Book Review: Always the Baker, Never the Bride by Sandra Bicker

Title: Always the Baker, Never the Bride
Author: Sandra Bicker
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Release Date: 09/01/2010
ISBN: 1426707622

Maybe it was the timing (just came out from a surgery & had to abstain from many foods), but I couldn't help but relate to Emma Rae. Maybe it's just the type of books that I'm reading, but I've not really ran into that many books where the heroine had diabetes. It's nice to see a heroine with an actual flaw that isn't something along the lines of "everyone hates me" & isn't something crippling.

Emma Rae is an awesome award winning cook. However for her, the term "death by chocolate" is a little too close for comfort. Why? Because Emma has diabetes- but hasn't allowed that to stop her from following her dreams to become one of the top bakers out there. When her best friend urges her to apply at a promising new wedding hotel, Emma can't help but feel excited at the possibility to get away from her un-appreciative boss & start cooking up dream cakes for glowing bridal couples. What she doesn't plan on is falling in love with the widower owner of the hotel. The path to happiness isn't an easy one & Emma soon finds that not only does she have her hands full with assisting with the hotel but also with getting this man to open his heart to not only her but also to God.

People who are new to Christian fiction but fans of chick-lit will adore this book. Fans of Christian chick-lit? They'll positively love it. Bricker mixed one part fun, two parts love, & one part God, resulting in a book that is incredibly sweet & touching. With characters that will thrill & infuriate the readers, there's a lot to love in this book. Not only will readers find a well written story & a great plot, but they'll also find several mouthwatering recipies & bridal tips interspersed between the chapters.

The strongest part of this book is that Bricker chooses to avoid romantic cliches (rivals, misunderstandings blown out of proportion, etc) & readers will love this refreshing story. It's something that would be a great story to curl up with & read on a rainy day or to give to that recently engaged friend!

(ARC provided by NetGalley)