Delicious

In 1892 London, renowned chef Verity Durant works in the kitchen of her former lover's estate, while secretly holding onto memories of a mysterious man she encountered one night a decade ago. That man turns out to be Stuart Somerset, an ambitious politician who unexpectedly becomes her new employer after inheriting the estate. Somerset, the illegitimate son of nobility who has built a respectable political career, arrives at his newly inherited property engaged to a socially appropriate match. He remains unaware that his new chef is the same woman from his past, as their previous encounter occurred in complete darkness. The story moves between 1892 and 1882, interweaving past and present as Verity's culinary artistry brings her into Somerset's orbit once again. Food, memory, and desire intersect as Verity prepares meals that begin to stir Somerset's forgotten memories. The novel explores themes of identity, social class, and the transformative power of both love and food in Victorian society. Through its parallel narratives and culinary focus, the story examines how the senses can unlock buried truths and bridge seemingly insurmountable social divides.

Readers appreciate the depth of emotion and chemistry between the main characters, with many highlighting the unique dynamic between a talented chef and food critic. The historical research and culinary details create an authentic Victorian London setting. Likes: - Complex characterization, especially the heroine's growth - Detailed cooking scenes and food descriptions - Balance of romance and plot - Writing style that engages multiple senses Dislikes: - Slow pacing in the first third - Some find the hero's initial behavior off-putting - Secondary romance storyline feels unnecessary to some readers - Several note the plot becomes predictable Ratings: Goodreads: 3.83/5 (5,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (120+ ratings) Review quotes: "The food descriptions alone are worth the read" - Goodreads reviewer "Takes too long to get going but pays off in the end" - Amazon reviewer "Most historically accurate portrayal of Victorian cooking" - Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan A Chinese immigrant mother shares her life story with her American daughter through the lens of food, family secrets, and cultural traditions.

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel The preparation of traditional Mexican recipes intertwines with the forbidden romance between a young woman and her sister's husband.

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister Eight students discover life-changing connections during their Monday night cooking classes at a local restaurant.

The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais An Indian family moves to France and opens a restaurant across from a Michelin-starred establishment, leading to a clash of cultures and cuisines.

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen A North Carolina caterer uses herbs and flowers from her enchanted garden to influence the lives of her small-town customers.

🍽️ During the Victorian era, the role of chef was almost exclusively male-dominated, making Verity Durant's character groundbreaking for that time period. 🌟 Author Sherry Thomas learned English as a second language at age 13, and published her first novel in her second language just 15 years later. 🏰 The below-stairs kitchen culture depicted in the novel reflects real Victorian practices, where kitchen staff often worked 16-hour days and lived in basement quarters. 📚 "Delicious" pays homage to fairy tales like "Beauty and the Beast" and "Cinderella," weaving their themes of transformation and hidden identity throughout the story. 🍳 Victorian haute cuisine, which features prominently in the novel, was heavily influenced by French cooking techniques, with elaborate multi-course meals being standard for upper-class households.