Not On the Menu

by Eddy Twice

Romance with Zik was not on the menu.

On the menu were carefully plated dishes.

Not butterflies.

Not longing gazes.

Not replaying moments like a carousel.

And definitely not romance with my friend’s brother.

Or a younger guy.

So why was my stomach churning?

It had to be a stomach bug…

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2025

Reviews

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book - it follows Megan and Zik - Zik was the younger brother of Megan's best friend Ada. Megan has known Zik since he was a young boy (still in diapers) and always considered Zik a friend. Megan's parents (both doctors) weren't a strong presence in Megan's life (especially her mother who expected her to act and comport herself in a certain way) and Megan was often at Ada and Zik's grandmother's home with Ada and Zik. Ada had recently passed away from cancer and Megan had just returned to Houston to assist Zik (who owns a restaurant) take photos for a cookbook he was publishing. It was during this reunion that Megan began to feel differently toward Zik and realize that he was always a strong and calming presence in her life. This is a slow burn romance, but their connection and happily ever after was worth it. I also enjoyed the recipes in the book - it served to connect the reader with the amazing dishes that Zik was serving at his restaurant.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Tatum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not On the Menu by Eddy Twice is a lighthearted read with polarizing characters and familiar tropes of best friend’s brother and slow burn (that would make a cute Hallmark movie). I thought it was refreshing that the first chapter started with the male POV, and the addition of recipes that were prominently featured in the book was such a fun bonus! That said, the pacing felt a bit inconsistent with major time jumps on the same page, and a few plot points weren’t really expanded on or tied up by the end. Still, it’s a solid, quick read that left me wanting just a little more. Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this early release in exchange for my review.

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review:

Not On the Menu is a tender, emotionally resonant romance that pours more like a slow, restorative drink than a fiery shot. At its core, this is a story of grief, healing, and rediscovering hope in unexpected places. While the synopsis teases a meet-cute involving Mocha—the “relentless little alarm clock” of a pet—the real heartbeat of the novel lies in how two wounded souls find solace in each other.

The heroine is still grappling with profound loss, including the death of multiple family members to cancer. Dike, the hero, enters her life not with grand gestures but with steadiness—a reliable, grounding presence when her world feels unmoored. Together, they don’t burn fast and bright; they rebuild slowly, finding meaning in quiet companionship, resilience, and small joys.

🥃 What I Sipped & Savored

Emotional Depth: The grief and healing arc is handled with genuine care. The author’s dedication to cancer research (donating a portion of book sales) adds heartfelt weight to the story.

Dike’s Steadiness: He’s not flashy or domineering, but rather the kind of hero who anchors the heroine’s storm—a rock you can lean on.

Relatable Humanity: The characters feel real, their struggles familiar, and their moments of hope all the more moving because of it.

🥃 What Made Me Side-Eye My Glass

Slower Pacing: The narrative leans heavily on introspection, which at times pushes the romance to the background. Readers craving a fast-paced love story may find this quieter approach less engaging.

Low Heat: The intimacy is tender and understated, more about emotional connection than physical passion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ (A comfortable, gentle heat)

🥃 Final Pour

Not On the Menu earns a reflective 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a sweet, supportive romance that prioritizes healing over heat, making it an ideal read for those who want a gentle story of love blossoming in the aftermath of loss.

Pairs well with: a warm mug of tea or a soothing digestif—something that comforts more than it burns.

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nathalie Najibi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice is one of those authors I trust to deliver heart, humor, and a little heat, and Not On The Menu absolutely had all three. I went in expecting a playful romance with emotional depth, and while the ingredients were there, the final dish didn’t quite hit the flavor profile I was craving. Still, I devoured it in two sittings and found plenty to love.

The setup is irresistible: Meg, a meticulous chef with a guarded heart, finds herself tangled in a slow-burn romance with Zik, her best friend’s younger brother and a man who’s been quietly pining for her for years. The tension simmers from the start, and Eddy Twice knows how to write longing that feels lived-in. Zik’s devotion is swoony without being overbearing, and Meg’s resistance is layered with grief, guilt, and a fear of being truly seen. Their dynamic had me rooting for them even when I wanted to shake them both.

What worked beautifully:
-The food writing! I could practically smell the jollof rice and taste the pepper soup. The kitchen scenes were rich and immersive, and the way food became a metaphor for intimacy and vulnerability was chef’s kiss.
-The emotional stakes. Meg’s backstory is quietly devastating, and her bond with Zik’s family—especially the sisterly tension—felt authentic and raw.
-Zik himself. He’s tender, patient, and just the right amount of messy. His love for Meg is steady and believable, and I appreciated that he wasn’t just a romantic prop—he had his own arc, his own wounds, and his own growth.

