Hadley Beckett's Next Dish

Author: Bethany Turner
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 5, 2020

​Get ready for a heaping helping of humor, romance, and second chances.

Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanagh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show, To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel's other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.

When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum and is sent packing, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public's good graces is to work alongside Hadley. As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love.

In the meantime, hide the knives.

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Reviewer: Caroline Star

Hadley Beckett's Next Dish was definitely an interesting book to read! It was definitely unusual to pick up this book since I usually don't venture into contemporaries. To add to that, I also did previously have a bad experience with one of the author's books due to all the content in it. I ended up wanting to read this one anyway since the summary/blurb, and initial characters intrigued me; plus, the cover's so delightful and fits its genre well. After finishing it though, I'm glad I did!

Hadley and Maxwell, the female and male main characters, are both chefs and hosts of their own culinary shows. They're both very different people, with Hadley being the sweet, charming girl with Southern flair and Maxwell initially being, well, a well-meaning jerk. Max specifically goes through a massive character arc and really learns a lot along the way, which I really appreciated. Besides--Max and Hadley are absolutely adorable together! I loved the supporting "cast" as well. Stuart was a complete sweetheart and treated Hadley incredibly (a great example of how male-female friendships can exist without any romantic feelings in the way), like a brother to a sister. Leo and Hadley's grandmother were both great--albeit weird and strange--characters that taught her a lot, even if unintentionally.

A few things I didn't love so much were the content, mainly romance-wise. There was a little too much kissing and physical attraction going on. I personally would've loved it if Turner toned it down more. However, I do like her writing style. It suits the contemporary genre very well and is very fluid and easy to read.

Overall, Hadley Beckett's Next Dish was definitely a treat to read! However, the romance issue is an issue I've noticed in her books. Because of that, I probably won't be picking up any of her future books as it's a little much for me. Otherwise, I'm glad I read this book and recommend it to readers who love contemporary romance.

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Reviewer: Abigail Thomas

Bethany Turner definitely topped the cake with her latest book, Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish. This sweet romantic comedy earned all five stars easily while following the lives of Hadley Beckett and Max Cavanagh, two Michelin-star chefs who started out on very rocky ground. From nemeses to friends and perhaps more, these two characters supply a healthy mix of wit, smack-downs, and a depth of relatable feelings.

From beginning to end I enjoyed following the journey of these two chefs. There was plenty of humor as the author showed their work-related and romantic tensions throughout, and as is typical in a romantic comedy, misunderstandings popped up now and then, leaving the reader wanting to fix the mess. And as the saying goes, “Opposites attract.” This is true for Hadley and Max not only in personality, but with their cooking styles. Hadley is the “bring on the butter and sugar,” and “the more the merrier,” while Max is “healthy and tiny portions only, please.”

Neither character remained stagnant throughout the entire story, and that is due to the friendship that blossomed rather quickly. They both felt they could trust each other, and each had suggestions for the other whether spoken directly or implied.

I also loved how God was worked in. Not an “in your face” sort of way, but it was obvious that Hadley was a firm believer and Max didn’t seem to take stock faith at all but slowly, through Hadley, came to think that perhaps there was something more there.

This is a story I would recommend to anyone who loves a good romance and a good laugh. This is a story I will be reading again.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell, through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

Bethany Turner is one of my go-to authors for a contemporary romantic comedy. Her sense of humor and fun shines in her writing and always tickles my funny bone. This story starts out with a totally unlikeable, annoying, and maddening version of Max Cavanaugh. And a sweet, charming, endearing Hadley Beckett who, unfortunately, bears the brunt of Max’s bad temper tantrum. While I was prepared to dislike Max, I was surprised by his resolve to change. Eventually, I admired his determination. The witty banter and snarky, humorous comments between the two made for an entertaining read. Turner’s signature pop culture references add an amusing element to the story.

I enjoyed the epigraphs at the start of each chapter, which gave a hint, using cooking terms, as to what was ahead: Chill overnight, Bring to boil over high heat.

Although this is categorized under Christian Fiction, it has only a light faith element to it. It’s definitely a clean, wholesome book that has a thread of redemption and forgiveness. I’m already looking forward to Turner’s next book, and this one has a reserved spot on my keeper shelf.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell publishing. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Abigail Harris

Hadley Beckett's Next Dish is a book I nearly didn't request since I haven't finished reading Bethany Turner's Wooing Cadie McCaffrey, due to content in it that I disliked and yet I read a friend's review and I now look forward to reading and finishing it.

With themes similar to a Hallmark movie I love I knew this would be hilarious! And I was right ... I loved the humor, the romance on the other hand ... It was too focused on looks, attraction, and kissing.

I also found problems with the theology in the novel, it was mixed up. I wasn't sure what to think as one character's beliefs leaned towards hippy with a weird mix of Biblical standards along with a dose of new age religion which made for an interesting thought process. At the end of the book the character supposedly found "religion" but we never saw the change in the character's point of view and there was no conversion scene.

The cooking show side of the story was superb, I enjoyed reading it. The author did a wonderful job of making it an intriguing plot line.

While I wouldn't recommend this for readers under 18 it is still a well written humor filled romance.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Nicole Wegscheider

The book, Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish is a fun and insightful novel. During the renown competition — America’s Fiercest Chef, two contestants —  Hadley Beckett  and Max Cavanaugh instantly draw the public’s attention. Hadley, a pastry chef, is a fun, witty, southern bell from Nashville and Max, a recognized chef, is a serious, attractive man from New York who speaks with a sharp tongue. Who wins the competition? What is the outcome?

The book cover is clever. It illustrates a baker’s rolling pin crossed with a large cutting knife. This image depicts Hadley and Max. As Max releases his sharp words of anger, Hadley’s responds back with humour and wit.

Her humour adds a rich elements to the story. Humour is beautifully woven with serious matters of life. This is a lovely blend and it is refreshing. I also appreciate the multi-faceted humour — both verbal and physical.

I really like Hadley’s character. No matter how challenging the circumstance, she has this unshakable trust. Hadley is a woman of faith, sincere and vulnerable. Her inner beauty shines brightly from the inside out. She is well-liked.

There are several powerful messages. All things works together for good and forgiveness allows people to move forward. 

Deception is a theme. There is more behind the scenes.

I enjoyed Max’s moments of truth. This moment is surprising and unique.

Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish, is a book that I would highly recommend.

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Revell, through Interviews & Reviews.

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