It started with a cake. A rather innocent-looking cake, too, but that cake would open the door to opportunity - and disaster - for sweet-toothed, b...
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reviews
Dec 22, 2011
Beth
rated it: 
Almost five years later, I reread this book -- and I stand by my original review! This is a fun read, perfect for indulging in on a lazy afternoon.
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I got an e-mail from an old friend awhile ago — we’d been in the same ward just before I left BYU, and she was mass-emailing everyone from our Relief Society to let tell them about this book. It was recently published and in stores all across Utah (as it’s in the LDS fiction genre — “chick lit,” I guess) — and, conveniently More...
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I got an e-mail from an old friend awhile ago — we’d been in the same ward just before I left BYU, and she was mass-emailing everyone from our Relief Society to let tell them about this book. It was recently published and in stores all across Utah (as it’s in the LDS fiction genre — “chick lit,” I guess) — and, conveniently More...
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Mar 31, 2009
Amy
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Annabelle Pleasanton (sorry, but I'm not digging her name) has just been given a writing assignment from her boss. She really has to give this one her all after her previous failure as a writer on Central Coast Living. The only problem is, every time she attempts to make an impression every thing seems to go wrong. The same can be said for her new love interest, Isaac. Every time Annabelle thinks she's making headway with Isaac, her boyfriend-snatching enemy, Rona, shows up to ruin things. On to
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Apr 16, 2010
AnnaMay
rated it: 
What a witty, fun read! The main character's voice and personality reminded me so much of a few of my mission companions/roommates. It took me right back to those good old days, single, 21-ish, singles wards, etc.
It was funny to read this book and contrast it with all of the 'marriage and dating' articles in the April 2010 Ensign magazine. I can see how some YSAs develop an unrealistic idea of how they'll know the person they're dating is or isn't "the one." This book More...
It was funny to read this book and contrast it with all of the 'marriage and dating' articles in the April 2010 Ensign magazine. I can see how some YSAs develop an unrealistic idea of how they'll know the person they're dating is or isn't "the one." This book More...
Jul 28, 2010
Heather
rated it: 
This is hands down THE funniest book I have ever read. I found my self laughing out lout so many times my husband finally asked me to go in the other room. I had tears in my eyes. This gem is full of humor and funny scenes that will brighten up your outlook on life. I picked it up at our local thrift store browsing titles and it will make it to the top ten ever read list. The first pages drew me in because they are set in the San Joaquin Valley where I graduated from High School. The rest takes
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Mar 16, 2010
Jennie
rated it: 
Many complaints:
It seemed as though every time Annabelle changed clothes, we had to know that she got it on sale somewhere. I don't really care. Sure, mention it once so we know she's a thrifty shopper, if that's important to the story, but all the time and it's just annoying.
For a girl who is supposed to be "totally into food" - she sure has little to say about anything other than junk food. We get a one line description of a Krispy Kreme donut, but when she ha More...
It seemed as though every time Annabelle changed clothes, we had to know that she got it on sale somewhere. I don't really care. Sure, mention it once so we know she's a thrifty shopper, if that's important to the story, but all the time and it's just annoying.
For a girl who is supposed to be "totally into food" - she sure has little to say about anything other than junk food. We get a one line description of a Krispy Kreme donut, but when she ha More...
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Apr 01, 2008
Nerd Goddess
rated it:
This book was so cute! I've never been a fan of LDS romantic comedies, since they tend to be a little, well, bland. However, The Icing on The Cake did not disappoint! It was a sweet and funny story, filled with suspense, adorable moments, and plenty of humor. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, light read with a good message.
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May 28, 2010
Nikita
rated it:
This book was so much deeper than I expected. It was one that has already made me think a lot. I loved that it was an LDS book that was open to things like getting married in the temple, church services, and standards. It went along the lines that I think and act on. It was hilarious, yet insightful. I have reviewed my life by means of morals, family relations, friendships, my religion (in so many aspects), purpose, and the small things in life--I want to have little pink notes! Noticing the dif
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Feb 18, 2009
Tanis
rated it:
Here's what I really liked about the book:
The plot was really fun and very creative. I also loved the humor. This book made me laugh out loud several times.
Here's what I didn't like about the book:
The guy was a total jerk to her almost the entire book and she still moons over him the entire time!! Just because he comes on all romantic and sweet at the end she takes him right back! She should have made him fight harder for her. This guy had it way too easy. GRRRR!
I sh More...
The plot was really fun and very creative. I also loved the humor. This book made me laugh out loud several times.
Here's what I didn't like about the book:
The guy was a total jerk to her almost the entire book and she still moons over him the entire time!! Just because he comes on all romantic and sweet at the end she takes him right back! She should have made him fight harder for her. This guy had it way too easy. GRRRR!
I sh More...
Oct 28, 2010
Ashley
rated it:
I liked this a lot more the second time around. I may actually buy it. :0) And I look forward to the time when I can turn on PBS to distract ALL of my children so I can read...
295 pages; 2010 total: 15580
I love 'love'. I really do. This was a cute book with a cute little love story. The style of writing was a little different- more like the character is actually talking to you and telling you the story (saying things like "so, dear reader" and such) and tha More...
295 pages; 2010 total: 15580
I love 'love'. I really do. This was a cute book with a cute little love story. The style of writing was a little different- more like the character is actually talking to you and telling you the story (saying things like "so, dear reader" and such) and tha More...
Apr 13, 2009
Harmony
rated it:
This book was relatively cute - it's young adult LDS fiction - typical love story mixed with typical humor. Once I got past the thought, "this is so unrealistic" and just enjoyed the book for entertainment value, it turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable. ;) There are some cute moments that are more "realistic" when you get to the main character's "pink notes" that are included throughout the book. It was worth the read (especially if you have long plane rides an
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May 02, 2009
Tiffany
rated it:
I have found my perfect book!! This book has a similar feel and writing style to Confessions of a Shopaholic which makes it just absolutely hilarious, but it is written by an LDS author and it is 100% clean. I love it because you go from just laughing out loud and outright giddiness to moments of spiritual insight and connection. When I finished the book I thought to myself, "I just want to go right back to the first page and read it all over again."
Jan 23, 2009
We met the authors mom and dad while on our 17 month trip around the country and bought their daughter's book. It's a quick read, did it in two days. Cute and romantic, not much depth. A good read when you want something easy and quick that doesn't make you think much. A bit of spirituality in it, the main character is LDS but it doesn't overrun the book at all, it's just part of who she is.
Jun 24, 2009
Brenda
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What a sweet, adorable story of a cute girl who actually looks for the good in others. This was a fast moving, laugh-out-loud book with characters that were just so easy to relate to. I loved the way the author interacted with the reader throughout, and pointed out her obvious flaws. The wacky situations Annabelle got herself into cracked me up! I love a book that makes me smile as I read!!!!! :)
Nov 09, 2009
Kimberly
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I absolutely LOVE this book! Elodia Strain has a remarkable way of making me laugh out loud (earning me strange looks from the other people in the room) while teaching me how to love life and really appreciate those around me (even the people who think I'm crazy for laughing hysterically at a book). The Icing on the Cake is one of my all-time favorite books! Love love love it!
Jun 30, 2009
Shanelle
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This was a very cute book. If you're looking for a clean (it's an LDS book) novel version of a chick flick, this would be it: there's romance and comedy,and even though it is VERY over the top, I couldn't help but get into the emotions of it. Annabelle, the main character, has such a fun bubbly personality that I just had to laugh as I imagined what this girl would be like in real life.
Nov 20, 2010
Carol
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What a fun book!!! I liked this book especially because it seemed to portray YSA's (Young single adults) better than most. The road to finding true love is never easy and even when you think you have found it it's hard to get together. Even though the plot was predictable it was still a fun read. Hope this author writes more books and keeps her light and funny tone.
Dec 26, 2011
Lori
rated it:
Thanks Beth for this great recommendation! It was a laugh out loud good read. Just what I needed!
Written in the first person, Annabelle Pleasanton re-tells her story that begins with looking for a delectable portuguese sponge cake. Who knew that a cake could set such a chain of events into motion. Written as an LDS comic romance, Strain uses whit in making her characters relatable.
Written in the first person, Annabelle Pleasanton re-tells her story that begins with looking for a delectable portuguese sponge cake. Who knew that a cake could set such a chain of events into motion. Written as an LDS comic romance, Strain uses whit in making her characters relatable.
Apr 14, 2010
Kathy
rated it:
I've seen this book around for awhile now and finally had the opportunity to pick up a copy while I was home visiting family over the weekend. I ended up really enjoying the story and characters. I liked Annabelle; she is easy to relate to, funny, and a really good person. Annabelle ends up in a few embarrassing situations, but she handles them well. I liked our leading man Isaac, and was rooting for him throughout the story. There were a few misunderstandings along the way, and I thought the a
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Jan 17, 2011
Emmeli
rated it:
It was a cute story, and there were some parts that were so funny that i was laughing out loud in the middle of the night. One thing that i didn't really like was that everytime she changed her clothes, you get the history of where she got it. But other then that i really liked it.
Apr 01, 2009
Camille
rated it:
Ok I really liked this book... yes Lauren I am already finished with it. I loved how funny it was and yes it was a little churchy, but not a whole bunch, but I still really enjoyed it. There were parts that made me laugh and other parts that I was like. "Oh!!! You are so stupid, this is what happens when people jump to conclusions and don't communicate with each other!!!' but I liked it a lot!
Aug 03, 2009
Stephanie
rated it:
I should have read this one before its sequal (I know, kind of a DUH moment). It was a good read, but nothing original. I really appreciated that the characters were LDS without it dominating the story line. And once again, I have to ask: does anyone REALLY get into this many scrapes in the space of a couple weeks?
Apr 01, 2009
Lacey
rated it:
I love cheese romance books. Even if they are a little unrealistic at times. I really enjoyed this book. I thought the main charecter was a hoot. If you like cute, fun, sappy, happy endings then you will enjoy this book. I really enjoyed it. :)
Nov 03, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
This is a cute story. It took me awhile to figure out it was a Mormon author though. I should have been clued in by words like ward, and activities committee, but alas, I am a bit thick I guess. Anyways, cute story, a bit on the predictable side, but nice, clean and fun.
Oct 15, 2010
Danni
rated it:
This book was really funny. Poor Anabelle she is so awkward at everything that she does until she decides that she needs to trust the Lord and be herself, then everything works out for the best and the problems in her life get solved. I liked it alot more than I thought that I would.
Apr 07, 2009
Cheri
rated it: 
Toubles always seem to come Annabelle's way but when she meets Issac she hopes her troubles are over, but they are really just beginning.
Annabelle keeps a little pink notebook of note worthy people who make a difference in her life.
Annabelle keeps a little pink notebook of note worthy people who make a difference in her life.
Dec 19, 2008
Liz
rated it:
This was a quick read--mostly fluff, but it was still entertaining. It's by an LDS author, about LDS people, a budding relationship that hits some snags...like I said, not to heavy, but still a good read.
Jan 23, 2010
Connie
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This book seemed like it was written to be read by 15 or 16 year olds instead of adults, but it was kind of cute and kind of corny. It wasn't really my kind of humor, but it brought a smile once in a while.
Aug 17, 2009
Michelle
rated it:
This LDS comedy romance was a surprise for me in how much I enjoyed it. It was actually funny and light- like a Sophie Kinsella book but with a little more substance. I would recommend it to anyone.
Jun 25, 2009
Nicole
rated it:
Cute and fluffy little romance novel. I originally read it because my teenager wanted to read it..and I had to make sure it wasn't too adult for her. I didn't realize it was of the LDS genre. Very clean.
Oct 07, 2009
Cardiacnursee
rated it:
Very easy and cute story!! This is one of those stories that many young women and women that are dating can relate to. This book is being passed around to my nieces and friends. LOVED it!!