Where it stumbled a bit:
-The pacing. The first half was deliciously slow-burn, but after Zik’s confession, the story lost some of its rhythm. Emotional beats felt rushed, and some key moments (especially Meg’s internal shifts) didn’t get the breathing room they deserved.
-The prose occasionally veered between lyrical and overly casual, sometimes within the same paragraph. It pulled me out of the story just enough to notice.
-Meg’s communication style. I get that she’s guarded, but her emotional evasiveness started to feel repetitive. I wanted more clarity, more confrontation, more catharsis.

That said, Eddy Twice still delivers a story that’s tender, culturally rich, and full of heart. The Houston setting was vibrant, the family dynamics were messy in the best way, and the romance, while imperfect, was deeply felt. It’s not my favorite of hers, but it’s still a warm, satisfying read that left me hungry for her next release.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just know it’s not a rom-com, it’s a quiet, emotional slow-burn with spice, soul, and a few uneven bites. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to find love with someone you never considered before while dealing with a loss that’s swept the ground from underneath your feet? That’s the question Dike and Megan must grapple with in Not on the Menu by Eddy Twice, a modern romance about a different kind of second chance that’s both warm and witty. Readers are first introduced to Dike and Megan. Dike, a chef in Houston, runs himself ragged as the owner of a Nigerian-fusion restaurant as a distraction from the grief he feels due to the loss of his sister, Ada. Megan is Ada’s best friend, who is also living through the grief process and other struggles, and is a photographer who reconnects with Dike for a cookbook project. For the first time since they’ve known each other, they begin to see the other in a different light, one that may be just what they need. As they navigate kitchen chaos, family tensions, and the path to healing, they discover that moving forward doesn’t come with a perfect recipe. Not On the Menu is rich with food, family, and laughter, it reminds us that love often sneaks in when life feels most uncertain.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Not On the Menu by Eddy Twice took me by surprise with its heartfelt honesty and emotional depth. I found myself quickly invested in Megan and Dike’s complicated journey through grief, love, and self-discovery. I also thought the vivid setting of Houston, especially the restaurant, made it feel authentic. The novel does navigate through some tough themes, like family, identity, and perhaps the most profound one of all, loss, without ever losing its warmth or humor. I also appreciated how Ada’s presence lingered, even if it was only through flashbacks/memories, making her feel like a part of the present even though she’s gone. This book isn’t just a romance; it’s a moving celebration of healing, chosen family, and embracing your true self.

[Cozy Sabie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Maybe love doesn't have to be some huge, life-altering event. Maybe it's quiet and simple."

GENRE: Romance
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐.25/5, rounded to 3 stars in platforms with no half or quarter stars rating
FORMAT: eBook Arc

Review:
Not on the Menu is a romance book that caught my attention and I think this book did approach the topic overall in a lovely way, with us getting some romance, grief and backstory of the MCs. I quite enjoyed reading about Zik and Meg, I really enjoyed the food aspect as books with food in them are one of my favourites!

I will say that the parts where the story touches on grief was a good read and the learnings that both the MCs go through in order to overcome their feelings and understand that it impacts them differently was a lovely character development and journey for them.

And I also really enjoyed getting to hear the story of Meg's parents and seeing how the conflict came to be, how it impacted them as a family and the ending of their story on the side as well

"But life happened, Meg. And sometimes... love just isn't enough. It takes sacrifice, commitment, and patience. We forgot all that. We thought being in love would carry us through...but it didn't."

However, where this story fell short for me was that there were parts that needed a bit of strengthening in them. What I mean by this is that the point of conflict had me feeling as if it wasn't a big or troubling conflict, as if Zik and Meg fell through for a small reason that didn't live to the build up through the story.

This obviously wasn't enough to stop me from reading the story and overall, I would say that for those of us who do enjoy romance, light hearted story that touches on heavier themes and food, this is the book for you! I look forward to reading more from the author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the Arc in exchange for my honest review

[Heidi Lengenfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not On the Menu is a smart, simmering romance that proves the best ingredients in life are often the ones you never expect. Eddy Twice blends humor, tension, and tenderness into a story that feels both deliciously escapist and deeply grounded in emotion.

The novel follows two characters whose lives collide in a way that’s anything but conventional. One is structured and orderly, driven by responsibility and ambition; the other thrives in creativity and spontaneity, always ready to stir the pot. What begins as an inconvenient partnership quickly turns into something that crackles with chemistry. Every conversation feels like a verbal sparring match laced with attraction, and every quiet moment simmers with unspoken longing.

What I loved most is how the story balances banter and bite with vulnerability. Both characters carry scars and fears that make their eventual connection feel earned rather than rushed. There are laugh-out-loud lines, swoon-worthy gestures, and just the right amount of spice to keep the pages turning.

Twice also threads in themes of self-discovery—about taking chances, breaking out of old molds, and letting yourself savor life even when it doesn’t fit the “menu” you thought you’d ordered. The setting (and the food imagery sprinkled throughout) adds an extra layer of warmth and sensory detail that makes you want to curl up with a plate of comfort food while reading.

If you’re looking for a romance that’s witty, heartfelt, and just a little indulgent, Not On the Menu serves it up beautifully.

[Lovelette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A love story woven through grief and healing—poignant and bittersweet. 💔✨

📖 Not on the Menu by Eddy Twice
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

⚠️ TW: Grief, loss

This story follows Dike, a Michelin-starred chef grieving the loss of his sister, Ada. Her best friend, Megan, grew up alongside them, taken in often by their grandmother when her own parents were absent. The three of them shared an unbreakable bond, and after Ada’s passing, both Dike and Megan struggle to navigate the gaping void she left behind. In the midst of their grief, Megan leans on Dike for comfort, and he becomes her steady presence while grappling with his own pain.

I loved how their lifelong history—both the good and the bad—shaped who they are and how they cared for each other. Ada felt like a silent main character, still influencing their every action. Their attempts to live up to the person Ada saw in them felt raw and meaningful.

That said, some parts of the story fell a little flat for me. At times I couldn’t fully understand their actions or emotions, as certain feelings weren’t fully explored or explained. I found Dike’s grief and emotions more vividly expressed than Megan’s, which left me wanting more depth from her perspective. Still, the pain and loss were palpable, and I could feel the weight of their shared sorrow.

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Eddy Twice for this ARC.

Tropes:
👨‍🍳 Chef x Photographer
👩‍❤️‍👨 Sister’s Best Friend / Best Friend’s Brother

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via BookSirens. This in no way impacted on my view.

Photographer Megan is back home following the death of her best friend Ada. She's still reeling from the loss, and seeing Ada's younger brother Dike again is bringing back all her childhood memories. However, Dike's grown up, and Megan doesn't know whether to give in to her feelings for him, or would that be betraying Ada?

I'm not too sure on how to rate this book. I mean, it wasn't bad, but I definitely did not love it. Megan and Dike were okay characters, but they missing something more. I just felt like the story wasn't as fully formed as it could be. It's very deep and heavy at times, with two characters deaths - off screen - which impact on the characters a lot, and then the onscreen illness of a parent. Even then though, it was unrealistic that a character was 'ill', but it was only said to be cancer towards the end, especially considering that two of the characters were in the medical profession, and Megan had gone to medical school for two years. I also couldn't get my head around the language. It was very formal at times, and just stilted and clunky.

[Gildergreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for granting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is 100% perfect for Hallmark movie fanatics, of which I would have once categorized myself. I think I read this hoping to recapture the magic I once felt watching those, and while I did appreciate many aspects - the mutual journey of grief, the woman haunting the narrative, the broad cast of characters in our protagonists' lives, the character motivations, to name just a few - it didn't really capture me. I kept reading hoping that it would, but this one just wasn't for me. Maybe partially because the name "Dike" kept taking me out of it. With that being said, if you're a romance fan in general, I think you'll really enjoy this.

However, I did see someone mention that this book is "light", so I think it's super important that anyone going in be aware that this book is hugely about/features the journey of grief. I think the word you want is "healing" or "cathartic", but it certainly isn't light.

[LM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dike, a hardworking chef in Houston, throws himself into running his Nigerian-fusion restaurant as a way to cope with the loss of his sister, Ada. Megan, Ada’s best friend, is also navigating her own struggles while grieving, and reconnects with Dike when she’s hired as a photographer for his cookbook project. What begins as a professional collaboration makes way for old, familiar feelings to surface.

I loved how authentic and layered this story felt. The grief woven throughout—both Dike’s and Megan’s—was handled with honesty and care, but the novel never lost its warmth or humor. Ada’s presence was particularly touching; through memories and flashbacks, she felt as though she was still part of their journey, grounding the story with love and loss in equal measure.

