There's More to Life Than Cupcakes

by Poppy Dolan

If you can't get enough of The Great British Bake Off, this is the novel for you! Perfect for fans of Kirsty Greenwood, Sue Watson and Jenny Colgan. A funny, moving, deliciously cakey read...

Ellie Redford has a husband, a job and a home. According to the rest of the world, it’s baby o’clock already. Shame life doesn't come with a recipe…

Ellie knows that starting a family with lovely husband Pete would be an amazing adventure. Pete would make a brilliant dad and she’d have an excuse to eat shed loads of Cherry Bakewell. But Ellie’s bestie would rather she was up at 3 a.m. with a bottle of Malibu, not formula. And with redundancies looming, Ellie’s boss isn’t exactly going to throw her a shower if she disappears for a year, with pay.

While Ellie juggles her feelings (and everyone else’s) as competently as a drunken clown, she finds herself signing up for a baking class, alongside the young, free and sizzling hot Joe. As they work buns and shape tarts, is there more to their friendship than a shared appreciation of Paul Hollywood?

Ellie’s soufflés may be rising, but her personal life is one big soggy mess. If she doesn't make a decision soon, she may just lose everything that matters to her. Maybe it's time to take off the pinny and face up to the truth: there’s more to life than cupcakes…

Praise for Poppy Dolan:

“A fresh, sparkling new voice and a wonderful addition to women's commercial fiction, Poppy Dolan is simply unputdownable.”
Sunday Times Bestselling author, Claudia Carroll

“The perfect book to curl up with this autumn, Poppy Dolan's fabulous take on family, friendships and finding the right time is a rival to even the best chocolate brownie. This is warm, funny, feel-good fiction at its very best. Can I lick the spoon, please?”
Bestselling author, Victoria Fox

“Fresh, funny and full of baking deliciousness, There's More to Life Than Cupcakes will take you on a heart-warming journey with Ellie, a heroine you won't forget. Poppy Dolan's style is addictive and this novel marks her out as a writer to watch.”
Abby Clements, bestselling author of Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

“An engaging read that tackles a serious issue with sensitivity, humour, and wit.”
Bestselling author, Talli Roland

“Witty and stylish, it's a fabulous novel from new writer Poppy Dolan. We loved it! Highly recommended!”
Hot Brands, Cool Places

“This book is a must read for chick lit fans. I loved everything about it, from the gorgeous cover to the perfect ending.”
Fairytale Ending Book Reviews

“An immediate love at first read! I loved Poppy's writing style and sense of humour and felt a genuine rapport with the characters, especially Ellie.”
Room for Reading

“What a fantastic book! I really can't even do it justice! I cried, I laughed, I cheered (not even silently), I ate cake. I just genuinely adored everything about this book.”
Tishy Lou's World

“A sweet (and delicious!) little tale of one woman’s absolutely mental journey in deciding whether or not she’s ready for motherhood. I enjoyed it tremendously.”
judgingcovers.co.uk

“Funny, full of feeling, honest, warm and heartfelt. A book I didn't want to say goodbye to.”
Victoria Loves Books

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Romantic Comedy

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2013

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Kerry, the PR for Novelicious Books, emailed me and asked me if I wanted to take part in Poppy Dolan’s blog tour, I was chuffed to bits! I remembered first hearing about her novel a while ago and thought it sounded amazing, especially with the title There’s More To Life Than Cupcakes (there isn’t). I couldn’t wait to receive a copy of the novel and as soon as it pinged into my inbox, I had to start reading it immediately!

There’s More To Life on Cupcakes introduces us to Ellie Redford, who now that she’s in her 30s, finds that the only question people ask her is when she’s going to pop out a sprog. The trouble is, Ellie doesn’t know the answer to that question, despite her husband Pete’s wishes to become at dad tout suite. There’s a part of Ellie that really wants to be a mum, but on the other hand she’s terrified, so in a bid to figure out her feelings she decides to start a blog. She also decides, with the help of her friend Lydia, to go to a baking class, where she meets the handsome Joe, but is there more to their friendship than meets the eye and is Ellie about to press the explode button on her entire life?

There’s More To Life Than Cupcakes sorta confused me. On the one hand, I did really enjoy it. Poppy’s a wonderful writer, and there were times where I was chuckling to myself whilst I was reading; but on the other hand, I desperately wanted Ellie to stand up and tell everyone in her life to eff-off with all the baby questions! Is that really all ANYONE in Ellie’s life had to talk to her about? Seriously? I also wanted Ellie to stop having such a split personality when it came to the whole baby question because she didn’t actually help matters. On the one hand, she loves babies, thinks they’re squishy goodness and is desperate to have one, but then two minutes later they’re the bain of your life who do nothing but wee, poo, and scream, and will be a drain on your bank account. There were times I couldn’t keep up. I presume that’s how it goes when you’re thinking of having a baby, but I’ve never come up on the predicament as of yet. So her flip-flopping could well be entirely normal and I missed the point!

But for the most part I enjoyed the book. As I said before, Poppy Dolan is quite the talent and despite the baby issues, I enjoyed the novel. I loved reading about Ellie’s work at Crumbs magazine, and I enjoyed her friendship with Hannah, a girl she meets at her baking class. I really loved reading all about all of the baking goods Ellie made and Ellie loved, and it definitely made me want to start baking. Or, er, get my sister to start baking because she does it quite a lot better than I do. I can’t wait to go back and read Dolan’s first novel The Bad Boyfriend’s Bootcamp and I’ll certainly be looking out for her next book as she’s a very talented writer!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from Fairy Tale Ending Book Reviews

Read: 6 November 2013
Why: Copy received in exchange for honest review

Brief synopsis: Meet Ellie Redford. Over thirty, happily married, employed, female and alive; so according to pretty much everyone she knows, it's time to get sprogged up... right?

What I thought: This book is absolutely fantastic but a little scary at times... Seriously, it's like Poppy has my rooting through my mind, extracted every baby thought I've ever had and written them into a brilliant funny chick lit!

There are so many great characters in the book; best friend Lyds, husband Pete, baking buddies Hannah and Joe, the crazy in-laws, if fact there's not one I disliked but I definitely had a soft spot for Ellie. I adored this bubbly, fun character and her sometimes crazy antics. I'm sure plenty of readers, just like myself, will find themselves relating to her predicament of when to have a baby.

This book is a must read for chick lit fans. I loved everything about it, from the gorgeous cover to the perfect ending.

Favourite quote:
"I think my problem with the notion of getting accidentally fertilised is that I took those sexual health videos at secondary school TOO seriously. I mean, it's good that I did back then, so my mum didn't have to adjust my pleated skirt with an elastic stomach-band, but how can you switch all that stuff off, even fifteen years later? It's like everywhere you went then, there were leaflets and signs telling you to practise safe sex, avoid unwanted pregnancy - at school, in the doctor's waiting room, even Hollyoaks had a stab at it. But then no one sent out a follow-up pamphlet to say 'It's OK now, you're old enough. Go ahead and get pregnant.' Did they sound a Shagging Klaxon and I somehow missed it?"

[Kim Feuchter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting premise, and fun to read!

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light & fluffy read.

[Just · Rating 2 out of 5]

I seriously just wanted to slap Ellie the entire book!

[Zarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted to my blog:

http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...

Ellie loves her husband, her life and her job (well, the latter most of the time) and everyone around her tells her she is ready to take the next step in life, that of creating a happy little family with her husband Pete. But she isn't so sure herself. Now in her thirties she's the age that most of her friends and family members start popping out babies left and right and it isn't that she doesn't love her husband (on contrary) or that they aren't financially able to support a little sprog or two, but Ellie simply isn't certain she's emotionally ready and able to take care of anyone but herself.

So when her family and Pete slowly but steadily start pushing her in the direction of baby making she feels that maybe there is something wrong with her for not wanting to take care of another human being (just yet). Struggling with her feelings, Ellie sets up a blog titled "None in the oven" to get the sound advice of virtual strangers who are or have been in the same position she's in.

There's More to Life Than Cupcakes was a brilliant read! It was so nice and refreshing to be reading a women's fiction novel that didn't centre on romantic escapades, but instead on another important aspect of the life of someone in their 30s, the ever ticking biological clock and the expectations from those around you.

Ellie was such a real character that as soon I opened the novel I felt like I had gained a new friend in her. Even though I'm not in a relationship myself and so the baby worries that consume Ellie's mind are not something that I am currently dealing with myself, her honesty about all the jumbled thoughts in her head became very real and relatable and I really felt for her as there was no right or wrong answer, only what would be right for her.

The other characters were also great to read about, especially Pete who is the perfect caring husband but with his own struggles and doubts so he didn't turn into an unrealistic Prince Charming. And the heavy focus in the book on delicious baked goods (hence the title), Ellie works for a baking publication and she joins a weekly baking class to scope out a hot guy for her best friend, definitely appealed to The Great British Bake Off lover inside of me as well.

Also, this is one of the funniest novels I've read this year and I went a little bit highlight crazy in my Kindle copy. There are many, many, many scenes and phrases I could be quoting here but of course I do want everyone to get their own copy, so I shall just leave you with three random bits, in no particular order, that had me in stitches while reading the book. If you needed any more convincing that you have to get your own copy ASAP, then this will surely do the trick:

My shoulders give an involuntary shake. 'Benedict Cumberbatch just looks ... a bit like a wet newt. That's lived under a rock.'

'Let's have a baby like that!' I yell as we stumble down a rocky little alley of shrubs. 'One that is barely conscious! And that we can pass around like a sneaky joint, but with more pride. I could take a baby like that to work, even, and just hide it under my desk.'

I have no idea what teens do these days. I mean, I like Twitter and YouTube and One Direction. But I like to use all these things to better appreciate cute images of cats (if you haven't seen the Tumblr feed 'One Direction vs Kittens' then you're missing the WHOLE point of the Internet).

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a Poppy Dolan before but when I've seen a cover of "There's More To Life Than Cupcakes" and read the blurb, I've thought it will be something for me. And I was not wrong. It was ABSOLUTELY something for me.
Take a cupcake, some baking, humour and wit, romance and sparky, full of life characters and there is no mistake that the book will be great.

Ellie is struggling. She doesn't know if she should have a baby or not while in the same time all her friends, family, the whole world actually, is having them, so no pressure there for her. In the meantime she is working at the baking magazine selling ads and baking at home. Baking is her hobby. A complicated plot makes her to appear on TV with her baking - friend Joe and it looks like they are having something together. A baby? Pete is of course jealous and moves out. Will they manage to save their family? Will their life expectations meet eye to eye?

I have liked Ellie from the very first page of the book. I loved the way she was, I loved her humour and I loved that she was not perfect. At all. But she was just a great, warm person and I wouldn't say no to have such a friend. Especially with her baking hobby.
I had though some issues with Pete, as I really, really don't heart men who think that the one and only dream for every woman is to have a baby and who try to mentally blackmail them into having an offspring. So, sorry Pete, you could have been really great guy, but not for me.
The other character in the book were also brilliantly written. They were all very likeable, warm and funny, maybe except Pete's parents, they were a little too much for me. But Jules, Lydia, Hannah were great, people Ellie could count on. There were just moments that I thought Lyds was a little to possessive about Ellie and her life but then it was great to see how she herself develops and matures.

The blog that Ellie wrote was fabulous. It was excellent, she has actually written there everything that a mum - to - be can expect. And in my eyes it is really good when one wants to consider all pros and cons of having a baby. A baby is a baby, we are responsible for it till our death, a baby is always our child and we want to give them ALL. THE.BEST. Of course one can have a baby without all the lists, one can be accidentally pregnant and love the baby the same but I can totally understand the fear of becoming a parent. Because being pregnant and having the baby is actually the easiest thing. Only then comes the real life.

This book was written in my favourite way, it was funny but also about important things in life. The writing style was fantastic, engaging and there were really moments that I have laughed out loud. Perhaps it was a little too long - I have nothing against long book, the more pages the better for me - but I guess it could be a little shorter, we could skipped some paragraphs. The topic - to have a baby or not to have a baby - is maybe not too exciting for all of the readers but it is about the details, the writing, the twists and turns and the humour. Am of course going to recommend the book. Great and enjoyable read.

I have received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.

[Kate E. Stephenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems apropos that Poppy Dolan would write about a foodie who works at a food magazine. Poppy’s name is enough to have me salivating over the thought of my favorite muffins. (So cruel; I’m off carbs. Ugh!) The food theme pops up in witty ways throughout the novel. But the food wasn’t the first thing I noticed.

