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The Icing on the Cake
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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, bargain-savvy Annabelle Pleasanton. In fact, between a promotion at work, her best friend's engagement, and her discovery of handsome photographer Isaac Matthews, that little cake has managed to turn Annabelle's world upside down
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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 was so anxious to read this book, written by a friend from my BYU ward, that I opened it right away. And then — I didn’t want to put it down. (I DID put it down occasionally when I really was reading in the middle of the night and my newborn had finished nursing. I do value my sleep.)
What a fun read! I felt like I was gabbing with a girlfriend as ...more
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I was so anxious to read this book, written by a friend from my BYU ward, that I opened it right away. And then — I didn’t want to put it down. (I DID put it down occasionally when I really was reading in the middle of the night and my newborn had finished nursing. I do value my sleep.)
What a fun read! I felt like I was gabbing with a girlfriend as ...more
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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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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This was just a cute read. I pretty much fell in love with both Isaac and Annabelle right away. I thought that Annabelle was real. She loved her family, friends and religion. That is pretty much my life and I think there is something extra wonderful about it. I will confess that I am extra hormonal right now but the scene where Annabelle goes to Isaac's house and he is shooting basketball and tells her "good bye," I seriously had tears in my eyes. Again, hormones. Over-all it was just a sweet, f
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First reading in 2009: Hilarious!
Second reading in 2014: I decided that the only thing that would make this book better was if it was edible. I mean actually edible. Cause really, the whole time I was reading it I felt like I was devouring something ridiculously delicious. You know the deliciousness I'm talking about, the kind that makes you feel all giddy inside cause it's so yummy. And it wasn't the adventurous love story (which don't get me wrong was pretty tasty), it was the laugh out loud h ...more
Second reading in 2014: I decided that the only thing that would make this book better was if it was edible. I mean actually edible. Cause really, the whole time I was reading it I felt like I was devouring something ridiculously delicious. You know the deliciousness I'm talking about, the kind that makes you feel all giddy inside cause it's so yummy. And it wasn't the adventurous love story (which don't get me wrong was pretty tasty), it was the laugh out loud h ...more
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 has an amazing dinner in a Portugues ...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 has an amazing dinner in a Portugues ...more
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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This is a fast, fun read. I literally laughed out loud on some parts. I love how Elodia focuses on Annabelle's personality and relationship with Isaac rather than on the gospel aspect. The LDS overtones are very subdued. I much prefer that than the LDS fiction books where the issue focuses on dramatic life-altering, gospel-related decisions; and I have to decide if I agree with the protagonist's decisions.
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This was a very cute romantic comedy. Annabelle (the main character) was very likable and got herself into some crazy situations. Some of the things that came out of her mouth made me cringe with embarrassment--for her, of course. I really felt a connection with her. Was it an amazingly well-written book? No. Was it an amazing, life-altering story? No. It was a light, hilarious, easy read and I loved every minute of the story--didn't want it to end.
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This was sweet, fun and clean. It felt fresh. You know how romances can seem forced in places. I didn't feel like that reading this. I recommend it if you like Mormon romances.
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This book was a solid 3 stars for me for the first half-ish. Cutesy, funny LDS chick lit. Then the 2nd half happened. The story being what it is, is pretty predictable, yet somehow I couldn't put the book down and there were parts that had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. I had to bump it up a star for both of those reasons! Such a fun, enjoyable read!
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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 didn't contribute much to ...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 didn't contribute much to ...more
Now I want cake. I can't stop thinking about cake and buttercream frosting. This was a really fun book you guys. Super cute and sweet. It had all the makings of a great love story without being cheesy. You are actually being told the story by the main character. I liked this. It felt like we had a connection. She was telling me what I wanted to know.
Annabelle feels like me. Or every girl out there. A bit disheveled and just trying to make her mark on the world. I like her. A lot. She's fun and c ...more
Annabelle feels like me. Or every girl out there. A bit disheveled and just trying to make her mark on the world. I like her. A lot. She's fun and c ...more
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 that threw me off a little. The characters ...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 that threw me off a little. The characters ...more
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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May 02, 2013
Mandi Ellsworth
added it
The cover of this book is really well done. Isn't it cute? I have to admit, that I picked it up because of the cover. Judging again.
I was happily surprised by the quality of this book. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love to be wrong like that. There were some truly funny moments, and the narrator is entertaining.
In order to get a writing assignment for the magazine she works for, Annabelle buys a special cake for her boss. It works! She gets the ass ...more
I was happily surprised by the quality of this book. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love to be wrong like that. There were some truly funny moments, and the narrator is entertaining.
In order to get a writing assignment for the magazine she works for, Annabelle buys a special cake for her boss. It works! She gets the ass ...more
i loved this book. It was refreshing to see the character annabelle go through her days in trying to find her knight in shining armor. And like life the best things come when you least expect them. Annabelle is real in a character that gets jelous just like any girl would after having a date snatching experience. Isaac is also real in his barrior of mistrust he has after having a fiance break off their engagement 3 weeks before the wedding and say she has been seeing her ex for 2 months. ouch! I
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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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On the one hand this was a cute chick-lit with a likeable character getting into all sorts of comical situations, on the other the writing and the situations the main character got in are very YA and didn't quite suit 24 year old Annabelle which made the novel feel slightly off.
Only about midway through did I realise this is a LDS chick-lit which I suppose explains the fact that it's written very clean and young (and certainly explains the mentions of "temple", "singles ward", etc. which up unt ...more
Only about midway through did I realise this is a LDS chick-lit which I suppose explains the fact that it's written very clean and young (and certainly explains the mentions of "temple", "singles ward", etc. which up unt ...more
I really have difficulty reading and enjoying a story where the protagonist is ...
well ... stupid or goofy or frequently klutzy or not smart or "aw shucks." Had I not purchased this book, I would have stopped reading this early on. However, my "investment" kept me persevering. There were several times even then that I debated about giving it up. I guess I am glad I did not give it up because the last part of the book kind of redeemed it somewhat and I mean the very last pages as the whole story ...more
well ... stupid or goofy or frequently klutzy or not smart or "aw shucks." Had I not purchased this book, I would have stopped reading this early on. However, my "investment" kept me persevering. There were several times even then that I debated about giving it up. I guess I am glad I did not give it up because the last part of the book kind of redeemed it somewhat and I mean the very last pages as the whole story ...more
4.5 I'm not sure why I hadn't marked this as read....this was actually my second time through this book and I enjoyed it just as much the second time. :) Poor Annabelle...I'm not sure how many more embarrassing moments one girl can handle. She had one disaster after another but I LOVED her attitude about it all. I found myself shaking my head and laughing when she got herself in yet another crazy situation! Isaac was the best! I loved how he looked past the craziness and saw Annabelle for who sh
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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 should stop reading romance nov ...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 should stop reading romance nov ...more
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 and need something to keep you occ
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This book was hilarious! I loved it. I don't know if I was just in a better mood by the end of the book or I just started to really feel like I was there, but by the end, I was laughing so hard while reading it. I fell in love with the characters (especially Isaac, but don't tell Mike!) and I can't wait to read more from this author.
If anyone local wants to borrow it, let me know. It's a good one! I finished it all in one night.
I can't wait to read the next one - as soon as the price goes a bit ...more
If anyone local wants to borrow it, let me know. It's a good one! I finished it all in one night.
I can't wait to read the next one - as soon as the price goes a bit ...more
This is the first LDS chick-lit I've read in a long time. And there are good things and bad things about this genre. This book had both. The bad: the simpleness & predictability of the plot, the cheesiness, the cliche characters. The good: clean fun, some funny situations, a happy ending.
In the end, I'm glad I spent a few hours reading this. Best part: tearing up over the drama of early-twenties romance angst. Because as ridiculous as it sounds reading about it, I remember feeling EXACTLY the sa ...more
In the end, I'm glad I spent a few hours reading this. Best part: tearing up over the drama of early-twenties romance angst. Because as ridiculous as it sounds reading about it, I remember feeling EXACTLY the sa ...more
I loved that the author has a similar thought process as me. From needing to give something to DI, to what a great deal she got on a pair of pants she put on, to the kind of guy she wanted to marry. It is an LDS fiction book, and it is a nice change from some of the other books I have read lately. It's in a similar (LDS-version) voice as Becky Bloomwood (Confessions of a Shopaholic). Definitely has some cringe worthy moments, and I laughed out loud a lot. Definitely worth a read--friends near me
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I liked this book, but only gave it 3 stars because I had a hard time connecting with the author's humor. It was a clean book with a happy ending. At times I thought a little too much was happening and with all the chaos in my own life I sorta felt burdened to continue reading someone else's problems. However, I did like it and would recommend it to others who like Sophie Kinsella's books. Similar writing style without all the swearing. Sophie Kinsella's books are funnier, but Elodia Strain is a
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This is another one of those books I would give 3 1/2 stars although I liked it more than not. It was, as the title suggests, sweet and fluffy! -- easy to pick up and put down. I liked that she involved the "LDS" aspect in the story, but did not let it take over. There were some pretty funny moments with this girl's quirky personality (I laughed out loud a few times). Overall, cute and fairly predictable, and a quick, fun read.
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Annabelle is bound and determined to become the best writer for "Coastal Coast Living" magazine. When that opportuninty drops in her lap, her focus gets blurred as disaster after disaster hinders her attempts for the anticipated interview with Jean-Pierre, sumo chef of La Bonne Violette. After Isaac breaks the relationship, Annabelle "wakes up" to what's been in front of her the whole time. She's also an amazing bargain shopper.
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I opened this book, greatly needing a distraction today, and I didn't leave the couch until it was finished, for I didn't want to stop reading! I was immediately sucked into the story. I laughed a lot, I cried a lot, and I related so much to Annabelle. I doubt anyone else would cry as much as me, it's not really meant to do that, but for my mood today, that's what it did, and it was truly great therapy. I picked this book up from the library, but think I need my own copy now... :)
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