Dish

by Stella Newman

The Dish by Stella Newman is the new novel from the much-loved author of Pear Shaped and Leftovers . This is a warm, passionate novel that will delight fans of Jill Mansell and Mhairi McFarlane and leave you happy and hungry in equal measure. Love is on the menu. With a side order of lies. When Laura Parker first crosses forks with Adam Bayley, she's only after one his custard doughnut. But when she takes a closer look she sees a talented, handsome man who outshines the string of jokers she's been dating. There's just one problem. Adam's job means Laura has to keep her job as restaurant critic for The Dish , a secret. Tricky for someone who prides herself on honesty. Can the truth be put on ice long enough for love to flourish? And how can you expect your boyfriend to be honest if you're not quite telling the truth yourself? Stella Newman. Fiction has never tasted so good.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Rom Com, Love, Ebooks, Food

416 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2015

About the author

Stella Newman studied English at Sussex University, then went on to work in advertising, at the BBC and then as a professional food taster. She is now a full time writer, based in London and has written three novels: Pear Shaped, Leftovers and The Dish, as well as the festive e-short story, A Pear Shaped Christmas.
She blogs about restaurants, food and writing at https://stellanewmansblog.wordpress.com/.

Reviews

[Nomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in my library catalogue while searching for Mhairi McFarlane's latest release. (The Dish is recommended for fans of Mhairi - of which I am a huge fan). I have a penchant for UK contemporary fiction/chick lit so went for it and really ended up liking this. It's a rainy-day kinda comfort read ~ bit of humour, bit of swoon, lots of food, some conflict that plays out in unpredictable ways, and a vivid London setting. I loved all the emails flying between colleagues/family/friends. It was a tad slow in places during the first half (although I was hooked by the characters and tension) but the pacing really picks up in the second half. Overall, good times. I'll be reading whatever Stella Newman writes next.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really nice romantic read, telling the story of food critic Laura and chef Adam. When they meet, they hit it off straightaway and things are looking rosy, despite Adam’s insane working hours. The only problem is, Laura hasn’t told him that she is a food critic.

The story is quite slow in the build up and there were times when I was getting a little impatient waiting for the story to move on. You know from fairly early on that things are not going to go smoothly for the two of them, and you know exactly why and are just waiting for the explosion that is bound to happen. Once it did, then the story really picked up momentum and I thoroughly enjoyed the second half of the book. Parts of the story are told in a series of emails between Laura and various friends, family and colleagues, and I really enjoyed the ever changing subject lines.

Although it does stick to the expected formula in this type of read, it really is not as predictable as you might think especially with the side story involving Roger, Laura’s boss. I really liked Laura and Adam and was rooting for them all the way through as I read the book which fortunately was on the Kindle because all the talk about food just had me snacking constantly – no crumbs between the pages for me!

If you want a nice, easy to read romance filled with (mostly) likeable characters who behave and talk in a believable way, then this book is perfect. Thanks to the publishers for the review copy.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy that I found The Dish just before heading off on my Christmas vacation. I really enjoyed reading Laura's story and her path to finding what she wanted and needed. That she finds the delectable Adam along the way is a great bonus. I loved her relationships with her friends and colleagues--especially enjoyed the funny emails zinging back and forth throughout her workday. A wonderful story about love, food critics, hot chefs and finding oneself.

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read Stella Newman's "Leftovers" before and I liked this book very much, but "The Dish" is an absolute cracker! I loved it from start to finish and I wasn't able to voluntarily put it down! The author created a world that I so wanted to be a part myself, characters that I adored, and brilliant, refreshing plot, with just the right amount of humour, drama and romance.

Laura is living in London, where she moved after she and her husband divorced. She's trying with the dating, really she's trying, but unfortunately, unsuccessfully... This is, until one day she meets this guy who's just ordered the last bacon sandwich that Laura was thinking about since yesterday. Moreover, he also gets her doughnut! Yes, they are both into good food and their friendship seems to grow into something... more? That is, until Laura finds out that Adam is a Head Chef in a restaurant that she has recently visited and wrote a very poor review - because this is what Laura does: she's writing restaurant reviews for her column "The Dish". Actually, she is a secretary to the magazine's editor but he can see her potential and this is how Laura got into writing.
So what now? To tell or not to tell? Laura is not so very much into secrets after her family kept her mum's illness private to them only, she needs honesty in her life, but well... Is telling Adam the truth going to end this super - promising relationship?

