What do you think?
Rate this book
O'Bannon Sisters #1
The Perfect Recipe for Love and Friendship
Bridget O'Bannon is ready for a do-over. After years of pretending she had a happy marriage and denying that she missed the friends and family she'd left behind, she's headed home to restart her life.
But working alongside her family every day at their bakery isn't as easy as whipping up her favorite chocolate peanut butter cake. Her mother won't give her a moment's peace, and her sister Abby is keeping secrets of her own. And there doesn't seem to be enough frosting in the world to smooth over the cracks forming between them.
Bridget can see the recipe for a happy life- including the possibility of a new romance- written out before her, but first she and her family will need to lay bare their secrets and rediscover the most elusive ingredients of forgiveness, laughter, and love.
But working alongside her family every day at their bakery isn't as easy as whipping up her favorite chocolate peanut butter cake. Her mother won't give her a moment's peace, and her sister Abby is keeping secrets of her own. And there doesn't seem to be enough frosting in the world to smooth over the cracks forming between them.
Bridget can see the recipe for a happy life- including the possibility of a new romance- written out before her, but first she and her family will need to lay bare their secrets and rediscover the most elusive ingredients of forgiveness, laughter, and love.
357 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2017
21 people are currently reading
992 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Jump
446 books742 followersShirley Jump is a writing instructor and an award-winning, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and USA Today bestselling author who has published more than 80 books in 24 countries. She has spoken all over the world about the power of narrative and how to create compelling books. A former reporter and communications director for a marketing agency, she uses her diverse background to help clients create impactful books that readers can’t down.
She knows the path to publication isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, so to help writers write their best possible book, she offers monthly Manuscript Masterminds through her website, www.WritingCompellingFiction.com.
On her channel, https://YouTube.com/@WritingCompellin..., she unlocks the secrets behind compelling novels and delves into the psychological aspect of overcoming creativity-stoppers like doubt and perfectionism. Follow her channel for more writing exercises, classes, and behind-the-scenes writing lessons or join her Manuscript Mastermind to build your tribe of like-minded writers and receive crucial feedback on your pages.
She knows the path to publication isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, so to help writers write their best possible book, she offers monthly Manuscript Masterminds through her website, www.WritingCompellingFiction.com.
On her channel, https://YouTube.com/@WritingCompellin..., she unlocks the secrets behind compelling novels and delves into the psychological aspect of overcoming creativity-stoppers like doubt and perfectionism. Follow her channel for more writing exercises, classes, and behind-the-scenes writing lessons or join her Manuscript Mastermind to build your tribe of like-minded writers and receive crucial feedback on your pages.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 11, 2017
Just Another Book Bitch's Spoiler Free Review
The Perfect Recipe for Love and Friendship is an exploration of one family's path to forgiveness, self-discovery, acceptance, and growth.
The characters are so intricately woven, they come to life. They could be your sister, your aunt, your mother... you! While Bridget is our "main" character this book is not only about her. We're introduced to her mother. A stubborn and deeply pained woman that is so used to leading her family she's never had the time to deal with her own troubles. So consumed with being the matriarch, of not failing her family, she failed herself...and in turn left a gash in her relationship with her daughters that has festered over the years and impacted them all so much. Everyone plays such an intricate part in the development and wellbeing of the others... the daughters' journey of self-discovery and bridging the family gap is one filled with heartache and pride as you watch each character mature and florish in their new found relationships with each other.
I believe this book is for the mature reader, as it's something you'll want to breathe and absorb into your soul... something that can truly be life changing if you let it... Shirley Jump created such a beautiful mixture of emotions. If your a sister, a mother, a daughter (*giggles) ...read this book! This book made me smile, made me laugh out loud, and made me cry. I can see this book becoming a box office hit at the theaters with an all-star cast like,Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants, or Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood that's how well written I believe this book is. My hat's off to Ms. Jump. It's my first but certainly not my last by this author. THANK YOU
This isn't just an addition to your TBR book... this is an "I read it before ..." book An insta-click!
Paperback Amazon US
Paperback Amazon UK
Paperback Amazon CA
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
"As one new family had formed, another family has shattered, the sisters scattering to the winds for years...."
The Perfect Recipe for Love and Friendship is an exploration of one family's path to forgiveness, self-discovery, acceptance, and growth.
The characters are so intricately woven, they come to life. They could be your sister, your aunt, your mother... you! While Bridget is our "main" character this book is not only about her. We're introduced to her mother. A stubborn and deeply pained woman that is so used to leading her family she's never had the time to deal with her own troubles. So consumed with being the matriarch, of not failing her family, she failed herself...and in turn left a gash in her relationship with her daughters that has festered over the years and impacted them all so much. Everyone plays such an intricate part in the development and wellbeing of the others... the daughters' journey of self-discovery and bridging the family gap is one filled with heartache and pride as you watch each character mature and florish in their new found relationships with each other.
I believe this book is for the mature reader, as it's something you'll want to breathe and absorb into your soul... something that can truly be life changing if you let it... Shirley Jump created such a beautiful mixture of emotions. If your a sister, a mother, a daughter (*giggles) ...read this book! This book made me smile, made me laugh out loud, and made me cry. I can see this book becoming a box office hit at the theaters with an all-star cast like,Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants, or Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood that's how well written I believe this book is. My hat's off to Ms. Jump. It's my first but certainly not my last by this author. THANK YOU
"What-ifs are like bees in a hive, All they do is keep on buzzing so you don't notice the sweet honey of life."
