The sweetest thing

German review here: buechertruhe.blogspot.com/2011/09/rezension-sweetest-thing.html

The story:

15 year-old Sheridan loves to bake. That's why the whole town knows her as "Cake Girl". But she's so much more: She's a young girl that's secretly in love with her school mate Ethan, that has a famous cook as a father and a mother whom she hadn't seen the last years and searches for.

All begins with a offer of an own cook show in New York for Sheridan's father. She would have to move with her father to New York, she really isn't amused: She'd say goodbye to everything the loves like Granny, her best friends and the little town she grew up. Then, she finally finds a life sign of her mother, Ethan is suddenly nice and her best friends act strange.


My opinion:

I liked the book very much. It did not blow me away, but I was positively surprised. I expected a lot of details about the baking and cake making - a romantic story as a by-runner. In fact it was the other way around.

Although the beginning was a little slow and lengthy, I absolutely got hooked in the second third. Yes, it is very stereotypical, but who cares? It is a sweet love story with patterns that existing in hundreds of young adult books but I LOVE stories like this.

So, it took me a while until I was in the story and felt connected with Sheridan, but the author has succeeded, not to describe the girl whining and annoying, but vulnerable and a little naive in a typical teenage way. I could very well empathize with the young teenager and understand (in part) her failure in making the right decisions.

From the beginning, I imagined how the book would end - and I looked forward to it. Yes, it did not bother me at all that you knew exactly who was Mr. Right for Sheridan. I would have liked a few more romantic scenes, but I think the way it is, it is not too sweet and cheesy. Much more interesting and exciting was the question of what is going on with Sheridan's mother.

The story between the two was very touching. Sheridan's hopes and strong confidence in her mother is an example of so many young blind people, who put on their parents an undeserved halo. The moral behind the story is good, I will not reveal it at this point, just say this much: Realistic. A wonderful example of thousands of child-parent relationships.

What the books teaches you: Sometimes you have to check who your true friends are.

Ultimately, I was surprised by the end of the book. Not to the story, but because it came so suddenly. I would love to read on and learn more about the future of Sheridan. Whether we can hope for a second part, I do not know. The story is complete in itself.

I really liked the writing style of the author. It’s not too detailed, but enough to be able to imagine the scene. The dialogues were fast and entertaining. I especially liked the titles of the chapters. There were common phrases or expressions that have to do with cake or baking. Very cute!

Another plus is the cover! An eye-catcher and a piece of jewelry for the bookshelf! Fits well with the story. Even if the story sometimes is more melancholy and not always as sweet as sugar.


Conclusion:

If you like love stories, family dramas and cakes, this is exactly the right story for you. It is a light book with a happy ending. A perfect read for rainy days.