It’s an exploration of healing, identity, and the unexpected ways life can pull people together in the wake of a loss. It’s also a celebration of food, family, and the communities we create when we let others in.

Thank you to Eddy Twice, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and NetGalley for the ARC to review.

[trin phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

I obtained this as a free epub from NetGalley, the author and the publisher. Thank you, and this did not affect my review.

I went into this book mostly blind, considering I only go off of the synopsis, which didn't give me much info at all. This isn't always an issue, but when I'm expecting an "older sister's best friend" esc romance, I am not expecting the said older sister to be a cancer victim who has Megan and Zik stricken with grief.

That, in my opinion, was NOT on the menu.

Second off, Zik and Megan have this slow burn that QUICKLY fades away once they start dating. Within 2 days they've confessed their feelings AND are already knee deep into their relationship. Little fast, not gonna lie.

And finally, what bugged me probably the most, is how Megan pretty much looks over her dad's cancer the whole time?? Like isn't that supposed to be the twist conflict and everything?? In my opinion, there could've been a much bigger relationship between her dad's sickness and Ada's (the sister) death.

2.5 stars.

[VeroniCanReadIt · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅ For Fans of:
- Friends to Lovers
- Childhood Friends
- Sisters Best Friend
- Family Drama
- Working through Grief
- Positive family growth
- Forced proximity

✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
“Not on the Menu” is an underrated book because from the very beginning through banter and each characters thoughts, my eyes were already tearing up and I was oh so hopeful that something good would happen. From chapter two, I’m already rooting for them.

From there, the book balanced serious topics with the lighthearted romance. While not a romcom, the conversations felt genuine and I loved seeing the family dynamic have positive growth as well.

Bonus: As someone who grew up in Houston, I also felt that it portrayed the city well, from the traffic to the expanse of food options and culture. I enjoyed reading about and getting recipes to the Nigerian food even if we didn’t get into the culture as much.

🖤 Thank you to author Eddy Twice, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, and Net Galley for the digital copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!

[Grace Gless · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off promising with the focus on Zik’s restaurant and deep thoughts on grief. Quickly went downhill for me with writing quality. Sometimes if the writing is just a bit juvenile I can still enjoy the book as a whole but this verged on non sensical at times. At one point Meg flags down a taxi and asks for Zik’s restaurant. Not the restaurant by name, just her friend’s name and restaurant. There were other snafus as well which would take me out of the story because they just didn’t make sense! Meg’s reaction in the kitchen after the kiss was totally uncalled for and really took away any chance of me rooting for her. Then her overreaction later just doesn’t make sense with their supposed close friends to lovers relationship. The recipes were a nice touch though.

Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Bookish_Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not on the Menu by Eddy Twice is a cozy, heart-squeeze romance that leans into two of my favorite things: the “best friend’s brother” trope and a truly patient slow burn. It’s sweet without being saccharine and quietly confident in its pacing—letting glances, late-night texts, and small acts of care do the heavy lifting before the big feelings finally spill over.

This is very much a “comfort read” romance: small stakes that still feel big to the characters, a community vibe, and payoffs that feel earned because the story takes its time. The slow burn is exactly that—slow—but in the satisfying way where every chapter nudges the needle until you’re grinning at the final confession. Heat-wise, it’s more tender than torrid, with intimacy focused on emotional closeness and trust.

[Pà · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt emotional and bittersweet. I liked how food and recipes were part of the story, it gave a cozy touch that made it different from other romances. Dike as a Michelin starred chef had a strong presence, and Megan’s connection with him through their shared past made their relationship feel layered. At the same time, I felt some parts didn’t go as deep as they could, and a few moments left me wanting more clarity. The pacing moved quickly in places and then slowed down in others, which sometimes broke my focus. Still, I enjoyed the emotional core. Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

[Jess Piva · Rating 1 out of 5]

This arc was provided by NetGalley.

This was a no from me. I honestly don’t want to say much because I just want to be done with this book but I do have a few things that need to be said.

There was no consistency in the tenses. None. I read “do not” and “did not” so many times in one chapter but none of them were a contraction and it just felt super jarring. She says “I love you” for the first time over text.

Beyond that, the plot made no sense. The characters were very two dimensional and I just don’t understand how the book was FINE (not good but tolerable) until around 40% and then it just got worse and worse.

This is the second book I have read by this author and I thought this was going to be better. I was wrong.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Ava died, her brother and her best friend started connecting in ways they never expected. The changes between them were quiet but powerful, and I kept noticing the small, meaningful moments that revealed their feelings.

They are genuinely kind to each other, but everything around them—grief, family, old patterns—creates tension. Watching them navigate that felt unpredictable and real, and I found myself drawn into the way their relationship unfolded.

The story doesn’t pretend everything is simple. They struggle, make mistakes, and face obstacles that test their connection, which made their closeness feel earned and layered rather than easy or obvious.

[ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a charming and sweet book! I enjoyed the author’s writing style and the way they brought the food to life! I got hungry every time I read about Zik’s food. I was concerned the story may be a little too heavy for me, but it wasn’t at all. What didn’t land for me was the pacing. The beginning felt fine, but after that everything felt SUPER rushed. As a result, I didn’t connect or feel invested in the relationship. It felt a bit forced. Some people really enjoy quicker paced books though, so I think this would be a perfect book for those readers! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Carlabp92 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not On The Menu was an enjoyable but uneven read for me. The premise is fun, a forbidden-feeling romance with playful banter, and there are definitely moments where the chemistry shines. I liked the warmth of the writing and the emotional honesty in certain scenes.

Some parts felt predictable, leaning on well-worn tropes, and the pacing wasn’t always consistent. At times I wished for more depth in the characters’ development, since the setup had a lot of potential.

Overall, this book has its charms and is a quick, light read, but it didn’t quite hit the emotional high notes I was hoping for. If you enjoy contemporary romance and don’t mind a few familiar patterns, it’s worth a try.

[Tien Huynh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was such a cute fun little read. I felt like it was fast paced and flowed really good. But there was just some overall inconsistencies and I wasn’t in love. I absolutely love that a few of the recipes that talked about were included in the book. I know the characters are in there 20s as they’ve been to collage and all. But it almost felt teenager ish in their vibes and how rather then talk she ignored him for a month while missing him. Overall though I think this is a fun little read perfect for anyone who loves a good hallmark romance movie.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute friends to lovers story. I loved the mmc. He was funny, smart with a bit of geek. He has big dreams and pushes through his grief to make them come true. I also loved getting some of his recipes from his cookbook. Such a great add to the book.
I was a little disappointed I didn't hear more of Megan and Adas list. I almost wanted a chapter or two of them writing it or Megan completing some of the list.
Overall I liked the storyline and concept. It was a good read.
I received this as an Arc from NetGalley and freely wrote this review.

[Jeremy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivated from the first page to the end! From renowned romance author Eddy Twice comes a lighthearted, fun, and quirky story about a chef and a photographer navigating their work schedules, family, and loss, told through the eyes of the characters. Through love and forgiveness come healing and restoration. Follow Dike and Megan through their story which will bring hope to every hopeful romantic out there.

[meredithandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book.

I absolutely loved the recipes that were incorporated in the book, it was an amazing touch. The story was great and it wasn’t too long for a romance book. I loved how all of the main characters grew throughout the story and it was so wholesome seeing their relationship in the end. The only thing I liked less was how some of the chapters ended. But besides that, this was an amazing read and I flew through it!

[Sabrina Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book through and through. Please make sure to check our triggers. Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC. What I loved about this book was how the MMC was so loving. One thing that stuck out to me was the love from the beginning, and sometimes a person just needs time to truly accept love and be open. This was such a great book, I highly recommend it.

[Christina Torbush · Rating 4 out of 5]

*possible spoilers?*

I really liked this one, it’s more of a steamy romance I’d say, and definitely a slow burn. But the chemistry is there, the back story (while sad)- is well done. Megan’s little glow up was perfect, and I love that we got a 2-for-1 HEA here. I do wish there was a little more to their story and slightly more spice though.

[Cie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cosy and, somehow, can be a comfort read, with lots of good mentions and some complicated relationships.

However, there are also some TWs, so please ensure you read those, as some heavy topics are mentioned multiple times.

With thanks to NetGalley and Victory editing for this ARC.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming story about love and healing. Megan and Zik fit like puzzle pieces. They completed what each lacked. They bonded through grief, but they also held each other while moving on and finding their own path and happiness.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC! All opinions are mine.

[Isayda Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley. I really liked the concept of this book, but there were too many plot holes and cliches for me to really enjoy it fully. I liked how there were recipes in the book, that was a unique touch.

[Ashling B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to try this after reading The Makeup Girl. I liked the restaurant setting and best friends brother trope, and I didn’t expect the recipes sprinkled throughout. While I won't be making them, it was an unusual touch. It was an easy, feel-good read, just a bit too predictable.