What do you think?
Rate this book
Confessions of a Cake Addict
Londoner Kate Pickles has hit rock bottom. She's funny, kind, and talented but totally unaware about all the great things she has going for her. Day in and day out, she sits back and whines to her sister Laurie in Sydney, Australia, as her boss walks all over her and her best friend Eva bags the hot guys while Kate ends up dating whack jobs and comfort eating cake. Pouring out her heart to Laurie in a series of letters and emails, Kate longs for her sister to confirm she really is the loser in love she fears she is.
Abruptly, Kate's life is turned upside down when, on a trip to Vienna with her glamorous pal, Eva, Kate falls for a sexy Austrian and gets sucked into making a Bollywood film.
CHARACTERS
The story unfolds in a series of letters and emails between overweight, insecure Gherkin (Kate) who lives in London, is tortured by her boss The Haddock at the advertising agency she works at and whos life has generally hit the skids since she split up with her long term boyfriend and has started dating a string of losers. Whenever things go wrong she muffles her feelings with cake.
Her sister Egg (Laurie) lives a perfect life in Sydney, Australia, is happily married and has two perfect, high achieving kids. However, the kids do leave her frazzled so she enjoys dipping into Kate's messy life and living vicariously through her romantic disasters but can't resist giving her dollops of sisterly advice. Laurie pulls no punches when commenting on Kate's bad life choices and echoes the reader's sentiments that zany, kooky Kate really needs to get a life. Laurie is a refreshing burst of reality, cutting through Kate's delusions and encouraging her to lose weight and go for it with Count Alex von Pappenberg when she's scared to be vulnerable.
Alex von Pappenberg, is a handsome but sensitive Austrian Count who is similarly disillusioned with life and love as Kate and lying low in the Austrian sticks in his Schloss. Like Kate he is stuck in life - his once successful vineyard has gone bankrupt and he's too unmotivated to start it up again. When Kate arrives at his Schloss as part of the entourage making a Bollywood movie Alex is determined to win her love but scared to make a move himself. Readers will enjoy seeing two insecure people grow to the point where they can take a chance on finding love again and facing the challenges of the future together!
SELECTED QUOTES
“Instead of leaning forward and brushing his lips against mine, he says, "I know we got off to a bad start but I've thought about you a lot. I think you're very sweet." Sweet? I'm not sure I want to be called sweet. Sexy, bawdy, horny, hell, I'll even take voluptuous at a pinch. But sweet, it makes me feel like I'm a little girl who he wants to look after.”
"A half naked man, trousers rolled up to his knees, is ankle deep in water, which he’s scooping into a bucket before pouring down the sink.
I take a few steps back, and bump into Eva who’s busy watching him. Sweat is dripping down his back, due to his hearty exertions."
IDEAL READER
If you enjoy stories about hot holiday romances you'll enjoy this. It's aimed at women aged about 20-40 who are adventurous and full of fun who are tired of romance 'bodice-rippers' with their formulaic plots and unrealistic heros. If you're looking to be entertained by a romantic comedy that's chock full of quirky characters and hilarious situations then you'll love Confessions of a Cake Addict!
People who like Authors such as Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, Jenny Colgan & Lisa Jewell will find this 'just their cup of tea' and a cake to go with it.
NB. This book is targetted towards adults. There are occasional words that may be considered as bad language.
Abruptly, Kate's life is turned upside down when, on a trip to Vienna with her glamorous pal, Eva, Kate falls for a sexy Austrian and gets sucked into making a Bollywood film.
CHARACTERS
The story unfolds in a series of letters and emails between overweight, insecure Gherkin (Kate) who lives in London, is tortured by her boss The Haddock at the advertising agency she works at and whos life has generally hit the skids since she split up with her long term boyfriend and has started dating a string of losers. Whenever things go wrong she muffles her feelings with cake.
