Book Review: "Georgia's Kitchen" by Jenny Nelson

At thirty-three, talented chef Georgia Gray has everything a woman could want—the top job at one of Manhattan's best restaurants; a posse of smart and savvy gal pals who never let her down; and a platinum-set, cushion-cut diamond engagement ring courtesy of Glenn, the handsome entertainment lawyer who Georgia's overbearing mother can't wait for her to marry. The table is set for the ambitious bride-to-be until a scathing restaurant review destroys her reputation. To add salt to her wounds, Glenn suddenly calls off the wedding.

Brokenhearted, Georgia escapes to the Italian countryside, where she sharpens her skills at a trattoria run by a world-class chef who seems to have it all—a devoted lover, a magnificent villa, and most important, a kitchen of her own. Georgia quells her longings with Italy's delectable offerings: fine wine, luscious cheeses, cerulean blue skies, and irresistible Gianni—an expert in the vineyard and the bedroom. So when Gianni tempts Georgia to stay in Italy with an offer no sane top chef could refuse, why can't she say yes?

An appetite for something more looms large in Georgia's heart – the desire to run her own restaurant in the city she loves. But having left New York with her career in flames, she'll need to stir up more than just courage if she's to realize her dreams and find her way home.

I may not be a foodie when it comes to actual food, but I cannot get enough of foodie fiction. Seriously there is nothing better than a good story that involves food. I had a delightful time eating my lunch and reading this book. I swear the food I was eating tasted so much better than it normally would have due to the wonderful creations that were talked about in the story.

Georgia is a chef who is trying to make her mark in the culinary world. Unfortunately for her, she works in a restaurant where the owner cares more about getting into pants than watching his own. I was devastated at the turn of events that caused Georgia to be removed from her job. Even though I can sort of understand the reasoning behind it, it just makes no sense to me as to why she got the blame when it was due to a personal issue with the owner. Luckily though, these turn of events allows her to go to Italy where she's able to start fresh again.

I loved the travel aspect of the book. I could totally picture myself in Italy, creating dishes along side Georgia. There is great chemistry in the book with all the characters. Her coworkers and especially the head chef in Italy made for good reading. Georgia's relationship with her parents is interesting. Her mother seems to be oblivious to Glenn's faults and keeps thinking that Georgia has shorted herself in life by becoming a chef. I was worried that throughout the book she would keep lamenting at how Georgia had never reached her full potential and keep forcing her to a marriage that would be unhealthy for her. Luckily, their relationship patches up throughout the book though it is amusing how it happens. Her relationship with her father is a bit better but it is easy to see how even with their quirks and faults they both love their daughter very much.

If there was anything at all that I would have added to the book, it might have the inclusion of some of the recipes of the dishes mentioned in the book. Almost everything that Georgia cooked sounded absolutely delicious and I would have loved to at least try to be able to recreate them in my own home. Although from what I read, I would probably have to cut back on the salt! Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. I had a great time eating and traveling with Georgia and sharing in all her adventures. If her restaurant actually existed, I would have to go to NYC just to stop in and order. This is an excellent debut from Nelson and I look forward to reading more from her. HIGHLY Recommended.

Georgia's Kitchen by Jenny Nelson is published by Gallery Books (2010)

This ARC was provided by the publisher