This isn't just an addition to your TBR book... this is an "I read it before ..." book An insta-click!
Paperback Amazon US
Paperback Amazon UK
Paperback Amazon CA
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
April 2, 2019
This was a really cute (yet emotional) enjoyable read.
In all ways, this book was the perfect match for me. From the cozy, "hometown" setting to the mixture of characters with unique (and contrasting) personalities. All of these characters were so different from each other but had their own role to play within this story. At the core of this novel is the importance of family and that was an important element that I especially liked.
This was my first introduction to Shirley Jump and I already have the second book in this series on order. I definitely would recommend this book to those that enjoy novels that make you feel as if you have been immersed in the cozy atmosphere of a small town and what that includes.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
In all ways, this book was the perfect match for me. From the cozy, "hometown" setting to the mixture of characters with unique (and contrasting) personalities. All of these characters were so different from each other but had their own role to play within this story. At the core of this novel is the importance of family and that was an important element that I especially liked.
This was my first introduction to Shirley Jump and I already have the second book in this series on order. I definitely would recommend this book to those that enjoy novels that make you feel as if you have been immersed in the cozy atmosphere of a small town and what that includes.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
June 5, 2017
Shirley Jump hands us The Perfect Recipe for Love and Friendship in her book of the same title. I was honored and thrilled to receive a review copy, and I read it as voraciously as I would eat one of the O’Bannon sisters’ sweets from their Boston bakery if only the place really existed.
Except the bakery does exist for over three hundred luscious pages in which we learn to love and relate to this family filled with secrets and heartache.
Bridget O’Bannon, the main character, loses her husband Jim in a tragic accident. The loss is multiplied when she realizes that he has left her plenty of secrets and bills but little money. Which means she has to reconnect with her estranged loved ones at the family bakery to make ends meet.
Along the way we meet her three other sisters, her mother, and her aunt who all have secrets of their own. Discovering how to allow the secrets out and one another in is just one of the hurdles this family faces. Both Bridget and her mother face learning to love again after being widowed as well.
Using loving detail of all things baking in the novel, Shirley reveals to us in an afterward that her mother and grandmother ran a small donut shop, and its influence upon Shirley’s writing shows.
Filled with tender, apt observations of what it is to be human, of what it is to have the courage to reinvent our lives after unwanted change, I can only hope that as I suspect this is the first of a series on the O’Bannon sisters.
Except the bakery does exist for over three hundred luscious pages in which we learn to love and relate to this family filled with secrets and heartache.
Bridget O’Bannon, the main character, loses her husband Jim in a tragic accident. The loss is multiplied when she realizes that he has left her plenty of secrets and bills but little money. Which means she has to reconnect with her estranged loved ones at the family bakery to make ends meet.
Along the way we meet her three other sisters, her mother, and her aunt who all have secrets of their own. Discovering how to allow the secrets out and one another in is just one of the hurdles this family faces. Both Bridget and her mother face learning to love again after being widowed as well.
Using loving detail of all things baking in the novel, Shirley reveals to us in an afterward that her mother and grandmother ran a small donut shop, and its influence upon Shirley’s writing shows.
Filled with tender, apt observations of what it is to be human, of what it is to have the courage to reinvent our lives after unwanted change, I can only hope that as I suspect this is the first of a series on the O’Bannon sisters.
August 22, 2017
The Perfect Recipe For Love and Friendship by Shirley Jump
A heart full of emotions in this family and sister oriented drama.
It starts with a death, grief and a hummingbird, but is totally healing. As time restores, the sisters start to mend their relationships with each other and more secrets emerge. Yes, there were tears in several places. Warm, moving and lovely.
Labeled as first in the series. I can tell Nora is hiding something and I look forward to reading more by this author and of this family.
I received a copy of this book at BEA.
A heart full of emotions in this family and sister oriented drama.
It starts with a death, grief and a hummingbird, but is totally healing. As time restores, the sisters start to mend their relationships with each other and more secrets emerge. Yes, there were tears in several places. Warm, moving and lovely.
Labeled as first in the series. I can tell Nora is hiding something and I look forward to reading more by this author and of this family.
I received a copy of this book at BEA.
July 15, 2017
Shirley Jump has begun the series with a bang. We have a fractured family. One the is practiced in avoidance. A tragedy strikes and the family is there but not there.
Bridget is in mourning but what is she really mourning. To me she is mourning the blinders that she now has to take off. Her life wasn’t perfect and now it is crashing down. She now needs to learn to live. To be. This story is hers in a way but also her whole family’s. To me the book is the beginning. The beginning journey for the family but especially for Bridget. Bridget’s journey is one of discovery. Of finding oneself once again and living. Of learning to open your eyes and lose the denial. Each member of this family will need to do this for as this book shows they are all hiding and running from something.
For Bridget she is hiding from life not being what she wanted. Of letting herself let others control her destiny. In this book she learns to live, love and learn. To accept life isn’t perfect and is full of flaws. Not only accept this but embrace it.She also learns to let go and move on. She learns to live in the moment and not let past mistakes dictate the present. To be open and honest and let the chips fall where they may.
In a way all of the O’Bannon’s begin to learn this in this book as they reconnect and as a family. For Bridget though it becomes especially true. She learns to make decisions and live again. To be free and find her wings. She learns to say what she feels and not care if others don’t like it. she learns to stop hiding and she begins to help her family heal and become a family once again.
