By Danielle Valentine | Released August 5 2025
Too good to save for later
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The dead husband cookbook is a dark thriller about a celebrity chef Maria Capello and the real story about her husband who vanished. It’s been rumored through the decades that she killed him for his recipes. Now, ready to tell her story she insists that only can editer Thea Woods -who just so happens to be outcast in the publishing world can help her pen the tale. Despite all the weird rules surrounding the opportunity Thea salivates at the chance to help with this book and quickly finds herself entangled in the family dark secrets as she tries to discover who Maria truly is; killer or victim?
So I read my first audio book
I’ve never before read an entire audio book. I gave it a chance years ago but couldn’t get through a couple minutes of narration. There was something about not having a book cracked open in front of me, or pages to swipe on my iPad that made me feel like this wasn’t actually reading. The narration couldn’t keep my focus, it was the pace and the tone both boring me to death. Maybe I didn’t choose a good story to start with but, we’ll never know because it was so long ago I can’t remember what the story was.
However, I absolutely wanted to read The Dead Husbands cookbook and it was only available as an audiobook in my Hoopla app. I debated on waiting on purchasing my copy but $30 is a lot for my tight little pockets and I hadn’t wanted to wait. It was a choice between my frugalness and stubborness. Eventually, I choose to just listen to the book.
Boy am I glad I did that.
I started this book over 10 loads of laundry and it peaked my interest pretty fast. As I was gently separating the clothes on my bed I thought to myself how convenient it was to listen to a book while I did my chores. If I had a physical book I would probably be reading instead of folding. Things would likely be stuffed into the drawers instead of folded and neatly tucked away. I did have to change the speed because the story was soo good but, also the pace was too slow.
It reminded me of being in fifth grade when my teacher started reading to us Harry Potter and the sorcerors stone. She was feeding us just a chapter or two a day and I couldn’t take it. I was hooked and I needed that story finished ASAP. I asked my grandma if she would buy me a copy and I finished it almost in one sitting. The dead husband cookbook had me almost as eager to go and buy my own copy so I could read it at my own pace and be done.
What I liked about this book
I liked everything about this book and could relate to Thea and a few of the struggles that she had. Being a new mom and absolutely exhausted, having a husband who is too consumed in himself and doesn’t recognize the way he’s neglecting you. Feeling guilt for working when you’re a mom. There was just so much with Thea that I liked.
Maria was also an interesting character, the story of her missing husband was one I couldn’t wait to find the truth of. As we move through the book and Maria opens up about her life she becomes relatable too. Both of these woman could easily have been people we know. Maria’s life as described in her book was borderline abusive in my opinion. Her husband constantly cheating, finances being hidden and stolen,when her husband comes home and talks to her with so much disdain and disgust when HE’S the one who’ve been caught stealing from the bank. None of it was unbelievable.
I liked that the story was pretty fast paced and at no point was I able to guess or see the twist coming. I was just like Thea tittering on whether I was misjudging the situation or not. The truth about what happened was a pleasant surprise. It wasn’t made obvious through the book but was actually so obvious. lol. I loved it.
What I didn’t like about this book
There is nothing I can pinpoint that I didn’t like about this book. Everything was simply so good. I couldn’t wait to get through the story. If anything there might not have been enough book. I could definitely see where more story could have been written. Otherwise this book is definitely going down as one of my top reads lately.
Would I recommend this book
YES! I would recommend to working moms and stay at home moms alike especially the married ones. We all know the struggle that both Thea and Maria have endured. Its so easy to put ourselves in their shoes and look at the story from their perspective. It’s any enjoyable read that will definitely leave you hungry for more.
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I absolutely love the Fable App. I discovered it a few months ago while I was looking for a community based app where I could connect with other readers and find bookclubs. Fable was a perfect match because I could keep a record of all my books, leave book reviews, read book reviews, and interact with other peoples reviews, plus join or create my own bookclubs. Which by the way I do plan on creating a bookclub soon —Join my Newsletter— so when its announced you’ll be the first to know! Not only that but their book rating system allows me to choose at .25, .50 and .75 which is great for books that aren’t a solid star. Fable is easy to use and I definitely enjoy reading along with others or seeing what other people think about the books I’ve read or plan to read.
Join me on a reading adventure in the FABLE APP! CLICK HERE
While we’re on the topics of apps, I also want to share two of my favorite apps to use for reading and they are Libby and Hoopla.
Both of these apps will require you to have a library card but, they’re amazing for avid readers on a budget. Or people who want to support their local library -both of which are me. If you’re wanting to test new genres, read the latest and most viral books, or simply just don’t want the clutter of books around your house I recommend either one of these apps. You can also borrow audio books which I think is a great feature for people who don’t have the time to read but love to listen! I hope you check them out