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23 April 2016

Three Reasons to Read Candace Calvert's "The Recipe"



The Recipe by Candace Calvert
Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Adorable Contemporary Novella
Five Stars *****
I am not a contemporary romance reader, in general, but I recently had the opportunity to read this novella as part of a collection in a paperback book. Candace Calvert vividly creates heroine, Aimee, a hospital dietician and pastry chef wannabe, aims to win a bake-off but after an altercation with a difficult nursing assistant leaves her serving extra time at the nursing home, she's short on time.  But, she also gets to spend extra time with the grandson of a frail resident, a lady who seems bent on letting her life ease away.


Why you should read this novella:

1) Crisp writing. Candace Calvert knows how to convey information succinctly but beautifully in this novella!

2) Engaging characters. For her to engage my historical romance loving heart, you know she had to have created a hero and heroine who were compelling, and they are!

3) Lovely voice. That indefinable something that makes the book distinctly a Candace Calvert book. She has a hopefulness and spriteliness in her voice that propels the book forward and reflects a strong Christian World view.

This is an adorable read!

Giveaway: A paperback copy of Chance of Loving You with this 2015 story by Candace Calvert and also a story from Susan May Warren and Terri Blackstock. Answer this question: Do you read contemporary romance and have you read any of Candace's books before?
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57 comments:

  1. Diana FlowersApril 23, 2016 at 2:19 PM

    I have Candace's books on my Kindle, but finding the time to read them is the problem. I need two heads! I know her books are very popular! Thanks, CARRIE, for the wonderful review! Someone is going to win a great book with all of these wonderful authors contributing!

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    1. Diana FlowersApril 23, 2016 at 3:53 PM

      And kudos to Candace for enticing you to read some contemporary fiction!! lol I'm gobsmacked!

      Delete
    2. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 7:45 PM

      Hi Diana,
      I love that I'm on your Kindle--made it that far, lol. Do let me know what you think of my hopeful medical drama. And good luck on the drawing. Yep (raising hand), gotta love a gobsmack!

      Delete
  2. Lane Hill HouseApril 23, 2016 at 4:18 PM

    I primarily read historical fiction ~ love the research! I have not read Candace's stories. Add me in for the draw! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 7:42 PM

      Hi Kathleen,
      Thanks for giving a new (to you) author and genre a "look see"--I'd love to welcome you as a reader.

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:47 PM

      Hey Kathleen, you will LOVE Candace's novella!!!

      Delete
  3. MaraApril 23, 2016 at 4:28 PM

    I love all 3 authors and if don't win I will keep my eyes open for it.

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 7:41 PM

      Hi Mara,
      Best of luck to you!

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:47 PM

      You would definitely love Candace's novella, Mara! I agree, the other two authors are talented, too!!!

      Delete
  4. justcommonlyApril 23, 2016 at 4:36 PM

    Ooo! I would love to win this! I love contemporary romance (as well as historical) and Candace is one author I've heard great things about that I have yet to read any of her books! I would love to. This collection looks great! And what I love about novellas is that you get a glimpse of the author's writing style. Thanks!

    Annie
    justcommonly[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 7:41 PM

      Hi Annie (love your name, used it recently in a story),
      Thanks for the kind words, and I hope you enjoy your "glimpse" at my work.

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:48 PM

      Hey Annie, our reviewers LOVE Candace's books, and I'm delighted to have finally read one and I totally see why they love her writing! She's so talented!

      Delete
  5. AnonymousApril 23, 2016 at 4:50 PM

    This sounds wonderful! I love Contemporary Romance and sorry to say I have yet to read Candance's books. But hope to rectify that soon. Thank You for this Chance!

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 7:40 PM

      Hi Justina,
      I would be honored to have you "scrub in" with my hopeful medical romance.
      Best of luck!

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:49 PM

      Hey Tina! The OWG reviewers have enjoyed Candace's books and I finally got my chance to read and review one!!! PTL!

      Delete
  6. Melanie BackusApril 23, 2016 at 5:16 PM

    This book sounds great! Candace is new to me but I love contemporary romance so I would love to read this one. Thank you for the opportunity!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 7:39 PM

      Hi Melanie,
      Thanks for stopping by to give a new (to you) author a look-see.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:49 PM

      Oh Melanie, if you love contemporary romance then you will love this story! Blessings!

      Delete
  7. Lynne FeuersteinApril 23, 2016 at 5:22 PM

    Thanks Carrie for this great review! I must admit I'm not usually one for contemporary fiction,but this one sounds terrific! Thanks also to Candace for writing this,the part where the heroine works in a nursing home has me interested.My mom who was a nurse,worked in one. Looks like a touching story. Please add my name to the giveaway. lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 7:37 PM

      Hi Lynne,
      I love hearing that your Mom was a nurse. I spent 3 decades as an ER nurse and it's so great to be able to honor these real life heroes via my fiction.
      Good luck in the drawing!

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:49 PM

      This is such a great story, Lynne! Yes, I loved the unusual setting for a love story! Hugs!

      Delete
  8. AnonymousApril 23, 2016 at 5:26 PM

    I enjoy contemporary romance. I like to read many different genres of christian fiction. I have not read any of Candace's books. This sounds like a great book for spring reading.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Merry

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 7:36 PM

      Hello Merry,
      So glad you stopped by. Good luck on the drawing!

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:50 PM

      Hey Merry, you have got to rectify that situation! Candace's writing is SO good! Blessings!

      Delete
  9. KayMApril 23, 2016 at 6:36 PM

    Yes, I do read contemporary romance and/or suspense. I usually alternate historical and contemporary or sometimes I am reading one on my Kindle and the other as a hard copy. I just finished the contemporary, A Path Less Traveled, by Cathy Bryant on my Kindle. At the same time, I've been reading MaryLu Tyndall's Escape to Paradise series. I haven't yet read one of Candace's books, but I'm almost ready to start her Grace Medical series, which is in my TBR pile. I have the first two books, but need to get the third one. Carrie, I love your review. Thanks for offering a copy of this collection.

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 7:35 PM

      Hi Kay! I love your reading choices--and I'm honored that the Grace Medical series has found a spot there. It's set in Texas, and the first story, Trauma Plan, will take you to Fiesta on the San Antonio River Walk. Hope you enjoy!

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:51 PM

      Thanks, Kay! I think you'd love all three of these stories, I pray you get to read them all and Candace's other stories!

      Delete
  10. Susan JohnsonApril 23, 2016 at 6:45 PM

    I read contemporary Christian romance. I have not read any of Candace's books but I have some in my TBR pile. I would love to win a copy of this one. Thank you for your review.

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 7:32 PM

      Thank you for stopping by, Susan. I'd love to welcome you as a reader. :-)

      Delete
    2. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:51 PM

      Susan, you would absolutely LOVE Candace's writing!!! Highly recommend!

      Delete
  11. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 7:31 PM

    Hello everyone! First of all, I want to thank you, Carrie, for your gracious review of The Recipe. It was my first novella and (after my full length series novels for Tyndale House) I worried a bit about "writing short." It turned out to be such fun. My agent, Natasha Kern, actually said it was her favorite story of all that I've written. I wonder if it's a bit because the heroine, Aimee, is an aspiring chef--folks who follow me on Facebook know that I'm a passionate "foodie!" I'm always posting photos from my kitchen. I love, too, that this story leads nicely into the second book in my Crisis Team series, Step by Step.
    Again, Carrie, I so appreciate your kind words. And I LOVE the chance to meet and mingle with your followers here.

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    1. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:53 PM

      Thanks SO much for coming by to visit with us Candace. This novella was a GREAT story!!! I am not a contemporary reader so for me to sing your praises, you know it is a stellar story! I'm a fellow foodie although I think you are much healthier about it than I am! Again, welcome, and happy to read and review your story!

      Delete
  12. LauraApril 23, 2016 at 7:43 PM

    NO, I've never read any of Candace Calvert's books, but I have read all of Susan May Warren's books. And, yes, I do read contemporary romance.

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    1. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:54 PM

      IF you come back, leave your name and a way to contact you, to enter the contest! Blessings!

      Delete
  13. Beth ErinApril 23, 2016 at 8:14 PM

    I do read contemporary romance and I have read and enjoyed two of Candace's titles with another one on my shelf! Thank you for the opportunity to win this title!
    betherin02 AT gmail DOT com

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    1. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 23, 2016 at 8:54 PM

      Hey Beth, thanks for coming by! Blessings!

      Delete
    2. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 9:25 PM

      (waving) Hello Beth!
      I'm still smiling after your latest review--such a blessing. Good luck on the giveaway. I think you'll like this sweet story.

      Delete
  14. Beth ErinApril 23, 2016 at 8:15 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  15. Daily ReaderApril 23, 2016 at 9:14 PM

    I don't read contemporary romance often, and I have not read anything by this author, but I would like to win and read this one, based upon this blog. Thank you.

    Gpk1946 at gmail dot com

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 9:26 PM

      Hi Phyllis,
      It would be an honor to welcome you as a reader--best of luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  16. Mary PrestonApril 23, 2016 at 9:18 PM

    I have Candace on my lists. I mostly read historical, but do enjoy contemporary from time to time.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 9:27 PM

      Hi Mary,
      A joy to be on your lists. It would be wonderful to welcome you as a reader.
      All the best in Carrie's giveaway!

      Delete
  17. Mrs TinaApril 23, 2016 at 9:26 PM

    Wonderful review Carrie!
    I do read contemporary books when the books sounds really good. I have read Candice's books The Recipe and Chance of Loving you and really enjoyed them.
    Blessings, Tina

    ReplyDelete
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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 23, 2016 at 9:27 PM

      Hi Tina,
      I so appreciate your kind words--thank you. :-)

      Delete
  18. Pam K.April 23, 2016 at 10:15 PM

    I do read some contemporary romance, interspersed with historical novels. I'm not sure if I've read any of Candace's books but this one sounds quite good. I see it is in a novella collection that includes work by Susan May Warren, who is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. Thanks for the chance to win this book.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 24, 2016 at 3:03 PM

      Hey Pam! BTW, Susan May Warren is also an excellent teacher. You'd love this collection!

      Delete
    2. CandaceCalvertApril 25, 2016 at 4:21 PM

      Hi Pam--yes, Susie is wonderful. Best of luck on the giveaway!

      Delete
  19. Britney AdamsApril 23, 2016 at 11:10 PM

    The Recipe sounds delightful! I enjoyed reading your thoughts, Carrie, and am adding this book to my wish list. Thanks for sharing!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 24, 2016 at 3:03 PM

      Hey Britney! I think "The Recipe" by Candace Calvert would be a great novella to review on your wonderful blog! Hugs!

      Delete
    2. CandaceCalvertApril 25, 2016 at 4:22 PM

      Hi Britney,
      I'm so honored by Carries review--and would love to share this story with you as well.
      Happy reading!

      Delete
  20. Bonnie RoofApril 24, 2016 at 2:05 PM

    Thanks for this delightful post, Carrie!! I love Candace and her writing - such a gifted writer is she and always such a "ray of sunshine"!! Love her online pics and comments re: her cooking/baking adventures and happily await the opportunity to read 'The Recipe'!!

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    1. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 24, 2016 at 3:04 PM

      Hey Bonnie! Thanks for promoting this post! I agree, Candace Calvert is talented and such a sweetheart! Blessings!

      Delete
    2. CandaceCalvertApril 25, 2016 at 4:24 PM

      Aw, I SO appreciate these kind words, Bonnie--and all your awesome encouragement. Thank you for spreading the word of my hopeful stories. And good luck in the giveaway.

      Delete
  21. Lucy Reynolds April 24, 2016 at 10:07 PM

    Yes, I read contemporary romance, historical romance, suspense, Amish, YA, etc I haven't read any of Candace's books. Thank you.

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 25, 2016 at 4:24 PM

      Hi Lucy,
      Thank you for stopping by--and best of luck!

      Delete
  22. UnknownApril 25, 2016 at 6:18 AM

    I own this wonderful book and loved all three stories immensely!! Such talented authors! I've only just got the book back however as my mother had borrowed it. And yes, she also loved it! :) I adore Candace's medical drama's! Candace writes exceptional characters and relationships, and some of the best romance!! CARRIE, I also own nearly all of Terri's books, so I guess that answers your question about contemporary romance lol. I may read more Historical, but I sure don't shy away from contemporary when there are such amazing authors who write them such as these three in this collection!

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    1. CandaceCalvertApril 25, 2016 at 4:26 PM

      You've made me smile, Noela--thank you so much for these gracious words. I love that you "scrub in" with my hopeful medical drama. Thanks for sharing with your Mom, too. :-)

      Delete

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