The story is craftily written in a way that reminds me of live learn and love. Where the woman has a journey of self discovery and to deal with loss, acceptance and life. To learn to move forward and gain back who she is. To gain perspective and wisdom. the writing is enthralling and the characters intriguing complex stubborn and warm.They will draw you in with their running, hiding and depth. Their story keeps you wanting to learn more and watch their journey. A wonderful story that is a journey and the beginning of one for this family and set of characters as they embark on life, love, acceptance, forgiveness and finding their way once again and for some finding their voice.
Bridget is in mourning but what is she really mourning. To me she is mourning the blinders that she now has to take off. Her life wasn’t perfect and now it is crashing down. She now needs to learn to live. To be. This story is hers in a way but also her whole family’s. To me the book is the beginning. The beginning journey for the family but especially for Bridget. Bridget’s journey is one of discovery. Of finding oneself once again and living. Of learning to open your eyes and lose the denial. Each member of this family will need to do this for as this book shows they are all hiding and running from something.
For Bridget she is hiding from life not being what she wanted. Of letting herself let others control her destiny. In this book she learns to live, love and learn. To accept life isn’t perfect and is full of flaws. Not only accept this but embrace it.She also learns to let go and move on. She learns to live in the moment and not let past mistakes dictate the present. To be open and honest and let the chips fall where they may.
In a way all of the O’Bannon’s begin to learn this in this book as they reconnect and as a family. For Bridget though it becomes especially true. She learns to make decisions and live again. To be free and find her wings. She learns to say what she feels and not care if others don’t like it. she learns to stop hiding and she begins to help her family heal and become a family once again.
The story is craftily written in a way that reminds me of live learn and love. Where the woman has a journey of self discovery and to deal with loss, acceptance and life. To learn to move forward and gain back who she is. To gain perspective and wisdom. the writing is enthralling and the characters intriguing complex stubborn and warm.They will draw you in with their running, hiding and depth. Their story keeps you wanting to learn more and watch their journey. A wonderful story that is a journey and the beginning of one for this family and set of characters as they embark on life, love, acceptance, forgiveness and finding their way once again and for some finding their voice.
June 14, 2017
This book is the perfect recipe for a wonderful summer read! Instantly, I connected with all of the O'Bannon sisters. One of the questions in the reading guide was which sister was my favorite: Bridget, Nora, Abby, or Magpie. To be honest, I loved them all. Each one was different in her own way; yet together they were stronger. A huge part of this had to do with their mother, Colleen. She was the glue that helped to bond them all together. Yet, at the same time at the end I was happy to see her acknowledge she was not perfect. However, her strength after the death of her husband and the girls' father is what helped Bridget get back on her feet. Back to the sisters.
Bridget found out just what she was made of as she picked up the pieces of her life. One of my favorite moments in this book was the "banana" scene with Nora. The more I got to know about Bridget's husband, Jim, the more I disliked him. I was happy to see Garrett come into the picture.
Nora was more stable and she seemed to have a closer bond with their mother. Although, this may have to do with the fact that Nora worked in the bakery with their mother.
Abby was more of the outspoken one and the black sheep of the family. However, don't let this fool you as she had a lot of love in her heart.
Magpie was just plain fun. She would say some of the funniest things. Plus, she has a cool name.
I hope to visit with the O'Bannon sisters again and get to see each of them get their happy ending as well as Colleen, who might be starting to get her second chance at love as well.
Bridget found out just what she was made of as she picked up the pieces of her life. One of my favorite moments in this book was the "banana" scene with Nora. The more I got to know about Bridget's husband, Jim, the more I disliked him. I was happy to see Garrett come into the picture.
Nora was more stable and she seemed to have a closer bond with their mother. Although, this may have to do with the fact that Nora worked in the bakery with their mother.
Abby was more of the outspoken one and the black sheep of the family. However, don't let this fool you as she had a lot of love in her heart.
Magpie was just plain fun. She would say some of the funniest things. Plus, she has a cool name.
I hope to visit with the O'Bannon sisters again and get to see each of them get their happy ending as well as Colleen, who might be starting to get her second chance at love as well.
July 10, 2017
Shirley Jump has left me salivating for more of these O'Bannon sisters! Every one of them has secrets and I am sticking around to find them all out.
Bridget decides to start working at her family's bakery again figuring it will help her cope with her husbands untimely death. There she works with her sister Nora and her mom, her sister Abby is estranged from the family, and her youngest sister Magpie is in and out of the story because she travels for work.
There is so much tension is this family you can cut it with a knife! like I said, every single one of them it seems has at least one secret they are keeping, and slowly but surely they start coming out. Bridget isn't doing so well coping especially when she starts coming to terms with the fact that her husband was no angel. I just loved seeing how despite the tenuous relationships these women are there for each other.
Jump had me thinking about my relationships with my siblings and how family will always be there for you no matter what! You have to stick together and all will be just fine. This story is expertly woven together and it doesn't end with just this book, there is so much more to come and I can't wait!
4/5 Fangs
*A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Bridget decides to start working at her family's bakery again figuring it will help her cope with her husbands untimely death. There she works with her sister Nora and her mom, her sister Abby is estranged from the family, and her youngest sister Magpie is in and out of the story because she travels for work.
There is so much tension is this family you can cut it with a knife! like I said, every single one of them it seems has at least one secret they are keeping, and slowly but surely they start coming out. Bridget isn't doing so well coping especially when she starts coming to terms with the fact that her husband was no angel. I just loved seeing how despite the tenuous relationships these women are there for each other.
