Reservation for One

by Rosa Kumar

An irresistible grumpy-sunshine foodie romance for anyone who’s ever dreamt of a new life in a faraway place

After being unceremoniously laid off, chef Leela Rai decides she doesn’t want to wait another decade to open her own restaurant. Shut out of pricey Toronto property, she bets her life savings on a crumbling church in a remote Irish village, Ballymourne, determined to transform it into her dream restaurant.

She’s charmed by Ballymourne, but its residents aren’t so charmed by her: Its wary townsfolk see her as an outsider, and a brooding local lawyer, Cillian O’Connor, seems bent on keeping her plans from taking root. Navigating cultural clashes and family drama while caught up in recipes and renovations, Leela must find her footing in a place that feels both foreign and strangely familiar.

Filled with delicious moments and swoon-worthy romance, Reservation for One is a witty and evocative tale of resilience, self-discovery, and finding love and belonging where you least expect it.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Ireland

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 11, 2027

About the author

Rosa Kumar is a Canadian writer and graduate from the University of Toronto, where she studied English and History. A regular contributor to Brown History, Taste Toronto, and Lonely Planet, she balances a career in corporate marketing with her passion for storytelling. After traveling to nearly 50 countries, Rosa settled in Toronto with her Irish husband to write novels, read, cook, and garden in their cozy 100-year-old house.

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be the first beta reader (a privilege of being the author’s husband, I guess).

I've read many of Rosa's articles over the years, from Lonely Planet to Brown History, and had no doubt around her short-form writing abilities. When Rosa had the idea of writing a long-form novel, I thought great, this will likely cut our trips to Homesense in half, I will have way more time to play football/chess. Never did I anticipate the vigor that she would attack this mammoth undertaking with.

I remember reading the first few chapters back in 2023, with the intention of giving honest feedback, one way or another. The feedback then is the same as the feedback I would provide now.

Rosa's character dialogue was excellent – apparently she is able to land jokes much easier in writing than with me in person – capturing perfectly how the Irish convey themselves when confronted with an overly enthusiastic, yet charming, North American woman. The plot was excellently paced, plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged, and I was rooting for Leela until the end. Although romance is not in my wheelhouse, Rosa has an innate ability to build tension, which was felt from the first interaction with Cillian and throughout the story.

All in all, this is an easy, well-written, feel good read that can be enjoyed by all.

[Lochi's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

A resounding 5 star read. Nisha Sharma, Naina Kumar, Noreen Nanja, Aurora Palit, Ava Rani, and now Rosa Kumar — that’s a stellar roster.

The title alone of this debut novel was all I needed (child, buckle up, ’cause this is a long one).

Earlier this year, there was a popular chef romance that capitalized on the television smash hit The Bear. I won’t mince words: it bastardized the reality of the culinary world in favour of delivering a “spicy romance novel.” I watched a community of romance readers flock to this book, and I have to admit: my irritation grew.

I will preface this review by saying this: I have such an ardent respect for what chefs and the hospitality industry accomplish every single day to make a meal feel welcoming. But my respect is even higher for cuisines that are not Western. Every detail, touch, and note is made with care. The standard for excellence is different. I’ll never know the countless individuals it takes to make a memorable meal, but I appreciate everything.

Indian cuisine is complex and constantly growing with its diners. What immigrants were once shamed for is now a culinary trend.

It doesn’t have to be a Michelin-starred restaurant (and yes, I cherish my visits to restaurants that have earned that coveted recognition). But at the end of the day, serving a plate of good food, with a story, that leaves someone happy…takes an entire village. And Reservation for One nails this in spades.

This approach to food, and the community it takes from farmers to the people responsible for even nailing the details of a plate, to make a restaurant work is personally what I have yearned for.

In a way, I’m so glad I stumbled upon this cover reveal (and then proceeded to campaign hard for an early copy, ’cause hello: Canadian author, Toronto and its West Indian/Guyanese crumbs, and my love of Europe).

