Hot Dish is touted as Connie Brockway's contemporary romance debut novel though if you’re looking for romance, you'll find very little in this book.
Young Jenn Hallesby, born with a silver spoon, was happily living the good life in Atlanta when her parents gambled away everything, and she found herself transplanted to Fawn Creek, Minnesota. A temporary setback until the family could get back on their feet, Jenn's only goal was to escape as soon as possible. 20 months of pageants and learning the art of Scandinavian cooking has led her to the finals for the Buttercup Crown. Losing due to a technicality, Jenn still has to get her head carved out of butter along with all the finalists.
Enter sculptor Steve Jaax, who is laying low after stealing back his famous "Muse in the House" from his soon-to-be ex-wife Fabulousa. Jenn and Jaax meet during the carving where she spills her life story. There's not really any hint of a love connection there, and Steve barely has time to carve Jenn's image in the butter, and hide the key from the location of the missing muse before getting arrested for jumping bail.
At this point, I'm beginning to loose interest in small town politics, self pitying teenagers, and screwed up men who are hiding from the law and trying to get revenge on the ex. Luckily, the story jumps 21 years later and Jenn has fought her way out and to the top as the next Midwest Martha thanks to her great cooking skills, and about to get her own TV show. But first she must go home again. The town of Fawn Creek is having its sesquicentennial, and Jenn has been asked to be grand marshal due to her growing celebrity. Steve Jaax has been asked to be co- marshal when they found that Jenn's mom has saved the 100lb. butter head he sculpted long ago.
Though I had a hard time getting into the story at first, I found myself liking the grown-up Jenn and enjoying the comedy of the kidnapped butter head. There are enough twists and turns in the storyline to keep it interesting. The characters are quirky and richly described, and Steve and Jenn finally hook up. The love story almost seems like a sidenote though, so if you’re looking for a good romance, this isn't the book. I didn't really see the point in making poor, misguided Jenn wait 20someyears to find love.
This book has enough humor, entertainment and heartwarming moments to save it, but it wasn't really to my taste.
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Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Signet (November 7, 2006)
ISBN: 045121983X
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