Beautiful story of perseverance, love and cake!
585934
This book was absolutely beautiful.  Matthew Rohan just cemented himself in my heart and refused to move from his spot there.  I haven't read very many books that revolve around high school and college age characters but Shay nailed it with these two.  The way she describes the daily struggles that Matthew experiences as a result of his Asperger's, ADD and OCD diagnoses were so true to life that I could clearly picture him in my head.

Mayra Trevino was just as special.  She was a breath of fresh air, not your typical teenage girl who only thinks about makeup and boys and social status.  She had a level head on her shoulders and practiced the patience of a saint when dealing with Matthew and helping him through experiences that were new to him and caused him stress.

This was my first book by Shay and all I can say is what the heck is wrong with me that I haven't picked one of her books up before now??  I loved her writing style and can tell she poured her heart and soul into this book.

This was an incredible story, one I will think about for a long time to come.  Wow....just wow!!
2290952
Such a beautiful story of love, sacrifice, loss, faith, hope and miracles! It does a great job of capturing the reality of life in so many aspects. (Without giving anything away) didn't want to put it down until it was done!
1719569
I wanted to read a good love story and this was perfect. I felt I could visualize every scene, and smell the sweet scents of  the bakery.  I Loved this book made me cry and some parts remembering my similar pain in past relationships, and  it made smile with joy at the good parts ! I couldn't stop reading it till the end.
2332512
A beautiful account of perseverance and over coming the unforeseen obstacles that life can throw your way. I love this story and the emphasis it places on keeping faith in God, the ultimate provider, healer and comforter. Ericka's story touched my soul and I'm very proud that she has shared her trials, and triumphs with the world. This book is such an inspiration to everyone that reads it, I recommend it to any and everyone.

God Bless!
4906181
Abby is given some money from her Aunt to live out her dream-- to open up a bakery. Cakes, cakes and more cakes. Her dream is coming true and in the process she meets someone. How will that all fit and how will her idea of letting customers come up with their own price work out? Does it flop? Does she fall in love?

I enjoyed the love story and it made me laugh so much. I remembered having those types of feelings after my mission and meeting some of the characters in the novel from my own life. By the end of the novel I felt like Abby was one of my best friends. I wanted her to succeed. I wanted her to win in love as well.

From the first words on the page Karey White had me hooked. I thought the layout of having a recipe to start out each chapter was really cool. I kept wanting to take a break to see if I had the ingredients to make the peanut butter-themed recipes. And each recipe is not random but has to do with some aspect of the chapter. Very clever.

The theme for me was that we need to realize and understand "what things are worth" that are right in front of us. Those relationships that are here and present and those situations that need our attention because of their worth. And that we need to value "our" worth more than we do. What is our time worth? I think this is a constant struggle for all of us.

Karey White has a natural writing style. Her descriptions and conversations seemed so effortless. For What It's Worth was delightful, exciting and real. I would read anything she wrote. In fact, I plan on reading her first novel Gifted very soon. I highly recommend this novel. It's an exciting story and you'll probably want to make or eat some cake when you are done!
4147190
Theres so much I loved about this book!

Going into this story, my expectations were much different than what I truly got out of the story. Kieran is part of a large, Irish family, and has some questionable areas in his past. His current life path is in reflection of these choices made in his past. While living this new life, he encounters Fiona, the lovely young lady running a local flower shop. As their paths keep crossing, it is harder for them to not explore what could be between them.

Both Fiona and Kieran seem to be holding back, keeping secrets to themselves, but that doesnt keep them from exploring their feelings. I actually enjoyed this, because while there was an attraction between them, there is also much more. Its true they are keeping secrets, but they are learning many other things about each other and spending time together. Although I was angry at them both for not being honest, it was reminiscent of what happens when relationships developwhen you begin to develop feelings, you don't want to do anything to scare them off.

As the story progressed, I found myself immersed in this family. Each of them have their own personalities, quirks, and ideals. It was one of the best parts of the story just seeing the family work together. Also, Dee has the biggest & most beautiful heart! Everyone should have a mother, or surrogate mother, like her in their life!! The family was nowhere near perfect, but to see the love underlying everything, even anger, was something of beauty for me.

I definitely recommend this story. The love story was good, as well as the rest of the storyline. I cant wait to read about more of the family.
And Kieran gives the definition of love for me. He pretty much explained everything Ive ever been looking for.
I think the best romance happens after the honeymoon phase, Fi. It doesnt happen on fancy dates with fancy dresses. It happens cuddled together on the couch watching trashy TV, walking down the street holding hands, loving a child together, just living life and making the mundane into a dream come true. I don't want a honeymoon, I want an everyday.
4705912
This book is just beautiful! I'm a professional baker and hope to open a bakery some day. This book was an inspiration, just to hear the various chef's stories. The recipes are exceptional and I cannot wait to make them all! They are a bit overboard with some of the items required, but there's ways of substituting for a home kitchen and achieving the same delicious results. It's more about perfecting technique and attention to detail. Taking time to create beautiful, baked foods. It's just a yummy book!
3377478
Beautifully written and inspiring book. I particularly loved the recipe for the groaning cake and made this recently at a homebirth. The woman and her partner loved it! Thanks for sharing.
3954932
This is a beautifully written book about following your dreams and having a job you are passionate about. Jenna gives an inside look at going to culinary school in Florida and the opportunities that present themselves afterwards. The book is also full of great looking recipes that correspond to her stories. Jenna's blog was the first I ever read. I found it about 3 years ago and have looked forward to each and every post since. I was very excited to find out she was writing a book and Jenna did not disappoint! She thoughtfully tells her story with humor and grace through tragedy and triumph. It is inspiring that someone so young has already written a memoir. I hope that she follows it up with a second book soon!
2294316
The book begins with a verse from 1 Corinthians 13: 4, 7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

The princess in the story is beautiful from the inside out. The king wishes to find a prince for his lovely daughter. This prince needs to be full of kindness and character. One who knows the true meaning of love. Three knights come to seek the hand of the princess. The knights must compete in tests and challenges to prove the eligibility of each man. The knights run races, clear trees, write essays and more. Until only the final competition remains... and the result shows the King and the Princess which man is worthy of her hand.

The Illustrations are absolutely beautiful! What a  meaningful message to young girls. It's all about the heart!
4228779
This is a beautiful story about love, family and friendship.  The main characters, Edy & Hassan are childhood friends and neighbours. The story captured the evolution of their friendship to teenage years and includes the blossoming of pure authentic love that surpasses cultural barriers and traditions; soulmates forever!  Both Edy & Hassan parents  taught their children to share, care, respect  and love themselves and others.  The beauty of friendship was displayed constantly throughout this book, of course starting with Edy & Hassan, their parents, and of course their schoolmates: Lawrence, Mason, Matt & Wyatt (he loved in his own sad way).

I was capivated by this emotional story and enjoyed it immensely.  The book ending was shattering and forceful that I purchased Book 2, Bittersweet, immediately!
1928739
This is an beautiful and well written story!  James and Theodore come together and learn to love each other through some tough times.  I love the concept, that just because we are not 'perfect' we can have love. Each person has to define their own normal and in today's very complex world, we are all touched with sadness and pain.  Learning to be the anchor for another person and experiencing the honesty that is required to develop this kind of relationship was beautifully done. i laughed, cried and had my heart put back together with this book.  Masterfully done!!!
3031735
With a deep storyline, wonderful endearing characters and the capability to stir every emotion, Theresa Meyers has given us a lovely story that completely captivated me from the first page.

I'll happily admit that as a true romantic who craves a happy ending, Bliss books are part of my staple literary diet; this book has firmly entered the realms as one of my favourites.  I was totally invested in Reece and Taylor's journey; they were realistic and strong, yet not without their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. I fell completely in love with Reece; he's protective, thoughtful and level-headed and my heart absolutely ached for the pain he goes through. Taylor was also easy to love; a single mum, she is an outstanding parent and her daughter is simply her world.

I felt their joy, sadness, happiness and pain. I smiled and I sobbed but I also laughed; the innocent comments that their daughter Emily shares are sweet, funny and, as with all four year-olds, completely truthful and straight to the point. She was a wonderful little person and this book is as much her journey as Reece or Taylor's.

The only thing missing for me was an epilogue, but that doesn't detract from a fabulous read that I would certainly recommend and I look forward to more from San Sebastian in the future.
1527226
This story is truly amazing! Edward teaches us how important it is to love in our lifetime, and how he learned the lesson that it was better to have loved and lost, then never having loved at all.
The story starts out with a very vain rabbit doing everything he can to keep himself distracted from the child (abilene) that he lives with.  When he is lost, he realizes that maybe it wasn't so bad living with her. And then he starts to meet new people that grow to love him and take care of him. And he begins to love them back.  Edward realizes how wonderful it is to have someone to love.
I had a very hard time putting this book down and it actually brought me to tears at the end.  Highly recommended to kids and adults!
845955
Gorgeous book with lots of pictures and "how tos" inside.  This author is a lovely and creative soul and if you are inspired by the most beautiful cakes you have ever seen, you will love this book!
43802
The Fruitcake Challenge by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A lovely tale set in the white pines of a lumber camp in early Michigan.  Jo is the boss' lovely daughter and camp cook. She loves her family but wishes to break away for a life of her own. Then Tom comes to the camp to work - actually a teacher, but taking the job of a lumberjack to earn extra money for himself and his widowed mother.  Each has been praying for God's direction in their life, and doesn't realize what He has been working out in the background for their future. The fruitcake challenge provides romantic spice and will make you hungry throughout the story, so be prepared with a cup of tea and dessert as you curl up with this story. Sweetly satisfying, a wonderful example of how God works in the lives of the faithful.
Robin Willson
4849424
Wonderful story of triumph and believing in yourself and your dreams!  Although this book is geared towards young adults, I'm a middle aged woman and I loved the storyline! The author does an excellent job of detailing each and every character. You find yourself cheering on Sugar through all of the mistreatment and bullying and sighing with relief when she finds true love. Great ending that I won't give away, but one last thing to say....YOU GO SUGAR!