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Life is Sweet
Elizabeth Bass—author of Miss You Most of All, Wherever Grace is Needed, and The Way Back to Happiness—weaves an emotionally rich and layered new novel about a former child star rebuilding her life...
Becca Hudson has come a long way since she was a tween starring in the sitcom Me Minus You, but as far as she’s concerned, she finally has her act together. She’s relocated to Leesburg, Virginia, owns a successful bakery, and has a great set of friends—even a friendly ex-husband. She ignores “Whatever Happened To?” speculation and the occasional overly obsessed fan, and flatly turns down a lucrative offer to appear on a reality show called Celebrities in Peril: Child Star Edition. She has an uncomfortable relationship with her Hollywood past, preferring to think of herself as more than a 1990s trivia question. Then one day a mysterious man appears and stirs up her past—all of it—in ways she never imagined...
Becca Hudson has come a long way since she was a tween starring in the sitcom Me Minus You, but as far as she’s concerned, she finally has her act together. She’s relocated to Leesburg, Virginia, owns a successful bakery, and has a great set of friends—even a friendly ex-husband. She ignores “Whatever Happened To?” speculation and the occasional overly obsessed fan, and flatly turns down a lucrative offer to appear on a reality show called Celebrities in Peril: Child Star Edition. She has an uncomfortable relationship with her Hollywood past, preferring to think of herself as more than a 1990s trivia question. Then one day a mysterious man appears and stirs up her past—all of it—in ways she never imagined...
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
18 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bass
10 books263 followersElizabeth Bass grew up the youngest of four siblings in rural Texas, where she spent summers watching old movies and dreaming of living in a town big enough to have an Icee machine. She now resides in Victoria, BC with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 31, 2014
“Romance novels are birthday cake and life is often peanut butter and jelly. I think everyone should have lots of delicious romance novels lying around for those times when the peanut butter of life gets stuck to the roof of your mouth.”
-Janet Evanovich, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Yes once in a while, we do need a birthday cake kind of novel to ease off our mind which gets often heavy while reading those impressionistic and articulate literary novels. Life is Sweet by Elizabeth Bass has all the ingredients to be your perfect birthday cake. Melodramatic- check, cheesy characters- check, predictable ending making us all teary eyed- check, over-the-top chemistry- check, girl problems- check.
Synopsis:
“If you wait for a cake to be given to you so you will be happy- then you will be happy when someone gives you a cake. But if you buy a cake (or bake one) for yourself so you will be happy, you have found the way of happiness.” -C. Joy Bell C, author and also known for her cake-love.
That's what Rebecca Hudson used to do- bake cupcakes, whenever life threw her lemons. Rebecca Hudson is former TV star, who is now the owner of a bakery, and her cupcakes are quite popular in her town, Leesburg. She had a great set of girl-friends and a very friendly ex-husband and sometimes, occasionally she used to get bugged by her fans. One fine day she sees a man, who is old enough to be her father, across her bakery, who happens to be homeless and penniless. Feeling sympathetic, Rebecca soon befriends that man. Eventually the mysterious man becomes like that missing ray of sunshine in Rebecca's already lonely life. And with a growing passion for her new customer, who happens to be a single dad, Rebecca is feeling happier and merrier every-day. But does life goes on as we want it to go? Read it to find out about Rebecca's mystery-man and about her "sweet as a cake" life.
Rebecca is a perfect protagonist- lost and lonely yet feels happy while making cupcakes! She is not like all those women protagonists who happen to cry and sulk over their broken past. Rebecca devours every bad moment of her life by making cupcakes. She is least bothered about her failing career as a TV star and surprisingly is in quite good terms with her ex-husband, instead of feeling all uncomfortable in-front of him. Not for a single moment, I found Rebecca crying over her disoriented life. Moreover she cared less about her daily problems, and indeed she had a large heart, meaning couldn't say "NO" to a total stranger who happens to be an ex-convict. I loved everything about Rebecca. I wish her friends could be more like Rebecca instead of being utterly ridiculous and cheesy- Pam and Erin. Olivia, an 11-year old girl is the life of this book- bold, determined and has a way with her words! The male characters are fantastically portrayed- almost drawing a striking similarity with the everyday characters.
The narration was simple, not too dramatic. But I put admit that often the plot went too melodramatic and many unnecessary moments could have been avoided. Even at times, I felt I couldn't connect to story; moreover I couldn't be able to absorb the emotions at all. The ending was no-doubt quite predictable.
Honestly, I liked Elizabeth Bass's previous novel, The Way Back to Happiness more than this book.
Verdict: There are far better birthday cakes out there. But if you love reading light-hearted novels, then definitely go for this one.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Elizabeth Bass, for providing me with a copy of her novel, in return for an honest review.
-Janet Evanovich, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Yes once in a while, we do need a birthday cake kind of novel to ease off our mind which gets often heavy while reading those impressionistic and articulate literary novels. Life is Sweet by Elizabeth Bass has all the ingredients to be your perfect birthday cake. Melodramatic- check, cheesy characters- check, predictable ending making us all teary eyed- check, over-the-top chemistry- check, girl problems- check.
Synopsis:
“If you wait for a cake to be given to you so you will be happy- then you will be happy when someone gives you a cake. But if you buy a cake (or bake one) for yourself so you will be happy, you have found the way of happiness.” -C. Joy Bell C, author and also known for her cake-love.
That's what Rebecca Hudson used to do- bake cupcakes, whenever life threw her lemons. Rebecca Hudson is former TV star, who is now the owner of a bakery, and her cupcakes are quite popular in her town, Leesburg. She had a great set of girl-friends and a very friendly ex-husband and sometimes, occasionally she used to get bugged by her fans. One fine day she sees a man, who is old enough to be her father, across her bakery, who happens to be homeless and penniless. Feeling sympathetic, Rebecca soon befriends that man. Eventually the mysterious man becomes like that missing ray of sunshine in Rebecca's already lonely life. And with a growing passion for her new customer, who happens to be a single dad, Rebecca is feeling happier and merrier every-day. But does life goes on as we want it to go? Read it to find out about Rebecca's mystery-man and about her "sweet as a cake" life.
