Review - Effie Olsen’s Summer Special

Title:  Effie Olsen’s Summer Special r

Author:   Rochelle Bilow

Publisher:   Berkley

Genre:   Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   384

Date of Publication:   April 30, 2024

My Rating:   4 Stars 

DESCRIPTION:

These childhood best friends swore they’d never speak again. But that was before a surprise summer reunion gives them a chance to turn up the heat.

Effie Olsen thought she’d never settle down on the tiny Maine island where she grew up, but she’s returning from a whirlwind sixteen years as a professional chef in far-flung countries for one summer and one summer only. Her hometown boasts one of the best restaurants in the US, and lucky for her, Brown Butter needs a sous chef. Effie is eager for a chance at redemption after her last job went up in flames, but reluctant to set down roots in a place that reminds her of the ghosts of her past.

Until, that is, she runs into Ernie Callahan, her onetime best friend who now works in the very same restaurant. Early morning swims and late-night games of truth or dare with Ernie remind her of what she’s been missing while traveling the world. He knows her better than anyone, and it doesn’t hurt that his smile lights her up brighter than the lighthouses dotting the craggy coastline.

But Brown Butter has a secret that’s bursting at the seams, and if Effie doesn’t keep it, her job will vanish into the foggy Maine air. As summer draws to a close, she realizes a second chance at her dream job and the perfect guy are both within reach. The salty seaside town of Alder Isle is the key to Effie’s sweet ending.... All she has to do now is learn to let her heart lead the way.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Facing financial hardship, joblessness, and a sense of aimlessness, Effie Olsen returns to her hometown in Maine. Seeking employment, she accepts a position as a sous chef, fully aware that it is likely temporary. Her primary objective is to increase her income and establish a savings plan. Despite her culinary expertise, the new role does not fully satisfy her aspirations. Regrettably, poor judgment led her to engage in a hot night with her boss, Ernie Callahan, with whom she had once shared a close friendship. Recognizing that this employment serves as a temporary respite, Effie endeavors to maintain her focus and dedication.

I appreciate the setting of this story in Maine, as it evokes fond memories of my family’s summer vacations there. The combination of the picturesque location, the blossoming romance, and the overall delightful narrative makes this book an enjoyable read. It offers a wealth of content, and I believe it has the potential to become a favorite among readers.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rochelle Bilow is a romance writer, food journalist, and writer. She is a graduate of The French Culinary Institute and has worked as a baker, a line cook, and the social media manager for Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines. Her articles about cooking, eating, and farming has been published in a variety of national publications. Rochelle splits her time between upstate New York and Vermont, where she cooks with copious amounts of butter and reads stacks of books by the wood stove (as is only proper).

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