The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake - by Rachel Linden Paperback

About the Book

"Rising star Jules Costa loves re-creating vintage recipes for her popular online cooking show. But when personal and professional disaster strikes, her only chance to save her career is to complete her new cookbook before the end of the summer. Panicked, Jules returns to her family's beloved olive farm on the shores of Italy's stunning Lake Garda. Seeking culinary inspiration, she's hoping to convince her spunky eighty-year-old Nonna Bruna to share her precious collection of family recipes. Jules's plans quickly go awry as she discovers that Nonna's cookbook has magical and unpredictable powers. It reveals only one recipe at a time, offering a cooking experience guaranteed to satisfy the chef's palate and bring clarity to their life. Yet the pages remain stubbornly blank for Jules. To make matters worse, the olive farm is in deep financial trouble, and Jules soon uncovers a web of family secrets involving the cookbook and a lost recipe for orange blossom cake that holds the key to everything. Then there's Nicolo, the boy next door, who broke her young heart years ago. He is now all grown up, even more attractive, and the only person poised to help Jules find answers. In a whirlwind summer beyond her imagination, Jules begins to unravel the mysteries baked into her family's history and discovers the essential ingredients to create the future of her dreams"--

Book Synopsis

"Heartfelt, heartwarming, joyful, and uplifting. You can't go wrong with a Rachel Linden book."--#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

A magical cookbook and a summer on her family's Italian olive farm help a brokenhearted social media chef cook up a satisfying new life in this delectable novel from the bestselling author of Recipe for a Charmed Life.

Rising star Jules Costa loves re-creating vintage recipes for her popular online cooking show. But when personal and professional disaster strikes, her only chance to save her career is to complete her new cookbook before the end of the summer. Panicked, Jules returns to her family's beloved olive farm on the shores of Italy's stunning Lake Garda. Seeking culinary inspiration, she's hoping to convince her spunky eighty-year-old Nonna Bruna to share her precious collection of family recipes.

Jules's plans quickly go awry as she discovers that Nonna's cookbook has magical and unpredictable powers. It reveals only one recipe at a time, offering a cooking experience guaranteed to satisfy the chef's palate and bring clarity to their life. Yet the pages remain stubbornly blank for Jules. To make matters worse, the olive farm is in deep financial trouble, and Jules soon uncovers a web of family secrets involving the cookbook and a lost recipe for orange blossom cake that holds the key to everything. Then there's Nicolo, the boy next door, who broke her young heart years ago. He is now all grown up, even more attractive, and the only person poised to help Jules find answers.

In a whirlwind summer beyond her imagination, Jules begins to unravel the mysteries baked into her family's history and discovers the essential ingredients to create the future of her dreams.

Review Quotes

"Heartfelt, heartwarming, joyful, and uplifting. You can't go wrong with a Rachel Linden book."--#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

"Linden has a permanent place on my list of auto-buy authors!"--Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times Bestselling author of The Summer of Songbirds

"Filled to the brim with comfort and coziness... A super sweet, food-filled family story with a side of romance."--Kirkus Reviews

"Fans of cozy romances and magical realism will not be disappointed in Linden's latest."--Booklist

Praise for the novels of Rachel Linden

"A magical novel about second chances! Warm, witty, and wise, I loved it! Linden is a master at creating loveable characters! Escapist reading at its best!"--Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Deal

"Rachel Linden expertly mixes romance, mystery and family-drama into a delicious recipe of a story. With her trademark warmth, Linden delivers a captivating story with a magical heartbeat at its center."--Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Story She Left Behind

"Rachel Linden whips up an irresistible family drama oozing with charm and magic! A gem of a novel that charmed me from get-go, perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen and Alice Hoffman."--Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

"The perfect mix of delicious backdrop details, family secrets, and the quest for purpose and lasting love. Enchantingly delightful from first page to last."--Susan Meissner, USA Today bestselling author of Only the Beautiful

"Rachel Linden writes complicated and compelling characters that are as relatable as they are likeable. I enjoyed every bit of this delightful novel."--Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading

"Charming locales, delicious food descriptions and magic...this tale has it all!"--Woman's World

"A magical story!"--FIRST for Women

"A delightful tale of food, family, and sweet romance."--Lauren K. Denton, USA Today bestselling author of The Hideaway and The Summer House

"Completely charming!"--Katherine Reay, bestselling author of A Shadow in Moscow

"Satisfied my voracious appetite for delectable foodie novels. Linden's exploration of what we lose when we can no longer taste the flavors we love is savory food for thought. This magical story offers the perfect recipe for a gratifying read."--Kim Fay, USA Today bestselling author of Kate & Frida

About the Author

Rachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in more than fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of Recipe for a Charmed Life, The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, Ascension of Larks, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and The Enlightenment of Bees. Currently, Rachel lives with her family on a sweet little island in the Pacific Northwest where she enjoys creating stories about hope, courage, and connection with a hint of romance and a touch of whimsy.