The Missing Ingredient

by Debbie White

He may have broken her heart, but Kari is a survivor.

Kari leaves in a hurry. She has no idea where she is going--she just knows it has to be far away from Eddie. When an advertisement for the Kentucky Derby pops up on her Google search, something about the area intrigues her.

Tired from her long journey leading her to Lexington, an exhausted Kari stops in Bourbonville for just an overnight stay. But after a burger and a slice of pie at Sadie's, a diner with décor reminiscent of the 50s, Kari makes a split-second decision to stick around. She settles into her new town becoming one of Bourbonville's newest entrepreneurs featuring her exemplary culinary skills.

Jeff has never been quite so bold before. But a little voice in his head tells him to speak to her. He doesn't know for sure, but his military training leads him to believe she's running from something. He's running from something, too.

It's not long before Kari realizes the Derby isn't the only race in town with high stakes and her bet is on Jefferson Davies, the owner/operator of Jeff's Marketplace. Can these two come together and mend their broken hearts while restoring their faith in love, or will it become a recipe for disaster?

A steamy contemporary romance.

Genres: Contemporary

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2017

About the author

Debbie is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her romance's range from sweet to spicy. When she's not writing the next bestseller, you can find her enjoying her backyard, riding on the back of their motorcycle, or visiting one of the many wineries in their area. They have two rescue dachshunds, Dash and Briar. With pet rescue so dear to her heart, she gives a percentage of all book sales to rescue organizations. When you purchase one of Debbie's books you are also helping to feed, house and provide medication to a furry friend while they await their forever home.

Reviews

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romance, The Missing Ingredient serves not only as a delightful romance, but also as a guide to starting over; taking your life in your hands and lessons in autonomy; as well as how to go about starting your own business and all that it takes to get it off the ground. When Kari experiences a catalytic moment, she flees her home, her marriage and the life she has known as the perfect wife and hostess. While this story deals with the way in which Kari made her choices, she doesn’t do what many women do, and spiral into self-pity and depression. Instead she grabs life by the horns and decides on what is best for her own future. This leads her to Lexington, and because Kari is open to change, she finds herself choosing to settle in the small Kentucky town. The first thing that Kari finds out is that everyone has a history with almost everyone else in town, and there are no secrets. However, there is kindness, warmth and friendship to be found. Most importantly, there is Jeff who in spite of his own history with the town of Lexington, opens his heart to the new-comer and tentatively forms a friendship. I enjoyed the characters in this book, as well as the gentle humour. The narrative is smooth and it is an enjoyable read. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Missing Ingredient, by Debbie White, is a contemporary romantic suspense story. This was a truly sweet story about finding a second chance at love. I found the characters to be well developed and charming. They each have been broken, but found ways to overcome those hurts. Its telling is done well and I enjoyed this story.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Its not as much a romance as it the story of Kira finding her way after her life is blown up.

I received an Advance Reader Copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Missing Ingredient (A Chandler County Novel) ARC Review: The Missing Ingredient (Chandler County) by Debbie WhiteMs. White, whips up a duo readers can root for. Life takes many twists and turns. From heartbreaking betrayals, to moments of empowerment that brings us all full circle. The Missing Ingredient tackles them all with insightfulness, sensitivity and a pinch of hope and a dash of faith. It takes courage to start over. For Kari, it proved to be the best decision she ever made. She found strength within herself and on the corner of heartache and disaster, she found happiness and true love. Kari and Jeff's journey is one of truth, redemption and romance. Surprising, satisfying and identifiable.

[J Lundsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story! When Kari's life implodes she randomly chooses Kentucky as her new start. New friends and a new life await her. I loved Kari's spirit! She started from nothing but soon found a different purpose as well as new friends and a new love. Recommended!!