The Slow Burn

This emotional contemporary from Rosen (Unlikely Story) opens with workaholic chef Kit Roth’s life literally going up in flames: her New York City restaurant burns down the same night her boyfriend/business partner breaks up with her. In the wake of this catastrophe, Kit’s best friend, Anita, suggests that Kit go to Italy for the summer to regroup and learn new culinary skills with Anita’s grandmother, Gia. There, she meets Gia’s handsome grandson-in-law, Nico Ruspoli, and sparks fly. Both are determined to keep things platonic, however: Anita because she thinks Nico is married, and Nico because he was burned by his ex-wife, who left him to see the world. For his part, Nico has always been content with a quiet life in the Italian countryside running the olive oil business left to him by his late grandfather. As the pair spend more time together, they help each other expand their horizons: Kit discovers there’s life outside the kitchen, and Nico learns that growth happens outside his comfort zone. Their romance suffers from some wonky pacing as the story is more interested in Kit’s personal growth. Still, her persistence makes her an admirable heroine, and Rosen fans will enjoy the focus on food, community, adventure, and self-acceptance. It’s a heartfelt and endearing story. (Jan.)