Rebecca is a perfect protagonist- lost and lonely yet feels happy while making cupcakes! She is not like all those women protagonists who happen to cry and sulk over their broken past. Rebecca devours every bad moment of her life by making cupcakes. She is least bothered about her failing career as a TV star and surprisingly is in quite good terms with her ex-husband, instead of feeling all uncomfortable in-front of him. Not for a single moment, I found Rebecca crying over her disoriented life. Moreover she cared less about her daily problems, and indeed she had a large heart, meaning couldn't say "NO" to a total stranger who happens to be an ex-convict. I loved everything about Rebecca. I wish her friends could be more like Rebecca instead of being utterly ridiculous and cheesy- Pam and Erin. Olivia, an 11-year old girl is the life of this book- bold, determined and has a way with her words! The male characters are fantastically portrayed- almost drawing a striking similarity with the everyday characters.
The narration was simple, not too dramatic. But I put admit that often the plot went too melodramatic and many unnecessary moments could have been avoided. Even at times, I felt I couldn't connect to story; moreover I couldn't be able to absorb the emotions at all. The ending was no-doubt quite predictable.
Honestly, I liked Elizabeth Bass's previous novel, The Way Back to Happiness more than this book.
Verdict: There are far better birthday cakes out there. But if you love reading light-hearted novels, then definitely go for this one.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Elizabeth Bass, for providing me with a copy of her novel, in return for an honest review.
October 5, 2014
This book started out really slow for me and I had a really hard time getting into it. Becca is a former child star who is happy to leave that life behind. As an adult, she runs her own bakery. I like the idea behind this book, Becca being a former child star but I just didn't find her to be that likeable a character and that kind of ruined the book for me. I also felt like this book was too long and the writing was not easy to follow. Sadly, this book just was not for me.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
October 16, 2014
Life is Sweet is a fun novel filled with warmth, laughter, love and taking life’s curve-balls in stride.
‘Tina thinks you should get a life.’ Rebecca Hudson is a former Hollywood television star and deeply resents that she can’t seem to escape fans that still think of her as darling little Tina from Me Minus You. After losing her momentum in Hollywood early on in her career, Becca eventually moves to a quaint, small town in Virginia in an attempt to leave her child-star past behind her.
Upon moving to Leesburg, Becca pursues her love of baking by opening The Strawberry Cake Shop. Becca’s love of cake had come directly from her mom… As long as there was cake, Ronnie had said, you had a little happiness on a plate. Her shop is decorated with her other life-long love – horses! Becca keeps her horse Harvey at her ex-husband Cal’s horse farm and has managed to stay on somewhat friendly terms with him. It helps that Cal has been long-term friends with Becca’s friend Pam, one of the members of the “Not-Book-Club” trio.
Although everyone thinks her shop is named for the Strawberry Cake that she sells, The Strawberry Cake Shop is named after the cake Becca’s mom would whip up for every birthday. Becca makes this cake for her own enjoyment when she starts to miss her mother because it represents happiness and love. “This is the kind of cake my mom used to make on my birthday,” she told the group as they beheld the finished product. “Just like it’s always happy hour somewhere, it must be someone’s birthday somewhere, right?” I love this quote and the idea that there’s always an excuse to eat cake!
Through life’s ups and downs, Becca now has an ex-husband that owns a horse farm, a successful business and two of the best friends a girl could ever ask for. Becca came to Leesburg in hopes of living a happy and simple life, but soon she’s got more drama than she knows what to do with! Add in an adorable ten-year-old named Olivia, her dreamy makeshift ‘step-dad’ Matthew, a home-wrecking affair and a long-lost important figure in Becca’s life. Can Becca come up with a recipe for success or will she be lucky to just get through everything life has thrown her way unscathed?
I thoroughly enjoyed Bass’s novel and loved the brewing relationship between Becca and Matthew. Reading Life is Sweet made me desperately crave a slice of Becca’s mother’s Strawberry Cake and left me wishing that there was a bakery like The Strawberry Cake Shop in my neighborhood. It also made me wish I was a bit more clever in the kitchen and inspired me to try baking from scratch more often. And even if every wish didn’t come true, there was always the cake itself. As long as there was cake, life was good.
Side note: All quotes have been pulled from a pre-published review copy. I apologize if any excerpts did not make it into the final published novel, however, they will give you a sense of the overall feel of the book and I’m sure that you will absolutely love it!
‘Tina thinks you should get a life.’ Rebecca Hudson is a former Hollywood television star and deeply resents that she can’t seem to escape fans that still think of her as darling little Tina from Me Minus You. After losing her momentum in Hollywood early on in her career, Becca eventually moves to a quaint, small town in Virginia in an attempt to leave her child-star past behind her.
Upon moving to Leesburg, Becca pursues her love of baking by opening The Strawberry Cake Shop. Becca’s love of cake had come directly from her mom… As long as there was cake, Ronnie had said, you had a little happiness on a plate. Her shop is decorated with her other life-long love – horses! Becca keeps her horse Harvey at her ex-husband Cal’s horse farm and has managed to stay on somewhat friendly terms with him. It helps that Cal has been long-term friends with Becca’s friend Pam, one of the members of the “Not-Book-Club” trio.
Although everyone thinks her shop is named for the Strawberry Cake that she sells, The Strawberry Cake Shop is named after the cake Becca’s mom would whip up for every birthday. Becca makes this cake for her own enjoyment when she starts to miss her mother because it represents happiness and love. “This is the kind of cake my mom used to make on my birthday,” she told the group as they beheld the finished product. “Just like it’s always happy hour somewhere, it must be someone’s birthday somewhere, right?” I love this quote and the idea that there’s always an excuse to eat cake!
Through life’s ups and downs, Becca now has an ex-husband that owns a horse farm, a successful business and two of the best friends a girl could ever ask for. Becca came to Leesburg in hopes of living a happy and simple life, but soon she’s got more drama than she knows what to do with! Add in an adorable ten-year-old named Olivia, her dreamy makeshift ‘step-dad’ Matthew, a home-wrecking affair and a long-lost important figure in Becca’s life. Can Becca come up with a recipe for success or will she be lucky to just get through everything life has thrown her way unscathed?
I thoroughly enjoyed Bass’s novel and loved the brewing relationship between Becca and Matthew. Reading Life is Sweet made me desperately crave a slice of Becca’s mother’s Strawberry Cake and left me wishing that there was a bakery like The Strawberry Cake Shop in my neighborhood. It also made me wish I was a bit more clever in the kitchen and inspired me to try baking from scratch more often. And even if every wish didn’t come true, there was always the cake itself. As long as there was cake, life was good.
Side note: All quotes have been pulled from a pre-published review copy. I apologize if any excerpts did not make it into the final published novel, however, they will give you a sense of the overall feel of the book and I’m sure that you will absolutely love it!
October 2, 2014
A totally delicious read about a former child star who has relocated out of the limelight to run her own bakery in a small town. She has a lovely group of friends around her. She’s had an offer to appear in a reality tv show but turned it down flat. She wants to distance herself from her previous fame. Lots of comedy but also heart searching decisions. It all makes for a moving book.
She becomes interested in helping a homeless man- will that change and shape the rest of her life? Will she get back with her ex husband?
So many strands to this story and I really enjoyed it.
With thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy of the book to review.
She becomes interested in helping a homeless man- will that change and shape the rest of her life? Will she get back with her ex husband?
So many strands to this story and I really enjoyed it.
With thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy of the book to review.
June 6, 2022
Kinda disjointed and rushed and the charaters were flat
July 29, 2015
too many extra marital affairs for my taste.
April 10, 2022
"... Was it just a little dream, crazy little scheme my-my-my mind played on meeeeee? 'Cause I just can't get used to me minus you... Me minus you!... Me minus you!"
Rebecca "Becca" Hudson can't seem to get away from the theme song from her days as a child TV Star on the hit 90's show Me Minus You. Even when she opens a bakery in small-town Virginia for a fresh start away from Hollywood, she still has nostalgic fans tracking her down. If only that were her biggest worry; with two friends going through emotional and romantic issues that seem to come back on her, an ex-husband still in her social circle, and the possibility of a new relationship that comes with complications of its own, Becca can't understand why she's taken it upon herself to help a nearly-homeless stranger get back on his feet.
While the twists are a bit predictable, and the characters overly dramatic at times, Life Is Sweet is a fun read that does tug at your heart-strings. I found that I could not relate to most of the characters in this story, but that doesn't mean they weren't well-written. The read felt a bit slow for me in a places, yet it still managed to keep my attention and bring me back.
Elizabeth Bass delivers a story that reminds us not to judge based on assumptions or first impressions, that family can be found and built wherever you are in life, and that sometimes embracing your past can help you grow.
Rebecca "Becca" Hudson can't seem to get away from the theme song from her days as a child TV Star on the hit 90's show Me Minus You. Even when she opens a bakery in small-town Virginia for a fresh start away from Hollywood, she still has nostalgic fans tracking her down. If only that were her biggest worry; with two friends going through emotional and romantic issues that seem to come back on her, an ex-husband still in her social circle, and the possibility of a new relationship that comes with complications of its own, Becca can't understand why she's taken it upon herself to help a nearly-homeless stranger get back on his feet.
While the twists are a bit predictable, and the characters overly dramatic at times, Life Is Sweet is a fun read that does tug at your heart-strings. I found that I could not relate to most of the characters in this story, but that doesn't mean they weren't well-written. The read felt a bit slow for me in a places, yet it still managed to keep my attention and bring me back.
Elizabeth Bass delivers a story that reminds us not to judge based on assumptions or first impressions, that family can be found and built wherever you are in life, and that sometimes embracing your past can help you grow.
March 5, 2022
I really liked this book and WILL read this author again. What I couldn't get over though was how quickly Becca's two "best friends" abandoned her after (Erin) hearing her proven cheating husband blame Becca for hurting Nicole and Matthew's relationship, believing his lies without thinking about talking to Becca about it first before waltzing into the bakery to accuse her, judge her, and basically say " by the way, Pam and I talked about you behind your back and decided we don't want to be your friend anymore, " and (Pam) supposedly harboring jealousy and resentment against ever since meeting her and erupts like Mt. St. Helen's on Becca after hearing Cal's drunken half-truths about his and Becca's talk, but only after sleeping with him all weekend which just so happens to be what she's always wanted with Cal? With friends like those, who needs enemies???
May 28, 2023
The way her friends turned on her so quickly then just as quickly came back into her life without apology was cringe. Becca seemed desperate. While outwardly saying no to cheating the plot seemed to condone in because the relationship was rocky, a theme I've seen in other books by this author. If your relationship is struggling, don't fix it, just jump into a new relationship with the next person (obv this person was cheating but this is a trope that is repeating in Baas books). I couldn't get my head aroubd her complete 180 for her dad either, her emotional changes gave me whiplash. The ending was rushed and the whole story arch felt disjointed.
August 22, 2023
Note to self why I didn’t finish it, in fact I dumped it shortly after starting it.
1. I hated that Pan stood by amused while Becca was dealing with the crazy customer.
1a. I hated that Pam didn’t listen to Becca about the crazy customer.
2. I hated the talk about a 10 year old girl not getting sweets from her mom because of the calories. I believe that it happens but I’m just so over that kind of talk from people.
1. I hated that Pan stood by amused while Becca was dealing with the crazy customer.
1a. I hated that Pam didn’t listen to Becca about the crazy customer.
2. I hated the talk about a 10 year old girl not getting sweets from her mom because of the calories. I believe that it happens but I’m just so over that kind of talk from people.
October 2, 2020
In Life is Sweet a former child star moves to a small town in Virginia and opens a cake shop/bakery.
This book was an easy and fun read. Although I could really see a lot of the action/plot points coming a LONG way off, I didn't know how it would get there, and it was fun to read.
Very light, and sometimes that's just what you need.
This book was an easy and fun read. Although I could really see a lot of the action/plot points coming a LONG way off, I didn't know how it would get there, and it was fun to read.
Very light, and sometimes that's just what you need.
August 26, 2017
The story had a nice summer time vibe to it but it was still at best a mediocre book, even for a beach read. The minor characters had interesting sub plots but the fact that she was a child star was brought up unnecessarily too many times and the ending was ever so slightly completely ridiculous.
May 19, 2018
I enjoyed this book but found the many story lines a bit rushed at the end. There were several that could have been expanded into separate books. A fun read all in all.
January 2, 2023
Fun, light read.
July 30, 2015
Synopsis:
Elizabeth Bass—author of Miss You Most of All, Wherever Grace is Needed, and The Way Back to Happiness—weaves an emotionally rich and layered new novel about a former child star rebuilding her life...
Becca Hudson has come a long way since she was a tween starring in the sitcom Me Minus You, but as far as she’s concerned, she finally has her act together. She’s relocated to Leesburg, Virginia, owns a successful bakery, and has a great set of friends—even a friendly ex-husband. She ignores “Whatever Happened To?” speculation and the occasional overly obsessed fan, and flatly turns down a lucrative offer to appear on a reality show called Celebrities in Peril: Child Star Edition. She has an uncomfortable relationship with her Hollywood past, preferring to think of herself as more than a 1990s trivia question. Then one day a mysterious man appears and stirs up her past—all of it—in ways she never imagined…(Goodreads)
Review:
Becca Hudson is a former child star. As an adult she wants to pursue her love of baking and opens her own bakery. She is living her dream but the past continues to intrude on the present. She wants people to visit the bakery because of the delicious treats she bakes, not because of who she used to be. She wants people to see her as an adult and like her because of who she has become. It is very frustrating for her when that does not seems to be happening. When she is asked to appear on a reality television show, her initial reaction is to say “no”. But she meets a few people that see her for who she is and learns some facts about her life that have her reconsidering her answer.
The characters are well developed and three dimensional. At times Becca is frustrated and not as pleasant as she should be. But does that not happen to all of us sometimes? There are times when I did not like her very much and then other times when I felt sorry for her. I think that is a sign of a good author when the readers feelings toward a character change while reading the book.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy, although at times I felt like it was a little long. Sometimes I felt a little too much description was given concerning things that were not that interesting. That is my opinion, though, and other readers may disagree.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading women’s fiction. If you love bakeries or baked good, and who doesn’t, give this book a try. I plan on seeing if this author has written any more books and checking them out.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Elizabeth Bass—author of Miss You Most of All, Wherever Grace is Needed, and The Way Back to Happiness—weaves an emotionally rich and layered new novel about a former child star rebuilding her life...
Becca Hudson has come a long way since she was a tween starring in the sitcom Me Minus You, but as far as she’s concerned, she finally has her act together. She’s relocated to Leesburg, Virginia, owns a successful bakery, and has a great set of friends—even a friendly ex-husband. She ignores “Whatever Happened To?” speculation and the occasional overly obsessed fan, and flatly turns down a lucrative offer to appear on a reality show called Celebrities in Peril: Child Star Edition. She has an uncomfortable relationship with her Hollywood past, preferring to think of herself as more than a 1990s trivia question. Then one day a mysterious man appears and stirs up her past—all of it—in ways she never imagined…(Goodreads)
Review:
Becca Hudson is a former child star. As an adult she wants to pursue her love of baking and opens her own bakery. She is living her dream but the past continues to intrude on the present. She wants people to visit the bakery because of the delicious treats she bakes, not because of who she used to be. She wants people to see her as an adult and like her because of who she has become. It is very frustrating for her when that does not seems to be happening. When she is asked to appear on a reality television show, her initial reaction is to say “no”. But she meets a few people that see her for who she is and learns some facts about her life that have her reconsidering her answer.
The characters are well developed and three dimensional. At times Becca is frustrated and not as pleasant as she should be. But does that not happen to all of us sometimes? There are times when I did not like her very much and then other times when I felt sorry for her. I think that is a sign of a good author when the readers feelings toward a character change while reading the book.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy, although at times I felt like it was a little long. Sometimes I felt a little too much description was given concerning things that were not that interesting. That is my opinion, though, and other readers may disagree.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading women’s fiction. If you love bakeries or baked good, and who doesn’t, give this book a try. I plan on seeing if this author has written any more books and checking them out.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 27, 2014
“A Poignant Mix of the Bitter and the Sweet in Life and Love”
Former child star, Rebecca “Becca” Hudson left her life including “Little Tina” inferences and her “Me Minus You” ghosts behind to start over in Leesburg, Virginia. With its warmth and quaintness, plus Becca’s baking talents, she felt it was the right time and place to start a bakery—which would aptly be named “The Strawberry Cake Shop”, after a cake her late Mother made for special occasions. Leesburg, and the cake shop had both turned out to be safe havens after her six month marriage to Cal dissolved like sugar in water. The wedding had been one of those spur of the moment mistakes made in Las Vegas. Cal had never been the most ambitious fellow, as he had inherited “Butternut Knoll Stables” not worked and paid for it in blood, sweat and tears. Their divorce led Becca on a new path where she meets some people who would change her outlook on herself as well as her future.What part would downtrodden, bedraggled but kind, considerate, yet mysterious Walt play in all of this? Especially after she feels sorry for him and hires him, as Becca learns he is an ex-con. Can he be trusted? Could he be an angel in disguise? Or an older gent who really needs her help? And where does trusting, “Heart on his sleeve”, “Mr. Mom” Matthew and “His charge”, young, horse-crazy Olivia fit into her life? Or do they at all? Will Olivia’s part-time, absentee Mother, Nicole break hearts and ruin lives? Will many worlds be dashed to pieces or will Becca be able to hold all of those pieces together? There is more than just cupcakes and other frosted confections being dispensed at Becca’s bakery—including Love. What about Becca’s friend Erin and her discovery? Friendships often bear the brunt of the anger around them and some will survive, while some will dissolve in regrets and salty tears. With Becca’s gal-pal Pam’s (the third member of the “Not-Book-Club”) quick-to-judge attitude and past history with Cal, it will be a miracle if her friendship with Becca will withstand the heartache and pain. Ms. Bass has written a heart-tugging novel full of characters so full of life and love, that you won’t soon forget them and they will probably remind you of someone who has crossed your path on your journey along life’s highway. Her blending of the bitter with the sweet is a poignant mix I heartily recommend. Make room on your bookshelf for this one, it’s a keeper!
Nancy Narma
Former child star, Rebecca “Becca” Hudson left her life including “Little Tina” inferences and her “Me Minus You” ghosts behind to start over in Leesburg, Virginia. With its warmth and quaintness, plus Becca’s baking talents, she felt it was the right time and place to start a bakery—which would aptly be named “The Strawberry Cake Shop”, after a cake her late Mother made for special occasions. Leesburg, and the cake shop had both turned out to be safe havens after her six month marriage to Cal dissolved like sugar in water. The wedding had been one of those spur of the moment mistakes made in Las Vegas. Cal had never been the most ambitious fellow, as he had inherited “Butternut Knoll Stables” not worked and paid for it in blood, sweat and tears. Their divorce led Becca on a new path where she meets some people who would change her outlook on herself as well as her future.What part would downtrodden, bedraggled but kind, considerate, yet mysterious Walt play in all of this? Especially after she feels sorry for him and hires him, as Becca learns he is an ex-con. Can he be trusted? Could he be an angel in disguise? Or an older gent who really needs her help? And where does trusting, “Heart on his sleeve”, “Mr. Mom” Matthew and “His charge”, young, horse-crazy Olivia fit into her life? Or do they at all? Will Olivia’s part-time, absentee Mother, Nicole break hearts and ruin lives? Will many worlds be dashed to pieces or will Becca be able to hold all of those pieces together? There is more than just cupcakes and other frosted confections being dispensed at Becca’s bakery—including Love. What about Becca’s friend Erin and her discovery? Friendships often bear the brunt of the anger around them and some will survive, while some will dissolve in regrets and salty tears. With Becca’s gal-pal Pam’s (the third member of the “Not-Book-Club”) quick-to-judge attitude and past history with Cal, it will be a miracle if her friendship with Becca will withstand the heartache and pain. Ms. Bass has written a heart-tugging novel full of characters so full of life and love, that you won’t soon forget them and they will probably remind you of someone who has crossed your path on your journey along life’s highway. Her blending of the bitter with the sweet is a poignant mix I heartily recommend. Make room on your bookshelf for this one, it’s a keeper!
Nancy Narma
September 23, 2014
Chances are really good, if you put a delicious looking cupcake on the front of your novel, I’m going to gobble it up - the novel, that is. And that’s exactly what Elizabeth Bass does with her latest book, LIFE IS SWEET (Kensington Books). I couldn’t devour it fast enough.
Former child-star Becca Hudson, throws a dart at a map of the country to choose where she’s going to uproot her life to from Los Angeles and bingo, she ends up in Leesburg, Virginia. Her mother has passed, she doesn’t know her father, so it’s there she opens The Strawberry Cake Shop where she makes and sells yummy cakes, cupcakes and brownies. She goes about creating a fresh life with new friends, loyal customers and putting her television career behind. But just because Becca wants to forget the TV character that made her a star seventeen years ago in “Me Minus You,” there are still fans who remember her as Rebecca. When they come in contact with her, it's as if she's still in that little box in their living room and that experience can be good and not so.
LIFE IS SWEET surprised me in several ways. At first I thought it was only going to be about women’s friendships and then a few added romances, but then it kept expanding and growing more complex with serious family situations and illness. I appreciate when authors create complicated characters and plotlines that are multi-layered raising the stakes.
Elizabeth Bass serves up all the ingredients you’d expect to find in a wonderful women's novel, but what I loved best, were the messy moments in her novel, when things weren’t quite working out, when everyone was on the edge of their seat blurting out the wrong thing, which was actually right. I’m not going to give anything away about LIFE IS SWEET, but I found myself reading, pleased with the organic flow of the story. Somehow threw all the mish-mash, everything works out. Trust me, you’re going to enjoy the journey.
“And even if every wish didn’t come true, there was always the cake itself. As long as there was cake, life was good.”
Thanks to www.netgalley.com and Kensington Books for providing a kindle copy of LIFE IS SWEET for an honest review. Check out Elizabeth on her website www.Elizabeth-Bass.com
LIFE IS SWEET will be published on September 30th. Be sure to pre-order ... right now while you're thinking about it! You know you're going to want to read this yummy book. It's delish! I promise! :-)
Former child-star Becca Hudson, throws a dart at a map of the country to choose where she’s going to uproot her life to from Los Angeles and bingo, she ends up in Leesburg, Virginia. Her mother has passed, she doesn’t know her father, so it’s there she opens The Strawberry Cake Shop where she makes and sells yummy cakes, cupcakes and brownies. She goes about creating a fresh life with new friends, loyal customers and putting her television career behind. But just because Becca wants to forget the TV character that made her a star seventeen years ago in “Me Minus You,” there are still fans who remember her as Rebecca. When they come in contact with her, it's as if she's still in that little box in their living room and that experience can be good and not so.
LIFE IS SWEET surprised me in several ways. At first I thought it was only going to be about women’s friendships and then a few added romances, but then it kept expanding and growing more complex with serious family situations and illness. I appreciate when authors create complicated characters and plotlines that are multi-layered raising the stakes.
Elizabeth Bass serves up all the ingredients you’d expect to find in a wonderful women's novel, but what I loved best, were the messy moments in her novel, when things weren’t quite working out, when everyone was on the edge of their seat blurting out the wrong thing, which was actually right. I’m not going to give anything away about LIFE IS SWEET, but I found myself reading, pleased with the organic flow of the story. Somehow threw all the mish-mash, everything works out. Trust me, you’re going to enjoy the journey.
“And even if every wish didn’t come true, there was always the cake itself. As long as there was cake, life was good.”
Thanks to www.netgalley.com and Kensington Books for providing a kindle copy of LIFE IS SWEET for an honest review. Check out Elizabeth on her website www.Elizabeth-Bass.com
LIFE IS SWEET will be published on September 30th. Be sure to pre-order ... right now while you're thinking about it! You know you're going to want to read this yummy book. It's delish! I promise! :-)
December 29, 2014
I liked a lot about this book. Becca, Matthew and Olivia are all nice yet flawed characters. Olivia comes across as a 10 year old girl. She's not always logical, she sometimes gets sulky but she's not bratty. She's an interesting character. Becca annoyed me at first because she was so annoyed anytime anyone mentioned her TV career but I think you gradually see why that is. Matthew's a sweet guy who is doing his best and trying to do what he thinks is right. I thought Walt was an interesting character and while I did guess the twist fairly early it was fun to see it unravel. The pacing was good and I never felt like the story was dragging even when I didn't like what was going on in the plot.
Unfortunately, there was also quite a bit that didn't work for me in this book. I had a really difficult time being okay that Matthew was in a relationship while he and Becca are realizing their feelings for each other. There isn't even a real hint of cheating and it's very obvious from the beginning that Matthew's relationship isn't as it should be. That being said it just didn't sit well with me - a personal pet peeve I guess. While I liked Pam and Erin at the beginning and end of the book they were pretty awful in the middle of the story. They definitely fit the saying with friends like these who needs enemies. At around the 70% mark the story kind of took a left turn and a lot happened. It fit with the story but it just seemed like a lot crammed into the last 30%. I wish the book could have been split up a little differently.
Overall: While there were some aspects of the story that didn't quite sit with me I did really enjoy reading it. Bass's characters feel very well developed and this was always a book I wanted to pick up and find out what was going to happen next.
Full review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
Unfortunately, there was also quite a bit that didn't work for me in this book. I had a really difficult time being okay that Matthew was in a relationship while he and Becca are realizing their feelings for each other. There isn't even a real hint of cheating and it's very obvious from the beginning that Matthew's relationship isn't as it should be. That being said it just didn't sit well with me - a personal pet peeve I guess. While I liked Pam and Erin at the beginning and end of the book they were pretty awful in the middle of the story. They definitely fit the saying with friends like these who needs enemies. At around the 70% mark the story kind of took a left turn and a lot happened. It fit with the story but it just seemed like a lot crammed into the last 30%. I wish the book could have been split up a little differently.
Overall: While there were some aspects of the story that didn't quite sit with me I did really enjoy reading it. Bass's characters feel very well developed and this was always a book I wanted to pick up and find out what was going to happen next.
Full review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
November 21, 2014
I received this book from the Goodreads First reads giveaway program. Thank you author/publisher for the opportunity to read and review your new novel.
Life is Sweet by Elizabeth Bass is about Becca Hudson a child star that has moved to Leesburg, Virginia for a fresh start at life. Becca has opened the Strawberry Cake shop.. her specialty being cupcakes. The story goes on about her struggles in business and personal life in small town Leesburg.
I didn't feel there was much to this story. Could of been anybody's story .. nothing stood out to me to really keep my interest. Maybe somewhat of a spoiler following.. the first half of the book was about a little girls birthday party.. who was the book about Becca or Olivia?
The romance was a constant waiting ... Becca has a love interest in the story but is more or less waiting for the man to find out he is being cheated on in his current relationship. I don't mind cheating in a novel.. but this was like ridiculous how long this was being drawn out.
One last thing I didn't care for was the descriptiveness of actions.. constant "she grunted" .. puckered.. clucking.. blew out breathe. Something bothered me about the repetitiveness of these things.
The reality show thing at the end just seemed thrown in.. not well thought out.
What I enjoyed about the book...
the small town feel.. the cupcake shop ...Walt.. and Becca's other friendships including her ex husband. The cover on the ARC was beautiful.. don't know if it was the final cover or not.
The book is easy reading chick-lit.
Life is Sweet by Elizabeth Bass is about Becca Hudson a child star that has moved to Leesburg, Virginia for a fresh start at life. Becca has opened the Strawberry Cake shop.. her specialty being cupcakes. The story goes on about her struggles in business and personal life in small town Leesburg.
I didn't feel there was much to this story. Could of been anybody's story .. nothing stood out to me to really keep my interest. Maybe somewhat of a spoiler following.. the first half of the book was about a little girls birthday party.. who was the book about Becca or Olivia?
The romance was a constant waiting ... Becca has a love interest in the story but is more or less waiting for the man to find out he is being cheated on in his current relationship. I don't mind cheating in a novel.. but this was like ridiculous how long this was being drawn out.
One last thing I didn't care for was the descriptiveness of actions.. constant "she grunted" .. puckered.. clucking.. blew out breathe. Something bothered me about the repetitiveness of these things.
The reality show thing at the end just seemed thrown in.. not well thought out.
What I enjoyed about the book...
the small town feel.. the cupcake shop ...Walt.. and Becca's other friendships including her ex husband. The cover on the ARC was beautiful.. don't know if it was the final cover or not.
The book is easy reading chick-lit.
September 15, 2016
Didn't like this like her other books. A slow read and didn't quite feel right. Child actress with horse love opens bakery, meets long lost dad who needs a kidney, goes on realty TV. Characters are not quite developed..
September 22, 2014
This is actually another book review of a light hearted (chick lit?) book called Life is Sweet by Elizabeth Bass.
The child actor in question is now the owner of a cupcake shop where the signature bake is a strawberry cupcake. Too sweet and sickly for me but then I don't like chocolate cakes particularly either - now coffee and carrot cakes and courgette and lime, yum yum...
What we find out about is the price of a short lived career as a child actor and its constant intrusion into adult life and how difficult it is to persuade fans that they are not 'friends' and therefore are not entitled to know all about you i the most minutest detail. That what you see on the box is not the truth of a person and the actor is playing a part - get that? - playing a part....
So this book explores the issues of fans and their belief systems in the context of a former child actor still struggling to convince people that she is not that person anymore even after 17 years and that yes, really, her cake shop is her way of earning money now.
As cupcake books go, it is nice to see a different use of the theme. In terms of exploring issues around fans and actors it is better. I am therefore going to give it 4 stars. but for me it was not weepy and did get a little sickly - but then as I said above, strawberry cupcakes are so not my thing!
The child actor in question is now the owner of a cupcake shop where the signature bake is a strawberry cupcake. Too sweet and sickly for me but then I don't like chocolate cakes particularly either - now coffee and carrot cakes and courgette and lime, yum yum...
What we find out about is the price of a short lived career as a child actor and its constant intrusion into adult life and how difficult it is to persuade fans that they are not 'friends' and therefore are not entitled to know all about you i the most minutest detail. That what you see on the box is not the truth of a person and the actor is playing a part - get that? - playing a part....
So this book explores the issues of fans and their belief systems in the context of a former child actor still struggling to convince people that she is not that person anymore even after 17 years and that yes, really, her cake shop is her way of earning money now.
As cupcake books go, it is nice to see a different use of the theme. In terms of exploring issues around fans and actors it is better. I am therefore going to give it 4 stars. but for me it was not weepy and did get a little sickly - but then as I said above, strawberry cupcakes are so not my thing!
November 5, 2014
3.5 stars. Liked for Becca, the former child TV star turned cake baker heroine, and the sometimes poignant, sometimes humorous portrayal of how 15 minutes of fame at a young age can have a lifelong impact. Also liked for the slowly developing relationship between heroine and the down-on-his-luck drifter who has a surprising role to play (not that surprising, actually).
Meh about the romance angle, which lacked passion primarily because Matt is already in a relationship with another woman for most of the novel. Meh also about the abrupt change of scene and tone in the book's final 50 pages, which bring it almost to a slapstick level. Meh also for one more book set in a bakery - I'm over cakes, cupcakes, etc. as the answer to life's problems in women's fiction.
Disliked for the cavalier way the story portrays the impact of changing relationships on Olivia, the 11-year old daughter of Matt's girlfriend Nicole.
I still find Elizabeth Bass to be an above-average women's fiction author. Her characters are just quirky enough to stick out from the rest of the pack.
Meh about the romance angle, which lacked passion primarily because Matt is already in a relationship with another woman for most of the novel. Meh also about the abrupt change of scene and tone in the book's final 50 pages, which bring it almost to a slapstick level. Meh also for one more book set in a bakery - I'm over cakes, cupcakes, etc. as the answer to life's problems in women's fiction.
Disliked for the cavalier way the story portrays the impact of changing relationships on Olivia, the 11-year old daughter of Matt's girlfriend Nicole.
I still find Elizabeth Bass to be an above-average women's fiction author. Her characters are just quirky enough to stick out from the rest of the pack.
September 28, 2014
This story is about a former child star who has reinvented herself as a baker. Rebecca "Becca" Hudson was on a sitcom as a child and as an adult didn't appreciate the fame her role still carried. Aware that many of her fans still sought her out, she tended to be a little snotty to them when they'd visit the bakery to see her tv character and not her bakery good. However, a child named Olivia & a homeless looking man named Walt got her attention and showed a nice loving side of Becca. As the story proceeds, its evident that Becca has negative feelings towards anything associated with her former tv success. When approached to do a reality show with other former child stars, she turns it down flat.
Becca soon learns that her long lost father has been closer to her than she thought and is in need of a kidney. This information seems to change Becca and she becomes a better person. She accepts the reality show job so she can afford to pay for her father's medical bills.
The story shows Becca's growth as a person and accepting her past as playing a role in her personal growth. A "feel good" story that makes you want to continue reading and leaves you with closure, but hopes for a sequel.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Becca soon learns that her long lost father has been closer to her than she thought and is in need of a kidney. This information seems to change Becca and she becomes a better person. She accepts the reality show job so she can afford to pay for her father's medical bills.
The story shows Becca's growth as a person and accepting her past as playing a role in her personal growth. A "feel good" story that makes you want to continue reading and leaves you with closure, but hopes for a sequel.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
April 20, 2016
Life is Sweet is the first novel I have read by Elizabeth Bass. Becca Hudson is a former child star who, by the result of a dart thrown at a map, ends up owning a bakery in Leesburg, VA and begins a new life there. She is the owner of The Strawberry Cake Shop and begins to build a very faithful clinic base as well as a circle of friends. She never looks back on her childhood in anything but a positive way until the past ends up on a bench outside her bakery. But with the support of her friends, especially precocious Olivia, she finds out exactly what she needs in order to truly find the meaning of happiness.
I really enjoyed this book. There weren't laugh out loud moments but there were certainly humorous moments. I fell in love with Olivia, a precocious 11-year-old and Matthew, Olivia's almost stepfather. It's complicated but adorable and I found myself rooting for their family development to develop!! I look forward to reading more by Elizabeth Bass, hopefully a sequel to this story.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
I really enjoyed this book. There weren't laugh out loud moments but there were certainly humorous moments. I fell in love with Olivia, a precocious 11-year-old and Matthew, Olivia's almost stepfather. It's complicated but adorable and I found myself rooting for their family development to develop!! I look forward to reading more by Elizabeth Bass, hopefully a sequel to this story.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
September 28, 2014
I really wanted to like this – the premise was wonderful. But:
Female characters are almost caricature of bitter and angry
Male characters have some redeeming features- if you search
Narration switches, often without warning, and until you have a ‘feel’ for the character – you don’t know who is speaking – this was confusing and not much clearer as characters seemed to reach a point beyond which their development was halted.
Becca was bitter, melodramatic and uneven in her behavior.
There seems to be a loose attempt to combine 2 stories into one, and neither really has a solid plotting arc.
Truly not the story for me – the overlay of ‘sweetening’ added by the baking and food references felt forced and strained, and varied between cloying and absent. The premise was never carried through the story, and while the writing approached confident and capable in some places, those were too few to count.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
1.5 stars - finished but just barely.
Female characters are almost caricature of bitter and angry
Male characters have some redeeming features- if you search
Narration switches, often without warning, and until you have a ‘feel’ for the character – you don’t know who is speaking – this was confusing and not much clearer as characters seemed to reach a point beyond which their development was halted.
Becca was bitter, melodramatic and uneven in her behavior.
There seems to be a loose attempt to combine 2 stories into one, and neither really has a solid plotting arc.
Truly not the story for me – the overlay of ‘sweetening’ added by the baking and food references felt forced and strained, and varied between cloying and absent. The premise was never carried through the story, and while the writing approached confident and capable in some places, those were too few to count.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
1.5 stars - finished but just barely.
September 5, 2014
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and I am writing an honest review.
I was so excited to read this book because I love baking and owning my own bakery is something I would love to do, but I know I never will. So I like to live vicariously through people in books. While I enjoyed the baking aspect of the book, I found the book to be hard to follow at times and way too long. I felt the story dragged on and could have ended so many times, leaving the reader satisfied. By the end of the book, I felt it could have easily been split into two books (with the rest of the second book unfinished). I liked the plot, but found a lot of it predictable. I found most of the female characters (including the main character Becca) hard to like. At least the men had redeeming qualities. I felt drained by the end of this book, which could be why I have so many complaints. The length and the way the story dragged on and on, switching between characters, made the book hard to read. But I did like the story and the way it finally wrapped at the end.
I was so excited to read this book because I love baking and owning my own bakery is something I would love to do, but I know I never will. So I like to live vicariously through people in books. While I enjoyed the baking aspect of the book, I found the book to be hard to follow at times and way too long. I felt the story dragged on and could have ended so many times, leaving the reader satisfied. By the end of the book, I felt it could have easily been split into two books (with the rest of the second book unfinished). I liked the plot, but found a lot of it predictable. I found most of the female characters (including the main character Becca) hard to like. At least the men had redeeming qualities. I felt drained by the end of this book, which could be why I have so many complaints. The length and the way the story dragged on and on, switching between characters, made the book hard to read. But I did like the story and the way it finally wrapped at the end.
August 22, 2014
When life gives you lemons use them to make a cake. At least that is Becca’s approach to life. Former children star now turned baker with a not so sweet attitude discovers that her peaceful life is about to be turned upside down.
Elizabeth Bass’ Life is Sweet is the sort of book I like to read when I need an easy-going distraction. There’s comedy, angst, romance, drama, horses and of course, as the cover and the title suggest, cupcakes. In its pages you will find an assortment of characters, some lovable, some delusional and others that just make you laugh. I enjoyed most of the book, although my edition was plotting against me by, I guess the printed version will be more amiable than the digital one. Or at least I hope it will be.
Now the book can get a little melodramatic at times, there was a point where the drama blindsides you, and you are just as confused as the main characters. But eventually everything sorts itself out. All in all it was an enjoyable book to read.
I got this book from NetGalley.
Elizabeth Bass’ Life is Sweet is the sort of book I like to read when I need an easy-going distraction. There’s comedy, angst, romance, drama, horses and of course, as the cover and the title suggest, cupcakes. In its pages you will find an assortment of characters, some lovable, some delusional and others that just make you laugh. I enjoyed most of the book, although my edition was plotting against me by, I guess the printed version will be more amiable than the digital one. Or at least I hope it will be.
Now the book can get a little melodramatic at times, there was a point where the drama blindsides you, and you are just as confused as the main characters. But eventually everything sorts itself out. All in all it was an enjoyable book to read.
I got this book from NetGalley.
December 4, 2014
This was truly a 'sweet' story ... pun intended LOL
In this novel, Elizabeth Bass manages to write comedy, drama, romance, love, heart-wrench and warmth, friendship, family .... I could go on but it just has a little of everything that makes this thing called LIFE. You will find all kinds of characters, from the loveable to the crazy to the humorous to the ridiculous! LOL That's what small town living has to offer and it is well represented in this story. There's gonna be some twist and turns that you may or may not see coming (I didn't LOL) but everything comes together in the end. Elizabeth Bass does a really good job of painting a story thru words that puts the reader in the place and time the story is happening. I was very moved by this story and I know you will be too!
ARC provided via NetGalley by Kensington Books for an honest review!
In this novel, Elizabeth Bass manages to write comedy, drama, romance, love, heart-wrench and warmth, friendship, family .... I could go on but it just has a little of everything that makes this thing called LIFE. You will find all kinds of characters, from the loveable to the crazy to the humorous to the ridiculous! LOL That's what small town living has to offer and it is well represented in this story. There's gonna be some twist and turns that you may or may not see coming (I didn't LOL) but everything comes together in the end. Elizabeth Bass does a really good job of painting a story thru words that puts the reader in the place and time the story is happening. I was very moved by this story and I know you will be too!
ARC provided via NetGalley by Kensington Books for an honest review!
January 22, 2018
Life Is Sweet by new to me author, Elizabeth Bass was an enjoyable story about a former Hollywood child star who is trying to leave the past behind her and live a life without the glitz, glamor and tabloids that follow celebrities. No matter how hard Becca tries to lead a quiet life, her past seems to follow her.
Becca agrees to compete on a reality show to raise money to help an elderly homeless man Becca has befriended. The author does a good job of creating characters that are easy for the reader to relate to and a story that flows smoothly, leaving the reader wanting more with the turning of each page.
My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a sweet story of love, acceptance, forgiveness and moving on.
Becca agrees to compete on a reality show to raise money to help an elderly homeless man Becca has befriended. The author does a good job of creating characters that are easy for the reader to relate to and a story that flows smoothly, leaving the reader wanting more with the turning of each page.
My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a sweet story of love, acceptance, forgiveness and moving on.
December 15, 2014
This was a First Reads giveaway I won a few months back. I really enjoyed this book! There is only one complaint, the amount of times "strain" was used. Course, I may have only noticed because it's my last name. There was a paragraph during the birthday party of Becca's perspective that was awkward and the end was somewhat rushed with the love affair. I would have liked to see that develop a little. The beginning was a little slow and it wasn't until half through that I really hit the moment of not being able to put it down. I will read other Bass books. The dialog was natural ant the characters relatable. Olivia was great!
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