REVIEW: Effie Olsen’s Summer Special by Rochelle Bilow

In Effie Olsen’s Summer Special by Rochelle Bilow, When Effie Olsen left her hometown, tiny Alder Isle in Maine, just after graduation, she had her eyes set on becoming a chef and traveling to as many countries and big cities as possible. Sixteen years later, she’s made that dream come true. However, it was honestly way more work and a lot less satisfying than she ever expected. Now, in her early thirties and not much to show for years of blood, sweat, and tears, Effie’s allowing herself one summer staying in her family’s house on the island to save money and will then move on to her next exciting destination. But the moment she sees her former best friend in the world, Ernie Callahan, her heart wants her to stay put on Alder Isle. Much to her chagrin.

“We’ve got a second chance at the friendship of the century. I don’t think we should pass that up, do you?”
She smiled. “And it’s not weird that you said you loved me a billion years ago?”
He smiled back. “It’s only weird if we make it weird. What I want is to have my friend back.”

Ernie is at once the same steady, kind guy Effie grew up with and yet has some more…intriguing edges to him than she remembered. Not to mention he’s smoking hot. But since she’s only planning on spending the summer on the island, they both know acting on their attraction isn’t a good idea. Besides, Effie has more to worry about with her new job as sous chef at Brown Butter. It seems things aren’t exactly as her sleazy boss would have people believe. And by the end of the summer, things come to a head. Effie, Ernie, their coworkers and even her family will all have to band together to set things right. She only hopes it won’t drive a wedge between her and Ernie after they’ve finally found their way back in each other’s lives again.

“Being a member of this family means you show up however you are,” he said, brushing her hair back over her forehead. “Stressed, nostalgic, loopy in love…who you are is who we cherish.”

EFFIE OLSEN’S SUMMER SPECIAL is another delicious novel from Rochelle Bilow filled with warmth, heart, loads of wonderful sounding food, and a second chance romance that was both fun and sigh-worthy.

‘Classic Ernie and Effie. He was too sweet for his own good. She was too salty for even this seaside town.’

CW: View Spoiler »Misogyny, child abandonment (historical), sexual harassment, workplace harassment. « Hide Spoiler

When I read the synopsis of EFFIE OLSEN’S SUMMER SPECIAL, I realized that it included several elements I’m a sucker for in a book: second chance romance, friends to lovers, small town *island* life, and food…lots and lots of tempting food. And of course, after having a great time reading Rochelle Bilow’s previous book, Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year, I couldn’t wait to dig in here. I’m happy to say that everything I liked about her writing held up for Effie and Ernie’s long and winding path to finally (finally!!) getting together as a couple for real.

It truly was quite the journey for Ernie and Effie. After an event pushed them apart the night of high school graduation, they spent the next sixteen years apart and were no longer the best of besties as they had been since childhood. I had to chuckle, though, how Effie and Ernie reacted to each other when she came home to Alder Isle, Maine–they were attracted to each other right away but knew it was best to focus on a friendship as she wasn’t staying for long. So, they basically resorted back to their teen selves and oh my word but were they a fun pair! It not only was a riot to read about, but it felt right for them. For sweetheart Ernie to be the protector and to give in when mischievous Effie had some outrageous thing planned for them.

But underneath the shenanigans and laughter were some seriously strong feelings between Effie and Ernie. It got rather complicated because of them working at the same restaurant and some shady stuff going on there, but it was so nice to see a pair who were there for each other–as well as for their coworkers and family. The secondary cast was top notch, just like it was in Ruby Spencer. And I was so glad that they were a big part of Ernie and Effie’s HEA, all of them being left at a better place than when the book began.

QOTD: Are there any friends you fell out of touch with after high school or college who you were reunited with later in life?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: April 30th, 2024 | Berkley |

These childhood best friends swore they’d never speak again. But a surprise summer reunion changes everything when it gives them the chance to turn up the heat.

Effie Olsen thought she’d never live on the tiny Maine island where she grew up, but she’s returning from 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’s 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 their restaurant 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, her dream job and the perfect guy are both within reach. Her salty seaside hometown might be the key to Effie’s sweet ending…if she can learn to let her heart lead the way in time.