Dining with Joy was my first experience reading any of Rachel Hauck’s work but it most certainly won’t be my last. What a fantastic, feel good read and perfect for all us foodies out there! There’s even a couple of recipes at the end of the book — one for banana bread that I fully intend to try out!
Joy Ballard is the star of the very popular cooking show, Dining with Joy. The problem—Joy can’t cook! At all! She’s one of those who can’t even boil water without burning down the house kind of cooks. However, she has that special something that captivates an audience and makes the show a success. How did Joy end up on a cooking show when she can’t cook, you ask? Well it was her father’s show and when he became suddenly ill and passed he asked that she take over. She couldn’t refuse her father and after with Joy being so popular, it seemed easy enough to continue the lie.
Things are going merrily along until the producer sells the show right out from under Joy without warning. The new producer Allison has no idea about Joy and her little secret but she is money hungry and ambitious and she plans on taking the show to new heights. She does the one thing that Joy hates which is being thrown into a cooking competition and worse it’s with Wenda – Joy’s trouble making rival who just may know about Joy’s secret. Of course Joy is terrified – she can’t cook! However, just in time and to the rescue, is the handsome and talented chef Luke Redmond to save Joy’s day. He saves more than Joy’s day though; he may have stolen her heart as well.
Luke becomes Joy’s co-host and her hope is that he’ll be able to take over all the cooking segments, leaving her the reality stuff. Along the way sparks seem to fly between them but then sizzle out only to sparkle again. However, as with all things, nothing stays the same. It’s only a matter of time before Joy’s lies will catch up with her and everything will go up in smoke. Will she still have a career? More importantly, will she still have Luke?
I loved Joy. I thought she was funny even while being really stubborn. There is so much more to this book than just the cooking aspects as well. There is Joy’s family and all the other stuff surrounding the story that makes it good too like her past relationship with her father. The novel is classed as Christian Romance and there are numerous references to God but not overwhelmingly so although for me I love Christian fiction so it in no way bothered me. The romance is light and fun – just the way I like it. Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck is a light and fun read – just perfect for this time of the year when you just want to relax and enjoy a book. It’s definitely one of my favorites of the month!
I read Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck for her book tour with TLC Book Tours. Be sure to stop by and check out the other tour stops as well as Rachel Hauck’s website. If you’d like to purchase your own copy you can do so here in the US or here in Canada. That or you can try your luck in my giveaway below!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
I have 1 copy of Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck to share with my readers courtesy of the publisher. To enter:
- For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
- For 2 entries follow my blog. Those who do get the extra entry as well – just let me know in your comment.
- For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word.
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, January 8, 2011. Good luck everyone!
© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.My review copy of Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck was provided by TLC Book Tours and the publisher.
It sounds like a really good book, Dar. I'd love to win a copy 🙂
meah56[at]gmail[dot]com
I follow in my Google reader
I would love to read this book.
teakettle58@yahoo.com
I follow your blog in my G.reader.
I have blogged about the giveaway in my sidebar.
http://readwithtea.blogspot.com
It does sound like a light and funny read which is perfect for this time of the year, you're right.Thanks for the great review!
I love cooking shows, and I love to read – this sounds like a perfect book for me. Thanks for the giveaway.
+1 Follow through Google Reader
lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh yea! Oh yea!
Please enter me!
I am a follower.
forevereading at gmail dot com
You know I love any kind of book that deals with food. 🙂 Please enter me!
+1 Follower 🙂
jgbeads(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway!
Enter me aploughery (at) yahoo (dot) com
I am also a follower (GFC).
I have been reading a lot about this book, and love that it has a foodie angle. It sounds like it's a great read, and I am glad that you enjoyed it. I would love the chance to win it as well, so please do enter me in your giveaway!! Great review, by the way.
zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net
I'd love to win! WordLily AT gmail DOT com I'm subscribed to your feed; not sure if that counts as following or not.
Darlene, thanks so much for this review. Made me smile all the way to my toes and I need this today… XO!
Thanks to all for entering to win!
Love, Rachel
This book sounds great!
butterflychick12(at)earthlink(dot)net
I am a blog follower as well!