Rosa Kumar captures the unspoken feeling of self-discovery through chef Leela Rai. Her determined campaign to renovate an Irish village’s abandoned church into an Indian restaurant isn’t easy. Leela is up against NIMBYism (Torontonians know this fight all too well with the “Not in My Backyard” movement), as well as Cillian, a lawyer who stands in her way with numerous legal battles waged to prevent the restaurant from opening.

Leela slowly rallies the town behind her (I know readers are going to fall for Mrs Patel and each person Leela recruits) and eventually thaws the grouchy, grumpy Cillian one dish and interaction at a time. It’s a delicious slow burn, enemies-to-lovers home run.

But, of course, there’s always some parental drama, along with the storyline of a South Asian mother wanting her daughter married with a kid. It grates on your nerves, but bear with it! In my time reading about diaspora communities, I’ve learned that the pressure points are different. Approach it with empathy and understanding, because it adds wonderful tension to the book.

Rosa Kumar, damn girl, I can’t believe this is a debut novel. There are so many more details I could talk about for hours, ’cause honey, you simply ate.

2027’s romance scene is brighter with you in it. Congratulations, seriously. I’m ready for publication day! Thank you so much ECW Press, for the early copy. Supporting a local Canadian indie publisher makes me extremely proud.

[Rosa Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5***** for the sheer amount of free samosas being fried in Ballymourne.

[ChaÎmaà · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A delightful, foodie grumpy-sunshine romance that feels like a cozy, heart-warming Bollywood film set in the Irish countryside.” ⛪️🍽️🇮🇪

It honestly gave me total Bollywood rom-com vibes that classic storyline where a girl decides to completely take charge of her life and move to a new country. The drama was so entertaining, and I loved watching the townsfolk eventually come around, welcome her, and support her dream. Plus, the depiction of Indian parents was so relatable always super protective and convinced their kids can't make major decisions without their blessing! The atmosphere and vibe of the Irish village were absolutely incredible. A delicious, heartwarming escape!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting access to an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this one! A girl on a mission and a lawyer who wants to stop her… what could go wrong? 😂 As the town starts to figure out who she is and what her plan is, things get pretty interesting. This was such a cute, fun read and I really enjoyed it!

[Rileyjade · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Reservation for One’ by Rosa Kumar was a sweet culinary romance that really pulled on the heartstrings.

I truly loved Leela as the FMC, she was headstrong, passionate but also vulnerable and it really brought her to life. Leela created and builds her own community while fighting for her dream and her restaurant. Her personal and professional journey is intertwined in a really beautiful way, growing from leaving her family after being fired to a whole new country and finally building her dream restaurant. The hurdles along the way felt real and really added to Leela’s character growth but keeps her values that same as she was at the beginning.

Her romance storyline with Cillian was nice, and I liked him as the MMC, but their relationship felt very slow to develop and then suddenly they were together very close to the end. I would have liked to see them together as a couple a bit longer. But I did love their Grumpy X Sunshine type of dynamic!

And I got so hungry reading this, the way the cooking and food is written made me want to eat it so bad! I really enjoyed learning more about Leela’s heritage, family and traditions!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher ECW Press and Author Rosa Kumar for this eARC.

[Calamity Ayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reservation for One made me feel as though I was in the village of Ballymourne with its newest resident, Leela, who’s bought a derelict church to turn into a restaurant. She’s faced with some stubborn opposition from the townspeople, including adversarial lawyer Cillian. But she’s also got support from some new friends.

Charming and transporting, the book had me ready to pack my bags and my appetite and start an adventure.

Thank you to ECW Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Ally Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me this ARC!!


I loved this book so much and now I’m reading everything Rosa Kumar comes out with because this was truly amazing. I felt so deeply connected to Léela, when she had something going on I felt every emotion with her, angry, sad, flustered. I think that this is truly one of the greatest debut novels of all time. I’m so excited to see Rosa grow as an author and for this book to get the hype it deserves!