This book took the descriptions of food to another level. I've read many books centred around cuisine and eating and they were great, but to say that portrayal of food in "The Dish" was delicious would be an understatement. It was over - delicious. It was incredibly tasty and incredibly vivid, and there was such LOVE to food in this story that I've never seen before in chick - lit.

I would go so far and compare (even though I'm not so much into comparisons!) the writing style to this of Lucy Robinson, and those of you who know me, know that I am a massive fan of Lucy. MASSIVE. Writing in "The Dish" has so much reminded me of Lucy's writing, which is incredibly eloquent, intelligent and witty, and Stella Newman writes exactly the same. She has this talent to write about things that we take for granted in a way that makes us see those things in different light, afresh, and to describe things, flavours and aromas that we really don't know they exist. It's the same with the dialogues, that are witty, smart and sharp and feel like real banter between real people, not dialogues written on a paper.

And please, don't let me start gushing about the characters! They were unbelievably realistic and brilliantly fantastic! I have no idea how often I caught myself nodding my head and yelling, you go, Laura, I'd do or say the same as you, girl! They all made so many mistakes and this made them so, so perfect in my eyes, because only those that make mistakes are real people, right? I so freakingly adored the awkward first conversations between Laura and Adam, they were so sweet as a couple, and those sparkles between them, this sizzling chemistry couldn't be better described! The feelings were palpable through the pages, and everything between them just felt so honest, so genuine, nothing was too forced or too pushy, it just flew, either smoothly or not, but flew! This romance was brilliant, as it was not only bed of roses and bubbles, oh no, there were so many obstacles for our love birds, and sometimes I so wanted to bang their heads together, because I've seen, and everybody else has seen this, only those two haven't seen this: that they are meant to be together! Yet, till the last moment we aren't sure how it is going to end. There were so many complications and problems that I could only shake my head with disbelief and seeing how they themselves were complicating their lives made ME desperate. Of course the problems were programmed: Laura is a food reviewer and Adam is the chef, so sooner or later she was going to come across him in her job - and the big question was: to tell him or not to tell him? I really loved that this relationship was not so easy, what with all the secrets and mystery there, first with Laura's job (well, she wrote this brilliant review, the best in her life in fact, about eating in his restaurant and hating it - there is only this small fact of uncertainty if it was really Adam cooking then), and with Adam being so secretive, answering his mobile during the dates, heck, even disappearing during the dates!

The many different sub - plots that Stella so skilfully intertwines in her story are a great joy and a breath of fresh air, and all of them add so much to the whole book! Let it be Roger, Laura's boss, Sandra, Laura's (un)beloved work colleague, Laura's sister and father to name only a few, all of them are spot on and I loved to follow all of them. The interaction between all the characters are hilarious and so genuine.

Laura was totally likeable character, and I found myself rooting for her from the beginning to the end. I loved her attitude, her sense of humour and the way she coped with Sandra at work and with her failure in love. I actually think I fell in love with Laura after she has parted with her potential boyfriend after he lied to her - way to go, Laura, I was feeling like cheering up on her. She was so very down - to - earth and feels just so true - also her cravings for bacon sandwiches or custard doughnuts, we could shake hands on this. She was so easy to relate to, so normal, going on with her life just like we do. And she was funny, oh my, how funny she was, and she always tried to make the best of a bad situation.
Laura had the best job in the world, I think, and I don't mean the secretary part, but her being a food critic. Yes, I do realise it isn't always as exciting as it sounds, and we witnessed her spending hours waiting in the queue just to wine and dine at the very posh restaurant, but nevertheless, I still do find it a really interesting aspect to the book - I think I've never come across a food reviewer in the book before, although I may be wrong. And Laura is brilliant at her job, she's reviewing the food and the restaurants non - judgmentally, totally fair, seeing things that other don't pay attention too, and I would trust her judging totally. Also, the idea of Second Helpings was brilliant - why focus only on new or posh bars?