I'd love the chance to win this one. I find myself drawn to well-written "foodie" books!
jonitathebookchick(at)gmail(dot)com
+1 I follow you with GFC
+1 Your contest is on my sidebar at http://book-chic.blogspot.com
Sounds delightful…looking forward to reading it!
littleone AT shaw DOT ca
I follow on GFC.
littleone AT shaw DOI ca
This looks so cute-I'd love to win a copy!
bookworm1858 AT hotmail DOT com
+1 follower
I would love to win this book, please enter me!
dancealert at aol dot com
I'm a follower through GFC I believe, but am sure I am a subscriber with email.
dancealert at aol dot com
Sounds like a perfect read for a snowy, stay-at-home day.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com
Email subscriber and GFC follower.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com
I would love to read this book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I am a gfc follower.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Thanks for hosting this book giveaway, Darlene. This book sounds really good. I'm sure I'd be tempted to bake that banana bread as well.
I'm a follower.
I'll post this in my blog's sidebar. 🙂
suko95(at)gmail(dot)com
Please count me in!
teresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com
I am always up for a good book — and with recipes! And people who can't cook! xo
I think is so daring for Joy to have a cooking show without knowing how to cook! Please enter me in this contest.
I am a Google Friend Connect Follower and an e-mail subscriber.
I tweeted:
Carolee888 is my Twitter name
https://peekingbetweenthepages.com/2010/12/book-review-dining-with-joy-by-rachel.html See link for giveaway of 'Dining with Joy"
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
Sounds like a really fun romance – and I love the food angle, too. Thanks for entering me. I'm a follower.
carolsnotebook at yahoo dot com
I would love a chance to read this book, I have read some 2 other books by this author and really enjoyed them! Thanks for entering me into this giveaway!
And I'm a follower thanks.
unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail.com
Dining With Joy sounds like a great book. I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
Smiles,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
I am also a GFC follower.
Smiles,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
This one sounds totally delightful and I love the fact that she can't even boil water!!!
Looks like a great book. I follow the blog
summergal05(at)gmail(dot)com
You had me at "feel good read".
bookfoolery at gmail dot com
I'm a follower on google reader.
Wow Dar, I am right now in the mood for a good feel-good book! And this sounds right up my alley, with all the foods mentioned and the recipes. Great review as always!
I love anything that has to do with food.
thanks
chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com
I follow.
chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com
She's on a cooking show but can't cook. That sounds hilarious!
I'm a follower.
diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com
This sounds sweet Dar, great review.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
Thank you foroffering this contest.
pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com
cococroissants
https://peekingbetweenthepages.com/2010/12/book-review-dining-with-joy-by-rachel.html dining with joy giveawaway
chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com
i'd love to be entered 🙂
I'm a follower
strandedhero(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds like a great book!
Thanks for the chance to win.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
This is definitely on my TBR list — and I'm a GFC follower!
JHS
Colloquium
jhsmail at comcast dot net
Sounds great! I love chick lit!
billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com
I would love to win a copy of this book.
RJB
loki304(at)tds(dot)net
This looks like a good foodie story.
susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com
#1 I follow your blog by gfc.
susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com
#2 I follow your blog by gfc.
susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com
what a horror to be on a show and not know too much about cooking. Nightmare!!
Please enter me.
yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
I already follow via GFC as primrose; #1
yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
I already follow via GFC as primrose; #2
yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
I would love to read this one! aitmama {{at}} gmail {{tod}} com
Follower aitmama {{at}} gmail {{tod}} com
http://twitter.com/aitmama/status/18784610154455040
sounds like a fun read and unique plot – fingers crossed!
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
This sounds so good! I love food shows and the idea of a great story AND recipes sounds great!
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com
I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com
this looks so cute! thanks for the chance to win!!
inthehammockblog at gmail dot com
i'm a follower
inthehammockblog at gmail dot com
Sounds great. Follow your blog -love it.
ladybook21@yahoo
I would love to read Dining with Joy 🙂 *Thanks* for the giveaway!
blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]net
Already publicly following Peeking Between the Pages with Google Friend Connect [Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}]
blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]net
Tweeted the giveaway
blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]net
would love to read rachel's latest novel…thanks for the chance.
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I would love to win this!
thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
I'm following through GFC!
This book sounds delicious!
I am a follower. Thanks for the chance to win.
booksetc[at]jewelrythings[dot]com
Ooh – I'd love to read this! Thanks for the chance
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow you on GFC
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
sounds terrific! Count me in please 🙂
bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com
It sounds like an interesting book, I would love to read it.
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
#1 Follow your blog publicly via GFC (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
#2 Follow your blog publicly via GFC (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
#1 tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/spelena/status/23574670309593088
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
#2 tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/spelena/status/23574670309593088
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
#3 tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/spelena/status/23574670309593088
elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
GFC Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
GFC Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#2
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/23946446973706241
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/23946446973706241
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#2
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/23946446973706241
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#3