The Secret Recipe for Moving On by Karen Bischer! This is one YA contemporary that you won’t want to miss this spring. Keep reading to learn more about the book.
Title: The Secret Recipe for Moving OnAuthor: Karen Bischer
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: March 23, 2021
Rating:
Ellie Agresti's not sure anything could be worse than being dumped by her boyfriend, Hunter, the first day of senior year.
But sharing a "life skills" class with him and his new girlfriend, Brynn? AND getting partnered with a "family" of misfits (A.J., the loudmouth; Isaiah, the horse-racing obsessive; and Luke, the tattooed stunt-biker)?
It's a recipe for certain disaster...until an in-class competition allows Ellie to channel her angst into beating Hunter and Brynn's team, and she unexpectedly bonds with her own group–especially Luke–in the process.
But as Ellie soon discovers, it will take more than classroom triumphs to heal her broken heart–and find herself again.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Secret Recipe for Moving On by Karen Bischer
The Secret Recipe for Moving On by Karen Bischer is the kind of book that will make you smile. Following a class competition, this one is full of cooking and conflict. The main character is relatable, and the group of misfits she is paired with bring even more entertainment to the story. I would definitely recommend this one to those looking for a book about navigating high school with a unique twist.
❀ Realistic Descriptions
When Ellie’s boyfriend dumps her on the first day of school and then ends up in her life skills class, Ellie is less than thrilled. However, when she is placed in a rival “family” competing against him for an in-class competition, things start looking up. Any book about cooking is a win for me, and I loved the descriptions of the life skills class, from grocery shopping as a team to preparing a Thanksgiving feast. These classroom scenes might honestly be the most realistic I’ve read in a long time, and I really enjoyed following the group through their highs and lows.
❀ Dynamic Main Character
Ellie is an easy character to relate to, and I was rooting for her as she regained her confidence after the breakup. Times are tough for her since she is starting at a new school, and she was banking on her ex’s friend group for support, but she slowly starts to leave her comfort zone and learn to trust again, while discovering some new interests. Even though Ellie is struggling, I really liked how she stands up for herself. These moments, while a bit dramatic at times, make her a more dynamic character.
❀ Quirky Side Characters
Another one of my favourite elements in YA is a group of unlikely friends. This book really delivers with its quirky side characters who are thrown together for the competition. Each of the boys in Ellie’s group has their own mini arc, and I loved watching them start to bond. Other groups in the class make fun of their family, but the team’s support for each other carries them through. This made for a really wholesome read, inviting the reader to celebrate each of the group’s successes along with them.
❀ A Fun YA Contemporary
The Secret Recipe for Moving On by Karen Bischer is a story all about newfound friendship and finding your true self. I loved the descriptions of the life skills class and the main character’s growth. The group of misfits Ellie meets in class is another highlight. Those looking for a fun contemporary with a bit of competition will enjoy this one.
About Karen Bischer
Karen Bischer has written short stories for Girls’ World and Animal Tales magazines and currently works as a copyeditor. She lives in her native New Jersey, where she has never encountered Bruce Springsteen in the wild, but does have a cat named after a member of the E Street Band.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
Like you, I loved the side characters. That was a fun and fabulous found-family Bischer put together
It really was! 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful story, one that I would enjoy reading.
Sounds like a good book.
I love this blurb! I’m so glad that it pretty much lived up to it. It truly sounds like a good read. I’m glad you enjoyed it and the group of misfits.
I am a sucker for misfits! 😉
This sounds like a really great, light, fun read! Great review! 🙂
Thanks, Giselle! 🙂
The food aspect really appeals to me, and I’m glad to hear it was done so well!
I love food aspect as well! 🙂
The book sounds great and would love to read it.
I like the cover. This does sound like a book I will enjoy.
Thanks for your review. This sounds like a good book. And let’s be honest, the cover completely got my attention.
That cover is so much fun! 🙂
I love the title and the cover. Sounds like a great story.
sounds so good.
Yep, looks like we both adored this one! Great review! I wish I was more organized like you are with your reviews. 🙂
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…Blog Tour Review: Weights of Wrath (Cipher Office #4) by M.E. Carter
Thanks so much, Lisa! I am glad that you loved it, too! 🙂
It looks like a good read.
Thanks for the review. This books seems like a great read and the cover is fun.
It is so much fun! 🙂
This sounds too cute! I never have enough time to read all of the great recommendations I get from this blog!
This book sounds like a fun read. Love the cover.