Her sister Egg (Laurie) lives a perfect life in Sydney, Australia, is happily married and has two perfect, high achieving kids. However, the kids do leave her frazzled so she enjoys dipping into Kate's messy life and living vicariously through her romantic disasters but can't resist giving her dollops of sisterly advice. Laurie pulls no punches when commenting on Kate's bad life choices and echoes the reader's sentiments that zany, kooky Kate really needs to get a life. Laurie is a refreshing burst of reality, cutting through Kate's delusions and encouraging her to lose weight and go for it with Count Alex von Pappenberg when she's scared to be vulnerable.
Alex von Pappenberg, is a handsome but sensitive Austrian Count who is similarly disillusioned with life and love as Kate and lying low in the Austrian sticks in his Schloss. Like Kate he is stuck in life - his once successful vineyard has gone bankrupt and he's too unmotivated to start it up again. When Kate arrives at his Schloss as part of the entourage making a Bollywood movie Alex is determined to win her love but scared to make a move himself. Readers will enjoy seeing two insecure people grow to the point where they can take a chance on finding love again and facing the challenges of the future together!
SELECTED QUOTES
“Instead of leaning forward and brushing his lips against mine, he says, "I know we got off to a bad start but I've thought about you a lot. I think you're very sweet." Sweet? I'm not sure I want to be called sweet. Sexy, bawdy, horny, hell, I'll even take voluptuous at a pinch. But sweet, it makes me feel like I'm a little girl who he wants to look after.”
"A half naked man, trousers rolled up to his knees, is ankle deep in water, which he’s scooping into a bucket before pouring down the sink.
I take a few steps back, and bump into Eva who’s busy watching him. Sweat is dripping down his back, due to his hearty exertions."
IDEAL READER
If you enjoy stories about hot holiday romances you'll enjoy this. It's aimed at women aged about 20-40 who are adventurous and full of fun who are tired of romance 'bodice-rippers' with their formulaic plots and unrealistic heros. If you're looking to be entertained by a romantic comedy that's chock full of quirky characters and hilarious situations then you'll love Confessions of a Cake Addict!
People who like Authors such as Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, Jenny Colgan & Lisa Jewell will find this 'just their cup of tea' and a cake to go with it.
NB. This book is targetted towards adults. There are occasional words that may be considered as bad language.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2012
35 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 17, 2012
Originally posted on my blog: guiltless reading
Cake, anyone?
The book in one sentence: Kate Pickles, cake addict, has not given up on love.
My two cents: I've been lapping up some serious fare lately, so a change of pace was in order. Confessions of a Cake Addict hit the spot and then some. This such a riot of a read! Grab this book and cozy up on the couch in the sunroom and just read! I found myself just laughing like silly. It's funny, improbable, but it's not exactly the fluff I was expecting. There is something very smartalecky about this that I really enjoyed.
Most women will be able to relate to Kate Pickles -- a mishmash of Bridget Jones (hey, knickers play a role in this story too!) gone Becky Bloomwood of Confessions of a Shopaholic fame, cakewise that is. Kate's obsession for cake is a main feature, so be prepared for very detailed mouthwatering descriptions of cake! Kate is a copywriter for an ad agency so that's also why she is so good with her words.
Confessions of a Cake Addict
by Emma Kauffman
Recently single, Kate is still reeling from a relationship gone sour -- and she is still beating herself up about it. She hasn't given up on love though and her radar is up for her next man, though it sometimes malfunctions (gay-dar gone bad). You get some serious relationship wake-up calls through Kate.
"Poor little you,"says Sten, and leans over to give me a kiss. His aftershave smells divine. His stubble feels divine, brushing against my cheek. His hard thigh pressed upon my leg feels ... whoa, I pull myself short. You're doing well, I tell myself. You have a real knack for falling for the unobtainable. There's Sten, who's gay, there's Alex [...]. Now then, let's see, who else. The Weasel (mad), the Marquis (bad) and Ricky (sad). And what about Ben, a little voice says, aren't you still hung up on him, although you say it's all dead and buried?
- p. 186, Confessions of a Cake Addict
Kate, like Bridget Jones, also obsesses about her weight. Definitely in denial about her weight issues. She's been mistaken as pregnant. She needs just one more slice of cake. Typical. (I need an extra slice too, just don't tell! :))
♥
The story is mainly told through correspondence between Kate and her sister Laurie (Kate's petname for her sister is "Egg" and Kate's nickname is "Gherkin") which accounts for the severely chatty tone of the book. It feels like a crazy girlfriend of mine is sitting on the couch with me just babbling about her crazy summer, and I am screaming, laughing and oohing and ahhing along with her. Chatty, engaging, snarky and in your face - that's how this is written.
Plus, the plot is insane and ludicrous - so crazy that it seems even possible (if you know what I mean). There's travel to Vienna (love the descriptions of the architecture and the countryside). There's a Bollywood film (a hint of the exotic, the erotic, and think Bollywood hyperreal). There's also the weird and wild antics of the ad industry. There are mysterious men and a Count no less! Adventure. Travel. Romance. And cake anyone?
But I have to say: it works somehow. It doesn't feel cookie cutter plot-wise. The unpredictability just kept me reading.
As I don't want to put in an spoilers, let's just say that some very nice little twists and turns happen and Kate, who I so relate to, receives some very nice surprises in the end.
♥
Uh-ohs: My gripes about this book are superficial but rather marred an otherwise great read.
One, where is Kate on the cover? That can't possibly be Kate!? Kate loves cake. Kate has curves. That is NOT Kate. I'd prefer a cover that doesn't have a weird disconnect with the contents.
Someone's copyeditor flubbed this one. I wish to heck that there weren't so many typos and weird line breaks. They were annoying and distracting.
Verdict: A hilarious, improbable and snarky chick lit read that smart-alecky women will love and laugh about. Go on, take a bite. It's good for you!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
------
What a riot! Funny, funny fluff!
Cake, anyone?
The book in one sentence: Kate Pickles, cake addict, has not given up on love.
My two cents: I've been lapping up some serious fare lately, so a change of pace was in order. Confessions of a Cake Addict hit the spot and then some. This such a riot of a read! Grab this book and cozy up on the couch in the sunroom and just read! I found myself just laughing like silly. It's funny, improbable, but it's not exactly the fluff I was expecting. There is something very smartalecky about this that I really enjoyed.
Most women will be able to relate to Kate Pickles -- a mishmash of Bridget Jones (hey, knickers play a role in this story too!) gone Becky Bloomwood of Confessions of a Shopaholic fame, cakewise that is. Kate's obsession for cake is a main feature, so be prepared for very detailed mouthwatering descriptions of cake! Kate is a copywriter for an ad agency so that's also why she is so good with her words.
Confessions of a Cake Addict
by Emma Kauffman
Recently single, Kate is still reeling from a relationship gone sour -- and she is still beating herself up about it. She hasn't given up on love though and her radar is up for her next man, though it sometimes malfunctions (gay-dar gone bad). You get some serious relationship wake-up calls through Kate.
"Poor little you,"says Sten, and leans over to give me a kiss. His aftershave smells divine. His stubble feels divine, brushing against my cheek. His hard thigh pressed upon my leg feels ... whoa, I pull myself short. You're doing well, I tell myself. You have a real knack for falling for the unobtainable. There's Sten, who's gay, there's Alex [...]. Now then, let's see, who else. The Weasel (mad), the Marquis (bad) and Ricky (sad). And what about Ben, a little voice says, aren't you still hung up on him, although you say it's all dead and buried?
- p. 186, Confessions of a Cake Addict
Kate, like Bridget Jones, also obsesses about her weight. Definitely in denial about her weight issues. She's been mistaken as pregnant. She needs just one more slice of cake. Typical. (I need an extra slice too, just don't tell! :))
♥
The story is mainly told through correspondence between Kate and her sister Laurie (Kate's petname for her sister is "Egg" and Kate's nickname is "Gherkin") which accounts for the severely chatty tone of the book. It feels like a crazy girlfriend of mine is sitting on the couch with me just babbling about her crazy summer, and I am screaming, laughing and oohing and ahhing along with her. Chatty, engaging, snarky and in your face - that's how this is written.
Plus, the plot is insane and ludicrous - so crazy that it seems even possible (if you know what I mean). There's travel to Vienna (love the descriptions of the architecture and the countryside). There's a Bollywood film (a hint of the exotic, the erotic, and think Bollywood hyperreal). There's also the weird and wild antics of the ad industry. There are mysterious men and a Count no less! Adventure. Travel. Romance. And cake anyone?
But I have to say: it works somehow. It doesn't feel cookie cutter plot-wise. The unpredictability just kept me reading.
As I don't want to put in an spoilers, let's just say that some very nice little twists and turns happen and Kate, who I so relate to, receives some very nice surprises in the end.
♥
Uh-ohs: My gripes about this book are superficial but rather marred an otherwise great read.
One, where is Kate on the cover? That can't possibly be Kate!? Kate loves cake. Kate has curves. That is NOT Kate. I'd prefer a cover that doesn't have a weird disconnect with the contents.
Someone's copyeditor flubbed this one. I wish to heck that there weren't so many typos and weird line breaks. They were annoying and distracting.
Verdict: A hilarious, improbable and snarky chick lit read that smart-alecky women will love and laugh about. Go on, take a bite. It's good for you!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
------
What a riot! Funny, funny fluff!
July 30, 2012
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
Rated 3.5 Star
Confessions of a Cake Addict got off to a slow start for me and it was only as it neared the end that I started really enjoying it. This was too little too late which was really unfortunate because there were many aspects I liked, but overall it didn't mesh as well together as I thought it would.
The entire novel is written as series of long winded letters, mostly between Kate and her sister. I loved this! It reminded me of the 'novels' I used to write to my girlfriends exactly like this back in the day before email and social media. And yes, they were mostly about boys, much like Kate's stories.
The concept of this novel intrigued me and I loved the letters Kate starts writing to her bestie's love interest and I was actually really stumped at what transpired which I could never have predicted, and I love it when novels surprise me! There was something left up in the air surrounding this in the end though which is never actually divulged which annoyed me somewhat. I wanted to know how it all transpired - sorry, I know that's cryptic, but no spoilers!!!
There are funny bits that I laughed and giggled at and I really liked Kate's voice. She was spunky, funny and has amusing observations and an interesting way with how she retells her story to her sister, all of which kept me reading and entertained.
Unfortunately though there were a few things that could have been strengthened. At times I became so immersed in the story that I forgot I was reading a letter and then out of nowhere, Kate would point something out to her sister or ask her opinion which stopped me cold. I think if there were more of these to remind me that they were letters, or less....something needed alteration here. There were also several unnecessary instances of pointing out the obvious to her sister: remember my school friend so and so with details that weren't necessary or my favourite: remember, I think I told you our cousin died - WHAT! If I wrote that to one of my siblings either they would assume I was an idiot, or I thought they were morons because they might have forgotten that our cousin died. This last one in particular tossed me right out of the story and I was actually really annoyed. I know not all families are as close as mine, but still you'd think the sister wouldn't need a reminder. These did decrease throughout the novel when less explanation was required, but I still found it distracting.
These days I'm more apt to enjoy novels about the main character's self discovery rather than finding a man or a pair of new shoes. And although there was some unusual aspects to this story, like the castle setting in Austria (which made me really want to read this as part of my heritage originates on a mountainside in Austria) and the Indian film, but overall, there wasn't much new in this novel. Much of it was actually a little cliche. The main character loved cake and was overweight because of it. She was searching for a man and hopelessly attracted to the wrong kind. Her best friend is tall, slim and perfect and at times a bit bitchy. Her boss is a nightmare and her love interests all disreputable, they both shop too much and have no money. Maybe I'm just getting older now though and these aspects don't appeal to me as much as they used to. Possibly a younger audience might appreciate this more.
Overall, I think Confessions of a Cake Addict could have used some more time in the editing room, not only with fleshing out characters to make them more rounded and taking away a bit of the erroneous action - I went here, I did this, and then this happened which occurred frequently but also with proofreading and formatting errors. Kaufman definitely has talent and I think with a few tweaks her novels will shine.
Thank you to Emma Kaufmann for our review copy which was recieved in exchange for an honest review.
Rated 3.5 Star
Confessions of a Cake Addict got off to a slow start for me and it was only as it neared the end that I started really enjoying it. This was too little too late which was really unfortunate because there were many aspects I liked, but overall it didn't mesh as well together as I thought it would.
The entire novel is written as series of long winded letters, mostly between Kate and her sister. I loved this! It reminded me of the 'novels' I used to write to my girlfriends exactly like this back in the day before email and social media. And yes, they were mostly about boys, much like Kate's stories.
The concept of this novel intrigued me and I loved the letters Kate starts writing to her bestie's love interest and I was actually really stumped at what transpired which I could never have predicted, and I love it when novels surprise me! There was something left up in the air surrounding this in the end though which is never actually divulged which annoyed me somewhat. I wanted to know how it all transpired - sorry, I know that's cryptic, but no spoilers!!!
There are funny bits that I laughed and giggled at and I really liked Kate's voice. She was spunky, funny and has amusing observations and an interesting way with how she retells her story to her sister, all of which kept me reading and entertained.
Unfortunately though there were a few things that could have been strengthened. At times I became so immersed in the story that I forgot I was reading a letter and then out of nowhere, Kate would point something out to her sister or ask her opinion which stopped me cold. I think if there were more of these to remind me that they were letters, or less....something needed alteration here. There were also several unnecessary instances of pointing out the obvious to her sister: remember my school friend so and so with details that weren't necessary or my favourite: remember, I think I told you our cousin died - WHAT! If I wrote that to one of my siblings either they would assume I was an idiot, or I thought they were morons because they might have forgotten that our cousin died. This last one in particular tossed me right out of the story and I was actually really annoyed. I know not all families are as close as mine, but still you'd think the sister wouldn't need a reminder. These did decrease throughout the novel when less explanation was required, but I still found it distracting.
These days I'm more apt to enjoy novels about the main character's self discovery rather than finding a man or a pair of new shoes. And although there was some unusual aspects to this story, like the castle setting in Austria (which made me really want to read this as part of my heritage originates on a mountainside in Austria) and the Indian film, but overall, there wasn't much new in this novel. Much of it was actually a little cliche. The main character loved cake and was overweight because of it. She was searching for a man and hopelessly attracted to the wrong kind. Her best friend is tall, slim and perfect and at times a bit bitchy. Her boss is a nightmare and her love interests all disreputable, they both shop too much and have no money. Maybe I'm just getting older now though and these aspects don't appeal to me as much as they used to. Possibly a younger audience might appreciate this more.
Overall, I think Confessions of a Cake Addict could have used some more time in the editing room, not only with fleshing out characters to make them more rounded and taking away a bit of the erroneous action - I went here, I did this, and then this happened which occurred frequently but also with proofreading and formatting errors. Kaufman definitely has talent and I think with a few tweaks her novels will shine.
Thank you to Emma Kaufmann for our review copy which was recieved in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2012
The title is deceptive, to say the least. There's very little mention of cake in the book and the main character clearly wasn't an addict to cake or anything else. I found this book to be quite disappointing. The story was very elementary, the characters had very little development (if any), and much of the story was so unrealistic I just rolled my eyes and moved along. I confess that no matter what, I refuse to put down a book without finishing it. In this case, I kind of wish I hadn't picked it up in the first place. Disappointing, to say the least.
August 22, 2012
It started a bit slow but finally picked up. Kate, the main character, is refreshingly real. The book is written as a series of letters between Kate and her sister. Which was different but not distracting or frustrating as I have had in other books.
May 31, 2012
Fun cute book! Reminded me a bit of Bridget jones diary, great for a quick easy read!
July 15, 2012
Nice book very funny in places
July 15, 2012
Blogger to book author...
Read my review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3SEFASU...
Read my review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3SEFASU...
August 26, 2018
I was hoping for some fluffy, entertaining romantic comedy fun, but this just didn't grab me at all. Main character Kate was an annoying, shallow moron, the rest of the characters weren't any better, and the most amusing thing about the whole book was the title. In the end, I was just skimming to get it over with more quickly.
June 19, 2022
Romantic Chick Lit
This is a light easy read. The type of Chick Lily I like.
We can all identify with Kate, a bit of a mess, dodging around messes and partying through life. Perhaps some things we wish we had done when we were young.
But it all ends well.
Three stars
This is a light easy read. The type of Chick Lily I like.
We can all identify with Kate, a bit of a mess, dodging around messes and partying through life. Perhaps some things we wish we had done when we were young.
But it all ends well.
Three stars
January 1, 2013
A young Londoner looks for a new image and love in Emma Kaufmann's Confessions of a Cake Addict.
Kate Pickles' life is a disaster. She has a job she hates, a less than stellar romantic history and an addiction to the sweeter things in life, namely cakes and candy. Through a series of letters and emails to her sister in Australia, Kate recounts the misgivings in her life.
After a trip to Vienna with her friend, Eva, Kate's life turns around as she begins to see new possibilities in all areas of her life -- even if it means having to help make a Bollywood film.
This story took me a while to get into. Though the characters were funny and the situations entertaining, the first part of the book had too much back story. Initially, instead of feeling sorry for Kate, I found her whining more than a little annoying.
Though I frequently enjoy reading stories in diary or letter format, most of the time it was not apparent that was how the story was being told. By adding in some dates or subject headers -- anything really -- to indicate that this was a new letter or message to her sister would have made this element stronger. By writing the story as a straight first-person narrative, it would have made the story more active. For me, retrospective story-telling, which usually accompanies stories in this format, makes it more difficult to get lost in a story.
However, once Kate and Eva go to Austria, the story picked up, both in pacing and entertainment value. Instead of bemoaning the life at hand, Kate develops more as a character by making changes in her life and taking a more proactive approach. This would have been a much stronger story if it would have started a little later.
Though the overweight woman who uses food as an emotional crutch theme has been done, this aspect of the story offered most of the redemption for the character. At times it seemed a little like Jane Green's Jemima J, only I liked Kate better than Jemima, because she was a stronger character making the changes more for herself than to appease a man not quite worthy of her.
Probably the most unique aspect of this book was moving the story out of London -- which is the setting in a good chunk of Chick Lit books -- and taking it to Austria. With the exception of The Sound of Music, I cannot recall reading or watching a story unfold in that country. The Bollywood angle was another nice touch, and a lot of fun to follow.
The men in this book also add plenty of laughable moments. When she meets a charming Austrian, it was easy to understand why she fell for the guy.
Though this was an enjoyable story with a lot of potential, a few changes would have made this a much stronger read. That said, I really did like some parts of this book and would look forward to reading more of Kaufmann's stories in the future.
Rating: 3.5 of 5
Originally posted at www.change-the-word.blogspot.com.
Kate Pickles' life is a disaster. She has a job she hates, a less than stellar romantic history and an addiction to the sweeter things in life, namely cakes and candy. Through a series of letters and emails to her sister in Australia, Kate recounts the misgivings in her life.
After a trip to Vienna with her friend, Eva, Kate's life turns around as she begins to see new possibilities in all areas of her life -- even if it means having to help make a Bollywood film.
This story took me a while to get into. Though the characters were funny and the situations entertaining, the first part of the book had too much back story. Initially, instead of feeling sorry for Kate, I found her whining more than a little annoying.
Though I frequently enjoy reading stories in diary or letter format, most of the time it was not apparent that was how the story was being told. By adding in some dates or subject headers -- anything really -- to indicate that this was a new letter or message to her sister would have made this element stronger. By writing the story as a straight first-person narrative, it would have made the story more active. For me, retrospective story-telling, which usually accompanies stories in this format, makes it more difficult to get lost in a story.
However, once Kate and Eva go to Austria, the story picked up, both in pacing and entertainment value. Instead of bemoaning the life at hand, Kate develops more as a character by making changes in her life and taking a more proactive approach. This would have been a much stronger story if it would have started a little later.
Though the overweight woman who uses food as an emotional crutch theme has been done, this aspect of the story offered most of the redemption for the character. At times it seemed a little like Jane Green's Jemima J, only I liked Kate better than Jemima, because she was a stronger character making the changes more for herself than to appease a man not quite worthy of her.
Probably the most unique aspect of this book was moving the story out of London -- which is the setting in a good chunk of Chick Lit books -- and taking it to Austria. With the exception of The Sound of Music, I cannot recall reading or watching a story unfold in that country. The Bollywood angle was another nice touch, and a lot of fun to follow.
The men in this book also add plenty of laughable moments. When she meets a charming Austrian, it was easy to understand why she fell for the guy.
Though this was an enjoyable story with a lot of potential, a few changes would have made this a much stronger read. That said, I really did like some parts of this book and would look forward to reading more of Kaufmann's stories in the future.
Rating: 3.5 of 5
Originally posted at www.change-the-word.blogspot.com.
October 21, 2012
If you like Bridget Jones you'll love Kate Pickles!
Emma Kaufmann is a very astute author, bringing her characters to life with a clear wealth of knowledge of 'the ways of the world'.
I connected with the protagonist, Kate, very early on in the book, willing her to find her man - and her cake. And, of course, it's always nice to read about someone who eats more cake and gets less sex than yourself.
The other characters were a perfect blend of characters to love, characters to hate and characters to love to hate.
Emma's style is thoroughly enjoyable, with Kate telling her story through letters to her sister. Although, I often found myself so engaged in the story I'd forget I was reading a letter. And the occasional reply from her bemused sister just added to the appeal.
A real pager turner too, with so many possible conclusions - would she get back with her ex? Steal her best friends lover? Or maybe spend the rest of her time with fumbling around with the mail boy, to mention just a few. And I have to say I was far from disappointed with the ending.
Any chick lit fan should have this at the top of their 'to read' list.
Emma Kaufmann is a very astute author, bringing her characters to life with a clear wealth of knowledge of 'the ways of the world'.
I connected with the protagonist, Kate, very early on in the book, willing her to find her man - and her cake. And, of course, it's always nice to read about someone who eats more cake and gets less sex than yourself.
The other characters were a perfect blend of characters to love, characters to hate and characters to love to hate.
Emma's style is thoroughly enjoyable, with Kate telling her story through letters to her sister. Although, I often found myself so engaged in the story I'd forget I was reading a letter. And the occasional reply from her bemused sister just added to the appeal.
A real pager turner too, with so many possible conclusions - would she get back with her ex? Steal her best friends lover? Or maybe spend the rest of her time with fumbling around with the mail boy, to mention just a few. And I have to say I was far from disappointed with the ending.
Any chick lit fan should have this at the top of their 'to read' list.
May 7, 2012
I must say this book really cracked me up. It reminded me of when I was on the singles scene and like Kate had a really lousy gaydar and ended up dating guys who I thought were oh so right for me until I found out they were gay!! Kate has some hilarious dating experiences at the beginning of the book with various guys that are just not right for her until later on she stumbles on a really great guy who she doesn't think is right for her - when he so is!! I giggled my way through this book which is written as a bunch of letters between Kate in London and her sister Laurie in Sydney, Australia. It was a real page turner and Kaufmann has a real way with words - the way she described Vienna was really evocative and romantic and I have put it on my list of places I want to go visit soon. While I'm there I'll be sure to check out all the cakes the author mentions. Loved the book, it was a real hoot.
April 18, 2012
Well yes I did write it but check it out and tell me what you think!
Will falling in love be the icing on the cake for Kate? Or will it leave her with indigestion?
Londoner Kate Pickles has a problem with cake. Every time she feels down she reaches for the nearest chocolate eclair, until soon she is piling on the pounds. But her life is turned upside down when, on a trip to Vienna with her glamorous pal, Eva, Kate falls for a sexy Austrian and gets sucked into making a Bollywood film. As her life gathers momentum Kate faces a crossroads. Will she continue to use cake as an emotional crutch or enter cake rehab and conquer her fears?
Here's chapter one to whet your appetite: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/14750...
Will falling in love be the icing on the cake for Kate? Or will it leave her with indigestion?
Londoner Kate Pickles has a problem with cake. Every time she feels down she reaches for the nearest chocolate eclair, until soon she is piling on the pounds. But her life is turned upside down when, on a trip to Vienna with her glamorous pal, Eva, Kate falls for a sexy Austrian and gets sucked into making a Bollywood film. As her life gathers momentum Kate faces a crossroads. Will she continue to use cake as an emotional crutch or enter cake rehab and conquer her fears?
Here's chapter one to whet your appetite: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/14750...
April 25, 2012
I will have to say, all of the descriptions of cakes and various pastries made me very hungry.... The story was nice. Kate was easy to identify with in her relationship struggles, her comfort eating, and the general craziness of her life. The back and forth banter between the sisters was fun too. Over all a decent book with a very pleasant ending.
August 1, 2012
I downloaded this for free on my tablet. I'm pretty sure I've read this before but I liked that it was free and it sounded fun. If I've read it before, I enjoyed reading it again. I was also traveling in England while reading it. I always enjoy books that are set in London or England. It's a light read and is just a fun chick lit book. Not a deep read but entertaining.
September 14, 2012
Did not really like the main character very much and liked her sister and roommate even less. It's been a while since I tried to read it, but I believe the main problem I had was the main character was far to self-loathing and self-destructing for my liking and I stopped caring what happened to her.
May 13, 2012
A cute book. A fast read and entertaining. Bunch of errors. I felt the writer got sort of lost midway, but not so much as to lose the reader. And eventually it all tied back in together. It could have been tighter written. Not sure it was ready for publication.
July 29, 2012
I was looking for a fluffy, easy book, which this was... but the utterly unbelievable plot, the odd and inconsistent narrative style, and the veiled hostility between the sisters detracted from the guilty pleasure that this book could have been.
September 29, 2012
i hated this book. I kept trying to read further to get to the part where I would like it, but it never redeamed itself. The main character Kate is annoying and the tone of the book is like a bad version of Bridget Jones Diary. yuck
May 20, 2012
This is totally a mindless read. The story is random and doesn't really make much sense. Perfect when you need something for the beach or while nursing a newborn at 2 AM.
July 5, 2012
The writing never seemed to flow right. It was suppose to be written in letter style but seemed to slip out of letter style more often than naughtily.
July 15, 2012
I finished this book because I always need to find out what happens in the end. Not a favorite.
July 20, 2012
Funny. Not my favorite, but easy read.
May 14, 2015
Really enjoyed reading this book, after reading some of the reviews I was actually presently surprised.
August 8, 2012
Cute book...easy reading :)
August 12, 2012
Eh. Main character was annoying, situation got ridiculously unrealistic at one point and it just left a sour taste in my mouth. Disappointing.
August 3, 2012
Wasn't great, wasn't horrible. I enjoyed it and read the whole thing. Plus, it was free. Maybe woundn't read it again, but will look for others by the same author.
August 29, 2012
I struggled through this one. The story had a ton of holes
June 18, 2013
Could not get into this one shame I thought it had so much promise
December 17, 2012
Hilariously done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews