Menu for Romance

Brides of Bonneterre #2

by Kaye Dacus

Cater to your craving for fabulous fictional fare with Menu for Romance, where a party planner finds herself torn between the contractor and the cook. After eight years of unrequited love, Meredith Guidry makes a New Year's resolution to find someone new and end her single status before the year's over. And when she meets a handsome contractor on New Year's Day, it seems like her prayers have been answered. Executive Chef Major O'Hara has forsworn relationships, knowing he could never saddle the woman he loves with a family situation like his. But when it seems he's about to lose Meredith Guidry to another man, he realizes he must concoct a menu for romance to win her back.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Christian, Fiction, Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2009

About the author

Kaye Dacus is a professional editor, author, and educator who has been writing fiction for more nearly forty years. Pursuing her passion for writing, she earned a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. Kaye lives in Middle Tennessee, where she is a training documentation specialist in the IT industry and volunteers teaching writing in the community. She writes contemporary and historical romances; and while her contemporary romances are out of print, her historicals are available at most major retailers. To learn more about Kaye and her books, visit her website at kayedacus.com.

Reviews

[The_Book_Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not usually one for contemporaries, unless it's from an author I already know and love. But when I saw Menu for Romance on the ER list for August, I was interested enough to request it. And while this wasn't my favorite book of all times, it was a pleasant enough read that I may try other books from Ms. Dacus in the future.

I did enjoy the lite, fluffy romance in the story, and it was a welcome reprieve from all the other books I've been reading. It had it's 'ah, cute' type of moments, along with a few witty ones. In other words, a sweet, and fairly quick read.

However, the one main thing that I didn't like was the complete lack of sexual tension---of any sort! Only a few little pecks on the lips were even mentioned in the book. Now, I know, this is technically a 'Christian Fiction', and that means that it's no where near the erotica level, but does it have to mean no sexual tension, too? Come on, sometimes the build up and teasing along the way is far more interesting than the actual 'event'! If the author doesn't want to put sex scenes in the book before the h/hr are married, that's fine with me-- but what's so harmful in a few slightly heady scenes between a couple that you know will end up married in the end?

Despite the lack of, well, passion, between the hero and heroine of the story, the characters themselves weren't too bad. They could have had a bit more depth at times, but over all, I didn't mind them-- and I have to say, Major's mother was by far the most unique out of the group. I only wish the author had played up interaction between them all a bit more, since at times I almost didn't really see the connection between them. It was more like a fine line than the strong one you usually want in a book, especially a romance. Christian Fiction or not, you still need that connection, that growth and development from the characters.


3/5 STARS! An enjoyable romance novel, which I would recommend to anyone, even a teenage girl. With an interesting (and not too common) story plot, which only added to the appeal, plus characters and events that are realisitc, Menu for Romance shouldn't be passed over just because of its genre. Try it, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed in it either!

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I had somewhat of a love dislike relationship with Major and Meredith for the first half of the book. Meredith for taking up with Ward - although I did like Ward, but not for Meredith - and Major for not stepping up and admitting his feels for Meredith or his mothers illness.

Speaking of his mother, she was so cute. Her love for John Wayne was over-the-top adorable! I loved her role in the books ending.

Looking forward to book 3.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid second in the series. We get to really know characters we have already met and explore different ideas about what it means to have a healthy relationship.

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Menu for Romance

Menu for Romance is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it. It was a sweet romance and I have already downloaded another book by her.

[Maija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

I read the first book in this series, Stand-In Groom. I enjoyed it so much I bought this one and the next. I loved Menu For Romance and can't wait to read book 3!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do believe that I have found the author who can consistently provide me with my contemporary romance fix! Now, I've only read 2 of her books so far, but I stand by my first statement because both of those books have been THAT GOOD! Her Brides of Bonneterre Series has everything I love in a contemporary romance: the heart-stopping kissing scenes, the fun (but at times, flawed) characters, and a good dose of Southern charm.

Now, most books that try to have a Southern flair either get it right or get it wrong, and unless you're from the South, you might never know which bucket a book falls in. Pleasantly, Menu for Romance fell into the "got it right" bucket. :o) If I'm not mistaken, Kaye is a from the South, so she's certainly stuck to the all-important writing rule of "write what you know." Bonneterre is a fictional town in Louisiana that has an old-South charm. There's a great love of family and friends there, not to mention the beautiful plantation homes that make one "ooh" and "ahh."

