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The Recipe
In this heartwarming romance novella by Candace Calvert, hospital dietary assistant Aimee Curran is determined to win the Vegan Valentine Bake-Off to prove she’s finally found her calling. But while caring for one of her patients—the elderly grandmother of a handsome CSI photographer—Aimee begins to question where she belongs.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2016
About the author
Candace Calvert
25 books498 followersFormer ER nurse, wife, Mom and grandmother, Candace Calvert believes that love, laughter, and faith are the best medicines of all. Her Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical, and Crisis Team series for Tyndale House offers readers charismatic characters, pulse-pounding medical drama, romance, humor, suspense--and a prescription for hope. Think, “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
September 2, 2016
This novella was just a sweet as the strawberries described in this story. ♥ ♥
I really loved the characters, this story really touched my heart! This book really displayed love, and not just the romantic kind. But the love the Jesus wants us to share by serving others. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
I really loved the characters, this story really touched my heart! This book really displayed love, and not just the romantic kind. But the love the Jesus wants us to share by serving others. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
September 12, 2016
I enjoyed this short novella. It was sweet and the story was not rushed at all.
October 21, 2018
This book was a recipe in how to win someone over when first impressions are quite sour... add a little grandma and you have a sweet offering.
Aimee Curran works in the cafeteria at San Diego Hope Hospital. Her dream is to win a cooking contest so she can get a full scholarship to a culinary school. After one of her creations sets off a reaction no one would have expected, she finds herself going over and above to keep her job by doing favors. This is where she meets CSI photographer, Lucas Marchal. It's his weak and possibly dying grandmother to whom the food was delivered.
Bad, bad first impression.
But Grandmother smooths things over and a sweet romance begins, along with anxiety over a special recipe Aimee must make to win this competition.
I'm not fond of novellas. Often they feel like a whole book condensed into one third the size it should be. This one, however was only a week or two in the lives of four very interesting characters. Well done. Which is high praise from me.
Aimee Curran works in the cafeteria at San Diego Hope Hospital. Her dream is to win a cooking contest so she can get a full scholarship to a culinary school. After one of her creations sets off a reaction no one would have expected, she finds herself going over and above to keep her job by doing favors. This is where she meets CSI photographer, Lucas Marchal. It's his weak and possibly dying grandmother to whom the food was delivered.
Bad, bad first impression.
But Grandmother smooths things over and a sweet romance begins, along with anxiety over a special recipe Aimee must make to win this competition.
I'm not fond of novellas. Often they feel like a whole book condensed into one third the size it should be. This one, however was only a week or two in the lives of four very interesting characters. Well done. Which is high praise from me.
February 29, 2016
Candace Calvert never disappoints. I had the pleasure of discovering her as an author after she'd already written several books and had the blessing of reading several one right after the other! Loved every minute, too. This little novella was one I read in a collection last year, but it's finally available as a stand alone. The characters from this one show up later, too. This is a precious little offering and one I'm happy to recommend.
August 23, 2016
A very sweet story that is touching and has humor, great novella and recommended :)
February 26, 2018
This was a nice story with a tons of strawberries.
July 5, 2018
Nice story
I enjoyed this simple, sweet and clean romance. Not preachy, but with a gentle reminder that God's plan often differs from ours and ultimately it's the best plan.
I enjoyed this simple, sweet and clean romance. Not preachy, but with a gentle reminder that God's plan often differs from ours and ultimately it's the best plan.
February 25, 2018
Aimee Curran, hospital dietary assistant is determined to win the Vegan Valentine Bake-Off.
What a book. I really enjoyed the issue dealt with in this book. The end of life for a grandmother.
Being in Culinary Arts nearly my entire life, this book brought back memories. I loved the romance, the setting, and the plot.
What a book. I really enjoyed the issue dealt with in this book. The end of life for a grandmother.
Being in Culinary Arts nearly my entire life, this book brought back memories. I loved the romance, the setting, and the plot.
February 11, 2017
Quick, fun read - perfect lite touch as a great break from heavier topics.
September 30, 2016
What a lovely novella! I have never read anything by Ms. Calvert, and I'm not even sure how this one ended up on my Kindle. But I am very glad it did.
A well written story of hope, faith, love and understanding. Aimee Curran is working is working in the dietary area of San Diego Hope rehab. She has entered the Vegan Valentine Bake Off hoping to win the prize of full tuition to culinary school.
Having lost her mother at a young age, she still feels her mother's presence when she is cooking the food she used to watch and help her mother cook.
Lucas Marchal, a CSI investigator is a regular at the rehab facility. Watching his grandmother slowly give up on life.
When these two meet, it becomes clear that whatever they had planned, it's all in God's hands now. Will Aimee become a famous chef? Will Lucas lose his grandmother? You must read it to find out!
A well written novella that left me with a smile on my face as well as some soul searching of my own.
A well written story of hope, faith, love and understanding. Aimee Curran is working is working in the dietary area of San Diego Hope rehab. She has entered the Vegan Valentine Bake Off hoping to win the prize of full tuition to culinary school.
Having lost her mother at a young age, she still feels her mother's presence when she is cooking the food she used to watch and help her mother cook.
Lucas Marchal, a CSI investigator is a regular at the rehab facility. Watching his grandmother slowly give up on life.
When these two meet, it becomes clear that whatever they had planned, it's all in God's hands now. Will Aimee become a famous chef? Will Lucas lose his grandmother? You must read it to find out!
A well written novella that left me with a smile on my face as well as some soul searching of my own.
October 19, 2018
.
If this is the book I remmeber, I really enjoyed it. And it was clean!
She was a nurse at a hospital and is blackmailed into taking care of a patient.
Her ultimate dream is to become a chef and she is entered into a cooking contest that could help her on her path to her dream, but ends up eating her strawberries, an ingredient for the contest, with the patient instead of saving them for the contest...but miracles happen and magical feelings develop.
You will have to read to taste the final product of blending all those ideas together.
If this is the book I remmeber, I really enjoyed it. And it was clean!
She was a nurse at a hospital and is blackmailed into taking care of a patient.
Her ultimate dream is to become a chef and she is entered into a cooking contest that could help her on her path to her dream, but ends up eating her strawberries, an ingredient for the contest, with the patient instead of saving them for the contest...but miracles happen and magical feelings develop.
You will have to read to taste the final product of blending all those ideas together.
November 10, 2016
I originally read The Recipe by Candace Calvert in a collection of novellas, and this one was my favorite of the three. Aimee and Lucas learn a lot about true love in action here, and not only true romantic love. The flow and pacing of the story is natural, and the lessons Aimee and Lucas learn come in powerfully, making for some beautiful turns of events.
And, to this reader personally, the way God answers Aimee's prayer about her Bake-Off dilemma is so like Him.
And, to this reader personally, the way God answers Aimee's prayer about her Bake-Off dilemma is so like Him.
July 30, 2017
Enjoyed this book very much. I loved the spiritual element and the fact that loving and caring for others was so important. I feel like the romance was balanced well with the other portions of the book and despite it being very short, I am quite pleased with how it turned out.
October 28, 2019
I don't read much in the way of romance novels, but sometimes you just have to change it up on occasion. The overall message of this book was good -- it was definitely more than just boy meets girl. The various plot-lines folded together well. The Christian influence was very subtle but nice, and kept this a clean read. An enjoyable novella.
April 22, 2018
Short novella, but super sweet! Left me smiling! Highly recommend it!
August 13, 2018
3 and 1/2 Stars!
June 13, 2016
What a cute story! While technically a novella, Calvert delivers a full story—with a beginning, middle, and end (something that is hard to pull off in a shorter story). Of course the main characters are the focus, but Rosalyn and Wanda provide a "supporting cast" that give readers added dimension. For me, the best part of the story was Aimee connecting with the memory of her mother, who died 10 years before. It was sweet and compelling and added yet one more layer, which I loved.
This novella can be found independently or in Chance of Loving You , a collection of three novellas.
This novella can be found independently or in Chance of Loving You , a collection of three novellas.
August 8, 2016
A sweet read.
December 19, 2016
I love this story! What a great novella, the storyline wasn't rushed and it has a satisfying ending as well. Hope, faith, romance, and humor!
July 26, 2020
Aimee worked as the sous chef at a hospital in San Diego, CA and one night she decided to give some food an update in looks. The problem is what she did scared the nurse on duty when she revealed the salad to the person it was being presented to. The nurse fell on her keister and the grandson of the patient and a few others had a good old laugh. The only person not laughing was Wanda the nurse. She went hunting for the person responsible for what she perceived as a slight to her. Aimee found out that Wanda was looking to punish somebody for the embellished salad so she delivered herself up as the reason for the slight. But in the process of hunting Wanda down she meets Lucas a CSI photographer for the police department. They don’t hit it off at first but as time wains and hid grandmother is getting sicker and sicker he finally notices the pretty assistant that works in the hospital cafeteria. Aimee is in the process of ensuring her future by entering a cooking contest but things don’t always go as planned. Life takes a different turn but everything comes out smelling like strawberry rhubarb crumble.
January 25, 2019
Candace Calvert is one of the few authors I've read, Christian or not, who I can depend upon to produce consistent five-star quality.
I only spotted two editing errors in the entire book, which a more casual reader might not even have noticed: Chapter 2, "It looks like big black bug." This should have had an "a" in front of "big."
Chapter 13, "I guess it will be awkward, physically, to try and manage ---"
Now some will be asking, what's wrong with that? Let me rewrite the sentence using a synonym: "I guess it will be awkward, physically, to ATTEMPT AND manage ---" That looks and sounds awkward, doesn't it? And yet the two sentences are grammatically identical.
So, authors and speakers, if you wouldn't use "attempt and," please replace "try and" with the more grammatically correct "TRY TO."
(My thanks to my 8th grade English teacher, Mrs. Thelma Willhite, for teaching me this grammar lesson about 60 years ago.)
I only spotted two editing errors in the entire book, which a more casual reader might not even have noticed: Chapter 2, "It looks like big black bug." This should have had an "a" in front of "big."
Chapter 13, "I guess it will be awkward, physically, to try and manage ---"
Now some will be asking, what's wrong with that? Let me rewrite the sentence using a synonym: "I guess it will be awkward, physically, to ATTEMPT AND manage ---" That looks and sounds awkward, doesn't it? And yet the two sentences are grammatically identical.
So, authors and speakers, if you wouldn't use "attempt and," please replace "try and" with the more grammatically correct "TRY TO."
(My thanks to my 8th grade English teacher, Mrs. Thelma Willhite, for teaching me this grammar lesson about 60 years ago.)
August 27, 2020
What a delightfully sweet story that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Aimee Curran works in the cafeteria of San Diego Hope hospital. She finds herself having to help nurses aide Wanda after a mishap takes place.
Lucas Marchal, a CSI, is visiting his grandmother Rosalynn
who suffered a stroke. Sweet Margie who has developmental disabilities is Rosalynn's roommate and is always full of joy!
It's the 10th anniversary of Amy's moms passing and she enters a baking contest to honor her memory. Lucas shares his heart with Amy and their conversations bring them closer together.
There are wonderful but hard subjects woven into this story. Our plans may not be God's plans for our lives, dealing with end of life issues and learning to love and serve others.
I am hoping to read more books by this author in the future.
Aimee Curran works in the cafeteria of San Diego Hope hospital. She finds herself having to help nurses aide Wanda after a mishap takes place.
Lucas Marchal, a CSI, is visiting his grandmother Rosalynn
who suffered a stroke. Sweet Margie who has developmental disabilities is Rosalynn's roommate and is always full of joy!
It's the 10th anniversary of Amy's moms passing and she enters a baking contest to honor her memory. Lucas shares his heart with Amy and their conversations bring them closer together.
There are wonderful but hard subjects woven into this story. Our plans may not be God's plans for our lives, dealing with end of life issues and learning to love and serve others.
I am hoping to read more books by this author in the future.
May 24, 2019
This novel is sweet, touches on topics of senior care, depression over death of a spouse/or betrayal by one, lovely memories left from childhood & letting them influence the future in a good way. However, the main character, Aimee, was just a bit too "cute and naive" for my tastes; I also have no appreciation for when religious notions and comments are thrown about here and there; just not my cup of tea. When it comes to a series, this is one where I don't much care to continue with.
