Dinner at the Deli

by Marsha Casper Cook

A Heartwarming Tale of Love, Family, and Second Chances

Meet Gracie, no ordinary dog but a self-proclaimed “angel” with a mission—to help her owner Zach find love for his workaholic grandson Adam. When Zach’s beloved Chicago deli becomes the backdrop for an unexpected Thanksgiving gathering, lives intertwine in ways no one could anticipate.

This charming, emotional story celebrates the bonds that unite us and the courage it takes to open your heart again. It’s the perfect read for those who cherish uplifting stories of family ties, unexpected romance, and the remarkable ways our animal companions change our lives forever. You’ll laugh, cry, and fall in love with this tender tale that reminds us it’s never too late for a second chance at happiness.

Fast read!
Men as well as Women will enjoy this story.
Family always matters!

115 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

Marsha Casper Cook is not only an award-winning author and screenwriter she is also the host and producer of all of the Michigan Avenue Media Podcasts on Blog Talk Radio. Her most recent accomplishment is her contribution to the worldwide magazine eYs. Marsha has written over fifteen books and twelve screenplays, including romance, dramas, and children’s books. Her latest series is, The Warrington Legacy, where she writes about the trials and tribulations of a family using her own sense of love and family commitment as her guide. To her, family matters, and that is reflected in every book she writes.


All of my books are on Audible. If you like to have fun check out the podcast and if you're interested in being a guest on one of the shows please let us know

Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dinner at the Deli by Marsha Casper Cook is a sweet, quick read.

Gracie is not just a dog. She’s an angel who is living with Zach. Zach owns a deli in Chicago. He wants his grandson, Adam, who lives in New York to find true love. Gracie has a plan. It is Thanksgiving and Adam and his best friend Martin are returning to Chicago for the holiday. Will Gracie’s plan work? This was a book full of wonderful characters and a great reminder about the importance of family. This is the first book I’ve read by Marsha Casper Cook and I plan to read more.

Thank you to the author, Michigan Avenue Media Inc., and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a lovable dog playing matchmaker sounds like your kind of story then grab this book immediately.

I had such a good time reading Dinner at the Deli. Gracie the dog absolutely steals the show as she decides it is her mission to help Adam stop working all the time and finally open his heart to love. The family deli setting makes everything feel cozy and real and the Thanksgiving gathering brings all kinds of funny and touching moments. I laughed, I got a little emotional, and I loved every minute of watching the characters slowly realize that family and love matter more than anything. This is one of those sweet feel good stories that just makes you happy. 📚🐶

[Genevieve Scholl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angels and new beginnings!

This novella is such a fine example of a story that is unlike what you normally read of a romance. It is more. It is the love that God graces us with when we think we can’t come together and make things work. Zach, Gracie, Molly, Adam, and Martin along with everyone else provide the love and humor that only Marsha Casper Cook can bring to life in her books. You won’t regret reading this one. It will make you feel warm and happy. A great Thanksgiving read or anytime.

[Nena Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book. I loved how it was about family and bringing families back together . I liked how new friendships were made. The ending threw me for a loop, I didn't see it coming like that

Thank you to net-galley for letting me read and review

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute, lighthearted read about realizing what really matters in life!

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the cover design. Simplistic writing. Cute premise. Surprise ending. Very quick read. eARC Kendall version supplied by #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.