[TReadsWithTea · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Buckle up, everyone, because this is going to be a long review! I have A LOT to say, and it’s all good things. I absolutely fell in love with this book and feel incredibly lucky to have received an ARC! ❤️

As a South Asian who was raised in India but now lives in North America, this book hit home in more ways than I can explain. It also reminded me that I need to branch out and read more Indian authors and authors of Indian heritage.

There were SO many references to Indian culture that felt nostalgic and familiar. But, not gonna lie, some parts were also triggering. So many of us have witnessed these behaviors firsthand and carry the trauma that comes with them. It was difficult to read at times, but I also understood how important these elements were to the story, and I’m glad the author didn’t shy away from them.

And can we talk about Leela being a vegetarian?! As a vegetarian myself, this book was SO, SO, SO validating that I cannot thank the author enough! Reading about Leela cooking some of my favourite foods had me desperately craving samosas and dal makhani. 🥹❤️

There was one small cultural reference that felt slightly inaccurate to my own experience, but given India's incredible diversity across regions and communities, it was a minor detail that didn't take away from my enjoyment.

I loved following Leela’s journey as she takes a chance on herself and pursues her dream of opening a restaurant in a tiny Irish village. Watching her navigate cultural clashes, family drama, and the challenges of starting over was such a lovely experience. I saw pieces of myself in her determination to find her passion and build a life for herself. The foodie elements and exploration of identity and belonging added so much depth to the story.

The chemistry between Leela and Cillian, our brooding local lawyer, was fun to follow, and some of the dialogue and one-liners had me absolutely CACKLING! As an Indian, I’m used to spice in my food, so naturally, I expected a little more spice here, too. But I’m not complaining! Turns out, I can handle no spice when the story is this good! ❤️ I would have loved some chapters from Cillian’s POV, too, but that’s just my personal preference.

I LOVED the glossary at the end, which helped me understand the Irish words and expressions. Now I desperately want to visit Ireland and uproot my entire life. (it also includes Indian words and expressions)

If you enjoy foodie romances, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, cultural exploration, and stories about resilience, self-discovery, and finding belonging in unexpected places, with a sprinkle of romance, definitely add this to your TBR!

A heartfelt, culture-rich read that gave me a little taste of Ireland and a whole lot of reasons to keep stepping outside my reading comfort zone!

[Esmee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cosy Little Escape Filled with Food, Heart and Humour

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and independent.

Leela has spent years working in a fine-dining restaurant, but when she unexpectedly loses her job, she decides it’s time to take a chance on herself. With some savings and a dream of opening her own restaurant, she ends up in a small Irish village, where an abandoned church might just be the perfect place for a fresh start. But not everyone is enthusiastic about her plans, and starting over turns out to be quite an adventure.

I absolutely loved reading this book! From the chaotic opening scenes in the kitchen, I was immediately drawn into Leela’s world. The author’s love for food and cooking shines through every page, and I genuinely felt as though I was standing in the kitchen alongside the characters. One small warning: you will probably crave Indian food while reading this!

The writing is wonderfully light-hearted, with a lovely balance between humour and more emotional moments. Leela is an enjoyable protagonist, and I quickly found myself invested in her journey. I also loved the cosy atmosphere of the Irish village, the restaurant setting and the little details that bring the community to life.

I did find some of the family dynamics a little exaggerated, and a few decisions required me to suspend my disbelief. Nevertheless, these were minor points in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.

By the halfway point, I was already sad that I was getting closer to the end. The pacing is great, the characters are easy to connect with, and the story is so easy to get lost in. I finished it in just three days!

If you enjoy cosy fiction, food, humour, charming settings and stories about new beginnings, I would definitely recommend this one.

[Quinci Peri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to be an ARC reader! The story itself was overall super sweet and I enjoyed both the FMC and supporting character's growth and blossoming relationships.

1 star was taken off for these couple of foods for thought:
- I wish we got a little additional description from the author around how Lady Ita's was transformed to really envision it
- I felt the American vs Canadian distinction was funny and important in the beginning of the story, but it was a bit frustrating as a reader for it to still come up as an exclamation and distinction towards the end of the bok
- the ending felt a little rushed and I wish we got to see how Lady Ita's success and the budding relationships continued to evolve.
- I also love that the author included a glossary to explain culture specific references, but I wish this was disclosed at the beginning of the book because I didn't realize this was available until I completed the book. As I progressed through the book, I looked things up on my own and it would have been helpful to know it was available as a resource early on.

[Ada Pašukienė · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader.
Thank you NetGalley and the author for the opportunity!
Wow, what an amazing story. It was fast paced, slow burn, moving. MFC is a strong woman, stubborn, fierce. Really loved that the story showed all the hardships she has to endure to get to her dream. All the people who helped her and supported. I haven’t read a lot books about Indian culture, so it was very interesting to read about it and learn new words.

[Caise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I had such a great time reading this book! The pacing was fantastic, and I absolutely loved the main character Leela - her enthusiasm, her ambition, and the little touches of Indian culture woven into the story.

My only wish is that there had been more Marigold. I just love little cowies 🥰🙈😭

What a great debut! I can’t wait to read more from the author.

[Monique Costella · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Reservation For One by Rosa Kumar

Release Date: May 11, 2027

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⛪️ Restaurant in a Church
☘️ Remote Irish Village
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
🌶 Chef/Lawyer
🚪 Closed Door Romance

After being layed off Leela who is a chef decides she wants to start a new chapter in her life and open her own restaurant. Living in Toronto with her parents has lots of challenges and the property prices are astronomical. Her parents are extremely overbearing and stubborn and she decides it's time for a change. So she risks it all and puts all her life savings into an abandoned Church in a remote village in Ireland. She turns an old church into her dream Indian restaurant. Moving to a foreign town has been harder than she expected as the locals aren't very welcoming. She meets a grumpy lawyer named Cilian whose mission is to make her plans fail. This book is about recipes and renovations and starting over.

This book had a lot of heart and man did it ever make my stomach grumble reading about all the amazing recipes and food she was cooking. I loved the concept of this book - a chef who turns an old Church into a restaurant. I would 100% eat there. I liked how the FMC, Leela was in her thirties and her parents were constantly harassing her to get married. As if her only goal in life was to cook and clean for her husband like a good wife. Leela had other goals and other plans. Those plans involved her moving as far away as possible.

When I first starting reading this book i thought for sure Leela was going to fall in love with the handsome construction worker, Declan. I was all here for it. I wanted to read about Leela falling in love with Declan while he was restoring the church and helping her convert it into a restaurant. Little did I know that she would fall for the grumpy and closed off Lawyer whose plan was to make her life a living hell. It wasn't until 82 percent into the book where the romance took off. I felt the pacing was quite slow in that category and if you love a closed door romance with no spice, this book is for you.

A part of the book that grabbed my heartstings was when her friends surpised her and took her on a little road trip to celeberate Diwali at the only Indian restaurant. I thought that was so cute and thoughtful. I was thinking Leela was probably missing home so much as Diwali is always celebrated with family and friends.

My one note of this book was that there was so much conflict in this book, it felt a bit chaotic at the end. I liked that it wasn't the typical fluffy romance where everything goes right and everything is predictable. When her parents flew into Ireland and did what they did, it felt like waay too much all at once. It caused me anxiety and stress reading it, like did her parents really do that? Whaaaaaat?! I was mad for Leela and felt like her parents betrayed her but it just showed us how controlling they were.

I truly fell in love with the quaint town of Ballymourne. I love how small it is and how gossip spreads quicker than wild fire. If you tell something to 3 people the entire town will know in an hour and especially on Mondays during the town meetings. I love how Leela rented the renovated barn from the cutest old lady and how she joined her for Sunday roast at the pub her first night. I laughed so hard when she ordered the roast but vegetarian, so she just ate yorkshire pudding with heaps of not so vegetarian gravy slathered all over it. It seems like the cutest small town to live in. The author did a wonderful job of transporting me to this quaint village. Now I want to pack my bags and fly to Ireland. I truly enjoyed reading this book, it was a culinary delight.

