The Lost Recipe for Happiness

I seriously just came off of a 3 day stint of ignoring my husband and 3 children while reading this book. I became so attached to the characters that I simply could not put this book down. I had to keep on reading. I love to cook, so there was a natural draw there, on its own. But I came to relate to Elena in so many ways and kept hoping for her to come to terms with the ghosts she was dealing with. This is a great, easy read. It would be perfect for a long plane ride. A chance to escape for a couple of days. I plan to look up more titles by this author. Enjoy!

Barbara O'Neal is an incredible author. I have not yet finished the book, but as a writer myself (no, not published, but I understand the beauty of manipulating language), I appreciate the imagination this woman uses to describe the characters and the story. My own imagination is completely lit up as I read this. The similes and metaphors she uses can at times be a tiny bit confusing, but as the characters begin to show themselves, the story just becomes this beautifully woven story. I am so impressed.

I can honestly say that I have read anything and everything that Barbara has written over the last 20 years. As such I can say this is my favorite of all her books. The characters were fun, but realistic. Who hasn't had some kind of damage in thier lives that colors all that they do. Her description of the work in the kitchen were realistic and honest. The characters stayed with me for several days after I had finished the book, and that is how I know it was so great!

Barbara O'Neal offers a scrumptious feast in The Lost Recipe for Happiness, a Bantam Discovery book. If you like food and love - and who doesn't? - there's plenty to savor in this story of Elena Alvarez, a chef who must free herself from the ghosts of her past in order to secure her future. Life got an early start in teaching Elena that nothing lasts forever. Abandoned by her single mom, she found a new home and new loves, only to have tragedy rip her away from them. When movie producer Julian Liswood offers her a second chance - at love and at carving her own name in culinary fame - Elena searches for signs and the strength to believe in a forever kind of love. The Lost Recipe for Happiness offers terrific insights into the demanding world beyond the dining room's swinging doors as Elena and her staff of delightfully wounded souls create the Orange Bear, Aspen's newest world-class restaurant. This is a man's world, one that seriously challenges even the hardiest individual. Elena, who fights daily battles against the ravages of a tragic car accident, relies on sheer strength of will as she pits herself against the daunting physical demands of her new job as executive chef. But will her strength of will be her undoing? Will it prevent her from embracing true love when it's finally her turn at the table? The Lost Recipe for Happiness tells a great story in a wonderfully engaging manner. Those with a passion for food will drool over the sumptuous descriptions and mouth-watering recipes (I've tried a few and they are fab.) A delightful supporting cast, including a gorgeous bear of a dog and a guileless teenager who reminds Elena of possibilities, add to the ambiance. With a story of love and redemption that brings the reader to tears and warms the heart, Barbara O'Neal has gently folded all the right ingredients together to make The Lost Recipe for Happiness a must-have for every bookshelf.