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Eat the Cake
A widow's career is on the line, her heart is in pieces, and her only path forward is a surprise scavenger hunt planned by her late husband.
Leah Wright spends her days advising thousands of podcast listeners on how to live their best lives. But since her husband Elliot died, she has been running on autopilot—until a very public on-air meltdown forces her into a mandatory leave of absence. With her career at stake and her sponsors wavering, Leah is finally compelled to confront the silence of her empty home.
Then, the impossible happens. A bouquet of flowers arrives at her door with a note from Elliot.
Hidden among his belongings, Leah discovers an itinerary for the surprise trip to Florence that he never had the chance to give her. Urged by her sister-in-law to find closure, Leah flies to Italy, only to uncover that Elliot has left her one final gift: a scavenger hunt through the winding, sun-drenched streets of the city.
As the clues become more personal, the mystery deepens. How could he have known what she would need to hear months after his death? To find the final message, Leah must stop hiding behind her podcast persona and confront the secret guilt she has been carrying—or risk remaining broken forever.
Leah Wright spends her days advising thousands of podcast listeners on how to live their best lives. But since her husband Elliot died, she has been running on autopilot—until a very public on-air meltdown forces her into a mandatory leave of absence. With her career at stake and her sponsors wavering, Leah is finally compelled to confront the silence of her empty home.
Then, the impossible happens. A bouquet of flowers arrives at her door with a note from Elliot.
Hidden among his belongings, Leah discovers an itinerary for the surprise trip to Florence that he never had the chance to give her. Urged by her sister-in-law to find closure, Leah flies to Italy, only to uncover that Elliot has left her one final gift: a scavenger hunt through the winding, sun-drenched streets of the city.
As the clues become more personal, the mystery deepens. How could he have known what she would need to hear months after his death? To find the final message, Leah must stop hiding behind her podcast persona and confront the secret guilt she has been carrying—or risk remaining broken forever.
- GenresSummerSummer ReadsItaly
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
Annie Cathryn
2 books174 followersAnnie Cathryn lives by the motto, "Creating is Living," and is the award-winning author of The Friendship Breakup. When not writing or reading, she's organizing her personal library by color and planning her next vacation.
Annie earned a journalism degree and a master's in communications from Marquette University and lives in Chicagoland with her husband, daughter, and two fur babies.
Annie earned a journalism degree and a master's in communications from Marquette University and lives in Chicagoland with her husband, daughter, and two fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
August 3, 2026
Eat the Cake is one of those books that pretends it’s going to be a cute healing holiday, and then halfway through you’re sitting there like, “Oh cool, grief just punched me in the throat again.”
Leah Wright swears she’s fine — babe, she says it with the confidence of someone who hasn’t slept properly since 2019. And then she absolutely LOSES IT on a caller during her positivity podcast. I’m talking full meltdown, the kind where you pause and go, “Oh sweetie… you need a nap and a therapist.”
So she gets forced into time off, which she hates, because sitting still means she has to actually feel things. And while she’s rummaging through Elliot’s stuff — you know, the late husband she’s still emotionally duct‑taping herself around — she finds this surprise Florence trip he planned. And I swear, the way she clutches that itinerary? I felt that in my spleen.
Megan, the sister‑in‑law with the emotional range of a cattle prod, tells her to go. And Leah goes. And babe… FLORENCE. The sun, the food, the architecture, the vibes — and Leah is still walking around like a ghost who forgot how to human.
Then the scavenger hunt starts.
And I’m sitting there like, “Oh Elliot, you sentimental menace.”
Every clue is sweet and painful and nostalgic and honestly rude. It’s like he knew exactly which memories would make her crack open and he left them anyway. And Leah? She’s doing that thing where she feels closer to him with every step, which is beautiful until you realise she’s also dragging around guilt so heavy it could sink a gondola.
And THEN — babe — she gets to the final directive.
And I swear I had to put the book down.
Leah stops breathing, I stop breathing, the emotional support water bottle next to me stops breathing.
Because HOW did he leave that?
WHEN did he write it?
WHY does it feel like he’s still reaching for her?
And Leah’s standing there, shaking, trying to decide if she can finish this scavenger hunt without falling apart completely. And you’re just sitting there whispering, “Sweetie, you can do it, but also I understand if you need to lie down on the floor for a bit.”
It’s grief. It’s guilt. It’s healing. It’s Florence. It’s emotional chaos wrapped in sunshine and carbs.
A 4–4.5 star read — gorgeous, heartfelt, painful in the good way, and absolutely the kind of book that makes you stare at the wall afterwards like you’re in a perfume commercial.
Leah Wright swears she’s fine — babe, she says it with the confidence of someone who hasn’t slept properly since 2019. And then she absolutely LOSES IT on a caller during her positivity podcast. I’m talking full meltdown, the kind where you pause and go, “Oh sweetie… you need a nap and a therapist.”
So she gets forced into time off, which she hates, because sitting still means she has to actually feel things. And while she’s rummaging through Elliot’s stuff — you know, the late husband she’s still emotionally duct‑taping herself around — she finds this surprise Florence trip he planned. And I swear, the way she clutches that itinerary? I felt that in my spleen.
Megan, the sister‑in‑law with the emotional range of a cattle prod, tells her to go. And Leah goes. And babe… FLORENCE. The sun, the food, the architecture, the vibes — and Leah is still walking around like a ghost who forgot how to human.
Then the scavenger hunt starts.
And I’m sitting there like, “Oh Elliot, you sentimental menace.”
Every clue is sweet and painful and nostalgic and honestly rude. It’s like he knew exactly which memories would make her crack open and he left them anyway. And Leah? She’s doing that thing where she feels closer to him with every step, which is beautiful until you realise she’s also dragging around guilt so heavy it could sink a gondola.
And THEN — babe — she gets to the final directive.
And I swear I had to put the book down.
Leah stops breathing, I stop breathing, the emotional support water bottle next to me stops breathing.
Because HOW did he leave that?
WHEN did he write it?
WHY does it feel like he’s still reaching for her?
And Leah’s standing there, shaking, trying to decide if she can finish this scavenger hunt without falling apart completely. And you’re just sitting there whispering, “Sweetie, you can do it, but also I understand if you need to lie down on the floor for a bit.”
It’s grief. It’s guilt. It’s healing. It’s Florence. It’s emotional chaos wrapped in sunshine and carbs.
A 4–4.5 star read — gorgeous, heartfelt, painful in the good way, and absolutely the kind of book that makes you stare at the wall afterwards like you’re in a perfume commercial.
February 21, 2026
Review of ARC from NetGalley.
Some books tell a story & some feel like an experience you carry around afterward.
Eat the Cake is the second kind.
At its heart, this novel follows a woman unraveling after the loss of her husband, not in a dramatic, cinematic way, but in the quiet, confusing, deeply human way grief actually works.
She isn’t “strong” or inspirational all the time. She’s numb, sarcastic, angry, guilty, nostalgic, hopeful, and exhausted all often within the same chapter. That honesty is what makes the story land and relate so hard.
Every Florence street, meal, and memory forces her to face the life she had, the life she thought she’d have, and the terrifying question of who she is without him. The scavenger hunt lets you see why their love mattered, why losing it feels unbearable, and why moving forward feels almost like betrayal.
Food plays a surprisingly meaningful role. The pastries, dinners, and shared tables aren’t decorative travel details; they’re grounding moments. Eating becomes permission to live again. Not dramatically but one bite at a time. The title ends up meaning far more than it first suggests!
What makes this book memorable is that it never tries to “fix” grief. It doesn’t rush healing, doesn’t force romance to be the cure, and doesn’t wrap life neatly. Instead, it shows that love doesn’t disappear, it changes form. The past and the future learn to exist together instead of competing with each other. By the end, the story doesn’t erase the loss, it teaches Leah how to carry it without losing herself too.
I cried multiple times, laughed unexpectedly, and finished the final pages feeling both heartbroken and comforted.
One of those rare reads that stays with you long after you close it!
I’d give it 6:5 if I could.
Some books tell a story & some feel like an experience you carry around afterward.
Eat the Cake is the second kind.
At its heart, this novel follows a woman unraveling after the loss of her husband, not in a dramatic, cinematic way, but in the quiet, confusing, deeply human way grief actually works.
She isn’t “strong” or inspirational all the time. She’s numb, sarcastic, angry, guilty, nostalgic, hopeful, and exhausted all often within the same chapter. That honesty is what makes the story land and relate so hard.
Every Florence street, meal, and memory forces her to face the life she had, the life she thought she’d have, and the terrifying question of who she is without him. The scavenger hunt lets you see why their love mattered, why losing it feels unbearable, and why moving forward feels almost like betrayal.
Food plays a surprisingly meaningful role. The pastries, dinners, and shared tables aren’t decorative travel details; they’re grounding moments. Eating becomes permission to live again. Not dramatically but one bite at a time. The title ends up meaning far more than it first suggests!
What makes this book memorable is that it never tries to “fix” grief. It doesn’t rush healing, doesn’t force romance to be the cure, and doesn’t wrap life neatly. Instead, it shows that love doesn’t disappear, it changes form. The past and the future learn to exist together instead of competing with each other. By the end, the story doesn’t erase the loss, it teaches Leah how to carry it without losing herself too.
I cried multiple times, laughed unexpectedly, and finished the final pages feeling both heartbroken and comforted.
One of those rare reads that stays with you long after you close it!
