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thephdivabooks's review against another edition
4.0
I love books about sisters. The Second Chance Supper Club is a heart-warming story of two sisters who have not only lost touch with each other, but have lost their way a bit in life. When they come together in an unlikely circumstance, they find that together, they can heal and move forward in love.
About the Book
Broadcast journalist Julia Frank has it all: a career, an ambitious fiancé, and the hard-won respect of her peers. Until a ruinous decision destroys her reputation, puts her job at risk, and sends her reeling toward the only soul left to turn to: her estranged sister, Ginny.
The owner of a clandestine supper club hidden in the Arizona desert, Ginny Frank has a lot on her plate. The last thing she wants is more drama—or the burden of nursing her younger sister’s wounded ego. But family is family. Besides, Ginny can use the help in more ways than one, and she’s going to make sure Julia pulls her weight.
As a tenuous reunion reopens old wounds, Julia and Ginny have no choice but to confront the pain and betrayals of the past. Will working to keep the secret supper club running be just what they need to find common ground and a path toward forgiveness, or will the increasing stress push them even further apart?
Reflection
One thing I really loved about the way Meier wrote this novel is that though it was narrated by both sisters, Julia and Ginny, it wasn’t split evenly in alternating chapters. The first several chapters were told from Julia’s perspective and were so gripping, that I was glad they weren’t broken up for the sake of keeping it even in terms of the two stories. This is a risky move, but Meier nailed the structure of her book.
When we open, Julia’s anxiety is palpable. She awakes late and is rushing to get to work. She immediately gets called into a meeting where she’s told she isn’t bringing in enough viewers, which is obviously media speak for “you’re too smart and leading with your brain instead of your boobs and we can find a younger, sexier co-star for a male lead who will dress the part.” I thought the tension in that entire scene leading up to the on-air incident was so expertly written. I could feel it!
As Julia’s life crumbles in what feels like a single moment, I was glued to the book, unsure of what I would do if I were her. When that leads her to her sister Ginny’s house in Arizona, I knew that this felt like rock bottom to Julia. To call Ginny and Julia estranged feels like an understatement! As the narrative switches to Ginny and we see where she has come after she left her highly successful career as a chef in New York to run an underground supper club in her house, I wanted to know what happened. What caused this? And Julia arriving mid-meal, with Ginny’s daughter Olive driving away…well awkward doesn’t begin to cover it!
Through their own need to rely on one another, I loved seeing the sisters work to heal their relationship. And it wasn’t easy! But it happened eventually the way it does with sisters. Each knowing they love each other, while not totally being over the hurt feelings and skepticism that it will last. I loved the moments with the food, where we really saw how different Ginny and Julia approach life. They are both hard workers and career-driven women, which I was really happy about. Not a weakling to be found in this family!
I think readers will love learning the story of these two women—these two sisters—as much as I did. I don’t want to say too much beyond the set up, because I found the whole concept of the supper club and what Ginny was doing to be fascinating. I was equally as interested in Julia’s career and life in New York, and I was so curious how it would all come out. And you do get a satisfying ending but of course I’m not going to tell you what it is! You’ll have to read it!
A book for women. A book for anyone with a sister or even a sister-like friend who knows what it is like to have a falling out and still fiercely love each other. A beautiful story of healing, sisterhood, food, careers, love, loss, and recovery.
Thank you to Suzy and Amazon Publishing for my copy. Opinions are my own.
About the Book
Broadcast journalist Julia Frank has it all: a career, an ambitious fiancé, and the hard-won respect of her peers. Until a ruinous decision destroys her reputation, puts her job at risk, and sends her reeling toward the only soul left to turn to: her estranged sister, Ginny.
The owner of a clandestine supper club hidden in the Arizona desert, Ginny Frank has a lot on her plate. The last thing she wants is more drama—or the burden of nursing her younger sister’s wounded ego. But family is family. Besides, Ginny can use the help in more ways than one, and she’s going to make sure Julia pulls her weight.
As a tenuous reunion reopens old wounds, Julia and Ginny have no choice but to confront the pain and betrayals of the past. Will working to keep the secret supper club running be just what they need to find common ground and a path toward forgiveness, or will the increasing stress push them even further apart?
Reflection
One thing I really loved about the way Meier wrote this novel is that though it was narrated by both sisters, Julia and Ginny, it wasn’t split evenly in alternating chapters. The first several chapters were told from Julia’s perspective and were so gripping, that I was glad they weren’t broken up for the sake of keeping it even in terms of the two stories. This is a risky move, but Meier nailed the structure of her book.
When we open, Julia’s anxiety is palpable. She awakes late and is rushing to get to work. She immediately gets called into a meeting where she’s told she isn’t bringing in enough viewers, which is obviously media speak for “you’re too smart and leading with your brain instead of your boobs and we can find a younger, sexier co-star for a male lead who will dress the part.” I thought the tension in that entire scene leading up to the on-air incident was so expertly written. I could feel it!
As Julia’s life crumbles in what feels like a single moment, I was glued to the book, unsure of what I would do if I were her. When that leads her to her sister Ginny’s house in Arizona, I knew that this felt like rock bottom to Julia. To call Ginny and Julia estranged feels like an understatement! As the narrative switches to Ginny and we see where she has come after she left her highly successful career as a chef in New York to run an underground supper club in her house, I wanted to know what happened. What caused this? And Julia arriving mid-meal, with Ginny’s daughter Olive driving away…well awkward doesn’t begin to cover it!
Through their own need to rely on one another, I loved seeing the sisters work to heal their relationship. And it wasn’t easy! But it happened eventually the way it does with sisters. Each knowing they love each other, while not totally being over the hurt feelings and skepticism that it will last. I loved the moments with the food, where we really saw how different Ginny and Julia approach life. They are both hard workers and career-driven women, which I was really happy about. Not a weakling to be found in this family!
I think readers will love learning the story of these two women—these two sisters—as much as I did. I don’t want to say too much beyond the set up, because I found the whole concept of the supper club and what Ginny was doing to be fascinating. I was equally as interested in Julia’s career and life in New York, and I was so curious how it would all come out. And you do get a satisfying ending but of course I’m not going to tell you what it is! You’ll have to read it!
A book for women. A book for anyone with a sister or even a sister-like friend who knows what it is like to have a falling out and still fiercely love each other. A beautiful story of healing, sisterhood, food, careers, love, loss, and recovery.
Thank you to Suzy and Amazon Publishing for my copy. Opinions are my own.
gramorwal's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
illyreadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Such a beautifully written book about second chances, forgiveness and sisterhood. I love books that are based around food, especially when it brings people together.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
cassiesnextchapter's review
3.0
In a story of betrayal, family, hope, and second chances, two sisters reunite over some culinary delights in the Arizona foothills.
Full Book Review
My Thoughts...
Ok, to be completely honest, I was THIS close to marking this one as DNF. I was a whole THIRD of the way into the book and just couldn't slog my way through the third-person cyclically redundant helping of blame and shuttered vulnerability that each sister whined about in each chapter. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a healthy dose of drama and anguish to set up a conundrum of "Will they or won't they be able to work this out?!?!" but it was just too heavy handed.
Because I'm supremely stubborn, I revisited the positive reviews and decided to keep reading. And I was glad that I did. I still didn't enjoy the first 1/3 of the book, and I'd be hesitant to recommend it to someone with that disclaimer, but at least the end wrapped things up nicely for the three women.
The foodie descriptions were mouth watering and enticing - I would love a plate of whatever Ginny whips up in the kitchen! Ah, and the Arizona setting felt earthy and inviting, the way family does. Those elements were so tangible and exquisite, and they really breathed life into the story. The characters were very relatable (I have a sister and we can both relate to letting each other down and helping build each other back up), and overall I'm happy to have stuck with it and finished the book. Can't leave a sister when she's down!
"She felt her roots reestablishing themselves, spreading back to the earth and back toward her family. There wasn't any price tag that could be put on such a gift."
Full Book Review
My Thoughts...
Ok, to be completely honest, I was THIS close to marking this one as DNF. I was a whole THIRD of the way into the book and just couldn't slog my way through the third-person cyclically redundant helping of blame and shuttered vulnerability that each sister whined about in each chapter. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a healthy dose of drama and anguish to set up a conundrum of "Will they or won't they be able to work this out?!?!" but it was just too heavy handed.
Because I'm supremely stubborn, I revisited the positive reviews and decided to keep reading. And I was glad that I did. I still didn't enjoy the first 1/3 of the book, and I'd be hesitant to recommend it to someone with that disclaimer, but at least the end wrapped things up nicely for the three women.
The foodie descriptions were mouth watering and enticing - I would love a plate of whatever Ginny whips up in the kitchen! Ah, and the Arizona setting felt earthy and inviting, the way family does. Those elements were so tangible and exquisite, and they really breathed life into the story. The characters were very relatable (I have a sister and we can both relate to letting each other down and helping build each other back up), and overall I'm happy to have stuck with it and finished the book. Can't leave a sister when she's down!
"She felt her roots reestablishing themselves, spreading back to the earth and back toward her family. There wasn't any price tag that could be put on such a gift."
tea_tales_tomes's review
1.0
A one star rating is pretty brutal, I know, but this book was so poorly written and the plot was just terrible. It started off well enough - two estranged sisters, one a high-flying New York TV personality having work issues and almost being fired for a major faux pas on live television. The other with a massive chip on her shoulder because she had to give up a promising career as a chef to return to dusty Arizona and who is now running a speakeasy from her home. New York sister decides to go back home to Arizona for a break away and recover from her live TV embarrassment but her sister and her have not spoken in about three years (sounds reasonable that she wants to recuperate at her sister's place, right?). So far, so good. Then things get weird. Firstly, the author keeps alluding to the deaths of both the parents and you almost expect a big reveal, but none comes so all that dramatizing was little wasted. Secondly, the New York high flier has a fiance and a marvelous life but in the span of about a week, breaks up with her fiance (and he basically says cool, she says cool and its like they didn't even love each other or even pretend to love each other), she decides to quit her job and move to Arizona, she starts a romance with a high school crush, she completely changes her personality, and she fixes the relationship with her sister and niece. Amazing, right! I suppose that could happen... uh... in some alternate reality where people are robots.
jennie_cole's review
3.0
The Second Chance Supper Club is a novel about finding yourself again. The story revolves around sisters, Ginny & Julia. Ginny is a former NYC chef who moved back to Arizona a few years earlier when her parents passed. Now she runs a secret weekend supper club out of her house with the somewhat reluctant assistance of her 21 year old daughter. One evening, mid-service, Julia shows up on her doorstep.
Julia is a morning news show anchor who might have just destroyed her career with a single question during a show. Now the only place she can think of going is to her estranged sister. Over the course of the coming weeks will they learn to forgive each other and rediscover their passions in life.
This is one of those enjoyable women's fiction novels that make you feel like even when you get to your late 30s to early 40s there is still hope that things can get better and you can change your life.
Julia is a morning news show anchor who might have just destroyed her career with a single question during a show. Now the only place she can think of going is to her estranged sister. Over the course of the coming weeks will they learn to forgive each other and rediscover their passions in life.
This is one of those enjoyable women's fiction novels that make you feel like even when you get to your late 30s to early 40s there is still hope that things can get better and you can change your life.
rochelleweinstein's review against another edition
5.0
Meier tells a delightful story of the fragile bonds between mothers, daughters, and estranged sisters. Set in the picturesque Arizona desert, sisters Ginny and Julia must face betrayal and loss while working together at a secret supper club alongside Ginny's daughter Olive. The clandestine club with its unique charm, scrumptious meals, and eclectic guests is the perfect backdrop for the trio to begin to mend, heal, and find forgiveness.
Meier writes a delicious tale with heaping amounts of hope, healing, and love.
Meier writes a delicious tale with heaping amounts of hope, healing, and love.
natashaniezgoda's review
3.0
A realistic second-chance relationship between sisters who drifted away post the death of their parents.
bookishwithwine's review against another edition
5.0
Do not read this book at night, it will make you hungry!
This is a book about two sisters. A relationship that was once strong, is now broken. I don't have a sister myself, but I love reading about them.
Ginny is the big sister that I liked right away. She dropped everything in the wake of tragedy and moved from the bright lights of New York City to the desert heat in Arizona. She has made a lot of sacrifices in her life including going into debt running her underground supper club.
I love the farmers market, and the way Ginny describes looking for the perfect produce at the market made me laugh. I have watched people who look like they know what they are doing hitting the produce and smelling it. I'm not one to shy away from a conversation with a total stranger. More than once I have asked these people how do you know when it's good?
The way the author describes the food and the setting in Ginny's house for the supper club makes you feel like you're there. It makes you want to be there. I wonder if there's anything like that where I live. It sounds like an intimate experience not only with food, but with the atmosphere and the people you're with.
I like that when Julia gets in trouble at work, she hops a plane to see Ginny. Why do you think that is? You want to see Julia as the less responsible, less mature sister. However, there is more than meets the eye with her.
I like how the chapters alternate between the sisters. You get to see how and why each sister reacted to the situation at hand. You may even find yourself relating to one of both of them!
This is a feel good story about family and second chances. One that I really enjoyed and would recommend to everyone. It's the perfect light, easy read. Reading this book made me want to check out her other books now, especially The Girl Made of Clay.
This is a book all ages would enjoy! The perfect stocking stuffer if you're thinking about Christmas!
This is a book about two sisters. A relationship that was once strong, is now broken. I don't have a sister myself, but I love reading about them.
Ginny is the big sister that I liked right away. She dropped everything in the wake of tragedy and moved from the bright lights of New York City to the desert heat in Arizona. She has made a lot of sacrifices in her life including going into debt running her underground supper club.
I love the farmers market, and the way Ginny describes looking for the perfect produce at the market made me laugh. I have watched people who look like they know what they are doing hitting the produce and smelling it. I'm not one to shy away from a conversation with a total stranger. More than once I have asked these people how do you know when it's good?
The way the author describes the food and the setting in Ginny's house for the supper club makes you feel like you're there. It makes you want to be there. I wonder if there's anything like that where I live. It sounds like an intimate experience not only with food, but with the atmosphere and the people you're with.
I like that when Julia gets in trouble at work, she hops a plane to see Ginny. Why do you think that is? You want to see Julia as the less responsible, less mature sister. However, there is more than meets the eye with her.
I like how the chapters alternate between the sisters. You get to see how and why each sister reacted to the situation at hand. You may even find yourself relating to one of both of them!
This is a feel good story about family and second chances. One that I really enjoyed and would recommend to everyone. It's the perfect light, easy read. Reading this book made me want to check out her other books now, especially The Girl Made of Clay.
This is a book all ages would enjoy! The perfect stocking stuffer if you're thinking about Christmas!
kaleenazagrzebski's review against another edition
4.0
I felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie with this one (in the best way, of course). Julia Frank is a broadcast journalist in NYC, she has an ambitious fiance and the career she’s always wanted. When an on air interview goes bad, putting her job at risk, Julia decides to return to fly to Arizona to spend some time with her sister Ginny who she hasn’t talked to in years.
Ginny is the owner and chef at a hidden supper club in Phoenix, where she brings guests into her home on Friday and Saturday nights for dinner, while her daughter helps serve. When her sister Julia unexpectedly shows up, Ginny can’t help but to bring her sister in, although not without making her help out at the restaurant first.
Despite feeling like the ending was a bit predictable, I really enjoyed this one. Just like a Hallmark movie, it’s always enjoyable, you can easily predict how they’re going to turn out. I enjoyed the sisters’ and Ginny and her daughters’ growing relationships, but I was a little bit frustrated with how inadequately Ginny managed her finances. She and her daughter were living paycheck to paycheck, with a lot of credit card debt, yet continued to order exquisite foods for their guests. That part just didn’t seem to add up to me. But overall, a solid read! Thanks for the free copy GetRedPR!
Ginny is the owner and chef at a hidden supper club in Phoenix, where she brings guests into her home on Friday and Saturday nights for dinner, while her daughter helps serve. When her sister Julia unexpectedly shows up, Ginny can’t help but to bring her sister in, although not without making her help out at the restaurant first.
Despite feeling like the ending was a bit predictable, I really enjoyed this one. Just like a Hallmark movie, it’s always enjoyable, you can easily predict how they’re going to turn out. I enjoyed the sisters’ and Ginny and her daughters’ growing relationships, but I was a little bit frustrated with how inadequately Ginny managed her finances. She and her daughter were living paycheck to paycheck, with a lot of credit card debt, yet continued to order exquisite foods for their guests. That part just didn’t seem to add up to me. But overall, a solid read! Thanks for the free copy GetRedPR!