The Recipe For Second Chances: An enchanting, feel-good Cinderella story

by Nancy Robards Thompson

The Recipe for A royal wedding. A reignited dream. An irresistible second chance.

After a career-ending scandal, Lindsay Bingham traded ambition for a quiet life in Juniper Springs. But after her best friend learns she’s the lost heir to the throne of St. Michel, Lindsay is whisked away to paradise for a royal wedding—and a surprising shot at redemption.

Mateo Montego, once a star chef, is in St. Michel for the royal wedding and the St. Michel Food and Wine Festival. He is determined to rebuild his shattered career. Romance? Definitely off the menu.

Then Lindsay lands an unexpected role hosting a food and travel show… with Mateo as her first interview. Sparks fly—especially when one sizzling segment turns into a cohosting gig neither of them saw coming.

Will love be the unexpected ingredient that delivers a delicious happily ever after?


From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Nancy Robards Thompson comes a heartwarming tale of courage, love, and the true meaning of family.

Book two in the romantic St. Michel series… finding love in unexpected

Book 1: The Lost Princess of St. Michel
Book 2: The Recipe for Second Chances
Book 3: The Long Way Home
Book 4: The One Who Got Away















First published in 2009 as Accidental Cinderella by Silhouette Books. This heartwarming story has been updated for your enjoyment.

Genres: Romance

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

About the author

Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author Nancy Robards Thompson has worked as a newspaper reporter, television show stand-in, production and casting assistant for movies, and in fashion and public relations. She started writing fiction seriously in 1997. Five years and four completed manuscripts later, she won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award for unpublished writers and sold her first book the following year. Since then, Nancy has sold more than 50 books and found her calling doing what she loves most – writing mysteries, romance, and women’s fiction full-time.

Reviews

[Nan Reinhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved going back to St. Michel with Nancy Robards Thompson! Lindsay and Mateo's story was wonderfully told, and Ms. Thompson kept their relationship real and full of emotion. Anything in France and I'm all in, so this story kept me intrigued from page one. I'm a big fan of Ms. Thompson's books--I'll just add this one to my favorites list!

[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Recipe for Second Chances begins with a celebrity wedding in Europe where the protagonists meet, feel sparks, and quickly retreat. Neither of them trusts sparks, and although they don’t know it yet, both are coming out of periods of self-doubt. Details to focus on here include Lindsay’s little book of her mother’s recipes, her brief TV career, and a little interference by her best friend, Sophie. Mateo Montego, whose name I just love, is trying to rebuild his career after a scandal and divorce destroyed it. After Lindsay lands a new job on a food network, she learns the truth about Mateo’s past and promises not to expose him, but her producer has a very different idea. And so a ‘beautiful friendship’ is born. They clearly have chemistry and they love many of the same things, but both are careful not to acknowledge to building sexual tension for fear of blowing this career opportunity. Several descriptions of exquisite meals and the French countryside increase the pleasure of this novel, as well as the premise that good things come to those who work at making them happen. I felt that Lindsay’s wallowing in self pity was out of character, but the only other disappointment I felt when I finished reading this was that the loose ends came together a little quickly at the end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book

The Recipe for Second Chances by Nancy Robards Thompson is a beautifully written story that blends heartwarming romance with emotional depth. The author captures the feeling of two people who are afraid to open up again after being hurt, and she does it with such honesty that you can’t help but root for them. Both characters hold back because they’re scared of what they’re feeling, unsure if they’re ready to take that leap of faith. The tension between them feels real and tender, filled with unspoken emotions and quiet moments that say more than words ever could. The writing flows naturally, filled with warmth, humor, and vivid detail that brings the world of St. Michel to life.

