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Lowcountry Romance #3
Dining with Joy
"Chef" Joy Ballard longs for a simpler life. But when a good-looking outsider arrives and spices things up, life becomes deliciously complicated.
Host of a regionally syndicated cooking show, Joy Ballard has a little secret: she can't cook. But when her show is picked up by a major network and given a prime time slot, her world heats up faster than a lowcountry boil.
Enter Luke Redmond: handsome, creative, and jobless after having to declare bankruptcy of his Manhattan restaurant. When her producers ask him to co-host the show, Joy sees Luke as her way out. But Luke sees much more than just a co-host in Joy.
Their relationship begins to simmer on and off set. Until Joy's secret is revealed and her reputation is ruined on national television by her rival, Wenda Devine.
But could Devine's cruelty be a divine gift? Losing Luke--and her sister--forces Joy to consider where her worth really comes from. Could God be cooking up an even bigger adventure from the mess? And will Joy hang on long enough to find out?
Host of a regionally syndicated cooking show, Joy Ballard has a little secret: she can't cook. But when her show is picked up by a major network and given a prime time slot, her world heats up faster than a lowcountry boil.
Enter Luke Redmond: handsome, creative, and jobless after having to declare bankruptcy of his Manhattan restaurant. When her producers ask him to co-host the show, Joy sees Luke as her way out. But Luke sees much more than just a co-host in Joy.
Their relationship begins to simmer on and off set. Until Joy's secret is revealed and her reputation is ruined on national television by her rival, Wenda Devine.
But could Devine's cruelty be a divine gift? Losing Luke--and her sister--forces Joy to consider where her worth really comes from. Could God be cooking up an even bigger adventure from the mess? And will Joy hang on long enough to find out?
311 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2010
169 people are currently reading
1388 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Hauck
76 books4,513 followersNew York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida.
A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.
The Wedding Dress has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio
She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and is a retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.
Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
www.rachelhauck.com
A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.
The Wedding Dress has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio
She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and is a retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.
Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
www.rachelhauck.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
November 7, 2010
Let me say right off that I LOVED this book! It will certainly not be the last one I read by the fantastic story teller, Rachel Hauck.
The characters of Joy and Luke (along with the minors) are filled with depth and flaws, humor and charm that stand to life on the page. The story is well told with word pictures abounding in a manner sure to grab your attention and refuse to let go. This is the kind of book that when you have to put it down, you want to go back to it immediately.
Dialogue is snappy, tension thick and the romance. Ohhh. Hear my heart sigh. Talk about delicious chemistry! Swoon worthy moments to be sure. I loved the entire premise behind the story, a cooking show host that can’t cook. I could see, taste and smell it all. What imagery!
The writing drew me in, the characters held me in my seat and the circumstances either had me laughing, seething at the villains or sighing with delight. But underneath it all, is an underlying faith message that that reminds Joy-and the reader- what is really important.
Don’t let this book pass you by! Bang up fiction!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
The characters of Joy and Luke (along with the minors) are filled with depth and flaws, humor and charm that stand to life on the page. The story is well told with word pictures abounding in a manner sure to grab your attention and refuse to let go. This is the kind of book that when you have to put it down, you want to go back to it immediately.
Dialogue is snappy, tension thick and the romance. Ohhh. Hear my heart sigh. Talk about delicious chemistry! Swoon worthy moments to be sure. I loved the entire premise behind the story, a cooking show host that can’t cook. I could see, taste and smell it all. What imagery!
The writing drew me in, the characters held me in my seat and the circumstances either had me laughing, seething at the villains or sighing with delight. But underneath it all, is an underlying faith message that that reminds Joy-and the reader- what is really important.
Don’t let this book pass you by! Bang up fiction!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
January 27, 2022
This wasn't as strong finish in the trilogy as I'd hoped. I couldn't get into these characters. I didn't understand Joy and Luke just seemed to be led around by her. The characters that seemed real were the two nieces.
I liked that there was a higher redemptive, coming into ones self story...and that it was a foodie book.
Others have enjoyed this but it wasn't a big sell for me.
I liked that there was a higher redemptive, coming into ones self story...and that it was a foodie book.
Others have enjoyed this but it wasn't a big sell for me.
June 30, 2020
This was a disappointing end to the series. I really didn’t understand Joy’s character and her actions never made sense. I thought it was unrealistic that she would make it that far in her career as a fake chef 🤷♀️ (how was it even a secret? Her family knew and it seemed like her whole town knew as well...I thought we went over this in the Hannah Montana movie. A whole town is not going to keep your secret for you that’s just not gonna happen. I’m surprised Joy wasn’t exposed her sooner) she didn’t even have to lie. They could’ve changed the show and had her do some sort of commentary or she could’ve been one of those people who drives around and eats food in every city.
I loved the updates from Caroline and Elle but that was only a couple of pages. Luke was sweet and the romance was fine. I just wanted more from the last book in this series.
I loved the updates from Caroline and Elle but that was only a couple of pages. Luke was sweet and the romance was fine. I just wanted more from the last book in this series.
February 21, 2024
This book was not bad, but the narrator’s southern twang grated on my nerves a lot. And then also, the premise of the book- a character who hosts a cooking show but can’t cook- let me down. I was really hoping for a “learn to cook” with the cute love interest kind of story but this was not that. Ultimately I was let down by the main character and her story arc.
September 29, 2017
My favorite of the 3 in the series. I feel like Joy truly experienced some growth. She was a character I could root for.
December 17, 2010
Original post at One More Page
I had a realization when I was reading this book: I like foodie books. I don't mean books about food like cookbooks or anything that talks about food. I mean fiction with food as one of its major elements. I've read two in the past year ( The Crepe Makers' Bond and Always the Baker, Never the Bride ) and although I was pretty lukewarm about them, I enjoyed the cooking aspect of both books and how food played a part in the story.
Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck is no different. I enjoyed reading her two other Lowcountry romances, Sweet Caroline and Love Starts with Elle, so I was thrilled to find out that she wrote another one that was set in Beaufort. I was excited to find out Joy's story, and see the old characters in the previous novels pop up every now and then in the book.
Joy is a paradox: she's a cooking show host who can't cook. It's a weird thing, but she's pulled it off for three seasons, ever since she's taken over her dad's show after he passed away. The combination of good editing, a supportive staff in on her secret and lots of humor and entertainment from Joy that she has survived for three seasons, but after her producer sold off the show to a bigger network, things are bound to change. Then Joy meets Luke Redmond, the new assistant chef at the Frogmore Cafe, who becomes her co-host, and she sees him as a way out. But as she prepares for the fourth season of Dining with Joy and she gets closer to Luke, Joy digs a deeper and deeper hole for herself and it seems like it would take a miracle -- or at least, something divine to get her out of it.
Dining with Joy carries the same sweetness and charm that the first two Lowcountry romances did. I love reading about Beaufort and their little idiosyncrasies. I love the seemingly relaxed nature that everyone has, how everyone's about sweet tea, or food, or Bubba's biscuits from the Frogmore Cafe. I love how close-knit the community seems, and it reminds me a bit of our own neighborhood, particularly our street. It's one of those settings that you wouldn't mind visiting over and over again, not because it is really that interesting but because it's very peaceful.
Joy is definitely a different character from her friends Caroline and Elle. Whereas Caroline seems soft-spoken and Elle is gentle, Joy is feisty and stubborn, borne out of a seemingly absent father. Joy is strong and independent, which is needed especially since she's works in the show business. However, her pride became her weakness especially when she decided to work things out on her own, particularly with her secret and her growing affections to Luke Redmond. Luke, on the other hand, carried almost the same characteristics as the other heroes in the other books, Mitch and Heath. In a way, he almost seems too perfect, but I liked how the author still gave him some flaws.
Out of all three books, this seemed like the book that had less "God" moments, but I think it also contained the best nugget of God-wisdom of all: God is good and God is love. I do wish that message was given more focus. Dining with Joy felt like it had too many things going on at once that some of them ran together too much and it didn't give as big as an impact as it should have. At times the story seemed too slow, although things did wrap up nicely in the end.
This is probably the best "foodie" novel I've read so far this year, but compared to the two other Lowcountry Romances, I liked them better than this one. Nevertheless, Rachel Hauck did a great job with Dining with Joy , and I cannot wait to try to recipes at the end of the book. :) Banana bread, anyone?
I had a realization when I was reading this book: I like foodie books. I don't mean books about food like cookbooks or anything that talks about food. I mean fiction with food as one of its major elements. I've read two in the past year ( The Crepe Makers' Bond and Always the Baker, Never the Bride ) and although I was pretty lukewarm about them, I enjoyed the cooking aspect of both books and how food played a part in the story.
Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck is no different. I enjoyed reading her two other Lowcountry romances, Sweet Caroline and Love Starts with Elle, so I was thrilled to find out that she wrote another one that was set in Beaufort. I was excited to find out Joy's story, and see the old characters in the previous novels pop up every now and then in the book.
Joy is a paradox: she's a cooking show host who can't cook. It's a weird thing, but she's pulled it off for three seasons, ever since she's taken over her dad's show after he passed away. The combination of good editing, a supportive staff in on her secret and lots of humor and entertainment from Joy that she has survived for three seasons, but after her producer sold off the show to a bigger network, things are bound to change. Then Joy meets Luke Redmond, the new assistant chef at the Frogmore Cafe, who becomes her co-host, and she sees him as a way out. But as she prepares for the fourth season of Dining with Joy and she gets closer to Luke, Joy digs a deeper and deeper hole for herself and it seems like it would take a miracle -- or at least, something divine to get her out of it.
Dining with Joy carries the same sweetness and charm that the first two Lowcountry romances did. I love reading about Beaufort and their little idiosyncrasies. I love the seemingly relaxed nature that everyone has, how everyone's about sweet tea, or food, or Bubba's biscuits from the Frogmore Cafe. I love how close-knit the community seems, and it reminds me a bit of our own neighborhood, particularly our street. It's one of those settings that you wouldn't mind visiting over and over again, not because it is really that interesting but because it's very peaceful.
Joy is definitely a different character from her friends Caroline and Elle. Whereas Caroline seems soft-spoken and Elle is gentle, Joy is feisty and stubborn, borne out of a seemingly absent father. Joy is strong and independent, which is needed especially since she's works in the show business. However, her pride became her weakness especially when she decided to work things out on her own, particularly with her secret and her growing affections to Luke Redmond. Luke, on the other hand, carried almost the same characteristics as the other heroes in the other books, Mitch and Heath. In a way, he almost seems too perfect, but I liked how the author still gave him some flaws.
Out of all three books, this seemed like the book that had less "God" moments, but I think it also contained the best nugget of God-wisdom of all: God is good and God is love. I do wish that message was given more focus. Dining with Joy felt like it had too many things going on at once that some of them ran together too much and it didn't give as big as an impact as it should have. At times the story seemed too slow, although things did wrap up nicely in the end.
This is probably the best "foodie" novel I've read so far this year, but compared to the two other Lowcountry Romances, I liked them better than this one. Nevertheless, Rachel Hauck did a great job with Dining with Joy , and I cannot wait to try to recipes at the end of the book. :) Banana bread, anyone?
February 18, 2020
I am in complete love with Rachel's Low Country Romance series. These novels are calm yet romantically tense. The characters are real and quirky and the heroes are heart beating hunks on the page. I thoroughly enjoyed Sweet Caroline, and Love Starts with Elle remains one of my favorite contemporary Christian romances to this day and ending with "Dining with Joy" I'm a content reader.
Beaufort, South Carolina is the place to be. Joy Ballard leads an interesting life as a faux cooking host for a show becoming more and more popular. Watching the relationship start from the first jingle of the diner door to on camera and cross country with Chef Luke Davis is beautiful and fun. Wondering how it will end and which way they will go when big decisions need to be made was tense. Side characters of Lyric, Rosie, and Anne-Rae bring life elements to the page. Plenty of space for discussion and conversation starters this is a great book for many people to enjoy.
I love Rachel's narrative voice in this series and I cannot wait for more romantic journeys from her imagination in the future. Life decisions and following God's will are not always easy, but watching these characters learn to listen is an inspiration for any reader's own life. Reading about Joy Ballard, was truly a joy. ;)
*Thanks to Jeane Wynn of Wynn Wynn Media for providing an ARC for review.*
Originally reviewed at Creative Madness Mama: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
Beaufort, South Carolina is the place to be. Joy Ballard leads an interesting life as a faux cooking host for a show becoming more and more popular. Watching the relationship start from the first jingle of the diner door to on camera and cross country with Chef Luke Davis is beautiful and fun. Wondering how it will end and which way they will go when big decisions need to be made was tense. Side characters of Lyric, Rosie, and Anne-Rae bring life elements to the page. Plenty of space for discussion and conversation starters this is a great book for many people to enjoy.
I love Rachel's narrative voice in this series and I cannot wait for more romantic journeys from her imagination in the future. Life decisions and following God's will are not always easy, but watching these characters learn to listen is an inspiration for any reader's own life. Reading about Joy Ballard, was truly a joy. ;)
*Thanks to Jeane Wynn of Wynn Wynn Media for providing an ARC for review.*
Originally reviewed at Creative Madness Mama: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
February 2, 2011
This is the first book I've read by Rachel Hauck that I didn't simply fall in love with. A cooking show host who can't cook and resorts to cheap gimmicks to keep from being discovered? Hasn't that storyline been done already?
Joy Ballard has managed to keep her secret through the first three seasons of her show "Dining With Joy". When chef Luke Redmond comes to her rescue at a surprise cook-off and subsequently begins co-hosting the show, Joy has to decide how much she can trust him and if he is her way out of this web she has woven.
The characters in this novel are very real and multidimensional. You feel Luke's passion, Joy's conflicted nature, Rosie's mischievousness, Lyric's pain and Annie-Rae's sweetness. There's no doubt Hauck is a talented author. This story just didn't resonate with me the way Sweet Caroline and Love Starts With Elle did. She's still on my watchlist of authors, though!
I will definitely be making some of the recipes in the back of this book, especially Chick's Banana Bread. My mouth is watering already...
Joy Ballard has managed to keep her secret through the first three seasons of her show "Dining With Joy". When chef Luke Redmond comes to her rescue at a surprise cook-off and subsequently begins co-hosting the show, Joy has to decide how much she can trust him and if he is her way out of this web she has woven.
The characters in this novel are very real and multidimensional. You feel Luke's passion, Joy's conflicted nature, Rosie's mischievousness, Lyric's pain and Annie-Rae's sweetness. There's no doubt Hauck is a talented author. This story just didn't resonate with me the way Sweet Caroline and Love Starts With Elle did. She's still on my watchlist of authors, though!
I will definitely be making some of the recipes in the back of this book, especially Chick's Banana Bread. My mouth is watering already...
November 4, 2010
Once in a while, a book comes along that you know would make a good family movie. This is one of those books. In the first chapter, you learn that 'something' happened on a promotional trip to Omaha. In the second, you learn what that 'something' was. The way it was written, I could picture immediately the opening teaser of the movie: cooking show host Joy Ballard reacting badly to a surprise cook-off with her rival.
I've not read anything by Rachel Hauck before, so I didn't know this was the third in a series. The good news is that it can be read as a stand-alone and I didn't feel I'd missed anything vital to the plot by not reading the first two. It is Christian, and is filled with references to God throughout. But it's also a breezy romance where two people are struggling to do the right thing. Like all similar romance novels this one has a happy ending, but the journey to that end is definitely worth reading. The supporting characters are also a riot.
I received my copy of Dining With Joy through Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program and was happy to freely review this novel.
I've not read anything by Rachel Hauck before, so I didn't know this was the third in a series. The good news is that it can be read as a stand-alone and I didn't feel I'd missed anything vital to the plot by not reading the first two. It is Christian, and is filled with references to God throughout. But it's also a breezy romance where two people are struggling to do the right thing. Like all similar romance novels this one has a happy ending, but the journey to that end is definitely worth reading. The supporting characters are also a riot.
I received my copy of Dining With Joy through Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program and was happy to freely review this novel.
March 7, 2013
This was a cute book. It was hard to get interested in the book at first, but I'm glad I kept reading. It took a good 100 pages into the book before I fell in love the characters Joy & Luke. A fun romance that at times, pulled on your heart strings.
March 8, 2013
Omigosh, I loved the characters and I laughed out loud at them then cried. The story line is delicious and not cheesy or corny. Just enough of spice and TA-DA a sweet good read.
October 26, 2017
Joy Ballard has her own cooking show but the secret is “she can’t cook” and that is a mighty powerful secret! Lest one forgets, words and actions are powerful forces to be reckoned with. Nobody asks because everyone just assumes someone with a cooking show can cook, right? Joy doesn’t seem to know how to let anyone be the wiser about her lil lie.
Her daddy Charles Ballard had the show first and it was called, “Dining with Charles” but as her daddy was dying he asked her to do his show. Duncan his producer knew she couldn’t cook but need the money to pay bills so he allowed her to take her daddy’s place and it became, Dining with Joy.
Imagine a network food star with her own show and she can’t cook?
Say WHAT?! She pulls it off by having a clause in her contract that she doesn’t do cook-offs! Nobody is the wiser except a few here and there that know the real Joy cannot cook.
Unbeknownst to Joy, Duncan has sold his business and her show to Allison Wild, owner of Wild Woman Productions! Allison wants to reinvent Dining with Joy so she brings on a new chef, Luke Earl Richmond a hot and spicy bachelor.
Joy and Luke share a spontaneous kiss on the show and the adventure begins!
Who is Wenda Divine and what does she bring to the world of cooking shows?
A few things you will learn about her are that she is sneaky, conniving, and just plain nasty. We have all met a few of these individuals along life’s path.
Miss Jeanne is a fabulous character who tells like it is and is truly one of the wisest ones in the story. She reminds Joy that God is good and God is love.
Everyone needs a Miss Jeanne in his or her life.
There are so many more intriguing characters that you will meet along the way as you read this witty, crazy, and out of control story.
Her daddy Charles Ballard had the show first and it was called, “Dining with Charles” but as her daddy was dying he asked her to do his show. Duncan his producer knew she couldn’t cook but need the money to pay bills so he allowed her to take her daddy’s place and it became, Dining with Joy.
Imagine a network food star with her own show and she can’t cook?
Say WHAT?! She pulls it off by having a clause in her contract that she doesn’t do cook-offs! Nobody is the wiser except a few here and there that know the real Joy cannot cook.
Unbeknownst to Joy, Duncan has sold his business and her show to Allison Wild, owner of Wild Woman Productions! Allison wants to reinvent Dining with Joy so she brings on a new chef, Luke Earl Richmond a hot and spicy bachelor.
Joy and Luke share a spontaneous kiss on the show and the adventure begins!
Who is Wenda Divine and what does she bring to the world of cooking shows?
A few things you will learn about her are that she is sneaky, conniving, and just plain nasty. We have all met a few of these individuals along life’s path.
Miss Jeanne is a fabulous character who tells like it is and is truly one of the wisest ones in the story. She reminds Joy that God is good and God is love.
Everyone needs a Miss Jeanne in his or her life.
There are so many more intriguing characters that you will meet along the way as you read this witty, crazy, and out of control story.
November 20, 2024
As someone tends to stick to basic recipes (e.g., boxed mac-and-cheese, frozen chicken nuggets, and canned soup), I related to Joy’s struggle with cooking. It was also relatable to have main characters around my age (as Joy is 29 and Luke is in his early 30s). I appreciated the Christian undertones, the insight into the power of food, and the reminder that you may be more capable than you realize.
...................
“Faith in God is a journey, a marathon. We want it to be a sprint” (192).
“Luke turned to the next marked page. ‘July sixteenth. Perfected my banana bread recipe by adjusting the flour and baking soda measurements. Made it for Joy. She loves banana bread. Rosie called from the field saying Joy pitched a no-hitter. Guess I forgot her game again.’ // Silence. Then, ‘He missed my game to adjust flour and baking soda measurements. See what I was up against?’ // Luke closed the book, marking his place with his thumb. ‘Don’t you see, Joy? Your dad wasn’t measuring just flour and baking soda. He was crafting a gift for you’” (192-193).
“‘Let’s add your memories to the book we’re putting together, Joy. Of Ballard family picnics. Of working with your dad on the show…’ .// ‘Luke, who’s going to make Daddy’s barbecue ribs recipe if I write, ‘I hated my daddy when he spent eight hours in the kitchen working on his barbecue sauces. But here it is for y’all. Hope your family loves it.’ // ‘No, Joy, write how it makes you feel now. Write how it made you feel when you ate the ribs. Pleasant memories are buried in your heart, Joy. I know it. Like the apples with chocolate and caramel. Sweet and tart. You remembered Halloween, dunking apples, a yard full of friends’” (195).
...................
“Faith in God is a journey, a marathon. We want it to be a sprint” (192).
“Luke turned to the next marked page. ‘July sixteenth. Perfected my banana bread recipe by adjusting the flour and baking soda measurements. Made it for Joy. She loves banana bread. Rosie called from the field saying Joy pitched a no-hitter. Guess I forgot her game again.’ // Silence. Then, ‘He missed my game to adjust flour and baking soda measurements. See what I was up against?’ // Luke closed the book, marking his place with his thumb. ‘Don’t you see, Joy? Your dad wasn’t measuring just flour and baking soda. He was crafting a gift for you’” (192-193).
“‘Let’s add your memories to the book we’re putting together, Joy. Of Ballard family picnics. Of working with your dad on the show…’ .// ‘Luke, who’s going to make Daddy’s barbecue ribs recipe if I write, ‘I hated my daddy when he spent eight hours in the kitchen working on his barbecue sauces. But here it is for y’all. Hope your family loves it.’ // ‘No, Joy, write how it makes you feel now. Write how it made you feel when you ate the ribs. Pleasant memories are buried in your heart, Joy. I know it. Like the apples with chocolate and caramel. Sweet and tart. You remembered Halloween, dunking apples, a yard full of friends’” (195).
April 6, 2017
2.75 out of 5 stars
Overall I liked the book enough to finish, which is saying a lot because I wanted to quit reading several times.
This is your typical run of the mill romance story, so if you are looking to pick up a book that won't really shock you with the out come then this book is for you.
I did like Joy...most of the time. She was outgoing, loved her family, was willing to work hard. However, her constant battle of whether she should tell the truth just became annoying after the first 30 pages. Seriously, you're an adult, DON'T TELL LIES!
Luke was a decent leading man. I liked his willingness to pursue Joy however...he turned on her way to quickly when something happened that was completely out of her control. Seriously??? You say you love this girl???
Although the writing was decent and the plot was fairly interesting it took far too long to get where she was going. If you say something is going to happen on the back of the book and it takes until the last 75 pgs to get there...that is too slow. The seriousness of the "lie" just was stupid. Seriously, I don't think it was that big of a deal. And along those lines, it was never Joy's fault although EVERYONE blamed her for everything. Lastly, the jumpy feel of every scene just brought me out of the story. One minute we are having this sweet moment and cut to the next day...WAIT, how did that moment play out????
Lastly the ending was not really an ending. We get no resolve on how things played out and the ending was pretty much the ending to "Leap Year" minus the snarky Scottsman.
Overall I liked the book enough to finish, which is saying a lot because I wanted to quit reading several times.
This is your typical run of the mill romance story, so if you are looking to pick up a book that won't really shock you with the out come then this book is for you.
I did like Joy...most of the time. She was outgoing, loved her family, was willing to work hard. However, her constant battle of whether she should tell the truth just became annoying after the first 30 pages. Seriously, you're an adult, DON'T TELL LIES!
Luke was a decent leading man. I liked his willingness to pursue Joy however...he turned on her way to quickly when something happened that was completely out of her control. Seriously??? You say you love this girl???
Although the writing was decent and the plot was fairly interesting it took far too long to get where she was going. If you say something is going to happen on the back of the book and it takes until the last 75 pgs to get there...that is too slow. The seriousness of the "lie" just was stupid. Seriously, I don't think it was that big of a deal. And along those lines, it was never Joy's fault although EVERYONE blamed her for everything. Lastly, the jumpy feel of every scene just brought me out of the story. One minute we are having this sweet moment and cut to the next day...WAIT, how did that moment play out????
Lastly the ending was not really an ending. We get no resolve on how things played out and the ending was pretty much the ending to "Leap Year" minus the snarky Scottsman.
July 22, 2017
This book started off slow for me. There were even times when I felt like I did not care to finish Luke and Joy's story. But because I have read the first two, I felt like I needed to finish the lowcountry romance series. Like I would totally regret it at the end.