Jump had me thinking about my relationships with my siblings and how family will always be there for you no matter what! You have to stick together and all will be just fine. This story is expertly woven together and it doesn't end with just this book, there is so much more to come and I can't wait!
4/5 Fangs
*A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2017
Definitely my favorite book of the year so far, and my favorite of Shirley Jump's stories. Complex, flawed and yet lovable characters, and a few secrets thrown in to complicate the family dysfunction. :) It's not often that I can't put a book down, but I really did drop everything and read. Jump doesn't shy away from difficult emotions or issues, and the ending was so rewarding that I had to go for tissues. Highly recommend.
February 7, 2020
I absolutely adored this book! It was extremely well written, showing the complexities of family and the effects secrets can have on those relationships that should be treasured the most.
It seems like every member of the O'Bannon family has secrets. Hiding information is tearing this group of women apart. As each secret is brought to light, will it bring them back together or push them farther apart?
A brilliant book. I'm heading out now to get the second in the series.
It seems like every member of the O'Bannon family has secrets. Hiding information is tearing this group of women apart. As each secret is brought to light, will it bring them back together or push them farther apart?
A brilliant book. I'm heading out now to get the second in the series.
July 14, 2017
Great book! I cried, I laughed, I cried again. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in less than a day! I can't wait for the next book to come out!
September 13, 2020
Loved this book! This is Bridget O'Bannon's story and it's simply wonderful and heartwarming. If you read one book this year, give this a try. I have the next one already and can't wait to read it.
June 1, 2017
Bridget O'Bannon is ready for a do-over for her life, after her husband passes away. She deals with the fact that her marriage wasn't the fairy tale she led others to believe. She's left her family behind when she got married & reconnects with her sisters & mother.
Her mother doesn't really give the girls a moments peace so working alongside with her sisters & mother in their family bakery makes for long days.
During an outing she meets the very nice widower Garrett. He also helps her heal & shows her how much he cares for her. He listens to her, offers advice when asked for it.
Her mother doesn't really give the girls a moments peace so working alongside with her sisters & mother in their family bakery makes for long days.
During an outing she meets the very nice widower Garrett. He also helps her heal & shows her how much he cares for her. He listens to her, offers advice when asked for it.
June 2, 2017
WOW!!!
Bridget O'Bannon has just lost her husband to a tragic accident and all she wants to do is curl up into a ball and let the world just pass her by, but the family she left behind at her wedding won't let her. Secrets, grief, love...all parts of the wonderful story. I really felt that these characters were real people. Real people trying to cope and move closer together, in spite of the pain. That family means everything..no matter what.
I was moved and sad to see this story end. It was a smooth read and full of emotion. I truly loved it!
Bridget O'Bannon has just lost her husband to a tragic accident and all she wants to do is curl up into a ball and let the world just pass her by, but the family she left behind at her wedding won't let her. Secrets, grief, love...all parts of the wonderful story. I really felt that these characters were real people. Real people trying to cope and move closer together, in spite of the pain. That family means everything..no matter what.
I was moved and sad to see this story end. It was a smooth read and full of emotion. I truly loved it!
June 8, 2017
The Perfect Recipe for love and Friendship
July 11th...Release Date-
Truly moving book:
After losing her husband Bridget O'Bannon meets Garrett Andrews who teaches her it's ok let yourself love again.
He knew exactly how she felt. He had gone through the same thing.
Bridget was lost and no one understood what she was going through.
After her marriage a rift pulled them apart. A fiasco on the day she married her husband.
Her sisters Nora, Maggie, and Abby all worked together at there family owned Bakery.
But what happens between them is something so beautiful and moving..
Loved this book.
July 11th...Release Date-
Truly moving book:
After losing her husband Bridget O'Bannon meets Garrett Andrews who teaches her it's ok let yourself love again.
He knew exactly how she felt. He had gone through the same thing.
Bridget was lost and no one understood what she was going through.
After her marriage a rift pulled them apart. A fiasco on the day she married her husband.
Her sisters Nora, Maggie, and Abby all worked together at there family owned Bakery.
But what happens between them is something so beautiful and moving..
Loved this book.
December 24, 2018
I enjoyed this but it could have used a little bit more editing. Couple times it said one thing about a character on one page and then something very different on the next.
February 6, 2019
I liked the parts about baking.
I did find myself questioning if a grown woman could make a living working at Williams Sonoma.
I did find myself questioning if a grown woman could make a living working at Williams Sonoma.
May 13, 2019
Too s l o w
October 14, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The Perfect recipe For Love And Friendship
O’Bannon Sisters, Book #1
By Shirley Jump
ISBN: 9781455572007
Author Website: http://www.shirleyjump.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen
Synopsis:
“Beautifully written and unflinching in its portrayal of the complexities of marriage, sisterhood and long-held secrets.”
Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author, on The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage Bridget O’Bannon is ready for a do-over. After years of pretending she had a happy marriage and denying that she missed the friends and family she’d left behind, she’s headed home to restart her life.
But working alongside her family every day at their bakery isn’t as easy as whipping up her favorite chocolate peanut butter cake. Her mother won’t give her a moment’s peace, and her sister Abby is keeping secrets of her own. And there doesn’t seem to be enough frosting in the world to smooth over the cracks forming between them.
