Book Summary (Amazon): Denver chef Rachel Bishop has accomplished everything she’s dreamed and some things she never dared hope, like winning a James Beard Award and heading up her own fine-dining restaurant. But when a targeted smear campaign causes her to be pushed out of the business by her partners, she vows to do whatever it takes to get her life back . . . even if that means joining forces with the man who inadvertently set the disaster in motion.
Essayist Alex Kanin never imagined his pointed editorial would go viral. Ironically, his attempt to highlight the pitfalls of online criticism has the opposite effect: it revives his own flagging career by destroying that of a perfect stranger. Plagued by guilt-fueled writer’s block, Alex vows to do whatever he can to repair the damage. He just doesn’t expect his interest in the beautiful chef to turn personal.
Alex agrees to help rebuild Rachel’s tarnished image by offering his connections and his home to host an exclusive pop-up dinner party targeted to Denver’s most influential citizens: the Saturday Night Supper Club. As they work together to make the project a success, Rachel begins to realize Alex is not the unfeeling opportunist she once thought he was, and that perhaps there’s life―and love―outside the pressure-cooker of her chosen career. But can she give up her lifelong goals without losing her identity as well?
My thoughts...This book jumped out at me for two reasons. First, I loved Laureano's first book Five Days in Skye, which had just the right mix of character development, romance, and a great setting. Second, I loved the idea of reading a story about the behind the scenes life of a chef. We're big Food Network fans at our house...even our kids love watching it. I was not disappointed as I was able to mentally experience all of the amazing dishes that Rachel created. The attention to detail and creativity made me feel like I was right there in the story. I'm a visual person, so if a book can create vivid mental images in my mind as I'm reading, that's a winner winner chicken dinner in my book! : ) I know...I couldn't resist!
There are so many layers to this story and Laureano, once again, does a great job of developing each character from start to finish, particularly Rachel and Alex. I really loved Rachel's story. The journey she goes on could've completely caused her to shut down and never continue being a chef, but she uses her trials to take her on a journey to self-discovery. The risks she takes to do what her heart knows is true is inspiring.
Personal takeaway...Don't be afraid to step out in faith, even when the world thinks you're crazy. As a Christian, there are things that God has called me (and my family) to that other people couldn't understand. But every time we've taken that leap, we've seen amazing things come from it.
Loved this book and would definitely recommend it!
**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to share my honest thoughts and opinions, which I did.**
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