Comfort Food
Free Book Review

Free Book Review: Comfort Food Book Summary

Gus Simpson has just started thinking of herself as a woman of a certain age. She's built herself a successful career from scratch and raised two grown daughters all on her own after the tragic death of her husband Christopher. She's a top rated Cooking Channel Star with her own line of cookbooks and kitchenware. And even though she's about to turn 50 (and decidedly will not be cooking her own birthday cake this year) her life couldn't be more perfect.

Or so Gus thought. In one day, things drastically change. Her ever popular show, Cooking with Gusto, is about to have the plug pulled if ratings don't skyrocket - and fast. This turn of events catapults Gus's life into total uncertainty. She finds out that both her daughters are emotionally distraught, an up and comer, Carmen Vega, is gunning for her spot on the network, she's quite possibly the object of affection of a younger man, and ends up the victim of a huge financial investing scam.

What results is a chaotic, crazy new version of her show called Eat Drink and Be which incorporates all of the most important people in her life and a few she didn't bargain for! Gus learns to forgive, let go of control, and find love for the second time over the course of a live, televised season.

Free Book Review: Comfort Food Opinion

After being a HUGE fan of Kate's first novel, The Friday Night Knitting Club, I was worried that her second novel might fall short of expectations.

Not so. Jacobs has done it again! Comfort Food was just as wonderful, in it's own unique way, as her original.

I think Kate has a knack for writing strong, confident female heroines because Gus Simpson is the woman every single one of us wishes and hopes to be on our 50th birthday. She's successful, caring, a good friend, a good mother, a reasonable opponent, and a little "girlish" when it comes to men. Sure she struggles with all these things from time to time but she always seems to figure it out. Example? When she finds out her daughters are unhappy and still mourning the death of their father, she invites them over to share memories and enjoy discovering each other as adult friends.

My biggest problem with Gus is her desire to control everyone she loves. It's almost like she has blinders on when it comes to her own opinions and no matter what the other person feels, Gus always thinks she's right. I wanted her to face that fact a little bit more and perhaps own up to it more than she does.

Of course I have to mention Oliver! He practically jumps off the page of every scene he's in! Jacobs sure has conjured up a total hunk for her leading lady ;) Wonder if Kate had a personal inspiration for his character...! He adds just the right touch to Gus's anything but ordinary life.

All the characters, even hateful Carmen Vega, are people that you love and end up rooting for their success. This book is different from FNKC because it doesn't have that serious undertone of cancer and death. Instead it's a fun, witty, endearing journey through the lives of some extraordinary people and their individual quests to find happiness.

Another winner for Kate, for sure!

Free Book Review: Comfort Food Discussion Questions

1. Is the age difference between Gus and Oliver a problem? How would it be viewed in our society today?
2. Do you think Aimee and Sabrina are spoiled brats or do they have valid issues with their childhood?
3. What is likeable about Carmen? Do you empathize with any of her situation?

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