I’d give it 6:5 if I could.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2026
Absolutely triumphant. I am speechless after finishing this stunning story. I could not put this down, and the ending had me in tears. The author handled grief and the true aftermath of losing your partner in such a beautiful way. I felt like I knew everyone in the book. A must read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.75 ⭐✨
Eat the Cake quietly broke my heart and gently pieced it back together again 💔🤍
Leah’s grief felt tender and deeply personal, and I found myself tearing up more than once 🥹 Her growth was imperfect, honest, and quietly inspiring 🌿 The Florence setting added warmth and light, balancing the heavier themes beautifully 🇮🇹☀️
The scavenger hunt has a slight fairytale feel at first ✨ but it ultimately becomes meaningful in a way that truly worked for me 💌
A hopeful story about love, loss, and finding your way forward again 💛
Thank you to Moon Ray Books, Annie Cathryn, and NetGalley for the ARC 📚
Eat the Cake quietly broke my heart and gently pieced it back together again 💔🤍
Leah’s grief felt tender and deeply personal, and I found myself tearing up more than once 🥹 Her growth was imperfect, honest, and quietly inspiring 🌿 The Florence setting added warmth and light, balancing the heavier themes beautifully 🇮🇹☀️
The scavenger hunt has a slight fairytale feel at first ✨ but it ultimately becomes meaningful in a way that truly worked for me 💌
A hopeful story about love, loss, and finding your way forward again 💛
Thank you to Moon Ray Books, Annie Cathryn, and NetGalley for the ARC 📚
May 19, 2026
Eat the Cake is a beautiful story exploring grief. Leah who goes by the professional name of Tandy hosts a podcast called Pep Talk which is like a modern day agony aunt column. It’s coming up to the 12 month anniversary of her husband Elliot’s unexpected death and she’s falling apart, struggling to deal with some of her caller’s issues which seem insignificant. After an on air scandal, she is given 90 days off to regroup.
Leah was such a reliable character, her grief still raw at a time where everyone seems to think you should recovered and moved on. I enjoyed the realistic look at the ongoing impact of grief and that it shows that it never really goes away. I enjoyed her friendship with sister -in-law Megan who was very supportive. She has been trying to get Leah to come to Italy with her to visit her and Elliot’s father who recently moved there. Leah discovers that Elliot had planned a similar trip and reluctantly agrees to go despite her fear of flying. Leading up to the trip and during the trip Leah starts to receive flowers and messages from Elliot and discovers that the trip planned included a scavenger hunt designed to help her face her fears.
It was interesting to see Leah face her fears and make progress. In the process she discovers a secret about Elliot that helps her move on and forgive herself. I enjoyed Megan’s side plot and Tallulah the dog. The trip to Italy and all the different food and pastries was enjoyable. I loved the overall message of learning to Eat the Cake again. A rollercoaster ride of emotions perfect for those who enjoyed P.S. I Love You.
Leah was such a reliable character, her grief still raw at a time where everyone seems to think you should recovered and moved on. I enjoyed the realistic look at the ongoing impact of grief and that it shows that it never really goes away. I enjoyed her friendship with sister -in-law Megan who was very supportive. She has been trying to get Leah to come to Italy with her to visit her and Elliot’s father who recently moved there. Leah discovers that Elliot had planned a similar trip and reluctantly agrees to go despite her fear of flying. Leading up to the trip and during the trip Leah starts to receive flowers and messages from Elliot and discovers that the trip planned included a scavenger hunt designed to help her face her fears.
It was interesting to see Leah face her fears and make progress. In the process she discovers a secret about Elliot that helps her move on and forgive herself. I enjoyed Megan’s side plot and Tallulah the dog. The trip to Italy and all the different food and pastries was enjoyable. I loved the overall message of learning to Eat the Cake again. A rollercoaster ride of emotions perfect for those who enjoyed P.S. I Love You.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I was going through the beginning of this book, one thing I loved is how fast-paced it is. This made me very much interested to finish my ARC copy. I have been reading many longer and slower books that this is a welcomed breath of fresh air.
The female character has a tendency to push away people who wish to help her. Sometimes, at the detriment of herself. Well, most of the time, if not all. I think that is her fatal flaw and it is very human for someone who is going through the loss of a loved one. At some parts I do feel frustrated only because she cannot seem to see some things are for her interest and not against. Then, when I finished the book from front to back, I finally understand. I see her now.
The author holds up a mirror for people who struggle with belonging inside a community because they never learned to accept help without seeing it as a form of weakness. The act of loving and caring for someone can at times be seen as a form of economic transaction that often takes away the core meaning of the act in itself. In the fmc, I see a person who is hurting and the only way she can avoid that pain is to limit as much interaction she has with the outside world - she never goes out to see her friends and family, avoiding interaction with the neighbours, preferring to work from home and facing a screen. Even for her work, there is a visual barrier between her and her clients.
I didn't think the ending would be so well written. I've never read portrayals of grief like this anywhere else besides in this book. There is an unexpected aspect in the writting full of paranormal illusions and spiritual revelations. That part is a pleasant surprise and I believe it helped wrapped the ending as well as it did. That part helps creating an atmosphere where that the fmc is able to finished her last conversation with her husband that is abruptly interrupted because of an accident (this is not a spoiler - it's revealed very early on in the book).
All in all, this has been a pleasantly suprising five stars read. Thank you to the author for giving me this apportunity to read her work in advance.
