Stirring Up Love: A Novel

Written by Chandra Blumberg

Narrated by Keylor Leigh and Joe Arden

From the author of Digging Up Love comes a heartfelt story about two rivals whose passion for food and their communities brings them together in ways they never expected.

After doing her time in corporate Chicago, Simone Blake returns to small-town Illinois to tackle a new venture: her grandfather’s barbecue restaurant. The secret, as they say, is in the sauce. Simone’s plan is to sell Honey and Hickory’s signature sauce to put her hometown on the map.

But she’s not the only one with a recipe and a plan: chef Finn Rimes from nearby Springfield has a similar vision. To jump-start his dream of opening a culinary school, he shows up at the local farmers’ market with his own barbecue sauce.

When Simone’s plan to outsell Finn falls flat, she auditions for a reality show to pitch her brand. But she’s horrified to discover Finn’s had the same idea. As Simone and Finn wage barbecue war on television, their feud turns into an undeniable attraction.

With their livelihoods on the line, it may not be so much about making the best sauce—but finding their way to each other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Jul 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781713658757

Chandra Blumberg

Chandra Blumberg is a Michigan native who loves writing funny, heartwarming love stories about characters that feel real and relatable. When it comes to her writing process, getting to that happily ever after is half the fun. After majoring in English at Michigan State University, Blumberg moved to the Chicago area, where she enjoys exploring museums and the beauty of Lake Michigan in all seasons. When she’s not writing, she’s usually making a mess in the kitchen with her kids, lifting heavy barbells at the gym, or traveling with her family. Digging Up Love is her first novel.

Reviews for Stirring Up Love

[janieandharry1987 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was amazing. It’s so rare to see a vulnerable hero in a story. It was really refreshing.

[Blossom Forbes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book gave me Hallmark vibes of a small town girl who couldn’t hack it in a big city,move back to her small town, and everyone is so uber cheerful and community oriented. The main heroine is witty and strong willed. She emulates more masculine associated traits whereas the guy is not afraid of vulnerability and expressing himself emotionally which I liked about him and her. He is kind of laid back but he’s open and the same time has his guard up. He tries not to get his hopes up because he has been disappointed by people in his childhood l. Also, this book has zero sex scenes but it was still great listening. Also, if you’re looking for the typical ending of most romance books, then I don’t think you will be too keen about the ending. But it was kind of nice seeing an alternative ending than you’re use to.