Sunday, January 3, 2016

Book Review: The Forgotten Recipe


 


Book Jacket

After losing her fiancé in a tragic accident, Veronica Fisher finds solace in the old recipes stored in her mother’s hope chest—and in a special visitor who comes to her bake stand to purchase her old-fashioned raspberry pies.
Veronica Fisher knows how lucky she is to be marrying her best friend. Seth Lapp is kind, hardworking, and handsome—but most importantly, he loves Veronica.

When an accident on the job steals Seth away from her, a heartbroken Veronica is certain she will never love—or be loved—again. Yet when she discovers a batch of forgotten recipes and opens a bake stand to sell her Mammi’s raspberry pies, Veronica picks up a regular customer who gives her heart pause.
Jason Huyard was with Seth when he lost his life—a memory that haunts him still. So when he seeks out the grieving fiancée to convey his condolences, the last thing he expects—or wants—is to fall in love. Nonetheless, Jason soon finds himself visiting Veronica’s bake stand every week . . . and it’s for more than the raspberry pies.

Now, as Veronica’s heart thaws, Jason can’t bring himself to tell her he was there when Seth died. Can he ever reveal where he was on the day her life derailed? Or will his secret rob them of the second chance at love they both want?

My Review

Dust the flour off your recipe books, put your apron on and pick up the rolling pin!  This book will make you want to head straight into the kitchen and make  batches of sweet breads, tasty cookies and velvety pies for all those you love.

What a scrumptiously told tale, captivating from the moment you open the first chapter.  With the opener of a tragic, sad accident, you'll be spellbound.  The captivating words will leave your heart hurting and your mind spinning, but you'll be drawn in by the sweetness of the characters and strength in the story - you will want to read more!

Veronica is strong and steadfast in her Amish faith, and comes from a loving, hardworking Amish family.  Her 2 sisters are instrumental in building a warm and loving home and helping her through this tragic loss, creating a bond of closeness captured beautifully by Clipston.   After losing her fiance, Seth, in an accident, she keeps guarded yet hopeful for a future and busies herself with recipes she found in a trunk belonging to her grandmother.  She notices Jason coming around often, a young Amish man from their town,  but doesn't know immediately that he was the best friend to Seth.  Her homemade raspberry pies, sold at a little farm stand, not only keep most of the English coming to buy them, but Jason as well and a wonderful friendship begins.  Jason tries to court her all the while keeping it a secret that he was with Seth when he died, fearful of losing her ... because Jason has a secret of his own:  He has fallen in love with Veronica!

This book has so many twists and turns.  From the many hours of baking pies and jams and relishes, friends trying to do their best (that sweet little picnic and skipping rocks at the water's edge is a portrait painted in words!) to set them up, girls vying for Jason's attention, and ultimately, a betrayal that nearly pushes Veronica over the edge with despair.  You'll be on the edge of your seat turning page after page to find the ending to this flawlessly written book!

Because it's so much more than just a novel of friendship and courtship, blossoming into a love so deep and pure.  There is something exquisitiely beautiful about Amish romance novels ~ and this one ranks BY FAR one of my all time favorites.  The sweetness rolls off the pages.  Just as you treasure the heirlooms you have as forever keepsakes, the story of Veronica and Jason will stay with you for a long time after the final chapter is read and the book is closed.


         I thank BookLook bloggers for the chance to review this book 
                        and my review is a positive opinion expressed by me on my own accord.


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