[The Lit · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving Reservation for One by Rosa Kumar a solid 3.5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐✨
​A tender, reflective, and deeply scenic contemporary romance about self-discovery, unexpected detours, and finding love when you least expect it. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, countryside charm, and cozy culinary moments, this novel serves up a comforting escape filled with rich atmosphere! 🍷🌄🍽️✨
​ARC Disclosure: A big thank you to NetGalley, author Rosa Kumar, and publisher ECW Press for providing an advance digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.

​The Review
​Reservation for One by Rosa Kumar is such an atmospheric, slow-paced journey of self-discovery and romance! The story follows our heroine as she embarks on a solo getaway, determined to reclaim her independence and process major life shifts after plans fall apart. Stepping out of her comfort zone to embrace a solo table—a true "reservation for one"—sets the stage for a deeply personal awakening.
​Enter our MMC, whose quiet charm, grounded warmth, and steady presence instantly catch her off guard. What begins as a chance encounter in a picturesque, small-town retreat quickly evolves into forced proximity and heartfelt conversations. Their dynamic is built on quiet vulnerability, shared meals, and a growing emotional connection that feels incredibly authentic.
​While I found the pacing a little slow in certain middle sections and wished for a bit more high-octane romantic sparks to truly push it into 4-star territory, I really appreciated the realistic emotional growth. The author writes with such sensory detail that I felt like I was walking right along those winding countryside paths shown in the cover. It's a sweet, cozy, and contemplative read that reminds us that taking time for ourselves is often the first step toward finding where we truly belong!
​The Good
​Gorgeous, immersive countryside atmosphere, realistic self-discovery themes, quiet and steady MMC energy, cozy culinary/foodie moments, and an authentic journey of learning to be comfortable in your own company!
​The Not So Good
​The narrative pacing leans quite slow in the middle chapters, and I personally wanted just a little more sizzle and explosive romantic heat between the leads!

[Cee · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This was genuinely a near perfect read! I had a really great time. It was delightful, fun, and so utterly charming.
As a North American girl who loves Ireland and hopes to have an extended stay there one day, this is the kind of indulgent read that I enjoy. The delectable food descriptions were making me hungry.

The story is well-paced, and is both funny and earnest. There was a lot of fun banter and a cast of unique and charming characters.
Leela is a likable main character, determined, forgiving, and sunny. It was easy to root for her, her successes and romance. Most of this novel is Leela trying to win over the townsfolk of the scenic Irish town she's moving to, and restoring the old church to become a restaurant - the romance is secondary. Leela's interactions with the town and its people is really the highlight of the novel.
This has one of my favorite takes on the enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine romance. Unlike others with the same trope, the friction of the two leads here doesn't feel forced. They have a valid reason to be on opposing sides, but they have a lot of respect for each other, and are not trying to misunderstand each other on purpose. They didn't have a lot of scenes together, surprisingly enough, but when they did, it was so sweet and romantic - the attraction and affection is believable and compelling.

The only reason I couldn't give this a full 5 stars, despite enjoying it so much, is that it falls victim to one of my least favorite tropes in contemporary romances - the dreaded 3rd-act breakup. In this case, the 3rd-act conflict personally felt a bit sudden and unearned, and it was a stumble after such a perfect read. Thankfully that resolved in a few short chapters.

Overall, one of my favorite contemporary romances -- earnest, witty, and so romantic.

If you loved the 2014 film "The Hundred Foot Journey," and enjoy early 2000's romances, this is the perfect book to pick up!

[AEurus · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READER

Leela Rai is laid off, locked out of Toronto’s absurd property market, and instead of waiting another decade for her dream, she bets her life savings on a crumbling church in Ballymourne. I adored her from the first chapter: determined, passionate, and stubborn in the best way. Despite every obstacle, and despite her parents’ interference, she refuses to give up on her dream of opening her own restaurant. Her perseverance is what makes this story so inspiring.

And then there’s Cillian O’Connor, the brooding local lawyer who is supposedly standing in her way. I loved that he wanted to kiss Leela from the very first moment he saw her outside the church! That made every grumpy scene so much more fun to read, because you know what’s really going on underneath. His mother’s interference could have pushed him away from Leela, but he refused to let it stop him, and that made me love him even more. The slow burn between them is delicious.

One of my favourite things about this book is how beautifully Rosa Kumar weaves Indian and Irish culture together. The two are so well connected and intertwined that they never feel forced. It feels natural, warm, and rich, and it gives the story real depth.

I also loved watching Leela find her place in Ballymourne. The village starts out wary of her, but she slowly wins people over and builds her own little group who help her make her dream restaurant a reality. Their support, and the sense of community and belonging, was the heart of the book for me.

Witty, warm, and full of heart, Reservation for One is a story about resilience, taking a leap, and finding love and belonging where you least expect it. Perfect for fans of foodie romance, grumpy-sunshine, slow-burn love stories, and books with a strong sense of place.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

*Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley*


Leela is a second-generation Indian in Canada, working as a chef in a popular restaurant when she suddenly gets laid off. She decides it's time to open her own place, and ends up finding a deconsecrated church in Ireland. Investing her life savings, she embarks on a flight to (almost) the other side of the world. When she lands, she is met with friendliness, but with a big share of adversities too.

I enjoyed this book. Maybe I thought it was going to be something else, because I wasn't fully convinced, but I still liked it. The supporting characters are amazing, and I loved the food aspect and the fact that each chapter has a dish name.
The second part of the book went by really fast, and I was soaking up everything that was happening.
The romance was nice, it wasn't really "enemies to lovers" but on that kind of vibe. I think both parties intentions were clear from the start, whether they wanted to admit it or not... It's also behind closed doors (2/5 in romance.io ratings) so that is definitely a plus for me.
However, some things weren't really my style. I found the book a little cheesy at times, and a couple things left me a little like "make it make sense?"
I especially didn't like the 3rd act drama (not a fan of 3rd act break ups) because I don't think it made much sense in the story.
I only started liking Leela after a while, at the beginning she lets people walk over her too much, so it's a good development.

[Allie Akin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Netgalley, you've been giving me some absolute bangers lately, and ECW Press for giving me an ARC copy of this book.
Firstly, I love transporting myself to Ireland. I loved the vibes and as a mood reader it was perfect for the colder months. Beyond the vibes in the book, I loved the imagery, it made it very easy to picture the story and how the scenes looked in my head. Also, I really loved the plot. Past the 30ish% mark, I was constantly picking up my kindle to read and was really enthralled in the story, which is something I'm always looking for.. Also, fair "warning" I guess for anyone wanting to read this book, it is a very slow burn. I haven't read Mariana Zapata, but from what I've heard it's like one kiss at the very end, and that's basically what this book was. So if you're in the mood for spice, this probably isn't the one for you at the moment, but I really enjoyed that because I'm in a low to no spice mood.

This book also does have a glossary. It was at the back of my arc copy, and I think it would've been helpful if I actually knew about it because I'm not very well verse in Indian culture. The two major things that prevented the book from being higher rated is how the heroine handled the aftermath of the conflicts in the story, and the lack of 5 start feelings.

[Hillary Bravo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book won me over on several levels. For one, the description of Ireland, including the idyllic town of Ballymourne is delightful. Secondly, the food! I love how each chapter is titled using an Indian dish to tie the story together - how creative and scrumptious! Third - our protagonist Leela Rai is amazing! She is an up and coming chef with a dream and the tenacity to pursue that dream despite opposition.

Leela boldly purchases a property in Ballymourne and moves from her home in Toronto, at the dismay of her close knit family. Once in Ballymourne, she faces several difficult hurdles but finds a community of people who support her, and makes true friends. Along the way she just might fall in love.

Reservation for One will be enjoyed by readers who gravitate toward reading about a strong, likable female character set in a beautiful location - with a bit of drama mixed in.

The writing is nicely done and at times laugh-out-loud funny. I enjoyed that the tile is cleverly worked in to the book. What kept me from giving this book 5 stars is that I found the beginning to be paced slowly, but once the story and the characters unfolded, I couldn't put the book down from there.

