Book Review - The Cake Therapist by Judith M. Fertig

 

 

Claire O'Neil is a talented pastry chef that has a hidden extraordinary talent. Most talented chefs can taste flavors that most of us miss. However, Claire can "taste" the feelings of other people. She can customize her treats to help someone celebrate love, dealing with loss, and connecting with others.

Claire returns home to Millcreek Valley when her marriage starts to fall apart. She is excited to open her bakery and starting over. As she starts meeting with her clients, she senses some of them are hiding secrets, while others are in pain. However, Claire starts to notice a sour taste that is signaling a story that desperately needs to be told.  Claire is used to helping other people with her ability but, will this story help guide her?

The novel had vivid descriptions of the desserts being made. You can tell the author has a deep appreciation for food. However, while the author went into details about the food, I felt like the story lacked some details. I wish more time was spent on certain parts of the novel. The novel had two "different" storylines that ended up converging at the end. Both storylines had promise but, failed during execution. At times, the story felt convoluted and disjointed. Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me and I am hesitant to read any other books by the author.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Clod Makes a Friend by David J. Pedersen + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Clod is a magnet for bullies because he is different than his classmates. He is bigger, clumsy and ugly along with having no magic. In a world where magic makes everything possible, Clod has no friends and has trouble getting along with other people.

Clod lives with his mother, Eidy in a small cottage where they barely have enough to survive.  One day after a visit from his teacher, Learned Yugen about an incident at school, Clod is more discouraged than ever. He takes to building a friend out of clay that his mother brings for him every day. One day, the clay girl, Ada comes to life and becomes friends with Clod but her confidence and courage get them both in trouble. Is Ada the friend Clod desperately needs?

The novel was a quick and fun read especially with the dynamics between Ada and Clod. There were portions of the book where I thought the sassy Ada would become another bully for Clod but I was happy when it turns out that they both needed each other. While I did enjoy the book, I wish the author went into a bit more details especially about the dark war and Clod's family. Overall, it was a fun treat to read and I look forward to reading other books by the author.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Clod Makes a Friend by David J. Pedersen
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction, 174 pages
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  Odysia Press
Release date:  March 2018
Content Rating: PG (There is no bad language, but there is one "boss fight" scene.)

Book Description:

Best Friend Ever?

Bullies love to hate Clod. Not just because he’s bigger, clumsier, and uglier than his classmates - he’s also the only student in his school without magic. In a world where all magic is possible and everyone else is born with great gifts to do amazing things, Clod is alone.

Living with his mum in a broken-down cottage on barely enough, the only thing Clod has to play with is the clay she occasionally brings him. Bleak is an understatement. More than anything, Clod wants a friend. The only way that’s going to happen, is to make one himself.

After an angry visit from the worst of the bullies, his teacher Learned Yugen, Clod’s clay sculpture of a little girl comes to life and introduces herself as Ada. For a clay girl barely the size of his hand, she has more confidence and courage than he knows what to do with. Every adventure she leads him on gets Clod into trouble. She may be the friend he wants, but is she the friend he needs?

After many years, and too many pranks, Yugen becomes convinced that Clod is tainted by the evil slowly infiltrating the Kingdom of Pag. Especially when Ada isn’t the only one Clod can bring to life.

Clod Makes A Friend is a bittersweet fairy tale for all ages from David J. Pedersen, author of the Angst series of fantasy novels.

Meet the Author:

David J. Pedersen is a native of Racine, WI who resides in his home town Kansas City, MO. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He has worked in sales, management, retail, video and film production, and IT. David has run 2 marathons, climbed several 14,000 foot mountains and marched in Thee University of Wisconsin Marching Band and written 4 fantasy novels. He is a geek and a fanboy that enjoys carousing, picking on his wife and kids, playing video games, and slowly muddling through his next novel.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - The Secret of Hummingbird Cake By Celeste Fletcher McHale

Photo Credit - Amazon

**May Contain Spoilers**

A Southern tale about three friends' journey through life, love, happiness, and sadness. The lifelong trio have been friends since childhood.  In their small town, everyone knows everything. There is no secret that can go without someone knowing.  The three friends has been living in their "perfect" bubble until life gave them something more than they can handle. Will they be able to survive the event? Will it bring them together or pull them apart?

A sweet and endearing tale about the friendship between three friends. They are willing to do anything for each other -- even if it means putting the others before themselves. A beautiful tale intertwining elements of love, grief, betrayal, joy, and friendship. A refreshing tale of friendship and be warned, read with tissues nearby. The perfect treat for a rainy day because you never know when you might get into the mood for baking!

**Disclosure - I received a copy of  the book for my honest opinion --- this had no impact on my review and feedback**

Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Shower Gel, Shampoo and Bubble Bath

Photo Source - Sephora

The soft scented shower gel smelled like vanilla cake batter. The scent did not last long after leaving the bottle, which was very disappointing. The shower gel did moisturize the skin but the lather was quite poor. It is a nice calorie free way to treat yourself.

Cake Beauty Strawberry Shortcake

Photo Credit: Cakebeauty.com

I cannot think of a more appropriate cherish childhood icon that Strawberry Shortcake to be apart of Cake Beauty's limited edition line [and most delish way of celebrating 30 years]. The name alone, Strawberry Shortcake, makes you think of abandoning that horrible diet, and indulging in that sweet tasty oh-so-soft pieces of cake...[Oops, I got a bit side-tracked!]..or reminisce about fond childhood memories.. [of cake most probably]

The limited edition line include hand cream, shower gel, body butter and very coveted lip butter all fabulously adorned with Strawberry Shortcake herself. The collection is smells like warm vanilla cake with a generous helping of cream and strawberries. What a guilt-free way to indulge!

P.S. Any order over $75 gets free shipping automatically!

Photo Credit: Cakebeauty.com - Hand Creme

Photo Credit: Cakebeauty.com - Bath and Shower Suds

Photo Credit: Cakebeauty.com - Lip Butter

Photo Credit: Cakebeauty.com - Body Butter

 -Andrea

2/19/2011 Updated:  Apparently, this limited edition is only available to Canadian customers. Bummer.

Milk Made Smoothing Hand & Cuticle Buffer by Cake Beauty®

Photo Credit: Sephora.com

 My job takes a serious toll on my cuticles and nails. It leaves my cuticles all raggedy looking. I actually got a sample of the buffer, when I bought some lip gloss from Cake Beauty.  The buffer left my hand feeling so soft. My cuticles needed some tender love and care and after using this, all I can say is, "WOW!". My cuticles looked totally renewed and my skin felt so soft. Using this sugar based buffer is very easy, just rub on your hands and cuticles [pay very close attention to cuticles] and then wash off with warm water. I usually apply some cream afterwards to retain the moisture in my hands.  I have tried tons of hand buffers/scrubs, but this one is far better than any other. Just like the company says, "instant spa-like results after just one use!" 

Andrea