My first impression of There’s More to Life than Cupcakes was “oh boy, is this long.” I thought it was the odd sense of length given by the lack of physical pages. (I still can’t quite get used to reading on my Kindle; increasing percentages just aren’t the same as feeling the pages turn.) At 295 pages, it’s certainly not the longest romantic comedy; it just felt that way. For this reader, there was simply a tediousness to the narrative—not to Ellie’s dilemma, that is totally valid.
There was something in the storytelling that took away from the plight of this modern woman instead of shedding light on it. Perhaps I didn’t understand some of the Briticisms and missed the joke—that’s definitely possible. But it seems like more than a few lost punch lines. There’s simply so much going on in this book and I’m not so sure that all of it is necessary. I can’t go into detail without spoilers, so I’ll just say that Ellie has many relationships and I’m not entirely sure that they all help move the plot along or help Ellie figure out anything about herself or her dilemma. And Ellie’s dilemma is worthy of focus.

To have a baby or not to have a baby? That is the question.

As a woman in her early 30s in the year 2013, I understand this question. Ellie happens to be married in this story, but even unwed women of our age are standing at the same precipice. We all know that our eggs do expire and that expiration date is not printed on our bums. The 30s is the uncertain danger zone. Are my eggs turning to dust? It’s a valid thought. One that is scary and without a definite answer, even with extensive, expensive testing. All of Ellie’s antics in dealing with the scary, overwhelming, life-changing-regardless-of-what-you-do problem are very familiar. At my age, everyone wants to know either “So when are you getting married?” or “When are you gonna pop out some grandbabies?” Can I just figure out who I am first! I hear you, Ellie.

While I didn’t find this book quick reading, I do find it interesting. There are some gem moments here that made it worth the read (e.g. the reason for the title—stunner!). I also love the cultural references (that I got) that made me realize I am now in that 30-something group I used to think was old—it really isn’t; just yesterday I was in high school. And that’s part of the point. This book is a great reminder that, in the words of the immortal philosopher Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”


(As published on ChickLitPlus.com; I received a copy of There’s More to Life than Cupcakes by Poppy Dolan in exchange for an honest review.)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start off by straight away saying, I am so glad this novel had a baby focus, rather than a single thirty something looking for love. I have read far too many novels with that storyline so this was incredibly refreshing, not to mention hilarious!

Ellie is pretty happy with her lot in life. She has a wonderful husband, a nice home and an OK job. But the big question from Ellie's family is, when is she going to get pregnant? Ellie knows that this is what Pete wants, but Ellie just doesn't feel ready. Cracked nipples is just one of the things putting Ellie off, ouch! She even starts a blog asking for other women's thoughts, but maybe Ellie is happy being sprogless, but then again her biological clock is ticking!

Ellie is such a brilliant character and I warmed to her instantly. Although a baby is far off from being on my agenda, my sister recently had a baby and has had me feeling like a second Mum at times, so I definitely could relate to Ellie's worries and the things putting her off having a baby. Babies are exhausting, but at the same time absolutely adorable and never fail to put a smile on anyone's face. I think Ellie is a character that a lot of women can relate to or you will have a friend like her in your circle of friends.

Can I marry Pete please?! He has got to be the best fictional husband ever! His and Ellie's relationship is so genuinely loving and they both 'get' each other completely, and it was so nice that their relationship was established and not the main storyline. Ellie friends Lydia, Jules and Hannah were also brilliant secondary characters and you instantly gel with them. This is all down to Poppy's brilliant writing style. I don't think a novel has had me laughing out loud so much in ages.

For me I took a message from this story and that is not to put off facing things. Don't bury your head in the sand as the issue will still be there; you especially cannot hide in your cupcake baking ;). Face up to it straight away and you will avoid a lot of worry and drama!

This was so funny and a real feel good book. Guaranteed to have you laughing out loud!

[Rea Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

here’s More To Life Than Cupcakes is the first book I have come across by Poppy Dolan. The cover is gorgeous and definitely one that would catch my eye on the shelves I was hoping the story was going to be as good the cover.
Successful job CHECK
Husband Check
Baby ???

It seems like everyone is ready for Ellie to take that next step and join the world of parenting that is everyone apart from Ellie. With the pressure on her to conceive she begins questioning herself as to if she actually wants a baby, tries to weigh up the pros and cons. The cons really seem to out way the pros but will husband Pete be content with not having the baby he has so longed for?

This book really surprised me it wasn’t what I was expecting at all! I must learn not to judge a book by its delicious cover! Although baking and cupcakes are featured in the book it wasn’t a big part, the main storyline is babies, which I have to say I was rather apprehensive about as babies are not really my topic of choice I seem to have missed the maternal gene but as I got into the book I soon realised how alike Ellie and I are! I could really relate to her thoughts on the baby topic.

Ellie was a very natural and witty character ( let’s just say I won’t be in any hurry to let her decorate my wedding cake). What I loved about this book is that there is a rare relationship between Pete and Ellie, they are already happily married when we meet them and they don’t have a dramatic relationship it is a very happy loving relationship which makes a change from a majority of books.

There are a lot of characters in this book and I did lose track from time to time as to who was who but by the end they all began to take shape and they all seemed very down to earth, well other than Pete’s family!
This is an entertaining and humorous read, that is easy to relate to. I would have liked more of the baking/cake side of the storyline but that could be my tummy talking.

An enjoyable read that fans of Sam Binnie would also enjoy.

[Kathryn Laceby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes

Although the title makes you think light, fluffy and deliciously simple- this novel has a quite a bit more going on underneath the surface.

I was surprised at the depth of the exploration into motherhood that main character Ellie undertakes and it made me dwell a bit on friends around me who don’t have children and are watching me try to navigate motherhood. I don’t think I went into being a parent completely naïve but then I also didn’t see many people before me go down the road. While I wouldn’t trade my kids for anything I do wish I presented an idyllic, serene picture of motherhood to those around me a touch more often! I shout a lot more than I’d like and I routinely wish there were a few moments in the day (or night) that were truly my own. But hoping to be a mother was never a question for me…if I’d seen how all-consuming it was before hand would I have questioned the decision?

Ellie is quite convinced she wants to have children and yet she’s completely sure she’s not ready…yet… and spends the novel trying to work out why that is. She has a lovely husband and a job she’s becoming more and more excited about and really can’t see how a child would work into her lifestyle. Is she ready to make that change? And a change that she points out is irreversible! The novel worked for me for the most part, I appreciated the people in Ellie’s life and thought that Dolan ensured that each person really had a purpose and brought something to her story.

The story was a bit long for me and Ellie occasionally rambled on and repeated herself but on the whole I saw purpose for most of Dolan’s scenes and characters. The concept of motherhood did creep up on me though just as it crept up and took over Ellie’s thoughts until they became all-consuming. I really enjoyed the novel and would be pleased to read another Poppy Dolan!


Thank you to Novelicious for our review copy. All opinions are our own.

[Beckie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://beckiesbookmix.blogspot.co.uk/...

Ellie Redford is perfectly happy with her life. She has a husband who adores her, a lovely home to live in and a job that she is happy with. Whilst she is content with her life, it appears everyone else is waiting for the baby news. But is she ready for the next step? When Ellie's friend Lydia asks her to attend a baking class to stake out a hot guy, Ellie decides to play along. There's nothing better than baking some culinary delights to take your mind off life's stresses. But with crazy in-laws, a best friend who is not feeling the baby fever and added pressure from her own parents, will Ellie be able to figure out the baby mess before someone else makes the decision for her?

First of all I must say I really enjoyed this book. The main character Ellie was a delight to read about and how could I not empathise with a girl who loves The Great British Bake Off as much as I do. It was a refreshing change to read about a woman who is happily married to a great guy, Pete was so supportive of Ellie which I loved. Ellie was down-to-earth, thoughtful and so funny - I laughed like a loon whilst reading this book. I loved Ellie's baking family, Hannah and Joe. The baking goodies that these three cooked up had me practically drooling. My advice for this book is to have some sweet treat to hand - you're going to need it!

What I enjoyed most about this book was Ellie was just an average girl trying to figure out the best course of action for her life. Quite frequently in fiction the reader is faced with a main character who they have nothing in common with but Ellie was completely relatable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a sweet escape for a few hours. There may be more to life than cupcakes but I think cupcakes definitely make life that little bit better!

[Hayley Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by Poppy Dolan and I must be honest and admit I brought this book on my kindle, purely for the cover, however a couple of chapters in I had already searched and brought more of Dolan's Novels.

Let me start by saying how surprisingly enjoyable I found this book, not because I expected it to be bad, but because I just didn't think I would be able to relate to it in anyway. This is about Ellie Redford, a thirty something, happily married woman who is trying to figure out when she wants to have her baby. I had my baby in my early twenties, so not really a situation I have ever found myself in!

Ellie has everything she could ever want, a handsome husband, great friends and a fairly good job, plus a huge passion that she is actually good at - baking. Everyone keeps pressuring her to have a baby - even her own husband, and she loves babies, so why cant she just say yes.

I love how this book really makes you feel Ellie's love of baking, it consistent through out and you can really feel the passion for it, as a huge foodie myself I also loved the 'cameos' by certain baking celebrities.

I think its really good that this book touches on issues a lot of woman have today too, we are now told, that as woman we can do everything, so why do we spend our whole lives being asked, when will you get a boyfriend, then get engaged, then married, then have a baby? Is this really all it comes down to?! The pressure Ellie feels in this book is immense, and no surprise that she chooses to handle it in the way she does. I really felt for her, almost like she was a friend or something, and that's some pretty good writing from Dolan to make you feel that way about a fictional character.

Overall this book is a really great read, with some true laugh out loud moments, and I can't wait to read more by Poppy Dolan.

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I can actually relate to Ellie a tiny bit. I feel like everyone I know is having babies. 2 of my closest friends have babies, my brother, who is 2 and a half years younger than me, had a baby almost 2 years ago, and my brother who is 4 years younger than me has just told me his girlfriend is pregnant. So I recently had a little I'm getting broody moment. My solution? I decided to go to the pub and have a large drink because you can't do that when your preggers.

I feel very much the same way Ellie does babies are cute, cuddly and I don't mind looking after one for like half an hour, but I don't want to give up the drinking and the partying and the lazing around on a Sunday because you have nothing else to do. Not just yet anyway.

I really like Ellie. She is definitely someone I would be able to be friends with, and not only because she bakes really good cakes.

Pete is an excellent husband. He's a really kind and caring person. He would do absolutely anything to make Ellie happy.

I loved all the characters in this book her bestie Lyds, who has been there through everything. Her new baking friends Hannah and Joe, their classes sounded like so much fun. Jules,  both sets of parents, all the brothers on both sides, Skye her sister in law. I don't think there was one person I didn't like. Even the potato guy was great.

This book was Chicklit at it's best, and fantastic book that will have you laughing and crying and then wanting to bake.

[Claire Lally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was essentially a coming of age story. At the ripe old age of 31 Ellie still has lot of growing up to do. She is socially inappropriate, struggles with the responsibility of making a meal, and doesn't know how to share with her husband. Even though the world is telling her that she should be having a baby, she can't face that because it would mean that she wouldn't be able to be the baby anymore.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book we meet Ellie, who is married but 'sprogless'. In between her musings on potential motherhood, she works at a food magazine called 'Crumbs' and attends a baking course in the evenings. There's a lot going on in Ellie's life which makes for a fun and interesting read.

Ellie is wonderful, warm characters who has you engaged in the book from the start. Her best friend is a really colourful character, and I loved both her and her husband Pete's families.

Ellie is at the 30-something age I am where people start asking you when you're going to start a family, and I just stare that them blankly wondering myself what the answer is?! I adored reading Ellie's musings debating should I or should I not have a baby yet. Her ramblings are completely over the top, yet totally understandable which I loved.

There are some fantastically funny moments in this book, I was snorting out loud reading about the wedding ring which could be used as a hoola-hoop for a bee. You will definitely have a smile on your face when reading this book.

My only wish is that Crumbs magazine was real because I would be running out to buy it straight away.

This is Poppy Dolan's first book and after reading it I really hope she goes on to write more. It's a wonderful book to read if you need cheering up, it's packed full of loveable characters, friendship, romance, and cake. What more could you want!

[BestChickLit.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie loves nothing more than when she has brownies or a lemon drizzle baking in the oven. But the idea of having a bun in the oven brings her out in a cold sweat.
With husband, friends colleagues and parents all putting on pressure for her to start a family, Ellie feels like her body is no longer her own propety. Not that she’s against the idea, she loves babies! She goes gooey-eyed over her friends’ and she can’t wait to have a mini Pete, her wonderful, loving husband, running about. And she’s 31 and surely her eggs will soon start rotting away. Gah! But being pregnant, giving up her career at a food magazine, late nights drinking…that’s a big decision she can hardly even start to contemplate.

But Ellie feels like this isn’t a subject she can talk about and keeps it bottled up, weaving such a tangled web it ends up threatening to choke everything she holds dear…though there will always be cake. Won’t there?

This is a gorgeously indulgent book. Ellie is the sort of heroine you want to be friends with – and will miss when you finish the story. It’s refreshing to read women’s literature with the heroine’s relationship is so realistically loving and stable. But the real star of this book are all the wonderful foodie treats Poppy Dolan so expertly creates. A book to indulge in with a warm blanket with a big slab of chocolate cake.

Reviewed by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChickLit.com.

[Jennifer Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keen baker Ellie Redford has reached her thirties, bringing with it the question when are you going to have a baby? Suddenly everyone is interested in Ellie's womb; her mum, friends, mother-in-law and husband, Pete. It's no longer a question of if they have a baby but when but Ellie isn't ready for her life to change so drastically and she starts to panic that she never will be.

There's More To Life Than Cupcakes is a humorous tale of a woman fighting against her biological clock as it begins to tick louder and louder. Ellie is a brilliant, bubbly character who doesn't always make the right choices but is doing her best to cope with the pressures from both her home life and work. Ellie's life is surrounded by baked goods as she enjoys baking at home as well as working for Crumbs magazine. She then also joins a baking class, where she meets the flirtatious Joe, so the book is filled with yummy cakes as well as laugh-out-loud moments and wonderful characters.

There's More To Life Than Cupcakes is the perfect example of what chick lit should be; light and fun with memorable characters. Poppy Dolan's writing style and voice is exactly what I'm looking for in a book and I look forward to reading more from her.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know Ellie Redford very well. Hell… I AM Ellie Redford. I’ve been getting the offspring questions since I got married nearly five years ago at age 22, mind you! I’m only 27 now and on a daily basis I’m barraged by images that tell me I should be having a baby RIGHT NOW OR MY EGGS WILL SHRIVEL UP. Whew. So yes, I know exactly where author Poppy Dolan is writing from all too well.

I love Dolan’s chatty and very conversational writing style. I felt all the way through as if I were nattering on with my best friend rather than reading a book by someone I’ve never even met. Ellie is sweet if not a bit naïve and possibly slightly unhinged (in a good way). I was actually cackling out loud on the bus during a certain bit midway through the book.

There’s More to Life than Cupcakes is a sweet (and delicious!) little tale of one woman’s absolutely mental journey in deciding whether or not she’s ready for motherhood. I enjoyed it tremendously and will be keeping an eye out for more by Dolan in the future.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me this book in exchange for a honest review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked the book. In most stories the girl gets pregnant accidentally or the marriage nearly falls apart by going through IVF and the failed attempts. This time we finally meet a character who likes babies but isn't sure if she wants to have her own and the feelings of failure and confusion that comes with those thoughts. A woman is supposed to be 100% sure she wants kids if she likes them and is supposed to be willing to endure any discomfort and income shrinkages. Ellie on the other hand is concerned about all these things, endures family and work pressures, and still isn't entirely certain until the end when and what she wants. This is the first book I've ever read by this author and I fully intend to look at whatever other book she has written.

[caz wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby or not?

What a lovely book? So refreshingly realistic in that the characters are so normal and believable that you really do relate to the problem at hand. A couple very much in love with the wife unsure if she's ready for becoming a parent, terrified of losing herself and her career if she becomes pregnant but also with an inner voice telling her how much she really does love the thought of a child with the man she so adores. Great story, very funny to the point that I was laughing aloud in places! I know a number of people I will be telling about this book and will be looking for others by this author.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Ellie and her procrastinating about whether or not to have a baby. I quite enjoyed the story and the interesting observations on how babies alter friends lives but frankly I found the will she won't she a little dull. Does a question like that need so much thought? I found Pete a little dull with his spread sheets. All in all a quick easy read for a Saturday afternoon.

[Debbie Southwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy to read book primarily focusing on the pressure put on the main character to have a baby. The characters were all likeable and easy to imagine and even Paul Hollywood got a mention! I wouldn't say it is particularly thought provoking but I found myself wanting to read more of it to see what happened.

[Margaret Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this from the publishers for review purposes. Perfect for chic-lit lovers. See my full review on my blog. Link Below:

http://bleachhouselibrary.blogspot.ie...

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.chicklitcentral.com/2013/1...

Also has a review of The Matchbaker.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Sallie janes · Rating 4 out of 5]

a heartwarming read about a woman making the hard decision on whether to have a baby or not...recommend this

[Adelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Victorialovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://victorialovesbooks.wordpress.c...