After her last job as a chef went up in flames, Effie moves back to her hometown to take a job as a sous chef for the summer. While she is grateful for the opportunity to save her career and work at a top restaurant, she has no intention of putting down any sort of roots or staying for long. But when she runs into Ernie, her childhood best friend, the two quickly reconnect and old feelings she had return.

This story was the perfect blend of small town, second chance nostalgia and paired with the setting of a summer in Maine just felt so cozy. I loved all of the food references, I adored Ernie and Effie together and their deep shared history, and I thought the restaurant drama added a very fun twist that kept me on my toes. This definitely got me in the mood for summer and was so sweet!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

I love a good second chance romance and was really looking forward to this story. Unfortunately it just didn't work for me. I had a hard time connecting to the two main characters Effie and Ernie. Effie came off very selfish and bossy to me and Ernie seemed just too laid back and you didn't know what he was thinking. They also acted rather immature for people in their 30's with their games of truth or dare.

I had a hard time buying their romance. They hadn't seen or spoken to each other in 16 years since their relationship abruptly ended the night of high school graduation.

I did enjoy the small town setting in Maine, several of the secondary characters including Effie's sister and having a restaurant backdrop.

Thank you to the publisher for my e-copy of this book.

Effie Olsen left her hometown, Alder Isle, a small Maine island, right after HS. She left behind her family and her best friend Ernie to go to culinary school and then work as a chef all over the world.

Now, after losing a head chef’s job, she’s back in Alder Isle, working as a sous chef at a one star Michelin restaurant called Burnt Butter and picking up her friendship with Ernie. He’s not the same Ernie from HS, he’s grown up and is hotter than ever.

Unfortunately, the restaurant is operating under false pretenses. When everything comes out, will Effie want to stay or will she run?

I really liked this small town, second chance romance, 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Relationships and truck beds, she thought, hard to get out of gracefully."

Confused Effie is always trying to get out of things even if it's to her own detriment in the deliciously perfect start to summer romance Effie Olsen's Summer Special by romantic comedy author Rochelle Bilow.

All Effie wants is to leave the small town of Alder Isle off the coast of Maine. Living there with her father and younger sister since her Mom left them, her dream is to be a chef and travel the world cooking in Michelin star restaurants. The only problem is leaving her best friend Ernie behind but they will call, text, video chat and she'll visit. But on graduation night Ernie tells her that he's in love with her and will wait for her. They fight...okay Effie fights and walks away from him.

Effie returns home 16 years later completely defeated; her plans to cook her way through the world go up in flames when she's fired as head chef from a NY restaurant. Broke, alone and embarrassed she gets a job as a sous chef at the only high end restaurant on Alder Isle. Turns out Ernie works there too.

The writer created full rich characters, including the supporting ones, that makes this hometown of found family a summer destination. When Effie experiences the toxic work environment created by her boss and the lying about ingredients and where they're sourced from, she must decide if she's willing to risk the truth coming out.

More importantly, with her renewed friendship with Ernie, their hilarious summer bucket list antics, including Salsa dancing and a day eating their way through Portland, she must decide, or maybe just have the courage, to risk what she lost that summer 16 years ago to gain a life of seasons filled with the most patient man on Earth, Ernie.

I received a free copy of this book from #berkleypublishing via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Rochelle Bilow’s Effie Olsen’s Summer Special is a contemporary romance publishing this week that features childhood best friends who fell apart, only to reunite years later and find a chance at romance alongside all of those memories.

This book is heartwarming! I felt like I was transported to that coastal setting on Adler Island, Maine right alongside Effie. I could smell the salty air and butter heating up for those fresh lobsters at Dougie’s lobster roll truck on the corner! I loved the small town vibes of Adler Island, I honestly want to live there.

The story centers around two former best friends, Effie Olsen and Ernie Callahan. Sixteen years ago on the night of gradation, Ernie confesses he is in love with Effie. This sends Effie fleeing that island faster than she could get a ferry off of it. Effie goes on to become a professional chef where she has worked in kitchens around the world.

Adler Island may be tiny, but it turns out it is no slouch in the culinary world, with a Michelin-starred restaurant called Brown Butter sitting right on the coastal island and in need of a sous chef for the summer. Effie decides to return home for the first time in a long time and spend the summer working at Brown Butter (it doesn’t hurt her decision that she sort of lit her career on fire at her last job, which as we know is a big no-no for a chef).

Effie makes another big mistake when she gets drunk and spends the night with the head chef Jarrod after her interview and job offer. Jarrod is the exact wrong type of guy to go for in every way, and it’s made worse by the fact that if the news of their liaison gets out, her career is over. Women have a much harder time than men in the culinary industry when it comes to judgment. And when I tell you that you will absolutely despise Jarrod, I’m not kidding. He is the worst!

I was so excited when Effie and Ernie finally run into one another a day after she arrives on the island. It took a few chapters longer than expected, which gave me time to get to know Effie. That girl is in her head constantly. She has shed her wild, mischievous side for a highly organized, routine-oriented life. But running into Ernie certainly seemed to bring back what I can assume is the old Effie (and one I liked much more than the Effie who arrived on the island).

Add to the complications that Ernie works at the Brown Butter with her, and Effie is still worried he hates her, things get complicated. But what I loved about this book is that it wasn’t overly angsty in terms of the relationship. Effie and Ernie have a beautiful love story and arc across the book. Things progress the right way, and they never have that moment of teary, misunderstood break up. It’s clear their friendship and history add a level of trust that most of us can only dream of in a new relationship.

I loved this book! Definitely one of the best romance books I’ve read in a while. There was one thing unrelated to Effie and Ernie that I didn’t love in how the story wrapped up, but otherwise this is a phenomenal, heartwarming love story in an adorable seaside town with lots of delicious descriptions of food and a great supporting cast.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my copy. Opinions are my own.

Effie Olsen's Summer Special by Rochelle Bilow, is a second chance, friends-to-lovers story that takes the reader on an emotional and heartwarming roller coaster ride. Effie and Ernie, childhood and best friends, were attached at the hip until their graduation when after a serious talk Effie then left town and started on her dreams. Ernie stayed in the small town with his dad. So much happened during the sixteen years she was gone; only now she’s back for the summer.

These two are perfect for each other despite being scared to do anything for fear of losing their friendship. It was wonderful to see these two reconnect and become friends again. Their bucket list dates are pure genius. I enjoyed the small town vibe and the secondary characters that kept the story light and fun.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Berkley

I adored this romance set on an island off the coast of Maine with a cast of lovely, quirky characters and tons of great food writing. Warm, funny, tender and gave me some serious Evvie Drake / Happy Place vibes!

This story follows Effie who is a chef and arrives back home where she stopped speaking to her childhood best friend. This was such a fun, cute read perfect for the summer. I enjoyed Bilow’s writing style and how they took us to Maine where lobster is the main dish for the state. The conflict was entertaining and while reading this book, the author just made you feel warm with all the descriptions of beach and ice cream. This book is told from Effie’s pov.

Effie is the FMC of the story and had been a chef all over the world and decides to come back home. She is dealing with some past problems that won’t escape her and I enjoyed seeing her development though them and receiving the help. Then we have Ernie who is the main side character and I really enjoyed his character. He’s a sweetheart who cares for Effie and would do anything to get her to stay. There are other amazing side characters in this book and a chef everyone will hate. The romance is a second chance and friends to lovers with minor steam. The chemistry is cute and well done.

The ending was amazing where everyone got the life they wanted to have. I do wish this book was a bit shorter or had more conflicts because at some points I would lose interest with the repeated scenes. Overall it was an amazing book which I recommend checking out especially during this upcoming summer time.

*this book was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*

Against her better judgment, Effie Olsen is returning to her small coastal hometown in Maine. Although it’s been years since she’s been back, a job prospect provides her with a professional opportunity. Taking the job at the town’s renowned restaurant, Brown Butter, Effie is eager to hone her skills as a sous chef. But a sexist boss and a reunion with an old childhood friend, however, were not on the menu.

When Effie sees Ernie Callahan after all these years, she’s taken aback by her very present day feelings. More food for thought? Ernie works in the very same restaurant. Before long, Effie and Ernie find themselves picking up where they left off, and then some. But Effie’s return is supposed to be temporary, and love was definitely not a planned course. What’s a chef to do when she finds herself craving more?

Effie Olsen’s Summer Special succeeds in serving up the light summer fare that pairs well with the restaurant world it depicts. Where it falls short though is in its savory substance, Effie and Ernie’s reunion a predictable palate rather than providing a taste of something new.

#EffieOlsensSummerSpecial:⁣
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Thank you @prhaudio @berkleyromance for my gifted copies! #PRHAudioPartner #BerkleyPartner ⁣
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“He was too sweet for his own good. She was too salty for even this seaside town.”⁣
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Are you kidding me right now?! No third act breakup, second chance lovers, and AND an adorable setting as an isle in Maine?! Effie Olsen and Co are the cutest thing around for your spring/summer TBR and you need this ASAP.⁣
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Ernie. New, gentle, kind, book boyfriend. He was direct, honestly, kind, patient, the perfect balance to Effie. I loved them together, I love them as individuals. I’m not joking when I say this is a perfect book cover.⁣
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There’s really great conversations on grief, toxic work environment, restaurant culture, and starting over. I loved how everything was handled with care and precision. ⁣
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Nikki Massoud has done a slew of books I’ve enjoyed in audio, but this one does top the cake. I loved his every snark or sharp line was delivered and the pacing was fantastic. ⁣
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One of my favorites in a while, top contender for romance of the year, the only thing I wish I could have is more epilogue about Sixto (or hey even another book I’m totally down for it)⁣
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Out Tuesday, the 30th.⁣
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QOTD: What was your first job?

I almost missed out on this one because I didn't love the author's last book, but this one is a triumphant second novel. I loved the setting and the distinct food world that was created, and the steamy, slow burning romance was a delight.

4.5 stars
This book was really fun! I picked it up on the Penguin Audio app early solely because the author is doing an event near me. I didn't expect to be so drawn in for the entire book!
This book starts out with our main character Effie coming back to her small hometown on an island in Maine after being away 16 years to fulfill a chef's career. She has been fired from her job as a head chef in a 2 Michelin star restaurant and is desperate for a job. There just happens to be a 1 Michelin star restaurant in her hometown looking for a sous chef. She gets the job, but everything is not what it seems.
Effie was a really fun character. She is very independent and determined to do a good job at work. Though she kind of takes things that are a little toxic because "that's just how the restaurant business works." She runs into her old best friend Ernie who she has not talked to in 16 years because he told her he loved her, she did not feel the same and they both got angry and parted ways. Ernie is a cinnamon roll. He is sweet and caring and also like to do pottery. The side characters were fantastic, Effie's dad and sister Ingrid, all the people at the restaurant (except Jared), and a few others Effie becomes friends with. They completed this small community feel.
The plot moved along well. It is labeled romance, but there is a lot of restaurant stuff as well as Effie and Ernie getting to know one another again (AS FRIENDS...) through a summer bucket list. It's pretty slow burn romance, but the chemistry was sizzling. There is one thing that the book feels like it's leading up to from the very beginning. It comes to a head close to the end, but there is more to the end than I was thinking. Everything does not go in the direction it feels like it's going to go, but the way it ended was even more perfect than expected!
The narrator was great, she was so easy to listen to. My thoughts did not wander. She kept me engaged and brought everything to life.
An absolutely fun romance that would not have been on my radar if I didn't see the event happening, but I will now be recommending to all my romance friends!

I'm a sucker for a romance with chefs or a cooking competition or anything like that.  If it has to do with the restaurant industry in some way, sign me up.  Effie Olsen's Summer Special offered up restaurant industry/chef, quirky small town, childhood best friends who had a falling out and reunite years later and maybe this place isn't as bad as I thought when I was younger. 

I just had a great time reading this book and while Effie was a hard nut to crack, I enjoyed watching her soften up a bit and start to make friends and establish roots and a life.  Ernie was yummy and a damn fine book boyfriend.  This is the perfect book to read on the beach this summer.  It made me want to move to a small beach town and eat my weight in delicious food.  But I kind of want to do that always so moving on.
I definitely want to check out Rochelle Bilow's other book after enjoying this one!  Effie Olsen's Summer Special comes out on April 30.  Thank you to @berkleyromance and @letstalkbookspromo for an early copy.

Effie Olsen’s Summer Special by Rochelle Bilow is a new contemporary romance novel. The story in Effie Olsen’s Summer Special is one of a second chance for life long friends turning into lovers.

When Effie Olsen left her hometown of Alder Isle, a tiny Maine island, Effie never thought she’d be living there again. Effie had big dreams of becoming a top chef and traveling the world. Well, some of that has come true as Effie has spent the last sixteen years abroad working in some great restaurants.

Now however, Effie is forced to return home after her last job did not go so well and needs a job on island to save for her next adventure. For a tiny island Alder Isle does have a Michelin starred restaurant for Effie to apply to work but what Effie didn’t expect was for her ex-best friend Ernie Callahan to also work at Brown Butter. To Ernie Effie was the one that got away which broken down their friendship when she left.

Effie Olsen’s Summer Special is the first book I’ve read from author Rochelle Bilow so I wasn’t sure what to expect but let’s face it that cover drew me in and wouldn’t let me pass it by. I’m such a sucker for a lovely beachy setting whatever the genre is so I certainly settled right into the island life with our resident chef in action. This was a slow burn relationship as the main character wants nothing more than to leave for most of the book but the story was a fun one while waiting out the slow burn. When finished I’d definitely give this author another try in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I just kicked off the summer season with YOUR next beach read, courtesy of Berkley Publishing and Berkley Romance. If you like second-chance romances, with some foodie romance (one of my favorite tropes) and some love in a small town, this book is for you.

Prodigal chef Effie Olsen returns to her tranquil island home and meets up with an old flame who professed his love to her sixteen years ago. While uncovering behind-the-scenes restaurant secrets, Effie deals with past regrets. She discovers that her heart’s compass always points back to Maine.

This intricately plotted book is the perfect blend of sweetness and spice. It will leave you feeling happy, content, and entertained.

Effie Olsen ignominiously ends up back home to stay in her childhood bedroom on the small Maine island where she lived for seventeen years. She left to seek fame and fortune as a gourmet chef; however, Effie’s last job where she had achieved her pinnacle turned out to be a big comedown. Effie has no money and needs a job so when she discovers that a restaurant in her hometown, Brown Butter, is Michelin starred and in need of a sous chef, it seems like the perfect solution.

The old saying you can’t go home again applies to Effie to some extent for her return to Alder Isle. She has as many bad memories as good of the small island where everybody is in your business. Effie’s sense of abandonment by her mother at a young age has made her fearful of trusting anyone with her heart including the boy she grew up with, Ernie, who was her best friend. They have not spoken since she left to pursue her dreams because of an estrangement when they graduated from High School.

Ernie Callaghan also works at the restaurant and as they begin a tentative reawakening of their prior friendship, Effie sees that all that time she spent away from home living the stressful and often brutal life of a professional chef turned out to be more of a nightmare than a dream. Effie soon realizes that all is not well behind the kitchen door; however, her plan is to keep her head down, earn some money, and leave at the end of the summer. The more Effie becomes attracted to Ernie in a whole new way, the less she can reconcile leaving him as well as her father and sister whom she has reconnected with as well. In the past years, Effie has only been home for brief periods so it is with new eyes that she learns to appreciate the island with its quirky inhabitants in a new way.

One thing I appreciated about this story is that there is no third act breakup which can be tiresome in rom-coms and romances. Effie is most definitely the grumpy character in this book while Ernie is emblematic of the sunshine role. Effie’s harsh personality is difficult to take at times; however, she has just spent years in a supremely difficult profession. She is a dichotomy of a rough and sometimes coarse woman who is also a caretaker helping those who work under her especially since the head chef makes life miserable for most of the workers at the restaurant.

This was such a lovely, sweet friends-to-lovers romance. Effie and Ernie haven't talked in sixteen years although when they were growing up they were the best of friends. Effie has just moved back to the island they grew up on, but she's only back for the summer. When Effie takes a job at the same Michelin-starred restaurant where Ernie works she isn't sure how she'll survive the summer.

I loved watching Effie's growth throughout the book. Ernie is the best cinnamon roll hero and he handles the rekindling of his friendship with Effie wonderfully. Loved this book!

Read if you like:
💋 He Falls First
☀️ Summer Vibes
🍝 Cooking/Resturants
👧🏼 Childhood Best Friends
🦞 Small Town Maine Settings

When Ernie falls for his best friend Effie, he wants to move their relationship from friends to lovers, but Effie at 18 only could dream about the places she would go and the adventures she would have, and didn’t see her best friend that way.

So 16 years later when she returns to her hometown and sees a hot guy on the beach and the hot guy is her former best friend… Effie knows she is in trouble, especially because she plans to be home, only for the summer.

But when Effie rekindles realationships with her sister and dad in addition to asking new friends and seeing Ernie in a new light, she has to consider if it really will be just for the summer that she comes back to her hometown.

There is also a lot of restaurant drama mixed in and I really adored this aspect of the plot and felt like it was well done!

All in all, this is a really fun and sweet friends to lovers summer romance and I highly recommend for anyone looking for their next beach read! Thank you so much to Berkley for my ARC and PRHA for my gifted audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

Absolutely loved loved loved this one! The rekindling of a childhood love/best friend is just *swoon*. Effie and Ernie (adorable names btw) were childhood besties. But when Ernie confessed his love before Effie leaves to college, he is left heartbroken. Effie comes back home after 16 years apart and Ernie definitely grew up. Effie starts questioning why she left and if she could have always loved Ernie, even when they were kids. I loved watching the grow up versions of them try to navigate their adult feelings and their nostalgic memories. Super cute and fast read!

I had never read a book by this author but I definitely will be reading more of her work. It was so easy to fall in love with the characters in this book. They were well rounded and fully developed. I’m also a big foodie so the restaurant and food portion really spoke to me too. There were times were the story felt a bit too drawn out but I found myself looking forward to the moments to sit down and read; the sure sign of a good book. I’d definitely recommend this book!