The female character has a tendency to push away people who wish to help her. Sometimes, at the detriment of herself. Well, most of the time, if not all. I think that is her fatal flaw and it is very human for someone who is going through the loss of a loved one. At some parts I do feel frustrated only because she cannot seem to see some things are for her interest and not against. Then, when I finished the book from front to back, I finally understand. I see her now.
The author holds up a mirror for people who struggle with belonging inside a community because they never learned to accept help without seeing it as a form of weakness. The act of loving and caring for someone can at times be seen as a form of economic transaction that often takes away the core meaning of the act in itself. In the fmc, I see a person who is hurting and the only way she can avoid that pain is to limit as much interaction she has with the outside world - she never goes out to see her friends and family, avoiding interaction with the neighbours, preferring to work from home and facing a screen. Even for her work, there is a visual barrier between her and her clients.
I didn't think the ending would be so well written. I've never read portrayals of grief like this anywhere else besides in this book. There is an unexpected aspect in the writting full of paranormal illusions and spiritual revelations. That part is a pleasant surprise and I believe it helped wrapped the ending as well as it did. That part helps creating an atmosphere where that the fmc is able to finished her last conversation with her husband that is abruptly interrupted because of an accident (this is not a spoiler - it's revealed very early on in the book).
All in all, this has been a pleasantly suprising five stars read. Thank you to the author for giving me this apportunity to read her work in advance.
May 22, 2026
This book has such an excellent message!
Widow Leah is sent on a scavenger hunt arranged by her late husband after a long grieving process comes to a head and she makes a mistake at work. Leah finds herself chasing clues from her husband who passed away.
This book has a little of everything - sisterhood, mystery, overcoming loss, an epic Italian vacation, and romance.
The best part of this book, though, is the way it sweeps you up and motivates you not to waste a single minute…eat the cake!
It feels so fitting that I just finished Eat the Cake by Annie Cathryn today and somewhere along the way, “eat the cake” became my mantra lately. 🍰
Figuratively: find the joy anyway. Buy the coffee. Read the book. Celebrate the tiny good moments while you’re in the middle of hard things. Stop waiting for life to feel perfect before you let yourself live it.
Literally: after weeks of health struggles, tests, procedures, stress, and today’s flex sig… I ate the cake (technically brownie and ice cream, but who’s counting?) on my daughter’s birthday. Because life is fragile and beautiful and exhausting and worth celebrating anyway.
So yeah. Eat the cake. 💜
Thank you to @moonraybooks and @netgalley for the e-ARC!
Widow Leah is sent on a scavenger hunt arranged by her late husband after a long grieving process comes to a head and she makes a mistake at work. Leah finds herself chasing clues from her husband who passed away.
This book has a little of everything - sisterhood, mystery, overcoming loss, an epic Italian vacation, and romance.
The best part of this book, though, is the way it sweeps you up and motivates you not to waste a single minute…eat the cake!
It feels so fitting that I just finished Eat the Cake by Annie Cathryn today and somewhere along the way, “eat the cake” became my mantra lately. 🍰
Figuratively: find the joy anyway. Buy the coffee. Read the book. Celebrate the tiny good moments while you’re in the middle of hard things. Stop waiting for life to feel perfect before you let yourself live it.
Literally: after weeks of health struggles, tests, procedures, stress, and today’s flex sig… I ate the cake (technically brownie and ice cream, but who’s counting?) on my daughter’s birthday. Because life is fragile and beautiful and exhausting and worth celebrating anyway.
So yeah. Eat the cake. 💜
Thank you to @moonraybooks and @netgalley for the e-ARC!
August 21, 2026
Leah runs a podcast that is there to uplift and encourage people and after her husband dies sponsors told her to mourn and take a break but she’s determined to carry on and is basically running on fumes and on a particularly tough day she lashes out at a caller and some of the sponsors pull out and others are hanging on limbo but now Leah needs to take a break , recoup , heal and start living again ….
When Leah goes through Elliot’s belongings she finds a scavenger hunt that was planned for a surprise visit to Florence but he dies before they could it and Megan , his sister encourages her to see it through so our bags are packed and heading to Florence…..
Ok so now that I’ve had a taste of Florence I want to bake cupcakes , sell them and have a let’s go to Florence fund 😉🫣
This was a journey of healing , self discovery , grief , friendship, family and plowing through my Kleenex supply but there were moments where I smiled and just felt like these characters were so real , relatable and raw 🥰
P.S. I when our health nut neighbour brings her pup over to introduce them to each other my heart nearly stopped when there was an incident in the house and my reaction was so audible I attracted a few funny looks 😂🫣 also her tuna cabbage casserole sounds awful 😂🫣but bless her heart for being a good neighbour 🤗
A read that I want to share with every woman in my life ❣️
When Leah goes through Elliot’s belongings she finds a scavenger hunt that was planned for a surprise visit to Florence but he dies before they could it and Megan , his sister encourages her to see it through so our bags are packed and heading to Florence…..