The author does give a recipe at the end, not the one for "black bean brownies" though which sounded intriguing
The author does give a recipe at the end, not the one for "black bean brownies" though which sounded intriguing
October 27, 2017
Such a sweet, heartfelt novella from Candace Calvert about what really matters most in life. Friends, family, following your passions, serving others, and enjoying life are the main themes in this story. Great reminders for all of us to live our best lives. The Recipe follows Aimee, a dietary assistant at the hospital, with big dreams to win a baking contest and scholarship to culinary school. Along the way she figures out what is most important to her. And the sweet romance doesn’t hurt one bit.
December 30, 2017
Wonderful!
This was probably the most fun read I have had in a long time! It was a beautiful romantic story that takes place for the most part in a hospital but with endearing twists and turns in the lives of the colorful characters. Several poignant phrases in perfect harmony with the story that made me laugh out loud. The story reminded me of O'Henry's Gift of the Magi but the gifts were strawberries and rhubarb! This is definitely a story I will recommend to all my friends and family!
This was probably the most fun read I have had in a long time! It was a beautiful romantic story that takes place for the most part in a hospital but with endearing twists and turns in the lives of the colorful characters. Several poignant phrases in perfect harmony with the story that made me laugh out loud. The story reminded me of O'Henry's Gift of the Magi but the gifts were strawberries and rhubarb! This is definitely a story I will recommend to all my friends and family!
June 7, 2019
Aimee has tried a lot of things but nothing has inspired her like cooking Lucas has recently lost his grandfather and now his beloved grandmother has suffered a stroke and appears ready to give up. Aimee knows the hurt of losing her mother on her 16th birthday ; now on the 10th anniversary of her mother's death, she is set to enter a baking contest in her mother's honor. Can these two help each other in their time a need? A delightful short story of faith, hope, and dreams.
November 16, 2019
A slice of heaven
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Reading about Amy and Lucas abd All the struggles the had faced. Learning about how to use God's patience , kindness and love for all. Also taught me how to try and add The Recipe to everything I do and say in my everyday life.
I want to say a heartfelt thanks to the author for showing me the true importnce of my faith and how to add it to my life and work ....
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Reading about Amy and Lucas abd All the struggles the had faced. Learning about how to use God's patience , kindness and love for all. Also taught me how to try and add The Recipe to everything I do and say in my everyday life.
I want to say a heartfelt thanks to the author for showing me the true importnce of my faith and how to add it to my life and work ....
March 16, 2021
free e book
it was good
about a girl who wanted to be in a chef contest, she worked in a nursing home. she met a man who worked taking photos for the pd who was there visiting his grandma who had given up after loosing her husband and having a stroke. she didnt want to eat or drink any more. the girl encouraged her to eat losing the chance at the chef contest but finding a place in the policemans heart after his grandma starting eating again
it was good
about a girl who wanted to be in a chef contest, she worked in a nursing home. she met a man who worked taking photos for the pd who was there visiting his grandma who had given up after loosing her husband and having a stroke. she didnt want to eat or drink any more. the girl encouraged her to eat losing the chance at the chef contest but finding a place in the policemans heart after his grandma starting eating again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
A Spiritual Blessing.
I’ve been looking for a book like this for the past six months. It’s not a literary masterpiece but a spiritual one. The pace of this simple story was comfortable. The reader knew where the story was going but that didn’t matter. Its predictability allowed the reader to pick up the spiritual nuggets along the way which made the message of the story more endearing.
I hope to read this book again and bake the rhubarb strawberry crumble. It sounds yummy.
I’ve been looking for a book like this for the past six months. It’s not a literary masterpiece but a spiritual one. The pace of this simple story was comfortable. The reader knew where the story was going but that didn’t matter. Its predictability allowed the reader to pick up the spiritual nuggets along the way which made the message of the story more endearing.
I hope to read this book again and bake the rhubarb strawberry crumble. It sounds yummy.
August 9, 2018
ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT novella, touching from page one until the last page, excellent characters, my favorite was the Developmentally disabled roommate, probably because we have a person like that in our family - the novella can be read in one (long) sitting and JUST the thing you need on a bad day, or a beach read. I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews