I’m never sure which books will go on my list of favorite books of the year, but Rachel Linden’s The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake will make this year’s list. It’s a delightful story with a mature protagonist struggling with her fears There are wonderful characters. The Italian setting on Lake Garda, along with all the food, makes me want to pack now.
Juliana Costa (Jules) believes she’s living her best life in Seattle. She works part-time at Trader Joe’s. But, her true passion is her short cooking show on Instagram, “The Bygone Kitchen”, done with her roommate and best friend, Drew. She’s built a community there, and she’s passionate about sharing her recipes on her visual diary. It all comes crashing down, though, when they’re contacted about a pilot for a TV show based on their Instagram posts. They only want Drew. Now, Jules is thirty, with no steady job, no partner for her show, and no roommate to help with the bills. She does have a contract to write a cookbook, but she’s spent the advance money, and she has no ideas.
Out of the blue, Jules’ mother calls, asking Jules to take her half-sister, Alex, to Italy for the summer. Jules hasn’t returned to the family olive farm on Lake Garda since she was fifteen, the summer when she felt as if she lost everything in her life. Now, needing inspiration for her cookbook, she’s hoping her Nonna Bruna will share recipes from the family cookbook with her. But, Jules’ memories from fifteen years earlier have not aged the way her grandmother has, and the way her teen boyfriend has. The family farm has aged, not for the better. Now, she’s back where she first felt guilt and fear, with no idea how to jumpstart her summer life in Italy, and, with a lonely, lost teenager in tow.
The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake is a beautiful story of loss, love, and family. What do we owe family? And, how do we honor and create family? What memories still haunt us? Linden creates a cast of characters and a setting that allowed me to get lost in the book, and in Italy. As in her earlier books, she brings characters together with food. It’s a special book about family, family secrets and legacy, with a few magical twists.
Rachel Linden’s website is https://www.rachellinden.com/
The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden. Berkley, 2025. 381p.
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher allowed me to read a galley through NetGalley, with no expectations of a positive review.
You’ve sold me on this one, Lesa. It sounds lovely. Next ebook purchase coming up!
It was lovely, Kim. I hope you like it. I’ve been telling family members to put it on hold at their libraries!
I entered for it many times and never won it, so I added it to my wishlist!
I hope you get it eventually, Carol.
Love Rachel Linden – This is on my list!!
I loved this book, Kaye. I think you will, too.
I really liked Rachel Linden’s 2022 book and can’t get this one on NetGalley (Berkley), so I will definitely look for it at the library. Thank you for the recommendation!
You’re welcome, Margie. My sister and Mom were both able to put it on hold at their libraries, so I’m sure yours will carry it.
Thought for sure the secret would be Organic, Free Range, Cage Free, Orange Blossoms, but, apparently not.
Sorry, Kevin. Not at all.
This does sound good, thank you for highlighting it!
You’re welcome, Trisha. I liked it well enough to recommend it to everyone in my family!