Recipe for Joy: A Novel

by Monica Comas

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.

Genres: Fiction, Grief

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 24, 2026

About the author

Monica 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.

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely debut about two estranged sisters who find healing and forgiveness through their late grandmother's beloved recipes. A joy, indeed!

[Alieke · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Yolanda | yolandaannmarie.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

[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.

[Joan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jestrii Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lydia Haigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ambreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Cindy Trocola · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Heidi Menges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Deals with sisters who thinks the other one has it better and learning the truth.
It has recipes

[Herbibliomaniac · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟

2 estranged sister brought together through recipes left behind by their late grandmother.

Grief was a strong theme in this novel heavy with emotions. But healing through recipes left by the person Belle is grieving was such a wholesome way to go about it. Set in a small town with a community full of love and hope. The side characters were such a great addition to an already cozy and warm story.

One of my favorite parts of this book was that the main focus was on Belle and her growth as opposed to making it a romance. Second favorite part were the recipes at the end. Only downfall is I listened to the audio and will have to transcribe them now.

The audio was easy to listen to and well done. I think the narrator did a great job of adding emotion and bringing the story to life.

Thanks to Brilliance Publishing/Audio for sending me an Alc to review. Narrated by Alex Picard.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!! ⭐️

I loved the relationship between the FMC, Belle (Annabelle) and her grandmother. Then the eventual passing of her grandmother, leaving Belle to grieve and find herself again.

A beautiful story about the stages of grief, forgiveness, and family finding its way back to one another. The nostalgic memories that came with each recipe Gran left for Belle and Lexie was wonderful. A truthful recollection of one of the funny ways in which grief works. There are recipes and tastes that I associate with my grandparents too. Cinnamon rolls, pies, etc.

The book also highlights how easy it is to ignore what someone else could be going through when you’re upset with them. It shows the significance in how easily we believe the carefully constructed facades people put up.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Recipe for Joy
✍🏻Monica Comas
Blurb::
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.
My Thoughts:
A lovely debut about two estranged sisters who find healing and forgiveness through their late grandmother's beloved recipes. Following Belle as she navigates changes in her mid-fourties and discovers more of who she is and what direction she wants to take her next season of life in.
This book had me falling in love with her charismatic grandma and friends, then grieve and fed my soul with sweet memories and delicious recipes! Family frustration, misunderstanding and bonding all wrapped up in a”dessert doily” for you to eat up.I loved this heartwarming story about Belle, who is lost on her path to an uncertain future and her journey from despair to hope.
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Author Monica Comas for the complimentary copy of "Recipe for Joy:" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeUnionPublishing
#MonicaComas
#RecipeforJoy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Miscarriage, Grief

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

gorgeously interesting book with a fantastic vibe. the character building is really effective, and the ending feels satisfying. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Lisa Roppel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recipe for Joy was a feel good book with all the things, food, family and joy! This is a book that will remind you of the most important things in life and how food ties it altogether! It is a slow burn but so worth it!

Thank you Net Galley, Monica Comas and Lake union Publishing for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
Recipe for Joy is expected to be released March 24, 2026.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Belle Sutton lost her job in New York, she went to visit her grandmother, and that was the start of finding who she is now. She was so lost and this gave her the opportunity to try things and she what she liked to do. Belle and her grandmother cooked the recipes they have been eating all their lives. While she is there, her grandmother passed away. Belle didn't know what she wanted to do, so she went back to New York, but when she got there, she felt like she didn't belong there. Her grandmother's friends told her to stay there to make sure it wasn't grief guiding her. While she was out, she came upon a food stand, and they were looking for help so she applied and got hired. After she started working there, other opportunities came up.
Then her and her sister started receiving letters from their grandmother, and they had to cook something together even though they lived in different states. Their journeys started changing them, and then out of the blue their great aunt contacted them each and asked them to come help her. They each go through a lot, but when they got together, Belle said, she thought all that she had gone through pushed her back on the path that felt like this was where she finally belonged.
I enjoyed this story, with things being good, and then something takes you off your path, and you are lost, and seeing what happens. I received an ARC from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story with recipe. That’s hard to beat. While thematically, the books deals with characters handling grief, this is still great book to settle down cozy and read.

Many families have food traditions and believe food is a way to home and gives all the “comfort” that is needed. This book kind of explores this.

Two estranged sisters, Belle and Lexie, connect again through their grandmother’s recipes, letters and packages. Who is sending these? There was a breakup years ago and as the two sisters reconnect the secrets unravel.

I loved the spirit and tempo of this book. While I didn't make any of the recipes, they looked good and seemed easy to follow.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.

[Stephanie Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Recipe for Joy is a tender, emotionally rich debut novel about family, loss, and the slow, uneven process of healing.

The writing is beautiful—delicate, painful, and vividly descriptive. For a debut, Monica Comas writes with remarkable confidence, allowing readers to sit with Belle’s emotions without rushing grief or offering easy resolutions. The quieter pacing at times feels intentional, reflecting how loss often brings stillness and reflection.

The sense of place is especially strong. I loved the contrast between the lively streets of New York and the small-town Cleveland setting, particularly the comfort of her grandmother’s garden. These spaces feel warm and lived-in, offering emotional grounding and moments of quiet connection.

At the heart of the story is Belle’s relationship with her grandmother, which felt deeply authentic. I had a close bond with my own grandmother—not through cooking, but through love—and that connection resonated strongly with me. The strained relationship between Belle and her sister, rooted in long-standing wounds rather than a single loss, adds another thoughtful and realistic layer to the story.

A lovely touch is that the recipes woven throughout the novel are thoughtfully placed at the end of the book—truly a chef’s kiss detail that extends the story in a meaningful way.

This is a comforting yet emotionally honest novel about love, family, and finding your way forward. It’s absolutely a book I’d want a physical copy of—one to keep on my shelf and return to. I would warmly recommend The Recipe for Joy to readers who enjoy character-driven, heartfelt fiction.

[Marcia Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop turning the pages! In Recipe for Joy, we meet Belle who is either our best friend or our inner self. She has angst, a wanderfust that won't necessarily solve everything, and thank god a wonderful grandmother. With a cookbook, recipes, possibilities for new love, an estranged sister, and mysterious letters, too, what could be more compelling? Every word held me tight. A joy to read!

[the_tbr_cart Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be such an unexpected gem! It’s a really moving story about family, but it specifically focuses on the complicated bonds between sisters. The story jumps back and forth between timelines, following two different sets of sisters and showing how their personalities and shared history led to some pretty deep rifts later in life.
Most of the story follows Belle, a freelance writer who moves back in with her grandmother after falling on hard times. I loved how the book showed her getting closer to her grandmother and the small community, which made it all the more emotional when her grandmother passed away. Even with that loss, there is still so much tension between Belle and her successful younger sister—and we find out there was a similar rift between Grandma and her own sister miles away.
The way the story gently unwinds all those "twisted threads" was just beautiful. It’s a great reminder of how much value there is in family, even when it’s messy. I’m so glad I picked this one up!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Monica Comas, and Lake Union Publishing for gifting me a copy of this book.

[Susan Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tenderhearted story of loss, self-discovery, and the journey toward healing.
Grief over the loss of someone loved deeply can be intense. Such is the case for Belle Sutton, protagonist of the novel Recipe for Joy, by Monica Comas. Estranged from her only sister and living a life that has lacked purpose, Belle is grieving even more than the recent death of one beloved person.

Unexpectedly, letters, photos, and recipes provide Belle and her sister a path back to each other. Will they follow it, and will Belle discover her own strengths and purpose? As the story unfolds, this is more complicated than it would seem.

This book is an excellent reminder that there is no prescribed timeline for grief and that each person processes loss differently and at their own pace. At times, I felt bogged down by the amount of grief and tension on the page. However, it is proportionate to the experience of the characters, and makes the ending even more satisfying. The atmospheric contrast of NYC to small-town Ohio underscores the significant arc of change that major characters undergo.

Planning a way to make a positive impact and heal old hurts, even after death, is an interesting idea. Finding the recipes mentioned throughout the book printed at the end was a delightful surprise. I'll be following Gran’s secret for peanut butter cookies the next time I make some! I think this novel will appeal to readers of Women’s Fiction and stories about sisters, families, cooking, and grief.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Lake Union Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Ifeanyi Omoike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recipe for Joy is a deeply moving novel that explores grief with honesty, tenderness, and humanity. I felt Belle’s pain acutely after the loss of her grandmother. At first, I wondered why the story spent so much time with her grandmother only to take her away so early—why it didn’t begin in the middle, as many stories do. But as I read on, I understood the choice, and it made the story all the more powerful.

Meeting and growing attached to Belle’s grandmother—who was so vividly drawn and memorable—allowed me to grieve her loss alongside Belle. Belle missed her, and I missed her too.

Monica Comas handles complex family dynamics with great sensitivity, especially Belle’s strained relationship with her sister, Lexie, and her grandmother’s estrangement from her own sister, Grace. The story beautifully portrays love, forgiveness, healing, and restoration—and in places where reconciliation doesn’t come easily, the pain feels just as real.

If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, I highly recommend this book. You'll feel seen and understood, and it may even open the door to healing and renewed connection with family members touched by that loss.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jacqueline Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kristen Cook - A Book Ninja · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.