All Stirred Up

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Susan leaves her family's failed restaurants in London and moves to save the final restaurant in Edinburgh. Her chef ex Chris also moves to Edinburgh to start a restaurant of his own.

The story focuses on Susan's move, business, and family in the beginning, with some passages from Chris' point of view as he prepares for his restaurant opening. The romance aspect of the novel feels slow to start as Susan and Chris haven't spoken a third into the story; two thirds in, there isn't even a romance at all. This book is more contemporary women's fiction with a dash of romance.

In true Hallmark-movie fashion, the chefs end up at a cookoff and are forced to interact there, but Susan is already interested in another man. Which guy will she ultimately choose?

Mary Jane Wells masters all of the English and Scottish accents in the novel. Her narration and dialogue is filled with emotion and makes the book a more enjoyable read. My only issue with her narration was the mispronunciation of "genoise" (she pronounces it like it's French, not like the English pronounce it). I've watched enough of The Great British Baking Show to know how to pronounce that word!

The book is a good escape for those interested in the "food and bev" industry, but those looking for a romance should look elsewhere. Recommended for fans of contemporary women's fiction or contemporary British fiction who are also foodies.

Brianne Moore is a native Pennsylvanian who now lives in East Lothian, Scotland. All Stirred Up is her first novel.

Publisher: Alcove Press

Narrator: Mary Jane Wells

Running Time: 9 hours, 40 minutes

Release Date: October 6, 2020

I received an electronic audio recording of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.