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A review by cgj13
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert
5.0
So when you pick up a book strictly based on the title and cover you don't really know what you are going to get. But I like Coconut Cake, so I thought I would try it.
This one sat on my shelf for a week when I determined I need a light reading break from the heaviness of Dance of Dragons.
Upon reading the back cover, I could see that this was going to be a typical love gone wrong, then find love in an unsuspecting place story. I wish I hadn't read the back cover. I almost put it down for fear of being disappointed by the story.
The first chapter dives right into the love gone wrong part of the story. Although, it's clear to see that the author didn't want to linger on Lou and Devlin's perfect life together. which it wasnt' a perfect life. Devlin wants to mold Lou into a perfect wife to complement his corporate climbing ideals. He relishes rescuing her from her life of "hard work".
I admire Lou's resolve and confidence in dropping Devlin and not turning back, but I wonder how she got into this relationship where her dreams, desires and passions are squashed by the man she "loves" and she can't even imagine moving in with him, but is wearing his engagement ring. This is probably the one thing that unsettles me about the book that I otherwise love.
Although the storyline is fairly textbook I loved it, and was routing for Al and Lou. I love how the author switches voices between Al and Lou. It really allows the reader to reflect on both sides of the relationship. I found Al endearing as he learned to love Milwaukee and how his demeanor mellowed and relationships grew as he fell in love with both Lou and Milwaukee.
Another review felt that the relationship lacked spark and there wasn't enough actions on the talked about emotions. I would have to disagree. This is not a bodice-ripping romance story, but one of real developing love, full of doubt , uncertainty and restraint. I found my self yelling at Al not to tell Lou the truth, because you knew that once she found out he was the cause of her restaurants demise it would destroy their budding relationship. And in the end I was crying that she took the advice of her surrogate mother and gave Al a second chance. Quickly followed by a hoot and holler when Al proposed.
I grew up near Milwaukee and loved following the authors details of Al and Lou's "dates" So many details were spot on--especially the rootbeer milk at the state fair. You can tell the author has a love of the area, and to see places I know quite well in print. Possibly the only place missing was the Milwaukee Zoo.
And her love of food. So much detail went into the culinary creations described. I am not a chef or a foodie, but the author wrote so lovingly and carefully that it made one hungry for the meals created. And I admit, I can't wait to try out the surprise coconut cake recipe in the back of the book.
This one sat on my shelf for a week when I determined I need a light reading break from the heaviness of Dance of Dragons.
Upon reading the back cover, I could see that this was going to be a typical love gone wrong, then find love in an unsuspecting place story. I wish I hadn't read the back cover. I almost put it down for fear of being disappointed by the story.
The first chapter dives right into the love gone wrong part of the story. Although, it's clear to see that the author didn't want to linger on Lou and Devlin's perfect life together. which it wasnt' a perfect life. Devlin wants to mold Lou into a perfect wife to complement his corporate climbing ideals. He relishes rescuing her from her life of "hard work".
I admire Lou's resolve and confidence in dropping Devlin and not turning back, but I wonder how she got into this relationship where her dreams, desires and passions are squashed by the man she "loves" and she can't even imagine moving in with him, but is wearing his engagement ring. This is probably the one thing that unsettles me about the book that I otherwise love.
Although the storyline is fairly textbook I loved it, and was routing for Al and Lou. I love how the author switches voices between Al and Lou. It really allows the reader to reflect on both sides of the relationship. I found Al endearing as he learned to love Milwaukee and how his demeanor mellowed and relationships grew as he fell in love with both Lou and Milwaukee.
Another review felt that the relationship lacked spark and there wasn't enough actions on the talked about emotions. I would have to disagree. This is not a bodice-ripping romance story, but one of real developing love, full of doubt , uncertainty and restraint. I found my self yelling at Al not to tell Lou the truth, because you knew that once she found out he was the cause of her restaurants demise it would destroy their budding relationship. And in the end I was crying that she took the advice of her surrogate mother and gave Al a second chance. Quickly followed by a hoot and holler when Al proposed.
I grew up near Milwaukee and loved following the authors details of Al and Lou's "dates" So many details were spot on--especially the rootbeer milk at the state fair. You can tell the author has a love of the area, and to see places I know quite well in print. Possibly the only place missing was the Milwaukee Zoo.
And her love of food. So much detail went into the culinary creations described. I am not a chef or a foodie, but the author wrote so lovingly and carefully that it made one hungry for the meals created. And I admit, I can't wait to try out the surprise coconut cake recipe in the back of the book.