Rossner's critical reputation was restored with "Olivia (or, The Weight of the Past)" (Crown), published in 1994. It's the story of a chef and cooking teacher and her difficult relationship with her resentful daughter. "Publishers Weekly", in its review, found Rossner to be "in top form," stating that "Anyone who likes to eat, cook or read about food will savor Rossner's descriptions of tasty dishes and culinary lore, conveyed with gusto and sensuous detail." "The Los Angeles Times" noted that "Olivia" is "a remarkable exploration of the intimate, complex connections between food and emotion..."