All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

by admin | Sep 12, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Culinary, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Overall, “All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes” was a fun and entertaining contemporary romance that was a pleasant diversion. I liked the idea of two long-time best friends coming to realize that their feelings for each other had changed. As far as their characterization went, I really liked both Kat and Lucas. Sometimes Kat’s frustration with her job and her desire to open her own bakery in another town blinded her to the very real possibilities right in front of her. Lucas was the perfect hero, sweet and supportive and willing to do almost anything for Kat – even wear an apron and cook on TV. I enjoyed reading about the cupcake competition and it seemed very realistic as far as what I have actually seen on similar programs. The vivid descriptions of Kat’s recipes made my mouth water and I appreciated the recipe that was included at the end of the book.

Lucas had always been Kat’s number one cheerleader – the one person she could count on for encouragement when her own family failed her. When both Kat and Lucas discovered strong feelings for each other, a trip together to California for a TV cupcake bake-off should have been the perfect romantic interlude. In actuality, their time together became more and more stressed with frequent quarrels that grew out of their personal insecurities about the other’s feelings. I’ll admit, I grew a bit frustrated with both Kat and Lucas at times. I wanted to shake them and tell them to wake up. A total lack of real communication contributed to their problems and it was beginning to look like things just were not going to work out for them.

This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

Learn more and purchase a copy on Betsy’s site.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God’s grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.
 

“Love & Cupcakes” Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party from @BetsyStAmant!

Don’t miss Betsy St. Amant’s latest fiction release, All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes. A “sweet” tale of two best friends and the choices they make between dreams and a possible “sure thing,” St. Amant’s novel is sure to satisfy your romantic-fiction craving.

Betsy is celebrating with a fun Kindle giveaway and a Love & Cupcakes Facebook party!

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle
• All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 18th. Winner will be announced at the “Love & Cupcakes” Author Chat Party on 9/18. Betsy will be hosting a “sweet” book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at her next book project!

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on the 18th!

Holy Guacamole by Dan and Denise Harmer

by admin | May 5, 2011 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Culinary, Romance

MY REVIEW:

At first glance, Holy Guacamole appears to be the usual contemporary romance novel. Its primary setting is at Bonnie Miller’s culinary boot camp where aspiring chefs pay big dollars for the chance to learn under the popular food television star. That’s where former sports journalist Trace Domingo finds that his expectations and the actual experience are nowhere close.  One thing he learned was that beautiful Bonnie was not quite the same personality presented on her television program. Not only was she demanding and abrasive, but she was hiding a huge secret.

Character and plot development  was excellent. The story is filled with both quirky and endearing characters (and a surfing goat) that the reader will either love or hate. As you might expect, there is quite a bit of time given to the subject of food, especially southwestern style. And most of the time, the food descriptions were enough to make me hungry. There was one description that was pretty disgusting, however it did add some humor to the story.

Holy Guacamole turned out to be much more than I first expected. After several chapters it evolved into an adventure/suspense that changed the entire direction of the story and the direction of both Trace and Bonnie’s lives. This tale is filled with more unexpected twists than imaginable and the action keeps the pages turning. This first book by the Harmers was a complete surprise and a total delight. I was not ready for the story to end and hope to see a sequel in the near future. To say any more, I’m afraid would be a spoiler. Do not hesitate to pick up a copy for yourself. I’m pretty sure you won’t be sorry if you do.

You can purchase a copy at Amazon.com or your favorite bookstore.

This book was provided for review by
LeAnn Hamby with Glass Road Public Relations.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Debut authors Dan and Denise Harmer deliver a thrilling food-lover’s adventure in Holy Guacamole.  The culinary tale hurtles a television chef and a washed-up sports writer into a harrowing escapade that may cost them their lives.

When Trace Domingo is accepted into Chef Bonnie Miller’s culinary boot camp, a life-threatening journey into Bonnie’s past unfolds. In a vulnerable moment, Trace discovers part of Bonnie’s closely-held secret. She hasn’t yet decided to trust the “bootie” when a crisis makes the choice for her. The pair embark on a race against the clock across southern California and northern Baja in Mexico.

Laced with local references, historical sites, and culinary delights, Holy Guacamole is a fun summer beach read.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Dan and Denise Harmer enjoy living in Southern California’s “Avocado Capital of the World” where they maintain a laid-back lifestyle as they run a cabinet shop, raise four children, and tend a small ranch. (Okay, maybe it does get a little hectic.) Learn more about Dan and Denise at jointventurebooks.com.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book go to support the ministry of Outside the Bowl.