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First Course
When four life-altering catastrophes hit in just one day—including the loss of her parents in a tragic plane crash—twenty-four-year-old Janie Whitman retreats to her family’s summer house in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Here she tries to provide stability for her older sister Alyssa and two young nieces by cooking them amazing food.
Through a mix-up with the alumni office at her parents’ alma mater, Janie meets a young high school guidance counselor named Rocky at a volunteer event, and their fast-tracked romance helps Janie to see possibilities beyond the life she had known just a few weeks prior. But with her ex-boyfriend (and former boss) making overtures beyond her wildest dreams, as well as Alyssa’s estranged husband willing to do whatever it takes to win her back, the Whitman sisters are faced with big decisions.
Despite the obstacles in their way, when Janie and Alyssa are tasked with establishing a lasting memorial for their parents, they just might find the second acts they are seeking.
Through a mix-up with the alumni office at her parents’ alma mater, Janie meets a young high school guidance counselor named Rocky at a volunteer event, and their fast-tracked romance helps Janie to see possibilities beyond the life she had known just a few weeks prior. But with her ex-boyfriend (and former boss) making overtures beyond her wildest dreams, as well as Alyssa’s estranged husband willing to do whatever it takes to win her back, the Whitman sisters are faced with big decisions.
Despite the obstacles in their way, when Janie and Alyssa are tasked with establishing a lasting memorial for their parents, they just might find the second acts they are seeking.
210 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2021
80 people are currently reading
4978 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Bouchard
3 books132 followersJenn Bouchard's debut novel FIRST COURSE was published in 2021 by TouchPoint Press and has now been published in a second edition. It has been the recipient of fourteen awards and distinctions, including two Eric Hoffer awards. It was released in audiobook from Tantor Audio in 2023. Her short stories have appeared in the Bookends Review, Litbreak Magazine, the Penmen Review, the Little Patuxent Review, MARY, and FOLIO. Her second novel CONSIDERING US was published in 2025 with Black Rose Writing. It was the 2025 winner in romantic comedy with the American Fiction Awards. PALMS ON THE CAPE will be released on July 2, 2026, also with Black Rose Writing.
Jenn lives in the Boston suburbs with her husband and two teenage children, and she has been a high school social studies teacher for twenty-six years. She is an avid cook, advocate for good causes, and devoted Red Sox fan.
Jenn lives in the Boston suburbs with her husband and two teenage children, and she has been a high school social studies teacher for twenty-six years. She is an avid cook, advocate for good causes, and devoted Red Sox fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 7, 2021
I loved this story of reinvention and finding love when you least expect it. With charming characters and a setting that will have you rushing to book a trip to the Maine coast, First Course is the perfect book to tuck into your beach bag this summer.
June 10, 2021
First Course by Jenn Bouchard is a fantastic read that is a perfect summer book. The story is all about the twists, turns, and decisions that need to be made when your life is completely upended! I particularly liked the background of delicious recipes being cooked by the protagonist, which added creative sparkle and stability to the plot and lives of the characters in the midst of all they were going through. First Course is a vivid story that has dynamic elements and characters. It is also a story that is perfect to escape into for the summer with this created world, drama, and life. First Course keeps the reader particularly interested with its relatable subjects of relationship dynamics, the discovery of one's true self, recovering and rebuilding from loss and heartbreak, and what always picks us all back up in my opinion, love and romance.
Christie Leigh Babirad
(Author of As the Winds Change, Where You Are, & The Christmas Break)
Christie Leigh Babirad
(Author of As the Winds Change, Where You Are, & The Christmas Break)
May 8, 2021
A perfect beach read for food lovers! The author clearly knows her way around the kitchen, as well as around the human heart. I wish I could hang out with Janie while she whips up something fabulous and get her advice on how to take on life as fiercely as she does.
April 17, 2021
Family and food. Relatable and realistic. Relationships and romance. Jenn Bouchard hits the right recipe with First Course. This thoughtful book centers around two sisters, Janie and Alyssa, who, after several life-altering experiences, must come to terms with the future and what they want. Though the story is told from Janie's point of view, the reader gains insight from all the characters (including some memorable side characters like Lance and Meredith) based on their interactions with Janie. Thoughtful and endearing, First Course makes the reader think about what constitutes happiness and how to grasp it. Fabulous debut!
