We are obsessed with cooking competition shows. Masterchef, Sugar Rush, Nailed It, Hell’s Kitchen we have watched them all so Alice Fleck’s Recipes for Disaster by Rachelle Delaney was a definite must read!

Alice Fleck and her dad LOVE the show Culinary Chronicles, a cooking competition show that has competitors cooking specific dishes from certain time periods in history. When her dad’s new girlfriend, Hana, signs them up for the competition, they are chosen to compete on the show being taped at the upcoming Victorian Festival at Gladstone Manor. Before the competition can start they are dealt a huge blow when they find out the competition has been completely changed and there even seems to be a saboteur in their midst.

Alice does a lot of growing in this story. She doesn’t share her passion for cooking with her peers after a disastrous presentation to her new class back in fourth grade. She closed herself off and mostly keeps her passion to herself. She’s really afraid to open up to anyone new. During their stay at Gladstone Manor she slowly realizes that sharing all of herself is not such a bad or scary thing and you never know who else out there has similar, peculiar interests. She also learns to open her heart to a new family member though reluctantly.

Rachelle Delaney created a suspenseful, action packed story full of incredibly interesting little historical tidbits. I really enjoyed learning a little more about Victorian times and got really hungry while reading too! The book reminded me of Enola Holmes. A strong cast of characters with a fantastic female lead made this story a page turner and one that will appeal to many readers. It is funny and sweet, tough and tender. Alice Fleck’s Recipes for Disaster is a really fun read for your young foodies!