Effie Olsen’s Summer Special

Rochelle’s new romcom with Berkley Romance, now available for preorder!

ABOUT EFFIE OLSEN’S SUMMER SPECIAL

These childhood best friends swore they’d never speak again. But that was before a surprise summer reunion gives them a chance to turn up the heat.
 
Effie Olsen thought she’d never settle down on the tiny Maine island where she grew up, but she’s returning from a whirlwind sixteen years as a professional chef in far-flung countries for one summer and one summer only. Her hometown boasts one of the best restaurants in the US, and lucky for her, Brown Butter needs a sous chef. Effie is eager for a chance at redemption after her last job went up in flames, but reluctant to set down roots in a place that reminds her of the ghosts of her past.

Until, that is, she runs into Ernie Callahan, her onetime best friend who now works in the very same restaurant. Early morning swims and late-night games of truth or dare with Ernie remind her of what she’s been missing while traveling the world. He knows her better than anyone, and it doesn’t hurt that his smile lights her up brighter than the lighthouses dotting the craggy coastline.

But Brown Butter has a secret that’s bursting at the seams, and if Effie doesn’t keep it, her job will vanish into the foggy Maine air. As summer draws to a close, she realizes a second chance at her dream job and the perfect guy are both within reach. The salty seaside town of Alder Isle is the key to Effie’s sweet ending…. All she has to do now is learn to let her heart lead the way.

Advance Praise for EFFIE OLSEN’S SUMMER SPECIAL

Effie Olsen’s Summer Special is what summer romance dreams are made of. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia, warmth, and complex emotions that made my heart ache, with breezy seaside magic threaded through every word. Rochelle Bilow writes so evocatively that I could feel the salt air on my skin as I read, could taste every mouthwatering meal described, and had no choice but to hold my breath while the tension between Effie and Ernie boiled over and then melted beautifully into a second chance at love. An instant addition to my favorites shelf.”—Jessica Joyce, USA Today bestselling author of You, with a View

“Sweet and sumptuous, Effie Olsen’s Summer Special combines each of its flavors to perfection, pairing a lovely childhood-friends-to-lovers summer romance with enlightening, insightful commentary on contemporary food. A rich and rare delight of a novel.”—Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of The Breakup Tour

"If you’ve ever wished you could read a romance version of the hit TV show The Bear set on a small Maine island, featuring two childhood friends who find themselves falling for each other as adults, then don’t miss Effie Olsen's Summer Special. You’ll laugh, cry, and swoon as Effie navigates her complicated feelings about her hometown, her family, and most of all, her former best friend Ernie. A delightful summer read you’ll want to savor!"—Ali Brady, author of The Comeback Summer

Effie Olsen's Summer Special is a delightful and deeply satisfying romance that hits all the right notes - sweet, salty, nostalgic, with the perfect amount of spice. Bilow's beautiful writing whisked me away to the magical Maine coast, where I was immersed in a rich community, tempted by fabulous food, and met one of my favorite couples of all time. I devoured it in a day and am already craving a re-read!”—Libby Hubscher, author of Play for Me

“…A much less intense version of The Bear, but with all the same familial bonds and restaurant drama. Bilow (Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year), a classically trained chef and food writer, serves up a full dish of romance, humor, and meaty plot, with a perfect portion of sexiness on the side.”—Library Journal [starred review]