July 1, 2021
This was such a quick, fun read and seriously any book about food is a good book! I loved Janie, she was so real! When life rains it pours! Everything she cooked made me so hungry!! Full of family and adventure and love, a total day at the beach read!
July 12, 2021
A story about family. Centered around two sisters after the tragic death of their parents. Janie heads to her family summer home in Maine to help her older sister Alyssa with the arrangements. Janie has recently lost her job and her boyfriend who was her boss. Alyssa has two daughters and problems with her husband. Janie starts cooking delicious meals that help mend their hearts while both sisters come to terms with their future. For Janie there is an unexpected romance that blooms. A smart, heartfelt story peppered with wit, delicious food and second chances.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Read
June 14, 2024I love the way the author of this book plunges into a scenario as life throws the main character the deepest sucker punches. Ever. Sisters Janie and Alyssa face a family tragedy. Their mutual support provides them with healing as they move forward in a story focused on family and food. You will smell the cookies, taste the entrees, and feel the warmth with which the author writes. If you have ever wondered "what next?" this novel is for you. A fabulous story, no wonder it has won so many awards. Put this one on your Christmas list, for you and a friend, maybe even a sister. First course will lift your spirit and your tantalize your senses.
June 16, 2021
What a fun read! I was drawn into the plot right from the beginning, and I found the characters to be very real and believable. I loved the way that Bouchard detailed all the foods that Janie made and the places she went -- I felt like I was right in the action. Once I started reading, I found it hard to put the book down. Highly recommend for beach reading this summer.
June 15, 2021
I LOVED this book so much. It was fun, quirky, and so relatable!! The story centers around sisters Janie and Alyssa who have to decide what they want for their futures. I loved how they were both strong, and the recipes! This is the perfect book for a day by the water. Fabulous debut!!
July 21, 2021
I received a comp copy in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed First Course, a romance that does not get too messy. The main characters are solid, and most of the conflict comes from other characters while the relationship at the center of the story remains intact. It's nice to read about good people who love each other. Drama can come from so many different directions, and this book has plenty of action that doesn't cause the reader to get sad. It's a happy book!
July 26, 2021
This bright fun New England romp is all about family and the gap between wanting to say yes and needing to say no. The characters are flawed and full of need and conflicted desire. Also, the food descriptions, the way cooking seems so easy, is great fun. These people all have money and get to do extravagant things with it so there's an element of summer escapism as well.
July 15, 2021
First Course - debut novel by talented Jenn Bouchard is a treat for a reader looking to be entertained! Warning- do not read this book if you’re hungry! The main character- Janie- is a master at-home chef who creates amazing meals and drinks for the other characters. Makes me want to cook! That is just a side benefit of this book which combines tragedy, romance, and heart-break in this inspiring novel.
July 6, 2021
A truly “craptastic” day begins for 24 year old, Janie, as she looses her writing job in Chicago when the magazine she works for abruptly closes. She then simultaneously gets gently dumped by her older boyfriend who is also her boss.
That night Janie gets a call from her older sister, Alyssa, because their parents have died in a plane crash.
Janie joins Alyssa at the family’s vacation home in Maine where they both remain as Alyssa (who is dealing with a cheating husband) and Janie are trying to decide what their next life chapters should look like.
When a chance encounter = love at first sight for Janie, she hopes to forge a new path that includes both personal happiness and a lasting legacy for her parents.
This is a great flowing new adult/women’s fiction book that has a nice dash of love at first sight romance involved.
There are mouthwatering food descriptions sprinkled throughout the book that I enjoyed. I loved the addition in the plot that Janie learned a love of cooking from her mom and Janie cooks as not only a stress reliever but as part of her love language to others.
I also thought thought it was quite clever that the next door neighbor is a terrible cook and keeps bringing food over to sustain the two sisters the entire time they are in Maine.
The book deals with tough subjects such as job loss, infidelity, and grief but it is written and presented in a heartfelt and hopeful manner.
That night Janie gets a call from her older sister, Alyssa, because their parents have died in a plane crash.
Janie joins Alyssa at the family’s vacation home in Maine where they both remain as Alyssa (who is dealing with a cheating husband) and Janie are trying to decide what their next life chapters should look like.
When a chance encounter = love at first sight for Janie, she hopes to forge a new path that includes both personal happiness and a lasting legacy for her parents.
This is a great flowing new adult/women’s fiction book that has a nice dash of love at first sight romance involved.