But you know, as much as I loved Laura, there was a brilliant cast of characters in this book that just MAKE the story, and I really don't know with whom I should start. Her family, her sister, father and two nieces were all incredibly funny, quirky and different to each other, especially Laura's sister, Jess. This one knew what she wanted from life, oh yes, she did! Laura's chef, larger - than - life Roger was the best chef you could have imagine, while his second - in - command, Sandra, couldn't be the worse work - colleague, and oh so often I really admired Laura that she was able to hold her tongue. And Adam, oh my gosh, we can't forget Adam and let's stop for a second to swoon about him and to sigh for a moment. Yes, there were moments that the things he said were a little too harsh for my liking, and if I were Laura I'd just turn around and go and let him talk like this to someone else, but other than that he was... perfect, I think, yes, perfect is the word! Handsome, with dry humour, great relationship with his mother, he actually listened what was said to him, and a chef, I mean, really...!

All the characters have their own personalities and feel like real people, they just jump out of the pages, and you can't stop but you root for them and you feel involved, and you so want to know what's going to happen with all of them. You just care for them and want that everything went well for them.

Laura has also brilliantly captured the soul and essence of the restaurants that she was writing about, especially the one Adam was working in. Oh gosh, it sounded so pretentious that I was asking myself, why bother and open such a place at all, and why bother then and go to such a place, if you're not a snob? Laura and Roger visiting this place, and then Laura with her friends, was absolutely delightful experience and the observations were priceless.

One of the greatest part of the book was the email interactions between the characters, and no matter who wrote to whom, they were hilarious! And the ever - changing subjects of the emails were absolutely brilliant. They also allowed us to establish very quickly what's going on in the characters' minds.

I know many reviewers wrote that the book has made them hungry. Well, it didn't make me hungry, but I just wanted to see and try all the dishes that Stella was writing about in such a delicious, vivid way, and no matter if she wrote about cakes, desserts or fish and chips.

It was a truly awesome book and the time flowed so quickly when I was reading it! It has a great bunch of characters, brilliant and engaging plot, some really good food, it's written in a very entertaining way but also with some tender, touching moments. It was fast - paced and all the time there was something happening, either at work or in Laura's or other characters' private lives. Stella Newman has incredible ways with words, she writes in a way that you can feel all that's happening - there were emotions, anticipation, vibrations, confusion, and they are all so wonderfully defined and emphasized, I really haven't read such skilfully written book in a long time. Yes, this book has it all: vibrant characters, engaging plot and wonderful writing style. I have enjoyed it immensely, Stella has incredible talent to draw the reader right into the heart of the story. I can't praise this book enough, please just go and read it - it's great!

Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.

[Rainy Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost DNF this book because the first half of the chapters were quite slow and boring to me. The Foodie's Guide to Falling in Love is about Laura Parker, who divorced her cheating ex-husband and went back to work with her late mum's friend, Roger as his secretary. But in the meantime, she also worked anonymously as a food critic where she wrote reviews for the same company she worked as a secretary and she met Adam on the way.

Some parts of this book consisted of the emails between Laura with her colleagues, friends, family and Adam. The other part were mostly about her rants and reviews of the food and restaurants she visited. I like Laura. She's funny, feisty and her reviews were good. But this book got only an okay from me because I can't find excitement in the plot. Besides, I don't really like Adam's character. He's quite dramatic, he didn't let Laura finished her talking first and constantly interrupting her and the irony of keeping secrets, oh come on! He's upset at Laura because she's keeping her identity as the food critic writer when in fact, he kept the bigger secret from her! I don't like that Laura still want him in the end. It made me a little bit mad.

So far, the book is okay. I just wish that the plots have some excitement in them and Adam is not as much as drama king as he is in this book.

[Christy imworthyandenough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. So light and lovely, like a hallmark movie 💕

[CwtchUpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

More excited by the food than the love story but only because fancy buttery pastry really does it for me. Sweet and lovely.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jessie (thatchickwithabook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful writing! Sometimes, I feel that romances are too sickly sweet with outrageous and unlikely plot lines, but TFGTFIL is realistic, lovely, and inspiring. Definitely read if you love romance novels, but like to have a strong message behind it.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It doesn’t matter how many times I say it: Me and Chick Lit do not have as tight a bond as we used to. I never thought I would overdose on the genre, but it appears I have, and I am now a lot more selective about what Chick Lit books I do read. The Dish was one of the lucky ones that made the cut, and I’m so glad it did, because it was such a good book!

First off: I must mention the atrocious formatting on my copy. I know, I know, you can’t really complain when it’s an eARC, but by God, I never knew where one chapter started and another one ended, which is really, really awkward when you’re not devouring a book in a sitting. It was just an annoyance, especially since I was convinced the book didn’t actually have chapters (it does, I’m pleased to report).

The Dish was such a good read, although it made me REALLY hungry. Obviously, because it’s called The Dish, and it’s about Laura, who is a food critic, there is a lot of food talk. AND Her best friend makes desserts and cakes and other yummy goodies like that. I was in a constant state of hunger while reading this book, not helped at all by the fact that I’m currently on a diet (thank you, Stella, so kind of you to write about food…)

I actually loved the whole food critic thing. It was such an interesting aspect to the novel, and not something I’ve ever actually read about before. Usually food critics are harsh, and only interested in scoring cheap points with the restaurants, but Laura really seemed to “get” the whole food critic thing, and how to do it properly. She wasn’t in the least bit pretentious and I liked that the reviews weren’t about her, but about the food. That scored massive like points.

I was super chuffed that Laura meets Adam so early in the book – and all because of a custard donut. The heart sings! However, what it should have prepared me for was a whole host of annoying complications that had me shaking my head in disbelief. At first, it seemed perfect. They like each other, and what else is there to romance but liking each other? But then things got in the way. Laura’s job and the very small fact she’d actually eaten at Adam’s restaurant and hated it (and wrote a damning, hilarious review), the fact Adam kept having to disappear randomly, even during dates, which sort of gets you wondering what was really going on (especially for poor Laura who already had to deal with a philandering ex and best friend – with friends like that, eh?). It all added up to the inevitable breaking point, and while it was so frustrating to read, it didn’t make me want to bash my head in with my Kindle, because I was hopeful whatever Laura and Adam had together, could be saved. (Honestly though? Some of Adam’s words were just the teensiest bit harsh).

What actually surprised me most about The Dish was the fact Laura’s so against keeping secrets. Considering what happened with her dad, sister and mum and her husband and best friend, Laura should have been all about the honesty so it was somewhat ironic that she was keeping secrets. I wasn’t cool with that. I loved everything else about Laura, but that one hypocrisy.

The Dish was just a really awesome read, all things considered. It flowed nicely and it didn’t feel like a long read at all, despite the fact it says it’s 400 pages on GoodReads. It certainly didn’t feel like that. Yes, I had an issue or two; but overall this was a delightful story, perfect for any foodie lover. There were a great cast of characters, some pretty awesome sounding desserts and I learned more about coffee than I ever thought possible (who knew it was so intense???). This was such a good read, and I can’t wait to read more from Stella Newman, she really knows her food.

[Avigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was reading "The Dill," I had the same feelings while reading "The Coincidence of Coconut Cake" by Amy E. Reichert. There are some similarities but also a couple of differences.
'The Dish" is a story about love, food critics, hot chefs, and finding oneself.
If you want to read this book, please, after eating, because you will get hungry or desire sweets and savory.
I so freakingly adored the awkward first conversations between Laura and Adam, they were so sweet as a couple, and those sparkles between them, this sizzling chemistry couldn't be better described! The feelings were palpable through the pages, and everything between them just felt so honest, so genuine, nothing was too forced or too pushy; it just flew, either smoothly or not, but flew! This romance was brilliant, as it was not only a bed of roses and bubbles; oh no, there were so many obstacles for our love birds.
The many different sub-plots that Stella Newman so skilfully intertwines in her story are a great joy and a breath of fresh air, and all of them add so much to the whole book! Let it be Roger, Laura's boss, Sandra, Laura's (un)beloved work colleague, Laura's sister, and father, to name only a few, all of them are spot on, and I loved to follow all of them. The interaction between all the characters is hilarious and so genuine.
It was a truly awesome book, and the time flowed so quickly when I was reading it! It has many characters, brilliant and engaging plot, some delicious food; it's written in a very entertaining way and with some tender, touching moments. It was fast-paced, and all the time, something was happening, either at work or in Laura's or other characters' private lives. I am looking forward to picking up other works by Stella Newman.

