kleedc73's review against another edition
4.0
In this latest book by Melissa Senate, Holly moves back to Blue Crab Island to visit her aging grandmother with a broken heart. Holly's grandmother is a gifted Italian cook and fortuneteller, thus earning her the title of the Love Goddess of Blue Crab Island. When Holly's grandmother passes away, Holly is determined to keep the cooking class and Italian food store open, despite the fact that she is not a expert cook (in Italian cuisine or otherwise) and does not have her grandmother's gift of sight. Holly's first class has only 4 students, one of whom is a 12 year old girl. Nevertheless, both Holly and her students unexpectedly find friendship, love and support as they cook and chat and grow together. I found the book to be sweet and endearing and I enjoyed Holly's journey in the kitchen and all of the descriptions of the delectable Italian dishes she created. And all of the main characters in the book, including Holly's grandmother, largely brought to life through memories and diary entries, are likeable and interesting. But the book was a little light on complexity and heavy on fairy tale endings for everyone. If you are looking for something enjoyable but without tons of depth, you will like this book.
tlfuller13's review against another edition
2.0
Had higher hopes.
After reading other reviews of this book and how negative they were, I thought surely it can't be that bad; it has food, romance and people with wounds to heal... but they were right. While this is a nice,quick read, its too hallmark. The character are flat, their dialog force, and no sturdy conflict. Several potential problems for Holly could have stemmed from how the writer posed things, but went the easy route, almost as if she published the 1st draft instead of refining what was accomplishes.
After reading other reviews of this book and how negative they were, I thought surely it can't be that bad; it has food, romance and people with wounds to heal... but they were right. While this is a nice,quick read, its too hallmark. The character are flat, their dialog force, and no sturdy conflict. Several potential problems for Holly could have stemmed from how the writer posed things, but went the easy route, almost as if she published the 1st draft instead of refining what was accomplishes.
lhachey's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
marythekoreanfoodie's review against another edition
5.0
Books about food will eternally be my favorite genre. Food is relatable, homey, comforting, and even sensual, so you can anticipate a book with it at its core will be pretty much the same. I cheered for the main character when she succeeded and I cried (okay, not really) when she did not. I might want to buy it, but I'm still not sure. But that's saying a lot. :)
serenaserafin's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the story but there were a lot of typos and missing words in the actual text. A little disappointing in that regard.
mrssoule's review against another edition
4.0
The culinary parts of this book and the circle of cooking class friends are worth a five-star rating, but the middle school-style snobs vs. eccentrics suspense elements to the plot were tedious and incredibly annoying.
attytheresa's review against another edition
4.0
This is the story of Holly, who inherits her grandmother's home and Italian cooking class and pasta business on a Maine island near Portland. There's only one problem: Holly can't cook. What follows is how she learns to embrace not only cooking, but her legacy, which in turn leads Holly to find herself and where she belongs. And of course a great love. Along the way we meet some wonderful characters, including the 4 year old Cass (briefly) and Tweenie Mia who is a delightful main secondary character if that makes sense. The cooking classes and recipes used, which are initially only those created by her grandmother, all include a special ingredient: a true statement, a wish, a sad memory, a happy memory. Naturally some of the recipes, all traditional and classic italian dishes, are included at the end. I will have to see about reading more by this author.
catladylover94's review against another edition
5.0
loved it the story was awesome, the small diary parts into the past were good, loved the main character
thenageler's review against another edition
3.0
Just OK. Writing style never really appealed to me and I found the dialogue to be pretty unrealistic and unnatural. The concept was very sweet and it was a quick, light read so I've rounded up on my true rating if 2.5 stars.
Side bar: who are these people in their mid thirties CALLING each other at MIDNIGHT to say goodnight?! Couldn't suspend my disbelief on that one. If a suitor is calling me at midnight, that's a deal breaker for this 34 year old.
Side bar: who are these people in their mid thirties CALLING each other at MIDNIGHT to say goodnight?! Couldn't suspend my disbelief on that one. If a suitor is calling me at midnight, that's a deal breaker for this 34 year old.