Effie Olsen's Summer Special

By: Rochelle Bilow

Narrated by: Nikki Massoud

These childhood best friends swore they’d never speak again. But a surprise summer reunion changes everything when it gives them the chance to turn up the heat.

Effie Olsen thought she’d never live on the tiny Maine island where she grew up, but she’s returning from sixteen years as a professional chef in far-flung countries for one summer and one summer only. Her hometown boasts one of the best restaurants in the US, and lucky for her, Brown Butter needs a sous chef. Effie's eager for a chance at redemption after her last job went up in flames, but reluctant to set down roots in a place that reminds her of the ghosts of her past.

Until, that is, she runs into Ernie Callahan, her onetime best friend who now works in the very same restaurant. Early morning swims and late-night games of truth or dare with Ernie remind her of what she’s been missing while traveling the world. He knows her better than anyone, and it doesn’t hurt that his smile lights her up brighter than the lighthouses dotting the craggy coastline.

But their restaurant has a secret that’s bursting at the seams, and if Effie doesn’t keep it, her job will vanish into the foggy Maine air. As summer draws to a close, her dream job and the perfect guy are both within reach. Her salty seaside hometown might be the key to Effie’s sweet ending...if she can learn to let her heart lead the way in time.

©2024 Rochelle Bilow (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Effie Olsen's Summer Special is what summer romance dreams are made of. It's the perfect mix of nostalgia, warmth, and complex emotions that made my heart ache, with breezy seaside magic threaded through every word. Rochelle Bilow writes so evocatively that I could feel the salt air on my skin as I read, could taste every mouthwatering meal described, and had no choice but to hold my breath while the tension between Effie and Ernie boiled over and then melted beautifully into a second chance at love. An instant addition to my favorites shelf."—Jessica Joyce, USA Today bestselling author of You, with a View

“Sweet and sumptuous, Effie Olsen’s Summer Special combines each of its flavors to perfection, pairing a lovely childhood-friends-to-lovers summer romance with enlightening, insightful commentary on contemporary food. A rich and rare delight of a novel.”—Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of The Breakup Tour

"Effie Olsen's Summer Special is a delightful and deeply satisfying romance that hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, nostalgic, with the perfect amount of spice. Bilow's beautiful writing whisked me away to the magical Maine coast, where I was immersed in a rich community, tempted by fabulous food, and met one of my favorite couples of all time. I devoured it in a day and am already craving a re-read!"—Libby Hubscher, author of Play for Me

Food Descriptions are a Delight!

I adored Rochelle Bilow's sophomore novel - rich with delectable food descriptions and the sexy intrigue of a restaurant kitchen (hello, Chef - anyone?!?) ... I also appreciated the dynamics of being a strong female in a male dominated industry and kitchen.

My one qualm with this romance was the love interest, Ernie - I just couldn't get behind the name!! Silly, I know, but this was a bit of a distraction during the spicy scenes for me.

All else aside, I recommend this one!