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As far as Gemma is concerned, her days of dating are over. In fact, it’s her job to cater other peoples’ dates, and that’s just fine by her. At thirty-seven, she has her own business, working as a private chef, and her life feels full and secure. She’s got six steady clients that keep her hands full.

There’s Lex, the fussy but fabulous department store owner who loves Oysters Rockefeller and 1950s comfort food; Willa, who needs to lose weight under doctor’s orders but still believes butter makes everything better; a colorful family who may or may not be part of the Russian mob; an uberwealthy Georgetown family; the picture-perfect Van Houghtens, whose matriarch is allergic to everything; and finally, a man she calls “Mr. Tuesday,” whom she has never met but who she is strangely drawn to.

For Gemma, cooking is predictable. Recipes are certain. Use good ingredients, follow the directions, and you are assured success. Life, on the other hand, is full of variables. So when Gemma’s takes an unexpected turn on a road she always thought was straight and narrow, she must face her past and move on in ways she never would have imagined. Because sometimes in life, all you need is a little hope, a lot of courage, and—oh yes—butter.

I’ve never read a Beth Harbison book, but I couldn’t argue with the title, so I borrowed it from the library.

I loved so much about this book–the characters, the pace, the humor, the adult topics without adult language or graphic scenes. The structure is a bit different (I wouldn’t expect anyone outside of publishing to notice that), but it worked. It was fun knowing that you knew what was going to happen, but waiting to make sure you were right (without having to wait until the last page).

A fun, uplifting, easy romantic read. If you like Jill Mansell books, I think you’ll like Beth Harbison.

Rated PG-13 for some adult themes and topics, but nothing gratuitous.

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For similar sweet women’s fiction, try:

Maybe This Time by Jill Mansell
You and Me, Always by Jill Mansell