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura is in London, trying to find her feet following her divorce and not very successfully dating anyone with a future.

After another disastrous date she bumps into Adam, in fact she bargains with him in relation to a bacon sandwich and a doughnut (my kind of girl!). In fact Adam is quite a dish in his own right.

With a spark of attraction, friendship grows to something else and Laura finds quite a lot out about Adam - in fact he is a Head Chef.

The Head Chef of the restaurant that she has just visited.

Because that is Laura's role a restaurant critic for a magazine known as The Dish.

Surely she does not need to tell Adam? But perhaps she does if he sees her review? But it seems that Adam has some secrets of his own to hide?

This is a romantic read with girl and boy meet, fall out and get back together again. However, Stella Newman weaves this tale over more pages than I would have perhaps expected for a romantic read. It has some great interactions with her colleagues and family through emails which are there for you to read and you get a real sense of how Laura, is struggling with this dishy dilemma. She is a rounded character who you see interacting with her family and also her work colleagues, you really get a sense of the woman she is trying to be and get the life (and love) she wants.

I was not sure what Adam's secret was going to be and I admit to being slightly disappointed. However, that did not take away from the overall story. There is plenty about food in the book and that adds to its depth and helps out when for me the story did slow down.

Perhaps a bit longer than it needed to be but a good read from an unknown author to me.

[Paula Sealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just dated and been dumped by another 'loser', restaurant critic Laura seeks solace in a badly needed bacon sandwich at a cafe. But the last one has just been sold to the customer seated behind her. Laura instead orders one of their renowned custard doughnuts, only to find again that Adam, the customer sitting behind her, has been served the last one.

As Laura attempts to bargain with Adam for the doughnut, they find themselves attracted to each other and end up spending the morning together. A friendship forms, but Adam has a secret that he doesn't yet want to share with Laura, and Laura feels she can't tell Adam what she does for a living. Can a relationship survive their secrets?

I loved this book! Stella Newman has created interesting, likeable characters who you really care about and crave a happy ending for. The story has just the right amount of warmth and humour to go along with the romance. The email interactions between characters were an especially fun read, and who couldn't love Laura's likeable boss Roger! Don't miss this one, it's a heartwarmer.

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

[Rachel Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm on a new year mission to clear up my kindle. I can't even remember buying this one but I did enjoy the last two Stella Newman books.

This one isn't as good as the others. The characters aren't as likeable and you can see the plot twists a mile off. An there's this argument between the two protagonists in the middle that I personally would never have come back from.

Maybe it's just third novel syndrome. Or maybe I've changed.

[Teresa Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having just finished the book today, I have mixed feelings about it. Although lots of food was described in great detail, the premise of the story was very slow.
My main complaint was the many emails from the main character to her family and workmates which didn't really add to the story.
I didn't feel that the book was going anywhere till I was halfway through.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find this to be as romantic as other books in this genre. I feel it was more about Laura finding herself and doing the right thing.

With the romance there was, I loved it. And the elements of them both being foodies made it all the better (and me hungry).

I felt there was a lot that wasn't needed but it is an enjoyable read. My only problem is I hoped for more.

[Lisa Regan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was...fine. Good in parts, frustrating in others. It started well - I read a sample (on the recommendation of a friend, who said it was the better kind of 'chick lit' ie not reeeeeally badly written) and was encouraged enough to buy it. The main character was warm, identifiable, not a bitch (I can't bear Gone Girl-style protagonists) and the food descriptions were a bonus although reading it invariably gave me the munchies.
BUT then it progressed into the usual kind of 'girl meets boy, girl really likes boy, girl and boy have misunderstandings and skirt around each other, reader begins shouting internally at the characters...' Grr. For probably 30% of the book, I was literally screaming at Laura, "JUST TELL HIM!" Secrets left untold, for a variety of weak reasons, just annoy the crap out of me - especially when it's given the "I tried to tell him but he just kept talking" reason. That's not how life works, is it? If you really want to say something, you just talk loudly over the top of the person.
So, in the end, the secret comes out, they deal with the aftermath, other stuff happens along the way, la di da di dah. It's not groundbreaking, but it's not awful. I probably would have been more forgiving if I'd been reading it while lying on a sun lounger with a mojito. (But then, maybe not. I'm still hypercritical even when semi-sloshed in the sunshine.)

