Experiencing a severe crush on Michael Slayton since childhood, Julie Mueller moved on in life when he did not respond to her advances. Julie, now the divorced mother of a teenage daughter, is working as a TV reporter. Julie's passion is food even though she doesn't cook, much to the disappointment of her mother, Elizabeth.

Believing that Julie is unhappy with an unfulfilled life, Elizabeth presents Julie with cooking lessons with a famous chef knowing that Michael will also be attending. A seven- year misunderstanding stands between Julie and Michael as they try to rekindle their old friendship.

When Elizabeth has a stroke and is hospitalized, Julie has a new understanding of the depth of her feelings for her mother and the importance of family. Julie and Michael must strive to overcome their differences as they try to share their lives.

Sarah Strohmeyer has created a story of incredibly sharp insights into the power of love between a mother and a daughter, which is not always recognized until it's too late. There's much written on the description of preparing desserts, which I found a little too detailed and less interesting. Once I reached the heart of the storyline, I found it fun to read with a delightful mixture of humor.