Review: The Recipe Box by Sandra lee

 

Title: The Recipe Box

Author: Sandra Lee

Publisher: Allen and Unwin Dec 2013

Status: Read from December 01 to 02, 2013 — I own a copy {Courtesy the publisher}

My Thoughts:

Sandra Lee is an American chef, the host of several television shows, and the author of over two dozen bestselling cookbooks. The Recipe Box is her debut fiction novel celebrating mothers, daughters, and friendship, featuring several of Sandra Lee’s recipes.

Grace D’Angelo is trying to create a new life for her self and her daughter in L.A. after her divorce, but between fourteen year old Emma’s rebellious behaviour, long working days and regular trips back to her hometown to support her best friend, Leeza, who is battling breast cancer, she is struggling to keep it together. When Leeza unexpectedly succumbs to her illness, Grace reconsiders her priorities and decides to spend the summer in New London where she is forced to confront her past and rethink her future.

The plot unfolds in a rather predictable manner as Grace works on rebuilding her relationship with her daughter and her mother, from whom she has been estranged for a number of years. Grace’s main obstacle to happiness involves her discovery of a family secret as a teenager, and her inability to move beyond it. Her return to New London challenges her long held grudge against her mother, and forces her to consider the secret she is keeping from her own daughter.

Of course there is romance for Grace too, with hunky firefighter/handyman/teacher, Mike, though the spectre of an old flame, Von and her ex husband muddy the waters. Grace is wary of beginning a new relationship and of letting down her guard but Mike is a good guy, and persistent, so you can expect a happy ending.

I enjoyed the less traditional romance between Ken and bookstore owner, Tim. In several ways Ken’s journey mirrors Grace’s as he is also estranged from his family and fled New London as soon as he was able. Going back for Leeza’s funeral, and meeting Tim, prompts him to rethink his priorities and his decision makes it easier for Grace to concur.

The Recipe Box is a pleasant read for a lazy afternoon, a story about forgiveness, making amends and moving on. The recipes are a nice touch, there are none that are particularly original, but the Swedish Cinnamon Buns look delicious.

Available to Purchase From

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US Cover