In Rachel Haucks Dining with Joy, the main character Joy is attempting to host a cooking show, but in reality she cannot cook at all. Joy lives at home with her mother, Rosie, and two nieces, Annie-Rae and Lyric. She finds herself in a cooking competition with Wenda Divine, the stereotypical snobby rival, and Luke Redmond comes to her rescue. They become co-hosts and Luke actively pursues Joy. Fortunately, Luke is a chef and a good leading man.
First Corinthians 13:4-5 says, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong. This Scripture was portrayed in Dining with Joy in the way Luke pursues Joy. His love is very selfless. He is incredibly patient with her, especially when it comes to her lack of cooking abilities. Both the characters of Luke and Joy resemble godly people who would be beneficial to one another in a marriage. They support and encourage each other as in a healthy relationship.
This book had an enjoyable plot; however, it was perhaps targeted toward a slightly older audience than even the characters in the story, for it focuses on career development, potential marriage plans, and life-long goal setting. It would probably be most suitable for single young post-college adults or for married women who take pleasure in romantic fiction. There were a few borderline descriptions of intimate situations that would not be appropriate for teenagers. But I would recommend Dining with Joy for women who need a refreshing and rather original Christian romance story. Nicole Scheffler, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