I'm happy to have read this book and will look for others by Rosa Kumar.

Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for the ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Danica B · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley


Thank you to the publishers, Rosa Kumar, and NetGalley for providing a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Leela finds herself is a position to make a huge life decision after being fired from her job.


From Toronto to Ireland - she lands in a small town with an abandoned church that has been falling destitute to time and the elements. 


With her life savings she decides to start her own restaurant - a feat, she soon realizes, this quaint Irish town may not be totally happy about.


This book was so heart warming. I loved the sunshine FMC and the broody, grumpy, MMC. The citizens, the found family and the real family - every character was so well written, it felt like the author took me and dropped me right into the middle of it all. It's such a well rounded, Hallmark coded book with closed door romance. It made me want to get in my kitchen and start cooking with vegetables and everything about it was so cozy. 


I loved this book so much, if you're a romance reader or just want something to make you feel light and be happy - "ten out of ten grand" - pick up this book and add it to your TBR.


⭐⭐⭐⭐.75

[Olivia Binczewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC via NetGalley. Thank you to ECW Press for allowing me to read this book early in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved all the different culture in this book. From the food, to the history, to just how family/friend dynamics work, it was nice to see two totally different worlds collide - and with that work so well with each other. Though Leela has a family that loves her, it was a joy seeing her with her new found family and teaching them as they taught her. I also do love that there was a glossary at the end for both cultures! It was tough not knowing what some of the things being said meant until the end of the book though.

Of course a grumpy/sunshine trope is always a roller coaster of emotions. The banter between Cillian and Leela was funny and also heart warming. They went through a lot with each other, but still managed to find their way to each other.

Along with found family always comes a cozy small town, and Ballymourne did not disappoint. With the skeptics and the small town gossip, there was always something happening that kept the townspeople talking.

If you love a cozy small town romance that comes along with crazy family dynamics, definitely worth the read!

[Amethyst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect going into Reservation for One, but I came away hungry for more (pun definitely intended). Leela is a first-generation Indian Canadian who loses her job as a chef at an Indian restaurant. She decides to leave home and buy an old church in Ireland to turn into a restaurant of her own.

Every chapter was named after a different food or drink, and I loved that little touch. I could smell the spices and feel the rain on my skin. It felt like I was right there in Ballymourne with these characters.

Leela, our fmc, was so endearing and true to herself. I loved how strong willed she was and how she built a beautiful community in her new town while staying close to her tight knit family. The one thing I wanted more of was Cillian’s perspective. I could tell he was torn between living up to his family’s expectations and his growing feelings for Leela, and I wanted to know more from his point of view.

Leela’s and Cillian’s families were both over the top and overbearing, and I loved it. I definitely cringed during the big conflict toward the end because I could imagine exactly how it would feel to be in that situation.

I devoured this book and found myself hoping for an epilogue just so I could spend a little more time with these characters.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun read and I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. Leela was a fantastic and realistic female character who took a big chance for her dream. I loved how she used her true calling, cooking, to really bring people together.

I wasn't a massive fan of Cillian if I'm being honest. I found him to bit of a hopeless mommy's boy who could not take a minute and think for himself, however he does somewhat redeem himself. I'm glad that Leela and Cillian's romance wasn't the main crux of the story because I thought seeing Leela thrive in a totally new place and become part of the town so much more fuflilling. To me Cillian was merely window dressing for this novel and I would have been just as happy if she ended up without a love interest and just thrived with her dream restaurant.

I think this is such a good story and has put me in such a good mood over the last few days everytime I think about Leela living her dream life.

[Kellie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is “starting a new life in Ireland” a trope? If so it’s my new favorite.

Leela’s dream was so vivid to me. I felt her excitement as she walked down the path to see the church the first time. I could see her vision for the space and even the way dust danced in rays of light through the church window stirred something in me.

She’s starting a business from scratch, dealing with not only being new in town, but also being a female POC in tiny all white village. I was rooting for her (we were all rooting for you! How dare you!?) from the beginning. Loved her heart and the romance and the friendships she made in Ballymourne.

I think Rosa Kumar did an excellent job illustrating the hazards of overbearing parents…. Which isn’t just an Indian problem. It’s a global phenomenon that spans across all nationalities, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

This was a quick, easy read for me and perfect for my fall vacation.

[Patricia Bello · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy!

This is a warm, cozy story about a woman taking a chance to chase her dreams, set in a small town in Ireland and full of descriptions of good food.

I really enjoyed this book! Was rooting for Leela from the start and all the way to the opening of her dream restaurant. The secondary characters were so interesting too and so good to her that it makes me want to go to Ireland to meet her friends there. And eat her cooking.

There’s a line in the book that I highlighted: “Your heritage is more than just a derelict building… “ This is very true.

I didn’t quite like the additional conflict towards the end of the book between Leela and Cillian. The book became a bit tepid after that for me, despite the opening of the restaurant fast approaching. It felt unnecessary though I do see the intent behind it - gotta bring Leela’s parents back in.

Still, I got hooked into the story and enjoyed it.

[Shivani Mohini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t your typical “daughter of immigrant parents avoids the marriage conversation and reinvents her life” story. At first, the conversation between Leela and her parents might make you think so, but Leela ends up expanding her life in a way that is so serendipitous, it almost seems magical. The parts that should be perfect (like Maureen and Ballymourne) are absolutely perfect, and the conflict that Leela has to face and deal with are very real prospects. As a foodie, I love that Leela is a chef and is so empowered to go after her dreams by refusing to let go of them or be riddled with insecurity. Her taking the leap and seeing it through because of the vision she has sets up the rest of the plot beautifully. This is written in such an immersive way, you feel as if you’re in Ballymourne walking alongside her. Be warned, though, you should probably read this with a snack (or a whole meal) nearby.

[Andrea Perez · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

⭐ 3 stars ⭐

This was such a cozy read with total Bollywood rom-com vibes! I loved the idea of Leela moving to a little Irish village to chase her dreams, and the atmosphere was honestly one of my favorite parts. The food descriptions were amazing, and I really enjoyed seeing her slowly win over the townspeople and find people who supported her.

I also loved how the book explored Indian culture, especially through the food and family dynamics. Her mom being overly concerned about marriage and thinking she knows best? 😂 Definitely a very relatable dynamic!

I enjoyed the slow burn and the grumpy x sunshine, enemies-to-lovers dynamic, but I wish there had been a little more romance between the main characters. The third-act breakup also felt a bit unnecessary and took away from the story for me.

Overall, a sweet and charming read with lovely vibes, but it didn't completely win me over!

[Cam · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This book was such a delight. I adored Leela’s passion for food, her culture and traditions merging with her new life in Ireland, and her ambition and goals for her restaurant. She came with a dream and was determined to make it happen. Despite the many obstacles, she didn’t back down when things got hard and no one believed in her, finding herself not only a restaurant, but also an unexpected community, friendships and love.

I usually don’t love books advertised as romance when the romance is such a little part of the story, but I still loved this one so much. Leela’s own journey was so great in itself that her relationship with Cillian wasn’t the focus, all I really wanted was to see her succeed with setting up her restaurant, and find her version of happiness in Ireland.

*I received an ARC of this book, this is my honest opinion*

[S · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

A really lovely, easy read! I was drawn to the premise of this one, particularly the idea of leaving everything familiar behind to take a chance on opening a restaurant in a little Irish village. I enjoyed the setting, the food and restaurant elements, and watching Leela navigate starting over, finding her feet in a new community and figuring out where she belongs. The developing relationship with Cillian added to the charm, although I did find some aspects of the romance a little predictable.

I think what I enjoyed most was the combination of fresh starts, following your ambitions and finding a sense of home in unexpected places. It was a charming, feel-good read that I was happy to spend time with. While it didn't necessarily surprise me or become a new favourite, I certainly enjoyed it. 3.5 stars.