I adored this story. Holly was a wonderful protagonist, endearing and so heartbreakingly relatable. It opens with her getting her heartbroken, immediately pulling you into her life and causing the reader to pull for her to find her true love . . . even if he does happen to be one of the few people on earth to like to eat lamb's intenstines. (eek!)

Seriously, the characters were rich and varied, filling me up completely. It fits that I read this during the Thanksgiving holidays, not only because it centers around food and cooking, but because of the intense relationships created and nurtured throughout the novel. Mia, the almost twelve-year-old apprentice, was a doll. She had me laughing so many times. Not only at how perceptive and witty she is, but by making me remember exactly what it was like to be that age! Holly's relationship with her grandmother, that we mostly get to experience through journal entries scattered in the chapters, was so sweet. I would have LOVED to be Camilla's granddaughter! Learning how to make all those delicious recipes alone would be worth it! (Side note: do not read this book when hungry. Just a friendly warning)

The subplots with the rest of the students in Holly's cooking class were fun, and completely rounded out this story. And best of all was Holly's relationship with Liam (which isn't a spoiler really since it's right there in the blurb). He was a hottie. And his own relationship with his daughter Mia just made him all the hotter. Their relationship was told perfectly--and realistically. This was not a love at first sight, walk into the sunset immediately relationship. It had some definite ups and downs, which only made Holly grow stronger as a woman.

The ending is tied up in a beautiful bow, leaving me with a warm fuzzy all over. And the intense desire to create an Italian feast, being sure to add my own truth statements, wishes, and memories. Definitely recommend this one!