Then, there's the Southernisms....things that I immediately noticed because they are already prevelant in my family (particularly obvious in my redneck brother). A man is not called a man, but a "fella." You don't say "everyone"--you say "y'all." You come out of the womb with a John Wayne movie in your hands. And your tea better be "so sweet that if you run out of syrup, you can pour it over your pancakes" (borrowed that line from Christian comedian, Mark Lowry).

So, with all that Southern loveliness floating around, it should be easy for a couple to fall in love and start a relationship, right? Well, almost. Falling in love was obvious to everyone except Meredith and Major...which caused me to get a tad frustrated, but I was still understanding. See, Major has a family secret that would be utter mortification if it got out to his friends. And even though he's known Meredith for 8 long years, he's never been able to share this secret with her, his best friend. So, he tries to put her out of his mind and his heart until another "fella" comes a'courting. Equally, Meredith tries to move on past her 8-year crush on Major until she sees a certain woman making goo-goo eyes at him. But God had other plans in mind for these two, if only they'd just open their eyes. Trust me, it was well worth the wait once the light bulb came on for both Meredith and Major. :o)

So, if you're a Southern gal like me, and love a great romance, then may I wholeheartedly recommend that you get yourself down the road to Wal-mart and buy yo'self a copy of this book! (For those non-Southerners out there, most everything can be found at Wally World in our small towns.) And if they don't have it at Wal-mart, then get to beggin', borrowin', or stealin' (well, maybe I shouldn't encourage that last one). No matter...get yourself a copy of Menu for Romance and the book before it, Stand-In Groom. You'll be really glad that you did. :o)

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Menu For Romance by Kaye Dacus
Barbour Publishing, Inc, 2009
317 pages
Contemporary, Inspirational, Romance
2nd in Brides of Bonneterre Series
3/5 stars

I loved the first book, Stand-In Groom.

Source: Received from netgalley.

Summary: Meredith and Major are busy professionals at her family's company and they've had crushes on each other for years. But neither has ever dared to say anything. This year will be different. Meredith has made a New Year's resolution that she will find a relationship. And while Major doesn't want to saddle any woman with his mother's schizophrenia, he doesn't want to lose Meredith.

Thoughts: I didn't like this book as much as the first one because Meredith and Major are both in love with each other but are too afraid of getting involved because they don't think they're good enough. Plus Major keeps his mother and her mental problems hidden because while he "loves" Meredith, he thinks she would reject him if she knew. That doesn't indicate trust or respect or love to me.

Additionally Major at one point wants her to admit that she loves him even though he doesn't plan to act on it or anything! I mean on the one hand, he's very old-fashioned chivalrous (sometimes it veers in to patronizing for me) and on the other hand he doesn't trust her at all which does not indicate a strong future for them. Basically he wants her around for him even though he's not going to do anything about it. I hate heroes like that! They don't even deserve the label "hero" in my opinion. When she finds out, he purposely misunderstands her good heart. He is a disgusting coward who's ashamed of his mother and is a pathetic excuse for a man. Eventually they have it all out but it was somewhat unsatisfying. I don't see them having the future Anne and George will have and I don't really want to hear about them in the next book.

Also the whole John Wayne obsession thing was so played out. First John Wayne was a right-wing racist nutcase, not someone I want to support. Second it seemed like his publicist had arranged for all this extra publicity (obviously that's crazy because he's dead but it felt like that). I was super pissed every time they talked about him. The Dean Martin craze (and seriously who likes Dean more than Frank?!) in the first book was much less obtrusive.

Heroine: 4.5/5 (Strong, hard-worker, a bit of a mouse when it comes to her family; obviously bad taste in men)
Hero: 1/5 (for his cooking abilities; nothing to do with his interactions with the heroine.)

Overall: Less satisfying romance than the first book but I still love most of the people in Bonneterre.

Cover: Again it has the chopped off head but the fact that Major is a chef and that makes me think of cooking shows which I adore means that I prefer this cover to the first book's cover.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of interviewing Kaye Dacus, on our radio show "Kingdom Highlights", for her new book, "Menu For Romance", Book Two in her, "Brides of Bonneterre" series published by Barbour.

