I found the plot a tad unrealistic. I just didn't buy into the love affair, not so much the first part, but after all the stress they went through (particularly Adam), that they would get through it the way they did. Bella taking to life at the castle so quickly didn't ring true either. But there was a lot to like, the Scottish setting, the cookery school . . . With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the title of this book and hoped it would as good as it sounded. In fact, it was amazing. A lovely, cosy read for those spring evenings. Thank you for the ARC.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/5

A Recipe for Love is a contemporary romantic comedy set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands by Amelia Berry. The novel follows Bella and Adam, whose romance quickly turns serious. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Adam inherits the financially troubled Lowbridge Loch estate after his father’s sudden death. Determined to save it, Bella proposes establishing The Highland Cookery School.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its setting. The Scottish Highlands come to life through the author’s vivid descriptions, creating a cozy atmosphere. The charming castle adds extra depth to the story, making it even more captivating.

The supporting characters, from quirky locals to well-meaning family members, add charm and much-needed humor, further enhancing the book’s warm and inviting feel.

If you love small-town settings, second-chance love stories, and a dash of culinary charm, this book is a delightful addition to your TBR.

This a sweet, engaging romantic comedy that will appeal to readers who enjoy heartwarming stories set in picturesque locations. The combination of a budding romance, a shared culinary adventure, and a close-knit community makes this debut novel by Amelia Berry a fun and enjoyable read, offering just the right amount of escapism and charm. It’s perfect for those looking for a cozy romance with a dash of culinary magic.

A Recipe for Love sounded like a book that I was going to enjoy. I loved the setting of where the story took place. As I was reading, I could see everything about the location.
Bella and Adam had a connection that fit the story. I liked being with them as they tried to estate and starting a cookery school seemed like the way to save the estate.
I really liked the ups and downs and all that was in between in this book. I am a fan of sweet and easy to read romance books and for me this hit every point to a HEA.
Thank you NetGalley, Amelia Berry and Hera Books for the copy of A Recipe for Love which is the first book of The Highland Cookery School series.
This is my personal review.

A humorous, romantic read with a brilliant cast of characters and idyllic setting. The story sets off at a face past with the main characters meeting and falling head over heels in love they are then thrown a curve ball in the form of a crumbling Scottish estate in need of saving. What follows is a humourous and engaging journey as they navigate its revival and their relationship with plenty of ups and downs to keep the pages turning. All in all a gorgeous piece of romantic escapism perfect for fans of Julie Shackman, Christie Barlow and Katie Fforde.

DNF @ 25%. Got this from NetGalley and was very excited to read it, but at 25% it’s still a snore fest. Nothing is happening. I have no connection to the characters. The insta love was lacking for me. I just don’t care about anyone. At this point I’m hoping Veronica kicks them all out. I wish I enjoyed it more to finish the book, but I can’t make myself read it anymore. A little side note about editing: I’m not sure if it’s because it’s set in Scotland, but I feel like several parts need to be edited a little better because they were just so hard for me to understand.

This book follows Bella and Adam, two very different people who meet in Spain and experience a whirlwind romance that quickly leads to an engagement. Expecting to settle in Edinburgh, Bella is instead swept up to the Scottish Highlands after Adam’s father unexpectedly passes away. As they adjust to life in a rural castle—referred to simply as “the house” by Adam’s family—they face the challenge of saving the estate by opening a cookery school in the castle kitchens.

Bella is pragmatic and proactive, in stark contrast to Adam, who is struggling with grief and feels increasingly isolated as life moves forward without him. Their love for each other is evident, but their relationship is tested by the weight of responsibility and emotional turmoil. A third-act breakup threatens their future together, but rather than being just about misunderstanding or miscommunication, it delves into how their past experiences shape their views on love and relationships.

The book offers rich character development, an engaging small-town setting, and a fantastic cast of secondary characters—especially the chatty but mostly incomprehensible Netty and some hilariously memorable sheep. While the third-act breakup trope may feel predictable, the emotional depth and unique setting make for an entertaining and heartfelt read.

Bella and Adam meet and fall in love. So far so good right? But then Adam inherits a crumbling new home. Bella dutifully sticks with him.and follows him to make her home there with him too.
To save it she, with the help of her new community builds a cookery school.
This is a cozy feel good flick of a book. I loved all.the characters and it felt easy to pick up whenever I left off and be fully absorbed in this story.

“A Recipe for Love” by Amelia Berry is such a cozy, feel-good read. I loved how Bella and Adam’s relationship grew while they worked to save his Scottish estate by opening a cookery school. The small-town charm and relatable struggles felt real, though the third-act breakup felt a little rushed. Still, it’s heartwarming and totally worth the read!

This one has a lot going on!

Bella is on vacation in Spain when she meets Adam. They fall in love and then his father's passes away and they go back to his hometown in the Scottish Highlands for the funeral...and end up staying. She's trying to find her way and with the help of the townsladies, starts a cookery school at the castle to save the estate. It's a fast romance and a bit far fetched in story but it was entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

This is a cosy story about two very different people who meet in Spain and enjoy a whirlwind romance that results in a very quick proposal before moving to Scotland where they have to navigate a massive life even that derails their plans and leads to decisions that jeopardise their future together.

I absolutely love the characters in this book and the complexities of each of them. The character and world building are fantastic. Add in trying to save a castle in Scotland by opening a cookery school in the kitchens and the drama that comes with life in a small village, and you've got an entertaining read.

However, I've never been a fan of the third act breakup trope in romance books, it always feels rushed and unrealistic: a rash decision is made based on a comment or an action, a short time apart passes, and then an apology is given and everything is immediately infinitely better than it was before. And this one is no exception. I do like the way the author used it as a chance to break down how life experiences have shaped the way the main characters see themselves and their relationships, though, instead of just focusing on the characters wallowing and self pitty.

If you're looking for an easy to read, cosy romance with a mixture of lighthearted, funny and tense moments (along with a dash of cooking and a sprinkling of wayward sheep) then definitely give this book a chance.

Publication date: 13th March 2025

This book was perfect! A Cinderella retelling with baking. Say no more! This was such a cute read and I could not put it down!

What happens when you get engaged on a holiday romance and then find out he lives in a castle??
Read this book and join Bella as she discovers Adam's life at Lowbridge, a "house" (CASTLE!) in Scotland. Can Adam learn how to be the Laird? Can Bella win over the dowager and help the community thrive? You'll have to read and see!

Bella and Adam's relationship is the highlight of this book. They faced their fair share of ups and downs but their love for each other is epic, and their chemistry is wonderful. The supporting cast is equally impressive. I loved all of them especially netty. Also the mouthwatering descriptions of baked goods left me craving a treat.
Warm, welcoming, and utterly engaging, this book is like a cozy Scottish holiday. Perfect for anyone looking for a charming, heartfelt read with a touch of humor and a lot of heart. I loved it.

This was a very sweet and romantic read. Is it a little far fetched? Yes, but it's a HEA and it's sweet so just enjoy it!

After a whirlwind romance Bella finds outs that her beloved Adam's father has died, leaving him the laird of Lowbridge estate, with all the debt that entails. In order to save it, she sets up a cookery school, but will all the unexpected pressures be too much for them.

A wonderful hug of a book. Loved every minute of it, and read it so quickly. Lovely smooth style, delightful characters, and a gorgeous love story. The perfect recipe for escapism.

Can't wait for more by Amelia Berry.

I absolutely adored this book! The perfect blend of cozy romance and a dash of cooking with love. I’m so excited to see how this series and its wacky cast of characters expands. When Bella and Adam fall in love in Spain they have no idea that when they arrive in Edinburgh he’ll be the laird of the family estate. While Bella adjusts to life in the Highlands Adam battles internal struggles of taking over his father’s seat. I got tired of Adam pretty quickly but that’s because Bella and I march to the same drum. Her plans to bring Lowbridge into the 21st century quickly catch fire with the villagers and the Highland Cookery School is born. Highly recommend for a palate cleanser or an escape from present day.

Bella is working in Spain as a chef when she meets Adam, who is visiting on holiday. After a whirlwind romance, they both realise that what they have is for keeps, get engaged, and head for a future together in Edinburgh.

On arrival, they are shocked to find that:
1. Adam's Father has passed away
2. They are suddenly changing plans and heading to the Scottish Highlands
3. Adam has left out a teeny tiny detail of who he is...

"A recipe for love" is a delightful romance, and although it does touch on the grief associated with losing a loved one, the author does so in a really gentle way. I also feel that the author has done a great job in balancing writing about serious themes with some great humourous and light-hearted moments.

I really enjoyed reading this gorgeous, cozy closed door romance. The beautiful setting of the Scottish Highlands, the descriptions of delicious sweets interwoven with some of the most memorable and lovable characters makes for a book that is hard to put down!

Thank you to Netgalley, Hera Books and the Author for the ARC.

3.5 stars

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I'm too much of a cynic for this one. A proposal in the prologue where the characters just met weeks ago and don't even know each others middle names? Not for me.

That aside, this book focuses more on familial relationships than the cookery which I was disappointed with. However, the writing is enjoyable and the two main characters clearly do love each other even if their start was (imo) way out there.