Bridget can see the recipe for a happy life- including the possibility of a new romance- written out before her, but first she and her family will need to lay bare their secrets and rediscover the most elusive ingredients of all: forgiveness, laughter, and love. (Goodreads)
Review:
This book is the perfect recipe for family love, family betrayal, second chances and healing. It is a family drama that elicited many different emotions: sadness, happiness, concern and humor.
Bridget has just lost her husband and she does not know how to act. No one knows that her marriage was not a happy one, in fact, she was planning on getting a divorce. She feels like a hypocrite mourning her marriage but that is what expected of her. She really struggles to get motivated and moving, all she wants to do is stay in bed and be alone. But her mother and her sisters will not let her do that, they continue to make her push on.
Bridget’s mother is not one to show affection, she is a tough task master and appears to love the family bakery more than her daughters. Bridget has three sisters that she loves dearly but they have grown apart. Nora is the sister that has stayed and continues to help run the bakery. She is the peacemaker of the family. Abby is the one that pulled away from the family after a horrible argument on Bridget’s wedding day. Magpie is the youngest, the loudest and the one that travels the world. And her Aunt Mary is another traveler and has been in and out of their lives forever. Each of them have their own baggage to carry around and each of them have their own secrets. It will take all of them to trust each other with those secrets and be able to forgive if there is any chance of the O’Bannons being a family again. Can they do that?
The characters are well rounded and well developed. From the very beginning of the book I felt like all of these people were my friends and I wanted to know what was going on in their lives. I cared about them right from the start and wanted to see them get their lives back on track and work out their differences. I laughed with them, cried with them, felt frustrated with them and felt happiness for them. There really was not any character that I did not want to spend time with. I felt this book was character driven and I enjoyed that a lot.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted women’s contemporary. There was warmth, sadness, humor and great characters that will draw you in from the start. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and learning more about the lives and secrets of the O’Bannon women.
The Perfect recipe For Love And Friendship
O’Bannon Sisters, Book #1
By Shirley Jump
ISBN: 9781455572007
Author Website: http://www.shirleyjump.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen
Synopsis:
“Beautifully written and unflinching in its portrayal of the complexities of marriage, sisterhood and long-held secrets.”
Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author, on The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage Bridget O’Bannon is ready for a do-over. After years of pretending she had a happy marriage and denying that she missed the friends and family she’d left behind, she’s headed home to restart her life.
But working alongside her family every day at their bakery isn’t as easy as whipping up her favorite chocolate peanut butter cake. Her mother won’t give her a moment’s peace, and her sister Abby is keeping secrets of her own. And there doesn’t seem to be enough frosting in the world to smooth over the cracks forming between them.
Bridget can see the recipe for a happy life- including the possibility of a new romance- written out before her, but first she and her family will need to lay bare their secrets and rediscover the most elusive ingredients of all: forgiveness, laughter, and love. (Goodreads)
Review:
This book is the perfect recipe for family love, family betrayal, second chances and healing. It is a family drama that elicited many different emotions: sadness, happiness, concern and humor.
Bridget has just lost her husband and she does not know how to act. No one knows that her marriage was not a happy one, in fact, she was planning on getting a divorce. She feels like a hypocrite mourning her marriage but that is what expected of her. She really struggles to get motivated and moving, all she wants to do is stay in bed and be alone. But her mother and her sisters will not let her do that, they continue to make her push on.
Bridget’s mother is not one to show affection, she is a tough task master and appears to love the family bakery more than her daughters. Bridget has three sisters that she loves dearly but they have grown apart. Nora is the sister that has stayed and continues to help run the bakery. She is the peacemaker of the family. Abby is the one that pulled away from the family after a horrible argument on Bridget’s wedding day. Magpie is the youngest, the loudest and the one that travels the world. And her Aunt Mary is another traveler and has been in and out of their lives forever. Each of them have their own baggage to carry around and each of them have their own secrets. It will take all of them to trust each other with those secrets and be able to forgive if there is any chance of the O’Bannons being a family again. Can they do that?
The characters are well rounded and well developed. From the very beginning of the book I felt like all of these people were my friends and I wanted to know what was going on in their lives. I cared about them right from the start and wanted to see them get their lives back on track and work out their differences. I laughed with them, cried with them, felt frustrated with them and felt happiness for them. There really was not any character that I did not want to spend time with. I felt this book was character driven and I enjoyed that a lot.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted women’s contemporary. There was warmth, sadness, humor and great characters that will draw you in from the start. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and learning more about the lives and secrets of the O’Bannon women.
June 26, 2017
Bridget O'Bannon is ready to take back her life, and leave the haunting memories of her unhappy married life behind. She tried to be happy, she really did, but it just wasn't working, and then her husband died in an tragic accident, and she suddenly found herself free to explore a new life. For so long she gave everyone the appearance that her life was pretty near perfect, but underneath all that fake happiness was a woman who was completely unhappy with how things in her life really turned out. Now she is ready to grasp this new opportunity with both hands, move back home and truly live again, on her own terms of course, and reconnect with the family she left behind. But once she is there, working alongside her family in their bakery she begins to wonder if she just got herself in over her head. Everyone is keeping secrets, putting on appearances and it's starting to wear on her... and she knows all to well how this type of behavior will lead you. Now she must find a way to convince her family to let their secrets out and find a way to overcome whatever they bring about...all while also trying to find the courage to open her heart to love again.
