Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanagh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel’s other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum, he’s … sent packing to get his life in order. When he returns, career in shambles, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public’s good graces is to work alongside Hadley.As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along, but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love. In the meantime, hide the knives.Fan-favorite Bethany Turner serves up a heaping helping of humor and romance with this thoroughly modern story centered on cooking, enemies, and second chances.
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Just when I thought I couldn’t enjoy Turner’s work more…she does it again! I truly fell for these characters and their struggles. So relatable and funny, too!
Hadley Beckett and Max Hadley have nothing in common but their love for food. She’s the quintessential southern belle and he is the haughty, know-it-all chef. While Hadley is easy going, Max makes headlines with his angry antics. His handlers have had enough, and in order to do a LOT of damage control, Max must swallow his pride and partner with Hadley for a reality show.
This is one of those stories that features characters you hate to love/love to hate (I’m looking at you, Max!), but it is truly worth the read. I loved the themes of reconciliation, second chances and finding love with the last person you’d ever expect. While their differences are what pushed them together, can this odd couple make it work? Or is this a classic case of a team that will wither under pressure?
If you like FoodNetwork or any cooking shows, you will love Hadley and Max’s story. Be prepared to want to cook up a little kitchen magic of your own after reading this book! This would be extremely fun to use as a book club selection–you could even host a Zoom type cooking class together! Turner never lets me down in the romcom department. If clean, encouraging, but funny fiction is your jam, please don’t let Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish pass you by!
I was an early reader, thanks to Revell Publishers. All opinions are my own honest thoughts.
Hadley Beckett is a sweet southern chef with a hit food show, At Home with Hadley. When the Culinary Channel pairs her with bad-boy Chef Max Cavanagh, who has his own top-rated show and an attitude to go with it… well, things get a bit dicey in the kitchen!
While this book is overflowing with the laugh-out-loud dialog that Author Bethany Turner is becoming known for; it also tackles every day, contemporary, and controversial issues. This romantic comedy is the best that I have read and the declaration of love at the end… be still my heart! This is a book not to be missed!
Bethany Turner is such a breath of fresh air! She has such a fantastic way of writing stories that bring laughter to the page while still dishing out meat. Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish is no exception to this rule that I’ve found to be true. It’s fun, it’s refreshing, it’s pacing is perfect (not rushed, but not lagging). I found this story to be absolutely delightful. I cannot wait to turn the pages of Ms. Turner’s Next Dish!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
There are not enough foodie words to describe how delectable Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish by Bethany Turner is!
Whether you’re a brilliant culinary genius or someone who’s simply proud that you’ve never melted a ceramic mug while microwaving a mug cake (ahem, that would be me…), we’ve all seen those cooking shows that draw you in with an unimaginable pairing like dragon fruit and octopus tentacles — gag! — but by the time the contestants’ journeys conclude, you are emotionally invested in their happiness.
That is Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish!
Max and Hadley’s humorous, hate-to-love, second-chance story is a “signature dish” in fiction! The celebrity chef angle of the story allows you to step into the world of culinary royalty while also giving you a healthy serving of Nashville and a pinch of New York. As fun as the setting and supporting characters were, Max and Hadley’s character growth are my favorite parts of the story! I loved how Max and Hadley each had to confront their public personas! This message will resonate on a heart level with readers, challenging them to look at what persona they’re putting forth and when. Additionally, Max and Hadley had to confront misconceptions and fears individually. Max took a journey from believing in nothing to believing in something. A journey filled with mistakes and redemption and many second chances. A realistic journey. And Hadley had to decide if taking a chance on love was worth going through the worse, poorer, and sickness to get to all the good, wonderful, and blessed parts of love. And based on that epilogue, I’m pretty satisfied with her decision!
Five Stars ~ Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish by Bethany Turner is filled with delicious fun and savory truths! Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish is a standalone, but the author has other wonderful stories in her backlist for readers to enjoy!
