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Emma Rae Creations #1
Always the Baker, Never the Bride
Thirty-six-year-old Emma Rae Travis has been baking specialty cakes and melt-in-your-mouth pastries at The Backstreet Bakery in historic Roswell, just outside of Atlanta, for the last six years. But here's the rub about her job as a baker ... Emma is diabetic. When she tastes her creations, it can only be in the most minute portions. Emma is considered an artisan for the stunning crEme brulee wedding cake that won her the Passionate Palette Award last year, but she's never even had one full slice of it.
When Jackson Drake hears about this local baker who has won a prestigious award for her wedding cake artistry, he tells his assistant to be sure and include her in the pastry tastings scheduled at his new wedding destination hotel the following week. And for Jackson, that particular day has started out badly with two workmen trapped in a broken elevator and a delivery of several dozen 300-thread-count bed linens in the wrong size abandoned in the lobby. But when the arrogant baker he met a week prior in Roswell stumbles into the dining room with a platter of pastries and a bucketful of orders, he knows for certain: It's going to be a really rotten day.
Can these two ill-suited players master the high-wire act and make a go of their new business venture? Or will they take each other crashing downward, without a net? And will the surprise wedding at The Tanglewood be theirs?
When Jackson Drake hears about this local baker who has won a prestigious award for her wedding cake artistry, he tells his assistant to be sure and include her in the pastry tastings scheduled at his new wedding destination hotel the following week. And for Jackson, that particular day has started out badly with two workmen trapped in a broken elevator and a delivery of several dozen 300-thread-count bed linens in the wrong size abandoned in the lobby. But when the arrogant baker he met a week prior in Roswell stumbles into the dining room with a platter of pastries and a bucketful of orders, he knows for certain: It's going to be a really rotten day.
Can these two ill-suited players master the high-wire act and make a go of their new business venture? Or will they take each other crashing downward, without a net? And will the surprise wedding at The Tanglewood be theirs?
308 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2010
About the author
Sandra D. Bricker
35 books265 followersSandra D. Bricker was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for more than 15 years, where she attended school to learn screenwriting and eventually taught the craft for several semesters. She became a best-selling, award-winning author of Live-Out-Loud Fiction for the inspirational market, authored books such as the Jessie Stanton novels, and was best known for her Emma Rae Creation series. Over the years, as an ovarian cancer survivor, she spent time and effort toward raising awareness and funds for research, diagnostics, and a cure. Sandra lived in Toledo, Ohio before her passing in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 683 reviews
December 31, 2010
This is a very bland three stars for me, maybe more of a two and a half. Keep in mind that I am not a huge fan of Christian romances, so take my review with a grain of salt. Not really liking the genre is a huge bias.I requested the galley because of the blurb that it was about a baker with diabetes who could never eat more than a bite of her creations. I thought this was very clever, and could work as a metaphor for forbidden love or love that is ultimately bad for you, or a million other typical romance scenarios. I was extremely disappointed that Emma Rae's diabetes have almost nothing to do with the story.
I had forgotten that this was billed as a Christian romance when I began reading this, at first the mentions of God and the redeeming power of prayer felt natural and I went with it, then they got more and more to the point where I skipped over those parts. When I read Christian romance it is mostly mail order bride and homesteader stuff because I like those plot points and I will read them however I get them, so it is clear that my taste is not in Christian contemporary. Had the religion been kept to the two main characters and a pastor character, then perhaps I would have accepted it, but as the book goes on, every single character, including the goth girl, is a devout Christian who prays constantly for their friend's welfare.
The cooking and business aspects of the book were fun and interesting, I loved watching this hotel be built from the ground up (not literally, the building is in place) and I liked that the hero and heroine were friendly and comfortable with eachother for the most part. They appreciated each others skills and hard work.
The lists and recipes and other filler material threw me out of the story, and I think the book would be much stronger without cliched lists of popular bridal favors. Blech.
(I received a free electronic galley from NetGalley. This has not biased my review in any way)
Edit: Down to two stars based on how I feel now that I finished the book a while ago and can sit on it.
I had forgotten that this was billed as a Christian romance when I began reading this, at first the mentions of God and the redeeming power of prayer felt natural and I went with it, then they got more and more to the point where I skipped over those parts. When I read Christian romance it is mostly mail order bride and homesteader stuff because I like those plot points and I will read them however I get them, so it is clear that my taste is not in Christian contemporary. Had the religion been kept to the two main characters and a pastor character, then perhaps I would have accepted it, but as the book goes on, every single character, including the goth girl, is a devout Christian who prays constantly for their friend's welfare.
The cooking and business aspects of the book were fun and interesting, I loved watching this hotel be built from the ground up (not literally, the building is in place) and I liked that the hero and heroine were friendly and comfortable with eachother for the most part. They appreciated each others skills and hard work.
The lists and recipes and other filler material threw me out of the story, and I think the book would be much stronger without cliched lists of popular bridal favors. Blech.
(I received a free electronic galley from NetGalley. This has not biased my review in any way)
Edit: Down to two stars based on how I feel now that I finished the book a while ago and can sit on it.
September 6, 2017
About this book:
“Thirty-six-year-old Emma Rae Travis has been baking specialty cakes and melt-in-your-mouth pastries at The Backstreet Bakery in historic Roswell, just outside of Atlanta, for the last six years. But here’s the rub about her job as a baker … Emma is diabetic. When she tastes her creations, it can only be in the most minute portions. Emma is considered an artisan for the stunning crème brulee wedding cake that won her the Passionate Palette Award last year, but she’s never even had one full slice of it.
When Jackson Drake hears about this local baker who has won a prestigious award for her wedding cake artistry, he tells his assistant to be sure and include her in the pastry tastings scheduled at his new wedding destination hotel the following week. And for Jackson, that particular day has started out badly with two workmen trapped in a broken elevator and a delivery of several dozen 300-thread-count bed linens in the wrong size abandoned in the lobby. But when the arrogant baker he met a week prior in Roswell stumbles into the dining room with a platter of pastries and a bucketful of orders, he knows for certain: It’s going to be a really rotten day.
Can these two ill-suited players master the high-wire act and make a go of their new business venture? Or will they take each other crashing downward, without a net? And will the surprise wedding at The Tanglewood be theirs?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Emma Rae Creations” series.
Spiritual Content- A couple Scriptures are quoted, mentioned, & talked about; Prayers & Talking to God; A ‘Thank God’ is said; Being witnessed to; Talks about God, His plans, & praying; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Emma hasn’t been paying God attention & hasn’t been a praying person in the last few years, but tries to in this book *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Jackson isn’t so happy with God’s plan; Mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of talks about God, His plans, & believing; Mentions of prayers, praying, & answered prayers; Mentions of churches, church going, pastors, & sermons; Mentions of being counseled by a pastor; Mentions of faiths; A few mentions of Bibles; A few mentions of blessings & being blessed; A couple mentions of events in the Bible; A couple mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of heathens; A mention of Jewish beliefs; A mention of Mother Teresa;
*Note: A mention of wrestling demons; A mention of a sinful desert.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah, blah, blah’, a ‘crud’, a ‘darn’, a ‘kick-butt’, a ‘stinkin’’, and two ‘idiot’s; A bit of Sarcasm, sass, & eye rolling; Mentions of alcohol & drinking; Mentions of cigars & smoking; Mentions of a divorce (Emma’s parents, *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*); Mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of when Emma’s then-boyfriend were arguing & her duct taped her wrists together; A few mentions of diabetes causing someone to lose their vision or a leg; A few mentions of gossip; A couple mentions of a death in a traffic accident; A couple mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of tattoos; A (teasing) mention of jumping off a roof; A mention of strangling someone;
*Note: Mentions of actors, actresses, & singers; Mentions of car brands; Mentions of designers; A few mentions of GQ; A couple mentions of Starbucks.
Sexual Content- a fingers-to-lips touch, two forehead kisses, two semi-detailed kisses, and a detailed kiss; Remembering a kiss (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss again (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, & Dancing (up to semi-detailed); Remembering touches (up to semi-detailed); Nearness & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Lots of Noticing & Staring (barely-above-not-detailed); A ‘baby’ and a ‘hot’; Many mentions of dating, dates, prom, boyfriends, breakups, exes, first loves, & attraction; Mentions of seeing a couple passionately kissing (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of kisses & kissing (barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed); Mentions of noticing & staring (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of romance novels; A mention of a TV show where a daughter accuses her mother of sleeping with her fiancé; A mention of looking like a perverted professor; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a dress with a long slit; A mention of saving someone’s rear end.
-Emma Rae Travis, age 36
-Jackson Drake
P.O.V. switches between them
310 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
While the book went on it did get a bit kissy for my taste, I did literally laugh out loud at many points and comments. In between each chapter there’s a fun little extra page that shares some cake decorating tips and wedding info. It was neat! I do plan on continuing this series. :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Thirty-six-year-old Emma Rae Travis has been baking specialty cakes and melt-in-your-mouth pastries at The Backstreet Bakery in historic Roswell, just outside of Atlanta, for the last six years. But here’s the rub about her job as a baker … Emma is diabetic. When she tastes her creations, it can only be in the most minute portions. Emma is considered an artisan for the stunning crème brulee wedding cake that won her the Passionate Palette Award last year, but she’s never even had one full slice of it.
When Jackson Drake hears about this local baker who has won a prestigious award for her wedding cake artistry, he tells his assistant to be sure and include her in the pastry tastings scheduled at his new wedding destination hotel the following week. And for Jackson, that particular day has started out badly with two workmen trapped in a broken elevator and a delivery of several dozen 300-thread-count bed linens in the wrong size abandoned in the lobby. But when the arrogant baker he met a week prior in Roswell stumbles into the dining room with a platter of pastries and a bucketful of orders, he knows for certain: It’s going to be a really rotten day.
Can these two ill-suited players master the high-wire act and make a go of their new business venture? Or will they take each other crashing downward, without a net? And will the surprise wedding at The Tanglewood be theirs?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Emma Rae Creations” series.
Spiritual Content- A couple Scriptures are quoted, mentioned, & talked about; Prayers & Talking to God; A ‘Thank God’ is said; Being witnessed to; Talks about God, His plans, & praying; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Emma hasn’t been paying God attention & hasn’t been a praying person in the last few years, but tries to in this book *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Jackson isn’t so happy with God’s plan; Mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of talks about God, His plans, & believing; Mentions of prayers, praying, & answered prayers; Mentions of churches, church going, pastors, & sermons; Mentions of being counseled by a pastor; Mentions of faiths; A few mentions of Bibles; A few mentions of blessings & being blessed; A couple mentions of events in the Bible; A couple mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of heathens; A mention of Jewish beliefs; A mention of Mother Teresa;
*Note: A mention of wrestling demons; A mention of a sinful desert.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah, blah, blah’, a ‘crud’, a ‘darn’, a ‘kick-butt’, a ‘stinkin’’, and two ‘idiot’s; A bit of Sarcasm, sass, & eye rolling; Mentions of alcohol & drinking; Mentions of cigars & smoking; Mentions of a divorce (Emma’s parents, *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*); Mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of when Emma’s then-boyfriend were arguing & her duct taped her wrists together; A few mentions of diabetes causing someone to lose their vision or a leg; A few mentions of gossip; A couple mentions of a death in a traffic accident; A couple mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of tattoos; A (teasing) mention of jumping off a roof; A mention of strangling someone;
*Note: Mentions of actors, actresses, & singers; Mentions of car brands; Mentions of designers; A few mentions of GQ; A couple mentions of Starbucks.
Sexual Content- a fingers-to-lips touch, two forehead kisses, two semi-detailed kisses, and a detailed kiss; Remembering a kiss (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss again (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, & Dancing (up to semi-detailed); Remembering touches (up to semi-detailed); Nearness & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Lots of Noticing & Staring (barely-above-not-detailed); A ‘baby’ and a ‘hot’; Many mentions of dating, dates, prom, boyfriends, breakups, exes, first loves, & attraction; Mentions of seeing a couple passionately kissing (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of kisses & kissing (barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed); Mentions of noticing & staring (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of romance novels; A mention of a TV show where a daughter accuses her mother of sleeping with her fiancé; A mention of looking like a perverted professor; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a dress with a long slit; A mention of saving someone’s rear end.
-Emma Rae Travis, age 36
-Jackson Drake
P.O.V. switches between them
310 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
While the book went on it did get a bit kissy for my taste, I did literally laugh out loud at many points and comments. In between each chapter there’s a fun little extra page that shares some cake decorating tips and wedding info. It was neat! I do plan on continuing this series. :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
March 6, 2015
Loved it! I really enjoyed the friendship aspect between Emma and Fee more than I did the romance between Emma and Jackson. Fee was a hoot! This IS a Christian romance but it's very understated.
4 stars
4 stars
February 19, 2021
He’d gained at least five pounds since Emma Rae Travis had come into his life, but his taste buds blocked all paths to caring.
Thoroughly enjoyable story about food and people in contemporary Atlanta. Christian fiction, but good fiction. Comfort fiction. The come-to-Jesus moment is subtle and cast/situation appropriate. Well done.
“My grandparents are both from England.” (A southern wedding.)
Recipes and wedding tips intersperse the chapters, but this is not a cookbook or even a cooking book. Emma’s mission seems to be to draw everyone into diabetes, though of the second type. Bricker shuns the obvious ploy of a diabetic crisis, though … .
“Her smile caused the deep dimples on either side of his mouth to cave like bread dough pressed with two large thumbs.” Excellent word picture; too many words.
Quibbles: Too many adjectives. Only two characters of color. The cast focuses on two families, but … . Except for the need for her to be Italian, Fee would have been better cast as black. Is anyone Goth anymore? Jackson is almost superfluous to the plot. He’s a poseur. Do southern dinners really start with the entrée? (p. 139)
“I love Fee!” “She’s not nearly as frightening as she looks.” Emma grinned, deciding not to tell her that it depended on the day whether Fee was frightening or not.
If Bricker didn’t invent After Care, she uses it to good effect. Though Dickens brings this series opener to a satisfying conclusion, she leaves the reader hungry for more. Perhaps not five stars on an absolute scale, but relative to other Christian fiction.
“You just bring out the worst in her. With everyone else, she’s—” “Mother Teresa, I know.” “Well, I wouldn’t go that far.” “Nice to know you haven’t lost all perspective.”
Thoroughly enjoyable story about food and people in contemporary Atlanta. Christian fiction, but good fiction. Comfort fiction. The come-to-Jesus moment is subtle and cast/situation appropriate. Well done.
“My grandparents are both from England.” (A southern wedding.)
Recipes and wedding tips intersperse the chapters, but this is not a cookbook or even a cooking book. Emma’s mission seems to be to draw everyone into diabetes, though of the second type. Bricker shuns the obvious ploy of a diabetic crisis, though … .
“Her smile caused the deep dimples on either side of his mouth to cave like bread dough pressed with two large thumbs.” Excellent word picture; too many words.
Quibbles: Too many adjectives. Only two characters of color. The cast focuses on two families, but … . Except for the need for her to be Italian, Fee would have been better cast as black. Is anyone Goth anymore? Jackson is almost superfluous to the plot. He’s a poseur. Do southern dinners really start with the entrée? (p. 139)
“I love Fee!” “She’s not nearly as frightening as she looks.” Emma grinned, deciding not to tell her that it depended on the day whether Fee was frightening or not.
If Bricker didn’t invent After Care, she uses it to good effect. Though Dickens brings this series opener to a satisfying conclusion, she leaves the reader hungry for more. Perhaps not five stars on an absolute scale, but relative to other Christian fiction.
“You just bring out the worst in her. With everyone else, she’s—” “Mother Teresa, I know.” “Well, I wouldn’t go that far.” “Nice to know you haven’t lost all perspective.”
October 17, 2015
Published in 2010, this novel is my first introduction to Sandra D. Bricker and I'm grinning from ear to ear. Romantic comedy at it's absolute best. Campy and so much fun. Pay attention so you don't miss any of the zingers. Loved all the characters from Emma's unlikely assistant to Jackson's Southern Belle sisters and a host of quirky individuals who sashayed through the story leaving mayhem and laughter in their wake. The snappy dialogue between Jackson and Emma is pure delight as is their slow slide towards romance. I may be a late bloomer where Sandra D. Bricker's books are concerned, but I'll definitely be making up for my slow start. Can't wait to read more by this author.
May 29, 2016
Very cute story. Fairly good pace. The southern words were a little annoying in the beginning. However, Ms. Bricker only threw them in here and there after the initial shock. I'm from Louisiana and Texas, while I'm familiar with the terms, I've never seen them laid out that way. Southern words aside, the story was sweet!
September 12, 2010
Original post at One More Page
It's kind of funny that the next NetGalley ARC I read is another book that has recipes and other cooking tips in them, but this time, the characters are way older than Ariel, M and Nicki from The Crepemakers' Bond were. I guess it's fate, or maybe even divine, as far as books go, because reading them almost consecutively gives me an idea on how different YA/MG chick lit is to adult chick lit.
You know another funny thing? There seemed to be a lot of Christian chick lit that is set in the South. Atlanta, specifically. Maybe it's because there are more writers from that area? Or is it because it's just a charming place to set a story in, because in this book, I am charmed. :)
Emma Rae Travis is an award-winning contradiction -- she's the best baker in town, but she's also diabetic, so she isn't allowed to eat more than three bites of her baked confections. But the real point of the story isn't her diabetes, but her baked goods and how it helped her meet Jackson Drake, owner of the new Tanglewood Hotel. Pretty soon, Emma is a part of the hotel staff and with Jackson's crazy and efficient sisters, her semi-goth best friend Fiona and her separated parents...well, it's a circus, alright.
I love myself a good chick lit, obviously, as it's the genre I really started loving in the first place. I found that I hardly get to read much chick lit though, because there doesn't seem to be many quality chick lit out there. It's easy for chick lit to be stereotyped because it seems like there's only one story line for all books like that. I beg to differ, though, because there's a plethora of stories that can be written under that genre. You don't need a fashionista girl with a gay best friend living in a busy city working as a writer looking for Mr. Right for a book to be chick lit!
This is why I liked Always the Baker, Never the Bride because it doesn't fall under the usual chick lit stereotype. Sure, the leading man is handsome, and sure there's a crazy family, but I liked that Emma is her own person, and she's not a fashion slave. Emma is a bright and strong protagonist, one that I can't help but get attached to as I read the book. The best thing I loved about Emma? She's a baker! I bake, too, so that is definitely something I can relate to, but I am sure I won't be as good as her because my cakes tend to fall apart before I can even get them out of the oven. :P
The Christian aspect of this novel is well written, too, and I liked how it wasn't preachy. Prayer was subtly incorporated, and Jackson's grief and fears were real for a guy his age and with his experience. Emma's religious conflict, though, felt a bit blurry. By blurry, I wasn't sure why she was having the conflict in the first place -- maybe I missed it in the first few pages? I wasn't sure if it was because she didn't grow up in that environment or she lost it along the way, so her religious transformation didn't leave a mark in me as much as I wanted it to. I do like the romantic dynamics explained in this novel, though, especially the concept of After Care. Ever wondered why some guys act so sweet and do something special and then disappear afterwards (and it drives us crazy that we over think so much)? That is after care. :P I'd leave you to read the book to understand what it is, but if you're really curious, I may just explain it off the review. :P
This is a cute and fluffy read, and the romance was nice and well-developed, too. However, I felt a bit underwhelmed by the end. I was waiting for a big "oomph", a big conflict that would wreak havoc with Emma and Jackson and everything they worked for, but I felt like it never came. I also felt that Emma's diabetes wasn't properly spotlighted, but maybe that wasn't really the point of the story, so I could let that go. I just didn't find the game-changing (and sometimes tears-inducing) climax that I found in the other Christian chick lit books I read this year in this one, so that part just kind of made this just okay. It wasn't bad, I wasn't disappointed, but I felt that it needed a bit more to make it more memorable.
Always the Baker, Never the Bride is already out paperback. Thanks to Netgalley for the ebook ARC!
It's kind of funny that the next NetGalley ARC I read is another book that has recipes and other cooking tips in them, but this time, the characters are way older than Ariel, M and Nicki from The Crepemakers' Bond were. I guess it's fate, or maybe even divine, as far as books go, because reading them almost consecutively gives me an idea on how different YA/MG chick lit is to adult chick lit.
You know another funny thing? There seemed to be a lot of Christian chick lit that is set in the South. Atlanta, specifically. Maybe it's because there are more writers from that area? Or is it because it's just a charming place to set a story in, because in this book, I am charmed. :)
Emma Rae Travis is an award-winning contradiction -- she's the best baker in town, but she's also diabetic, so she isn't allowed to eat more than three bites of her baked confections. But the real point of the story isn't her diabetes, but her baked goods and how it helped her meet Jackson Drake, owner of the new Tanglewood Hotel. Pretty soon, Emma is a part of the hotel staff and with Jackson's crazy and efficient sisters, her semi-goth best friend Fiona and her separated parents...well, it's a circus, alright.
I love myself a good chick lit, obviously, as it's the genre I really started loving in the first place. I found that I hardly get to read much chick lit though, because there doesn't seem to be many quality chick lit out there. It's easy for chick lit to be stereotyped because it seems like there's only one story line for all books like that. I beg to differ, though, because there's a plethora of stories that can be written under that genre. You don't need a fashionista girl with a gay best friend living in a busy city working as a writer looking for Mr. Right for a book to be chick lit!
This is why I liked Always the Baker, Never the Bride because it doesn't fall under the usual chick lit stereotype. Sure, the leading man is handsome, and sure there's a crazy family, but I liked that Emma is her own person, and she's not a fashion slave. Emma is a bright and strong protagonist, one that I can't help but get attached to as I read the book. The best thing I loved about Emma? She's a baker! I bake, too, so that is definitely something I can relate to, but I am sure I won't be as good as her because my cakes tend to fall apart before I can even get them out of the oven. :P
The Christian aspect of this novel is well written, too, and I liked how it wasn't preachy. Prayer was subtly incorporated, and Jackson's grief and fears were real for a guy his age and with his experience. Emma's religious conflict, though, felt a bit blurry. By blurry, I wasn't sure why she was having the conflict in the first place -- maybe I missed it in the first few pages? I wasn't sure if it was because she didn't grow up in that environment or she lost it along the way, so her religious transformation didn't leave a mark in me as much as I wanted it to. I do like the romantic dynamics explained in this novel, though, especially the concept of After Care. Ever wondered why some guys act so sweet and do something special and then disappear afterwards (and it drives us crazy that we over think so much)? That is after care. :P I'd leave you to read the book to understand what it is, but if you're really curious, I may just explain it off the review. :P
This is a cute and fluffy read, and the romance was nice and well-developed, too. However, I felt a bit underwhelmed by the end. I was waiting for a big "oomph", a big conflict that would wreak havoc with Emma and Jackson and everything they worked for, but I felt like it never came. I also felt that Emma's diabetes wasn't properly spotlighted, but maybe that wasn't really the point of the story, so I could let that go. I just didn't find the game-changing (and sometimes tears-inducing) climax that I found in the other Christian chick lit books I read this year in this one, so that part just kind of made this just okay. It wasn't bad, I wasn't disappointed, but I felt that it needed a bit more to make it more memorable.
Always the Baker, Never the Bride is already out paperback. Thanks to Netgalley for the ebook ARC!
February 21, 2011
I am starting to draw the conclusion that with kindle books, you get what you pay for. If I had paid for this, I would've been upset. First, the editing needs work. The business of putting quotes from two different people in the same paragraph was annoying. The random italics (the "southernisms" from Jackson's sisters, Eliza and Prof Higgins when talking about My Fair Lady) - why? And why pray tell do only Jackson's sisters have a southern accent in print? Some of the word choices were odd as well, odd enough to jar the reader out of the story. Second, making the heroine diabetic - why? what's the point, other than to be able to tell the reader about how to take care of diabetes? Again, interrupted the flow of the story. Oh and by the way, this is Christian fiction - I'm new to my kindle, and seems like an awful lot of the free ebooks are Christian. Not my thing, don't like to read them. This one wasn't overpowering until well into the book, but when it came time to resolve the plot, God just marched right in and prayer solved all of the problems, boom, boom, boom. The little interludes between the chapters - recipes, wedding tips, and do I remember correctly, stuff on diabetes (??)- ewww, I totally started skipping them. Don't know why I finished this, probably because all of this didn't become annoying until 2/3 of the way in - by that time I realized I didn't have far to go and just plowed through. And the ending, ewww again - tying it all up with Emma wondering if she would always be the baker, or whether she would finally be a bride. Come on, we get it, you don't need to be that explicit. The tradition in romances (at least as far as I can tell) is that the title isn't ever explicitly referenced, and much of the time the title has little to nothing to do with the story.
October 1, 2012
So this book was not at all what i expected. As a baker i decided to read this as i thought that it would be about some kick ass baker chick with some romance on the side. What it turned out to be was a kick ass baker chick and God. To be fair i was given this ebook in a file with heaps of others so i only read the blurb on the back before i decided to read it, it wasn't until i finished it and realised that it is published by a christian themed publisher, that it clicked for me that i had been tricked. The God bashing starts off as subtle. It isn't until about three quarters of the way through that it has pretty much become the theme of the book. By the time i realised that i had been tricked i decided that i might as well finish it, i have no problem with christian books however i think that they should be marketed as such and if God is going to be the main theme of the story then it should have been clear at the outset.
As for the actual story line i was disappointed. A bunch of adult, successful women discussing the reluctance of men to commit and being in a stage called aftercare? Really? I think that this is actually pretty demeaning to women. Especially when the advice given to the main character on how to deal with her love interest's issues is basically just mind fuckery. I mean if he ignores you then you should just play along and let him. What the Hell. What happened to the idea that adults who are looking at entering into a relationship be open and honest with each other? Instead she should just ignore the man in question and prey to God for help. Even without the religion this book was terrible.
As for the actual story line i was disappointed. A bunch of adult, successful women discussing the reluctance of men to commit and being in a stage called aftercare? Really? I think that this is actually pretty demeaning to women. Especially when the advice given to the main character on how to deal with her love interest's issues is basically just mind fuckery. I mean if he ignores you then you should just play along and let him. What the Hell. What happened to the idea that adults who are looking at entering into a relationship be open and honest with each other? Instead she should just ignore the man in question and prey to God for help. Even without the religion this book was terrible.
April 10, 2012
When I started reading this book, I really didn't know what to expect since I had never read anything by Mrs. Bricker before. I was really sleepy when I started reading (about 11 pm)...I thought "I'll just read a couple of chapters, just get it started and finish it tomorrow." That's not how it worked!! I became so wrapped up in it that I finished it in one sitting. After each chapter, I'd say to myself, "One more." One more turned into another and another till I turned the last page about 3 a.m.
This book contained everything I enjoy in a read: romance, lovable characters, humor, quirkiness, food, clean language, and so much more.
I loved Emma (I could relate to her in so many ways!)... I absolutely fell in love with Jackson. I even enjoyed all of the secondary characters: Especially Fee and Sophie. I laughed out loud while reading this so many times! :-D
I look forward to reading more from Mrs. Bricker, but now I know better than to start one when I need sleep, ha! I already have "Always The Wedding Planner, Never The Bride" & "Always The Designer, Never The Bride" downloaded to my kindle and I hope to get into the second book of this series tonight!
Wonderful job, Mrs. Bricker! You have a new fan in me!! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean romance and humor! (The recipes included in the book are an added bonus!)
This book contained everything I enjoy in a read: romance, lovable characters, humor, quirkiness, food, clean language, and so much more.
I loved Emma (I could relate to her in so many ways!)... I absolutely fell in love with Jackson. I even enjoyed all of the secondary characters: Especially Fee and Sophie. I laughed out loud while reading this so many times! :-D
I look forward to reading more from Mrs. Bricker, but now I know better than to start one when I need sleep, ha! I already have "Always The Wedding Planner, Never The Bride" & "Always The Designer, Never The Bride" downloaded to my kindle and I hope to get into the second book of this series tonight!
Wonderful job, Mrs. Bricker! You have a new fan in me!! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean romance and humor! (The recipes included in the book are an added bonus!)
February 15, 2016
Emma Rae is 34 years old and she has this fantastic talent at baking specialty cakes and pastries that just melt in your mouth kind of talent at The Backstreet Bakery in the historic Roswell, which is just outside of Atlanta for the past 6 years. But here is the kicker about her doing her job, she is a type 1 dieobetic, she is also the winner of the Passionate Palette Award last year.
Jackson Drake is a through and through business men, when he hears about his local baker who won a prestigious award for her fantastic artistry wedding cake he tells his assistant to include her in the pastry tasting schedule at his new wedding destination hotel that following week. But as for Jackson this particular day started out really badly with a couple of his workmen become trapped in the broken elevator and a delivery of a few dozen bed linens in all the wrong sizes and placed in the lobby abandoned.
Our 2 main charters become friends or something more in their new business venture or will everything just come tumbling down without a net to catch there fall.
Jackson Drake is a through and through business men, when he hears about his local baker who won a prestigious award for her fantastic artistry wedding cake he tells his assistant to include her in the pastry tasting schedule at his new wedding destination hotel that following week. But as for Jackson this particular day started out really badly with a couple of his workmen become trapped in the broken elevator and a delivery of a few dozen bed linens in all the wrong sizes and placed in the lobby abandoned.
Our 2 main charters become friends or something more in their new business venture or will everything just come tumbling down without a net to catch there fall.
August 5, 2010
The book started out with Emma Rae at a young age and finding out she has diabetes. We then find out she is a terrific baker who lands a great job at the Tanglewood Inn. The hotel's owner Jackson Drake, hires Emma to be the head baker who in turns helps Jackson and his sisters run the hotel. They each have families that are dysfunctional and makes you fit right into the book. When Emma see's her old boyfriend from her teenage years, it is funny to see Jackson's reaction to it. As they inch along it's nice to see them making some mistakes a long the way not to mention Luc coming in and causing a big uproar, but it works. I could relate to Emma as I am a diabetic too. I have enjoyed reading this book it really makes you think about life and what you do have and not take things for granted. I also love the recipes and ideas that are at each chapter. I look forward to reading more of Sandra's books in the future.
June 20, 2012
I nibbled on this book in between review commitments and distractions. I really liked it! A lovely blossoming romance story with awesome recipes and wedding tips. It had interesting character dynamics, nice Southern setting, and a giggle-inducing non-preachy Christian chick-lit plot. A definite good find.
Totally scored on this ebook. I caught it on a Kindle freebie day ..caught the next two installments for free as well! Woohoo!! :)
Jinky is Reading
Totally scored on this ebook. I caught it on a Kindle freebie day ..caught the next two installments for free as well! Woohoo!! :)
Jinky is Reading
January 12, 2011
If you want wedding advice or to drool over descriptions of delicious cakes, go read this. If you want a love story, I don't think you'll find a good one here. I had to fast forward after I reached the mid-point of the book---nothing was happening! I kept waiting for the pace to pick up or for the relationship to bloom, but nothing. It was stale and just not a good read for me. (At least the recipes were good.)
January 24, 2015
This book was loaned to me by a friend, thanks so much Janine, i absolutely LOVED it. I is a cute love story and has a good sense of humor to it. Had me giggling at some parts. If you are looking for a light hearted book to read try this one out. Plan on reading the rest in the series.
February 17, 2014
Great Easy Read On Our Valentine Week Away! Cute & Held My Attention! I Think I've Found Another Author I Really Like!
March 16, 2016
The recipes made me hungry. =)
February 16, 2024
This wasn't my favorite read, but I still got enjoyment out of it! I got a little frustrated that the story's problems and character's obstacles didn't seem to come to light and start to get dealt with till later in the book. I'd say my favorite parts of this story were the baking aspects and process of opening the Tanglewood Hotel, and the camaraderie the characters share towards the end of the book when they know each other better.
July 24, 2023
3.5 stars
March 30, 2022
Cute Funny Read
August 30, 2010
Emma Rae is one of, if not the, best bakers in Atlanta. And she has just landed an amazing gig as the head baker at a brand new hotel. This is a place for Emma to express her creativity, expand her horizons and fall in love? Of course Emma’s boss is a total hottie, but there are a couple of things holding them back. 1. Is is wrong to date your boss? and 2. Less than two years ago, his wife died of cancer. Is it too soon?
I have never really been one to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but recently I have been trying my hand at cupcakes. They have turned out pretty spectacular, if I do say so myself. But I never thought I would be interested in books that focus on a cook, chef or baker. This is the second book from NetGalley that I have read that has had recipes between the chapters, and I absolutely love them. After I write this post, I am going to pull the book back up and get the recipe for Emma’s Mocha Latte Cookies. Doesn’t the name just sound delicious? And they are dipped in chocolate! I can’t wait to make them.
I have a bad habit of not reading the summary of the book, so based on title, I was surprised with this story. I thought it was going to be more about a baker’s bad dates, but it was so much more and I loved it! It was cute, southern and there were a few love stories thrown in.
Although this is more of a girly, cooking, weddingy book, this is a book of growth for a man who lost his wife. Not that you ever want to tell someone it’s time to move on, this would be a great book to do just that. I hope that I would never have to give this to a friend, but I am sure at some point, someone will lose someone and hopefully I will remember this book to pass on.
This book is also good for diabetics. Emma is a diabetic, who bakes with sweets on a daily basis. She considers it a naughty trick from God. I would hate to not be able to eat the goodies I bake. But Emma does just that. She allows herself a sliver, but deals with it. It may not be a huge part of the story, but it’s a nice story for diabetics to show that you can do anything that anyone else can. My brother needs to read this!
Now I mentioned the recipes between the chapters. I find myself really liking books that have something to break up the chapters. In this book, there were recipes and since Emma bakes for weddings, different tips for weddings. Some of which I wish I had for my wedding (which our year anniversary is about a month and a half away wow). There was a list of some more non-traditional ways to get married, like have a murder mystery dinner or do it in the morning and have tea. There was also a list of wedding favors. My favorite was small packs of coffee with personalized labels that say “A Perfect Blend”. Isn’t that adorable?
I give Always the Baker Never the Bride 5 bookmarks. Loved the characters, loved the story.
I have never really been one to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but recently I have been trying my hand at cupcakes. They have turned out pretty spectacular, if I do say so myself. But I never thought I would be interested in books that focus on a cook, chef or baker. This is the second book from NetGalley that I have read that has had recipes between the chapters, and I absolutely love them. After I write this post, I am going to pull the book back up and get the recipe for Emma’s Mocha Latte Cookies. Doesn’t the name just sound delicious? And they are dipped in chocolate! I can’t wait to make them.
I have a bad habit of not reading the summary of the book, so based on title, I was surprised with this story. I thought it was going to be more about a baker’s bad dates, but it was so much more and I loved it! It was cute, southern and there were a few love stories thrown in.
Although this is more of a girly, cooking, weddingy book, this is a book of growth for a man who lost his wife. Not that you ever want to tell someone it’s time to move on, this would be a great book to do just that. I hope that I would never have to give this to a friend, but I am sure at some point, someone will lose someone and hopefully I will remember this book to pass on.
This book is also good for diabetics. Emma is a diabetic, who bakes with sweets on a daily basis. She considers it a naughty trick from God. I would hate to not be able to eat the goodies I bake. But Emma does just that. She allows herself a sliver, but deals with it. It may not be a huge part of the story, but it’s a nice story for diabetics to show that you can do anything that anyone else can. My brother needs to read this!
Now I mentioned the recipes between the chapters. I find myself really liking books that have something to break up the chapters. In this book, there were recipes and since Emma bakes for weddings, different tips for weddings. Some of which I wish I had for my wedding (which our year anniversary is about a month and a half away wow). There was a list of some more non-traditional ways to get married, like have a murder mystery dinner or do it in the morning and have tea. There was also a list of wedding favors. My favorite was small packs of coffee with personalized labels that say “A Perfect Blend”. Isn’t that adorable?
I give Always the Baker Never the Bride 5 bookmarks. Loved the characters, loved the story.
February 27, 2017
I somehow wasn't aware that this was a Christian romance. Not really my genre, but I thought I'd give it a whirl. I made it 48% in, and had to give up. Jackson's sisters are both flat AND so obnoxious and cloying, which is quite a feat. I couldn't tell the difference between one sister and the others, and couldn't quite figure out their purpose in the plot. Too many characters made this a Did Not Finish for me.
March 16, 2017
What a fun read!
January 22, 2013
I don't understand people's resentment. Do we have to categorize everything that has Christian characters as a Christian book? The main characters in this one are just as annoyed by what they perceive as a pushy pastor as any of these reviewers are. They have just as much resentment against any talk of God. They are regular people who blame God for the tragedies they've been through and explore that a very little bit during this funny, well-paced book.
It makes me think of an an acquaintance who would like a warning label on anything that mentions Christianity, but exempts all other religions from that requirement. I've been guilty of this myself: if it talks about Christianity it's evil proselytizing, but if it features a Hindu or Pagan or Jewish character, it's great and a fun insight into other perspectives. This isn't logical, it's pure resentment. Not being able to abide a book on any of those terms isn't something we should be proud of.
From purely bookish perspective, this was great, fun chick lit. For me, it was noteworthy for being able to use those dorky foodie interstitials in a way that usually helped the plot along and contributed to the atmosphere - instead of just throwing recipes in because they're expected in a foodie novel. It was genuinely funny, and the characters - again, unusually for chick lit- were a normal amount of dysfunctional, instead of being insanely codependent. I enjoyed accompanying them through their growing relationships.
And the food didn't hurt.
Yes, the characters talked at little bit about prayer at times, but in a way that was consistent with their characters and normal for people in general, especially in the South. I've read books where the characters are put through an obvious religious awakening in order to carry that message to the readers, which is very much for specific tastes. This is not that kind of book.
It makes me think of an an acquaintance who would like a warning label on anything that mentions Christianity, but exempts all other religions from that requirement. I've been guilty of this myself: if it talks about Christianity it's evil proselytizing, but if it features a Hindu or Pagan or Jewish character, it's great and a fun insight into other perspectives. This isn't logical, it's pure resentment. Not being able to abide a book on any of those terms isn't something we should be proud of.
From purely bookish perspective, this was great, fun chick lit. For me, it was noteworthy for being able to use those dorky foodie interstitials in a way that usually helped the plot along and contributed to the atmosphere - instead of just throwing recipes in because they're expected in a foodie novel. It was genuinely funny, and the characters - again, unusually for chick lit- were a normal amount of dysfunctional, instead of being insanely codependent. I enjoyed accompanying them through their growing relationships.
And the food didn't hurt.
Yes, the characters talked at little bit about prayer at times, but in a way that was consistent with their characters and normal for people in general, especially in the South. I've read books where the characters are put through an obvious religious awakening in order to carry that message to the readers, which is very much for specific tastes. This is not that kind of book.
September 4, 2012
This is the first in a series of what I like to call "Always the (fill in the blank here), Never the Bride" by Sandra D. Bricker. There is just something about weddings that is sort of magical, isn't there. Unfortunately my wedding wasn't all that magical, so I think that is why I enjoy reading stories about them! I love living vicariously through my books!
At first glance, you might think that this series is going to be similar to that of Nora Robert's Series, The Bride Quartet. For those of you that read her series, you will see some similarities:
1. Each series is about weddings;
2. Each is about a specific person that helps to plan weddings;
3. Each takes place in a venue that holds weddings.
But that is where the similarities end. Starting with "Always the Baker, Never the Bride" we meet Emma Rae who has just won a very prestigious award that is about to put her on the "Pastry Chef Map" as it were. What makes this so remarkable is that she has rarely tasted any of her creations, if at all, so she must rely on her trusty sidekick, Fiona, to taste everything for her. Currently working at a popular bakery, she meets Jackson Drake, who stops in for a coffee and some delicious treats that he takes back to his business...a run down hotel that he is renovating to it's former glory.
Okay, I guess we can see where this is going, at least I can. I've read enough romance novels to know where each is going to end up. What is wonderful about this series though is that it is Christian-based, so it is a sweet romance that leaves the intimacies up to the imagination rather than put in print. I also really enjoyed the recipes Ms. Bricker shared at the end of the various chapters. This was a nice added touch for a foodie like myself!
At first glance, you might think that this series is going to be similar to that of Nora Robert's Series, The Bride Quartet. For those of you that read her series, you will see some similarities:
1. Each series is about weddings;
2. Each is about a specific person that helps to plan weddings;
3. Each takes place in a venue that holds weddings.
But that is where the similarities end. Starting with "Always the Baker, Never the Bride" we meet Emma Rae who has just won a very prestigious award that is about to put her on the "Pastry Chef Map" as it were. What makes this so remarkable is that she has rarely tasted any of her creations, if at all, so she must rely on her trusty sidekick, Fiona, to taste everything for her. Currently working at a popular bakery, she meets Jackson Drake, who stops in for a coffee and some delicious treats that he takes back to his business...a run down hotel that he is renovating to it's former glory.
Okay, I guess we can see where this is going, at least I can. I've read enough romance novels to know where each is going to end up. What is wonderful about this series though is that it is Christian-based, so it is a sweet romance that leaves the intimacies up to the imagination rather than put in print. I also really enjoyed the recipes Ms. Bricker shared at the end of the various chapters. This was a nice added touch for a foodie like myself!
November 7, 2012
Always the Baker, Never the Bride will make you hungry for sweet treats, as well as warm your heart with its sensitive romance.
Emma Rae is a master baker. She's won awards for her wedding cakes. Too bad she's diabetic and can't really eat much of what she creates. Jackson Drake, with the help of his three southern sisters, has taken on a project to honor his dead wife. He's bought a hotel and is turning it into a wedding hotel -- offering any service a bride could possibly want. Emma Rae can't resist Jackson's offer to come work for him as his pastry chef.
Emma Rae's friend and sous chef, the emo Fiona, adds some spark to the mix of characters which are somewhat cliche. The romance is very slow, and builds in a cute and natural way. The idea of the wedding hotel was my favorite part -- I loved all the ideas they came up with for the setting, food, and atmosphere. There are recipes and baking tips between the chapters that were interesting but not important to the story.
I didn't, however, realize Always the Baker, Never the Bride was considered Christian fiction. It's not that I have a problem with that, but I usually don't read anything labeled Christian fiction -- and I felt blindsided. It wasn't heavy -- but there was a lot of emphasis on praying, and relying on God that some might not enjoy. And, I just don't like that in my books. I AM a Christian, so that's not what it's about. I just don't like reading about being Christian. And, I'd like to know that before I read a book.
So, bottom line -- loved the setting and food, liked the romance, could do without the praying.
Emma Rae is a master baker. She's won awards for her wedding cakes. Too bad she's diabetic and can't really eat much of what she creates. Jackson Drake, with the help of his three southern sisters, has taken on a project to honor his dead wife. He's bought a hotel and is turning it into a wedding hotel -- offering any service a bride could possibly want. Emma Rae can't resist Jackson's offer to come work for him as his pastry chef.
Emma Rae's friend and sous chef, the emo Fiona, adds some spark to the mix of characters which are somewhat cliche. The romance is very slow, and builds in a cute and natural way. The idea of the wedding hotel was my favorite part -- I loved all the ideas they came up with for the setting, food, and atmosphere. There are recipes and baking tips between the chapters that were interesting but not important to the story.
I didn't, however, realize Always the Baker, Never the Bride was considered Christian fiction. It's not that I have a problem with that, but I usually don't read anything labeled Christian fiction -- and I felt blindsided. It wasn't heavy -- but there was a lot of emphasis on praying, and relying on God that some might not enjoy. And, I just don't like that in my books. I AM a Christian, so that's not what it's about. I just don't like reading about being Christian. And, I'd like to know that before I read a book.
So, bottom line -- loved the setting and food, liked the romance, could do without the praying.
February 1, 2012
This book made me laugh out loud! I love a story that can do that. The dialog between characters was so witty and filled with humor. A very entertaining read.
Emma works in a bakery for a cranky boss. Emma has just won the prestigious Passionate Palette award for one of her mouthwatering wedding cakes. A cake that Emma has only had a taste of since she is a diabetic. Emma's eccentric friend Fiona also works at the bakery. When Emma reads about the Tanglewood hotel opening up and in need of a baker she sees it as her and Fiona's chance to shine and show her true baking abilities, with hopefully a less cranky boss.
Jackson doesn't know what to think of Emma when he stumbles into the bakery that she works in. He sees her as an annoyance when she tries to get him to drink hazelnut coffee instead of the plain black coffee he asked for. When she shows up at his hotel to apply for the job of baker he is less than thrilled. But some things are out of Jackson's hands, mainly his 3 sisters! Emma has charmed her way to their hearts and they just know that if Jackson hires her the Tanglewood will have it's start in making a name for itself.
The book really becomes entertaining once the sisters become involved and once Emma's "divorced" parents arrive. Add to that Emma's Aunt Sophie who keeps escaping from the assisted living home and it all adds up to one riotous laugh after another!
Another fun thing about the book was that at the beginning(or ending) of each chapter there was either a recipe for some delicious sweet or wedding tips and advice.
Emma works in a bakery for a cranky boss. Emma has just won the prestigious Passionate Palette award for one of her mouthwatering wedding cakes. A cake that Emma has only had a taste of since she is a diabetic. Emma's eccentric friend Fiona also works at the bakery. When Emma reads about the Tanglewood hotel opening up and in need of a baker she sees it as her and Fiona's chance to shine and show her true baking abilities, with hopefully a less cranky boss.
Jackson doesn't know what to think of Emma when he stumbles into the bakery that she works in. He sees her as an annoyance when she tries to get him to drink hazelnut coffee instead of the plain black coffee he asked for. When she shows up at his hotel to apply for the job of baker he is less than thrilled. But some things are out of Jackson's hands, mainly his 3 sisters! Emma has charmed her way to their hearts and they just know that if Jackson hires her the Tanglewood will have it's start in making a name for itself.
The book really becomes entertaining once the sisters become involved and once Emma's "divorced" parents arrive. Add to that Emma's Aunt Sophie who keeps escaping from the assisted living home and it all adds up to one riotous laugh after another!
Another fun thing about the book was that at the beginning(or ending) of each chapter there was either a recipe for some delicious sweet or wedding tips and advice.
March 31, 2013
This was a yummy read! Great complex family relationships portrayed. The author includes several characters who are dealing with past relationships and seeking balance in order to live fully in the present. PLUS mouth-watering food described and some great recipes! What's not to love?!
There is a thread of God's loving watch-care over individual's lives, and the power of prayer throughout the book. The main characters are still grappling with their faith, and the secondary characters who are more closely following Christ very gently and naturally share their faith with them. The only "heavy" spiritual conversations include the pastor who is quite naturally concerned for the characters because of his relationship to them as family (or potential family) members.
My only complaint would have to be with the southern accents sporadically voiced throughout the book. The author need to either voice them, or not, and be consistent. As a southerner myself it bothered me that some of the characters seemed to have accents on one page and not on the next. Yes, we southern gals do lay it on a little thicker at times to wheedle our way into little 'ole unsuspectin' hearts, but it was not clear that was what was being portrayed.
Overall, I'd say this is a winner! I can't wait for the next in the series!
There is a thread of God's loving watch-care over individual's lives, and the power of prayer throughout the book. The main characters are still grappling with their faith, and the secondary characters who are more closely following Christ very gently and naturally share their faith with them. The only "heavy" spiritual conversations include the pastor who is quite naturally concerned for the characters because of his relationship to them as family (or potential family) members.
My only complaint would have to be with the southern accents sporadically voiced throughout the book. The author need to either voice them, or not, and be consistent. As a southerner myself it bothered me that some of the characters seemed to have accents on one page and not on the next. Yes, we southern gals do lay it on a little thicker at times to wheedle our way into little 'ole unsuspectin' hearts, but it was not clear that was what was being portrayed.
Overall, I'd say this is a winner! I can't wait for the next in the series!
February 5, 2011
Darn, this could have easily been a 4 star book for me but the ending was so abrupt it lost a star right then.
Emma Rae is an award winning pastry chef and baker who is hired to work at a remodeled all inclusive wedding destination hotel in Atlanta called the Tanglewood Inn. Her boss, Drake, is a handsome yet serious widower who is slightly in over his head starting up his deceased wife's dream of owning and remodeling the inn. With the help of his eccentric older sisters and the sweet and beautiful Emma Rae, they open the inn to high praises.
There is an undeniable attraction between Emma Rae and Drake, but can he move past comparing Emma to his late wife? Can God really have a plan for him to have another love in his life?
The sweet budding romance is certainly slow to evolve and that was cute but the ending was too quick to get any satisfaction or closure. So disappointing!
Emma Rae is an award winning pastry chef and baker who is hired to work at a remodeled all inclusive wedding destination hotel in Atlanta called the Tanglewood Inn. Her boss, Drake, is a handsome yet serious widower who is slightly in over his head starting up his deceased wife's dream of owning and remodeling the inn. With the help of his eccentric older sisters and the sweet and beautiful Emma Rae, they open the inn to high praises.
There is an undeniable attraction between Emma Rae and Drake, but can he move past comparing Emma to his late wife? Can God really have a plan for him to have another love in his life?
The sweet budding romance is certainly slow to evolve and that was cute but the ending was too quick to get any satisfaction or closure. So disappointing!
July 2, 2014
The reason i picked up Always the Baker, Never the Bride was pretty simple. I was in a mood of a lottle fluffy. Turns out this dose of fluffy-ness is so much greater than I need. It is one of those books where you can feel how deep the characters can be yet the writing manages to keep the lightness. There's grief and there's heartbreak but Emma and Jackson find each other. This is clearly a Christian Fiction, which i an grateful for my bestie for mentioning it, (i don't really pay that much attention to genres xD) and added to the fact that's i'd never pick such books, i kept asking myself why did I keep reading it? I just realized upon finishing it, that i do like anyone who's name is Jackson, pretty silly but it's true. And also the romance bits were nice if you just skip the uncomfortable stuff
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