Betty and Bill Swain have owned and operated The Lunch Bell in Newport News, Virginia for almost 30 years. They are known for their homemade salads, pies and cakes that are served in a friendly atmosphere. Although there is no end in sight for them as restaurateurs, they have decided to share their secret recipes, along with delicious ones from their family and friends. They hope you enjoy the tried-and-true recipes from “Favorites from The Lunch Bell, Family and Friends!”

Betty's secret recipes, recipes that are used at the restaurant and for catering or recipes that she just loves are denoted with a “bell.” The cookbook has over 350 recipes, with over 150 of them marked with a "bell". Almost everything Betty serves at the restaurant is included in the cookbook, such as her Hot Chicken Salad, Banana Pudding, Chocolate Cream Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie and "Good" Cake.

The cookbook is a 280-page hardback book with a double-wired binding.