This book created a really warm feeling and tangible emotion within its pages. The characters were wholesome and powerful within the story. Romance on a very mature and believable level. The story of a broken woman who falls into her dream of running a high end restaurant. A very determined and strong person who has had to fight her way to achieve along the way. Along comes a deep relationship and she needs to decide which way to jump. More than a surface chick lit read!!! ( )

I thought this would be a quick chick-lit read and was very surprised by the depth of the characters and the immense sadness which is woven throughout the plot. The story is filled with great characters, all of whom have difficult pasts which they must overcome. The plot is fast paced, but the complexity of it is overwhelming. There are secrets, lies, romances, fate, soul mates, murder, car accidents, ghosts, recipes, and teenage angst all rolled into one story. Barbara O'Neal's writing is wonderful, but is sometimes overshadowed by the tremendous plot. ( )

I'm really enjoying this book. It feels very alive to me. I love Elena and her relationship with food, with her broken body, with men and with ghosts. I find her interesting and enjoyed spending time with her. I liked all of it - the recipies, the description of food, the sex, the love, the crisis. It all felt possible and true to me. A good romance warms the soul and that's what this is doing for me. ( )

I have to admit when I first skimmed the book description, I thought the plot would be: girl breaks up with current boy, relocates to new city for a fresh start, meets new boy, not sure if she should get involved with new boy, ends up getting involved with new boy and they begin new relationship. Ok, so maybe The Lost Recipe for Happiness can be summed up that way. But honestly, it’s so much more than that.

Elena Alvarez is a complicated character, but extremely likable. She’s haunted by her past and cannot rid herself of her tragic accident. She’s left not only with physical pain from the car accident, but immense survivor’s guilt. She’s the lone survivor of a car accident that killed her high school boyfriend and two sisters.

After the accident and a long period of physical therapy and healing, she left her hometown and explored her passion for cooking. Training in the best restaurants prepared her to become chef of her kitchen. While mastering the art of cooking, Elena simultaneously distanced herself from intimate relationships. Yes, she had plenty of boyfriends, however she never allowed them in, always keeping them at arm’s reach. Of course this changes when she meets Julian.

Julian Liswood is a single father with several marriages under his belt. He’s trying to raise his teenage daughter the best he can while maintaining his professional life. He’s immediately smitten with Elena, but tries to keep their relationship purely professional. After all, he is her boss.

Ms. O’Neal did an excellent job bringing these characters to life. The chapters are told from both Elena’s and Julian’s perspectives. The secondary characters round out the story with issues of their own that only contribute to the depth of the plot.

If you’re looking for something different, I suggest you pick up The Lost Recipe for Happiness. Elena is a character that you will root for and in the end you will walk away satisfied.

4.5 Stars ( )

One of the best books I've read yet this year. Touching story of one woman's loss and the discovery of herself. Soul searching and so touching that I closed the books with tears. Wonderful story. I felt like I knew Elena and all the characters like family. Great find!! ( )