Review: Deep Dish

Summary: After years of hard work, Gina Foxton, chef extraordinaire and former runner-up Miss Teen Vidalia Onion, is hosting her own show, Fresh Start, on Georgia public television. She's also dating the producer. But when Fresh Start goes bad—and her boyfriend is caught in flagrante delicto with the boss's wife—Gina decides it's time to pursue bigger dreams. Namely a gig on national television.

Gina knows she's destined to be the Cooking Channel's next superstar. But the execs also have their eyes on Tate Moody, Mr. "Kill It and Grill It" himself, host of the hunting, fishing, and cooking show Vittles. The ultimate man's man, Tate is a tasty side of beef with a large, swooning female fan base. Gina's loyal devotees consist of her free-spirited college-dropout sister and her mother . . . who calls every single day.

When the smoke clears there can be only one TV chef standing, and Gina and Tate are ready for the cook-off of their lives. -- Harper

When Book Club Girl announced that Mary Kay Andrews, author of DEEP DISH, was going to appear on her BlogTalk Radio show, I jumped at the chance. I try to never miss one of her shows because I absolutely love them; and I remember reading one of Ms. Andrews books a few years ago and thoroughly enjoying it. Plus, I've read some very positive reviews about DEEP DISH.

I am so happy to say that I really liked DEEP DISH and I found it so very entertaining! This book was such a light, fun read and I really felt like I was escaping from the grind of my daily life when I read it. Because I read so much and I read a lot of intense books, sometimes it's just nice to sit back and be entertained. That's exactly what DEEP DISH did for me. I found myself laughing (a lot) at the characters' antics; and I really think Ms. Andrews is a master of this type of book.

I thought all of the characters were wonderful, but I absolutely loved Gina and Tate! I thought the author did a great job of showing the competition between the two while also showing their softer, more human sides. I loved how Ms. Andrews was able to keep the tension in their relationship by showing the back and forth nature of love/hate relationship. It was so much fun rooting for both of them, not only in the food competition but on the romance front as well.

My book club is already talking about our summer picks, and I think DEEP DISH would make a terrific selection. It is a light book with great characters as well as lots of humor and romance. I can't think of a better book to read while lounging around the pool. There is a reading guide available which lists some very fun questions to discuss with your friends. And, just imagine all the wonderful dishes you could prepare since the book is about food and cooking shows. There are even a few recipes listed in the back of the book -- I especially think Tate's Grilled Ginger Peachy looks awesome, but you might prefer Reggie's Simply Sinful Tomato Soup Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

I can't wait for the radio show tomorrow evening (March 25th at 7:00 p.m.) I already read an interview with Ms. Andrews, and I can tell that she's going to be a lot of fun. Even if you haven't had the chance to read any of her books yet, I still think you'll enjoy listening in on this interview.

A big thanks to Jennifer/Book Club Girl and Harper for sending me this book!

Also reviewed at:
Redlady's Reading Room