A Recipe for Romance

De: Trisha Ashley

Narrado por: Julia Rounthwaite

A hilarious, heartwarming listen from the Queen of romantic comedy…

***Previously published as Chocolate Wishes***

Is love sweeter the second time around?

In the picture-perfect Lancashire village of Sticklepond, confectioner Chloe Lyon whips up more than just sweet treats. Her famous Chocolate Wishes, each containing a personalised prediction, are as inspirational as they are delicious. If only her own life were as easy to forecast – then she would have foreseen being jilted at the altar.

But when a new vicar arrives in the village, it’s as though someone has turned up the heat, and the rumour mill soon bubbles over. Not only is Raffy Sinclair the charismatic ex-frontman of rock band Mortal Ruin, he's also Chloe's first love and the man who broke her heart.

Try as she might, Chloe can't ignore this blast from her past. Now could be the time to make her own wish – and to dare to believe it could come true. Perhaps the secret ingredient to romance is a second chance…

A charming and uplifting feel-good novel, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Cathy Bramley and Jenny Colgan.

©2010 Trisha Ashley (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

sweet but not cloying...

I wasn't planning on reviewing this one but I read some reviews and thought I could throw something to the pile.

First of all: True, the story is not thought provoking or anything like that, it is light and probably does not stand too much scrutiny, but it is certainly sweet and fun and of course it is predictable as most of these are but in a good way! Let's face it if you are reading a chick lit you are looking for a fun happy ending even if it is escapism. As I said before the genre it's not exactly deep-moving-thought-provocking kind.

Now to the merits: the characters are quite real (except the Male Character who's a bit too good to be true). Physically they are mostly ordinary every day people, not drop dead gorgeous, not fat not stick skinny etc. They dress normally and mostly act normal and they are nice, so you can somehow relate to them. They DO NOT offend the reader trying to TEACH what to think, to believe, or how to behave !!! And also don't do acts of extreme stupidity, nothing that would make you gag ( and I've read and review some books like that.) And true the book is somehow christian but believe me in a very subtle open-minded non-judgemental way. And I am very susceptible to ANY kind of propaganda.

I also liked the setting, the little village, kind of bucolic,and it is the same place with some of the same characters of a previous book, which i accidentally happened to read some time ago.

The narrator has a lovely voice and intonation. Also it seemed to me just right for the character. I just thought her accent so cute!

All in all I found it entertaining and fun for a light listening of course.

Great British Story

I love the setting of this book. It's a great book to listen to on walks, in the car and whilst doing chores.

Do you love angels?

Part one was really pretty good. During part two, the female protagonist began acting outside her established character and the author seemed to place more intention on just making the character fit the plot lines. SPOILER ALERT: within this slightly bi-polar characterization, the MC decided to forgive after receiving a very expensive gift; then after the surprise plot device, instant lust ensues. I nearly got whiplash from the character's occasional forays into her alternate 'universe'. Had I known the book was Christian in belief structure (yep, you can see the conversion coming) I wouldn't have bought it. That being said, most of the book was really well-written and well-narrated and, had some of the 'devices' been edited out, quite well done.

Enjoyable story

Really liked the narrator on this one. This author really appeals to me. This is the second of her books I've listened to.

My First and Not My Last Trisha Ashley

Would you listen to Chocolate Wishes again? Why?

Yes. Warm, feel good story with elements of mystery that kept me listening.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Rock-Star turned Vicar. (my husband has followed a similar path :))

Have you listened to any of Julia Rounthwaite’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First time listening to Julia Rounthwaite. Absolutely loved her performance. Also love her surname.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I thought the MC hung onto unforgiveness for far too long and was pleased when she finally let go, though we find out the deeper reasons why she'd found it so hard to forgive.

Any additional comments?

It was an interesting marriage of paganism and Christianity which I found interesting though some readers might have issues either with a slightly Christian perspective, or Americans completely misunderstanding the historic links with paganism. Though I doubt many Americans would find their way to this material. I really enjoyed the book and will definitely listen to more Trisha Ashley.

Engaged

A delightful story. I had no trouble distinguishing between characters. Performance was masterful. joy to listen to.

Disappointing

I really tried. I could not get into it. Just not my cup of tea.

Disappointing....

I listen to an audiobook every week or so and love them. This is the most disappointing one I have ever listened to. If I hadn't paid for it I would not have finished it.

2 stars since i managed to finish

trisha ashley's books are for the very casual reader, preferably someone who listens to books while otherwise occupied. i read the sequel first, which wasn't bad ... your standard chick lit i would say. this one, i think, is better suited for an older teen reader. 2 stars at best (i did manage to finish the book).