There are mouthwatering food descriptions sprinkled throughout the book that I enjoyed. I loved the addition in the plot that Janie learned a love of cooking from her mom and Janie cooks as not only a stress reliever but as part of her love language to others.
I also thought thought it was quite clever that the next door neighbor is a terrible cook and keeps bringing food over to sustain the two sisters the entire time they are in Maine.
The book deals with tough subjects such as job loss, infidelity, and grief but it is written and presented in a heartfelt and hopeful manner.
June 23, 2021
⚘Second acts can be delicious!!
⚘Do you believe in second chances?
Do you like listening to songs? Which is your favorite? I just discovered #billyjoel 's #vienna through this book & I loved it!
⚘Relax- read- repeat!!
⚘Written in a peppy, fun style..the energy actually flows through..from the writing ✍
The story begins with an affair, with the boss, 14 years older & then loss of job. One after the other tragedies strike Janie.. its interesting to see her face & fight them.
⚘When four life-altering catastrophes hit in just one day— including the loss of her parents in a tragic plane crash— twenty-four-year-old Janie Whitman retreats to her family’s summer house in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Here she tries to provide stability for her older sister Alyssa and two young nieces by cooking them amazing food.
Through a mix-up with the alumni office at her parents’ alma mater, Janie meets a young high school guidance counselor named Rocky at a volunteer event, and their fast-tracked romance helps Janie to see possibilities beyond the life she had known just a few weeks prior. But with her ex-boyfriend (and former boss) making overtures beyond her wildest dreams, as well as Alyssa’s estranged husband willing to do whatever it takes to win her back, the Whitman sisters are faced with big decisions.
Despite the obstacles in their way, when Janie and Alyssa are tasked with establishing a lasting memorial for their parents, they just might find the second acts they are seeking.
⚘Set in Maine, First Course is a story about family and relationships, amazing food,and life's second acts.
A quick read, it is definitely a fun, engaging one to devour. Food is sure a big part of this story!
#noorthebookwormreviews
#firstcourse
⚘Do you believe in second chances?
Do you like listening to songs? Which is your favorite? I just discovered #billyjoel 's #vienna through this book & I loved it!
⚘Relax- read- repeat!!
⚘Written in a peppy, fun style..the energy actually flows through..from the writing ✍
The story begins with an affair, with the boss, 14 years older & then loss of job. One after the other tragedies strike Janie.. its interesting to see her face & fight them.
⚘When four life-altering catastrophes hit in just one day— including the loss of her parents in a tragic plane crash— twenty-four-year-old Janie Whitman retreats to her family’s summer house in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Here she tries to provide stability for her older sister Alyssa and two young nieces by cooking them amazing food.
Through a mix-up with the alumni office at her parents’ alma mater, Janie meets a young high school guidance counselor named Rocky at a volunteer event, and their fast-tracked romance helps Janie to see possibilities beyond the life she had known just a few weeks prior. But with her ex-boyfriend (and former boss) making overtures beyond her wildest dreams, as well as Alyssa’s estranged husband willing to do whatever it takes to win her back, the Whitman sisters are faced with big decisions.
Despite the obstacles in their way, when Janie and Alyssa are tasked with establishing a lasting memorial for their parents, they just might find the second acts they are seeking.
⚘Set in Maine, First Course is a story about family and relationships, amazing food,and life's second acts.
A quick read, it is definitely a fun, engaging one to devour. Food is sure a big part of this story!
#noorthebookwormreviews
#firstcourse
June 22, 2021
First Course is like a vacation to Maine and a cooking Pinterest board made love and birthed a novel. A book that makes your mouth water and is an entertaining read.
At the start of the book, Janie Whitman’s life is turned upside down. She loses her job, her sister’s family is falling apart. And not only does she suddenly lose her parents, but she unclear in knowing what comes next in her life.
Luckily, a good dollop of romance, a dash of adventure, lots of time cooking for her sister’s family, and a liberal sprinkling of new friends will be be tossed into her recipe for rebuilding a life.
A fun read centered on family and making the right decisions in love and life in your twenties, when your direction seems unclear.
If you appreciate books with food that makes your mouth water and where family is front and center, this is a novel you’ll especially enjoy.
At the start of the book, Janie Whitman’s life is turned upside down. She loses her job, her sister’s family is falling apart. And not only does she suddenly lose her parents, but she unclear in knowing what comes next in her life.
Luckily, a good dollop of romance, a dash of adventure, lots of time cooking for her sister’s family, and a liberal sprinkling of new friends will be be tossed into her recipe for rebuilding a life.
A fun read centered on family and making the right decisions in love and life in your twenties, when your direction seems unclear.
If you appreciate books with food that makes your mouth water and where family is front and center, this is a novel you’ll especially enjoy.
January 4, 2022
In First Course, Jenn Bouchard has delivered a beautifully written debut novel. I loved the characters, the setting, the story. With such delicious ingredients, why bother ordering a takeaway?
July 11, 2021
Such a great summer read! The characters are so well developed — I felt like I knew them. A great story of family, friends, love, and life changes. All set in beautiful Maine — full of references to so many beloved Maine places and things. The food theme throughout adds a special element that is woven throughout the lives of the characters.
September 16, 2023
I was very lucky to win this book from the author as part of a competition for my online book club. Thank you Jenn Bouchard. The story follows Janie and delves deep into her personal life, her sibling relationship and her up and down emotions. The reader learns that Janie had a past unhealthy romantic liaison and is quite bitter about her past choices and chances of future happiness. She and her sister Allyssa are grieving the sudden death of their parents and both have huge decisions to make about their future careers and living arrangements. As the book progresses we see both positive and negative traits in the girls which are all shared with many humorous scenarios. Janie loves cooking and is very good at it so be prepared to feel very hungry as she tantalises us with descriptions of the food she cooks to go with situations of despair, happiness and celebration. This is a lovely story and I feel one which lead easily to the production of a movie.
July 28, 2021
Perfect beach read!
March 17, 2023
3.5 stars - I won this book from the author's Goodreads giveaway.
First Course was a delightful read about how Murphy's Law can really throw you for a loop and you can come out stronger. 💪
Alyssa and Janie have so much to work through, together and separately, that it gave me some stress while reading, wondering "how can they get a happy-ish ending with all this turmoil?" 🤔 Through it all, the one constant is Janie's love of cooking amazing meals for her family to keep some semblance of normalcy.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but it was extremely busy with constant conflicts, roadblocks, and uncertainty. Personally, I felt like the romance was unnecessary to the story, and I would have liked to see Janie on her own. I also had to keep reminding myself how old Janie was because she was forced to "grow up" very quickly due to the life events that rocked her world.
I think Jenn Bouchard did a great job for her debut novel and I look forward to everything she has in store!
First Course was a delightful read about how Murphy's Law can really throw you for a loop and you can come out stronger. 💪
Alyssa and Janie have so much to work through, together and separately, that it gave me some stress while reading, wondering "how can they get a happy-ish ending with all this turmoil?" 🤔 Through it all, the one constant is Janie's love of cooking amazing meals for her family to keep some semblance of normalcy.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but it was extremely busy with constant conflicts, roadblocks, and uncertainty. Personally, I felt like the romance was unnecessary to the story, and I would have liked to see Janie on her own. I also had to keep reminding myself how old Janie was because she was forced to "grow up" very quickly due to the life events that rocked her world.
I think Jenn Bouchard did a great job for her debut novel and I look forward to everything she has in store!
June 22, 2021
Jenn Bouchard, the author of “First Course” has written a delicious and entertaining novel. The genres are Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Domestic Drama. There also is a dash of Romance and wit sprinkled in. The timeline for this story takes place in the author’s present, and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters and events. On just one day in the present, there is a recipe for disaster. The author describes her characters as complex, complicated, flawed, and quirky. Some of the characters are brave and resourceful. I love the way the author vividly describes many of the tempting dishes and foods. This is a story about family, friendship, forgiveness, second chances, personal self-growth, hope, and love.
On just one tragic day, Janie Whitman arrives to work just after her secret boyfriend who is the boss, only to discover the company is closing, and she has no job. Then she realizes that the boyfriend is going off to California, and now there is no more boyfriend. Her parents have a tragic accident, and her sister is not coping well.
Janie heads to help her sister with the funeral arrangements. Alyssa, Janie’s sister has two children and recent problems with her husband. Janie loves cooking and is dishing up food for the family.
Janie and Alyssa, somehow need to find the ingredients to be strong and resourceful in the middle of this crisis. I would recommend this memorable and thought-provoking book to others.
On just one tragic day, Janie Whitman arrives to work just after her secret boyfriend who is the boss, only to discover the company is closing, and she has no job. Then she realizes that the boyfriend is going off to California, and now there is no more boyfriend. Her parents have a tragic accident, and her sister is not coping well.
Janie heads to help her sister with the funeral arrangements. Alyssa, Janie’s sister has two children and recent problems with her husband. Janie loves cooking and is dishing up food for the family.
Janie and Alyssa, somehow need to find the ingredients to be strong and resourceful in the middle of this crisis. I would recommend this memorable and thought-provoking book to others.
June 17, 2021
Thoughts
24 year old Janie loses her job, her boyfriend and her parents in a plane crash in one day. As if that is not enough, her brother-in-law Patrick is cheating on her sister Alyssa. Trying to figure out the next steps in both their lives, Janie, Alyssa and her two daughters temporarily move into their family summer home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine to lean on each other.
This is a story about love, loss and second chances. Janie is so busy helping her sister with the two littles that love is the furthest thing from her mind especially after her break-up. Until she meets Rocky, a guy her neighbor Lance warned her against. Lance is such an interesting character, and his mom is even more so. Janie is an amazing cook, but Lance's mom insists on bringing over these dishes of food that nobody will touch. I couldn't wait to see what she was going to bring them next! Back to Janie in the kitchen! She made everything from scratch, and used fresh ingredients from her mom's garden. It made me want to get up and cook!
Aside from the amazing food and the budding romance, there are big decisions that need to be made by both sisters. An opportunity of a lifetime comes up for Janie back in Chicago, and Alyssa is hanging out with a new man, but Patrick is always in the back of her mind. It's now Rocky vs. Chicago and Yoga Man vs. Patrick. Who will win? Also their parents' college, Amville, wants to do a memorial in honor of the deceased, and what Janie and Alyssa come up with will bring tears to your eyes.
If you're looking for your next heartwarming read then look no further!
Book Rating: 4.5/5
Wine Pairing: St Supéry Sauvignon Blanc
24 year old Janie loses her job, her boyfriend and her parents in a plane crash in one day. As if that is not enough, her brother-in-law Patrick is cheating on her sister Alyssa. Trying to figure out the next steps in both their lives, Janie, Alyssa and her two daughters temporarily move into their family summer home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine to lean on each other.
This is a story about love, loss and second chances. Janie is so busy helping her sister with the two littles that love is the furthest thing from her mind especially after her break-up. Until she meets Rocky, a guy her neighbor Lance warned her against. Lance is such an interesting character, and his mom is even more so. Janie is an amazing cook, but Lance's mom insists on bringing over these dishes of food that nobody will touch. I couldn't wait to see what she was going to bring them next! Back to Janie in the kitchen! She made everything from scratch, and used fresh ingredients from her mom's garden. It made me want to get up and cook!
Aside from the amazing food and the budding romance, there are big decisions that need to be made by both sisters. An opportunity of a lifetime comes up for Janie back in Chicago, and Alyssa is hanging out with a new man, but Patrick is always in the back of her mind. It's now Rocky vs. Chicago and Yoga Man vs. Patrick. Who will win? Also their parents' college, Amville, wants to do a memorial in honor of the deceased, and what Janie and Alyssa come up with will bring tears to your eyes.
If you're looking for your next heartwarming read then look no further!
Book Rating: 4.5/5
Wine Pairing: St Supéry Sauvignon Blanc
April 25, 2022
Not impressed. From the description and title, I thought the book was going to be more about Janie's cooking journey. Instead, it was about how she and her sister, Alyssa, healed after their parents tragic death in a plane crash, Janie's break-up with her boyfriend/boss and Alyssa's shock at her husband's affair. The storyline was predictable and the dialogue stiff in many places
June 29, 2021
While this isn't my favorite genre, I thoroughly enjoyed First Course. I loved reading about the East Coast, I found myself hungry on multiple occasions while Janie cooked, and I loved many of the characters. Can't wait to read what Bouchard writes next!
October 5, 2021
A feel good story of reinvention that easily drew me in and left me wondering what the second course will be.
June 21, 2023
I was looking for a quick read and my mom let me borrow this short novel that she actually won from Goodreads. My copy was 201 pages. It’s Ms. Bouchard’s debut novel.
Journalist and home chef Janie and her sister Alyssa suffer one tragic event after another in the span of 24 hours, the worst being losing both parents in a plane wreck.
The sisters move into the family’s summer home in Maine and try to figure out where life goes next. After Janie receives a call from their parents college alma mater where they met, Janie gets guilted into volunteering for an event and meets the charming Rocky. The relationship blossoms until Janie’s ex-boyfriends, Cole and Lance come back into the picture as well as Alyssa’s estranged husband.
A few takeaways:
~ This was a cute and thought out story for a debut novel even though the writing itself wasn’t the greatest.
~ This is not something I typically read because it definitely has some cheesy, Hallmark romance factors with a predictable ending and a little unrealistic, too good to be true, even for fiction.
~ There were some grammatical and editing errors.
All in all, I’m going to give it a solid 3 stars for the story and effort!
Journalist and home chef Janie and her sister Alyssa suffer one tragic event after another in the span of 24 hours, the worst being losing both parents in a plane wreck.
The sisters move into the family’s summer home in Maine and try to figure out where life goes next. After Janie receives a call from their parents college alma mater where they met, Janie gets guilted into volunteering for an event and meets the charming Rocky. The relationship blossoms until Janie’s ex-boyfriends, Cole and Lance come back into the picture as well as Alyssa’s estranged husband.
A few takeaways:
~ This was a cute and thought out story for a debut novel even though the writing itself wasn’t the greatest.
~ This is not something I typically read because it definitely has some cheesy, Hallmark romance factors with a predictable ending and a little unrealistic, too good to be true, even for fiction.
~ There were some grammatical and editing errors.
All in all, I’m going to give it a solid 3 stars for the story and effort!
August 30, 2022
3 stars. A good first effort.
My sister sent me this book after she had read it with her book club and had met the author. Knowing my fondness for rom-coms and chick-lit stories, she thought I'd enjoy it and I did.
I waivered between a 2.5 and a 3 rating as some of the plot seemed a bit contrived and I didn't completely buy into some of the main characters' life decisions. I'm also not sure if the time frame was that realistic; healing from a shocking loss takes much longer than a year or two. Having said that, I did enjoy the overall story, the sweet romance, and the gentle humor.
So, this one is a "good enough to borrow from the library" and I look forward to reading Jenn Bouchard's second book.
My sister sent me this book after she had read it with her book club and had met the author. Knowing my fondness for rom-coms and chick-lit stories, she thought I'd enjoy it and I did.
I waivered between a 2.5 and a 3 rating as some of the plot seemed a bit contrived and I didn't completely buy into some of the main characters' life decisions. I'm also not sure if the time frame was that realistic; healing from a shocking loss takes much longer than a year or two. Having said that, I did enjoy the overall story, the sweet romance, and the gentle humor.
So, this one is a "good enough to borrow from the library" and I look forward to reading Jenn Bouchard's second book.
October 17, 2022
I started this book looking for a light and fun book. That is exactly what I got. There are some tough subjects; cheating, loss of job, death of parents but Jenn Bouchard did a great job of not making light of these while not bringing the entire tone of the book down. These tough subjects are what bring Alyssa and Janie back together as sisters. Through tough times they find a relationship that they probably never had and find a new future that brings everyone happiness.
There were so many unique characters that I found myself looking forward to seeing the secondary characters just as much as the primary. Meredith made me cringe and laugh; I recommend not eating any of her dishes. Rocky made my heart soar with his understanding and support. Alyssa’s daughters were so true to their age that I loved reading the scenes with them in them causing the chaos that comes with having little girls.
First Course is a story of starting over, mending relationships, finding your second acts. Jenn Bouchard wrote a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more of her future books.
There were so many unique characters that I found myself looking forward to seeing the secondary characters just as much as the primary. Meredith made me cringe and laugh; I recommend not eating any of her dishes. Rocky made my heart soar with his understanding and support. Alyssa’s daughters were so true to their age that I loved reading the scenes with them in them causing the chaos that comes with having little girls.
First Course is a story of starting over, mending relationships, finding your second acts. Jenn Bouchard wrote a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more of her future books.
August 31, 2021
A delicious and delectable read. Jenn Bouchard wrote a truly relatable love story that went further than the typical love between two people. Love of family, love of finding yourself against all the terrible odds. I finished it in a single day because I was so wrapped up in the story of Janie, Alyssa and even the less than appealing Lance. The characters came to life in a story I found myself turning page after page in hopes that what I was rooting for would take place. A wonderful romance novel set in a picturesque Maine landscape tickles the senses and leaves a pain of hunger as you are left wanting more!
June 30, 2023
Quick read. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews