My library, the Romeo (Michigan) District Library, has a program they hold every year called "Romeo Reads" in which a book is chosen to be read librarywide, and events around the book's subject matter are planned for two months, ending with an author appearance. This year's book is THE RECIPE BOX by Viola Shipman, the pen name for Wade Rouse. (Viola Shipman is his grandmother's name.) If not for Romeo Reads, I would never have read this book because this author's writing is not for me.

Sam (for Samantha) has always lived in northern Michigan. Her family owns a cherry and apple orchard (with donuts and cider and pies) there. When she is in her 20s, she moves to New York and goes to school there to become a chef. When she finds that life far from home is not as fulfilling as she expected it to be, she comes back.

Shipman is popular with many readers but certainly is not with me. I find his writing too simplistic and his dialogue unrealistic and syrupy. The writing style reminds me of what I read when I was 12 years old.

For that reason, I would have rated the book with two stars. But I give it three because of its saving graces that are probably the reasons my library chose this book: it describes the beauty of Michigan throughout, and the story celebrates life on an orchard/cider mill, which is so like what we have here in Romeo.

If you like easy reading with no thrills and especially if you are from Michigan, you might want to give this book a try. My three-star rating is for my taste and not necessarily for yours. ( )

Shipman's stories always remind me of childhood. This one reminds me of the orchards we used to visit every fall. Its a comfort read and you know how the story is going to end before it begins. This isn't my favorite of Shipman's books, but I still liked it. I definitely want to try some of the recipes in the book! ( )

Viola Shipman has a formula - and it works. The books are always about the value and the ties of family, appreciating family traditions, and what they mean to us.
This particular book is about a family who owns orchards in Michigan. Each generation has handed down recipes through the years and also passed on a love of the orchards. The family has fed multiple families who have visited the orchards in the summer months.
Sam is a pastry chef and is trying to make her way in NYC. However, she is working for a nasty boss and suddenly quits. She returns to Michigan to ground herself and get a rest from the weariness of losing her job. She is lost and needs to be found. Her mother and grandmother gently tell her the stories of her ancestors and their baking. Angelo, a deliveryman from NYC, has formed an attraction to Sam, and comes to Michigan to visit her. But, Sam keeps pushing him away as she doesn't know herself and is confused as to what she wants.
This is a sweet story about family and tradition, made sweeter by all the wonderful treasured recipes.
#TheRecipeBox #ViolaShipman ( )

Romance with supposed nicety about choices. Did not come close ( )

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. 

Review:

I always find myself drawn to books about life, love and food. This story goes back in time to when the apple orchard first started. The descriptions of the apples and the recipes baked with the apples had me craving apple pie and all things apples! Sam left the apple orchard with big city dreams and culinary school in her sights. After culinary school Sam works for the most arrogant Chef Dimples- love that name! When Sam gets fired/quits after a very public and hilarious confrontation with Chef Dimples, she returns home to the apple orchard in Michigan. Sam leaves behind Angelo (who is in love with her) the fruit deliveryman from NYC and it is clear that Sam misses him but cannot admit this to herself. This was a story of family bonds and duty that are important in life. Sam is so torn about her family duty and what she think she wants. Angelo is perfect for Sam, actually Angelo is the perfect male it would seem. Was Angelo realistic? No but to me that isn't always what I look for in a romantic book character.

I enjoyed this book and all of the recipes included. ( )