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book was such a fun read! The first scene is epic! If you’re a fan of cooking shows, this book will not disappoint. If you like Rom Com stories, this is for you! Max is an arrogant, confident, angry chef. Hadley is Southern Sweet. Watching their story unfold throughout the pages is filled with humorous lines. There’s conflict, competition, and comaraderie. Can Max be redeemed? What will come of their shows? These are questions well answered in the book! I definitely recommend this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.
I’m a sucker for redeemable buttheads and Max delivers perfectly. Paired with sweet-but-sassy Hadley, readers are in for a hilarious and heartwarming ride as there’s never a dull moment when the two are together. Whether they’re at each other’s throats or experiencing a sincere minute, the sass and tension are both strong. Don’t even get me started on The Kiss(es) or THAT EPILOGUE. I melt.
There’s a hidden depth, sneakily tucked between banter and food dishes I can’t pronounce. Redemption, forgiveness, second chances, and a Southern helping of undeserved grace make this book more than your typical rom-com. Without a doubt, this is my favorite Bethany Turner novel so far. This story and these characters will stay with me for a long time.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author and publisher. All expressed opinions belong to me.
I was full on dopey grinning at the end of this book! In fact I think this just might be my favorite of Turner’s books!
I loved Hadley Beckett (even her name is awesome) she was just so genuine it was hard not to fall! She had that southern charm while also not being afraid to speak her mind when the situation called for it. I also admired the grace with which she handled some of the crazy situations thrown at her!
Now Max was another story, when we first met him in the prologue I didn’t know how on earth I could come to like that guy. But then the story jumped a few months. I really liked how Turner didn’t just magically turn him into a likable guy but instead gave us a hero who realized he had faults and was working on changing but still slipped up. Watching him fight to be a better man made me slowly fall in love with his character too!
And together Hadley and Max were amazing, the banter, the fights, the jokes, the making up (or out), and the texting. It was all absolutely entertaining to read!
In short this was a wonderful story from start to finish and I’m going to have a smile on my face whenever it comes to mind!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
(5+ stars) – Fun enemies-to-lovers romance that almost ruined our dinner!
This is one of those books that grabbed me right away and kept me immersed all the way through – I couldn’t put it down & kept reading even while I was fixing dinner & nearly burned our food, lol
Max is a mess, but at least following treatment after his drunken fit, he’s growing in self awareness. He’s helping Hadley grow in self awareness, too, whether she likes it or not.
The story seems as if it’s heading toward a common romance conflict; however, (bless her!) the author doesn’t go there, but takes a road less traveled instead, and the story is soo much better for it.
The interactions are amusing, and the story manages to be both thoughtful & fun – I enthusiastically recommend it!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: touches on the heroine’s Christian faith very briefly & lightly, in a way that’s completely organic to the story
Oh my goodness, wonderful! Bethany Turner has outdone herself once again. when I first opened this one up, I thought that there was no way that I would be able to root for Max or have him grow on me. I’ve read the author before, and trusted that she’d find some way to make it happen, I just wasn’t sure how. I think that might have been the biggest driving force for me to keep going and see how it all unfolded. In my review for WooCam (Wooing Cadie McCaffrey), I stated that I was pretty excited to see a cameo appearance of Payton Manning, so I honestly thought that one would remain my favorite forever (unless of course she managed to squeeze him in again haha). The further I got into this one though, the more I fell in love with Hadley and Max’s story.
Max. Where do I get started on Max? What I love about him the most is that he had some very real flaws and they didn’t change overnight for him once he met the girl. I liked that we were able to see parts of the story through his POV as well because we were able to find out what made him tick and understand his inner battles. And don’t we all have our own internal battles?
Hadley was the “Christian” character, but she wasn’t created perfect either. She was able to be viewed as “set apart” without being this icon of perfection we can so often expect. She put a lot of pressure on herself and fought harder on the inside than she revealed on the outside. Her character really got me thinking. She was refreshingly pure in the “real” department.
I honestly couldn’t talk this book up enough. I am so glad I read it and can’t wait to see what Bethany Turner comes up with next. Go get it y’all!
*I received a copy of this book from Revell publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I have my first official crush on a New Yorker now! And I love Hadley and her innocence! Such a great book!
“Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish” is absolutely delicious. Bethany Turner gives us a lighthearted, celebrity-chef feud as a backdrop then beautifully mixes in complex issues of competition, jealousy, forgiveness, love, and redemption. I was captivated by the story behind the story. Great writing. Great characters. Great truth. Keep writing for us, Bethany. We need reminding that messy stories can still have happy (not perfect) endings.
The animosity between the two main characters is intense at the start of the book. Max Cavanaugh is a man you love to hate, the epitome of a jerk combined with anger and substance abuse issues. Meanwhile Hadley Beckett is the poster girl for an easy going the Southern sweetheart.
The story line is fresh and funny. At times (more than several) Max and Hadley’s interactions were laugh out loud funny. They are required to work together after their disastrous competition which makes for the interesting story. The lessons they learn about life and each other are priceless.
I loved Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish by Bethany Turner and most definitely recommend it!
Why?
Her storytelling voice is so fresh and unique. I love the way Turner puts words together to draw me into her story. I feel like I am listening to a friend recount an episode from her own life. The banter between her characters is real, sometimes hilariously funny, sometimes so emotional. The pop culture references bring back memories from times past that still mean something to me in the present.
The novel is about two chefs. As an avid watcher of the food network, I was intrigued by this premise from the beginning. Turner delivers a story fit for any foodie or just wannabe decent cook like me!
The hero is a winner. Max Cavanagh is so unlikeable in the first few pages that it is hard to believe he can be redeemed in a 334 page book. But, oh, he is!
This book is a stand alone and can be read in any order with Bethany Turner’s other books (because you won’t want to miss those either).
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Readers be aware once you start this delightful novel you will not want to stop until you get to the end! This new must-read romantic comedy by Ms. Turner is an absolute must-have addition to your library. This book focuses on Hadley and Max. Both are chefs who each have their own unique style. The beginning of the book starts off with a cook-off between the two where someone loses their temper. Fast forward a little bit in time and the two meet up again for a once in a lifetime chance. Together, they discover maybe they made some assumptions about the other one that might not be the complete truth. This story provides the reader with some romance, some comedy, and a tale of second chances. As someone who likes to cook and watch cooking shows, I really liked the backdrop to the story. Both characters showed resilience and perseverance. I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed! I also recommend Ms. Turner’s other books as well. They are very well written too!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.
Months after an explosive finale to a television cooking competition banishes celebrity chef Max Cavanagh from the network where his show was once number one and simultaneously solidifies charming Southern chef Hadley Beckett’s status as America’s sweetheart and ratings queen, they both have an opportunity to change their fortunes again. Max has the chance to redeem himself and Hadley can take her career to the next level if they can only shove aside their rivalry long enough to do a reality show together. But neither of them are prepared for the impact the collaboration could have on their hearts.
The enemies-to-lovers trope is a time honored recipe. Sometimes the couple’s heat rises as a gradual boil, and other times it’s more like a flambé of attraction. But it takes more than fire to cook a great dish; you also need quality ingredients. In Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish, the ingredients come in the form of a relatable hero and heroine, each with a powerful character arc.
Max is a deeply flawed yet magnetic personality who slowly learns how to focus on someone other than himself. And his transformation is made all the more believable because it is fraught with mistakes and setbacks.
Although not always graceful, Hadley manages to show grace and friendship to Max. But when that friendship threatens to morph into love, Hadley finds that receiving requires even more vulnerability than giving.
Bethany Turner expertly combines these two narratives into a satisfying concoction that I highly recommend to those who enjoy a little more substance than the usual romantic comedy fare.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not obliged to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you in advance to Library Thing for this advanced review copy, as well as Revell for sending it to me. A positive review was not required and all words are my own. This was a surprise win and I LOVED it!
This is the second book of Bethany Turner’s I have read, the first being “The Wooing of Cadie McCaffrey”, which was last year. That was thanks to JustRead Publicity Tours.
Since I found #WooCam delightful, I couldn’t wait for the author’s next release.
Do you like to cook?
Want to cook up an original dish with a simple recipe? Here’s a great recipe from #BethanyTurner #RevellBooks:
1 part bad-boy/ill-tempered chef
1 part Southern Belle chef
Mix well; stir often, heat to boiling, stand back, and #kissmyeverlovingrits!
What better story than a “bad boy” celebrity chef – or an ill tempered one? Who hasn’t seen that “idiot sandwich” GIF floating about? Despite it actually being a comedy skit on James Cordon, the GIF has made the rounds.
The meme has carried on strong even years after the skit, so strong that it’s now a merchandise item at one of Gordon Ramsay’s spots in Las Vegas – yes, Idiot Sandwich earmuffs (https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/gordon-ramsay-to-sell-idiot-sandwich-earmuffs-based-on-viral-meme). I can’t make this one up.
FYI: I hadn’t even read the author’s acknowledgments which mentioned Ramsay when I drafted this review (these are in the ARC and subject to chage). I often pre-draft reviews based on the book’s blurb, my initial impressions, as well as why I wanted to read the book.
Like “Wooing Cadie McCaffrey”, Turner relies quite a bit on popular culture references. Many of them I was familiar with and even laughed at.
The cover is whimsical and made me wonder if this was a murder mystery dinner type of read. And, trust me, after reading about Max’s past – it would’ve been interesting.
This was such a delightful read, more so than “Wooing Cadie McCaffrey” that I really couldn’t manage to take notes as I usually like to do with my reviews. The reason I take them is so I don’t forget something I’d like to praise in the review.
Anyway …
Right off in the prologue the reader sees Max’s temper during the competition for America’s Fiercest Chef, and I REALLY wanted to hear Hadley actually tell Max “so kiss my ever-lovin grits”. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as hard at a line as I did with this one. As someone who remembers the TV show Alice, Polly Holliday’s character Flo was known for saying “kiss my grits”, so Hadley’s character saying it with a Southern twist was hysterical.
Max was absolutely detestable in the prologue. He even goes so far to throw a temper tantrum which causes his fall from grace. It wasn’t as epic as I thought it was from the blurb, but it was enough that it damaged his career.
When the story starts in chapter one – Hadley is still doing her TV show “At Home With Hadley”, her stint on America’s Fiercest Chef has made her popular and in demand. In addition her show is now the top-rated one for the network.
While her grandmother has managed major Country artists, she does use some experience to manage Hadley. But, when a new manager comes along with bigger dreams, goals, and offers – Hadley is reluctant to take it. However, her grandmother seems to think it might be a better idea for her.
I didn’t much care for Hadley’s grandmother so I didn’t mind that she was gone for most of the story.
Hadley soon learns what her manager is preparing her for – a golden opportunity to be a on TV show few chefs have been on. There is a catch – Max comes with the deal. Though why isn’t revealed to her. And, this is where the story takes a few turns, but all of them are delightful.
Max has had a stint in “rehab” which is more or less for his anger issues, but he also learns that alcohol isn’t his friend. He isn’t an alcoholic by the real definition, it just isn’t his friend. And, he remains vigilant about it.
Still, he’s poised to make a comeback and ready to do what it takes – and making amends is the first part.
In the beginning, I truly detested Max, but he won me over. And, it wasn’t a “big reveal” moment – it was slow, steady, and patient – starting with his “apology” to Hadley. Turner did a wonderful job with his character progression. Hadley was pretty much the same from beginning to end in personality, but like Max, she also has a “TV persona” which Max helped her tone down. Max is honest, albeit sometimes to a fault, about Hadley’s faults; however the reader soon sees why he is – and, it isn’t about meanness or jealousy. It makes the story that more endearing.
As readers come to learn – Hadley and Max are being paired up for nothing more than a ratings grab due to their past history. And, at this point, I sort of suspected that was the case. Some people just can’t walk away from drama no matter where it is. The two catch on and it is amusing to watch how they work together to thwart the “host”, and a manipulative agent who seems to be working for both sides. It is, at times, comical.
It is also endearing to watch them come together and see each other’s faults, but rather than expose them – they want to work through them. This story ended far too soon, but it has such a beautiful and heart-warming ending that makes me want to open it up and start reading again (pesky TBR file).
The chapter names were almost hysterical and I kept wanting to continue reading even when I was falling asleep with the book dropping out of my hand. This has that “Hallmark movie” vibe/feel to it; with a down-home, Southern charm – one where you know right off it is going to be a “happy ending”, but you’re so curious you have to read the book to see how it plays out. And, play out it does.
Some of my favorite references were movies that were, and still are, near and dear to me – Annie (1982) and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). Personally though – on the Harrison Ford scale, I’ll take Han Solo over Indiana Jones.
While distributed by Revell, a Christian-themed/based publisher, this only has minor references to Jesus and God. As some other reviewers have noted – this isn’t really a Christian themed book, but is more or less a clean read (no sex scenes, no foul language).
There are no bible quotes and nothing that stands out as “preachy” in a way that might be off-putting to anyone.
If you enjoy clean reads, cute competitions, and Southern hospitality – y’all, I’d seriously consider this one!
I think the foodies out there will enjoy this book as it follows two chefs as the main characters. I’m not one to sit and watch the food network, but admit that the premise still drew me in. As is the case with each of Bethany Turner’s books, I laughed out loud with some of the one-liners and references to pop culture. I would classify this book as a clean-read rather than Christian fiction.
Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish is a brilliant inspirational Rom-Com. I love everything about it. The characters are well developed, flawed, and intriguing. You can tell the author did her research on the culinary reality shows because her portrayal seems authentic and realistic. The pacing of the story was spot on and the friendship/romance developed naturally. This author has a unique and fresh voice in inspirational fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
5 Stars! (More like a bazillion!)
*Picks jaw up off the floor* Wow, I’m speechless in the best way! Fair warning: there will be gushing galore in this review! I loved Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish so much that no words I can string together could possibly come close to doing this amazing book justice, but I will try my best!
I loved Hadley! She is my favorite kind of heroine, smart, sassy, spunky, but also kind, caring, generous, and delightfully real! I’m claiming her as my new fictional BFF! Without spoiling anything let me just say that I absolutely loved how Hadley’s faith was so evident in the way she treated all those around her and especially Max, such a beautiful reminder of the amazing grace Jesus Christ offers to us all! Hadley I wanna be like you when I grow up! LOL!
And Max, be still my swooning heart, where is my fainting couch when I need it?! I must admit that reformed bad boy isn’t generally one of my favorite hero types, but as soon as Max came on the scene, even though he tried his best to keep me from liking him at first, I liked him anyway because I could tell there was more to him than just acting like a jerk, and those feelings promptly turned to love and before I was halfway done I knew without question that he is my favorite hero of Bethany Turner’s, and that I had found my newest book boyfriend! Max is definitely one of my favorite heroes of 2020! Why is Max so awesome, and why do I love him so much? Well, you’re just gonna have to read the book to find out! 😉
I don’t consider myself a foodie, but I do love food and this book gave me an absolutely fascinating glimpse into the life and mind of a professional chef. I felt like I was cooking right alongside Hadley and Max! But make sure you have snacks on hand because reading this book will definitely make you hungry!
Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish is a beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances, and a fantabulous romance that will touch your heart and have you grinning and laughing uncontrollably from beginning to end!
In my humble opinion this book is exactly the ray of hope the world needs right now in these scary and uncertain times!
Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish is everything I dreamed it would be and so much more!
I absolutely loved every second of this book and it’s definitely one of my favorite reads of 2020! Most highly recommended!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
Fun book if you’re looking for a lighthearted story that will make you laugh. This is my first Bethany Turner novel and I look forward to reading or listening to more. I listened to this one on audio; Aimee Lilly is a great narrator.