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Recipe for Joy: A Novel
A 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.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
391 people are currently reading
4472 people want to read
About the author
Monica Comas
1 book41 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 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 26, 2026
EXCERPT: An odd silence bloomed between us as we finished the cobbler.
'You cannot let distance and issues push you and your sister apart.' Gran kept her voice quiet, but its severity screamed. She looked me straight in the eye. 'Trust me, you do not want to carry that heartache through life.'
I let her words settle but then couldn't help myself. 'When was the last time -'
'That's all I'm going to say about that.' Gran got up from the couch slowly, the way she did after her hips got stiff from sitting too long. I followed her into the kitchen and set our dishes on the table because she'd gone to the sink. In the moment, it didn't feel right to crowd her.
She picked up a bud vase with a single pink rose in it from the windowsill and changes the water.
Five times, she changed that bud's water.
It was as close as Gran ever got to the topic of Grace. Her sister, who was three years younger. Her sister who lived on a farm in Southern Ohio. And who, in all my forty-five years on this earth, Gran had never talked to . . . or talked about.
ABOUT 'RECIPE FOR JOY': 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.
MY THOUGHTS: Reading Recipe for Joy was a mixed experience for me. There is some beautiful writing; evocative and emotional. But there were also times I just couldn't connect with Belle.
Families come in all shapes . . . and Belle's family shape is fractured. She has had a lifetime of loss. She lost her mother at a young age. She lost her father soon afterwards to indifference. She lost her younger sister to a glamorous new life. And, finally, she lost her beloved Gran; the woman who raised her and Lexie, the woman who loved them both unconditionally.
Recipe for Joy is a story of grief and miscommunication. It is also a story of growth and redemption. Ultimately it is a story of a woman learning to recognise not only her own strengths, but those of others. It is also a reminder that until we have walked a mile in someone else's shoes, we have no idea what their life is really like.
I loved Belle's gran and I grew to love her sister Grace when we finally got to meet her. Ditto Lexie. I loved the relationship of food to memories, a trope that had me thinking of my memories of both my grandmothers. I also loved that Gran's recipes are included at the end of the book. I loved the way she orchestrated things from beyond the grave - no, not in a supernatural way. I loved that she kept looking out for the two sisters. She was a strong and determined woman, one who didn't want to see her own mistakes repeated.
There were a few times I thought I knew where this story was going, but kudos to the author, she took it in a completely different and unexpected direction which led to a refreshing and satisfying conclusion.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#RecipeforJoy #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: MONICA COMAS 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing a DRC of Recipe for Joy by Monica Comas for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
'You cannot let distance and issues push you and your sister apart.' Gran kept her voice quiet, but its severity screamed. She looked me straight in the eye. 'Trust me, you do not want to carry that heartache through life.'
I let her words settle but then couldn't help myself. 'When was the last time -'
'That's all I'm going to say about that.' Gran got up from the couch slowly, the way she did after her hips got stiff from sitting too long. I followed her into the kitchen and set our dishes on the table because she'd gone to the sink. In the moment, it didn't feel right to crowd her.
She picked up a bud vase with a single pink rose in it from the windowsill and changes the water.
Five times, she changed that bud's water.
It was as close as Gran ever got to the topic of Grace. Her sister, who was three years younger. Her sister who lived on a farm in Southern Ohio. And who, in all my forty-five years on this earth, Gran had never talked to . . . or talked about.
ABOUT 'RECIPE FOR JOY': 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.
MY THOUGHTS: Reading Recipe for Joy was a mixed experience for me. There is some beautiful writing; evocative and emotional. But there were also times I just couldn't connect with Belle.
Families come in all shapes . . . and Belle's family shape is fractured. She has had a lifetime of loss. She lost her mother at a young age. She lost her father soon afterwards to indifference. She lost her younger sister to a glamorous new life. And, finally, she lost her beloved Gran; the woman who raised her and Lexie, the woman who loved them both unconditionally.
Recipe for Joy is a story of grief and miscommunication. It is also a story of growth and redemption. Ultimately it is a story of a woman learning to recognise not only her own strengths, but those of others. It is also a reminder that until we have walked a mile in someone else's shoes, we have no idea what their life is really like.
I loved Belle's gran and I grew to love her sister Grace when we finally got to meet her. Ditto Lexie. I loved the relationship of food to memories, a trope that had me thinking of my memories of both my grandmothers. I also loved that Gran's recipes are included at the end of the book. I loved the way she orchestrated things from beyond the grave - no, not in a supernatural way. I loved that she kept looking out for the two sisters. She was a strong and determined woman, one who didn't want to see her own mistakes repeated.
