The Secret to Happiness

In this heartwarming sequel to The Sweet Life, Fisher follows former big-time chef Callie Dixon as she seeks a fresh start in small-town Chatham, Mass. After earning a prized executive chef job at a posh restaurant at only 25, Callie’s life seems ideal—until she causes a mass food poisoning outbreak and loses her job. Depressed and unmoored, she moves in with her aunt Marnie and cousin Dawn, who run the Main Street Creamery on Cape Cod. While Dawn’s less than thrilled with the arrangement and resentful of the cousin who always outshone her, she soon realizes that dejected, self-isolating Callie may be dealing with deeper issues than job loss alone. Dawn drags Callie to a happiness class taught by professor Bruno Bianco, whose advice inspires Callie to reexamine her perspective, and as Callie and Bruno bond, Callie shares a painful secret. With the aid of Bruno, Marnie (both of whom encourage Callie’s faith), Dawn, and a friendly neighbor boy, Callie works to find happiness in even the most dire-seeming circumstances. Fisher balances emotional depth with lively humor (and some fun ice cream–making tips), all while keeping up a breezy pace. This delights. (May)