Meredith Guidry is the Events & Facilities Manager for Boudreaux-Guidry Enterprises. She has been madly in love with her Executive Chef, Major O'Hara, since he signed on to work for the family eight years before. On New Year's Eve she makes a resolution that by the following New Year's Eve she will be engaged or married. Chef O'Hara has been in love with her but has refused to tell her because of his family situation with his mother. It is only when he sees that Meredith is pursuing a dating relationship that he realizes he might just lose her if he doesn't do something quickly. And this action that he takes is the reason for the title of the book.

One again we return to the fictional city of Bonneterre and, once again, Ms. Dacus has filled the pages with high drama, wonderful romance and fascinating characters. It is a book about speaking up for oneself and the consequences when we do not speak up for ourselves. It is also about honoring one's parents and Ms. Dacus does a fine job of bringing that to life as both Meredith and Major have to deal with their parents and let love into their lives.

I recommend this book highly as Ms. Dacus is a great writer and never fails to deliver a wonderful story and great romance.

If you missed the interview for "Menu For Romance" and would like to listen to it and/or would like to hear the previous interviews where we discussed the first and third books please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in the Brides of Bonneterre series set in Bonneterre, LA. It is not necessary to have read the first book in the series, Stand-In Groom, but I highly recommend it because it introduces the Guidry family, including Meredith, as well as the B-G company and Chef Major O'Hara.

Meredith is the oldest sister of the Guidry family. She is 34-years-old and never been on a real date. She makes a new year's resolution to find herself a husband and get over her crush on Major O'Hara. She is tired of being lonely and being overlooked by men, so she plans to let God lead her to the husband she has been praying for.
Major O'Hara may want to share his life with Meredith, but he is keeping his secrets close to his chest and not letting anyone in. He fears letting Meredith in will only scare her away, so he plans on letting her go.

I enjoy the Guidry family and those around them. They are likable characters that I would want to be friends with in real life. Unfortunately, they seem a little unbelievable. Is it really believable that Meredith has never been asked on a date in her 34 years? Maybe, but it is repeated how beautiful she is and that how men look at her. Is it believable that everyone only listens to southern gospel or jazz music? (Even in the last book, the characters only liked Sinatra music of that era) Can it be that they never ever have lustful thoughts? They barely think about kissing? That everyone they meet is a Christian and so very chaste? It became almost overwhelming how Christian these people were.

So, there is the believability factor. Then, the relationship just seemed to fizzle near the end. There was no spark, no warm fuzzy feeling, no sigh at the end. It just seemed that was it and let's move on. I wanted more. I wanted to know how Meredith and Major would be together. How would they talk things out? How would they resolve issues? Would they hold hands? Would they make goo-goo eyes at each other? Even stuffy George and Anne in the last book was more excitable than Meredith and Major.

A little disappointing, but I still enjoy the characters and the stories about the Guidry family.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith is 34 years old and has never had a boyfriend or been on a real date. She has been in love with Major for 8 years and finally vows to get over him and move on. She meets Wade and they start to date. But has hard as she tries she still loves Major. Will she finally move on or will a spark finally ignite with her one true love?

Major has cherished Meredith for so many years but because of his hidden secret of his schizophrenic mother he has not acted on his feeling for her. When she starts to date he finds himself jealous. Will he let her go or finally share his secret with her and find the love he craves?

I read the 3rd book in this series a few months ago and was not sure if I was going to like this book but I am glad I read it. It started off a little slow but once I got into it I had trouble putting it down. I always like a book that has two characters who love each other but don’t act on it at first.

Dealing with the disorder of Schizophrenic was a interesting topic and I felt it fit well into the book. Meredith also dealt with the emotions of feeling like no man wanted her as well as not feeling appreciated by her family for all the work she does. Also reading the 2nd book helped me to get a better understanding of the main male character in the 3rd book. At some point I would like to go back and read the first book. Talk about reading a series backwards!

Over all I enjoyed this book. It has a great romance story as well as dealing with honoring ones parents and self. You might want to grab the first book and read it. You can read this book with out it but that book is talked about some in this one. If you want a good romance book then this is a great choice!


DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Full review here: http://abbiesreadingcorner.blogspot.c...

