24 Delicious Books About Food to Devour in 2024

We thought it would be fun to round up books that had us craving delicious treats, so below are some of our favorite fiction books about food. We’ve all been there. We are reading a book or watching a movie and some delicious dish is brought to our attention.
Then, the cravings begin. And once those cravings begin, we must get the food in question. Like hold the phone, don’t talk to me until that food has been consumed with abandon. These novels about food are as delicious to read as their titles suggest. Enjoy
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Fiction Books About Food

The Little French Bistro by Nina George
I loved this book! Marianne, an unhappy German woman embarks on a journey across France, by herself after a failed suicide attempt. Similar to the themes in The Little Paris Bookshop The Little French Bistro is a story about personal discovery and growth.
Ms. George is so rich in her descriptions of people, places, and food. This book was a joy to read. I loved how the characters in this story grew. They were lifted off the page until I felt that they were in the room with me. This story contained some components of magic that I loved. It was just enough to be believable without entering the realm of fairy tales. This is a must-read pick from novels about food.

Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev
I loved the first book in the series so much. I could not wait to read this second book that is not only a Jane Austen retelling, but a delightful pick in novels about food.
I loved this fresh take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion. It was so much fun to read this classic retelling and I will admit that it made me very hungry.

Miss Cecily’s Recipes for Exceptional Ladies: A Novel by Vicky Zimmerman
It is such a feel-good book but a fair warning- reading this book will make you very hungry! Kate’s life is not exactly where she thought it would be months before her 40th birthday. Her job is not secure and she has had to move back in with her mother after yet another break with her boyfriend.
What she finds is a grumpy, smart, and very smart 97-year-old lady named Cecily. The two ladies begin an unlikely friendship that will change them both forever. This book is charming and delightful and a great pick in novels about food.

The Second Chance Supper Club by Nicole Meier
Siblings can be our greatest source of strength or our greatest competition. Ginny and Julia Frank used to have a close sisterly bond until a tragedy from their past drove a wedge between them.
Now estranged from each other, Ginny is still the first person Julia runs to when a headstrong decision throws her career into jeopardy. Set in the beautiful land of Arizona, Ginny and Julia have to face old wounds as Julia realizes that Ginny might just need her help too. This is a great book to add to your list of novels about food.
Fiction Books about Chefs

Audrey Hepburn Estate by Brenda Janowitz
Emma, a celebrated chef and caterer, is upset that her childhood home is set to be demolished by a developer, Leo, who also used to live at the Audrey Hepburn Estate.
Emma was the housekeeper’s daughter, Leo, the chauffeur’s son, and rounding out their childhood trio was Henry, raised by his grandparents on the rolling estate out on Long Island. Long ago, Emma and Leo discovered a secret about Henry’s family and now that the estate is ready to be torn down, those family secrets are coming to light.
Part mystery, part love-triangle romance, this story has all the drama and intrigue I expect from Brenda Janowitz.

The Chicken Sisters
Author: K.J. Dell’ Antonia
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: December 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is another winner picked by Reese Witherspoon! This was an enjoyable family drama based around two sisters competing in a fictional reality TV food competition.
As the competition turns to tricks and sabotage, the sisters’ war with each other turns ugly. Family secrets just keep getting exposed and the hijinx gets better and better. This was the perfect light read to end 2020 and a perfect pick for a list of books about sisters.
Why Kirsten likes it
I liked the family drama and the silly antics in this book. The relationship between the sisters was a fun read as well.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title / Books About Sister and Sisterhood / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Books About Food

Sourdough by Robin Sloan
I adore Sloan’s book Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour bookstore. I devoured it on New Year’s day 2015 on my way home from a family vacation. It was clever and unlike any story, I could remember. It perfectly paired technology with bookselling in an exciting new way that felt innovative.
I was expecting the same technology and cooking innovation in sourdough and this quirky story delivered. When two brothers must leave San Fransisco because of visa issues, they give Lois their sourdough starter with the directions to keep it alive. The problem, she is a coder, not a baker. This is a fun and quirky pick from fiction books about food.
Romance Books About Food

Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden
Georgia May Jackson is a sous-chef in Paris hoping for a big promotion where she will be the head chef at a restaurant. When she loses her boyfriend and sense of taste in one night her dreams seem like they may be gone forever.
She has no choice but to take time off and travel back home to Seattle with the hope of finding herself, her sense of taste, and her sense of purpose.
Georgia also had a way with flavors and her dishes had a way of making people feel while eating. As she heads home, she realizes that this may be more than just a gift for flavors.
Why I Love It: I loved “The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie” and was so excited to read this book. It lived up to all my expectations and more. This is a sweet romance that will leave you smiling. #gifted
Find this book in Books About Food / Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Books

The Cafe by the Sea (Mure Island Series #1) by Jenny Colgan
Jenny Colgan churns out another light beach read with heart. Cafe by the Sea is set on the gorgeous island of Muir in Scotland.
Scotland shines in this story about life in a town set in its ways and trying to resist the pull of modern life. There is a romance in this story, but the pull was more on the heroine reconnecting with her old life and family. Jenny Colgan is the queen of bakery romance novels and you can check out our list of The Best Jenny Colgan Books Ranked by Super Fans

The Proposal (The Wedding Date #2) by Jasmine Guillory
Author: Jasmine Guillory
Year: 2018
Genre: Romance
More info: February 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Wedding Date #2
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Nikole’s “boyfriend” proposes to her at a baseball game and cannot even spell her name correctly, it is a recipe for disaster.
Luckily, Carlos and his sister are at the game to help Nik escape the onslaught of paparazzi waiting. You can guess the rest.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book on a plane flight. It was light, funny, and completely predictable.
Find this book in: Sports Romance Novels / Rom-Com Books / Jasmine Guillory Books / Best Romance Novels

The Donut Trap by Julie Tieu
Jasmine has found herself in a rut working at her parent’s donut shop. She wants to do something else but, she is not sure what. When there is a rent hike and the business is threatened, Jasmine will do everything she can to save their livelihood.
Add to this story the reappearance of a college crush names Alex and this adorable rom-com has all the ingredients for a great story and is perfect for a list of books about food.

Fake It Till You Bake It
Author: Jamie Wesley
Year: 22
Genre: Romance
More info: Sugar Blitz #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Donovan is an NFL player who also owns a struggling cupcake bakery with a few of his friends. Jada is internet famous, and not in a good way. She rejected a proposal on a bachelor-like TV show and now she’s got haters all over!
After taking a job at Donovan’s store, she lies to a reporter and says she was still thinking of Donovan when she rejected the proposal.
So now she is fake-dating Donovan and helping the cupcake store in the process. But can they turn this fake relationship into something more?
Why Kirsten likes it
Um yes, and with SIZZLING chemistry to boot! This is a fake dating book at its steamiest.
Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Fake Dating / Romance Sports Books

Plot
When Charlie Goodwin gets a concussion, and cannot smell or taste, she doesn’t know what to do. Her job as a chef and the promotion she has been working toward is on the line.
She begs her twin sister Cass to switch places like they did when they were kids. She will take over the bakery and Cass will pretend to be her.
Why Jackie loves it
This adorable holiday romance is just the book to brighten your day and put a smile on your face. This is one of the best holiday books I’ve read!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Holiday Books / Books About Sisters / Best Canadian Novels / Books About Food / New Christmas Books 2021 / Bakery Romances
For more books like these, check out our list of 6 Coffee Shop Romance Books

The Gorgeous Olive and June Spring 2023 Collection – O&J’s Farmer’s Market
Did you know the new Olive and June Spring collection is inspired by food?
Best Novels About Food: Mysteries

The Golden Spoon
Author: Jessa Maxwell
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery
More info: Only Murders in the building meets The Maid
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Every summer for the past ten years, bakers come to a Vermont estate to film a hit television show with the famous host and estate owner Betsy Martin. This year, something is off with the competition as things start to go awry on the set. Suddenly, a body is discovered in this locked room mystery.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book a day and absolutely loved it. It felt like Agatha Christie meets the Great British Baking Show. There is more than meets the eye with this cozy mystery and I loved every minute. As you get to know each character, the story becomes that much better they are equal parts delightful, hilarious, and suspicious.
Find this book in: Novels About Food / Domestic Thrillers / Books with Colors in the Title / Cozy Mystery Books

Arsenic and Adobo
Author: Mia P. Manansala
Year: 2021
Genre: Cozy Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5: Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mysteries
Age Range: Anthony Award Winner 2022, RUSA Award-winning novel
Plot
From the very first page of this book, I was completely hooked. I loved this book and could not put it down. This book is the perfect mix of cozy mystery and scrumptious food. I felt like Lousie Penny met Jenny Colgan to write this book.
When Lila moves home to help her family with their restaurant, she never dreamed that she would be put in the middle of a murder investigation. A food critic who is known for nasty reviews dies after a confrontation with Lila. The fact that he is also her ex makes her the prime suspect. Now, she has to prove her innocence with the help of her best friend and nosy aunties.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a light-hearted and fun cozy mystery novel. I was invested from the first page. I also laughed out loud at the antics. #gifted
Find this book in: Books About Food / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Books with Food in the Title
Magical Realism Novels About Food

Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune by Roselle Lim
I had this book in my TBR pile since last year. I don’t know why I did not get around to reading this book sooner but, I am so glad that I waited. After reading Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop, I immediately picked this up.
There should be a warning included- do not read this book while you are hungry! There are so many things about this book that I loved. The relationships between friends and family are warm and wonderful. This book left me with a happy feeling. This is one of my favorite novels about food.

Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber
Anna Kate has returned to her hometown to bury her beloved grandmother. It is supposed to be a quick trip to close her grandmother’s cafe but, Anna Kate finds herself drawn to the town.
The longer Anna Kate stays, the more she finds out about her family, and the pull to fulfill a promise starts to compete directly with the pull of her heart.
This pick from novels about food was an unexpected surprise. It has a little element of magic, as well as a fairy tale, feel.

Plot
After Lolly’s mother dies, she abandons her hopes and dreams as well as the love of her life to stay and run the family’s struggling Seattle diner. Now, as her 33rd birthday approaches, she is sad and lost. Everyone seems to be living the life they chose except her.
For a birthday gift, her aunt gives her magic lemon drops which will allow her to relive one day in a life that might have been. What if she never broke up with her fiance? What if her mom didn’t die?
This book is such a thoughtful and original book that really makes you think- is there something you would want a “do-over”? I loved this adorable book from our Ultimate Beach Reads 2023.
Trigger Warnings
Parental Death
Why Jackie loves it
The writing is so good and the story felt fresh and original. I also loved the character development and at the end, I could only smile.
Find this book in: Books With Food in the Title / Books About Food /
Historical Fiction Books About Food

Lessons in Chemistry
Author: Bonnie Garmus
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: April 2022 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I don’t even know where to begin with this unique contemporary fiction story. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 50s when women were expected to know their place in society- the kitchen and the home. I did not know what to expect when the book started and I never could have guessed where the story would take me.
Elizabeth struggles to be taken seriously in her field and as a single mother, in this amazing book. So when an offer to host a cooking show for women is put in her path, she reluctantly takes it.
She uses her no-nonsense attitude and chemistry principles to teach the women in America how to cook and follow their dreams outside of the home.
Zott is a quirky character like Eleanor Oliphant with a charming daughter and a dog whose inner monologue is as quirky as hers. This is also an absolutely wonderful book about motherhood!
Trigger Warnings
Sexism
Why Jackie loves it
Elizabeth Zott is never characterized as neurodivergent. However, the way that she relates to the other characters leads me to believe that she is. I love the character growth and I was cheering for her success throughout the entire book. Can I also tell you how much I LOVE Six-Thirty?
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved seeing a woman before her time being a powerful strong role-model. She thrived and set a great example for her daughter. That is not even to mention the narration of this book! She is so great and so is six-thirty.
Find this book in: Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Guide / 15 Books Like Lessons in Chemistry/ Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Books Like Eleanor Oliphant / Books About Women in the Workplace / Books About Food / Books With Neurodivergent Characters

This story about a baker trying to feed her village during WWII was interesting. The plot was intriguing but the story didn’t manage to tug on my heartstrings in the way of say, The Nightengale.
Still, I learned a lot about feeding a community during the middle of a war. I also craved bread the ENTIRE time I was reading this story. This is one of the novels about food that will make you very hungry

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
Author: Fannie Flag
Year: 2005
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Adapted to a film of the same name in 1991 starring Kathy Bates
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Fried Green Tomatoes is a book that I read years ago and have loved ever since. It is a novel about two women: middle-aged Evelyn, who is in a life slump, and Mrs. Threadgoode, who’s telling her life story.
Her story includes two more women, tomboy Idgie and her friend Ruth in the 1930s. The women ran The Whistle Stop Cafe in Alabama. As the story unfolds, it brings us back to the present and reveals the power of love, laughter, and most importantly, friendship.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Domestic abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This book resonated with me because of the power of friendship but also the feeling of no knowing who you are or where your place is. As everyone goes through any changes in life, whether its a new job, growing older, or having a baby, we all at some point see the different paths in front of us. This is one of those books that everyone can relate to and the movie adaptation is fantastic!
Find this book in: Coffee Shop Romance Books / Books About Food / Books With Colors in the Title / Books with Food in the Title
YA Novels About Food

With the Fire on High
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This story is set in Philly (which I love) and features a Black woman of Caribbean descent who is entering her senior year of college. Emoni wants to be a world-class chef but struggles with pursuing her passions in the kitchen while balancing the responsibilities of having a toddler.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
After hearing a lot about this particular coming-of-age story, I quickly snatched it up, and let me tell you, the hype is real. It’s a true coming-of-age story that is as delicious to devour as the many recipes described in the book.
Why Jackie loves it
This book reminds me of Lessons in Chemistry because the two main characters have so much in common. Both are trying to balance career and parenthood and both are chefs!
Find this book in: Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens

Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Marissa Meyer is the queen of the twisted fairy tale retelling. This story tells us about the famous queen in Alice’s Wonderland who is always yelling “Off with his head!”. It is original, well thought out, and fun to read.
Like other fairy tale retellings, this is one of the best books like the Lunar Chronicles series.
Non-Fiction Books About Food

From Scratch by Tembi Locke
May 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
I knew what this book was about before reading it and I was still not prepared for the heartbreak and beauty within the pages. This memoir is truly a love letter to Tembi’s husband who died from cancer. This is an incredibly sad book that had me in tears.
The descriptions of the food, the people, and the love she had for her husband are unlike anything that I have read before. This is a five-star book about grief if you can read through heartache. It’s one of the Netflix book adaptations I’m planning on watching.

My First Popsicle: An Anthology of Food and Feelings by Zosia Mamet
This Anthology of stories is all centered around memories associated with food. Some of these stories are funny and some are quite poignant as they highlight how central food is to our culture, lives, and memories.
This book is different from any of the full cast audiobooks that I have listened to because each story is written and read by a different narrator. It is a quick read (or listen) from our list of ultimate beach reads 2023.

Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story by Erin French
My first celebrity chef memoir was not at all what I was expecting and I loved it! I found myself thinking of Erin as a friend while reading this story. I rooted for her, cried with her, and had so many food cravings it bordered on ridiculous. How can you not want to eat the delicious concoctions described on the page?
I was not anticipating that this would be a story about redemption, finding inner strength, and perseverance, but that’s what it was. Erin clawed her way to the top of the restaurant game only to find herself at rock bottom. Then, she did it again.
It’s a story of a mother’s love, a woman overcoming addiction, and a damn good cook who finds herself planting roots where she least expected it.
I hope someday that I will be able to eat in her famed kitchen if just to have wine recommended by her mom and see her surrounded by the love of her kitchen family. I could not think of a better book for our list of books similar to Lessons in Chemistry.