There were a few times I thought I knew where this story was going, but kudos to the author, she took it in a completely different and unexpected direction which led to a refreshing and satisfying conclusion.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#RecipeforJoy #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: MONICA COMAS 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing a DRC of Recipe for Joy by Monica Comas for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
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.
April 5, 2026
Recipe for Joy 🍪Book Review 📒 thank you so much partner @booksparks @amazonpublishing for the gifted copy! #SPRC2026 #wildforbooks
Recipe for Joy
by Monica Comas
out now!
After the sudden loss of her beloved grandmother, Belle Sutton feels completely untethered… stuck in a failing career, struggling to afford her New York apartment, and drifting further apart from her sister, Lexie. Her grandmother had always been her anchor, bringing warmth and connection through both family and food.
But when Belle receives a series of letters, along with a treasured cookbook and old photographs, she’s given one final request: to reconnect with her sister before it’s too late. What follows is a journey of healing, forgiveness, and rediscovery, as the sisters navigate their past and find their way back to each other through love, memories, and the comfort of shared traditions.
🍴 My thoughts:
A treasured cookbook, sisterhood on the brink, and a story that feels like a warm hug for the heart!
This one made me feel all the things. It’s the kind of book you want to slow down with, to really savor every moment. The grief, the love, and the journey back to family are all written with so much care and emotion it felt tremendously special from start to finish. Watching Belle navigate loss while reconnecting with her past through her grandmother’s recipes was so special and it felt unique. The push toward healing her relationship with her sister added a beautiful layer to the story. It’s heartwarming and emotional overall and one I will be thinking about for a long time. If you love stories about family, forgiveness, and finding your way back to what matters most, this is absolutely one to give a read!
Happy reading 📖🍴📒🍪✨
Recipe for Joy
by Monica Comas
out now!
After the sudden loss of her beloved grandmother, Belle Sutton feels completely untethered… stuck in a failing career, struggling to afford her New York apartment, and drifting further apart from her sister, Lexie. Her grandmother had always been her anchor, bringing warmth and connection through both family and food.
But when Belle receives a series of letters, along with a treasured cookbook and old photographs, she’s given one final request: to reconnect with her sister before it’s too late. What follows is a journey of healing, forgiveness, and rediscovery, as the sisters navigate their past and find their way back to each other through love, memories, and the comfort of shared traditions.
🍴 My thoughts:
A treasured cookbook, sisterhood on the brink, and a story that feels like a warm hug for the heart!
This one made me feel all the things. It’s the kind of book you want to slow down with, to really savor every moment. The grief, the love, and the journey back to family are all written with so much care and emotion it felt tremendously special from start to finish. Watching Belle navigate loss while reconnecting with her past through her grandmother’s recipes was so special and it felt unique. The push toward healing her relationship with her sister added a beautiful layer to the story. It’s heartwarming and emotional overall and one I will be thinking about for a long time. If you love stories about family, forgiveness, and finding your way back to what matters most, this is absolutely one to give a read!
Happy reading 📖🍴📒🍪✨
March 25, 2026
Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC, out now.
I did not expect this book to destroy me the way it did.
From the very first page, I was completely hooked—I couldn’t put it down. This is such an emotional, beautifully written story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
At the heart of it is Bella, who returns to her grandmother’s home while trying to piece her life back together. The relationship between Bella and her grandma absolutely stole my heart. Having raised Bella and her sister Lexie, Grandma has always been their constant—the glue holding everything together.
But life has taken the sisters in very different directions. Lexie seems to have it all—a successful career, a family—while Bella is still searching for her place in the world. When their grandmother passes away, Bella is left navigating overwhelming grief, forced to confront not only her loss but also the life she’s been avoiding.
What follows is a deeply moving journey of healing, self-discovery, and the fragile, complicated bond between sisters. Watching Bella and Lexie try to find their way back to each other added such an emotional depth to the story.
This is one of those books that will have you reaching for tissues more than once. A powerful, later-in-life story about grief, family, and finding your way when everything feels lost.
Absolutely loved it—an easy 5 stars.
I did not expect this book to destroy me the way it did.
From the very first page, I was completely hooked—I couldn’t put it down. This is such an emotional, beautifully written story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
At the heart of it is Bella, who returns to her grandmother’s home while trying to piece her life back together. The relationship between Bella and her grandma absolutely stole my heart. Having raised Bella and her sister Lexie, Grandma has always been their constant—the glue holding everything together.
But life has taken the sisters in very different directions. Lexie seems to have it all—a successful career, a family—while Bella is still searching for her place in the world. When their grandmother passes away, Bella is left navigating overwhelming grief, forced to confront not only her loss but also the life she’s been avoiding.
What follows is a deeply moving journey of healing, self-discovery, and the fragile, complicated bond between sisters. Watching Bella and Lexie try to find their way back to each other added such an emotional depth to the story.
This is one of those books that will have you reaching for tissues more than once. A powerful, later-in-life story about grief, family, and finding your way when everything feels lost.
Absolutely loved it—an easy 5 stars.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is just a quintessential cosy warming story. Is it a bit twee, cliché, corny? You bet. But that is in no way a negative. In fact it was exactly what I needed after a few hard-hitting reads.
As an English woman, I've never been to the USA and the only things I know about it really coming from the cheesey American Christmas romance films where a city girl moves back to a small hometown. And I definitely got that same vibe. Which can be good but sometimes not, but it definitely was here.
I loved the connection between the characters and the food. Food is such a powerful tool to show the emotions between one another, and Monica has done that brilliantly, especially in regards to the estrangement between or main character Belle and her sister Lexie.
I do love a book that comes with recipes. So many novels mention delicious food but that's it. Monica has given us a chance to cook them ourselves and become closer to the story.
The writing is lovely, it made me feel so happy, it felt genuine and familiar. It is a bit repetitive but I think it's more on the comforting side than the annoying side.
Monia has really explored the idea of grief - as a child and an adult - really well. As someone who has lost her fair share of loved ones, it can be difficult to fully explain how it feels but she's done a good job at it.
Overall it is just a very uplifting, happy, loving tale of love, friendship, family, community, and connection.
This is just a quintessential cosy warming story. Is it a bit twee, cliché, corny? You bet. But that is in no way a negative. In fact it was exactly what I needed after a few hard-hitting reads.
As an English woman, I've never been to the USA and the only things I know about it really coming from the cheesey American Christmas romance films where a city girl moves back to a small hometown. And I definitely got that same vibe. Which can be good but sometimes not, but it definitely was here.
I loved the connection between the characters and the food. Food is such a powerful tool to show the emotions between one another, and Monica has done that brilliantly, especially in regards to the estrangement between or main character Belle and her sister Lexie.
I do love a book that comes with recipes. So many novels mention delicious food but that's it. Monica has given us a chance to cook them ourselves and become closer to the story.
The writing is lovely, it made me feel so happy, it felt genuine and familiar. It is a bit repetitive but I think it's more on the comforting side than the annoying side.
Monia has really explored the idea of grief - as a child and an adult - really well. As someone who has lost her fair share of loved ones, it can be difficult to fully explain how it feels but she's done a good job at it.
Overall it is just a very uplifting, happy, loving tale of love, friendship, family, community, and connection.
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.
April 26, 2026
3.5/5
A story that reminded me of the popular film P.S I love you but with a twist - what if the letters from your grandma trying to mend the rift between you and your sister?
Told in first person POV of Anna(Belle), the story tackles grief after losing a loved one, sisterhood, and a shared fascination with food that bonds them all. A lot of the side characters, like Faye, Mama P, and others were more intriguing than perhaps Belle and her sister, Lexie themselves. The book is partly set in NYC, while a majority happens at Gran and her sister, Grace's respective farms. A brief glimpse into Belle's potential love life is given, but there is limited to none romance in the book as she struggles to find her footing and passion again and prioritizes herself.
While I enjoyed the delicate representation of grief and Belle figuring out who she is without her Gran, I felt that the book took its sweet time resolving the conflict between the sisters. Every single woman in this book managed to hold a grudge for way too long, and it bothered me that at the end, a single honest conversation could've fixed most of the issues between them. Still, the lovely kernels of wisdom passed down from Belle's grandma as well as the delicious recipes throughout the book (especially at the end), made it a decent read.
Overall, this was a heartwarming and tender portrayal of family and the love between two generations of sisters, and a wonderful ode to traditions, forgiveness, and delicious food.
cw: drunk driving, death, depression
A story that reminded me of the popular film P.S I love you but with a twist - what if the letters from your grandma trying to mend the rift between you and your sister?
Told in first person POV of Anna(Belle), the story tackles grief after losing a loved one, sisterhood, and a shared fascination with food that bonds them all. A lot of the side characters, like Faye, Mama P, and others were more intriguing than perhaps Belle and her sister, Lexie themselves. The book is partly set in NYC, while a majority happens at Gran and her sister, Grace's respective farms. A brief glimpse into Belle's potential love life is given, but there is limited to none romance in the book as she struggles to find her footing and passion again and prioritizes herself.
While I enjoyed the delicate representation of grief and Belle figuring out who she is without her Gran, I felt that the book took its sweet time resolving the conflict between the sisters. Every single woman in this book managed to hold a grudge for way too long, and it bothered me that at the end, a single honest conversation could've fixed most of the issues between them. Still, the lovely kernels of wisdom passed down from Belle's grandma as well as the delicious recipes throughout the book (especially at the end), made it a decent read.
Overall, this was a heartwarming and tender portrayal of family and the love between two generations of sisters, and a wonderful ode to traditions, forgiveness, and delicious food.
cw: drunk driving, death, depression
Review of advance copy
I loved every single page of this book. It felt like a hug and gentle pinch on the cheek from my grandma. Annabelle reminded me so much of her, and Belle reminded me of myself. The first part of this book transported me back into my grandma's house. I could smell the Maxwell coffee brewing, hear the old-fashioned answering machine beeping, and see the lovingly maintained garden outside of her window. Thank you for bringing my grandma back to me for a short time while reading this book.
This touching and beautifully written story captured all of the rollercoaster emotions of grief, those that help get you through it, and the hope on the other side. I loved the use of family recipes to help repair the sister's estrangement. Food evokes so many memories, and has great healing properties. As this heartwarming story lingers in my mind, I'm looking forward to trying the recipes at the end of the book, a special extra touch.
Thank you to BookSparks for the advanced readers copy I won through a giveaway, after basically begging for a copy!
This touching and beautifully written story captured all of the rollercoaster emotions of grief, those that help get you through it, and the hope on the other side. I loved the use of family recipes to help repair the sister's estrangement. Food evokes so many memories, and has great healing properties. As this heartwarming story lingers in my mind, I'm looking forward to trying the recipes at the end of the book, a special extra touch.
Thank you to BookSparks for the advanced readers copy I won through a giveaway, after basically begging for a copy!
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.
March 26, 2026
Just finished listening to an advanced copy of a book that was just released on March 24th called, Recipe for Joy. This is about Belle, after losing her job and struggling with money she's left feeling lost. So she decides that spending time with her grandmother is just what she needs. But while Belle is visiting and they're spending their days cooking, baking, and gardening, her grandmother suddenly passes away. Belle is feeling utterly hopeless and full of so much grief. But when letters from her grandmother begin to arrive as well as her old cookbook, Belle uses these letters and recipes to help her feel close to her grandmother again and comfort her. And Belle's estranged sister is receiving her own set of letters and cookbook from their grandmother. This sets these two women on a journey of healing, hope, and forgiveness through hand written letters and family recipes.
This was such a beautiful story! I knew as soon as I saw it was about a granddaughter and her grandmother who loved to bake and cook, that I would love this book. Sadly I didn't get as much time with my grandmother as Belle did, my grandmother passed when I was 5, but my favorite memories were spending time in her bakery with her. And I'm so lucky to actually have one of her old cookbooks. 🥹 So I really connected with and enjoyed this story. It really tugged at my heartstrings and was just written so well. The narrator did an amazing job bringing this story and these characters to life. And I also loved that so many of the recipes mentioned throughout this book were then listed at the end for the reader to make! I really enjoyed this one! And of course between the peanut butter cookies on the book's cover, them being mentioned in the story, and my love of baking.. I totally had to make some myself while I was listening to this book! 💛📚
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ALC of Recipe for Joy, in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a beautiful story! I knew as soon as I saw it was about a granddaughter and her grandmother who loved to bake and cook, that I would love this book. Sadly I didn't get as much time with my grandmother as Belle did, my grandmother passed when I was 5, but my favorite memories were spending time in her bakery with her. And I'm so lucky to actually have one of her old cookbooks. 🥹 So I really connected with and enjoyed this story. It really tugged at my heartstrings and was just written so well. The narrator did an amazing job bringing this story and these characters to life. And I also loved that so many of the recipes mentioned throughout this book were then listed at the end for the reader to make! I really enjoyed this one! And of course between the peanut butter cookies on the book's cover, them being mentioned in the story, and my love of baking.. I totally had to make some myself while I was listening to this book! 💛📚
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ALC of Recipe for Joy, in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2026
3.5 round up
A story of sisterhood and healing through delicious recipes left behind by Gran!
A story of sisterhood and healing through delicious recipes left behind by Gran!
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.
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.
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.
December 28, 2025
Bravo to Monica Comas, Recipe for Joy is a beautiful reminder to embrace those you love, especially your Grandmother. I enjoyed the writer’s many wise words of wisdom, humor and grace. I loved the reminder that having a positive can do attitudes by generations before us is a life well lived and a reminder to embrace one’s everyday joy.
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
RELEASE DATE IS TOMORROW! 3/24/26! PLEASE KEEP THIS ONE ON YOUR RADAR!!
Let me just say that I CRIED more during this book than any other I’ve read for a long time!
But… not just tears of sorrow. NO… tears of Joy. Tears of Learning. Tears of LOVE! Tears for Family and Friendships and Companionship and Community… and again... LOVE!
This Is a Very SPECIAL Book! I will encourage any and everyone that I know to read this one, as it hit home for me on so many different levels… and I could identify with so many different areas!
And yet, I have a wonderful family and No Drama. Everyone gets along and we all love each other fiercely! BUT…this book portrays so many others that I know. So many families... and friends... And real life... And it brought me so much JOY, and a bit of sadness and peace too… IT IS NOT TO BE PASSED BY!
Please give it a chance, and then let me know your thoughts. And if you enjoy it as much as I did, please pass on the recommendation!! 🩷
Baseline: Belle and Lexie are sisters. They were raised by their beloved Grandma Annabelle after they lost their Mom at a young age. Annabelle gave them all they could ever ask for and more. Love. Family. Community. Roots. And... space to grow...
And grow they did! Belle moved to NYC to pursue her career. Lexie moved to DC to pursue hers and her family. But they also grew apart...
When Belle reaches a fork in her life, where nothing seems to go as she planned, she takes some time to return back to her roots... her Grandma's home. And, she builds on their already strong relationship. But, her Grandma is elderly... :(
The one thing her Grandma wanted, more than anything else in the WORLD, was for Belle and Lexie to get along... To get back to where they were BEFORE they grew up. Before they had lives of their own...
And the way she goes about it, in the end... is just Delightful. Heart-Warming. Beautiful. And, at least for me, filled with grateful tears and wonderful moments... and, more than anything else... Memories... Of Love. Of Home. Of Happiness. Of HOPE!!!
ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD FOR ME ON THIS ONE!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫💫💫💫💫
#RecipeForJoy by @MonicaComas and narrated stunningly, and with so much heartfelt emotion by @AlexPicard!!!
Again, this is being released tomorrow, March 24th... so PLEASE look for it then!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrillianceAudio and @BrilliancePublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷
Let me just say that I CRIED more during this book than any other I’ve read for a long time!
But… not just tears of sorrow. NO… tears of Joy. Tears of Learning. Tears of LOVE! Tears for Family and Friendships and Companionship and Community… and again... LOVE!
This Is a Very SPECIAL Book! I will encourage any and everyone that I know to read this one, as it hit home for me on so many different levels… and I could identify with so many different areas!
And yet, I have a wonderful family and No Drama. Everyone gets along and we all love each other fiercely! BUT…this book portrays so many others that I know. So many families... and friends... And real life... And it brought me so much JOY, and a bit of sadness and peace too… IT IS NOT TO BE PASSED BY!
Please give it a chance, and then let me know your thoughts. And if you enjoy it as much as I did, please pass on the recommendation!! 🩷
Baseline: Belle and Lexie are sisters. They were raised by their beloved Grandma Annabelle after they lost their Mom at a young age. Annabelle gave them all they could ever ask for and more. Love. Family. Community. Roots. And... space to grow...
And grow they did! Belle moved to NYC to pursue her career. Lexie moved to DC to pursue hers and her family. But they also grew apart...
When Belle reaches a fork in her life, where nothing seems to go as she planned, she takes some time to return back to her roots... her Grandma's home. And, she builds on their already strong relationship. But, her Grandma is elderly... :(
The one thing her Grandma wanted, more than anything else in the WORLD, was for Belle and Lexie to get along... To get back to where they were BEFORE they grew up. Before they had lives of their own...
And the way she goes about it, in the end... is just Delightful. Heart-Warming. Beautiful. And, at least for me, filled with grateful tears and wonderful moments... and, more than anything else... Memories... Of Love. Of Home. Of Happiness. Of HOPE!!!
ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD FOR ME ON THIS ONE!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫💫💫💫💫
#RecipeForJoy by @MonicaComas and narrated stunningly, and with so much heartfelt emotion by @AlexPicard!!!
Again, this is being released tomorrow, March 24th... so PLEASE look for it then!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrillianceAudio and @BrilliancePublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book Review
Title: Recipe For Joy
Author: @monicacomaswrites
PUB: 03/24/26
Thank you so much @booksparks and @monicacomaswrites for this gifted physical copy
#recipeforjoy #booksparks #bookreviews
The Book: 🧑🍳
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.
My Thoughts: 👩🏻🍳
My goodness what an amazing and touching read! @monicacomaswrites does a superb job in writing this very heartfelt story of resilient heartache. I am in awe! I absolutely loved the unconditional love between Belle and her grandmother. The safety that Belle felt around her was very moving. Sometimes the loss of a loved family member brings us to the realization that life is short and that we shouldn’t waste valuable time holding on to grudges and grievances. Especially towards our own siblings. I loved how the recipes and letters left behind by their grandmother brings Belle and her sister back together. This was honestly one of my favorite parts along with the recipes at the end of the story. In all this was a wonderful story about grief, sisterhood, and the sentimental value of family and its recipes. I truly recommend this read to all my bookish friends. Get the tissues ready as it made me shed a tear or two!
-Do you have a family recipe book!
-What is your favorite family recipe?
Happy reading!👩🏻🍳🧅🍅🥔
Title: Recipe For Joy
Author: @monicacomaswrites
PUB: 03/24/26
Thank you so much @booksparks and @monicacomaswrites for this gifted physical copy
#recipeforjoy #booksparks #bookreviews
The Book: 🧑🍳
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.
My Thoughts: 👩🏻🍳
My goodness what an amazing and touching read! @monicacomaswrites does a superb job in writing this very heartfelt story of resilient heartache. I am in awe! I absolutely loved the unconditional love between Belle and her grandmother. The safety that Belle felt around her was very moving. Sometimes the loss of a loved family member brings us to the realization that life is short and that we shouldn’t waste valuable time holding on to grudges and grievances. Especially towards our own siblings. I loved how the recipes and letters left behind by their grandmother brings Belle and her sister back together. This was honestly one of my favorite parts along with the recipes at the end of the story. In all this was a wonderful story about grief, sisterhood, and the sentimental value of family and its recipes. I truly recommend this read to all my bookish friends. Get the tissues ready as it made me shed a tear or two!
-Do you have a family recipe book!
-What is your favorite family recipe?
Happy reading!👩🏻🍳🧅🍅🥔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2026
Recipe for Joy by Monica Comas is a touching story of family, grief, and food that makes you want to call your siblings, start a garden, and start making your own vegetable stock.
Belle is a middle-aged woman at a sticking point in life where she has stalled out and lost momentum. She decides to regroup by going home to stay with her Gran. Gran raised Belle and Belle’s sister Lexie after their mom died, and is a huge source of comfort to Belle as she starts to figure herself out again. This is relatable to me— I’m in my mid thirties and feel like career wise I’ve started over a few times, and ask myself: What do I really want to be doing with my life? What’s really important to me?
In this way, this book reminded me of another recent book I enjoyed, The Fortune Flip by Lauren Kung Jessen, which is totally different yet also features a female protagonist starting over in a lot of ways.
Belle and her sister Lexie are somewhat estranged, which clearly bothers Gran, who is also estranged from her own sister. As Belle stays with Gran and Gran encourages her to get back in touch with Lexie, she also teaches Belle secrets of cooking, gardening, and all her Gran ways.
This book conveys human emotions so strongly and speaks to how complicated grief can be, how it can shuffle up the whole deck you thought you knew. The writing is very heartfelt and fast paced. I felt like this story is an accurate display of the human experience. Nothing over the top, too easy, or too great, just life and its quiet joys and stresses. It’s a story of identity and family.
This book also includes Gran’s recipes, which if you’re like me, you will need because you will be HUNGRY reading this. I was serious about the vegetable stock. If you like book club fiction, or a heartfelt tale of food and family pick this one up! I read this as part of BookSparks Spring Reading Challenge thank you @booksparks @lakeunion and thanks to @monicacomas who clearly poured her heart and soul on to this page!
#SPRC2026 #WildforBooks
Belle is a middle-aged woman at a sticking point in life where she has stalled out and lost momentum. She decides to regroup by going home to stay with her Gran. Gran raised Belle and Belle’s sister Lexie after their mom died, and is a huge source of comfort to Belle as she starts to figure herself out again. This is relatable to me— I’m in my mid thirties and feel like career wise I’ve started over a few times, and ask myself: What do I really want to be doing with my life? What’s really important to me?
In this way, this book reminded me of another recent book I enjoyed, The Fortune Flip by Lauren Kung Jessen, which is totally different yet also features a female protagonist starting over in a lot of ways.
Belle and her sister Lexie are somewhat estranged, which clearly bothers Gran, who is also estranged from her own sister. As Belle stays with Gran and Gran encourages her to get back in touch with Lexie, she also teaches Belle secrets of cooking, gardening, and all her Gran ways.
This book conveys human emotions so strongly and speaks to how complicated grief can be, how it can shuffle up the whole deck you thought you knew. The writing is very heartfelt and fast paced. I felt like this story is an accurate display of the human experience. Nothing over the top, too easy, or too great, just life and its quiet joys and stresses. It’s a story of identity and family.
This book also includes Gran’s recipes, which if you’re like me, you will need because you will be HUNGRY reading this. I was serious about the vegetable stock. If you like book club fiction, or a heartfelt tale of food and family pick this one up! I read this as part of BookSparks Spring Reading Challenge thank you @booksparks @lakeunion and thanks to @monicacomas who clearly poured her heart and soul on to this page!
#SPRC2026 #WildforBooks
March 27, 2026
In Recipe for Joy, Monica Comas explores the devastating loss of a loved one and the impact of the past memories that recall that loved one to mind.
In this case Belle has been sort of at a crossroads, no longer happy with the life she is living. She returns home to her grandmother and spends much loved time with her. She is very special because she raised Belle and her sister Lexie as their mother died when they were very young. Their father abandoned them and took off elsewhere.
When her gran dies Belle is overcome with grief. She mourns deeply. Adding to the grief is the fact that Belle and her sister Lexie no longer really speak to each other, they have lost the closeness they once shared as children. We see it all from Belle's eyes but you just feel something is going on for Lexie that Belle knows nothing about.
It turns out this runs in the family as Belle's grandmother and sister - Grace were close as children but then as adults were not in contact and never spoke.
It is with some community love and support that Belle will eventually find her way through loss as she sits at a crossroads in her life. There are letter from Gran with some challenges given to both girls. And then there is Grace - the great aunt they never really knew about. She it turns out has a big part to play in their lives. Hopefully this inter-generational loss of sisterhood will not be played out by Lexie's two children.
Gran was a great cook and this book has a theme of home comfort cooking running through it. What is more if you are a keen cook the recipes mentioned are all at the end of the book.
In this case Belle has been sort of at a crossroads, no longer happy with the life she is living. She returns home to her grandmother and spends much loved time with her. She is very special because she raised Belle and her sister Lexie as their mother died when they were very young. Their father abandoned them and took off elsewhere.
When her gran dies Belle is overcome with grief. She mourns deeply. Adding to the grief is the fact that Belle and her sister Lexie no longer really speak to each other, they have lost the closeness they once shared as children. We see it all from Belle's eyes but you just feel something is going on for Lexie that Belle knows nothing about.
It turns out this runs in the family as Belle's grandmother and sister - Grace were close as children but then as adults were not in contact and never spoke.
It is with some community love and support that Belle will eventually find her way through loss as she sits at a crossroads in her life. There are letter from Gran with some challenges given to both girls. And then there is Grace - the great aunt they never really knew about. She it turns out has a big part to play in their lives. Hopefully this inter-generational loss of sisterhood will not be played out by Lexie's two children.
Gran was a great cook and this book has a theme of home comfort cooking running through it. What is more if you are a keen cook the recipes mentioned are all at the end of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
Recipe for Joy by Monica Comas is a beautifully written debut that centers on two estranged sisters, Belle and Lexie, who are brought back together through their late grandmother’s recipes and letters. What unfolds is a heartfelt journey of forgiveness, healing, and rediscovering family — all woven together through food, tradition, and memory.
This story has such a tender, emotional core. The writing felt thoughtful and immersive, allowing space for grief and healing without rushing the process. It’s definitely more of a slower, reflective listen, but it felt intentional and really fit the tone of the story.
I found myself wishing I had a grandmother to garden and cook with while listening to this. The relationship between Belle and her grandmother felt so special and genuine, and you could really feel the love, memories, and connection woven into every part of the story.
At the heart of it all is family — especially the relationship between the sisters and their grandmother. The emotions felt real and sometimes messy in a way that made it easy to connect to.
The audiobook narration was well done and easy to settle into, which really complemented the slower, more emotional pacing.
Overall, this is a warm, comforting, and emotionally honest story about love, loss, and finding your way back to the people who matter most. If you love books that blend food, family, and healing with a cozy, reflective vibe, this one is definitely worth picking up. 📚🎧🌱
Happy Reading
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
Recipe for Joy by Monica Comas is a beautifully written debut that centers on two estranged sisters, Belle and Lexie, who are brought back together through their late grandmother’s recipes and letters. What unfolds is a heartfelt journey of forgiveness, healing, and rediscovering family — all woven together through food, tradition, and memory.
This story has such a tender, emotional core. The writing felt thoughtful and immersive, allowing space for grief and healing without rushing the process. It’s definitely more of a slower, reflective listen, but it felt intentional and really fit the tone of the story.
I found myself wishing I had a grandmother to garden and cook with while listening to this. The relationship between Belle and her grandmother felt so special and genuine, and you could really feel the love, memories, and connection woven into every part of the story.
At the heart of it all is family — especially the relationship between the sisters and their grandmother. The emotions felt real and sometimes messy in a way that made it easy to connect to.
The audiobook narration was well done and easy to settle into, which really complemented the slower, more emotional pacing.
Overall, this is a warm, comforting, and emotionally honest story about love, loss, and finding your way back to the people who matter most. If you love books that blend food, family, and healing with a cozy, reflective vibe, this one is definitely worth picking up. 📚🎧🌱
Happy Reading
March 22, 2026
This book is about a middle aged woman named Belle who kind of never did anything with her life. She and her sister Lexie were raised by their grandmother after their mom died, but the sisters are now mostly estranged. After she loses her job, Belle leaves NYC to go stay with her grandmother in Ohio where they do a lot of cooking together. But her grandmother (who is estranged from her own sister) has also cooked up something to get Belle and Lexie back together.
If you think you know where this book is going from my description, so did I - but since I didn’t read the publisher’s blurb, it actually took a turn and spun off into a totally different book. It’s a book about family and grief and estrangement and yes, lots of cooking about some delicious sounding foods with recipes contained at the end. I think what kept me from fully connecting with it is that I just didn’t get Belle - she’s so aimless and immature that it was shocking to me when it was revealed that she’s 45 years old. And her sister Lexie is a totally cold B, yet she wasn’t entirely wrong when she called Belle a “weird lost child person.” Still, it was a sweet story overall even if I didn’t love it as much as I wanted to especially as the author seems so nice.
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC (out 3/24/26); all opinions are my own.
If you think you know where this book is going from my description, so did I - but since I didn’t read the publisher’s blurb, it actually took a turn and spun off into a totally different book. It’s a book about family and grief and estrangement and yes, lots of cooking about some delicious sounding foods with recipes contained at the end. I think what kept me from fully connecting with it is that I just didn’t get Belle - she’s so aimless and immature that it was shocking to me when it was revealed that she’s 45 years old. And her sister Lexie is a totally cold B, yet she wasn’t entirely wrong when she called Belle a “weird lost child person.” Still, it was a sweet story overall even if I didn’t love it as much as I wanted to especially as the author seems so nice.
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC (out 3/24/26); all opinions are my own.
March 24, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up. This is such an impressive debut. The author’s beautiful writing pulled me in right from the start. The story follows Belle, a middle-aged woman whose close relationship with her Gran is at the heart of the book. The scenes with Belle and her Gran in the kitchen and garden felt so real that they brought back memories of time spent with my own grandmother. I especially loved how family recipes are woven into the plot, connecting Belle, her sister Lexie, and their Gran and showing how food helps keep memories alive across generations. As a bonus, the epilogue even includes some of the recipes featured in the story, which I thought was a really nice touch.
Another thing that stood out to me was how the author doesn’t shy away from writing about grief. The book captures the messiness and complexity of loss in a way that feels both honest and comforting. Additionally, the novel explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and the lasting strength of family, serving as a touching reminder of how the memories we share can shape and sustain us.
If you enjoy stories about family, forgiveness, and tradition, or books that explore grief and the powerful bonds that connect us, I highly recommend this book.
Another thing that stood out to me was how the author doesn’t shy away from writing about grief. The book captures the messiness and complexity of loss in a way that feels both honest and comforting. Additionally, the novel explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and the lasting strength of family, serving as a touching reminder of how the memories we share can shape and sustain us.
If you enjoy stories about family, forgiveness, and tradition, or books that explore grief and the powerful bonds that connect us, I highly recommend this book.
April 21, 2026
This cosy family story was a mixed bag of emotions for me. I loved the food aspect of the narrative and the grandmother’s determination to reunite her feuding granddaughters; however, I struggled to connect with the characters themselves, which made parts of the story feel less engaging.
I love the relationship of food and family; they bridge generations together nicely. Most people have fond memories of a grandma, aunty or mother cooking them their favourite meals or baked goods. Preparing meals together - sharing laughter, ideas, stories - it's a classic way to build lasting memories and hand down skills. Sharing something prepared from a secret recipe with someone is something to be treasured.
The grandmother’s mission to mend the sisters’ relationship felt a little frustrating, especially given her own unresolved issues with her sister. Without giving away spoilers, it was hard not to wonder why she poured so much energy into fixing their rift when her own could have been addressed earlier.
The inclusion of recipes in the final chapters was a delightful bonus, adding an extra layer to the reading experience. I also enjoyed the narration by Alex Picard — her voice had a lovely, comforting quality that reminded me of Julia Whelan, one of my favourite narrators.
I love the relationship of food and family; they bridge generations together nicely. Most people have fond memories of a grandma, aunty or mother cooking them their favourite meals or baked goods. Preparing meals together - sharing laughter, ideas, stories - it's a classic way to build lasting memories and hand down skills. Sharing something prepared from a secret recipe with someone is something to be treasured.
The grandmother’s mission to mend the sisters’ relationship felt a little frustrating, especially given her own unresolved issues with her sister. Without giving away spoilers, it was hard not to wonder why she poured so much energy into fixing their rift when her own could have been addressed earlier.
The inclusion of recipes in the final chapters was a delightful bonus, adding an extra layer to the reading experience. I also enjoyed the narration by Alex Picard — her voice had a lovely, comforting quality that reminded me of Julia Whelan, one of my favourite narrators.
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