When in Doubt, Add Butter by Beth Harbison - 3 stars

[Jen K]

Gemma is a private chef. She has different families or homes scheduled for each day where she cooks homemade meals per their request. Some homes are better than others but each definitely has their own personality. Additionally she caters at the local country club. She does well enough to maintain life in the (not so cheap) DC area but not quite enough to save for unexpected challenges. Unfortunately there are some surprises and she must push herself out of her comfort zone which leads to both positive and negative results.

The story regularly mentions the neighborhoods that I live, work and play in and I loved all the local references. The food description were also drool worthy. In the afterword, the author mentioned that she also used to be a private chef and grew in the area. I'm not surprised by her background as the food was too real. The first of the book was a bit seriously judgmental and I was slightly put off. Some lessons were learned and it did improve though I still didn't enjoy one overly done trope. That said, I read it in one day so I was well entertained and enjoyed.

[Book Concierge]

Well, I have to add this to my tbr!

A similar experience for me, I think, when I read Amy E Reichert's The Coincidence of Coconut Cake ... which is focused on Milwaukee.

[Jen K]

That was good one too!! Hard not to enjoy these foodie books and especially when local.

[Anita]

Jen K wrote: "Gemma is a private chef. She has different families or homes scheduled for each day where she cooks homemade meals per their request. Some homes are better than others but each definitely has their..."

Lol, I love the title of this book so much I wanted it to be 5 stars for you!! Somehow, I don't feel I ever registered that you live in Chevy Chase. We are almost neighbors lol!!

[Jen K]

Anita wrote: "Jen K wrote: "Gemma is a private chef. She has different families or homes scheduled for each day where she cooks homemade meals per their request. Some homes are better than others but each defini..."

The title is definitely words to live by! So many references to Giant, Safeway's Peapod and my Chevy Chase/ Georgetown adjacent neighborhoods. Not a 5 star but still quite enjoyable!

That's right, you are back this side and just up the road! I'll see you at Giant :)