Reviews

Recipe for Second Chances by Ali Rosen

baleking99's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

cmccarthy0327's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

A little cheesy on the tail end but cutie! Served as a good palate cleanser for all my sad books

marimbagirl22's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A delightful book of how overcoming your own fear and anxiety can bring you happiness. Character development was great, the back story and linking of all the side characters was realistic. I loved that this mostly took place in Italy with food. Ali of course talked about food (I want the miso chocolate chip cookie recipe too!!) in this story but it wasn't the main focus. I think she did an excellent job writing what she knew and adding some flair to it. I can't wait to read her next book.

tinlizzyd08's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Cute and insightful romance read!

I love a sweet romance and this one drew me right in as Stella and Samuel meet in the first pages. Their romance gave me all the fizzly feels of falling in love and made me want to run away to New York and then Italy to find my own Samuel, even though I’m 45 and happily married. ☺️ But, hey, romance that doesn’t make you feel anything isn’t worth it’s salt, is it?

I particularly loved Stella’s supportive and loving friendships. Every girl wants a group of gal pals to walk through the seasons of life with and Stella’s friends were detailed and wonderfully written as women of complexity yet also with a simple goodness to their character.

Rosen has a flair for lovely descriptive writing, and I enjoyed Stella’s time eating her way through Italy and enjoying the beautiful scenery in Umbria and at her friend’s half Indian/ half Italian wedding.

This is a delightful and easy read with some great characters and insightful, thought provoking nuggets sprinkled throughout.

brin3543's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.25

A debut novel I couldn't put down 🥰 I felt like I was touring Italy as I was reading a recipe for Second Chances" as Stella and Samuel are forced together at their best friends' wedding in the Italian countryside.  The scenes were so vivid and beautifully written I felt like I took a vacation as I watched Stella and Samual fall back in love in this second chance romance.

Did I occasionally want to punch both main characters in the face for their stupidity at times?  ~Yes BUT I think that's a sign of a good author if they can make you feel such strong emotions for their characters 🤣

Full of adorable meddling from well meaning friends, flash backs and honest conversations this is a must read romance.  The spice is low (🔥🔥/5) but the chemistry is present and really well done.  The ending had me giddy with joy and falling in love with Stella and Samuel 🥰

audreyryan11's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The writing was good but the plot was rushed. The whole mental health thing kind of came in aggressively at the end. 

courtld90's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted slow-paced

3.0

yeseniamurguia's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I wanted to DNF this book, but I was I had! The main character is so hard to like in this book.

jureader's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

vicky_reads_writes_reviews's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75