 1936 timeline is centered around the fictional character of Nayeli Cruz. Nayeli flees her hometown to escape an arranged marriage and ends up in Mexico City. With nothing other than her talents in the kitchen Nayeli finds herself working and living with famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
The present day timeline concerns itself with Nayeli’s granddaughter Paloma. After Nayeli’s death, Paloma finds herself questioning how well she really knew her grandmother. As she is putting her grandmother’s affairs in order she come across a painting that Paloma is almost certain is her grandmother, but not as she ever knew her. Paloma must try to unravel her grandmother’s story while not losing one of the most precious things left to her.
I did enjoy the content of this book. I learned so much about Frida and her husband Diego Rivera. The pacing of the novel was nice and the chapters were for the most part on the shorter side. There were times that this worked really well and there were other times that this was not to the storyline’s benefit. I would just find myself getting lost in Nayeli’s stories with Frida and the chapter would end and we would be jumping to present day.
I also felt that the ending was kind of abrupt and left me wanting more from both storylines. It felt like the author was being told to wrap it up and they did, but when you spend 300 pages with the characters they deserve a fully fleshed out ending.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Disclosure: Frida’s Cook by Florencia Etcheves was provided to me by NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for my honest review.
Why I picked this up:
I was drawn to this book because it’s historical fiction centered around Frida Kahlo and strong women. The premise of uncovering family secrets through art also really intrigued me.
What I liked:
• The writing is very accessible and easy to read, which I always appreciate.
• Once the mystery element kicked in, it became much more engaging.
• I loved imagining myself in Frida Kahlo’s world — the vivid setting, the colors of Coyoacán, and the blend of art, and female friendship.
What I didn’t like:
• The beginning felt slow, and it took a while for the story to truly pull me in.
• While the story was interesting, it didn’t emotionally move me as much as I hoped.
Overall thoughts:
Frida’s Cook is a lyrical and enjoyable historical novel that offers a fascinating glimpse into Frida Kahlo’s world through the eyes of a fictional character. While I appreciated the themes and atmosphere, it ultimately didn’t leave a lasting emotional impression on me, which is why I settled on a solid 3-star rating.
Would I recommend it?
Maybe — especially if you enjoy historical fiction about strong women, Frida Kahlo, and slower-paced stories focused on atmosphere rather than deep emotional impact.
Why I picked this up:
I was drawn to this book because it’s historical fiction centered around Frida Kahlo and strong women. The premise of uncovering family secrets through art also really intrigued me.
What I liked:
• The writing is very accessible and easy to read, which I always appreciate.
• Once the mystery element kicked in, it became much more engaging.
• I loved imagining myself in Frida Kahlo’s world — the vivid setting, the colors of Coyoacán, and the blend of art, and female friendship.
What I didn’t like:
• The beginning felt slow, and it took a while for the story to truly pull me in.
• While the story was interesting, it didn’t emotionally move me as much as I hoped.
Overall thoughts:
Frida’s Cook is a lyrical and enjoyable historical novel that offers a fascinating glimpse into Frida Kahlo’s world through the eyes of a fictional character. While I appreciated the themes and atmosphere, it ultimately didn’t leave a lasting emotional impression on me, which is why I settled on a solid 3-star rating.
Would I recommend it?
Maybe — especially if you enjoy historical fiction about strong women, Frida Kahlo, and slower-paced stories focused on atmosphere rather than deep emotional impact.
September 24, 2025
This is an absolute gem! From the first page, I was enthralled. Florencia Etcheves crafted a novel that is at once a love letter to food, art, and female resilience. I absolutely adore Friday Kahlo and was so excited for this book, even more so by the fact I was not disappointed!
I appreciated the rich sense of place and sensory detail- the reader is transported to different cities and places that felt alive. The descriptions of cooking and food weren't just background, they were woven into the characters' identities.
The characters were complex and and sympathetic. The female characters were strong and the way everything is brought together was exquisite.
The way art and history were woven into fiction... oh my gosh. Etcheves was able to blend real historical figures with fictional ones. It felt so realistic and felt like that is what it could have been like to live in Frida's house.
I cannot recommend Frida's Cook enough! I am so grateful I was able to receive an ARC from Net Galley and the publisher, because this was absolute perfection!
I appreciated the rich sense of place and sensory detail- the reader is transported to different cities and places that felt alive. The descriptions of cooking and food weren't just background, they were woven into the characters' identities.
The characters were complex and and sympathetic. The female characters were strong and the way everything is brought together was exquisite.
The way art and history were woven into fiction... oh my gosh. Etcheves was able to blend real historical figures with fictional ones. It felt so realistic and felt like that is what it could have been like to live in Frida's house.
I cannot recommend Frida's Cook enough! I am so grateful I was able to receive an ARC from Net Galley and the publisher, because this was absolute perfection!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Primero Sueño Press for my advanced copy of this captivating story. Told through a dual timeline, this book follows the fictional character of Nayeli through her youth as Frida Kahlo’s personal cook, and then in a modern timeline that follows Nayeli’s granddaughter after her passing as she uncovers her grandmother’s long-held secrets.
I struggled a bit to get into the modern timeline at first, but once I was in, I was SO in. That said, the chapters are fairly short and switch timelines every time, and I do wish the structure allowed for more time to sit with each story before jumping again. Even so, I truly cherished both narratives.
I read this alongside primary sources of Frida Kahlo’s actual love letters and also watched the 2024 documentary Frida, and it was very clear that Etcheves did her research. She truly captured Frida’s spirit with care and authenticity across all phases of her life.
I struggled a bit to get into the modern timeline at first, but once I was in, I was SO in. That said, the chapters are fairly short and switch timelines every time, and I do wish the structure allowed for more time to sit with each story before jumping again. Even so, I truly cherished both narratives.
I read this alongside primary sources of Frida Kahlo’s actual love letters and also watched the 2024 documentary Frida, and it was very clear that Etcheves did her research. She truly captured Frida’s spirit with care and authenticity across all phases of her life.
December 20, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I'm a huge fan of Friday Khalo, so I was immediately intrigued by the description of the story. I'm so glad that the actual story exceeded my expectations.
A dual timeline story that revolves around the mystery of a forgotten painting, secrets, and the true story of Nayeli Cruz. I loved how while Frida is a huge personality (in fiction and in history), the focus of Nayeli is not lost in her game fame and larger than life presence. Both timelines are filled with mystery and uncovered pieces of a story as Paloma (granddaughter of Nayeli) is trying to piece together the life story of her grandmother.
While much of the focus is on this mysterious painting at one point, it is the story that is the true gem. As quoted in the book, "The story is worth more than the painting. The story is the true work of art."
A dual timeline story that revolves around the mystery of a forgotten painting, secrets, and the true story of Nayeli Cruz. I loved how while Frida is a huge personality (in fiction and in history), the focus of Nayeli is not lost in her game fame and larger than life presence. Both timelines are filled with mystery and uncovered pieces of a story as Paloma (granddaughter of Nayeli) is trying to piece together the life story of her grandmother.
While much of the focus is on this mysterious painting at one point, it is the story that is the true gem. As quoted in the book, "The story is worth more than the painting. The story is the true work of art."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This was a great read. The story starts off with a timeline looking back, then next chapter jumps forward to more current. As thee storyline progresses, there's a lot of looking back and looking forward feeling. Further through the book the reader starts to assemble a timeline and connecting the dots between old and new.
The alternating time frame between chapters made this an interesting read. You want to know what happened then, and what's going to happen next, making this a great page turner.
I enjoy reading a chapter or two before bed, and found the length of the chapters was perfect for evening reading. Sometimes even getting carried away reading more than my typical just to see what comes next.
After finishing the book I found myself further researching the life of Frida Kahlo and Spanish tradition and culture.
Again great read. It will keep you engaged and wanting more!
The alternating time frame between chapters made this an interesting read. You want to know what happened then, and what's going to happen next, making this a great page turner.
I enjoy reading a chapter or two before bed, and found the length of the chapters was perfect for evening reading. Sometimes even getting carried away reading more than my typical just to see what comes next.
After finishing the book I found myself further researching the life of Frida Kahlo and Spanish tradition and culture.
Again great read. It will keep you engaged and wanting more!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
E-ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review! Thank you!
This was a wonderful historical fiction book focusing on dual timelines: Nayeli, a young Tehuacan woman becoming Frida Kahlo's cook meanwhile her granddaughter discovers a lost portrait of her. This book is filled with the passion of food, friendship, and art as we see this deep connection between Nayeli and Frida. The modern timeline just didn't capture my attention as well until the near end of the book. The descriptions of the food, art, setting, and people are so lush and full of character. The depths of Frida's art and pain, both mental and physical, was so well capitvating, you can truly feel it throughout the pages. Overall, this was a great read as we alongside Nayeli discover the beautiful but painful world of Frida Kahlo throughout her time at La Caza Azul.
This was a wonderful historical fiction book focusing on dual timelines: Nayeli, a young Tehuacan woman becoming Frida Kahlo's cook meanwhile her granddaughter discovers a lost portrait of her. This book is filled with the passion of food, friendship, and art as we see this deep connection between Nayeli and Frida. The modern timeline just didn't capture my attention as well until the near end of the book. The descriptions of the food, art, setting, and people are so lush and full of character. The depths of Frida's art and pain, both mental and physical, was so well capitvating, you can truly feel it throughout the pages. Overall, this was a great read as we alongside Nayeli discover the beautiful but painful world of Frida Kahlo throughout her time at La Caza Azul.
February 16, 2026
This is a fun interpretation of a fictional character in Frida Kahlo’s life. Nayeli is her young cook who is taken in after running away from her family. Later, Nayeli’s granddaughter Paloma works to uncover her family’s past connection to the famous artist through a series of unique events including an art heist. This book is filled with flawed and frustrating characters who are also endearing and real. Their strength comes from their persistence more than anything else and it showed me a different kind of connection to family past, one that is intentionally secretive. There are parts that are a bit unbalanced, but it made the book fun and fast paced. I loved the craziness and drama of it all, it felt authentic to Kahlo herself. Overall a fun book that I’m thankful to have read early!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reading Frida’s Cook felt really personal to me. I connected so much to the themes of heritage, family, and the idea of carrying stories from one generation to the next. It made me think about how much we don’t always know about the women who came before us.
I loved how immersive it felt the art, the food, the emotion it all blended together so beautifully. It wasn’t just a story I read; it felt like one I experienced.
More than anything, it reminded me how powerful women’s stories are, especially when they’re rooted in culture and resilience. This one stayed with me in a quiet but meaningful way. 💛📖
I loved how immersive it felt the art, the food, the emotion it all blended together so beautifully. It wasn’t just a story I read; it felt like one I experienced.
More than anything, it reminded me how powerful women’s stories are, especially when they’re rooted in culture and resilience. This one stayed with me in a quiet but meaningful way. 💛📖
November 8, 2025
This was a fun novel that takes readers to Mexico and Buenos Aires during the years of famous artists, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Although fictional, the book is made more intriguing by historical accounts. Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home in Mexico City, is now a museum dedicated to her life.
Kahlo and Rivera are world-renowned artists. Reading about their lives, fictional and not, drew me to this book. It is an entertaining read that kept me engaged until the very end, despite the ending being somewhat abrupt.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC.
Kahlo and Rivera are world-renowned artists. Reading about their lives, fictional and not, drew me to this book. It is an entertaining read that kept me engaged until the very end, despite the ending being somewhat abrupt.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC.
September 16, 2025
Interesting premise with two timelines connected by Nayeli and her granddaughter Paloma. The past, with Nayeli and Frida Kahlo, was the much more engaging part of the book. The present, with Paloma adjusting to the death of her beloved grandmother and investigating a mysterious painting of her grandmother, was much less interesting, even with the crime caper that was inserted into the plot.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing the eARC for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing the eARC for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A novel that holds two powerful figures but focuses on the ordinary people. The people who protect the story and make art special.
The two stories felt jarring in the middle but came back together. This may be because Frida has a strong presence, even in fiction, and I wanted more of Nayeli. Overall, it’s a great reminder that without people to observe, art is meaningless.
Thank you Primero Sueño Press for this ARC.
The two stories felt jarring in the middle but came back together. This may be because Frida has a strong presence, even in fiction, and I wanted more of Nayeli. Overall, it’s a great reminder that without people to observe, art is meaningless.
Thank you Primero Sueño Press for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book had a lot of potential, and it's a book I might pick up again in the future, but I ultimately did not finish it because it was so sad. I also felt like it moved a lot slower than I wanted it to. HOWEVER, this book seems to really work for some readers, so if you like Frida, I'd say go ahead and give it a try, even though it didn't work for me.
This book had a lot of potential, and it's a book I might pick up again in the future, but I ultimately did not finish it because it was so sad. I also felt like it moved a lot slower than I wanted it to. HOWEVER, this book seems to really work for some readers, so if you like Frida, I'd say go ahead and give it a try, even though it didn't work for me.
September 10, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. Frieda Cook delivers a colorful story, the writing style is not the best but if you life something simple this is the perfect read for you.
November 14, 2025
Beautiful, enjoyable historical fiction. I love stories about art. What’s more romantic than Frida Kahlo’s eccentricity across Mexico and Argentina?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
Want to read
January 27, 2026Just won this through the GoodReads giveaway page. Really excited about this one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I chose this book based on the pretty cover. It was interesting to learn about the artist's life, even though it was fiction. If you like historical fiction, I'd say this book would be worth a read.
Read
January 28, 2026muy buenooo
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of Frida’s Cook, and this is my honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books.
Historical fiction is my favorite genres, and I've read many historical fiction novels in the last few years. This novel has absolutely shot up to the one of my favorite historical fiction of all time, somewhere in the top 5 for sure.
Frida's Cook adequately portrays Frida's larger than life persona, her personality, and her impassioned relationship with Diego Rivera. However, the novel focuses on a captivating story of Tehuanan culture, the art underworld, and family secrets.
This was an absolute page turner. I couldn't help but reflect afterwards and think about how we never really know our grandparents. They live so much life before we're born, experience so much that they never share with us. Nayeli's grandmother is a prime example of the secrets we carry and the motivators to do so.
Historical fiction is my favorite genres, and I've read many historical fiction novels in the last few years. This novel has absolutely shot up to the one of my favorite historical fiction of all time, somewhere in the top 5 for sure.
Frida's Cook adequately portrays Frida's larger than life persona, her personality, and her impassioned relationship with Diego Rivera. However, the novel focuses on a captivating story of Tehuanan culture, the art underworld, and family secrets.
This was an absolute page turner. I couldn't help but reflect afterwards and think about how we never really know our grandparents. They live so much life before we're born, experience so much that they never share with us. Nayeli's grandmother is a prime example of the secrets we carry and the motivators to do so.
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