All Stirred Up

“All Stirred Up” is not just a story about the cut-throat world of chefs and high-end restaurants. Set in Edinburgh, Scotland, this novel is also a novel about the importance of families. Susan Napier sets out to revitalize the family business by a total remake of Elliott’s, the restaurant started by her grandfather. In the process, she rediscovers her own talents and comes face to face with her past. Susan contends with neurotic sisters, old loves, disgruntled employees, and screen stars as she perseveres in her quest to honor the memory of her grandfather and raise Elliott’s to new heights of excellence.

This novel has its happy and sad parts, hilarious and heartrending situations. The story portrays the difficulties of dealing show more with family, and the importance of moving on from grief to new experiences. The best way to describe this novel is “women’s fiction,” although anyone interested in the world of executive chefs might enjoy this backstage peek into the restaurant business. The characters are realistically portrayed and quite likeable. The action plays out against the fascinating backdrop of Edinburgh festivals and venues. Readers should be aware that this novel is liberally sprinkled with all manner of profanity, although it lacks overt sexual or violent situations.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. show less

Yup. Nope. I gave this a go and I wasn't a fan.

The pacing was too slow for me and at least ½ the novel was based on the restaurant remodel that I care less about and could have easily found something similar on the Food Network/DIY channel if I wanted a bite, there was barely any interaction between Chris and Susan until ⅓ mark and by then I was no longer invested in their relationship, the side characters were annoying as fuck, and the tedious details on what was being done to save the family restaurant just about put me to sleep.

This culinary second chance romance novel nearly made me weep in displeasure and was an utter waste of time and energy. I had skimmed more than what was actually read and I was left with no desire to show more make it to the big finale. So with that being said, off to my dropped pile you go!

show less

All Stirred Up

I Picked Up This Book Because: The blurb looked good.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Netgalley
Dates Read: 12/16/20 - 12/20/20
Stars: 3

The Characters:

Susan Napier:
Chris Baker:
Susan’s super annoying family, restaurant employees most of which were also annoying, Chris’s best friend/coworker

The Story:

I’m not going to lie. I spent a lot of this book wondering if I should DNF however I’m glad I stuck it out. After you get over Susan obsessing over her past with Chris and look past her perpetually selfish family, the story gets interesting. Susan and her cohort, whose name I cannot remember, do what they set out to do and bring back Elliot’s former glory despite many obstacles. And the introduction of a cute pup show more didn’t hurt at all. In fact I could have done with more of her.

The Random Thoughts: show less

I thought this would be a light fun rom com. And to some it may be. To me it was a family drama that I was just not interested in. The family restaurant is going under and only one daughter can save. But a former staff member, now world renowned chef is moving in and opening a restaurant down the street. The set up is there, I just didn’t care. They didn’t bring the characters together soon enough. It was more about their difference or the wrongs going on in their lives as individuals. I just found myself not caring if I finished the book, so I didn't.

This was okay as long as I ignored the fact that it's supposed to be a retelling of "Persuasion" by Jane Austen. The story itself was fine but I didn't connect with any of the characters so I wasn't super invested in the success of the restaurant or in the romance.