Book Review: “Recipe For You” by Monica Comas
“Recipe For You” by Monica Comas (2026)
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Page Length: 331 pages (paperback review edition)
Synopsis:
Belle Sutton is a little lost these days.
She has a stalled career, a New York apartment she can’t afford, and her sister, Lexie, is more estranged with each passing year. Belle’s one true consolation is her beloved grandmother, who’s powered through her own broken family ties with a tenacious zest for life and a passion for cooking. But when her grandmother suddenly passes away, a grieving Belle feels her only connection to the past is gone forever.
That’s when Belle receives a series of letters, along with a cookbook, photographs of Belle and Lexie when they were young and happy, and her grandmother’s last wish that the sisters mend severed ties before it’s too late. For the love of Gran, a challenge is met that sets Belle and Lexie on a journey of hope, reconciliation, surprising discoveries, and the nourishing power of family, forgiveness, and tradition. All they have to do is follow the directions.
Review:
What an emotional rollercoaster this book was in the best way! It reminded me of my own Grandma (on my mother’s side) who has since passed and the vivid memories of her. It also reminded me of Grandma (on my Dad’s side-still living) and cherishing the time we have together. At it’s core, Recipe of Joy, is a story about healing from grief and forgiving mistakes from the past. It shows us all the messiness of emotions that are raw and unfiltered and shows readers the way you can slowly pick up the pieces and move forward.
The novel has excellent pacing and lyrical writing that speaks directly to the reader. Comas reflects on her own loss of her mother and weaves into the fabric of the story. Belle not only has to overcome grief, but also re-discover herself in the process. She has been moving through life like a simulation and this life changing incident forces her to look within herself and find what makes herself happy while also keeping the memories of her grandma alive. My favorite parts of this novel were the tender scenes between Belle and her grandma, but also her sister, and those she interacts with on her journey. She is reminded that it’s okay to not be okay, and to lean more on others for love and support.
I love the fact that the recipes mentioned in the story are also included in the back of the book. Each recipe holds so much nostalgia and memories which recreate a spark of joy with each meal. This novel at shows readers how food can be such a powerful thing. Food brings us together, helps us cope, and has traditions (recipes) that are passed down from one person to another. It also discusses how food creates core memories for us.
This was a beautiful novel that I highly recommend and other readers are sure to enjoy it’s warm characters, real life lessons, and delicious recipes.
Final Verdict:
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Sparkpoint Studio in exchange for a fair and honest review.