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: MENU FOR ROMANCE
Author: Kaye Dacus
Publisher: Barbour Books
July 2099
ISBN: 978-1-60260-455-1
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance

Meredith Guidry has been in love with Major O’Hara for eight long years. But since the love is unrequited, she decides to make a New Years resolution to find someone that will love her in return—and be married by the next New Years. But then she goes to a hardware store and meets handsome contractor, Ward. Ward seems to be interested in Meredith in return, and asks her out on a date for that week.

Executive Chef Major O’Hara has loved Meredith as well, but his mother lives in an assisted living home and suffers from mental issues. Major is afraid that once a woman finds out about his “crazy” mother she will dump him. So he focuses on his work, keeping his mother and her issues secret.

When Major is offered the job of a lifetime, he has to decide whether to leave Meredith and her company to start his own restaurant. But his mother starts having more episodes and Major finds himself facing more than he can handle. Especially as he watches Meredith falling in love with another man. How can he win back Meredith, pursue his dreams, and take care of his mother?

MENU FOR ROMANCE is the sequel to Stand In Groom but it easily stands alone. I enjoyed reading Meredith’s story and getting to know her and Major a little bit better.

The characters are well-developed, and the story is formula romance, with really no surprises. I did find the events leading up to the black moment a little too contrived, If you are looking for a good contemporary romance, then MENU FOR ROMANCE would be good to consider. This is a sweet romance with no sexual tension between hero/heroine. Available now at your favorite Christian bookstore. $10.99. 317 pages.

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith Guidry is the head event planner for her parent’s company, presiding over parties, weddings and balls to ensure that everything goes without a hitch and the hundreds of guests enjoy themselves. But her New Year’s resolution is to give up her unrequited love for Major O’Hara and get a boyfriend. She meets a handsome building contractor in the hardware store, who asks her out. Maybe this is the start of something… Major (named for a character in a John Wayne film) is the head caterer for the company, and has been in love with Meredith, his boss, for eight years. But his mother is in psychiatric care, and he doesn’t want anyone to know, least of all Meredith. But the sight of her with the contractor makes him wonder…

I don’t really like the ‘big secret’ plot. I thought Major made too big a deal out of hiding the details of his background, especially considering that Meredith was his boss (I would have thought the concept of dating your boss scary enough for most men). It seemed as though he didn’t trust her, yet he was in love with her. Go figure. Having said that, I did really enjoy Menu for Romance. I liked the Guidry family’s relationships, and I liked the way that Meredith and Major got together. I really like Dacus’s characters and writing style, and I am slowly working my way through her back list, so I was very pleased to find this available as a review copy.

Kaye Dacus was a Christy Award finalist for the first book in this trilogy, Stand-In Groom, which centred on Meredith’s cousin, Anne, a wedding planner. The final book in the trilogy, A Case for Love, focuses on two characters from Menu for Romance, lawyer Forbes Guidry and TV reporter Alaine Delacroix. So that is next on my wish list…

Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Menu for Romance is a decent romance, of its type. I have to preface this way, since it’s a "Christian" romance, which apparently means absolutely zero sexual tension whatsoever. My guess (I have not read a lot of Christian romance) is that most in this genre avoid any and all of the average behaviors for couples in love/lust, so I will charitably put it on a scale with those. Placing it in the spectrum of general romance, of which I’ve read a lot, I would put it somewhere below decent and somewhere above mediocre, mainly for the writing style, which is pretty good. I will not surprise any regular romance readers when I tell you that most are formulaic and trite, but will at least give you a little curly feeling in the belly when the action heats up, and the feel-good is what keeps you coming back. Menu for Romance misses formulaic and careens straight into ridiculous. Our 34 year-old heroine, though so beautiful she turns the head of every man she passes has- wait for it- never dated. Like, at all. Even though she wants to. Really? Yes, really. Furthermore, the tension of the novel rests on such a contrived “problem” that you will find it impossible to suspend your disbelief. The author and characters clearly agree, as the “problem” is resolved without fanfare about 2 pages from the end. Whoop-de-doo. The characters are likeable in other ways, of course. You won’t hate them. You just won’t be able to believe them.

Some romance novels are all about ‘teh sex’ and ignore writing quality (I’m looking at you, Harlequin). This book goes too far the other way, leaving you with nothing to feel good about. And really, why waste time reading romantic rubbish if you don’t get a little vicarious thrill somewhere in there?