Anyways, some of the things that I liked about this novel is the banter between Luke and Joy. I am a sucker for witty and clever banter between hero and heroine. I was just sad that that didn't really happen till the middle of the story. Plus I liked getting a glimpse of TV productions and how that all happens. The connection to food and cooking was also pleasant.
The things I did not like....I did not buy the idea of a cooking show host not knowing how to cook and being able to get away with it for 3 years. That cannot fly in real life. I also did not like how some minor story lines did not seem to have a clean finish to them. What about the story about Lyric and her naive love for the Parker dude? Did she finally see him for what he was or was that all thrown out the window once her parents came back for her? What about Rosie's budding love life? What came about with that? What about Elle's problems with infertility? I just think that the storylines weaved into this book was not totally finished. I don't like it when things are brought up only for a reader to guess and make his/her own predictions.
Over all, I think that the book has some cute romance flair to it but not the best one from Rachel Hauck.
Anyways, some of the things that I liked about this novel is the banter between Luke and Joy. I am a sucker for witty and clever banter between hero and heroine. I was just sad that that didn't really happen till the middle of the story. Plus I liked getting a glimpse of TV productions and how that all happens. The connection to food and cooking was also pleasant.
The things I did not like....I did not buy the idea of a cooking show host not knowing how to cook and being able to get away with it for 3 years. That cannot fly in real life. I also did not like how some minor story lines did not seem to have a clean finish to them. What about the story about Lyric and her naive love for the Parker dude? Did she finally see him for what he was or was that all thrown out the window once her parents came back for her? What about Rosie's budding love life? What came about with that? What about Elle's problems with infertility? I just think that the storylines weaved into this book was not totally finished. I don't like it when things are brought up only for a reader to guess and make his/her own predictions.
Over all, I think that the book has some cute romance flair to it but not the best one from Rachel Hauck.
January 22, 2018
"God is Good. God is Love."
No truer words.
I love Rachel Hauck and am saddened that I am finished with this trilogy! I loved these Lowcountry Romance books and the small town of Beaufort where they took place. This book was no exception to the first two in the series. Joy and Luke were wonderful characters and I was very pleased with the outcome of the novel.
This book is about Joy, a cooking show host WHO CAN'T COOK. She can't even boil water! BUT, no one knows her secret except her mother and nieces (along with a few friends). When her producer tells her that he has sold the company to someone else, Joy freaks out as she has been living this lie for way too long and wants to come clean. The only reason she was forced into this cooking show was due to her father who was on the show prior to her and she didn't want to see his legacy just die when he passed away.
When she meets Luke, who is a wonderful chef, she immediately knows there is a spark between them. He becomes her co-host and he also doesn't know she has no clue how to cook.
This story unfolds, as they all do, and Luke learns her secret. Will he keep it with her or will it come out in the end? Will their friendship turn into more?
Read and find out!
No truer words.
I love Rachel Hauck and am saddened that I am finished with this trilogy! I loved these Lowcountry Romance books and the small town of Beaufort where they took place. This book was no exception to the first two in the series. Joy and Luke were wonderful characters and I was very pleased with the outcome of the novel.
This book is about Joy, a cooking show host WHO CAN'T COOK. She can't even boil water! BUT, no one knows her secret except her mother and nieces (along with a few friends). When her producer tells her that he has sold the company to someone else, Joy freaks out as she has been living this lie for way too long and wants to come clean. The only reason she was forced into this cooking show was due to her father who was on the show prior to her and she didn't want to see his legacy just die when he passed away.
When she meets Luke, who is a wonderful chef, she immediately knows there is a spark between them. He becomes her co-host and he also doesn't know she has no clue how to cook.
This story unfolds, as they all do, and Luke learns her secret. Will he keep it with her or will it come out in the end? Will their friendship turn into more?
Read and find out!
August 16, 2017
This is the third book in Rachel Hauck's Lowcountry series. I read the first two books in the series and enjoyed them both so it was no surprise I liked this one, too. This book can easily be read as a stand alone. Joy Ballard is the host of a cooking show and she harbors a secret - she can't cook! As the book progresses, we learn that she took over the hosting of the show to fulfill her father's dying wish, not because she really wanted to host a cooking show. Joy struggles with her secret throughout the story. Luke Redmond has his own issues with a failed restaurant attempt and an aging father. Luke becomes Joy's co-host and quickly figures out that Joy can't cook and tries to help her. Love starts to bloom between the two until Joy's secret is very publicly discovered which ends the show and Luke moves several hours away for another job opportunity. Through the loss of her show and Luke's move, Joy discovers how to let God lead her. Joy's family plays a large role in the book and their issues added to the storyline. There was a twist I didn't see coming with Joy's mom and I loved it! For my complete review visit www.sprinklesandpink.blogspot.com.
February 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this series. The characters have internal struggles and work through them before giving way to romance. Great example to a society hell bent on being co-dependent. I hate cooking and so I can relate to Joy- but I didn’t fall in love with a chef.
One thing that bothered me was Luke’s character is inconsistent with the first book of the series. Luke is an old man, a widower, in Sweet Caroline. So when he’s brought back in to Dining with Joy it was hard to let go of the old man Luke. Also, Joy is great friends with Elle and Caroline in this book, but she’s been kinda non-existent in the others. If you’re going to make a series take notes and maintain consistency. (This also happens with Lem in the Wedding Dress/wedding Chapel. I get names can repeat in the world, but there’s enough names out there not to do it in a series.)
Overall great characters… well Sawyer and Mindy are awful, and I agreed with Joy’s stance on their terrible parenting. And a sweet story that leaves you happy. The kind of story the world needs more of.
One thing that bothered me was Luke’s character is inconsistent with the first book of the series. Luke is an old man, a widower, in Sweet Caroline. So when he’s brought back in to Dining with Joy it was hard to let go of the old man Luke. Also, Joy is great friends with Elle and Caroline in this book, but she’s been kinda non-existent in the others. If you’re going to make a series take notes and maintain consistency. (This also happens with Lem in the Wedding Dress/wedding Chapel. I get names can repeat in the world, but there’s enough names out there not to do it in a series.)
Overall great characters… well Sawyer and Mindy are awful, and I agreed with Joy’s stance on their terrible parenting. And a sweet story that leaves you happy. The kind of story the world needs more of.
February 13, 2019
Love and Food
Although Joy inherited her cooking show at her father's death, she carried a secret that she feared would ruin her and the crew who depended on her. Add to that her responsibility for her mother and two nieces, and Joy never felt her life could be her own. Enter Luke Redmond, former chef at his failed New York restaurant, who is regrouping near his cousin in Beaufort, and Joy's secret may remain hidden. Through their relationship, Joy and Luke deal with their feelings of failure and God's plans for the future. The Bible verse referred to throughout the book and Joy's efforts to understand its application to her life brought special meaning to the book and content. Rachel Hauck dealt with so many issues in this third book of the Low Country series, and infused it with faith throughout. I hate to see this series come to an end.
Although Joy inherited her cooking show at her father's death, she carried a secret that she feared would ruin her and the crew who depended on her. Add to that her responsibility for her mother and two nieces, and Joy never felt her life could be her own. Enter Luke Redmond, former chef at his failed New York restaurant, who is regrouping near his cousin in Beaufort, and Joy's secret may remain hidden. Through their relationship, Joy and Luke deal with their feelings of failure and God's plans for the future. The Bible verse referred to throughout the book and Joy's efforts to understand its application to her life brought special meaning to the book and content. Rachel Hauck dealt with so many issues in this third book of the Low Country series, and infused it with faith throughout. I hate to see this series come to an end.
February 29, 2020
Cute story about a young woman that is put in a position that she never intended to be in. Joy makes a promise to her dad before he dies that she will take over his cooking TV show. Problem is, Joy can't cook.
Along comes Luke who is a fabulous chef. The book mainly covers the story of Joy trying to hide her lack of cooking abilities with humor. This was a fun read but the characters just didn't come alive for me. They seems much younger, especially Joy, than being almost 30 years old. At times the story dragged for me.
Overall, if you are looking for a romance novel that isn't deep you'll likely like this one. I will say that I'm thankful that I've read this authors latest work before reading her earlier books because she has grown tremendously over the years. I think I'll stick with her newest releases as I've really enjoyed them.
Along comes Luke who is a fabulous chef. The book mainly covers the story of Joy trying to hide her lack of cooking abilities with humor. This was a fun read but the characters just didn't come alive for me. They seems much younger, especially Joy, than being almost 30 years old. At times the story dragged for me.
Overall, if you are looking for a romance novel that isn't deep you'll likely like this one. I will say that I'm thankful that I've read this authors latest work before reading her earlier books because she has grown tremendously over the years. I think I'll stick with her newest releases as I've really enjoyed them.
August 25, 2022
What I read: Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck
Why I picked it up: Finishing up this short series.
How I read it: On audio at 1.5x. I like this narrator!
What it’s about: Joy has been hosting her father’s cooking show since he died, but she still can’t cook. No one knows, but Luke, her new co-host, figured it out pretty quickly. What will happen when the rest of the world finds out? It’s just a matter of time.
What I liked: I really liked Luke!!
What I disliked: Lying long term never pays off! Reading that again is annoying.
Genre: Christian fiction, chaste romance.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and as part of the series. The best part was seeing what’s going on with Caroline and Elle.
Why I picked it up: Finishing up this short series.
How I read it: On audio at 1.5x. I like this narrator!
What it’s about: Joy has been hosting her father’s cooking show since he died, but she still can’t cook. No one knows, but Luke, her new co-host, figured it out pretty quickly. What will happen when the rest of the world finds out? It’s just a matter of time.
What I liked: I really liked Luke!!
What I disliked: Lying long term never pays off! Reading that again is annoying.
Genre: Christian fiction, chaste romance.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and as part of the series. The best part was seeing what’s going on with Caroline and Elle.
August 31, 2025
I've read a few books by Rachel Hauck and have enjoyed every single one of them and this one was no exception. I wasn't aware it was part of a series so now I'll have to look for the other two books at the library, but this one was a pleasant read.
This book revolves around Joy and Luke and Joy's cooking show, Dining with Joy. The problem? Joy actually can't cook, but she's managed to make three seasons of this show without the secret getting out until her show is sold to a new producer who sets her up for a cook off despite her protests.
I absolutely loved the characters in the book and the chemistry between Joy and Luke was so swoon worthy! I was on pins and needles toward the end hoping they'd work it out. Definitely going to have to read more in this series.
This book revolves around Joy and Luke and Joy's cooking show, Dining with Joy. The problem? Joy actually can't cook, but she's managed to make three seasons of this show without the secret getting out until her show is sold to a new producer who sets her up for a cook off despite her protests.
I absolutely loved the characters in the book and the chemistry between Joy and Luke was so swoon worthy! I was on pins and needles toward the end hoping they'd work it out. Definitely going to have to read more in this series.
October 4, 2020
The third of Hauck's Lowcountry books. I've enjoyed the look at life in small-town South Carolina and the intertwined lives of the residents of Beaufort.
I found this one a little harder to get into, with Joy's constant stress over being found out as a fraud. There were so many other ways her exposure could have been handled. Still, I appreciated that she didn't immediately accept romance. It was important that she discovered herself before finally accepting love.
Odd thing:Hauck described Joy well--hair color, length, eye color--but apart from being good-looking and having a muscular chest, I'm still not sure what Luke looks like.
I found this one a little harder to get into, with Joy's constant stress over being found out as a fraud. There were so many other ways her exposure could have been handled. Still, I appreciated that she didn't immediately accept romance. It was important that she discovered herself before finally accepting love.
Odd thing:Hauck described Joy well--hair color, length, eye color--but apart from being good-looking and having a muscular chest, I'm still not sure what Luke looks like.
March 13, 2022
I enjoyed this book, as I have been all of this author's novels.
While I didn't connect with Joy & Luke the same way I did with Caroline in the first of book of this trilogy-- I still loved the storyline that challenges Joy's life-- as she confronts choices she has made in the past simply to 'please others' and has strived to cover up a huge lie regarding one of them-- and Luke's story as well. They both strive to stay grounded and God, community and family are their priorities- something I can relate to and crave in my own life.
While I didn't connect with Joy & Luke the same way I did with Caroline in the first of book of this trilogy-- I still loved the storyline that challenges Joy's life-- as she confronts choices she has made in the past simply to 'please others' and has strived to cover up a huge lie regarding one of them-- and Luke's story as well. They both strive to stay grounded and God, community and family are their priorities- something I can relate to and crave in my own life.
March 25, 2022
An OK read but I felt it dragged on a bit and was a bit unrealistic. They fall in love but you don't see it happening they just say they love each other and start pining. It kind of bugged me because Joy kept saying "what is God's will in this?" Well his will would be for her to tell the truth and stop trying to fool everybody but she kept it up till she was found out. But acting like she was soo obedient. Idk, contemporary Christian books seem to be making more and more excuses in their stories and it's frustrating. If you just want an escape read it's OK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2019
This was more enjoyable than Love Starts with Elle. Some of the characters from the previous books in this series make appearances in this book. This story involves cooking and a television show and romance and a secret. The secret isn't a secret for long, but it was interesting to see how things worked out. The romance was sweet. I liked Luke more than Joy. She was too rough and stubborn. There is a happy ending, and it was nice to read about Beaufort again.
October 31, 2025
Audiobook 🎧
Finishing up the Lowcountry Series. It was an amazing series on audio with a great setting. I loved seeing growth in the characters throughout the series and revisiting familiar ones in later books. Joy in particular was frustrating but real and I appreciated that difficult issues were not quickly tied up with a bow in each story. Overall these are the type of characters I will miss now that I finished the series.
Finishing up the Lowcountry Series. It was an amazing series on audio with a great setting. I loved seeing growth in the characters throughout the series and revisiting familiar ones in later books. Joy in particular was frustrating but real and I appreciated that difficult issues were not quickly tied up with a bow in each story. Overall these are the type of characters I will miss now that I finished the series.
June 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, the setting and the cooking. I think that it had enough funny moments and enough serious moments to make it connect with all different types of readers. It would make a great Hallmark movie or even just a family movie on a TV network of some sort. I can't wait to get my hands on more Rachel Hauck books.
October 11, 2017
Joy Ballard took over her father's cooking show when he died. The problem is - she can't cook. The current owner of the show knows this and Joy is a great host so they perpetuate the idea. Until the show is sold. Joy begs the owner to tell the new owner the truth. Read this charming book to find out how inevitably her secret is out and what happens in her life including romance with a true chef.
May 13, 2019
What do you think of a cooking show chef who can't cook? Read about the different ways Joy covers up her secret so she can continue the dream of her deceased father. Of course she finds a real chef whom she uses in her cover ups and eventually falls in love with. How can she tell him her secret? This book if full of ups and downs. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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