Heartbake is a call to arms written by a tenacious and hungry woman. This is the type of book you read because you understand that reading another person’s story can give voice to your experiences and, good lord, it is time for you (or someone you love very much) to hear the battle cry. Time for you. Time for inner peace. Heartbake is a call to love yourself.

Heartbake is Charlotte Ree’s story of falling head-over-heels in love with possibilities – and then realising that the love has changed, that the direction of the relationship has moved. After 10 years together, Charlotte Ree’s marriage falls apart. It is the start of the pandemic, and she finds herself alone. This is her story of finding her feet, and learning how to cook for one person, and for the right occasion.

Ree’s story is filled with romps through bars, recorded telephone conversations, childhood memories, trips away, bottles of wine, and recipes for dinner parties and winter nights. It is filled with honesty and kindness and celebrates the simple joy of a boiled egg. (You will understand when you read it.) This is the type of book you read over one stormy night and earmark pages for favorite recipes. It is the type of book you give to a friend or a daughter. This is not an angry, snarky tale of betrayal and heartache, but rather a narrative that explores sensuality, self-belief, and growth. Charlotte Ree’s story is about finding the way to feeling full enough, and it is an utter delight to devour.