Sometimes the second time is the charm. . .

After seeing enough of war, former Navy SEAL Lucas Chaffee is settling back into civilian life when he accepts a job refurbishing a farmhouse for an old friend, who plans to turn it into a culinary school.

Celebrity TV chef Madeline Durand was badly shaken when her husband’s illicit video went viral, so she jumps at the chance to reevaluate her life in Shelter Bay while helping her grandmother turn the family farm into a new business. Little does she know that the man who broke her heart year ago is already on the job.

Having Maddy leave Shelter Bay once, Lucas isn’t about to let her get away this time. But rekindling their romance won’t be easy, as she still hasn’t forgiven him for a fateful night ten years ago. But Lucas is a man on a mission, and with the help of some Shelter Bay matchmakers, he plans to come up with a very special recipe of passion, patience, and perseverance to win her over. . .

Review

On Lavender Lane couldn’t have arrived at a better time for me. At work we recently opened a Culinary Adventures Center that host cooking classes. My life for the past couple months has been immersed in culinary topics and kitchen centered activities. Why not read about it too?

On Lavender Lane introduces Madeline Durand, a celebrity TV chef whose recently been burned, pardon the pun. Her husband’s illicit video has gone viral, shaking up Madeline and everything around her. When given the chance to help her grandma turn the family farm into a culinary school, Madeline accepts the offer and looks forward to time away in Shelter Bay. While re-evaluating her life, Madeline is reunited with Lucas, the man who broke her heart long ago. It appears Shelter Bay won’t be the escape she thought it would be.

Lucas Chaffee, former Navy Seal, has seen enough war and looks forward to settling back into civilian life in Shelter Bay. Lucas, who accepted a job helping a friend refurbish a farm house located in Shelter Bay, soon finds Maddy, the one who got away, is in town as well. Intent on rekindling their romance, Lucas isn’t about to let Maddy get away again. Since Maddy still hasn’t forgiven him and is currently nursing wounds of her own, Lucas has his job cut out for him. Lucky for this former Navy Seal, the mission is nothing compared to war and Lucas is intent on making his match. With a little help and the right recipe, love is soon in the air and with it fiery passion that will heat up any room.

On Lavender Lane is a warm and inviting romance, full of charming characters and unique topics. While there are some new characters introduced in this book, the romance also includes previous characters from the series which ties the books together while enabling them to stand alone as well. Those who haven’t read the predecessors will still be able to enjoy the story without confusion.

The romance includes some pretty serious topics yet remains idyllic due to its setting and character’s charm. Ross does a wonderful job approaching these topics in a compassionate and enlightening manner. I found myself emotionally involved with the storyline and enjoyed reading a romance mixed with cooking. It reminded me of Louisa Edwards’sbooks, though not quite as steamy. Since I happen to love food, this book was fun to read. Who doesn’t want a hot ex-Navy Seal to come sweep them off their feet? Likewise, what guy doesn’t want a chef? Isn’t food the way to a man’s heart? On Lavender Lane was an enjoyable and emotional read. I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed the story told by Ms. Ross. I would recommend it to others, especially if you enjoy idyllic towns, charming characters and food!

Reviewed by Tiffany