Fun Food Reads

Welcome to November! I don’t know about you, but this time of year I start thinking (and planning) for all the holiday food to come and all the things still on my to-do list. I love dreaming of fun food and fun books. Books with depth just don’t hold much appeal for me this time of year. I have so much going on that I want light, easy books that won’t spoil my mood, and if they include delicious food description all the better. Check out these food-centered reads while tackling your to-do list.

State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy

Olivia Parras is working her dream job as an assistant chef at the White House. She’s even being considered for a promotion to executive chef. Before she can take over the kitchen she will have to beat out her nemesis for the job. On the way to work, Olivia walks into a secret service chase of man trying to enter the White House and ends up beating the would-be intruder with a new frying pan. This altercation sucks Olivia into a conspiracy theory of a plot against the president, much to the aggravation of her secret service boyfriend. She must try to protect the president and her shot at executive chef. If you like State of the Onion, it’s the first in a series focused on Olivia and White House food.

The Icing on the Cupcake by Jennifer Ross

Ansley has her life all planned out. In a few weeks she will graduate from college and within a year she’ll marry fiancé, Parish, and begin her perfect Southern Belle life. At a party, Parish realizes Ansley is a mean girl and publicly ends their relationship. Ansley, in shame, decides to move to New York and live with a grandmother she’s never met. However, her grandmother mandates that she get a job in order to live with her. Ansley muddles through her depression by baking, in hopes of finding the perfect recipe and perhaps a job.

Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews

Gina, a health-conscious southern chef, and Tate, a kill-it-and-grill-it guy, face off on a reality cooking show for the chance to host their own show. Close quarters and competition create tension and allow romantic sparks to fly, creating a fun read.

For the Love of Cake by Erin Dutton

Young hot-shot pastry chef Maya returns to the cooking competition show that launched her career. Shannon started her pastry career a bit later in life, but her skill makes up for the deficit, launching her onto the same cooking show. When sparks begin to fly between judge Maya and contestant Shannon, tension and fears of favoritism rise.

Recipes are included in many of these books to add to their other yummy qualities.

What are your favorite food-centered reads?