Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Finding Love in San Antonio

Rate this book
For TV chef Adela Romero, the lights of LA have lost their luster. The grief of her husband’s death three years ago still hangs heavy over her and her daughter, Fabi.

When Adela hears her mother-in-law’s Mexican diner is struggling, she decides to return to San Antonio and try to make a fresh start—though she can’t leave the media attention entirely behind.

Local food critic David Agraponte has a history with Adela. A history he’d like to rekindle. When he interviews Adela, sparks fly—both good and bad. In Adela’s struggle to put her past behind her, she’s tentative about a new relationship, but David hopes she’ll stay at Romero’s long enough to give him a chance.

Sandra always dreamed of managing Romero’s one day, but her chances of proving herself to her aunt are slim with her famous TV-chef cousin taking all the attention. Can’t her aunt see that Adela’s just passing through on her way to her next big gig? Still, as much as she resents it, Sandra may need Adela’s help if there is going to be a Romero’s left for her to manage.

When Adela gets a TV offer that’s sure to shoot her career to the stars, her choice may hold more than just her future in the balance. Can David and Adela find a way to save Romero’s and hold onto their own dreams, or will Adela’s opportunity push them apart?

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2022

12 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

Miralee Ferrell

49 books277 followers
Miralee Ferrell and her husband, Allen, live on eleven acres in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State, where they love to garden, play with their dogs, take walks, and visit their grown children. She is also able to combine two other passions—horseback riding and spending time with her married daughter—since she lives nearby--and they often ride together on the wooded trails near their home.

Ironically, Miralee, now the author of over twenty books, with many more on the way, never had a burning desire to write—at least more than her own memoirs for her children. So she was shocked when God called her to start writing after she turned fifty. To Miralee, writing is a ministry that she hopes will impact hearts, and she anticipates how God will use each of her books to bless and change lives.




Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
13 (41%)
4 stars
15 (48%)
3 stars
2 (6%)
2 stars
1 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Robbie .
440 reviews55 followers
June 23, 2022
Miralee Farrell and Kimberly Rose Johnson have written an intriguing and compelling tale set in the San Antonio, Texas, region. Although I wasn't born in Texas, I consider myself a true Texas girl through and through; thus the setting of the narrative had already drawn me in before I even started reading it. But I would have been entranced by it even if Texas hadn't been the setting.

These two writers, each excellent in their own right, were able to combine their two voices in a unique and original way. The Romero women—Adela, the primary character; Fabiola “Fabi”, Adela's daughter; Sandra, her cousin; and Adela’s mother—made up the majority of the narrative. Farrell wrote about how they each negotiated all the changes in their family and the family business. Johnson’s focus was on Sandra, Adela’s cousin. You would never know the story was written by different authors because of how well it flows. A truly amazing and remarkable feat.

Even though I hadn't personally shared some of the experiences the Romero women did, I greatly identified with Adela's sorrow and guilt about not being available for her daughter due to work obligations. Sadly, I am also aware that many other people share my feelings, too.

Finding Love in San Antonio is a terrific book for the beach, a night at home, or anytime! It's an entertaining storyline with a sound faith message and lots of culinary allusions that will make you ravenous!

I received a review copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Jenn.
341 reviews53 followers
May 20, 2022
Finding Love in San Antonio
Part of the “Finding Love In” Series
by: Miralee Ferrell and Kimberly Rose Johnson
published by: Mountain Brook Ink
genre: Contemporary Romance
release date: May 15, 2022

The sweetness of love pairs with the spice of tantalizing cuisine in Finding Love in San Antonio. Against the backdrop of vibrant San Antonio, Ferrell and Johnson's new novella offers flavorful bites of romance, family, and career. Even more love is always better, and happily, the book is part of the "Finding Love In" Series.

Adela decides to take a break from Los Angeles and return to San Antonio with her endearing daughter Fabi. The famous television chef is compelled to help her late husband's mother revive her struggling Mexican diner, Romero's. Upon arrival, she is interviewed by a man from her past, local food critic David. As Adela reconnects with Romero's, David, and her family, romance merges with career paths and personal dreams.

This book has many beautiful aspects, with family connection and closeness at the center. Decisions are based on prayer and guided by faith. The city setting comes alive, with landmarks from historical San Antonio. Who could resist a romantic date on the tree lined Riverwalk in the city? The tempting food offerings of authentic diners and food trucks enticed my cravings of the local cuisine. This novella provides a short getaway to south-central Texas, seasoned with ambience, aroma, and affection.

Thank you to Tim Pietz, Publicity Manager with Mountain Brook Ink. for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.

387 reviews13 followers
July 5, 2022
This was a beautiful story. It was interesting seeing these women come together to fight for their family legacy. Primarily the story was about Adela and David but we have her cousin and Fabi too who made the story all the more better. I love how she learned as the story progresses to balance family and work. Theresa lot of food between the pages but also love, learning to move on even when grief holds you down. I loved every minute of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine
Profile Image for Gretchen Garrison.
Author 3 books31 followers
June 29, 2022
"But as hard as it is, trying to avoid your memories won't help. Going back and facing them head-on will help you heal. Let yourself remember all the good times, and even the ones that weren't perfect. Every marriage has them, right? It's time for you to move on mija."

Adela has a food television show. As a working mom, keeping up with everything is so challenging. Her daughter, Fabi, wants to go back home to San Antonio. But for Adela, that location is too full of memories after the loss of her husband. Can she find a way to start over?

This is Adela's story. But it is also a book featuring her daughter, her mother-in-law Soccoro, cousin Sandra and even her Abuela. There are multiple narrators in this one. For me, it only added to charm of the story. There are multiple love stories in this one, and somehow it works well together.

With the backdrop of the local San Antonio restaurant, this book is also a celebration of food. I guarantee, you will be hungry for authentic Mexican food by the end of this one. Not only does it focus on cuisine, the book also covers culture and the importance of family.

Although grief is part of the focus, this is truly an uplifting book. There are so many layers involved that it could have been a flop. Instead for me, the combination is like the perfect enchilada -full of delicious goodness. A wonderful summer read.
Profile Image for Edward Arrington.
1,181 reviews12 followers
April 18, 2022
As it so often happens, a child, or maybe I should say young teenager in this case, turns a good story into a better story. Maybe it has something to do with being a grandparent. I truly loved the part that Fabiola, known as Fabi to her family and friends, played in this story. She loved soccer and was a good player. Her mother, Adela, had gotten wrapped up in her work, making the mistake many of us do. She felt she had to be a success in order to provide for her daughter after the death of her husband. But she was constantly pressured by her manager to do more, put work ahead of her daughter, and expect her daughter to understand. Some parents learn much too late that what the children need is more of the parent, or parents, and less of things. The story makes it quite apparent that a parent needs to pour themselves into their children. At times, Fabi acted just like almost all kids do and showed herself when Adela failed to do things the way she thought they should be. She was especially obnoxious when her mother kept missing her soccer games. At other times, Fabi seemed to have a much better grasp of what she needed than Adela did. So, the big question became whether the career or the teenager would win. I have read a lot about seeking a win-win solution, but that does not look possible as the story progresses. I think the character that was easiest to dislike was the manager. However, the authors wove in enough romance to take most of the attention away from him. Adela, her mother-in-law, her cousin, and her aunt all had men interested in them. There may have even been a young fellow interested in Fabi, but she was too young. The story has a great message wrapped up a tangled web caused by indecision and uncertainty. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,097 reviews134 followers
June 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this clean, sweet story about family conflicts. The book is a look at a family with different goals and a yearning to find their place in life. I will say I was hungry the entire time I read the book. There were so many awesome meals shared in the story that I wanted to join the family. With the crisp details about the food, I could smell the aroma and almost taste each bite that was eaten.

I thought the concept of the book was nice as we follow Adela and her daughter on a journey back home. I loved the setting of San Antonio since I live in Texas. The Riverwalk is filled with restaurants that will satisfy any hungry person. The atmosphere of San Antonio is rich in history and is welcoming to all. Adela impressed me with how her career is going and gets an opportunity to heighten it with an offer many chefs would love to have. As she and her daughter travel back to San Antonio to visit family that is where the heartbeat of the story begins.

There are several characters in the book that each are looking for a place to belong. Sandra has worked so hard at Romero’s and has this dream to run it someday. With business slowing down decisions need to be made to try to save the restaurant. It was interesting to see how the dynamics in the family were flawed at times. Jealousy plays a key role between Sandra and Adela that cause angry words to divide them. I was pleased with how the story shows that family is important and shallowing your pride can mend relationships.

The women in the story have one thing in common for sure and that is wanting to be happy and finding love. I especially liked how it included older people who were hoping to find a relationship and how sweet it was to watch them act like teenagers at times when they are given a compliment or find someone who catches their eye that gives them confidence.

Will Adela take her big chance at fame and leave her family behind? Can Sandra find happiness if she doesn’t get the opportunity to mange the restaurant? I can’t forget Fabi who for me was the highlight of the book. She may be a teenager but she grounded and very wise in ways that surprised me. She seemed to be the peace maker in the family and stood her ground when her mother wants to travel and leave her behind.

Throughout the book readers get a taste of two authors working together to deliver a story rich in family, faith, hope and healing. I loved how their writing styles compliment each other and mesh together in a seamless manner. The ending is very nice and yes I did cry a bit but they were happy tears.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,799 reviews49 followers
June 23, 2022
I really like Romance books and Finding Love in San Antonio by Miralee Ferrell and Kimberly Rose Johnson is the lastest book from that genre that I have read. I am familiar with author Miralee Ferrell, but I was not familiar with author Kimberly Rose Johnson. I was very interested in reading this book as the synopsis is intriguing and the dual authors.

Adela Romero is a TV Chef who lost her husband 3 years ago. She is happy doing the TV life in LA anymore. She and her daughter Fabi pack it up and return to San Antonio to help her Mother in Law with her struggling Mexican Diner. David Agraponte is a local Food Critic and he is excited that Adela is back in town. David and Adela had a relationship in the past and he is hoping to get a second chance at love with Adela. Sandra, Adela's cousin, has always wanted to be the one to manage her Aunt's restaurant once her Aunt Retired. Sandra wants her Aunt to see that Adela is only here temporarily and Sandra realizes she needs Adela's help to save the Restaurant. Adela is offered a TV job that would really take her career to new levels and now must make a life-changing decision. Will Adela take on the opportunity of a lifetime? Will she stay in San Antonio and help save her Aunt's Restaurant with the help of David? Will there be a Second Chance Romance between David and Adela?

I will admit it took me a bit to really understand the Storyline. I really did enjoy the book once I got through the first chapter of the book, which was a little slow going. Adela is grieving her husband and is very career-focused. She decides to help her Aunt out, but her cousin Sandra is not happy for Adela is taking over. Adela's daughter Fabi just wants her mom to give her some time instead of being focused on her career. David takes on the task of helping Adela save the Restaurant, as it also allows him to spend time with Adela. I really like how the pair took things slow and guarded their hearts. This book is one about Second Chances, Family Conflict and Resolution, finding opportunities in life and so much more. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Romance books! GREAT BOOK!
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,889 reviews46 followers
June 24, 2022
Finding Love in San Antonio is a contemporary romance that is written by Miralee Ferrell & Kimberly Rose Johnson. I enjoyed seeing these two authors write together. I felt their styles complemented each other.

In this story we meet TV chef Adela Romero. She has been living in LA and the publicity has lost it's appeal. She has been a widow for a few years now, and it still deeply affects her and her daughter. She moves back to San Antonio when she hears that her mother in law's Mexican diner is struggling. She wants a fresh start away from the media. She is interviewed by local food critic David Agraponte. They have a history and David wants to revisit the spark they had.

There are a lot of characters and voices in this story. The story also visits the topic of family conflict and those just trying to find their place in lives. While there are a lot of characters, you don't feel overwhelmed with all that is going on. The writing flows nicely and I enjoyed the description of scenery. I have never been to San Antonio, but after reading this book I feel that I need to go and visit.

The book is well written. I loved the storyline focusing on multiple characters. The talk of food made me hungry.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,125 reviews19 followers
June 25, 2022
Finding Love in San Antonio is a light-hearted and fun romantic comedy like none you’ve read (or seen) in that it’s a Christian one! I’m a fan of romances. Once upon a time, I remember reading a series of books that were all titled Finding Love in and then the rest of the title. I loved that series. I always knew that they were clean and that they would be good books.

When I picked up this one I thought it was just a modern redoing of one of those books, but it wasn’t. This is a modern storyline that focuses on one TV persona and her quest for who she wants to be or become. Adela lost her husband but she has a daughter to raise. Can she do it right while also providing for them? Can you raise a daughter amidst Hollywood?

I loved the story. The food made me hungry and now I crave Mexican. But also I couldn’t put the book down and really loved the story. Fabi makes the story though I do like what they did with Sandra as well. I found Adela to not be my favorite character in this story.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,288 reviews35 followers
May 18, 2022
A sweet romance

While primarily David and Adela’s story, Finding Love in San Antonio tells of the Romero family women finding their place after the death of Adela’s husband.

Adela had been so focused on her career as a celebrity chef that she constantly fought for time to spend with her daughter – and lost. Her mother-in-law was struggling with running a restaurant she no longer loved. Her niece desired to manage the restaurant and resented being overlooked. And Fabi, Adela’s daughter, longed to be significant enough in her mom’s life to be noticed.

This is a sweet story. I enjoyed the interactions and conflict between the women and seeing how they overcame them.

Readers who enjoy Hallmark-style stories will want to read Finding Love in San Antonio.

Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads

I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Joan.
4,380 reviews125 followers
June 15, 2022
This is a fun novel offering a chance for romance on a number of different levels. Adele needed to face guilt over the death of her husband, that she had taken him away from his home. She had devoted herself to her career as a guard to her heart. Her mother-in-law devoted herself to her restaurant. Sandra just seemed off of men. Each of them have opportunities to face their issues and be open to romance.

There are also choices people must make. For Adele, it is her career. What is really more important – career or family? Sandra needed to choose whether to continue to try to know it all or begin to cooperate with others. Victor faced choosing a new location for his business. All of them saw things shaken up, presenting new opportunities if they chose to venture out.

This is an enjoyable novel for readers who like a story exploring people facing the issues with which they have guarded their hearts. The characters are interesting. The plot is reasonable and entertaining. There is a subtle faith message too.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle .
1,106 reviews35 followers
May 16, 2022
Finding Love in San Antonio is a Christian romance e-novella by author(s) Miralee Ferrell and Kimberly Rose Johnson.

Adela Romero’s husband had passed away which left her as a single parent. Her work always came before family. She was never at her daughter, Fabi’s, soccer games. However, this summer things would be different. They would spend time together in San Antonio.

Finding Love in San Antonio is a two-fold romance that is clean and wholesome. I enjoyed reading Finding Love in San Antonio and could say so much more but don’t want to give it all away. Finding Love in San Antonio would make a great beach read for the summer.

I give Finding Love in San Antonio 5*/5*

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
1,901 reviews
June 27, 2022
Maybe my love of cooking or the fact I have walked on the River Walk in San Antonio initially drew me to this story, but the characters and plot kept me reading. Adela Romero and her daughter live in Los Angeles where Adela hosts a cooking show. But when the pair travel back to San Antonio with Adela’s mother-in-law, the pair finds their lives need to change.

Between Socorro (the mother-in-law), Sandra (niece/cousin/manager of Romeros (the family restaurant that is struggling), a food critic, a food truck owner, a meddling grandmother, an aggressive Hollywood agent, and more this story kept me interested. I loved the realistic family dynamics, the food, and the love of family that shines through the pages of this book.

So if you enjoy stories revolving around family and food, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley Dawn.
Author 41 books81 followers
July 2, 2022
This was a good story! I completely enjoyed it and Fabi was my favorite character! The author put together heartbreak, family love, and romance and made a really good story. I like the stories where your plans are changed by something better even if you don't know it yet.

I liked Adela and her love of family (and food!). David was a great character too. I really liked the character interactions and how the author pulled them together. It really was a good read that I enjoyed.

4/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,575 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2022
" Finding Love in San Antonio" by Miralee Ferrell & Kimberly Rose Johnson is a clean romance about two different couples. It is also a story about a second chance at love for one of these couples. If a reader likes stories about food and how the couples try to avoid the obvious attraction between them, then " Finding Love in San Antonio" by Miralee Ferrell & Kimberly Rose Johnson is a story they should read. My heart ached for Adela's daughter as she misses the mom she used to know.

I received a complimentary copy from the authors and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
838 reviews14 followers
June 29, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. There are a lot of point of view characters which I am not used to having. There are two intertwined story lines with Adela and Sandra and what they choose to do with their lives. I found the book to be well written and easy to read. I look forward to reading more books by both Miralee Ferrell and Kimberly Rose Johnson.

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
Profile Image for Sandra Bagwell.
548 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2022
sweet story

I cried and had a big smile at the end 😹 isn't that the sign of a good story? The story might make you hungry for Mexican food. I enjoyed it the whole story from cover to cover.
6,174 reviews
May 20, 2022
Finding Love in San Antonio is a fun book to read by talented co authors Miralee Ferrell and
Kimberly Rose Johnson. I enjoyed reading this delightful and entertaining read. I understood Adela right from the start. My favorite character had to have been Fabi. It is a great story that reminds us of some very important life lessons that we all could learn from. It is not a long book to read and I had no problem reading it in one sitting. It is slightly predictable but still definitely worth a read.

Finding Love in San Antonio will be getting four and a half stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean and sweet romantic fiction.

I received a digital copy of Finding Love in San Antonio from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.