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keen23's review against another edition
3.0
When I started this book, I thought it was something I had already read. I had to check that it was in fact a new book. Three times, in fact, did I check that this was a new book.
alizabethmariea's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
ketutar's review against another edition
2.0
I read this book to find out who her father was. I was expecting an exciting cozy mystery about history in small towns. Maybe someone reads an interview with someone who remembers going home with a beautiful dark unknown lady and looking for her the rest of his life, never marrying... or maybe her father would reminiscence... when they found the box in the wall, I was hoping they also found her father. It would have been so perfect. But no.
What I got was a lot of created problems that get magically and conveniently solved. And a lot of beating a dead horse. Lot of repetition. People get offended by nothing and drama queen about it. Lot of imaginary worries. Can she date this guy, will she marry that guy, what about her dead husband? What about her father?
I couldn't identify with anything in this book. Well... I liked Joe. Joe was cool.
What I got was a lot of created problems that get magically and conveniently solved. And a lot of beating a dead horse. Lot of repetition. People get offended by nothing and drama queen about it. Lot of imaginary worries. Can she date this guy, will she marry that guy, what about her dead husband? What about her father?
I couldn't identify with anything in this book. Well... I liked Joe. Joe was cool.
snrmomfirst's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
temast62's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
SWEET EXPECTATIONS by Mary Ellen Taylor was a charming read – from the inviting front cover (makes you want to curl up with a cup of coffee or tea, grab a bistro table, something sweet, and a good book-for a few relaxing hours), to the ending! –love the new plans for becoming more than just a bakery!
I read the first book in the series (Union Street Bakery) – highly recommend—the book continues with challenges from Daisy’s character-adopted at age 3 by the McCrae’s (owners of the bakery) when she was left by her biological mother --to some new ventures in small town of Alexandria.
In the previous book, Daisy returns home to help with the finances and management of the bakery as her parents have retired –to help her two sisters –Margaret and Rachel. After Daisy’s big finance job in Washington ends and no money – she finds herself 4 months pregnant and single (from a drunken night before she moved back to her roots with a guy who is not father material).
She is getting accustomed to her new simple life full of hard work and upcoming renovations at the bakery, she finds her ex- fiancé’ (Gordon) opens a bike shop down the street, and she has a ghost named Jenna urging her to find her former ex- fiancé and her child who died at birth. The hunt heats up during the renovation when they find a recipe box with scrumptious recipes and dog tags.
Not only was she shell shocked to be living in an attic, doing manual labor, now she finds herself single and pregnant and feels she has lost all hope of getting back together with Gordon.
Rachel, the sister (mother of twins) who lost her husband a year or so ago, experiences growth and confidence with her sister’s guidance-- she has two guys Jean Paul (the new French baker and a finance executive), and of course Margaret the other sister, an archeologist is busy at her digs.
The book was full of humor, romance, history, and mystery. Daisy is slowly finding she likes the bakery, the work, family, and is letting down her guard to show emotions --and excited about researching Jenna’s past (who formerly worked at the bakery years ago). The story intertwines with her own past and present situation. She meets colorful older characters rich in history -in rest homes to connect as she puts the pieces of the puzzle together.
I wanted the book to continue, it is the kind of book you dread ending as you fall in love with the characters in this charming town. I hope Mary Ellen is planning on a third book in the series to keep the characters alive.
Dying to see how the new wine cellar will fare, possibly some cheese and other delectable, and other ways to grow the business; Gordon/Daisy new life, and possibly a romance between Rachel and John Paul (I think he will be a better choice than Simon); however, would be fun to see how it plays out. Maybe there is more about Terry’s past to explore and Daisy’s biological father? Also other plans for the bakery with mail order and other corporate ideas to keep them from working too hard and getting to enjoy some fun R&R! Maybe there is a story of the two teens who now work at the bakery and their mom)…ummmm – worth a few more books….
Love the way the author seamlessly combines the new with the old (past and present) with some interesting generational stories you will want to relive-also some great recipes for the holiday season! Look forward to more from this author- love her writing style!
I read the first book in the series (Union Street Bakery) – highly recommend—the book continues with challenges from Daisy’s character-adopted at age 3 by the McCrae’s (owners of the bakery) when she was left by her biological mother --to some new ventures in small town of Alexandria.
In the previous book, Daisy returns home to help with the finances and management of the bakery as her parents have retired –to help her two sisters –Margaret and Rachel. After Daisy’s big finance job in Washington ends and no money – she finds herself 4 months pregnant and single (from a drunken night before she moved back to her roots with a guy who is not father material).
She is getting accustomed to her new simple life full of hard work and upcoming renovations at the bakery, she finds her ex- fiancé’ (Gordon) opens a bike shop down the street, and she has a ghost named Jenna urging her to find her former ex- fiancé and her child who died at birth. The hunt heats up during the renovation when they find a recipe box with scrumptious recipes and dog tags.
Not only was she shell shocked to be living in an attic, doing manual labor, now she finds herself single and pregnant and feels she has lost all hope of getting back together with Gordon.
Rachel, the sister (mother of twins) who lost her husband a year or so ago, experiences growth and confidence with her sister’s guidance-- she has two guys Jean Paul (the new French baker and a finance executive), and of course Margaret the other sister, an archeologist is busy at her digs.
The book was full of humor, romance, history, and mystery. Daisy is slowly finding she likes the bakery, the work, family, and is letting down her guard to show emotions --and excited about researching Jenna’s past (who formerly worked at the bakery years ago). The story intertwines with her own past and present situation. She meets colorful older characters rich in history -in rest homes to connect as she puts the pieces of the puzzle together.
I wanted the book to continue, it is the kind of book you dread ending as you fall in love with the characters in this charming town. I hope Mary Ellen is planning on a third book in the series to keep the characters alive.
Dying to see how the new wine cellar will fare, possibly some cheese and other delectable, and other ways to grow the business; Gordon/Daisy new life, and possibly a romance between Rachel and John Paul (I think he will be a better choice than Simon); however, would be fun to see how it plays out. Maybe there is more about Terry’s past to explore and Daisy’s biological father? Also other plans for the bakery with mail order and other corporate ideas to keep them from working too hard and getting to enjoy some fun R&R! Maybe there is a story of the two teens who now work at the bakery and their mom)…ummmm – worth a few more books….
Love the way the author seamlessly combines the new with the old (past and present) with some interesting generational stories you will want to relive-also some great recipes for the holiday season! Look forward to more from this author- love her writing style!
smbrisco337's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kdurham2's review against another edition
5.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
The second in a series that takes place just moments from my house in Alexandria, VA. The reader returns to the bakery to continue the story with the three sisters, Margaret, Rachel and Daisy. It continues the story right where it left off, so don't miss the first one to set the foundation for the stories to come.
As I am so glad that the synopsis didn't completely bust the twist that does happen at the beginning, but is really enjoyable when you experience it in the story and not on the cover! So this review may be short, but I just can't spoil the goodness in it!
The second in a series that takes place just moments from my house in Alexandria, VA. The reader returns to the bakery to continue the story with the three sisters, Margaret, Rachel and Daisy. It continues the story right where it left off, so don't miss the first one to set the foundation for the stories to come.
As I am so glad that the synopsis didn't completely bust the twist that does happen at the beginning, but is really enjoyable when you experience it in the story and not on the cover! So this review may be short, but I just can't spoil the goodness in it!
kate01970's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0