A review by novella42
The Heartbreak Bakery by A.R. Capetta

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

This book was generous, warm, and wholeheartedly delicious. A cookie. This book was basically a cookie. Fresh out of the oven and scrumptious.

I adored all the food metaphors, many of which were downright poetic. I loved the way that the city of Austin was its own character, one very true to form, I think. It was just so sweet, in every way I could've wanted. It really had everything I could've asked for in a YA queer romance set in my hometown.

It reminded me of the queer foodie goodness of Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander, and also the magical realism culinary romance of The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

Tiny spoilery complaint about the polyam rep:
my only complaint here is that I don't know anyone in the polyamorous community who would surprise invite someone to a polyamory brunch. The community functions on lots of communication and informed consent, which is otherwise wonderfully represented in this scene, but the plot device of having Syd invited without understanding it was a polyam meetup rang really false to me. Maybe it was meant to be a misunderstanding? I think the main reason it bothers me is that polyam people get pinged with a lot of suspicion that we'd try to trick someone into dating us, when the reality is most polyam people (at least the ones I know) go to great lengths to make sure everyone is on the same page and opting in on their own terms. But otherwise, it was a great scene and I truly appreciated having good representation.


Anyway, I loved this book so very much and think I will be swinging by Book Woman soon to pick up a hardcopy for my own Comfort Book Shelf. 

I've also snapped pics of the recipes for the Very Sorry Cake and the Shiny New Scones and have loaded up the ingredients in my HEB grocery app. I will update here if they turn out as delicious as they sound!
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