The Write Recipe: A Small-Town, Sweet Romantic Comedy of a Grumpy Chef and Sunshine Influencer

by Leanna Ellis

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Award-winning author, Leanna Ellis, writes sweet, heartwarming romances and closed-door romantic comedies with heart, humor, and hope. With over a million books sold, Ellis has won numerous awards, including the National Readers' Choice Award. She lives in Texas with her husband where they raised their two children, who now live too far away living their dreams but apparently still like to come home, probably to visit their doodle siblings who never grow up and move away. Readers who love Hallmark-style, wholesome love stories, will love The Wedding Letter series and the coming Love Note sereies. You can find more about Ellis at leannaellis.com.

Reviews

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Riley Quinn is an internet influencer from Los Angeles who came to Storybrook, Georgia to follow up on the Valentine’s Day blind date event. She uses the Once Upon a Pie Diner as a base to film and interview prominent citizens. Beau Calloway, the diner’s cook, is captured in the background and becomes the focus of Riley’s online followers, the Quinn-tessentials. Beau, who wants nothing to do with anything online, becomes an instant sensation and is dubbed the Pie Guy. He and Riley butt heads as she tries to interact with him and get more footage to post. They are obviously attracted to each other, and after a few mishaps and fighting it for a while, Beau finally gives in. Then Riley oversteps and things get messy. After multiple revealing posts, and a few grand gestures, Beau and Riley finally get on the same page. I had a really hard time with Riley in the beginning. She was so focused on impressing her follwers that I thought she was being insensitive and reckless….and since I adored Beau, my protective instincts were ignited. But as time went on, and she became invested in the people of Storybrook, my feelings about her started to change. This story is full of witty banter, humorous moments, surprising revelations and emotional upheaval. I love that the characters from the previous series are incorporated into this story. Not only does it create continuity and familiarity, but it allows us to get to know them better. It’s kind of funny, but Storybrook and its inhabitants feel so real that I actually miss them when I am done reading….good thing there’s another story right around the corner.

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

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series.. set in Storybrook for the Pi day festival... love Riley and Beau.. the pie guy... this is their story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... Riley is an influencer that needs a big story... she's lost sponsors and followers... she's going down but, not if she can help it !! she hears about the Valentine's Blind Date thing and goes to find out about it but, ends up with the Pi day festival instead... and meets Beau at his diner making pies... he loves his diner and baking pies... no lime light, no spot light, just quiet... until, Riley comes with her lights and back ground videos and he becomes the Pie Guy !!! oh, my !!! this is so good !! so sweet !!!.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of The Love Note Series. Can be read as a standalone.

'A sweet, closed-door romantic comedy filled with laugh-out-loud moments, swoony kisses, and small-town Pi Day charm.'

The characters were so very appealing and likeable and quirky and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Kick back and enjoy the read!.

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

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Quinn is an internet influencer but lately she is losing her followers and sponsors so when a event from Storybrook caught her attention that is where her new story will be . The first place she goes is the Once Upon a Pie Diner where she meets the lovely owner Rue and her two friends , Opal and Marigold . No only person who is not happy with Riley is Beau Rue grandson and chef and hates her guts . What started with hate at first sight ending at love of your life .

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

[DreadQueen CinnamonRoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book... #sogood. When a small town Southern #pieguy runs into LA influencer hashtag (it goes here right?), it's a recipe for nothing short of absolute perfection. With a dash of sweet and a little heat, this book is the perfect mood read when you want something that hits all the right spots. Absolutely delicious.

Also, #justiceforpotatosalad (trust me on this one).

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

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable! This sweet rom com is all heart and humor along with fun with food. Storybook is the cutest small town full of constant entertainment and overflowing with charm. I enjoyed the characters so much and loved this story from the start. Wonderful writing! This was an amazing book, definitely worth the read!.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series! Great characters and I love seeing familiar friends. I love Beau and Riley and their nicknames for each other. So cute!.

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

[Reann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the 2nd book in this series! It was great to see Beau find someone. The main character pairing was interesting & believeable. I can't wait for the next book!.

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

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Beau and Riley. They were meant for each other. I had such great laughs with their shenanigans and their journey to romance. It was great.

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