When in Doubt, Add Butter

By: Beth Harbison

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times best-selling author of Shoe Addicts Anonymous and Always Something There to Remind Me comes a delicious new novel about the search for true love and all the ingredients that go into it.

As far as Gemma is concerned, her days of dating are over. In fact, it’s her job to cater other peoples’ dates, and that’s just fine by her. At 37, she has her own business, working as a private chef, and her life feels full and secure. She’s got six steady clients that keep her hands full.

There’s Lex, the fussy but fabulous department store owner who loves Oysters Rockefeller and 1950s comfort food; Willa, who needs to lose weight under doctor’s orders but still believes butter makes everything better; a colorful family who may or may not be part of the Russian mob; an überwealthy Georgetown family; the picture-perfect Van Houghtens, whose matriarch is “allergic to everything”; and finally, a man she calls “Mr. Tuesday,” whom she has never met but who she is strangely drawn to.

For Gemma, cooking is predictable. Recipes are certain. Use good ingredients, follow the directions, and you are assured success. Life, on the other hand, is full of variables. So when Gemma’s takes an unexpected turn on a road she always thought was straight and narrow, she must face her past and move on in ways she never would have imagined. Because sometimes in life, all you need is a little hope, a lot of courage, and - oh yes - butter.

©2012 Beth Harbison (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Good story

I enjoyed it but it was four hours in and I felt like the author was still setting up the story but I would still recommend it.

Ambivalent

The book was sort of ho hum. I didn't dislike it, but it didn't make an impression on me either. I did finish it - but I'd get distracted while listening, and didn't feel the need to backtrack and pick up the thread of the story.

comfortable, sweet book

this is my second beth harbison book, and it won't be my last. the characters are sweet and real, the narrator was spot on, and the story kept my interest. really great book in every way!

That was outstanding!

I always enjoy the characters in any of Beth Harbison's books. They are very complex people , just like us. The stories are always different and very entertaining. I can't imagine anyone but Orlagh Cassidy doing the narration on these books, she's perfect.

Loved hearing about a chef’s life in DC

It’s interesting to hear about Gemma’s life tooling around DC, trying to make everyone happy with her cooking.

BORING

What disappointed you about When in Doubt, Add Butter?

Very boring with no real story.

What could Beth Harbison have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Instead of one person telling a story like it's a diary, I would have liked more characters.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

disappointment