Blagica Jankuloska
Perfect Vacation Read
I finished this book a few days ago and I’m still smiling. Emily Arden Wells delivered a feel-good, foodie romcom with just enough soul to keep it grounded and just enough sparkle to make it binge-worthy. If Eat Pray Love had a snarky little sister who traded pasta in Italy for Michelin stars in Manhattan—this would be her story. And yes, it would make an excellent TV movie (preferably with a killer soundtrack and slow-mo food montages).
Cassie Brooks seems to have it all: power attorney job, luxe Manhattan apartment, golden-boy boyfriend (maybe-fiancé?) James… so why does she always feel like she’s sprinting and never breathing? Just when the cracks start to show, tragedy strikes—James dies in a car accident. And everything Cassie thought she knew crumbles.
Then comes the twist: turns out James was living a secret double life as @NewYorkSecretDiner, an anonymous food reviewer who knew where to find the city’s most magical meals. In her grief (and possibly a food-induced haze), Cassie takes over the account. What starts as a desperate attempt to feel closer to him quickly spirals into a chaotic, three-week culinary tour she’s wildly unprepared for. Gorgeous meals, new friendships, and an identity crisis all served with a side of public exposure threat? Yes please.
This book was a blast—and now I want to devour more food-and-travel books. It made me feel like I was eating my way through every stop on Cassie’s journey, from cozy city bistros to scenic countryside gems, all without leaving my couch.
The meal descriptions hit the sweet spot—lush but not over-the-top—and I loved how creative each dish felt. You could almost taste them.
A couple of bumps though: Cassie’s friendship with Ruby was a bit confusing. Ruby starts out as a casual work buddy, but suddenly she’s the confidante and ride-or-die bestie. I wanted their bond to be more established early on, especially since Ruby is one of the more charming side characters. And the ending? Great build-up, great arc… and then bam, everything wraps up a little too neatly in four quick chapters. I wanted just a bit more breathing room after all the delicious tension.
Still, I had a great time. I already bought a copy for my best friend because I know she’ll love the vibe. Easy, breezy, heartwarming, and full of food—I’ll definitely be picking up more from this author.
Perfect Vacation Read
I finished this book a few days ago and I’m still smiling. Emily Arden Wells delivered a feel-good, foodie romcom with just enough soul to keep it grounded and just enough sparkle to make it binge-worthy. If Eat Pray Love had a snarky little sister who traded pasta in Italy for Michelin stars in Manhattan—this would be her story. And yes, it would make an excellent TV movie (preferably with a killer soundtrack and slow-mo food montages).
Cassie Brooks seems to have it all: power attorney job, luxe Manhattan apartment, golden-boy boyfriend (maybe-fiancé?) James… so why does she always feel like she’s sprinting and never breathing? Just when the cracks start to show, tragedy strikes—James dies in a car accident. And everything Cassie thought she knew crumbles.
Then comes the twist: turns out James was living a secret double life as @NewYorkSecretDiner, an anonymous food reviewer who knew where to find the city’s most magical meals. In her grief (and possibly a food-induced haze), Cassie takes over the account. What starts as a desperate attempt to feel closer to him quickly spirals into a chaotic, three-week culinary tour she’s wildly unprepared for. Gorgeous meals, new friendships, and an identity crisis all served with a side of public exposure threat? Yes please.
This book was a blast—and now I want to devour more food-and-travel books. It made me feel like I was eating my way through every stop on Cassie’s journey, from cozy city bistros to scenic countryside gems, all without leaving my couch.
The meal descriptions hit the sweet spot—lush but not over-the-top—and I loved how creative each dish felt. You could almost taste them.
A couple of bumps though: Cassie’s friendship with Ruby was a bit confusing. Ruby starts out as a casual work buddy, but suddenly she’s the confidante and ride-or-die bestie. I wanted their bond to be more established early on, especially since Ruby is one of the more charming side characters. And the ending? Great build-up, great arc… and then bam, everything wraps up a little too neatly in four quick chapters. I wanted just a bit more breathing room after all the delicious tension.
Still, I had a great time. I already bought a copy for my best friend because I know she’ll love the vibe. Easy, breezy, heartwarming, and full of food—I’ll definitely be picking up more from this author.