Saturday, December 4, 2010

Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck (Review)



Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 16, 2010)

ISBN-13: 978-1595543394

"Chef" Joy Ballard longs for a simpler life. But when a good-looking outsider arrives and spices things up, life becomes deliciously complicated.

Host of a regionally syndicated cooking show, Joy Ballard has a little secret: she can't cook. But when her show is picked up by a major network and given a prime time slot, her world heats up faster than a lowcountry boil.

Enter Luke Redmond: handsome, creative, and jobless after having to declare bankruptcy of his Manhattan restaurant. When her producers ask him to co-host the show, Joy sees Luke as her way out. But Luke sees much more than just a co-host in Joy.

Their relationship begins to simmer on and off set. Until Joy's secret is revealed and her reputation is ruined on national television by her rival, Wenda Devine.

But could Devine's cruelty be a divine gift? Losing Luke--and her sister--forces Joy to consider where her worth really comes from. Could God be cooking up an even bigger adventure from the mess? And will Joy hang on long enough to find out?

My Review:
This was a very enjoyable book. It is the third in the Lowcountry series but stands alone fine. The first two books were good also but this is my favorite so far. The whole premise behind the plot was interesting and unique. I have not read a book like this one before. The author has a beautiful way with words and the descriptions were great. The characters and setting feel real like they are coming out of the page and you are really there. This is a definitely a Christian fiction book. The faith element is woven into the plot and fits perfectly. God is good and God is love are two statements that are given to Joy as gold. I love how the relationship between Joy and Luke sizzled but in a appropriate way. Although the ending tied up all loose ends just a little too perfect, I still liked it. Highly Recommended. :)
Review copy provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

No comments:

Classics Club Spin 18

My Classics Club Spin List for August This is a hodgepodge of books left on my list I made in 2017 for the Classics Club. Tomorrow the clu...