In this sumptuous new novel, Barbara O’Neal offers readers a celebration of food, family, and love as a woman searches for the elusive ingredient we’re all hoping to find… anyone how to survive the odds. With her faithful dog, Alvin, and her grandmother’s recipes, Elena arrives in Colorado to find a restaurant in as desperate need of a fresh start as she is — and a man whose passionate approach to food and life rivals her own. Owner Julian Liswood is a name many people know but a man few do. He’s come to Aspen with a troubled teenage daughter and a dream of the kind of stability and love only a family can provide. But for Elena, old ghosts don’t die quietly, yet a chance to find happiness at last is worth the risk.
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There are stories that deserve re-reading, and this is one I’ve read more than once, for sure. I’m a huge fan of Ms. O’Neal, and though choosing her best story is impossible, this is surely a top contender. The prose, as always, is lush and sensual far beyond any physical relations between characters. Landscape and sound and light are painted with as much lush detail as the interiors of the characters’ lives–and I cannot imagine any foodie who wouldn’t be salivating over the rich, atmospheric descriptions of tastes and smells and textures and colors so beautifully woven into a compelling story of bruised and broken hearts in need of love and caring and hope. The book contains a bonanza of recipes to accompany the delicious descriptions of foods you can almost touch and taste–and really, really want to! But above all the culinary beauty, this story of hearts finding their way to home after years of loss and pain is gorgeous and haunting and not to be missed.
Welcome to the world of upscale restaurants and executive chefs. This one will have you salivating on every page. The steaminess was a surprise and so well done.
This delightful novel offers some of my favorite things: food, family, love, and healing. I love Barbara’s writing, and this novel doesn’t disappoint with its witty dialogue, colorful and dynamic characters, and its detailed plot. It’s so full of heart and love and the journey to not only finding one’s self but also being true to one’s self. This is such a great read for anyone who loves realistic (yet magical) characters, engaging story, and moments that make you smile.
Barbara O’Neal delivers a delicious and emotionally satisfying story in The Lost Recipe for Happiness. Elena, a Chef with Southwest roots, battles enormous physical pain along with relationship troubles. Julian, a film director, is looking for the right executive chef for one of his troubled restaurants. When the two come together sparks sizzle and fly. But this isn’t a simple romance. O’Neal weaves her enchanting prose and storytelling skills to create a wonderful story with complex characters that love and hate and smile and weep and somehow manage moving on despite life’s horrendous challenges. And the food . . . The food sounds so amazing you’ll be wishing you were tasting it NOW. (Probably because O’Neal has so much past experience with food.)
This is my second O’Neal story. It doesn’t have the same depth as When We Believed in Mermaids, but it’s not supposed to. I found it enchanting, the characters believable, and cheered the whole way. If you’re a fan of food and romance and well-executed stories, you’ll love this one.
O’Neal really has a way with creating an evocative setting! I felt as though I was in the kitchen with Elena, and oh, the food…made me hungry every time I picked this book up LOL! Plus you get recipes! I felt for Elena, maybe too much with all the mention of her bodily pain. At its core, this is a story of learning to open your heart and take a chance on love again, and there are more than a couple of characters here who we get to watch grow. Nicely done!
An interesting book. Certainly not a cookie-cutter story. Very original. I learned information about a culture I previously knew very little about.
Enjoyable characters facing every day challenges. Fun to get acquainted with the people & plot!
This book was absolutely breath-taking. The characters, the emotion, the plot, the backstory, the setting…O’Neal wove them all into a beautiful tapestry of romance, heartache, loss, hope, and love. It’s a definite recommend for me!
just could not get into it at all – finally quit after Chapter 3. I NEVER QUIT A BOOK
It could be about the real lives of real people. Especially Elena.
Don’t really like it, predictable
I really enjoyed the writing that it dealt with pain, loss, success & failures. The main character has a great deal to with. Happiness isn’t always easy to find.
writing style flows really well
This is one of the most amazing authors I have ever read. Her books are soul searching, make you laugh, cry, and take a deep look into the soul of strong, independent women. I have read several of her books, but this one is my favorite for its flavor of my New Mexico home,,, I could almost taste my own Grandmas tamales as I devoured this wonderful story. The recipes are authentic New Mexico,, thank you Barbara for sharing my world with the world.
Good story, and lots of recipes to
Try, if your into cooking.
Excellent book. Love the cooking theme throughout.
Felt different from most books of this genre, and kept me very involved. Good read !