Recipe for Second Chances

By: Ali Rosen

Narrated by: Natasha Chandel

The ones that got away reunite at a big Italian wedding in this second-chance romance from debut author Ali Rosen, the James Beard Award-nominated writer and host of Potluck with Ali Rosen.

Stella Park is elated to celebrate her best friend’s wedding in the Italian countryside—and maybe she also needs this escape from her personal and her professional life. Writing recipes for a living isn’t all it’s cooked up to be.

But the revelry is short lived when she runs into the ex she hasn’t seen since she broke his heart ten years ago, Samuel Gordon. As her past gets propelled to the forefront, Stella tries not to question the choices she made a decade ago.

When Stella and Samuel keep getting pushed together during a weekend filled with delectable food, Indian and Italian wedding traditions, and unplanned detours in gorgeous locales, she attempts to ignore that maybe he really was the one that got away.

Playing it safe has always been Stella’s dependable rule book. But maybe Samuel is worth the risk—and perhaps some love stories just need more time to marinate.

©2023 Ali Rosen (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Cookbook writer Rosen makes a delicious fiction debut with this witty, forced-proximity, friends-to-lovers tale. It's no surprise that Rosen's rich description of Indian and Italian fare is mouthwatering.… This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a playful nom-nom rom-com full of food, friendship, and fun. Recommended for fans of Christina Lauren, Jennifer Weiner, and Amanda Aksel.”—Library Journal

“Cookbook author [Ali] Rosen makes her fiction debut with this romantic foodie trip to Italy…Rosen makes the most out of the lush, romantic setting and her descriptions of food will have readers’ mouths watering. This is a treat.”—Publishers Weekly

“In her fiction debut, cookbook author Rosen (Modern Freezer Meals) creates main characters with believable motivations and emotional baggage in an engaging second-chance romance.”—Library Journal

Great locations and a sweet leading man

Samuel is my new book boyfriend! Loved that it was set in NYC, Scotland, and Italy. The travel was an armchair vacation.

It's OK

Story was heavily based on MMC's commitment issues due to anxiety. Last chapter was all the growth. did not care for the pacing of the story or MMCs story arc.

Could have been enjoyable

The main character was way too whiny and dramatic and it ruined a story that could have otherwise been cute.

Cute & light summer read.

Overall, I feel like the book was a casual cute read. I do think that the main character’s inner monologues were annoying. And I do think her inner conflict was drawn on but for a casual read it’s okay.

Perfect Title

This romance, told in two timelines 10 years apart, though frustrating, does reward your patience in the end. You will have to be patient, however, because the whiny, gets-in-her-own-way, protagonist will test you, as she tests the boy/man who falls in love with her at first sight. Hang in there, it's worth it.