Book Review - The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake

Title: The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake

Author: Rachel Linden

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction w/ a dash of Magical Realism

{Thank you @uplitreads @rachelinden_writer @prhaudio of the #gifted copies!  The audiobook was narrated by Taylor Harvey}

I really enjoy Rachel Linden’s books and I think The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake may be her best one yet!  When I finished, I immediately recommended this to my mom and aunt—when together we refer to as The Nonna’s—who will love this story that takes place in Italy.

Our main character, Julia, runs an online recipe website that recreates vintage recipes.  She also is in works to publish a cookbook.  When her work life hits a hiccup, she runs to her families beloved olive farm in Italy’s stunning Lake Garda region.  The place she spent her summer’s learning to cook from her beloved Nonna.

I have to say, Nonna, stole the show!  She was so full of love and wisdom.  And my gosh, THE FOOD!

“To live bound by fear is to live a small, pinched life. {…} So often fear is a prison, not a salvation.  Fear is a ball and chain.  It makes you imagine the worst that can happen and then forces you to live in the shadows of that terrible imagined thing.  Fear can rob you of the life you were meant to live.  It does not keep you safe, it keeps you small.”

There was also a second chance romance that was a small part of the story.  Jules rekindles with the boy next store she knew and loved as a teenager.  This book also touches on grief.  It was a feast for all of the senses and I can’t recommend it enough!