Recipe for Disaster

More about the book

Stacey Ballis crafts a delightful novel about a woman whose seemingly perfect life unravels dramatically, leaving her with a house to restore, an antique cookbook (despite lacking cooking skills), and a disgruntled schnauzer. Anneke Stroudt may appear disheveled—her shirts stained, nails short, and language colorful—but her life was once idyllic, complete with a historic home and a fiancé who cooked beautifully. However, everything changes when she loses her job and fiancé on the same day. Seeking a fresh start, she moves into her half-finished home with her unhappy schnauzer, channeling her frustration and dwindling savings into the renovation. During this process, she stumbles upon a mysterious leather-bound cookbook filled with enticing recipes and secrets from Emma Ditmore-Smythe, the original cook for the house's former owners. As Anneke explores Emma's culinary wisdom and life lessons, she begins to understand that, like a perfect recipe, her life has been missing the right ingredients for fulfillment. With a blend of humor and heart, Ballis's writing is refreshingly honest and genuinely amusing, making this story a treat for readers.