This touching read is about rekindling friendships, strengthening family bonds, and discovering love again. This diverse group of women had quite the task in front of them, but with a lot of hard work, a little fighting here and there, they finally found a way to sort out their differences and build quite the support group for one another. Their story had moments that made me laugh, moments that had me near tears, and moments that had my heart rejoicing... it was truly an enjoyable literary adventure I won't soon forget! The characters had a very realistic quality to them, and at times reminded me of my own family, which made them very easy to relate and connect with. I highly recommend you get your hands on this beautifully written story, it is sure to keep you transfixed from start to finish!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
This touching read is about rekindling friendships, strengthening family bonds, and discovering love again. This diverse group of women had quite the task in front of them, but with a lot of hard work, a little fighting here and there, they finally found a way to sort out their differences and build quite the support group for one another. Their story had moments that made me laugh, moments that had me near tears, and moments that had my heart rejoicing... it was truly an enjoyable literary adventure I won't soon forget! The characters had a very realistic quality to them, and at times reminded me of my own family, which made them very easy to relate and connect with. I highly recommend you get your hands on this beautifully written story, it is sure to keep you transfixed from start to finish!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
June 10, 2017
Family. Food. Secrets. Love.
Four ingredients in Shirley Jump’s new book THE PERFECT RECIPE FOR LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP.
When you can laugh, cry, cringe, and cheer at a book’s story line and its characters, you know you’ve read something that will stay with you for a long, long while. The O’Bannon family reminded me so much of my own crazy Irish/Catholic family that at times I felt like I was reading a diary from my teen years.
30 year old Bridgit O’Bannon has just become a widow – much like her mother did 20 years before. That’s the only similarity, though between the 2 events. Colleen ( mom) had 4 small children to care for; Bridget had wanted a baby with her husband Jim, but he didn’t want children. Colleen’s husband was loved by her family; Jim was not. In fact, he was the cause of a major rift between Bridget, her 3 sisters and her
other. And after his death, Bridget learns some horrible truths about the husband she gave up all for.
But, like most families, when tragedy walks in the door, family does too, bringing food (more casseroles than anyone should have to eat!) and carting more emotional baggage than should be allowed.
How these five strong-willed, fractured, and emotionally charged women cope with the events and one another is the basis for Jump’s story and believe me, it rings so true to life that you will, as I did, hear fragments of your own family story bark through it.
Add in some mouthwatering baking scenes( because the family runs a 3-generations-old bakery) a new romantic interest for Bridget, two family secrets that threaten to crack any chance of healing this family ( one from sister Abby, the other from Colleen) and a Priest who makes house calls and epitomizes God’s love, and you’ve got a simply wonderful, tear-jerking, belly-laughing story.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Brava, Ms. Jump. Keep’em coming!
Four ingredients in Shirley Jump’s new book THE PERFECT RECIPE FOR LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP.
When you can laugh, cry, cringe, and cheer at a book’s story line and its characters, you know you’ve read something that will stay with you for a long, long while. The O’Bannon family reminded me so much of my own crazy Irish/Catholic family that at times I felt like I was reading a diary from my teen years.
30 year old Bridgit O’Bannon has just become a widow – much like her mother did 20 years before. That’s the only similarity, though between the 2 events. Colleen ( mom) had 4 small children to care for; Bridget had wanted a baby with her husband Jim, but he didn’t want children. Colleen’s husband was loved by her family; Jim was not. In fact, he was the cause of a major rift between Bridget, her 3 sisters and her
other. And after his death, Bridget learns some horrible truths about the husband she gave up all for.
But, like most families, when tragedy walks in the door, family does too, bringing food (more casseroles than anyone should have to eat!) and carting more emotional baggage than should be allowed.
How these five strong-willed, fractured, and emotionally charged women cope with the events and one another is the basis for Jump’s story and believe me, it rings so true to life that you will, as I did, hear fragments of your own family story bark through it.
Add in some mouthwatering baking scenes( because the family runs a 3-generations-old bakery) a new romantic interest for Bridget, two family secrets that threaten to crack any chance of healing this family ( one from sister Abby, the other from Colleen) and a Priest who makes house calls and epitomizes God’s love, and you’ve got a simply wonderful, tear-jerking, belly-laughing story.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Brava, Ms. Jump. Keep’em coming!
July 11, 2017
I loved this family drama of women in The Perfect Recipe for Love and Friendship by Shirley Jump but missed the true romance books that she writes so well. This is labeled women’s fiction, with it certainly being that. Don’t get me wrong, there is romance in this story, it is just not the focus of the book.
The story-line centers around Bridget and her dysfunctional family that has become alienated over the past five years or so. Many secrets, judgmental and controlling attitudes have contributed to this. It is an engrossing read as all is revealed and much is resolved.
Shirley Jump writes descriptive prose so that I could see Bridget’s yard and the bakery in my mind. Most of the story is from Bridget’s perspective but her mother’s and her sister Abby’s comes through every now and again. It made it more interesting to see how different her mother saw things from her four daughters. I loved the Irish sayings and the hummingbird as a sign giver; the rigid views of God, not so much. However, it did seem authentic because in this world I’m sure many have these views.
I would recommend the book simply because of the masterful way that the author pulled me into the lives of these women. Now like a nosy neighbor, I want to know what is going on with Nora and family, will Colleen find a new true friend/love too and is Magpie really happy with all her traveling. So-o-o, when is the sequel coming?
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
The story-line centers around Bridget and her dysfunctional family that has become alienated over the past five years or so. Many secrets, judgmental and controlling attitudes have contributed to this. It is an engrossing read as all is revealed and much is resolved.
