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Recipe for Joy: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 24 Mar 26A grieving woman finds healing and purpose through her late grandmother’s cherished recipes in a poignant and hopeful novel about rediscovering the comfort of family in the most trying of times.
Belle Sutton is a little lost these days.
She has a stalled career, a New York apartment she can’t afford, and her sister, Lexie, is more estranged with each passing year. Belle’s one true consolation is her beloved grandmother, who’s powered through her own broken family ties with a tenacious zest for life and a passion for cooking. But when her grandmother suddenly passes away, a grieving Belle feels her only connection to the past is gone forever.
That’s when Belle receives a series of letters, along with a cookbook, photographs of Belle and Lexie when they were young and happy, and her grandmother’s last wish that the sisters mend severed ties before it’s too late. For the love of Gran, a challenge is met that sets Belle and Lexie on a journey of hope, reconciliation, surprising discoveries, and the nourishing power of family, forgiveness, and tradition. All they have to do is follow the directions.
Belle Sutton is a little lost these days.
She has a stalled career, a New York apartment she can’t afford, and her sister, Lexie, is more estranged with each passing year. Belle’s one true consolation is her beloved grandmother, who’s powered through her own broken family ties with a tenacious zest for life and a passion for cooking. But when her grandmother suddenly passes away, a grieving Belle feels her only connection to the past is gone forever.
That’s when Belle receives a series of letters, along with a cookbook, photographs of Belle and Lexie when they were young and happy, and her grandmother’s last wish that the sisters mend severed ties before it’s too late. For the love of Gran, a challenge is met that sets Belle and Lexie on a journey of hope, reconciliation, surprising discoveries, and the nourishing power of family, forgiveness, and tradition. All they have to do is follow the directions.
- GenresGrief
331 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 24, 2026
101 people want to read
About the author
Monica Comas
2 books6 followersMonica Comas is the author of Recipe for Joy.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she holds a bachelor’s degree in English from The Ohio State University and a master’s in journalism from New York University. She’s worked as a reporter for newspapers, a journalist covering stocks and the economy, and a financial editor. But fiction has always been her true love.
She lives in New York with her husband, John, and their tiny shih tzu, Poirot.
For more, please visit monicacomas.com.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she holds a bachelor’s degree in English from The Ohio State University and a master’s in journalism from New York University. She’s worked as a reporter for newspapers, a journalist covering stocks and the economy, and a financial editor. But fiction has always been her true love.
She lives in New York with her husband, John, and their tiny shih tzu, Poirot.
For more, please visit monicacomas.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 14, 2025
A lovely debut about two estranged sisters who find healing and forgiveness through their late grandmother's beloved recipes. A joy, indeed!
November 5, 2025
3,5/5
I'm having a hard time properly rating this because I reaally enjoyed some chapters and banter and then suddenly I got disconnected from the story and couldn't relate to our FMC.
Two times I can think of rn when I got disconnected:
1) the use of "gosh" / "oh my gosh" / "oh gosh aren't you sweet" which made her sound like one of the octogenarians to me. Or is this a Southern thing I'm not aware of? (I'm from Europe so maybe that's the problem?)
2) When an age limit was 25-35 and our FMC made the comment
"some young woman whose response to literally everything was to say, Yasssssssss, slay, queen, slay all day, and then resume scrolling the feed on her phone."
I'm sorry, what? I thinkkkk we're stereotyping the wrong age group here? Gen Z could be accused of this but I feel personally offended with this sentence haha. After that + in combination with her reaction to interviewing with a younger woman, I felt a bit meh about her. Can't we all be girls' girls and support each other? What's with the hostility towards younger women? Is that where her anger towards her younger sister comes out?
Anyways.
Three random things I loved and deserve mentioning:
1) Go Belle for focusing on you and not getting side-tracked by a man 👏👏 Yasssssssss, slay, queen, slay all day
(... too soon?)
2) I liked how the book was made up with parts as different flavours and that Gran's recipes were included as well.
3) AIso really happy with the last chapter and epilogue because that was such a wholesome end to this emotional rollercoaster of a story.
Overall I definitely liked the story and the originality, emotionality and sincerity of it.
I'm having a hard time properly rating this because I reaally enjoyed some chapters and banter and then suddenly I got disconnected from the story and couldn't relate to our FMC.
Two times I can think of rn when I got disconnected:
1) the use of "gosh" / "oh my gosh" / "oh gosh aren't you sweet" which made her sound like one of the octogenarians to me. Or is this a Southern thing I'm not aware of? (I'm from Europe so maybe that's the problem?)
2) When an age limit was 25-35 and our FMC made the comment
"some young woman whose response to literally everything was to say, Yasssssssss, slay, queen, slay all day, and then resume scrolling the feed on her phone."
I'm sorry, what? I thinkkkk we're stereotyping the wrong age group here? Gen Z could be accused of this but I feel personally offended with this sentence haha. After that + in combination with her reaction to interviewing with a younger woman, I felt a bit meh about her. Can't we all be girls' girls and support each other? What's with the hostility towards younger women? Is that where her anger towards her younger sister comes out?
Anyways.
Three random things I loved and deserve mentioning:
1) Go Belle for focusing on you and not getting side-tracked by a man 👏👏 Yasssssssss, slay, queen, slay all day
(... too soon?)
2) I liked how the book was made up with parts as different flavours and that Gran's recipes were included as well.
3) AIso really happy with the last chapter and epilogue because that was such a wholesome end to this emotional rollercoaster of a story.
Overall I definitely liked the story and the originality, emotionality and sincerity of it.
November 16, 2025
[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Recipe for Joy releases March 24, 2026
4.5
In the midst of financial hardship, Belle is drawn back to her childhood home — a place where time slows down, where the light shines through the windows just right, and where her grandmother’s cadence feels as familiar and comforting as a well-worn pair of slippers.
Surrounded by community and the tastes of her childhood, the last thing Belle expects is to lose the woman who raised her, or to have generations of family recipes repair the fraught relationship with her younger sister.
Comas delivered such a heartfelt and emotional journey of grief, sisterhood, and self-development. I’ve always been a strong believer of food as a love language and the healing properties it holds; this story was a perfect example of just that.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Recipe for Joy releases March 24, 2026
4.5
In the midst of financial hardship, Belle is drawn back to her childhood home — a place where time slows down, where the light shines through the windows just right, and where her grandmother’s cadence feels as familiar and comforting as a well-worn pair of slippers.
Surrounded by community and the tastes of her childhood, the last thing Belle expects is to lose the woman who raised her, or to have generations of family recipes repair the fraught relationship with her younger sister.
Comas delivered such a heartfelt and emotional journey of grief, sisterhood, and self-development. I’ve always been a strong believer of food as a love language and the healing properties it holds; this story was a perfect example of just that.
November 15, 2025
I loved this heartwarming story about Belle, who is lost on her path to an uncertain future and her journey from despair to hope. The sections are aptly titled Sour, Bitter, Sweet, Savory, and Fat. Along the way, we meet Gran. A Grandmother who understands the job. Her strength, determination, and energy become Belle's backbone. We meet Belle's sister Lexie, their relationship in tatters. There's an unexpected mystery Belle has to solve. The story comes complete with recipes that Gran and Lexi cook, which made my mouth water. The writing is beautiful, delicate, painful, descriptive, and joyful, with sentences I underlined to read again. Don't miss this one.
October 14, 2025
I was fortunate enough to have been able to read this. This is a debut novel about a woman who finds her healing from grief through her grandmother’s handwritten recipes. With Belle down on her luck and feeling everything go wrong, she starts to receive letters in the mail and the cookbook with pictures of her grandmother and herself when she was small. Fulfilling grandma’s last wish, Belle and her sister tries to find reconciliation and the love of family and tradition. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and share my thoughts.
October 12, 2025
I was fortunate to read a pre-publication version. This is a beautiful debut novel of hope and family and the recipes that remind us of who we are.
December 18, 2025
Recipe for Joy by Monica Comas is a heartwarming and emotional novel about sisterhood across generations and the many forms grief can take throughout a person’s life. The story begins in Ohio and later travels to New York and other locations in the eastern United States, giving the novel a sense of movement while still maintaining a strong small-town feeling.
The book follows Annabelle “Belle” and her strained relationship with her sister, Lexi (Alexis), after the death of their grandmother. Over the years, the close bond the sisters once shared has faded, and the novel focuses on how Belle experiences both grief and loss—not only of her grandmother, but also of her relationship with the only other person who loved her as deeply. At the start of the story, Belle loses her job and attempts to visit her grandmother in hopes of finding stability. After her grandmother’s passing, Belle struggles to cope and feels increasingly isolated as her relationship with Lexi continues to deteriorate.
One of the strongest themes in the novel is grief and how it affects everyone differently. Through Belle and the people surrounding her, the author shows the various stages of grief and the importance of having a strong community to help navigate loss. Comas highlights how connection and support can make even the hardest days manageable.
At times, the book seems to portray Lexi, the younger sister, as the villain of the story. This reaction is understandable since the story is told entirely from Belle’s perspective. However, as more details are revealed, it becomes clear that Lexi’s actions may have been shaped by experiences the reader never fully sees. A different point of view—particularly Lexi’s—could have added more depth and balance to the story and helped readers better understand both sisters.
The novel excels at conveying Belle’s emotions. It is deeply emotional, and there were many moments where I felt close to tears. The author uses symbolism effectively and includes subtle foreshadowing, which added depth to the narrative. Although it took a few chapters to fully engage me, by around chapter ten I found myself eager to continue reading.
I especially enjoyed the focus on familial love. After reading many romance-heavy novels, it was refreshing to read a story centered on family rather than romantic relationships. While I believe additional perspectives could have strengthened the novel, the plot was engaging and thoughtfully written.
Overall, Recipe for Joy leaves the reader wanting more. I felt empowered by the women in the story and appreciated how meaningful ideas were delivered without overwhelming the narrative. Monica Comas did an excellent job showing how the story evolved and came together by the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a comforting, emotional read that allows them to escape into a small-town setting and reflect on family, grief, and healing. I would rate Recipe for Joy a 4 out of 5, as it is a strong and moving novel with room for even greater depth.
The book follows Annabelle “Belle” and her strained relationship with her sister, Lexi (Alexis), after the death of their grandmother. Over the years, the close bond the sisters once shared has faded, and the novel focuses on how Belle experiences both grief and loss—not only of her grandmother, but also of her relationship with the only other person who loved her as deeply. At the start of the story, Belle loses her job and attempts to visit her grandmother in hopes of finding stability. After her grandmother’s passing, Belle struggles to cope and feels increasingly isolated as her relationship with Lexi continues to deteriorate.
One of the strongest themes in the novel is grief and how it affects everyone differently. Through Belle and the people surrounding her, the author shows the various stages of grief and the importance of having a strong community to help navigate loss. Comas highlights how connection and support can make even the hardest days manageable.
At times, the book seems to portray Lexi, the younger sister, as the villain of the story. This reaction is understandable since the story is told entirely from Belle’s perspective. However, as more details are revealed, it becomes clear that Lexi’s actions may have been shaped by experiences the reader never fully sees. A different point of view—particularly Lexi’s—could have added more depth and balance to the story and helped readers better understand both sisters.
The novel excels at conveying Belle’s emotions. It is deeply emotional, and there were many moments where I felt close to tears. The author uses symbolism effectively and includes subtle foreshadowing, which added depth to the narrative. Although it took a few chapters to fully engage me, by around chapter ten I found myself eager to continue reading.
I especially enjoyed the focus on familial love. After reading many romance-heavy novels, it was refreshing to read a story centered on family rather than romantic relationships. While I believe additional perspectives could have strengthened the novel, the plot was engaging and thoughtfully written.
Overall, Recipe for Joy leaves the reader wanting more. I felt empowered by the women in the story and appreciated how meaningful ideas were delivered without overwhelming the narrative. Monica Comas did an excellent job showing how the story evolved and came together by the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a comforting, emotional read that allows them to escape into a small-town setting and reflect on family, grief, and healing. I would rate Recipe for Joy a 4 out of 5, as it is a strong and moving novel with room for even greater depth.
October 25, 2025
This was an extremely enjoyable read. I absolutely loved the writing in this and found myself highlighting multiple sentences because they really spoke to me. I absolutely adored reading about Belle and her Gran, it made me think of my grandma who is such a special and important person in my life. Also, the way the author speaks about grief in such a profound yet delicate way is perfect for those who can relate to the situation. I feel like they would find comfort in it.
I loved the side characters that lived in the town Gran lived in, they made it feel cozy. My only critique was that I wish Belle and her sister Lexie spoke through their issues sooner and the miscommunication didn't tale so long to get past. When the sisters got over their issues and came together it was so heartwarming and I wish we got more of them together.
I also really enjoyed reading the recipes and learning about the meals they made together. It just shows how food can truly bring people together and create beautiful memories for family and friends. This really spoke to me as someone who has been in kitchens with my grandmother and mom through out my whole life. It's a special message.
Despite the grief the characters go through, this was a very heartwarming story that I would definitely recommend to others.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for sending me this arc.
I loved the side characters that lived in the town Gran lived in, they made it feel cozy. My only critique was that I wish Belle and her sister Lexie spoke through their issues sooner and the miscommunication didn't tale so long to get past. When the sisters got over their issues and came together it was so heartwarming and I wish we got more of them together.
I also really enjoyed reading the recipes and learning about the meals they made together. It just shows how food can truly bring people together and create beautiful memories for family and friends. This really spoke to me as someone who has been in kitchens with my grandmother and mom through out my whole life. It's a special message.
Despite the grief the characters go through, this was a very heartwarming story that I would definitely recommend to others.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for sending me this arc.
November 28, 2025
A book sometimes finds you when you need it and that is how I feel about this book. Belle, a writer who slinks back to her family home in Gates Mills, Ohio after twenty unrewarding years in New York City. In Gates Mills Belle begins to feel like herself again as she gardens and cooks with her grandmother. However, just as her depression begins to lift, Belle experiences a blow far greater than losing a job, and she returns to New York devastated by grief. The level of grief is palpable and profound. Slowly and painfully she rejoins old friends and makes new ones. Meanwhile, mysterious letters and photos arrive from Gates Mills to both Belle and her estranged sister, Lexie, forcing them to confront each other and eventually break the barriers which divide them. This book is a much-needed antidote to troubled times. The importance of putting your affairs together is truly the greatest gift to those you leave behind. The characters and relationships are complex and compelling, and Belle's journey through grief is told with so much humor, love, and humility. The words woven together by this author is moving, descriptive and well worth reading. This is a sisters story--with a side of mystery and cookbook. Such an impressive debut from a writer to watch. Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.
November 17, 2025
RECIPE FOR JOY IS A GEM!
Anyone who has ever been unemployed, broke, or in an antagonistic relationship with a judgmental sibling will empathize with Belle, a writer who slinks back to her family home in Gates Mills, Ohio after twenty unrewarding years in New York City. In Gates Mills Belle begins to feel like herself again as she gardens and cooks with her grandmother. However, just as her depression begins to lift, Belle experiences a blow far greater than losing a job, and she returns to New York devastated by grief. Slowly and painfully she rejoins old friends and makes new ones. Meanwhile, mysterious letters and photos arrive from Gates Mills to both Belle and her estranged sister,Lexie, forcing them to confront each other and eventually break the barriers which divide them.
In its sweet and earned conclusion, RECIPE FOR JOY shows that people can have many chapters in their lives, that failure may bring opportunity, and that profound grief can make human beings whole. A beautiful read, perfect for book clubs, and the wonderful recipes described throughout the book are included in an epilogue. Highly recommend.
Anyone who has ever been unemployed, broke, or in an antagonistic relationship with a judgmental sibling will empathize with Belle, a writer who slinks back to her family home in Gates Mills, Ohio after twenty unrewarding years in New York City. In Gates Mills Belle begins to feel like herself again as she gardens and cooks with her grandmother. However, just as her depression begins to lift, Belle experiences a blow far greater than losing a job, and she returns to New York devastated by grief. Slowly and painfully she rejoins old friends and makes new ones. Meanwhile, mysterious letters and photos arrive from Gates Mills to both Belle and her estranged sister,Lexie, forcing them to confront each other and eventually break the barriers which divide them.
In its sweet and earned conclusion, RECIPE FOR JOY shows that people can have many chapters in their lives, that failure may bring opportunity, and that profound grief can make human beings whole. A beautiful read, perfect for book clubs, and the wonderful recipes described throughout the book are included in an epilogue. Highly recommend.
December 10, 2025
A very emotional and emotive read with great depictions of the struggles of grief, how sisters can grow apart and relationships change. I loved Gran and the friends that surrounded her. I felt that Belle had depth and I was really rooting for her throughout. My only negatives were that I found both sisters frustrating at times, Belle immature in some chapters and I was a little bit lost with Annabelle’s and Grace’s letters at the start. However the whole idea of a cookbook to reunite the sisters was so wholesome and as much as this book made me cry it did bring me joy too. The ending really summed up this whole story.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am really torn on Recipe for Joy. There were parts of this book that I really did enjoy but then there were other parts that I found so boring and slow that it overshadowed the enjoyable parts.
Belle Sutton is struggling to find her way in life. She has moved back to her hometown to live with her grandmother who raised her and her sister, Lexie, after their mom died when they were young.
I had trouble connected with Belle. This could be a case of wrong time to read this book but I just found her grating on my nerves.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Belle Sutton is struggling to find her way in life. She has moved back to her hometown to live with her grandmother who raised her and her sister, Lexie, after their mom died when they were young.
I had trouble connected with Belle. This could be a case of wrong time to read this book but I just found her grating on my nerves.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
November 26, 2025
A sense of profound loss brings together two estranged sisters. The only way they can overcome their grief is by countering the bitterness in their hearts. Like a warm cup of coffee in intense cold, or a shoulder to cry on when anxieties become overwhelming, this novel (though it reads more like a memoir) feels like a companion to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. It’s beautifully written, and the recipes provided in the epilogue warm the heart. A recommended read for anyone going through troubled times.
December 11, 2025
A touching, hopeful read about grief, healing, and the power of family traditions. Belle’s journey—guided by her grandmother’s letters and cherished recipes—feels both tender and inspiring. An emotional story that reminds you how food and memory can bring people back together. Interesting characters and a heartwarming story.
Thank you to Monica Comas, Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the arc of this book.
Thank you to Monica Comas, Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the arc of this book.
November 17, 2025
This book is a much-needed antidote to troubled times. The characters and relationships are complex and compelling, and Belle's journey through grief is told with so much humor, love, and humility. This is a sisters story--with a side of mystery and cookbook! Such an impressive debut from a writer to watch. I'll be reading anything Comas writes from now on.
November 9, 2025
I was lucky enough to read an ARC version of this book. This book is heartfelt and sweet and is a beautiful page turning journey. It should be read by everyone, it will warm your heart and make you hope for the future.
November 11, 2025
Great read! Deals with sisters who thinks the other one has it better and learning the truth.
It has recipes
It has recipes
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐
Funny book with the hint of how a family could look like a recipe.
Each member of the family is a different ingredient that you would use to make something.
Funny book with the hint of how a family could look like a recipe.
Each member of the family is a different ingredient that you would use to make something.
December 10, 2025
I really enjoyed the last quarter of the book, but I found the earlier parts a bit heavy at times. Unfortunately, I’m an only child, so I really struggled to empathize with the story, and I would have preferred if Belle and Lexie had started resolving their misunderstandings earlier.
Thanks to NetGalley for this arc.
Thanks to NetGalley for this arc.
December 3, 2025
Thank you Lake Union Publishing for the advance digital copy. Can’t wait to start this soon!!
Expected Release Date - 03/24/26
Expected Release Date - 03/24/26
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews