Book Review: Dining With Joy by Rachel Hauck

Dining With Joy is an enjoyable book, an easy read, and it really was what I needed at just the right time.  Before bed I would curl up under my covers and turn page after page visualizing Luke and Joy, the two main characters.  It is easy to relate to both main characters, they became like two old friends of mine.  The book is fresh, yet warm and traditional.

The story is centered around Joy, a 29 year old cooking show host that secretly cannot cook.  She is also a people pleaser who eventually has to wake up to reality and find her own true passions. Luke is also young and has several failures under his belt that make him insecure and unsure of the world before him.  The chemistry between the two is undeniable, but secondary to their unplanned lives.  The events that unfold throughout the book keep the reader engaged.

Furthermore, I enjoyed the wholesome messages and the entangled struggles that were woven together throughout the book.  Reading it I could not help but think about my single girlfriends that I know long to find true love, but are not sure of God’s plan for their loves.  This book takes daily challenges and reminds us that going with the flow is not always the best way to live up to your full potential.  The story line is romantic and not uncommon, but it makes you feel good inside just like the banana bread that it mentions.  I have yet to try to make the banana bread from the recipe provided, but I know that it is a project that I will tackle with my girls acting as my assistants.

I enjoyed the tone of the book the most.  The entire book expresses hope. I think hope is what separates true Christians from the rest of the world.  No matter what problems are before us, hope is what keeps us going when others would give up and let go of life.  This book is for dreamers, it ignited a spark in me not to forget my own personal goals and dreams. The book had me crying at times, and laughing out loud at other times, which is shocking because I usually try to stick to nonfiction.

If you are interested in a book that connects with its readers, this is it.  If you want a book that is in line with your values, this is it.  If you want a book that will have you intrigued, this is it. I am so glad that I read it, and I definitely recommend it to others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”