[Cheeyee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review At: I Read, I Think, I Share

Review Date: 31 Jan 2011

Review URL: http://littlemermybooks.blogspot.com/2011/08/menu-for-romance-by-kaye-dacus.html

Summary:

Meredith Guidry had been having crush for her work mate Chef Major O'Hara for 8 years. With having a traditional mindset, she believed the guy should make the move. On the other hand, Major loved Meredith for very long time too. Due to past experiences, and also struggling with his life and career, he was worried about being rejected and thought that Meredith was better with someone else other than him. I think Major was keeping too much things to himself. If he tells his best friends about his mom, I'm sure he did not have to give up those important things in his life. From many books and even in real life, I have learnt that honestly is important in relationship. Things get so much better after Meredith told the contractor about her feeling with him. Similarly after Meredith learn the truth about Major's mom. We not necessary must suffer or struggle alone. Sometimes it's alright to ask supports and help from family and friends who care for us.

It is an inspirational story. I enjoy reading this book very much. And I'm looking forward to read more books from Dacus. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital copy of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Cathy Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Happy Sigh* Kaye Dacus has done it again. First she delivered a delightful planner and her British beau in Stand-In Groom. Now she's dished out a delicious serving of charming chef and his lovely party planner in Menu For Romance, the second book in the Brides of Bonneterre series.

Imagine being in love with someone for eight long years, of seeing him everyday in the work environment, of calling him friend--and feeling like your love will never be returned. Such is the case of our lovely heroine, Meredith Guidry.

Now imagine that you've overcome difficulty after difficulty in your life, including having to parent a mother with psychological issues, and believing that you'll never be able to have a normal life--wife, family, career dreams--because of caring for her. That is the dilemma of our hero, Executive Chef Major O'Hara.

After organizing yet another New Years' Eve party, and having no boyfriend to share it with, Meredith vows to get over her infatuation with Major by finding a boyfriend before the next New Year's celebration. When a handsome contractor shows up with all the qualifications she's been looking for in a man, will she at long last be able to leave behind her unrequited love for the chef who's stolen her heart? And will Major stand by and let it happen, or will he be able to whip up a menu for romance to win her back?

(Catch the rest of my review at http://wordvessel.blogspot.com.)

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menu For Romance by Kaye Dacus
Boneterre Brides Book 2
For eight years two people have had a secret, they were in love with each other but neither one knew. Chef Major O'Hara kept his secret out of fear and embarrassment. He had a family secret that he feared would close the door between him and the woman he loved. Instead the secret kept them apart as well. When he sees that she is dating someone and it looks to be getting serious...Major needs to make a major decision...Will he fight for the woman he loves or stand back and lose her forever?

Meredith Guidry was thirty-four years old and still single, without even a hint of anyone interested in her. Oh yes, and she already spent eight years in love with a man who also never showed interest in her. She recently bought an old house to remodel and move into, at least she could use her singleness to working on the house since there were no dates in sight...that is until she meets Ward Breaux on New Year's Day, in the hardware store.

Kaye has a book filled with the business of running big events and fundraisers, she has the reader seeing the busy kitchen and dining rooms with everyone bustling to get things together, Meredith buried in paper work in her office and the fun of family meal. She adds humorous moments along with feeling the frustrations. I enjoyed reading this book.

**Received through NetGalley for review.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meredith Guidry is a professional events planner for her parent's company, and with her life a constant whirlwind, she's just never had a chance to settle down. Executive chef Major Daniel Xavier Kirby O'Hara is tied down to his family situation, and doesn't want to saddle a woman down with his life. Meridith and Major have worked together closely for eight years, and neither has been able to admit their attraction to one another. Will time be on their side when they finally discover the truth - and each other? Or is Major too late in his attempt to woo Meridith back into his arms?

Book two in the Brides of Bonneterre was as good as a big bowl of gumbo on a cold winter day. Dacus has written a novel that is funny, entertaining, and humorous that makes it hard to put down. She paints word pictures of the busyness of the kitchen during preparation for events, of Meridith's workload as she juggles coordinating events, and the sometimes crushing pressure of having a big family that smothers and teases you at every turn. I'm not sure how accurate a depiction this is of a typical family in Louisiana, but I enjoyed the book for what it was - a romance that kept my interest with snippets of Godly wisdom to encourage character growth. A good read and one I will recommend.

[JaneReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how these two kept up the hours they did, they made me feel tired just reading about everything they did. I really felt drawn to them though, as if we could be friends. I really liked Major but wished he would have taken the risk at the beginning of the book to tell Meredith how he felt. After knowing her 8 years, he was still worried about how she would react to the news about his mom, how well did he really know her then? On Meredith's side I can't image what like was like growing up for her in such a large family, I had trouble keep track of how everyone was related. I really enjoyed the scenes with Major mom, she added some fun energy to the book. This book kept my interest all the way through as I wanted to know things would turn out, and I loved the last scene with the mom, but I wanted to know more of what the future would hold for these two (maybe book 3 will give me this). While reading it got me thinking am I like Meredith and Major keeping secrets and my true feelings about things to myself afraid to open up to those closest to me. Overall it was a fun entertaining read and got me to think analyze myself a bit in the process.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have loved nothing more that to sit and read this book all the way through at one sitting but alas that was not the case at hand!

Menu for Romance is the first book that I’ve read by author Kaye Dacus and it won’t be my last. This book is the second in the Brides of Bonneterre Series but does an exceptional job of standing alone with no need of going back and reading the book prior. Though, I will say that you’ll probably want too after getting to know characters in this wonderful story.
I appreciate that this book was modestly written not filled with cussing or sex. The characters were real in struggling with problems that most people deal with on a daily basis. I loved that the characters weren’t perfect and how their prayers weren’t exactly answered like they had hoped for.

God works in mysterious ways, and the surprising twist and turns in this book illustrate that. I highly recommend this book if your looking for a heart warming yet real tale of love and romance from a christian perspective.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Menu for Romance is a great read for a hopeless romantic like myself. As Meredith struggles to understand the purpose God has for her life she also struggles with a long time crush on her co-worker Major. Finally determined to not be alone the next New Years, she prays that God will help her get over her crush and be open to whoever may come into her life. Major, is struggling with wanting to open his own restaurant, while dealing with the issue of having schizophrenic mother. When things seem to finally be working out, his mother suffers a bad spell and he places a great deal of blame for his life not being the way he wanted. It's not until an accident nearly takes his life that he understands all that his mother gave for him, and that he too has feelings for Meredith.
The only downside to the book is that there were several references to the story from the previous book in the series (which I haven't read YET) but outside of that, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys inspirational romances.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Won in a giveaway.
I have not read a lot of Christian fiction. This is probably number three. Maybe I'm on a quest for one that's actually good, and this isn't it. Why are these books always so bland? No sexual tension, no real conflict, nothing to make me care. Nothing that could offend anyone. I found the whole problem about the mother really a problem. If Major loved Meredith and thought she was such a wonderful person, then he should have known that she would accept and care about his mother, instead of just assuming that she would reject him. She was in a home. It's not like they would be living together. And really, a woman this old without any horrible disfigurements or personality disorders never having dated. Come one! She may be a Christian, but I can't buy that. As I said before, I also hate that the male lead was named Major. All I could think of was a military commander. Oh, and there are way too many Guidry brothers, sisters, cousins and associates. Very confusing. The search continues.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Menu for Romance was an adorable book.

The main character Meredith is a charming character that many people can relate to in the fact that she does find herself overtly pretty. She also loves someone that she works with but won't act on her lust/love in fear that he won't love her back. This goes the same for men that pine after a girl but don't have her.

I also thought it was a fantastic book to show the struggle people go through when they have someone who is crazy in their family. As someone, who has a mother who is bipolar to the point where I couldn't live with her anymore and had to move into my aunt's house, I could relate to Major's problems. The book shows you the struggles people have to go through when they have someone who is crazy. It also shows you how you can hurt loved ones/others in this way.

While the book moves slowly, it is worth reading. So if you are looking for something to read pick this book up.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kaye Dacus takes us back to Benneterre, this time with characters more interesting than the first book, STAND-IN GROOM. Meredith pledges that this year will finally be the year she gets a man in her life. However, when not one but TWO guys come knocking, it doesn't feel right. The only person who could possibly understand her busy lifestyle is Major O'Hara, the sweetest guy ever. (And a world-class chef!) Though there could not possibly be a couple better suited for each other, it is entertaining to watch these two come to grips with their mutual feelings.

One of the pleasures of reading this series is that it deals with real people, real jobs, and real life concerns. Readers from all walks of life will be able to identify with loving someone close to you and/or dealing with a family secret. Her writing style is easy and lightweight.

I am looking forward to the third book, where we finally get to learn more about Forbes!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this second book in the Brides of Bonneterre Series. The way she weaves the story of Meredith and Major throughout the whole book kept your attention. In the end the lessons each learned were valuable. Meredith never though her parents took her seriously and felt that her family overcrowded her at times. I think we can all relate to that at one point in our lives or another. But, I think I love how Major learned his lesson about his mother who has had a harder life than most. It took the love of his best friend to point out that he wouldn't be where he was today if it wasn't for him mom and he shouldn't think of her as a duty or embarassment. Sometimes having others point things out to us when things seem to have no hope, makes things come to light. Can't wait for the next one to come out!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Menu for Romance" is a contemporary Christian romance novel. The book is the second in a series, but you don't have to read the first book to understand and enjoy this one.

The characters were charming, interesting, and varied. Meredith went through realistic struggles, like wondering if something was wrong with her because guys didn't ask her out on dates and trying to find privacy in a large family that always seemed to know what she was doing.

The details about the town and job were nice and made the setting seem realistic. The pacing was excellent until the very end. In fact, I loved this book all the way up until the last thirty pages. However, the ending felt rushed to me as I didn't feel like previous problem issues had been fully resolved between the two main characters.

There was no cussing and no sex. Overall, the book was well-written and very enjoyable.

[K.L. Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Reads Reviewer. Ah, the sting of unrequited love. Such is life in Menu for Romance, a pretty enjoyable Christian romance. The characters, Major and Meredith, were thoroughly engaging. Meredith reminded me of myself in some ways, having feelings of self doubt because the one you love is just out of your reach…at least you think he is. While I would consider this a fairly easy read, I had a hard time getting into it in the first two chapters, and then I felt it went a little long toward the end. All in all, though, the ending was certainly satisfying and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you a hopeless romantic who believes in Christ and the power of prayer. This was my first Christian romance, and the lack of cursing and sex was a welcome change for me. I’d recommend it for fans of the genre.

[Jennifer Fluegge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did not disappoint! I loved her first book and was eagerly awaiting her second--had it on preorder from Amazon. The storyline was great, details were interesting and kept me reading. There were some points where you did want to say to either guy or girl...just go ahead and tell him/her that you love him/her already! But not enough to make you give up on the book. I could follow the struggles of both characters pretty easily and was happy with the way it all ended. I liked that it was a sequel, with characters from the first book included and expanded upon in this book. It seems that the author is going to continue in the series with other family members and I am looking forward the next books!

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable contemporary romance read! This is a sequel, but easily could be read and loved alone, but if you skip to this one it will make you eager to go back and read the first novel as well. The characters are real and fast to fill into your heart and bring you along on their journey. The story is told from the point of view of two separate characters that each have a bit of personal and spiritual growth that they must go through before they are ready to know what is capable of coming next in life. I strongly recommend this read for the romantic at heart, whether single or not it is an enjoyable and strengthening read.

[Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Reads Review. **Christian Romance** I missed that part, so if you are Christian and like to have God, Bible verses and prayer in your romance novels this book is for you.
Set in Louisiana, Meredith is surrounded by her family, is 34, has never been on a date and has been in love with the chef at the family corporation she works at for eight years.
Of course Major, the chef, has also been in love with her for years as well. He has a family secret that he doesn't want anyone to know, that he thinks could ruin any chances he has with ever finding love that lasts.
The book is a bit long, with side stories involving a house, a puppy, a lot of family, and John Wayne.

[Daphne Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few familiar characters arrive in this book, courtesy of Stand-In Groom, but the story centers around Meredith and Major, Major Daniel Xavier Kirby O'Hara to be exact.
I'm a John Wayne fan and I really enjoyed the way the love of The Duke was incorporated into the story.
This is a very sweet romance with a happy ending, a really good entertaining happy ending.
Kaye Dacus never fails to bring a smile to my face when reading her books.
Menu for Romance is a definite winner in romantic interludes and there were just enough foreshadowing for the next book in the series.
I recommend this for anyone who wants a good, clean, sweet, and happy romance to read.