Shirley Jump writes descriptive prose so that I could see Bridget’s yard and the bakery in my mind. Most of the story is from Bridget’s perspective but her mother’s and her sister Abby’s comes through every now and again. It made it more interesting to see how different her mother saw things from her four daughters. I loved the Irish sayings and the hummingbird as a sign giver; the rigid views of God, not so much. However, it did seem authentic because in this world I’m sure many have these views.
I would recommend the book simply because of the masterful way that the author pulled me into the lives of these women. Now like a nosy neighbor, I want to know what is going on with Nora and family, will Colleen find a new true friend/love too and is Magpie really happy with all her traveling. So-o-o, when is the sequel coming?
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
June 19, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book - a story of love, and loss, and of a family finally healing old wounds. The book opens up at a funeral, with Bridget not quite sure where to go next. She has been isolated from her family, and has lost her husband and the dreams that she had for her future. In the aftermath of this tragedy, she finds her way back to the bakery she practically grew up in, and back to her sisters.
There are family secrets that come out, as they always seem to do. However, by confronting the secrets head on, rather than ignoring them, the family begins to come back together and heal. They have some great confrontations in the process (my favorite involves Bridget telling her mother off during family dinner with their priest).
I look forward to the other books in this series. The sisters were all very different, they are all spunky, and I can see how they would each have very different, but equally great, stories. The generational conflicts also add another dimension and make it easy to relate to, even for those of us who don't have sisters (I happen to have a mother who still tries to get me to wear pantyhose with a dress....)
I really liked this book - a story of love, and loss, and of a family finally healing old wounds. The book opens up at a funeral, with Bridget not quite sure where to go next. She has been isolated from her family, and has lost her husband and the dreams that she had for her future. In the aftermath of this tragedy, she finds her way back to the bakery she practically grew up in, and back to her sisters.
There are family secrets that come out, as they always seem to do. However, by confronting the secrets head on, rather than ignoring them, the family begins to come back together and heal. They have some great confrontations in the process (my favorite involves Bridget telling her mother off during family dinner with their priest).
I look forward to the other books in this series. The sisters were all very different, they are all spunky, and I can see how they would each have very different, but equally great, stories. The generational conflicts also add another dimension and make it easy to relate to, even for those of us who don't have sisters (I happen to have a mother who still tries to get me to wear pantyhose with a dress....)
June 25, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley.com for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I devoured this book. Seriously – I could not stop reading it because I was enthralled with the realness of the grieving process, the sisters, the family, Jim. Everything. I am so excited that this will be a series with each book touching on a different sister because I appreciated how this book focused solely on Bridget and her mother. I’m hoping each future installment will also show Colleen growing as a person as well.
What I loved: I realized that I am a Colleen minus the 4 daughters and the whole drinking thing. While it is not necessarily a good thing to be Colleen, I love that I am able to realize how I can be seen to others – and now I know how to make changes within myself to truly be the person I want to be. Plus a shout out to NKOTB is awesome!
What I didn’t love: You cannot write a series of books set in a bakery and not have a recipe or two. Shame on you! And Minions are not part of the Disney family… Since these are my only two critiques you know this has to be a good book.
What I learned: My hatred of all things Boston (except for NKOTB) may be beginning to thaw…
Overall Grade: A-
www.FluffSmutandMurder.com
July 11, 2017
What a cute, magical novel; it sucks you into the tale of Bridget and her life woes.
I was instantly hooked by Jump and her superb writing style.
In a few ways, this novel hits home for me. Bridget, the main character, is forced to find herself after her husband dies. She's forced to because she was suppressed by Jim and his lies, forced to because she isolated herself from her family and friends, and is forced to come to terms that her life was ending in shambles, and she needed to be the one to put the pieces back together. I've been there, girl. (Not with the death aspect, but with everything else.) It does take a strong-willed woman to do everything Bridget did.
Little by little, Bridget puts the pieces of her life back together. This is a powerful novel that shows strength does come within - and cake and cookies are always on the positive side. Full of emotion at every turn, Jump proves there is more to life than a broken marriage; a life to be filled with family, friends, and desserts.
I enjoyed how the novel was not all about Bridget. It showed the gap between family and friends, and how something so small can become so moving and mend the bridge between the two.
I was instantly hooked by Jump and her superb writing style.
In a few ways, this novel hits home for me. Bridget, the main character, is forced to find herself after her husband dies. She's forced to because she was suppressed by Jim and his lies, forced to because she isolated herself from her family and friends, and is forced to come to terms that her life was ending in shambles, and she needed to be the one to put the pieces back together. I've been there, girl. (Not with the death aspect, but with everything else.) It does take a strong-willed woman to do everything Bridget did.
Little by little, Bridget puts the pieces of her life back together. This is a powerful novel that shows strength does come within - and cake and cookies are always on the positive side. Full of emotion at every turn, Jump proves there is more to life than a broken marriage; a life to be filled with family, friends, and desserts.
I enjoyed how the novel was not all about Bridget. It showed the gap between family and friends, and how something so small can become so moving and mend the bridge between the two.
October 13, 2017
On Bridget's wedding day, she got into a huge fight with her sister Abby. It was such a huge fight that Bridget's husband encouraged her to cut ties with her family.
Three years passed and Bridget's husband has died. Her mother and sisters show up for the funeral but it is very tense.
Bridget realizes that she needs her family by her side to get through this change in her life.
She goes back to work at her family bakery.
Her mother is a handful.
Her sister Magpie is off traveling.
Other sister Nora is at the bakery and welcomes Bridget back.
And the youngest, Abby, is estranged from everyone. She has a secret that her very religious mother isn't likely to accept.
I liked the characters. All of the sisters seem like people whose company I'd enjoy. Their mother would drive people crazy. You can kind of understand why the family has been fractured.
The scenes at the bakery made me hungry for good pastries.
I would have liked Magpie and Nora to be bigger characters but I noticed this is a series. The next book is Nora's story. I'm sure I'll pick that one up too.
Three years passed and Bridget's husband has died. Her mother and sisters show up for the funeral but it is very tense.
Bridget realizes that she needs her family by her side to get through this change in her life.
She goes back to work at her family bakery.
Her mother is a handful.
Her sister Magpie is off traveling.
Other sister Nora is at the bakery and welcomes Bridget back.
And the youngest, Abby, is estranged from everyone. She has a secret that her very religious mother isn't likely to accept.
I liked the characters. All of the sisters seem like people whose company I'd enjoy. Their mother would drive people crazy. You can kind of understand why the family has been fractured.
The scenes at the bakery made me hungry for good pastries.
I would have liked Magpie and Nora to be bigger characters but I noticed this is a series. The next book is Nora's story. I'm sure I'll pick that one up too.
July 8, 2017
This book could be a story of my life. The story begins with Bridget O'Bannon desperately trying to escape her home where everyone is eating and talking about the funeral of her husband, who has been killed in an auto accident. Bridget is one of 4 girls raised by their strict Catholic Mother Colleen, who raised them since their father died when they were children. Colleen is a devout Catholic who believes that showing any weakness or emotion or, admitting to any mistakes, is unacceptale. This family has fought for years, many not speaking for the past few years after huge blow-ups. The story is about how dysfunctional any family can be and, whether families feel it's worth the pain, lies, skeletons hidden in the closet and, the exceedingly difficult tasks of picking up all of those pieces and molding them back together with love, truth and, ultumately, forgiveness.
An absolutely entrancing story!
An absolutely entrancing story!
July 15, 2017
Bridget's marriage was failing. She decided to divorce. Then, her husband dies. She discovers an endless trail of secrets that he left behind. Wow. Can I relate to that one! Shirley Jump did an excellent job with writing the emotions behind that.
Colleen, the matriarch, has demons of her own that leave her cold toward her children. When the long-lost daughter, Abbey, returns and says she is marrying a woman, how will Colleen deal with that? It goes against her beliefs and the church's beliefs.
Together, they all work in the family bakery. Though, they quit several times because of Colleen. In the end, it is the bakery and the family dinners that bring them together. There may be love in the air, too.
There were six main characters in this book, yet Shirley Jump did not let that weigh the book down. This was a great book that was full of substance, yet light--like a good dessert.
Colleen, the matriarch, has demons of her own that leave her cold toward her children. When the long-lost daughter, Abbey, returns and says she is marrying a woman, how will Colleen deal with that? It goes against her beliefs and the church's beliefs.
Together, they all work in the family bakery. Though, they quit several times because of Colleen. In the end, it is the bakery and the family dinners that bring them together. There may be love in the air, too.
There were six main characters in this book, yet Shirley Jump did not let that weigh the book down. This was a great book that was full of substance, yet light--like a good dessert.
July 11, 2017
Got an ARC of this book at BookCon. At first I wasn't sure if I would really enjoy it but I am glad I did. This book is filled with heartbreak, cookies, family drama, and more sweets. It's a story about four sisters and their mother who own a bakery shop. But over time they had fall outs, until one of the sister, Bridget, becomes a widow. She is the main protagonist in the book, but the view point from the other sisters and the mother are shown to. You go through many emotions, twists and turns through out the book. Lots of family secrets that keep you guessing till the end. And of course there are the desserts, cookies, cakes, and so much more. I was even happy to find out this is just the 1st book in the series! Can't wait for the next one. Definitely pick up this book, it will make you hungry! :D
July 12, 2017
The perfect summer read of starting over. Bridget O'Bannon is starting her life over after her husband dies. She returns to work at the family bakery, that her mother owns. A disagreement from Bridget's wedding day had thrown the family apart but the sisters will now try to come together. Their mother is very set in her ways, as a young widow raised four girls in a catholic household. There will be secrets that come out in the story. A new friend for Bridget, Garrett also a widower, helps her move forward in life.
The sisters are all so different, Magpie, Nora and Abby but will always be sisters for better or worse. All great complex characters. Loved the bakery, I was drooling over some of the cakes! I'm hoping there will more stories of O'Bannon sisters.
The sisters are all so different, Magpie, Nora and Abby but will always be sisters for better or worse. All great complex characters. Loved the bakery, I was drooling over some of the cakes! I'm hoping there will more stories of O'Bannon sisters.
November 12, 2018
This book just wasn't a good fit for me. I couldn't relate to a lot about the family and their background, which made it hard for me to feel sympathy for a lot of their choices in how to handle things, and disconnected me from caring too much how it turned out. The writing was very poetic, but they repeated the same feelings and problems over and over again, too many times for my taste. I feel I would have enjoyed this more if it was a series of short stories, one about each character. I think this would have tightened up the plot and narrative more to my liking.
That being said, I do believe there are people who will enjoy this book, and people especially from the Boston area that may recognize themselves and their families in this book. It just wasn't a fit for me.
That being said, I do believe there are people who will enjoy this book, and people especially from the Boston area that may recognize themselves and their families in this book. It just wasn't a fit for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews