The Lost Recipe for Happiness

Rating- 5 out of 5 stars

This is the best book I've read this year. It's almost a "girl power" novel written for adults. Elena is a chef who overcame a tragic past, and is finally getting a chance to run her own kitchen. Julian Liswood is the restaurant owner who takes a chance on her. Elena's ghosts, literal and figurative, continue to haunt her while she comes to an acceptance in her life.

I was really drawn to the realistic depictions of life in a kitchen, and the interesting people that are drawn to that life (because working in a kitchen isn't just a job, it's a lifestyle). The author, Barbara O'Neal shows the flawed personalities that are drawn to the lifestyle.

The secondary characters, Ivan, Patrick, and Portia have their own interesting stories as well. Ivan and Portia in particular have demons of their own that need to be defeated in order for them to progress forward in life.

I loved this book. Elena is a strong woman in a man's world. She doesn't take crap from anyone, even when she's hurting. I think I was able to relate to this book a lot because I am married to a chef. It's a difficult life, and not at all glamorous. I recommend this book to everyone. It's really fantastic.