What makes the book truly special is how the author ties everything together in the end. The ending feels both satisfying and earned a perfect balance of love, hope, and healing. It’s not just a romance, but a story about second chances and finding the courage to love again. The last few chapters leave you smiling and maybe even a little emotional because you’ve been on this heartfelt journey with them. The Recipe for Second Chances is everything a feel good love story should be emotional, romantic, and completely unforgettable.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, easy read. Enjoyed the author’s descriptive writing as I felt present at the beautiful surroundings in both Juniper Springs, N C and the island of St Michel, where Lindsay was standing up for her long time best friend Sophia, who was marrying the prince of St. Michel, Luc. While visiting Sophia before her wedding, Lindsay was implementing her ‘New Me’ attitude for her future.

While on St. Michel Lindsay met Chandler an older tv billionaire who liked doing food series. Lindsay stayed behind for this new role on tv for food and met Mateo Montago, a famous chef. They worked together on Chandler’s Guide ‘Diva Dishes’. They each fell for the other during this time, but things didn’t end well with the show and Mateo moved back to Florida, or so thought Lindsay, who came back to Juniper Springs and to Ida May, her mentor, to revaluate her changes and what she wanted to do. Enjoyed the ending and appreciate their new restaurant ‘Out of the Fire’ and the youth they were helping.

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

[Kerry Croucier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsay and Mateo are two people who have been burned in the past, leading to trust and confidence issues for each of them. When they meet, there are instant sparks, but when Lindsay’s new job brings them together in a professional capacity, the sparks are put on hold as they navigate their new job and learn to trust each other.
Lindsay and Mateo are two people that complement each other and their love of food, cooking, and baking shines through. The trip through Europe, visiting culinary destinations, was a wonderful bonus. This was a quick, feel-good read although now I feel the need to bake and want the recipe for Lindsay’s Mom’s Ultimate cookies.
THE RECIPE FOR SECOND CHANCES is part of Nancy Robards Thompson’s St. Michel series but can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. That being said, I recommend picking up the series.
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about two souls drifting looking for a chance to belong until they meet each other and recognize the struggle,


LIndsay is best friends with the recently found St, Michel's princess, so she is there to attend her wedding. Mateo is also in town for the wedding and a food festival. They are both in search of the next thing, she needs reassurance in love after a terrible break up, he needs a chance to redeem his career, A chance encounter puts them together and they recognize the struggle, the fight, and the desire for a chance. Let's just hope the time is right!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story.

Lindsay and Mateo were both great characters. Right place, right time, and neither one really expecting romance (although Lindsay certainly was hopeful for her own Cinderella story).

I loved the pace of the story, the main and supporting characters. Everyone added so much to the tale. I could have stayed in the story forever. I find it hard to describe without giving too much away.

This wasn’t the only book I have read from the St Michel series and would love to dive into these books to be there…with all of these characters. They are all so great I would love to hang with them in real life. And the setting is wonderful as well.

[Kim Krenik · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a sweet second chance romance, look no further. A fun, easy read, plumped up with all the charm and cute meets you would expect from a Hallmark movie. The lovable main characters, a very handsome chef and a smart and gorgeous tv show host, make this a delicious choice for your next rom com.

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

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful romance novel about figuring out what you want out of life and second chances. I really enjoyed how Lindsay and Mateo work with each other and figure out what is important to them. A great storyline that kept me glued to the pages.

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

[Eileen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected a cute Cinderella-like story, and there were a few elements of that. But this was actually about people with real life issues learning not only to trust again but learning to grow again.
I very much enjoyed the story. The characters were well developed and the concept made sense.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! a royal wedding... a food and wine festival... a hot chef... a TV show... oh, my... love Lindsey and Mateo... this is their story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... second chances , redemption and more... so good !! so funny !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Recipe For Second Chances by Nancy Robards Thompson is a cute "Cinderella" like story. It's a second chance story filled with romance, a royal wedding and an unexpected chance to host a travel and food show. I found this a cute light read but also enjoyable.

[Jane Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a very good book.

I didnt realize who the killer was until the last two chapters.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the bones of this story — it has romance, conflict, redemption, and a meaningful social mission. Happy ending was a great story.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited to have won a copy of this book! So sweet and captivating.