ROMANCE

Effie Olsen’s Summer Special

Berkley. Apr. 2024. 384p. ISBN 9780593547908. pap. $18. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
COPY ISBN
After being fired from her dream job, chef Effie Olsen returns home to the small, touristy town of Adler Isle, ME, to work as a sous chef at the Michelin-starred restaurant Brown Butter, where her former best friend, Ernie Callahan, also works. Effie hasn’t spoken to Ernie since she left, shortly after he uttered the unrequited “I love you” that ruined their friendship. But Ernie isn’t the lanky teen she remembers, and she wonders if she made a mistake in running away from the closest bond she’s ever known. They make a pact to renew their friendship and get to know each other again. When Effie uncovers a scandal at Brown Butter, however, she’ll have to make an ethical decision that will have far reaching effects on Ernie, the Isle, and the people she’s grown to love again.
VERDICT A much less intense version of The Bear, but with all the same familial bonds and restaurant drama. Bilow (Ruby Spencer’s Whiskey Year), a classically trained chef and food writer, serves up a full dish of romance, humor, and meaty plot, with a perfect portion of sexiness on the side.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?