[Marisa Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I love a good romantic story, I'm inclined to avoid the Romance genre because the writing is either too cloying or too breathless or too over-the-top. Stella Newman's style is none of those - it's refreshingly down-to-earth and realistic, which is why this novel gets four stars.

I was a little disappointed that the plot was so utterly predictable. As soon as the hero and heroine met, I knew the review would cause their "Black Moment"(the moment in the romance formula when all seems lost). And the moment Roger had his secret meeting with the doctor, I knew he would have a heart attack which would EITHER lead to Laura taking over the magazine OR leaving to pursue her own freelance career. I was right on both counts, and a few other details besides. However, that's my only gripe in a delightful summer read.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5

I honestly loved this book. I was at first drawn by the new cover of the book. It really makes it so much more attractive. I know “don’t judge a book by its cover” but 😭.
I would have preferred the absence of a love child and more moments of them together at the end? But then it’s something vital to the plot so I Guess it’s fine.
This was the first book that almost made me shed a few tears. I cared for Roger 🥰
Overall really happy with the book! I hope I’ll read more books from this author

[Chloe Hackland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - a little bit better then the normal run-of-the-mill rom-com. I absolutely loved the description of the food - not sure how the protagonist isn't hugely overweight. I also liked Adam - although I am not sure why she didn't immediately ask more about the 'waitress and the lovechild' when it was brought up. My mind went back to it so many times - I actually had to go back and find where he mentioned it as it was so obvious that that was where he was disappearing to.
Despite this rather confusing 'twist' - it was enjoyable and I shall be looking at her other books.

[Kenechi Udogu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off loving this as it kicked off funny, sharp and smart. I honestly laughed out loud a few times and felt a real connection with so much that Laura was feeling. But then somewhere in the middle it started to fizzle...probably when she just wouldn't tell the truth when the perfect opportunities were presented to her. Anyway, it redeemed itself again towards the end so a good read over all.

[Clo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did the book end at 95%, gutted!

Some of the good lingo was completely wasted on me but wow. I just kept reading because I was so desperate to find out what would happen with Laura and adam, though, can we have a sequel where they get married please? Feel like the ending was somewhat rushed but a great book nevertheless. Now to suffer with finished book hangover.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was hiding on my bookshelves with a discount sticker on the front. I'm sure I picked it up on a whim and I'm so glad I chose it at random. It was a fun read with all the feels, if not a literary masterpiece. The author balanced humour, heart, and (questions of) honesty. A fun romantic read.

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought…this will be fun! Nope. This was a chore. I had been a bit concerned when I saw how long it was. I was right to be concerned. Got to a point I would put it down because something crumby happened again. Too much drama and not enough substance.

[Rachel Livingston · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book, especially if you're looking for a fun, light, romance. Definitely enjoyed, would recommend!!!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at: https://bookboodle.wordpress.com/2017...

This is another ARC that had been on my book shelf for far too long and I'm really glad I finally got round to picking it up.  It's very rare that I choose a women's fiction, specifically a chick-lit novel, but I've got to say I really enjoyed this and would love it to have had a sequel.

From the outset I enjoyed the humour of main character Laura and her witty restaurant reviews.  The one in contention for the most part of the book was hilarious.  I also liked that it wasn't overly schmoozy and lovey-dovey, it was pitched just right for me.  In fact my own teeny-weeny issue with the book is that a lot of the conversation takes place in email, there's so many I find it slightly grating having to check and double check who the conversation is between but I can understand the need for it.

I also really enjoyed all the food and baking references so if you're a foody looking for a delightful rom-drama this could really tickle your fancy so to speak ;)

[Kasthuri BV · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely book, if you love food and love :)

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little step up from typical chick lit as I enjoyed this one.

You’d enjoy if you are a foodie, critic and chick lit lover.

Ended on the right note.

[Carolyn Fitzmaurice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one.

[Heather Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this!! i want an adam in my life!