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Take the Cake
Sometimes you just have to take life one cupcake at a time. Kate Shannon is happy with the way things are. Granted she lost her parents at a young age, but she has made a good life for herself which includes a legacy of misheard song lyrics and a malfunctioning gaydar. Kate doesn't have a Mr. Right, or even a Mr. Right Now, but what she does have is a thriving bakery in Greenwich Village called Take The Cake, and that's just the way she likes it. Better still is the competition with her barista as they try to outsmart each other every morning with their cupcake/quote war. Firing shots like Woodstock Afterburn and Vegan Rehab is enough to keep her on her toes. Who has time for dating? Across town, Michael Forrester has gone from enjoying the thrill of success to wallowing in the depths of despair. With a collection of critically acclaimed novels in his wake, Michael now spends his days battling writer's block, avoiding his publisher's calls whenever possible. With nowhere to go and nothing to write, Michael's just in time to find exactly what he didn't know he was looking for. What happens next is what you get when you combine friendship, cupcakes, and good coffee with a substance called 'the eternal breath, ' all mixed up in a city like New York. Forget what you know about love, and take the cake.
428 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2010
45 people are currently reading
1304 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 10, 2011
This might be the longest book I've ever read that literally was about nothing. I mean how many times can a person read "hey boss" -"Wren don't call me boss" - "Sorry boss"?! it was ridiculous!! Don't get me wrong it started out great, I loved Michael and David as well as the girls but it was just way too long. You would think the author would want to change it up a little after a while but nope the same thing with every chapter that just made me go crazy and at the end I had to skip some of those because I couldn't take it any longer. Besides the length of the book I hated how sugarcoated everything was I mean come on! No one is that perfect! Kate was perfect, Michael was perfect everyone was fuc$ing perfect. Awwwwwwwww so cute!! Ugh... Too long and definitely not realistic it was like a soap opera gone wrong.
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February 13, 2011So I have to declare some bias ... I wrote this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2011
A lovely light happy romantic story. No angst, just loads of sweetness. Sometimes that's just what you need.
February 2, 2011
What a fun and sweet book. For years I've wondered if an author could pull off a book that didn't have some huge cliff hanger or major dramatic event. I finally figured that it wasn't possible to pull off such a book in a way that would keep the reader's attention. I was wrong. Sandra Wright did it! This is such a beautiful story of personal growth, new friendships, romance, and overcoming fears. What I really loved was how the characters communicated with each other when times got tough or when concerns arose. Where most authors would take these tough times and turn them into a major event by not having the characters talk out the problem, Sandra used them as a way to develop even deeper relationships and trust! Beautiful.
I give it 4.5 stars (Glares at Goodreads for not having half stars!)
I give it 4.5 stars (Glares at Goodreads for not having half stars!)
April 11, 2017
I don't know quite what to make of this book, so I'll leave the review for later.
some time later . . .
Once again, my previous words still stand. I don't know quite what to make of this book.
Let me explain to you what kind of books I read.
Everything.
But good books are more up my alley.
What makes a good chick lit or romance for me?
- I know that chick lit or contemporary romance usually doesn't have a complex plot with varying subplots because that just isn't what chick lit is. However, I do expect it to have some plot and conflict.
- Laughter. I'm reading this book because I want to have fun and feel good. Either make me laugh my pants off or make me cry because of the cuteness I witness.
- Characters. Come on, this is a given. I can't have crappy characters. Why would I be reading the stupid book then?
Those are some key pointers. Other things I like: over the top crazy stuff, but not so crazy that I find it weird; hilarious comments (that takes books to whole new levels); love.
When I started this book, I just didn't feel it. It wasn't funny, so I expected myself to be doused in cuteness. See note on Laughter.
I wasn't doused in cuteness. You see, when a book is not inherently witty or funny, I need sweetness. I want my book to be sappy and sweet. I want it to be like maple syrup. I want my chick lit to be the whole freaking maple tree.
This book was not even a thimble of sap.
It got better halfway through; I will admit that. That is why I gave three stars. It eventually salvaged itself.
I just didn't understand Michael's initial infatuation with Kate. I also wasn't able to connect with how their love progressed. Once they fell in love, I liked it, but I couldn't trace their path to it.
Wren's relationship with David seemed forced as did Emily's relationship with Brad.
However, the cuteness was still there. (kind of, not really, I'm just trying to be nice)
Bottom line, I expect more, but I think that Sandra Wright may be able to deliver in a different book.
Who knows? Guess we'll have to wait and find out.
And I'm out.
some time later . . .
Once again, my previous words still stand. I don't know quite what to make of this book.
Let me explain to you what kind of books I read.
Everything.
But good books are more up my alley.
What makes a good chick lit or romance for me?
- I know that chick lit or contemporary romance usually doesn't have a complex plot with varying subplots because that just isn't what chick lit is. However, I do expect it to have some plot and conflict.
- Laughter. I'm reading this book because I want to have fun and feel good. Either make me laugh my pants off or make me cry because of the cuteness I witness.
- Characters. Come on, this is a given. I can't have crappy characters. Why would I be reading the stupid book then?
Those are some key pointers. Other things I like: over the top crazy stuff, but not so crazy that I find it weird; hilarious comments (that takes books to whole new levels); love.
When I started this book, I just didn't feel it. It wasn't funny, so I expected myself to be doused in cuteness. See note on Laughter.
I wasn't doused in cuteness. You see, when a book is not inherently witty or funny, I need sweetness. I want my book to be sappy and sweet. I want it to be like maple syrup. I want my chick lit to be the whole freaking maple tree.
This book was not even a thimble of sap.
It got better halfway through; I will admit that. That is why I gave three stars. It eventually salvaged itself.
I just didn't understand Michael's initial infatuation with Kate. I also wasn't able to connect with how their love progressed. Once they fell in love, I liked it, but I couldn't trace their path to it.
Wren's relationship with David seemed forced as did Emily's relationship with Brad.
However, the cuteness was still there. (kind of, not really, I'm just trying to be nice)
Bottom line, I expect more, but I think that Sandra Wright may be able to deliver in a different book.
Who knows? Guess we'll have to wait and find out.
And I'm out.
April 20, 2022
Los personajes y la historia son muy genuinos y fáciles de leer.
Kate y Michael están destinados a estar juntos, al igual que las otras parejas del libro. Es divertido ver cómo sus asociaciones se desarrollan con el tiempo y cuántas se entrelazan fuera de las amistades principales. Y tal vez sea eso lo que no me gusta: lo fácil que se hace todo, lo bien que parece encajar todo sin problemas.
Bonita historia sin nada más que eso. Es dulce, feliz y predecible. Sin drama, sin suspenso...
Kate y Michael están destinados a estar juntos, al igual que las otras parejas del libro. Es divertido ver cómo sus asociaciones se desarrollan con el tiempo y cuántas se entrelazan fuera de las amistades principales. Y tal vez sea eso lo que no me gusta: lo fácil que se hace todo, lo bien que parece encajar todo sin problemas.
Bonita historia sin nada más que eso. Es dulce, feliz y predecible. Sin drama, sin suspenso...
January 19, 2013
I tried so hard to enjoy this book and finish it but I got SOOOO bored with it! It took too long to develop the obvious plot line. I loved the daily board sayings but other than that this book was a bore!
June 27, 2011
This book started off really slow in my opinion. In fact, I was ready to put it down and forget about it if it didn't start to pick up after the first 100 pages. I'm glad I kept with it because once it did, I really enjoyed reading Kate's and Michael's blossoming relationship. Both are shy so I should have expected the slow progression, but in the beginning the chapters were quite repetitive.
I thought there was a pretty even give and take with their relationship. I liked how once they kissed, they didn't stop whenever they were together. Even the times they felt nervous and slightly awkward in the beginning of their relationship, Michael and Kate kissed. I liked how much of a gentleman Michael was when it came to Kate, often times showing up to walk her home after work, even treating her to dinner and drinks. I thought the communication between the two of them worked really well, they tended to be on the same page. I will admit I was waiting for the angst, for the ball to drop on their relationship, but it never came and I was happy about that. Kate really brought the recluse Michael out of his shell, out of his apartment and got him living, experiencing life and got him to experience something that he only talked about in books.
I liked how Sandra Wright interweaved all of the characters' relationships. If it wasn't for Michael finding the bakery, then he wouldn't have invited David for lunch who wouldn't have met Wren and Wren brought Emily in to the picture who met a bookwarm Brad who was a fan of Michael's.
I loved the chalkboard quotes and the competition between Wren and Kate. I ended up using one of the quotes on a friend.
I thought there was a pretty even give and take with their relationship. I liked how once they kissed, they didn't stop whenever they were together. Even the times they felt nervous and slightly awkward in the beginning of their relationship, Michael and Kate kissed. I liked how much of a gentleman Michael was when it came to Kate, often times showing up to walk her home after work, even treating her to dinner and drinks. I thought the communication between the two of them worked really well, they tended to be on the same page. I will admit I was waiting for the angst, for the ball to drop on their relationship, but it never came and I was happy about that. Kate really brought the recluse Michael out of his shell, out of his apartment and got him living, experiencing life and got him to experience something that he only talked about in books.
I liked how Sandra Wright interweaved all of the characters' relationships. If it wasn't for Michael finding the bakery, then he wouldn't have invited David for lunch who wouldn't have met Wren and Wren brought Emily in to the picture who met a bookwarm Brad who was a fan of Michael's.
I loved the chalkboard quotes and the competition between Wren and Kate. I ended up using one of the quotes on a friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2012
If you want a complete funny happy romantic read then pick this book up.
The characters (all of them) are wonderfully witty. A lot of the time I don't like when there is to many stories going on but not with Take The Cake. The main story in the book is straight out LOVE. Romantic love, Family love & Friendly love.
For Kate and Michael's story was a light hearted fall in love all the way type of story. You really follow this couple from start to finish. It isn't a quick wham bam I love you....you travel with them as they fall in love.
And as for Wren and David the book left me wanting more. They were the co-couple but their story was just as intriguing as Kate and Michaels. I loved David's fresh look at romance while Wren didn't think love for herself was possible!
If you want to feel happy and read a book with no angst or fighting or betrayal this is it. And honestly sometimes you need a book like this!
I was quite a happy camper after reading this book. Enjoyed it tremendously!!!!!
The characters (all of them) are wonderfully witty. A lot of the time I don't like when there is to many stories going on but not with Take The Cake. The main story in the book is straight out LOVE. Romantic love, Family love & Friendly love.
For Kate and Michael's story was a light hearted fall in love all the way type of story. You really follow this couple from start to finish. It isn't a quick wham bam I love you....you travel with them as they fall in love.
And as for Wren and David the book left me wanting more. They were the co-couple but their story was just as intriguing as Kate and Michaels. I loved David's fresh look at romance while Wren didn't think love for herself was possible!
If you want to feel happy and read a book with no angst or fighting or betrayal this is it. And honestly sometimes you need a book like this!
I was quite a happy camper after reading this book. Enjoyed it tremendously!!!!!
January 18, 2011
Full disclosure, this is one of the authors I do marketing for. However, this is my personal goodreads account, so I feel good about saying that the characters in this book are all people you want to know. They are warm and fuzzy and really really funny, and at least one of them makes good coffee, so, you know: yes please. This is the perfect book for when you want a lovely little semi-bohemian life in NYC, but just don't have the time. You can jump into theirs for a while! :)
January 18, 2013
Sometimes you just need a happily ever after story and Take the Cake certainly delivers!! Michael & Kate's romance is as sweet as some of the cupcakes described within the book, and I certainly love the daily quote/cupcake war that Wren & Kate had going. If you're looking for a lighthearted, feel good story without all the angst that is present in most books these days then I suggest you give Take the Cake a read.
November 19, 2012
It was a good easy read. Sometimes it's good to have a book with limited drama. It was a tad bit long but all good. Good for a first novel :) looking forward to see what else this author produces. Anyone who can put themselves out there by writing and accepts all forms of feedback positive or negative shows strength and that they believe in what they do.
May 1, 2013
3.5 sugar coated stars !.
LOL cause gosh ! this story was the LONGEST but the SWEETEST book ive ever read.. :)definatly going to miss MICHEL & KATE...and the "quote of the day " those always made made me smile....
LOL cause gosh ! this story was the LONGEST but the SWEETEST book ive ever read.. :)definatly going to miss MICHEL & KATE...and the "quote of the day " those always made made me smile....
September 8, 2010
Love this book for many reasons - great characters that feel very real, a charming, feel-good story, delicious-sounding cupcakes and, oh, I've been friends with the author for many years now and have watched her growth as a writer so it is phenomenol to see her in print!
April 16, 2012
It took me forever to finish it. I had high expectations of the book because of the recommendations I got from reading other books similar to this one, but I was barely able to finish.
May 22, 2012
Well, I hate to say it but I am bored. There is nothing happening. Way to slow and no real juice to keep me interested.
July 21, 2012
so good... i love wren's character... and michael is so sweet.
September 4, 2012
This was a cute book
October 19, 2012
This was a fun book. The quote/cupcake of the day kept me laughing. Kate and Michael's relationship was sweet but I really found Wren interesting. All in all it was a cute stroy.
November 7, 2012
solid 3, sometimes 3.5. lighthearted, fun, & quirky love story. definitely got tired quick of the "morning boss", "don't call me boss" banter.
December 20, 2012
A wonderfully sweet story about a fabulous group of characters
January 25, 2013
it was boring but cute. no real spark though. I had a good laughs with the characters in the book so that's a plus. it just upsets me bc this book has some real potential to be more.
December 21, 2012
this book was boring from start to finish. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen. It never did.
December 27, 2012
Beautiful happy read. Light, thoughtful. Perfect answer after reading a dark book. Lovely.
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November 13, 2013Sweet story, it was just too uneventful... I kept reading to get to the 'point', but it never happened...
January 18, 2013
Absolutely brilliant! It's one of those feel good books that you can't put down. I would recommend it to anybody.
August 9, 2012
LOVED the quotes back and forth for the cupcakes!
This is a cute story and I liked it very much.
This is a cute story and I liked it very much.
August 13, 2012
This book was sweet, pun intended. :)
September 22, 2019
Oh wow this felt like the longest book of my life. While I wanted to love it because of how organically the characters found love it was just so long winded and weighed down by descriptors. Characters were likable and had good backgrounds but the main heroine's hang up on having an ex come out of the closet seemed so... Superficial. I mean I get a blow to self esteem to some extent but it just didn't seem like a big enough thing to make the book around and it showed because it felt more like a long series of events and mundane life that a great love story
November 10, 2018
Why did I read this? Oh yeah, it fits a reading challenge thing... This was sweet, too sweet. The kind of sweet where I wonder if anyone like this truly exists and I've just never met them. Or possibly run in the opposite direction screaming. Its tagged as fanfiction so maybe that's why? I don't know. This. This was too happy? Too tame. There was nothing much happening and some of the running jokes and little tidbits about the characters life. Urgh. Give me angst any day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews