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Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes
TV Producer Stella Weston is over worked, over weight and under fire. Having battled uphill for years to balance her career with her family life, she is repaid by being put out to pasture on a religious gardening programme complete with a nervous vicar, his nymphomaniac wife, and 22 stone Britney wannabe gardener, Gerald. Miles away from her husband and daughter she somehow turns the show into a comedic triumph, only to once more fall foul of her evil and twisted boss, stick thin MJ. Stella decides enough is enough but soon finding herself husbandless and penniless, she realises discovering the courage to quit is sometimes the easy part. Desperate, Stella throws herself into her one true love, cakes, and asks the can you really turn a passion into a profession? What follows is a series of comical disasters, hilarious holidays, failed dates, super cakes, accidents, injuries and near death experiences. Full of spirit, heart and girl power, this is a high quality chick lit novel that will have readers everywhere laughing, crying, and reaching for the mixing bowl.
349 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
40 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Sue Watson
52 books1,549 followersSue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.
Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has sold almost 2 million books and explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.
For up-to-date offers and news of Sue's latest books, click the 'Follow' button next to her photo on Amazon.
Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks
And on Instagram @suewatsonbooks
Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has sold almost 2 million books and explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.
For up-to-date offers and news of Sue's latest books, click the 'Follow' button next to her photo on Amazon.
Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks
And on Instagram @suewatsonbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 15, 2016
This authors books are my go to books. If I'm ever in any kind of reading slump or need a pick me up, I know I can always rely on her books to help me block the world outside and lose myself into them, and best of all, they are always really good reads.
In Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes, the author has created yet another wonderful main character, Stella, who could very easily be any one of us. Even though this is a light hearted read, there is an underlying sense of seriousness to the storyline. She manages to write about real scenarios that could happen, and may well have happened to a lot of us but manages to keep it all upbeat.
Straight from the start I could easily relate to Stella, working full time yet beating herself up over missing out on so many things that others take for granted, like being able to pick up your own child from school. What parent hasn't felt like that at some point. It wouldn't be so bad even if you enjoyed your work, but unluckily for Stella she has the boss from hell who seems to have it in for her.
Everything just seems to spiral downwards for Stella. Luckily for her though she has the fabulous support of her two wonderful friends, Lizzie and Al.
Be warned, cakes feature heavily in this book. Stella bakes to distress as well as eating a lot of sweet things as she is a bit of an emotional eater. Her baking seems to be her saviour though. Through the authors descriptions I could almost smell that wonderful smell of baking as well as had my mouth watering. There are also some recipes at the end of the book for any budding bakers out there that fancy having a go at making them.
Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes is a wonderful story that is funny, sweet and up lifting. If it was a cake, it would be one of those really gooey and scrumptious ones that you would want to devour in one go, yet savour the flavour for a very long time!
In Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes, the author has created yet another wonderful main character, Stella, who could very easily be any one of us. Even though this is a light hearted read, there is an underlying sense of seriousness to the storyline. She manages to write about real scenarios that could happen, and may well have happened to a lot of us but manages to keep it all upbeat.
Straight from the start I could easily relate to Stella, working full time yet beating herself up over missing out on so many things that others take for granted, like being able to pick up your own child from school. What parent hasn't felt like that at some point. It wouldn't be so bad even if you enjoyed your work, but unluckily for Stella she has the boss from hell who seems to have it in for her.
Everything just seems to spiral downwards for Stella. Luckily for her though she has the fabulous support of her two wonderful friends, Lizzie and Al.
Be warned, cakes feature heavily in this book. Stella bakes to distress as well as eating a lot of sweet things as she is a bit of an emotional eater. Her baking seems to be her saviour though. Through the authors descriptions I could almost smell that wonderful smell of baking as well as had my mouth watering. There are also some recipes at the end of the book for any budding bakers out there that fancy having a go at making them.
Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes is a wonderful story that is funny, sweet and up lifting. If it was a cake, it would be one of those really gooey and scrumptious ones that you would want to devour in one go, yet savour the flavour for a very long time!
December 11, 2011
When I first saw Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes it looked right up my street, sure the title is a little bit dodgy (it’s very twee, isn’t it?) but I liked the synopsis, I liked the bright blue cover so I was thrilled to receive a copy to review on my Kindle. I started reading it almost immediately and, I must admit, it was a well written read, but there was quite a bit about it that drove me mad. I can definitely see the appeal of Watson’s writing, but you can also tell very easily that this is a debut novel, with the requisite amount of cliches and happenings that I truly thought Chick Lit had moved past.
Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes is very well written. Watson’s writing flows nicely and I found myself very caught up in Stella’s life as she finds herself in Rochester producing a religious gardening programme. There’s no hesitancy, the novel just digs right in to the good stuff and, it has to be said, it was amusing to see Stella try and make a live show with a bunch of (there is no other word for it) morons. I also liked the way Stella stood up to her boss, MJ. Now that is what I call amusing. Really, if you’re thinking of reading this book then the scene where Stella confronts MJ and quits her job is stellar. The baking aspect was also thoroughly enjoyable (and by that, I mean the actual baking of the cakes; other parts of the baking aspect I will get to…). At the minute I’m obsessed with watching Cake Boss so a book about cake baking was always going to interest me and I felt the cake part was fulfilled perfectly (even if I was jealous of Stella’s cake-making abilities).
My problems with the novel are far and wide, sadly. Firstly, I hated the way Stella was always angry with her husband, Tom. When she’s in Rochester and she rings up late and wakes up her daughter, she gets angry at Tom, as if it’s his fault. Then she quits her job and Tom tells her that they just can’t afford a party for Grace that will cost upwards of £400 and she gets annoyed and whinges and moans, as if it’s his fault she jacked in her job (and although I understand the circumstances over her quitting, I didn’t like the way she acted). I found her selfish, frankly. It was all her, her, her. She finds something out about Tom and then spends the rest of the book constantly on the verge of tears, but takes her own sweet time confronting him. It just got on my wick. Tom was nowhere near perfect, but Stella was hardly a wronged woman. To top it all off, when her best friend Lizzie does what Tom did, she DIDN’T MIND! I mean, my God. You can’t feel one way about something and then change your mind and be OK with it. It’s hypocritical (which Stella admits), but it doesn’t wash with me. You can’t whinge about your husband doing that to you and then just ACCEPT that your best friend is doing that to another woman. It’s wrong. Wrong.
The characters are very cookie-cutter. There’s Stella, obviously, who never does anything wrong(!), there’s her gay best friend Al, there’s her best friend Lizzie who’s allowed to do bad things, and Stella will be OK with it. None of them really spoke to me and a lot of them were way over the top (Al couldn’t have been more camp if he had tried). They were fine, and somewhat inoffensive, but they weren’t really memorable. I liked Stella’s daughter, Grace (though it grated when Stella called her “Princess Grace”, it’s very OTT) and it’s a shame she was only used when necessary to pep Stella up. I’d have liked to have seen a bit more of her, especially since her parents go through a difficult time. It would have been a prime time to give her something to do and to see how she coped with the events. Instead, she seemingly just gets over it all which was somewhat realistic. I know kids are resilient (it’s been drummed into me by so many Chick Lit novels) but I expected more of a reaction.
Despite enjoying the baking part of the novel, the fact Stella does it out of her kitchen is totally unrealistic. She talks of starting a business and of becoming a cake maker, but she totally lacks the business brain. She seems to think that making cakes out of your kitchen is entirely OK. I’m the least business person out there, but even I know you need permits and you need to have your kitchen checked and for it all to be legal and I just found it a bit stupid Stella – a TV producer, someone who’s clearly not stupid – wasn’t aware of any of that. It does crop up – eventually – but by then, it was just silly. Stella was surprisingly immature and surprisingly naive for a 40-something woman. And that put me off a lot. You can have a book that’s written perfectly, but if you can’t even get your character straight I’m going to be annoyed and Stella was just plain stupid. I just find it so, so hard to believe Stella wouldn’t know that you can’t just start making cakes in your kitchen without the requisite permits and licences and premises. And that’s all I could think about, while I read the book. It was enjoyable, yes it was, and I’ll definitely look out for Sue’s next novel, but I was disappointed with quite a bit of the novel, with the way the characters were and the way the whole cake-baking thing was handled.
Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes is very well written. Watson’s writing flows nicely and I found myself very caught up in Stella’s life as she finds herself in Rochester producing a religious gardening programme. There’s no hesitancy, the novel just digs right in to the good stuff and, it has to be said, it was amusing to see Stella try and make a live show with a bunch of (there is no other word for it) morons. I also liked the way Stella stood up to her boss, MJ. Now that is what I call amusing. Really, if you’re thinking of reading this book then the scene where Stella confronts MJ and quits her job is stellar. The baking aspect was also thoroughly enjoyable (and by that, I mean the actual baking of the cakes; other parts of the baking aspect I will get to…). At the minute I’m obsessed with watching Cake Boss so a book about cake baking was always going to interest me and I felt the cake part was fulfilled perfectly (even if I was jealous of Stella’s cake-making abilities).
My problems with the novel are far and wide, sadly. Firstly, I hated the way Stella was always angry with her husband, Tom. When she’s in Rochester and she rings up late and wakes up her daughter, she gets angry at Tom, as if it’s his fault. Then she quits her job and Tom tells her that they just can’t afford a party for Grace that will cost upwards of £400 and she gets annoyed and whinges and moans, as if it’s his fault she jacked in her job (and although I understand the circumstances over her quitting, I didn’t like the way she acted). I found her selfish, frankly. It was all her, her, her. She finds something out about Tom and then spends the rest of the book constantly on the verge of tears, but takes her own sweet time confronting him. It just got on my wick. Tom was nowhere near perfect, but Stella was hardly a wronged woman. To top it all off, when her best friend Lizzie does what Tom did, she DIDN’T MIND! I mean, my God. You can’t feel one way about something and then change your mind and be OK with it. It’s hypocritical (which Stella admits), but it doesn’t wash with me. You can’t whinge about your husband doing that to you and then just ACCEPT that your best friend is doing that to another woman. It’s wrong. Wrong.
The characters are very cookie-cutter. There’s Stella, obviously, who never does anything wrong(!), there’s her gay best friend Al, there’s her best friend Lizzie who’s allowed to do bad things, and Stella will be OK with it. None of them really spoke to me and a lot of them were way over the top (Al couldn’t have been more camp if he had tried). They were fine, and somewhat inoffensive, but they weren’t really memorable. I liked Stella’s daughter, Grace (though it grated when Stella called her “Princess Grace”, it’s very OTT) and it’s a shame she was only used when necessary to pep Stella up. I’d have liked to have seen a bit more of her, especially since her parents go through a difficult time. It would have been a prime time to give her something to do and to see how she coped with the events. Instead, she seemingly just gets over it all which was somewhat realistic. I know kids are resilient (it’s been drummed into me by so many Chick Lit novels) but I expected more of a reaction.
Despite enjoying the baking part of the novel, the fact Stella does it out of her kitchen is totally unrealistic. She talks of starting a business and of becoming a cake maker, but she totally lacks the business brain. She seems to think that making cakes out of your kitchen is entirely OK. I’m the least business person out there, but even I know you need permits and you need to have your kitchen checked and for it all to be legal and I just found it a bit stupid Stella – a TV producer, someone who’s clearly not stupid – wasn’t aware of any of that. It does crop up – eventually – but by then, it was just silly. Stella was surprisingly immature and surprisingly naive for a 40-something woman. And that put me off a lot. You can have a book that’s written perfectly, but if you can’t even get your character straight I’m going to be annoyed and Stella was just plain stupid. I just find it so, so hard to believe Stella wouldn’t know that you can’t just start making cakes in your kitchen without the requisite permits and licences and premises. And that’s all I could think about, while I read the book. It was enjoyable, yes it was, and I’ll definitely look out for Sue’s next novel, but I was disappointed with quite a bit of the novel, with the way the characters were and the way the whole cake-baking thing was handled.
September 30, 2017
I've had Sue Watson appearing on my Facebook page quite regularly, and decided it was time to actually try one of her books...I loved it!
I am unashamed to admit that I have read it in one sitting, and can't wait to start on the next one!
I am unashamed to admit that I have read it in one sitting, and can't wait to start on the next one!
September 12, 2011
What a fabulous fabulous book! Laugh a minute, cry a lot, relate to most of it, empathise tons and I enjoyed it absolutely loads!
Fat Girls & Fairy Cakes is one of my most favourite books I've ever read! Due for launch on 8th September, congratulations go to Sue Watson on her debut novel. I'm sure she'll be celebrating many more in the future. Next week I'll be running an interview with the author and later this week I'll be running a giveaway so you have a chance to win this fantastic book. Let me tell you a little more . . . . .
Busy Mom Stella works in the world of TV and husband Tom is a TV camera man. Stella’s impossible super-bitch boss makes life as difficult as possible arranging meetings at ridiculous times and arranging for her to be away from home for weeks on end. Tom is completely sick of being the main parent in charge, who gets to pick up the pieces and realises that his hopes and dreams are been quashed so that Stella can achieve hers.
When Stella returns home after a spell of a few weeks ago producing a program in Yorkshire, she finds that she has come home to a different life to the one she left behind, a daughter that she doesn’t really know much about anymore and a husband who is not a happy bunny! She starts to suspect that Tom might not be as honest as she thought he was and could be up to no good!
When Stella is stressed, she bakes to get rid of her worries and her tensions, making the most fabulous cakes and not realising how much of an important aspect of her future, her baking is to become.
This is a story about bullying, bitchiness, friendship, love, tears, motherhood, revenge and about taking opportunities and making dreams come true. It’s written beautifully, flows really well and is SO hard to put down. One night I woke up in the middle of the night and instead of even attempting to go back to sleep, got up and read some more of this fabulous tale!
Stella is such a wonder character, having traits and personal issues that most women would be able to relate to. Sue has an absolutely amazing way of making you feel the emotions of her characters, and making you step into their shoes.
Fat Girls & Fairy Cakes is such a great story, and so well written that I find it hard to believe that this is Sue Watson’s first book. If this one is anything to go by, I’m sure Sue will enjoy tremendous success for many books to come and will be up there with some of the best authors around! I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. An absolute cracker! Every woman should have it in their collection! Just trust me and buy it!
Fat Girls & Fairy Cakes is one of my most favourite books I've ever read! Due for launch on 8th September, congratulations go to Sue Watson on her debut novel. I'm sure she'll be celebrating many more in the future. Next week I'll be running an interview with the author and later this week I'll be running a giveaway so you have a chance to win this fantastic book. Let me tell you a little more . . . . .
Busy Mom Stella works in the world of TV and husband Tom is a TV camera man. Stella’s impossible super-bitch boss makes life as difficult as possible arranging meetings at ridiculous times and arranging for her to be away from home for weeks on end. Tom is completely sick of being the main parent in charge, who gets to pick up the pieces and realises that his hopes and dreams are been quashed so that Stella can achieve hers.
When Stella returns home after a spell of a few weeks ago producing a program in Yorkshire, she finds that she has come home to a different life to the one she left behind, a daughter that she doesn’t really know much about anymore and a husband who is not a happy bunny! She starts to suspect that Tom might not be as honest as she thought he was and could be up to no good!
When Stella is stressed, she bakes to get rid of her worries and her tensions, making the most fabulous cakes and not realising how much of an important aspect of her future, her baking is to become.
This is a story about bullying, bitchiness, friendship, love, tears, motherhood, revenge and about taking opportunities and making dreams come true. It’s written beautifully, flows really well and is SO hard to put down. One night I woke up in the middle of the night and instead of even attempting to go back to sleep, got up and read some more of this fabulous tale!
Stella is such a wonder character, having traits and personal issues that most women would be able to relate to. Sue has an absolutely amazing way of making you feel the emotions of her characters, and making you step into their shoes.
Fat Girls & Fairy Cakes is such a great story, and so well written that I find it hard to believe that this is Sue Watson’s first book. If this one is anything to go by, I’m sure Sue will enjoy tremendous success for many books to come and will be up there with some of the best authors around! I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. An absolute cracker! Every woman should have it in their collection! Just trust me and buy it!
September 8, 2011
Fat Girls & Fairy Cakes is the first novel by Sue Watson published by Rickshaw Publishing. The story is about a TV Producer, Stella Weston. She is over worked, over weight and struggling to manage work and family life. With the “help” of the horrible MJ, Stella soon finds herself on location in Rochdale producing a religious gardening programme. The show is in trouble and it’s not helped by the nervous Vicar and his nymphomaniac Wife!
When troubles looms, Stella always finds herself elbow deep in cake mix. Can she find the strength to quit what makes her unhappy and build a new life and survive on her passion and a dream
Any book that has an opening heading as "Sex in the Dark" and the first line as "I need sex every day, Luv" said Denise, the Vicars wife" ... has me hooked and I wasn't disappointed. There is a huge amount of humour in the book and laugh out loud moments, particular in the first part. Sue introduces a handful of characters that you either really love or ones that you really hate!
As Stella's life changes, friendships grow and there are some truly magical parts when you wish you had friends like Stella around you especially when things are not going so well. Lots of emotion that will have you turning the pages (probably with a cake in your hand!) and holding your breath.
Think Bridget Jones meets Nigella Lawson, this really is a fantastic book and I can't recommend it enough.
Thank you Sue so much for an advanced copy of it. I wish you every success with it and can't wait for book number 2!
Now is your chance to win a copy of this fabulous book ... leave a comment below with your favourite Fairy Cake recipe and how you like to decorate them. The winner will be picked by Sue and not only that could well get a special mention and credit in an up and coming sequel book by Sue! (closing date Saturday 17th September - please leave an email address)
You can find out more information on Sue via the following website http://fatgirlsandfairycakes.blogspot...
or you can pre-order the book at amazon http://tiny.cc/zmfha or follow her on Twitter @suewatsonwriter .
Sue is also an Author with www.loveahappyending.com of which I am very proud to say I am one of her Associated Readers!
When troubles looms, Stella always finds herself elbow deep in cake mix. Can she find the strength to quit what makes her unhappy and build a new life and survive on her passion and a dream
Any book that has an opening heading as "Sex in the Dark" and the first line as "I need sex every day, Luv" said Denise, the Vicars wife" ... has me hooked and I wasn't disappointed. There is a huge amount of humour in the book and laugh out loud moments, particular in the first part. Sue introduces a handful of characters that you either really love or ones that you really hate!
As Stella's life changes, friendships grow and there are some truly magical parts when you wish you had friends like Stella around you especially when things are not going so well. Lots of emotion that will have you turning the pages (probably with a cake in your hand!) and holding your breath.
Think Bridget Jones meets Nigella Lawson, this really is a fantastic book and I can't recommend it enough.
Thank you Sue so much for an advanced copy of it. I wish you every success with it and can't wait for book number 2!
Now is your chance to win a copy of this fabulous book ... leave a comment below with your favourite Fairy Cake recipe and how you like to decorate them. The winner will be picked by Sue and not only that could well get a special mention and credit in an up and coming sequel book by Sue! (closing date Saturday 17th September - please leave an email address)
You can find out more information on Sue via the following website http://fatgirlsandfairycakes.blogspot...
or you can pre-order the book at amazon http://tiny.cc/zmfha or follow her on Twitter @suewatsonwriter .
Sue is also an Author with www.loveahappyending.com of which I am very proud to say I am one of her Associated Readers!
June 19, 2015
As many of you already know I read a LOT of books. Sadly, there are many writers out there who are great, but just don't get the chance as the competition is fierce and us readers can be a critical bunch! Every now and then the same author's debut novels keep popping up and somewhere along the line Sue Watson's name came up to the point I clicked on the author page. When I read her paragraph on her author page, it kind of made my mind up that I really wanted to give her book a go.
Overweight TV Producer Stella is currently working on a gardening programme and that's how Sue's book starts. In the first two or three chapters I realised that I absolutely loved Sue Watson's humour. Her characters just radiated brilliance and I fell in love with the `not quite perfect' Stella. Stella is trying desperately to manage a career, a disgruntled husband and a young daughter. Stella's boss MJ is determined to make her life hell and some of the scenes you read concerning MJ are hilarious. It's difficult to say too much without plot spoiling, but I will say that we see Stella do her best to ensure MJ never humiliates her again!
When Stella makes huge changes to her career, she has the support of her two friends Lizzie and Al. I must just say that Al deserves a lead of his own in another book as he was just brilliant in this one. Although the storyline may be a little clichéd, the writing and comedy value made it a winner in my eyes. I read the book in a day and am really looking forward to her second book. I'm just crossing my fingers and hoping that she creates a book that is just as funny as the first.
Overweight TV Producer Stella is currently working on a gardening programme and that's how Sue's book starts. In the first two or three chapters I realised that I absolutely loved Sue Watson's humour. Her characters just radiated brilliance and I fell in love with the `not quite perfect' Stella. Stella is trying desperately to manage a career, a disgruntled husband and a young daughter. Stella's boss MJ is determined to make her life hell and some of the scenes you read concerning MJ are hilarious. It's difficult to say too much without plot spoiling, but I will say that we see Stella do her best to ensure MJ never humiliates her again!
When Stella makes huge changes to her career, she has the support of her two friends Lizzie and Al. I must just say that Al deserves a lead of his own in another book as he was just brilliant in this one. Although the storyline may be a little clichéd, the writing and comedy value made it a winner in my eyes. I read the book in a day and am really looking forward to her second book. I'm just crossing my fingers and hoping that she creates a book that is just as funny as the first.
August 24, 2020
This was your basic fun chicklit, and the middle was really quite good :)
I almost gave it up at the beginning as it seemed really too pointless for a while, but once the plot finally got going, it became interesting. I love a good starting over story, and this one felt almost believable.
Unfortunately towards the end it just kind of drowned in cliches.
Loved the recipes though!
I almost gave it up at the beginning as it seemed really too pointless for a while, but once the plot finally got going, it became interesting. I love a good starting over story, and this one felt almost believable.
Unfortunately towards the end it just kind of drowned in cliches.
Loved the recipes though!
September 12, 2011
http://chicklitaholic.blogspot.com
When a book mixes chick lit and baking, two of my favourite things, together, you already know I’m going to be hooked before I even open the book. Fat Girls and Fat Cakes combines both together in one great big mixing bowl that had me laughing, and running to my local store for a big supply of cakes! Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes is Sue Watson’s debut novel, and let me tell you, I already know there are big things to come from this author.
Stella Weston, has a successful career in TV, where she works long hours, has constant stress placed on her from the boss from hell and could probably stand to lose just a few pounds. Stella is constantly battling to find the right balance between her career and her family life, which consists of husband Tom and daughter Grace. Things aren’t looking so good when the boss from hell decides to relegate her to working on a gardening program where she has to contend with a nervous vicar, a nymphomaniac wife and Britney wannabe gardener Gerald. Stella has always been able to find comfort at the bottom of her mixing bowl, and lets be honest who hasn’t? However when even baking cannot save the day Stella decides that she must conjure up the courage to quit her job and find out if she can really turn her passion into her career.
I was instantly drawn into Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes as soon as I started the first page. The character of Stella is so warm and relatable that I felt as though she was actually one of my friends, and at times forgot that she was just a character in a novel. I found myself laughing along with Stella as well as feeling her pain and routing for her to follow her dreams and find happiness. I particularly found that I was able to relate to the comfort that Stella is able to find in baking and in eating the cakes and goodies that she creates. How many of us after a stressful day have turned to the chocolate or cakes as a way of making ourselves feel better? I know more of us than we would admit! I also loved the supporting characters in the novel, with Al being one of my favourites. His humour and flamboyant character are a welcome relief when the novel has more emotional moments. The storyline flows so easily that once you get started with this novel you will have a hard time being able to put it down. I especially loved the way in which each chapter has its own quirky title such as ‘Sex In The Dark’, which really had me wanting to read on to find out what happens next. There is also mention of Strictly Come Dancing, the TV show, in the novel, which I think is great timing for this novel. The new series is just about to begin, therefore linking this into the novel was great timing for Sue Watson.
My only issue with the novel was that I did find it a little difficult to get into at the very beginning. I found that the character of Stella came off as not particularly likeable over the first few pages, with the way she places her career before her child. Once I got into the novel, however I found that the novel flowed well and that I began to fall in love with the character of Stella.
Overall I loved Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes and would recommend this novel to anyone who loves chick lit and wants a light read. The novel is filled with humour, emotion, bitching, baking and love, making it an enjoyable read. Go and get your copy of Fat Girls and Fat Cakes, but remember, you may want to have some treats in the cupboard before you begin this novel as I can guarantee you will be craving the cakes! And who knows, this may just make you want to get into the kitchen and start baking!
When a book mixes chick lit and baking, two of my favourite things, together, you already know I’m going to be hooked before I even open the book. Fat Girls and Fat Cakes combines both together in one great big mixing bowl that had me laughing, and running to my local store for a big supply of cakes! Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes is Sue Watson’s debut novel, and let me tell you, I already know there are big things to come from this author.
Stella Weston, has a successful career in TV, where she works long hours, has constant stress placed on her from the boss from hell and could probably stand to lose just a few pounds. Stella is constantly battling to find the right balance between her career and her family life, which consists of husband Tom and daughter Grace. Things aren’t looking so good when the boss from hell decides to relegate her to working on a gardening program where she has to contend with a nervous vicar, a nymphomaniac wife and Britney wannabe gardener Gerald. Stella has always been able to find comfort at the bottom of her mixing bowl, and lets be honest who hasn’t? However when even baking cannot save the day Stella decides that she must conjure up the courage to quit her job and find out if she can really turn her passion into her career.
I was instantly drawn into Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes as soon as I started the first page. The character of Stella is so warm and relatable that I felt as though she was actually one of my friends, and at times forgot that she was just a character in a novel. I found myself laughing along with Stella as well as feeling her pain and routing for her to follow her dreams and find happiness. I particularly found that I was able to relate to the comfort that Stella is able to find in baking and in eating the cakes and goodies that she creates. How many of us after a stressful day have turned to the chocolate or cakes as a way of making ourselves feel better? I know more of us than we would admit! I also loved the supporting characters in the novel, with Al being one of my favourites. His humour and flamboyant character are a welcome relief when the novel has more emotional moments. The storyline flows so easily that once you get started with this novel you will have a hard time being able to put it down. I especially loved the way in which each chapter has its own quirky title such as ‘Sex In The Dark’, which really had me wanting to read on to find out what happens next. There is also mention of Strictly Come Dancing, the TV show, in the novel, which I think is great timing for this novel. The new series is just about to begin, therefore linking this into the novel was great timing for Sue Watson.
My only issue with the novel was that I did find it a little difficult to get into at the very beginning. I found that the character of Stella came off as not particularly likeable over the first few pages, with the way she places her career before her child. Once I got into the novel, however I found that the novel flowed well and that I began to fall in love with the character of Stella.
Overall I loved Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes and would recommend this novel to anyone who loves chick lit and wants a light read. The novel is filled with humour, emotion, bitching, baking and love, making it an enjoyable read. Go and get your copy of Fat Girls and Fat Cakes, but remember, you may want to have some treats in the cupboard before you begin this novel as I can guarantee you will be craving the cakes! And who knows, this may just make you want to get into the kitchen and start baking!
November 27, 2011
I remember the first time I see the cover to Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes it was months ago when I came across Sue Watsons blog. I have pestered her ever since awaiting for the release date! I am sure everyone will agree the title of this book and the design is one that would wickedly tempt you from the shelf. I was just wondering if the storyline was going to be as tempting as the cover!
Plot
Can you really make a living from indulging in your dreams? TV Producer Stella Weston is over worked, over weight and under fire. Having battled uphill for years to balance her career with her family life, she is repaid by being put out to pasture on a religious gardening programme complete with a nervous vicar, his nymphomaniac wife, and 22 stone Britney wannabe gardener, Gerald. In the past, comfort has always been found at the bottom of her mixing bowl but when even the most delicious lemon sponge with zesty frosting cannot save the day, Stella decides enough is enough. However, finding the courage to quit is sometimes the easy part. Can you really turn a passion into a profession? Does more time at home actually give you a happier family life? Are men truly from Mars or another universe altogether? Stella has to roll up her sleeves and find out - when the going gets tough, the tough get baking....
My Opinion
OOooo I love Cake!!!
This book has three ingredients that make a perfect read ,cakes,humour and a loveable main character.
The book started off completely unexpectedly not with Stella and her cupcakes but with Stella working in television. The first part of the book is when we really get to know Stella and find out that she is a loveable hard working character with a huge heart. We can feel how Stella is torn between wanting to be there for her family but also having to commit wholeheartedly to her job. It is quite a way through the book that the whole cake topic starts and that was when my mouth started watering and my stomach rumbling reading about all of these delicious cakes.
I found the first half of the book was full of humorous parts and I did find myself chuckling away especially the part involving Stella and a vicar let’s say “stuck in the mud!” The second half of the book is more emotional in many different ways. There really is something for everyone in this beautifully written page turner.
There are also a real mix of characters in this book some who you will fall in love with and cannot wait to appear again, like the flamboyant Al who I would love to have as my best friend! There are also characters who you will loath such as MJ.
I would defiantly recommend this book it is quite hard to believe that this is Sue Watson’s debut book. All I can say is this is going to be an author to watch out for.
Plot
Can you really make a living from indulging in your dreams? TV Producer Stella Weston is over worked, over weight and under fire. Having battled uphill for years to balance her career with her family life, she is repaid by being put out to pasture on a religious gardening programme complete with a nervous vicar, his nymphomaniac wife, and 22 stone Britney wannabe gardener, Gerald. In the past, comfort has always been found at the bottom of her mixing bowl but when even the most delicious lemon sponge with zesty frosting cannot save the day, Stella decides enough is enough. However, finding the courage to quit is sometimes the easy part. Can you really turn a passion into a profession? Does more time at home actually give you a happier family life? Are men truly from Mars or another universe altogether? Stella has to roll up her sleeves and find out - when the going gets tough, the tough get baking....
My Opinion
OOooo I love Cake!!!
This book has three ingredients that make a perfect read ,cakes,humour and a loveable main character.
The book started off completely unexpectedly not with Stella and her cupcakes but with Stella working in television. The first part of the book is when we really get to know Stella and find out that she is a loveable hard working character with a huge heart. We can feel how Stella is torn between wanting to be there for her family but also having to commit wholeheartedly to her job. It is quite a way through the book that the whole cake topic starts and that was when my mouth started watering and my stomach rumbling reading about all of these delicious cakes.
I found the first half of the book was full of humorous parts and I did find myself chuckling away especially the part involving Stella and a vicar let’s say “stuck in the mud!” The second half of the book is more emotional in many different ways. There really is something for everyone in this beautifully written page turner.
There are also a real mix of characters in this book some who you will fall in love with and cannot wait to appear again, like the flamboyant Al who I would love to have as my best friend! There are also characters who you will loath such as MJ.
I would defiantly recommend this book it is quite hard to believe that this is Sue Watson’s debut book. All I can say is this is going to be an author to watch out for.
April 30, 2012
This book is completely fabulous! From the get go, I loved the author's voice. Sue Watson is so funny! Many of the scenes truly made me laugh out loud. The author weaves in the hysterical with the heartfelt beautifully. The pace is quick and light and full of energy. It almost felt like chatting with my best girlfriend, dishing over the dramas of our lives. Stella is not without her faults, but then who wants to read about a character who's perfect? What fun would that be? I loved Stella's relationships with her friends, her daughter, her mother and especially her horror of a boss. If you're a fan of Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella or Jen Lancaster, you definitely need to read this book and add Sue Watson to your list of faves. She's definitely on my list and I'm anxiously waiting for her next boom to come out!
January 12, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It was abit hard to get in to at first but ut turned out to be really good. This is the first book i have read by Sue Watson and it will not be the last.
My favourite character had to be Stella, i felt really sorry for her when her husband left her for Rachel, i thought that was unfair as they had grace there daighter caught in the middle. I most enjoyed the part when Stella and Al decided to start up there own busy making cakes. I thought it was nasty of Stella's ex boss to report her the way she did, though in the end MJ got what she deservsed.
All in all i really enjoyed the book and am very much looking forward to reading her next book.
My favourite character had to be Stella, i felt really sorry for her when her husband left her for Rachel, i thought that was unfair as they had grace there daighter caught in the middle. I most enjoyed the part when Stella and Al decided to start up there own busy making cakes. I thought it was nasty of Stella's ex boss to report her the way she did, though in the end MJ got what she deservsed.
All in all i really enjoyed the book and am very much looking forward to reading her next book.
June 25, 2012
I found this book via a chick lit website, knowing that I wanted a chick lit style book to read with my friends on vacation.
I had never heard of this author before, but it turned out to be a good read.
It was just enough girls drama to keep me reading to find out where Stella would end up. Oh, and the constant talking about cakes and baking made me want to bake a cake. A bit difficult when you're reading it in a hotel in Hawaii.
I had never heard of this author before, but it turned out to be a good read.
It was just enough girls drama to keep me reading to find out where Stella would end up. Oh, and the constant talking about cakes and baking made me want to bake a cake. A bit difficult when you're reading it in a hotel in Hawaii.
August 5, 2013
Fat Girls & Fairy Cakes by Sue Watson is one of the funniest novels I have read. All the characters are memorable.
Stella Weston, works as a TV producer with the boss we have all had at one time. That awful boss from hell. I could not stop laughing at this very funny book. So well written with some very funny disastrous encounters. It balances humour with serious so well. This book was an absolute joy to read. If you want something that will make you laugh aloud, this is it. More please...
Stella Weston, works as a TV producer with the boss we have all had at one time. That awful boss from hell. I could not stop laughing at this very funny book. So well written with some very funny disastrous encounters. It balances humour with serious so well. This book was an absolute joy to read. If you want something that will make you laugh aloud, this is it. More please...
October 25, 2019
I really REALLY loved reading this book.. Such a great funny and sometimes sad read. I loved the recipes at the end too.. I shall be baking...I shall be dancing and singing while doing it... I shall be looking forward to more books by Sue Watson... Another Author on my fab list xx
November 6, 2013
3.5 stars Just a little too much about the cakes which caused me to scan a little. Loved the characters though. See full review below
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March 25, 2014
a good book, took me a while to get into it but overall I enjoyed it
February 11, 2023
Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes by Sue Watson
Blurb
Can you really make a living from indulging in your dreams? TV Producer Stella Weston is over worked, over weight and under fire. Having battled uphill for years to balance her career with her family life, she is repaid by being put out to pasture on a religious gardening programme complete with a nervous vicar, his nymphomaniac wife, and 22 stone Britney wannabe gardener, Gerald. In the past, comfort has always been found at the bottom of her mixing bowl but when even the most delicious lemon sponge with zesty frosting cannot save the day, Stella decides enough is enough. However, finding the courage to quit is sometimes the easy part. Can you really turn a passion into a profession? Does more time at home actually give you a happier family life? Are men truly from Mars or another universe altogether? Stella has to roll up her sleeves and find out - when the going gets tough, the tough get baking....
My Opinion
I went into this book with high expectations but sadly it fell short. I enjoyed the beginning of the book but then my attention was lost. There is something for everyone in this book and looking at other reviews I am in the minority for not enjoying this. I did enjoy the fact that there are recipes at the end .
Rating 3/5
Blurb
Can you really make a living from indulging in your dreams? TV Producer Stella Weston is over worked, over weight and under fire. Having battled uphill for years to balance her career with her family life, she is repaid by being put out to pasture on a religious gardening programme complete with a nervous vicar, his nymphomaniac wife, and 22 stone Britney wannabe gardener, Gerald. In the past, comfort has always been found at the bottom of her mixing bowl but when even the most delicious lemon sponge with zesty frosting cannot save the day, Stella decides enough is enough. However, finding the courage to quit is sometimes the easy part. Can you really turn a passion into a profession? Does more time at home actually give you a happier family life? Are men truly from Mars or another universe altogether? Stella has to roll up her sleeves and find out - when the going gets tough, the tough get baking....
My Opinion
I went into this book with high expectations but sadly it fell short. I enjoyed the beginning of the book but then my attention was lost. There is something for everyone in this book and looking at other reviews I am in the minority for not enjoying this. I did enjoy the fact that there are recipes at the end .
Rating 3/5
March 17, 2019
120 pages in just over 2 weeks ... I give up.
The state of Stella's marriage is depressing. I have no idea how her and her moody husband, Tom, have lasted as long as they have, what with their demanding jobs and personality flaws.
Then there's the painfully cliche work relationships, including the gay best friend and the competitive, insecure career bitch. And Stella's refusal to stand up for herself against the latter is so frustrating ...
Oh, and don't forget Stella's daughter; she's supposed to be eight years old, but the descriptions and behaviours attributed to her could see her placed anywhere from four to fourteen.
And finally, Stella's relationship with food; the focal point for the story (in fact many novels by this author) she's always eating or baking to control her emotions, which is quite unhealthy. Don't even try to read this book if you're trying to lose a few pounds; I'm surprised it wasn't sponsored by Mr. Kipling.
Anyway, on the whole I found the 1/3 of this book that I persevered with contrived and disappointing. And whenever I start to find my phone more appealing than my book, it's time to find another book.
Not for me.
The state of Stella's marriage is depressing. I have no idea how her and her moody husband, Tom, have lasted as long as they have, what with their demanding jobs and personality flaws.
Then there's the painfully cliche work relationships, including the gay best friend and the competitive, insecure career bitch. And Stella's refusal to stand up for herself against the latter is so frustrating ...
Oh, and don't forget Stella's daughter; she's supposed to be eight years old, but the descriptions and behaviours attributed to her could see her placed anywhere from four to fourteen.
And finally, Stella's relationship with food; the focal point for the story (in fact many novels by this author) she's always eating or baking to control her emotions, which is quite unhealthy. Don't even try to read this book if you're trying to lose a few pounds; I'm surprised it wasn't sponsored by Mr. Kipling.
Anyway, on the whole I found the 1/3 of this book that I persevered with contrived and disappointing. And whenever I start to find my phone more appealing than my book, it's time to find another book.
Not for me.
Read
August 16, 2019This was such a fun book to read. The main character works in the intricate world of television production, until she is let go by the production company. With her friends by her side she manages to create a cake-baking business for herself. She proves to herself in the end that she can be self-sufficient. I'm kind of mixed up, that's why I can't remember the main character's name, but this book was a fabulous read!
January 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. So good to read something light hearted after many Psychological thrillers.
Anyone who has been through a painful divorce will understand this book and connect with it emotionally. The main character Stella is an inspiration for any mother dealing with the work/home life guilt!
And what makes this book even better is the cute baking recipes at the back of the book!
*Warning, don’t read this book if on a diet, it makes you want cake*
Anyone who has been through a painful divorce will understand this book and connect with it emotionally. The main character Stella is an inspiration for any mother dealing with the work/home life guilt!
And what makes this book even better is the cute baking recipes at the back of the book!
*Warning, don’t read this book if on a diet, it makes you want cake*
June 8, 2018
Libro caruccio ma che non lascia niente di speciale.
Divertente nella parte della trasmissione televisiva, interessante nello sviluppo lavorativo futuro, ma poi il resto non spicca tra i mille libri simili
Divertente nella parte della trasmissione televisiva, interessante nello sviluppo lavorativo futuro, ma poi il resto non spicca tra i mille libri simili
March 2, 2018
3.5 stars, not her best one so far but enjoyable and a light easy read
May 11, 2018
An A for some stuff and an F for other parts. C average. Full review forthcoming.
August 8, 2020
Not quite a cosy but interesting and held me till I finished.,
December 28, 2011
Can you really make a living from indulging in your dreams? TV Producer Stella Weston is over worked, over weight and under fire. Having battled uphill for years to balance her career with her family life, she is repaid by being put out to pasture on a religious gardening programme complete with a nervous vicar, his nymphomaniac wife, and 22 stone Britney wannabe gardener, Gerald. In the past, comfort has always been found at the bottom of her mixing bowl but when even the most delicious lemon sponge with zesty frosting cannot save the day, Stella decides enough is enough. However, finding the courage to quit is sometimes the easy part. Can you really turn a passion into a profession? Does more time at home actually give you a happier family life? Are men truly from Mars or another universe altogether? Stella has to roll up her sleeves and find out - when the going gets tough, the tough get baking....
This is the second self-published novel I have decided to try this year, and I was tempted to read this one because the reviews on Amazon made it sound fantastic, and like a book I would really like... not mention I'm rather partial to a bit of cake myself! When the book arrived, I was really impressed with the quality of it - if you didn't know it was a self-published novel, you certainly wouldn't guess it was. The cover is also perfect for the story and has a really good look to it, so first impressions were really good! Once I had finished the book, I realised this book is another reason I am glad I've decided to give self-published a go - it was brilliant, and certainly deserves the great reviews it has been getting.
The lead character for this book is Stella. I loved her right from the off, and could really find myself relating to her a lot, perhaps why I liked her so much. She's a hard-working mum who loves her job, but is constantly feeling guilty that she isn't there enough for her daughter, and that her marriage is suffering too. After a particularly bad incident at work, Stella jacks in her telly job and instead resorts to being a stay at home mum, but finds she still needs to work to make ends meet. The other main characters are Stella's best friends, Al and Lizzie, and they are great too. I wasn't so keen on Lizzie because of some of the choices she makes, but the other friend, Al, the typical gay best friend was fantastic, and I actually thought Watson wrote the relationship between he and his fiancé Seb perfectly, it was a touching love story and the twist towards the end was shocking and really made me love them more!
I think a lot of mums out there will be able to relate to Stella, and her problems. For example, when she's away and she calls late at night wanting to speak to her daughter, but not being able to - yes she knows she's wrong for calling so late but there's that irrational mum instinct that makes us need to talk to our kids whenever we want to. There's the problems with her marriage, and her struggle to pull herself together afterwards, I could certainly relate to that and loved how Stella decided to make something of herself with her business afterwards. I felt that Watson really did know what she was talking about with the cake business, and I loved how Stella started making pretty cakes out of her kitchen and then realising what a talent she had. I have a few friends who have done exactly the same thing as Stella, so I know that's a realistic story! But I just loved that Stella was a normal woman, and for that I think Watson did a great job writing this.
There are lots of things I loved about this book, and I can most definitely recommend it! I found the characters were realistic and likeable, especially the fab Stella, and not only was the main story fab, I found the sub-story within of Al and Seb's relationship fitted in perfectly and was lovely to read about alongside the main story of Stella and her cakes. I enjoyed reading about her success, and loved the way she handled herself after the things that happen to her. I found the book hard to put down because I wanted to see what Stella was going to do next, and I was sad when I turned the last page. However, I will be recommending this book to anyone who loves a great story with fab characters, because it's so enjoyable, and I loved every page. I defy you not to want to scoff a cake whilst reading it too, yum!
This is the second self-published novel I have decided to try this year, and I was tempted to read this one because the reviews on Amazon made it sound fantastic, and like a book I would really like... not mention I'm rather partial to a bit of cake myself! When the book arrived, I was really impressed with the quality of it - if you didn't know it was a self-published novel, you certainly wouldn't guess it was. The cover is also perfect for the story and has a really good look to it, so first impressions were really good! Once I had finished the book, I realised this book is another reason I am glad I've decided to give self-published a go - it was brilliant, and certainly deserves the great reviews it has been getting.
The lead character for this book is Stella. I loved her right from the off, and could really find myself relating to her a lot, perhaps why I liked her so much. She's a hard-working mum who loves her job, but is constantly feeling guilty that she isn't there enough for her daughter, and that her marriage is suffering too. After a particularly bad incident at work, Stella jacks in her telly job and instead resorts to being a stay at home mum, but finds she still needs to work to make ends meet. The other main characters are Stella's best friends, Al and Lizzie, and they are great too. I wasn't so keen on Lizzie because of some of the choices she makes, but the other friend, Al, the typical gay best friend was fantastic, and I actually thought Watson wrote the relationship between he and his fiancé Seb perfectly, it was a touching love story and the twist towards the end was shocking and really made me love them more!
I think a lot of mums out there will be able to relate to Stella, and her problems. For example, when she's away and she calls late at night wanting to speak to her daughter, but not being able to - yes she knows she's wrong for calling so late but there's that irrational mum instinct that makes us need to talk to our kids whenever we want to. There's the problems with her marriage, and her struggle to pull herself together afterwards, I could certainly relate to that and loved how Stella decided to make something of herself with her business afterwards. I felt that Watson really did know what she was talking about with the cake business, and I loved how Stella started making pretty cakes out of her kitchen and then realising what a talent she had. I have a few friends who have done exactly the same thing as Stella, so I know that's a realistic story! But I just loved that Stella was a normal woman, and for that I think Watson did a great job writing this.
There are lots of things I loved about this book, and I can most definitely recommend it! I found the characters were realistic and likeable, especially the fab Stella, and not only was the main story fab, I found the sub-story within of Al and Seb's relationship fitted in perfectly and was lovely to read about alongside the main story of Stella and her cakes. I enjoyed reading about her success, and loved the way she handled herself after the things that happen to her. I found the book hard to put down because I wanted to see what Stella was going to do next, and I was sad when I turned the last page. However, I will be recommending this book to anyone who loves a great story with fab characters, because it's so enjoyable, and I loved every page. I defy you not to want to scoff a cake whilst reading it too, yum!
August 4, 2016
Also posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
Do you believe in love at first sight? Well, I'm pretty realistic so I'd say that's a big fat NO for me. But when it comes to books and their covers, OH LA LA! I fell in love with the cover of Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes head over heels! I saw it and immediately thought THIS IS THE BOOK FOR ME! The cover is so chic and girly, and the colors are so vibrant. I've seen so many book covers, yet this one is definitely my favorite.
But it's not only the cover that is stunning and delicious, the content is even better! It's one of those books that will lift your mood, make you laugh out loud and...ok, make you crave for food, yet you won't be able to put it down.
The story follows Stella Weston, a TV producer who's mighty good at what she does, but is suddenly transferred to work in another 'area'. Ok, it might not be that suddenly, because Stella could foresee it coming, knowing MJ (her nasty boss) would do ANYTHING to destroy her. Working long hours, not being able to pick her daughter after school, missing out on family dinners etc, oh and the feeling of GUILT, that's what Stella's life suddenly turns into. I swear to God, MJ is worse than the devil itself, she's evil, arrogant, lazy..BH with one word! I think Stella deserved a medal for working with her in the first place. It's MJ that arranges this transfer for Stella, she's to leave to work on another area, covering gardening and religion! She wants to see Stella go down, but the question is - will Stella allow her that?
Revenge is sweet my friends, and in this case, it was hilarious too! I laughed out loud and was so happy when I saw Stella transforming in front of my eyes. I was rooting for her from the start, she's one tough lady! There were some parts, especially those when she had to leave home for a longer period that really made me sympathize with her. She's not the cruel workaholic business type of woman, yet she loves her job and of course she has to make some sacrifice on the way. But my heart was breaking every time she'd feel left out, every time she thought of her daughter going to bed without her kiss, every time she had a fight with her husband Tom.
I also loved the baking part, though to be completely frank, I'm a lousy baker. No matter how hard I try, I always seem faster (and better) in eating than cooking or baking.:)
Overall, this was a fantastic book with strong feel-good factor. I loved each of the characters (even the crazy vicar's wife) and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Sue. She's definitely a talented chick lit author with fresh and unique voice and going on my list of all time faves.
March 21, 2013
Lesley for www.bigbooklittlebook.com
Well, if you are up for an escapist read of sheer enjoyment and pleasure, then this is the one for you. Poor Stella has worked so hard all her life to get where she is, living that awful life of guilt for either not feeling committed enough at work because she has to get away for the babysitter or staying on for a meeting at work feeling terrible for not being at home for dinner with the family and to make matters worse her horrible boss MJ is breathing down her neck just waiting for her to fail.
After being given the job of producing a religious gardening programme which manages to go spectacularly wrong - but provides a good deal of hilarity, she finds herself at home with no job, her relationship with her husband hanging by a thread and a daughter who has changed alot during Stella’s absences. Thank goodness for a welcoming kitchen, a cupboard full of ingredients and Stella’s amazing knack of being able to knock up a ‘honey-scented chocolate cake with a gooey frosted topping worthy of Delia’.
Stella’s fabulous friends step up and offer her the support she needs by way of take away evenings, nights out, a holiday away and she finally begins to let her hair down a bit and have some fun as well as figure out what she wants from life.
Stella is a very likeable character - she does not ‘have it all together’ in any way at all and is honest about her failings and weaknesses. I like that she she was still an attractive and desirable woman even though she is clearly not a size 8!
So many comedy events happen during this story and there were plenty of laugh out loud moments. It was wonderful to see her and her friends all pulling together to support each other through the various trials and tribulations of their lives and I personally was very happy to see that CAKE was very much central to the proceedings!
Happily, things work out well for Stella in the end, despite all odds and it was great seeing a certain character get their very well deserved comeuppance at the end.
Verdict:This is lovely, fun read. I very much enjoyed it and for all those budding bakers, or just for those that love cake, like me, there are some fabulous looking recipes at the end of the book. Yum!
Well, if you are up for an escapist read of sheer enjoyment and pleasure, then this is the one for you. Poor Stella has worked so hard all her life to get where she is, living that awful life of guilt for either not feeling committed enough at work because she has to get away for the babysitter or staying on for a meeting at work feeling terrible for not being at home for dinner with the family and to make matters worse her horrible boss MJ is breathing down her neck just waiting for her to fail.
After being given the job of producing a religious gardening programme which manages to go spectacularly wrong - but provides a good deal of hilarity, she finds herself at home with no job, her relationship with her husband hanging by a thread and a daughter who has changed alot during Stella’s absences. Thank goodness for a welcoming kitchen, a cupboard full of ingredients and Stella’s amazing knack of being able to knock up a ‘honey-scented chocolate cake with a gooey frosted topping worthy of Delia’.
Stella’s fabulous friends step up and offer her the support she needs by way of take away evenings, nights out, a holiday away and she finally begins to let her hair down a bit and have some fun as well as figure out what she wants from life.
Stella is a very likeable character - she does not ‘have it all together’ in any way at all and is honest about her failings and weaknesses. I like that she she was still an attractive and desirable woman even though she is clearly not a size 8!
So many comedy events happen during this story and there were plenty of laugh out loud moments. It was wonderful to see her and her friends all pulling together to support each other through the various trials and tribulations of their lives and I personally was very happy to see that CAKE was very much central to the proceedings!
Happily, things work out well for Stella in the end, despite all odds and it was great seeing a certain character get their very well deserved comeuppance at the end.
Verdict:This is lovely, fun read. I very much enjoyed it and for all those budding bakers, or just for those that love cake, like me, there are some fabulous looking recipes at the end of the book. Yum!
November 28, 2011
Can you really make a living from indulging in your dreams? TV Producer Stella Weston is over worked, over weight and under fire. Having battled uphill for years to balance her career with her family life, she is repaid by being put out to pasture on a religious gardening program complete with a nervous vicar, his nymphomaniac wife, and 22 stone Britney wannabe gardener, Gerald. In the past, comfort has always been found at the bottom of her mixing bowl but when even the most delicious lemon sponge with zesty frosting cannot save the day, Stella decides enough is enough. However, finding the courage to quit is sometimes the easy part. Can you really turn a passion into a profession? Does more time at home actually give you a happier family life? Are men truly from Mars or another universe altogether? Stella has to roll up her sleeves and find out - when the going gets tough, the tough get baking....
I must admit to begin with this book was very slow; it was to begin with centered on gardening and religion which put me off as I find gardening and anything to do with it boring. I am not a very religious person either so this put me off. BUT after about 11 chapters. I was hooked! The main character Stella is mad and as for her husband Tom I had mixed feelings about him, one minute I felt sorry for him the next I didn’t. I loved Stella’s two best friends and I wished that I had best friends as good as these two. I hated Stella’s boss at media world. This book is very funny and makes you cry too. You can relate to most of the characters at one point or another through the book. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes baking or eating cakes and likes a good laugh and a good cry too.
I must admit to begin with this book was very slow; it was to begin with centered on gardening and religion which put me off as I find gardening and anything to do with it boring. I am not a very religious person either so this put me off. BUT after about 11 chapters. I was hooked! The main character Stella is mad and as for her husband Tom I had mixed feelings about him, one minute I felt sorry for him the next I didn’t. I loved Stella’s two best friends and I wished that I had best friends as good as these two. I hated Stella’s boss at media world. This book is very funny and makes you cry too. You can relate to most of the characters at one point or another through the book. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes baking or eating cakes and likes a good laugh and a good cry too.
February 15, 2014
I will admit before continuing that I haven't actually finished this book. Within the first couple of chapters I had concluded that the writer considers women to be inept at holding down a professional career and any success they had could only be attributed to their own stupidity (in a scene and story line completely ripped off from Bridget Jones) To say that the writer dismisses the possibility of any woman having a professional career is a touch too far. If you have no children you can, but then you would obviously be a thoughtless, nasty, talentless bitch.
I'm not sure that the premise, that
any working woman is a child abuser and any stay at home dad is a saint, could have been rammed down my throat any further.
The writer then goes on to portray our heroine as a complete idiot who can not understand basic household finances. Luckily her husband deals with all of that so she never has to worry her pretty little female head about it.
But never fear. Our female lead can bake cakes! So all is well, and completely non stereotypical nor gender biased.
As I said I didn't finish (or even get to the middle of) this book, but I guessed the ending (which is quite impressive seeing as I'm a dumb girl, with no children who can't, nor has the desire to, bake.)
I am amazed that drivvle like this gets published and devastated that it gets such high reviews. The author should be ashamed.
I'm not sure that the premise, that
any working woman is a child abuser and any stay at home dad is a saint, could have been rammed down my throat any further.
The writer then goes on to portray our heroine as a complete idiot who can not understand basic household finances. Luckily her husband deals with all of that so she never has to worry her pretty little female head about it.
But never fear. Our female lead can bake cakes! So all is well, and completely non stereotypical nor gender biased.
As I said I didn't finish (or even get to the middle of) this book, but I guessed the ending (which is quite impressive seeing as I'm a dumb girl, with no children who can't, nor has the desire to, bake.)
I am amazed that drivvle like this gets published and devastated that it gets such high reviews. The author should be ashamed.
December 13, 2011
Oh wow! Such a sweet, fluffy and innocent cover hiding a fabulous grown-up story.
Stella loses her career as a TV producer and she sees this as a blessing in disguise as she can now concentrate on her family - her husband, Tom and daughter, Grace. She can make a fresh start with a new career and also spend time being a good wife and mother.
Stella decides to turn her passion for baking into a business, but life deals her some bitter blows so it is not all fairy cakes and happy days.
She has a supportive group of friends to help her through the tough times.
There is an unusual celebration, to look out for, which brings the story to a close.
I must say I did not care for Stella when I started reading the story. She was a career woman, who was not getting the balance of work and family right. The family losing out.
By the end of the novel I could identify with how Stella handled what life threw at her and I liked the new Stella.
This novel explores how a person can change to survive the uncontrollable changes forced upon them and not only survive but grow with the changes.
4.5 out of 5 for me!
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