Ok so now that I’ve had a taste of Florence I want to bake cupcakes , sell them and have a let’s go to Florence fund 😉🫣
This was a journey of healing , self discovery , grief , friendship, family and plowing through my Kleenex supply but there were moments where I smiled and just felt like these characters were so real , relatable and raw 🥰
P.S. I when our health nut neighbour brings her pup over to introduce them to each other my heart nearly stopped when there was an incident in the house and my reaction was so audible I attracted a few funny looks 😂🫣 also her tuna cabbage casserole sounds awful 😂🫣but bless her heart for being a good neighbour 🤗
A read that I want to share with every woman in my life ❣️
August 6, 2026
Eat The Cake was a beautifully written novel about love, loss and recovery. Annie Cathryn's writing was fluid, soft, detailed and elegant.
Leah newly lost her husband. One day he walked out of the home, and never returned. She blamed herself and endured much guilt for this.
As Talk Show host of Dear Tandy, when a caller asked how to celebrate their birthday, Leah lost her cool, yelled at the caller and said they should be ashamed as some have lost and bigger fish to fry. Leah's job was on the line and she took a 90 day leave to get her stuff together.
Her sister in law, Megan, invited her to travel to Florence. Maybe this would be the best way to clear her mind. Traveling, new country and a new adventure.
As they arrived in the hotel, flowers arrived for Leah. Also, a scavenger hunt....from Elliott. Her husband who passed away. How did he know where she was and how did the flowers make their way to her?
This scavenger hunt was all about finding love and moving forward. The choices she would make would pkay a large role in her future and well being.
This truly was a beautiful story and I felt so honored to receive this giftef copy!
Leah newly lost her husband. One day he walked out of the home, and never returned. She blamed herself and endured much guilt for this.
As Talk Show host of Dear Tandy, when a caller asked how to celebrate their birthday, Leah lost her cool, yelled at the caller and said they should be ashamed as some have lost and bigger fish to fry. Leah's job was on the line and she took a 90 day leave to get her stuff together.
Her sister in law, Megan, invited her to travel to Florence. Maybe this would be the best way to clear her mind. Traveling, new country and a new adventure.
As they arrived in the hotel, flowers arrived for Leah. Also, a scavenger hunt....from Elliott. Her husband who passed away. How did he know where she was and how did the flowers make their way to her?
This scavenger hunt was all about finding love and moving forward. The choices she would make would pkay a large role in her future and well being.
This truly was a beautiful story and I felt so honored to receive this giftef copy!
August 12, 2026
5 out of 5 Stars
Eat the Cake by Annie Cathryn
This is the first book I've read by the author. Eat the Cake is an amazing book and I was hooked from the beginning. It does deal with the death of a loved one and can be triggering.
Leah lost her husband in a bike accident after he was hit by a truck. Nine months pass by and she still hasn't been able to bring herself to move on and grieve. After snapping at a caller on her show. Then her sister in law drags her to Italy to see her father in law. There she meets Marco and she wonders if her husband sent him to her. The quote I chose for her is this: “Nope. I am as free as a bird. I do have plans later, though.”
Marco is convinced to go to Italy with his sister. They came to learn how to make authentic meals they were used to as kids. Then his sister bails on him last minute so when he runs into Leah he asks her to join him for a cooking class. The quote I chose for him is this: “Uh . . . maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. I can’t understand her.”
Eat the Cake by Annie Cathryn
This is the first book I've read by the author. Eat the Cake is an amazing book and I was hooked from the beginning. It does deal with the death of a loved one and can be triggering.
Leah lost her husband in a bike accident after he was hit by a truck. Nine months pass by and she still hasn't been able to bring herself to move on and grieve. After snapping at a caller on her show. Then her sister in law drags her to Italy to see her father in law. There she meets Marco and she wonders if her husband sent him to her. The quote I chose for her is this: “Nope. I am as free as a bird. I do have plans later, though.”
Marco is convinced to go to Italy with his sister. They came to learn how to make authentic meals they were used to as kids. Then his sister bails on him last minute so when he runs into Leah he asks her to join him for a cooking class. The quote I chose for him is this: “Uh . . . maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. I can’t understand her.”
August 21, 2026
Leah has spent the last nine months of her life not truly grieving her husbands death. She has now possibly lost her job with her show PepTalk after going off on a caller. Her sponsors have told her that she has 90 days to get her life back in order to see if she can possibly get the show back up and going. Her sister in law Megan has now been to the house and helped her clean it and herself up and she helped her go through her husband Elliot’s things. Megan has also asked her to accompany her to Florence to she hers and Elliot’s dad. Leah is unsure at first but finally decides it might be good for her after finding the itinerary in Elliot’s closet for an Italian trip that he had planned before he passed. While in Italy Leah has found that Elliot left her little adventures to conquer some of her fears even though they were supposed to be doing them together. Could this trip help her get her life back into order and help her move on?
August 11, 2026
Sweeping summer adventure for sad girls who feel things deeply. Touching and fun with moments of profound grief, this is not a romance novel (not that anyone said it was!) This story gives us what so many wish for in the deep throws of grief: someone to clean our house, feed us, take us away on a magical trip, and remind us life is worth living, all while remembering and honoring the one we lost. Many mysteries and painful truths are uncovered, and the reality that everyone is a whole person with their own whole life going on underlines it all. The characters in this story could all stand alone, their development is so fabulous and full. From the nutritionist neighbor, the tearful birthday podcast guest, to the elderly baker and three generations of his family; Even the dog has an entire life's worth of story! Great pacing, setting descriptions, and many interpersonal exchanges make this an easy and engaging read. Looking forward to more in this genre from this author!
March 30, 2026
I absolutely loved every single page of this book! There’s seriously not one bad thing I could say about this book. I think that a grief element is really hard to articulate well but this book did it perfectly. It was beautiful because the grief element was one of the first parts of the book and it ended with it but in such a full circle type of way. Something that drew me to this book in the first place was the Italy part of it all and within reading this book I felt like I was transported to Italy which is my favorite place in the whole world so it made the book even better than it already was. When I saw the title I was intrigued and when I finished the book I definitely knew that it was the perfect title for the book. I think this book had a ton of elements but they all worked so well together and truly crafted a beautiful and timeless story that came full circle from beginning to end…truly couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read more of Annie Kathryn’s books in the future!!
July 21, 2026
Oof where to even begin with this book 🥹. This book took a lot out of me but in the best way. As someone who lost a loved one recently, this definitely had me in tears and just remembering them.
This was a beautiful journey as we follow Leah, and her sister in law, as they take a trip to Florence and do a scavenger hunt that her late husband set up for her. The setting was fantastic. I was googling all of the places they visited as I read and it felt like I was there.
I adored Marco, Gabriele and their whole family. They really helped Leah on her healing journey and were there for her when she really needed it.
Seeing Leah grieve and grow through this book was beautiful and there were many twists and turns this story took that just had me wanting to keep reading. The significance of the title! 🥹 I binged this book in almost one sitting. Annie did a fantastic job with this and I won’t soon forget it!
This was a beautiful journey as we follow Leah, and her sister in law, as they take a trip to Florence and do a scavenger hunt that her late husband set up for her. The setting was fantastic. I was googling all of the places they visited as I read and it felt like I was there.
I adored Marco, Gabriele and their whole family. They really helped Leah on her healing journey and were there for her when she really needed it.
Seeing Leah grieve and grow through this book was beautiful and there were many twists and turns this story took that just had me wanting to keep reading. The significance of the title! 🥹 I binged this book in almost one sitting. Annie did a fantastic job with this and I won’t soon forget it!
August 17, 2026
Eat the Cake by Annie Cathryn is such a heat pulling book. I really loved it, crying, laughing and feeling the grief of this wonderful widow Leah. Being in grief and watching, reading all the cycles it just amazing honestly. This took me through some very thought-provoking moments. I loved loved loved this book! In the book Leah has a sudden loss, her husband passes. She closes herself off putting everything into work and not processing. Then comes the breakdown. Elliot her late husband to the rescue, he sends flowers with a trip to Italy he had planned prior to death. Leah takes the trip. You won’t regret picking this book up.
July 22, 2026
Eat the Cake is a beautiful story of love, loss, and finding oneself again as a widow embarks on an incredible trip to Italy planned by her late husband (PS I Love You vibes!) where she learns to be brave, make connections, and discover that true love is never truly lost.
Annie reminds us that you can Eat, Pray, Love (and omg the Italian pastries!) with a Life List in hand and find yourself and love again. Loved this book! 5 big ⭐️ Get your copy today, friends! ❤️
Annie reminds us that you can Eat, Pray, Love (and omg the Italian pastries!) with a Life List in hand and find yourself and love again. Loved this book! 5 big ⭐️ Get your copy today, friends! ❤️
July 6, 2026
4.5 out of 5
Throughly enjoyed this book. I loved all of the elements and themes. I love the way that fate was used throughout this entire book. It left me with such a positive feeling. I loved the found family elements as well.
Would be a great movie.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in return for my honest review
Throughly enjoyed this book. I loved all of the elements and themes. I love the way that fate was used throughout this entire book. It left me with such a positive feeling. I loved the found family elements as well.
Would be a great movie.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in return for my honest review
August 24, 2026
This was such a heartwarming story with some heartbreaking moments. Leah is learning to navigate life after a tragedy. Surprise deliveries and a scavenger hunt lead her on a journey, only to find out more news about Elliot. This story had me hooked throughout needing to connect all the puzzle pieces to figure it out before the book was over. A wonderful read!
July 29, 2026
Leah is grieving the recent loss of her husband and struggling on a daily basis. When Leah goes off on a caller on her podcast, she’s forced to take a 3 month leave of absence by her sponsors. She joins her sister in law on a trip to Florence . This is a story about love and grief and of creating a path forward after such an unexpected and devastating loss. It is a very emotional book and I loved the growth that Leah showed as well as the ways in which she overcame her fears. Definitely recommend!
August 20, 2026
Leah is widowed and doing a podcast, all the while seems fine till she goes off on a caller while on air. She takes a break to process everything or else her job is in danger of being taken from her. Leah then sets off to find the mystery of her husband’s message that she desperately needed to hear.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 25, 2026
Eat Cake was such an interesting read! I went into it not really knowing what to expect, and it definitely kept me invested. I loved the way the story explored family, relationships, and all the messy emotions that come with them. There were definitely moments that had me frustrated, curious, and wanting to know what would happen next. It was emotional, relatable, and had plenty to think about after finishing. Definitely a book that kept me turning the pages!
July 21, 2026
My first book byAnnie Cathryn,it sure won't be the last! Beautifully written story of love, grief, recovery and so much more!
July 22, 2026
An excellent book about a woman struggling to heal after her husband’s untimely death—a journey that teaches her that love and healing can reach us from beyond the grave.
June 1, 2026
A solid 4.5 stars. Thank you Goodreads for my free kindle copy of this sweet story. It’s my third book won on a Goodreads giveaway and probably the most enjoyable. Such a sweet journey with loveable characters and an amazing trip to Florence! You’ll want to book a trip immediately and invite this sweet family to join you.
May 18, 2026
I received this book as a giveaway winner from Goodreads. I loved this book! I read it in one sitting. I highly recommend it. This is my first book from this author and I will definitely read more.
August 2, 2026
After suddenly losing her husband Elliot, and melting down live at work, podcaster Leah has shut herself off from the world. Under threat of losing her sponsors, impossibly receiving flowers from Elliot and finding an itinerary for a surprise trip he planned to Italy, her SIL insists she joins her on a trip to Florence. Leah decides to go in hopes of finding closure, but will the scavenger hunt he planned for her make things harder, or give her just what she needs?
I absolutely ADORED this book!! It was everything I could’ve asked for in a romance with all my favorite pieces - heartbreak, friendship, found family, ITALY, the perfect series of little coincidences that feel like magic, redemption, and romance perfection. I laughed, I cried, I craved allll the foods, and a trip to Italy!! Leah’s grief wasn’t sugar-coated, but realistic. And her journey back to herself, so well done. It was slow, messy, non-linear, realistic. I felt everything she felt - and was an absolute wreck of tears so many times. Every character was so well written, and I looove how things came together in the end. I couldn’t put this one down, and I can’t wait to recommend it to everyone I know. For anyone who loves a love story with real, raw, incredibly well written characters, heavy topics, but somehow still can make you laugh, smile, and feel like you’re wrapped in a hug - pick this up immediately!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Moon Ray Books, and author Annie Cathryn, for the eARC of one of my favorite books this year, Eat the Cake! I’m so grateful I had the opportunity!!
I absolutely ADORED this book!! It was everything I could’ve asked for in a romance with all my favorite pieces - heartbreak, friendship, found family, ITALY, the perfect series of little coincidences that feel like magic, redemption, and romance perfection. I laughed, I cried, I craved allll the foods, and a trip to Italy!! Leah’s grief wasn’t sugar-coated, but realistic. And her journey back to herself, so well done. It was slow, messy, non-linear, realistic. I felt everything she felt - and was an absolute wreck of tears so many times. Every character was so well written, and I looove how things came together in the end. I couldn’t put this one down, and I can’t wait to recommend it to everyone I know. For anyone who loves a love story with real, raw, incredibly well written characters, heavy topics, but somehow still can make you laugh, smile, and feel like you’re wrapped in a hug - pick this up immediately!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Moon Ray Books, and author Annie Cathryn, for the eARC of one of my favorite books this year, Eat the Cake! I’m so grateful I had the opportunity!!
August 26, 2026
Some books entertain you. Some books make you think. And then there are those special books that quietly reach inside your heart, rearrange a few things, and leave you looking at life a little differently.
*Eat the Cake* by Annie Cathryn was one of those books for me.
Leah Wright has built a career by helping others live their best lives through her podcast, PepTalk. But behind the advice, Leah is struggling. Since the unexpected death of her husband, Elliot, she has been existing rather than truly living. When an on-air meltdown forces her to take a leave of absence, she finally has to face the grief she has been trying so hard to outrun.
Then comes Italy.
Leah discovers an itinerary for a surprise trip to Florence that Elliot had planned before his death. Encouraged by her sister-in-law, Megan, she decides to go—and discovers that Elliot has left one more gift behind: a scavenger hunt filled with clues that lead her through Florence and, ultimately, deeper into the memories, guilt, love, and questions she has been carrying.
I absolutely loved the premise of this story. There was something almost magical about following Leah through Florence, knowing that every clue had been left behind by the man she loved. The scavenger hunt gave the story a gentle mystery while allowing Leah to uncover pieces of herself along the way slowly.
But what really stayed with me was the way Cathryn portrayed grief.
Grief isn't neat. It doesn't follow a schedule, and it certainly doesn't disappear simply because someone tells you that it is time to move on. Leah's journey felt wonderfully human. There are moments when she is angry, guilty, exhausted, lonely, hopeful, and even able to laugh—and sometimes all of those emotions seem to exist at once.
I also loved the message tucked inside the title.
**Eat the cake. ****
It becomes so much more than a piece of dessert. It becomes a reminder to stop waiting for the perfect moment to live. Eat the cake. Take the trip. Enjoy the coffee. Laugh when you can. Let yourself experience happiness without feeling guilty for the things you've lost.
That message really resonated with me.
I think we sometimes spend so much time waiting for life to become easier, calmer, or more perfect that we forget we are actually living it right now. *Eat the Cake* reminded me that finding joy after heartbreak doesn't mean forgetting the people or moments that mattered. Sometimes moving forward means carrying the love with you while allowing yourself to discover what comes next.
And, of course, Florence was the perfect setting. The food, streets, history, friendships, and Italian atmosphere made me feel as though I had taken the journey right alongside Leah. The setting brought warmth and light to a story dealing with some very heavy emotions.
This was a beautiful story about grief, forgiveness, friendship, family, love, and learning how to live again.
I laughed. I got emotional. I found myself rooting for Leah. And by the time I reached the end, I understood exactly why the title was *Eat the Cake*.
Sometimes life gives us something bitter when we were expecting something sweet.
And sometimes, despite everything, we have to take the fork, cut ourselves a piece of cake, and remember that **we are still here—and there is still joy waiting for us.**
*Eat the Cake* is a heartfelt reminder that it is okay to heal, okay to laugh again, and, most importantly, **okay to live again.**
🍰 **Five stars from me. ****
*Eat the Cake* by Annie Cathryn was one of those books for me.
Leah Wright has built a career by helping others live their best lives through her podcast, PepTalk. But behind the advice, Leah is struggling. Since the unexpected death of her husband, Elliot, she has been existing rather than truly living. When an on-air meltdown forces her to take a leave of absence, she finally has to face the grief she has been trying so hard to outrun.
Then comes Italy.
Leah discovers an itinerary for a surprise trip to Florence that Elliot had planned before his death. Encouraged by her sister-in-law, Megan, she decides to go—and discovers that Elliot has left one more gift behind: a scavenger hunt filled with clues that lead her through Florence and, ultimately, deeper into the memories, guilt, love, and questions she has been carrying.
I absolutely loved the premise of this story. There was something almost magical about following Leah through Florence, knowing that every clue had been left behind by the man she loved. The scavenger hunt gave the story a gentle mystery while allowing Leah to uncover pieces of herself along the way slowly.
But what really stayed with me was the way Cathryn portrayed grief.
Grief isn't neat. It doesn't follow a schedule, and it certainly doesn't disappear simply because someone tells you that it is time to move on. Leah's journey felt wonderfully human. There are moments when she is angry, guilty, exhausted, lonely, hopeful, and even able to laugh—and sometimes all of those emotions seem to exist at once.
I also loved the message tucked inside the title.
**Eat the cake. ****
It becomes so much more than a piece of dessert. It becomes a reminder to stop waiting for the perfect moment to live. Eat the cake. Take the trip. Enjoy the coffee. Laugh when you can. Let yourself experience happiness without feeling guilty for the things you've lost.
That message really resonated with me.
I think we sometimes spend so much time waiting for life to become easier, calmer, or more perfect that we forget we are actually living it right now. *Eat the Cake* reminded me that finding joy after heartbreak doesn't mean forgetting the people or moments that mattered. Sometimes moving forward means carrying the love with you while allowing yourself to discover what comes next.
And, of course, Florence was the perfect setting. The food, streets, history, friendships, and Italian atmosphere made me feel as though I had taken the journey right alongside Leah. The setting brought warmth and light to a story dealing with some very heavy emotions.
This was a beautiful story about grief, forgiveness, friendship, family, love, and learning how to live again.
I laughed. I got emotional. I found myself rooting for Leah. And by the time I reached the end, I understood exactly why the title was *Eat the Cake*.
Sometimes life gives us something bitter when we were expecting something sweet.
And sometimes, despite everything, we have to take the fork, cut ourselves a piece of cake, and remember that **we are still here—and there is still joy waiting for us.**
*Eat the Cake* is a heartfelt reminder that it is okay to heal, okay to laugh again, and, most importantly, **okay to live again.**
🍰 **Five stars from me. ****
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eat the cake
By Annie Cathryn
Published by Moon Ray Books
Annie Cathryn has written a wonderful story I could only wish for if tragedy and grief were to be part of my journey. Beautiful written, with pockets of compassion, humour and thoughtfulness. Something a girl can only dream of when her luck is running out.
As the story unfolds and pieces of the puzzle are revealed, Leah begins to hear her own advice, understand what she needs which enables the healing process to begin.
Leah Wright has a successful podcast advising others about life’s trials and tribulations. But her heart is in pieces after the tragic death of her husband.
Running on auto-pilot, not accepting she needs time and maybe a break, her sharp response to one of her listeners turns sour.
Now is the time for some self care, as her career topples in the balance.
Will she see it from another’s perspective?
Will she follow her own advice?
Will she face her fears and come out stronger or will her followers cancel her?
After a bouquet of flowers arrives at her door with a note from Elliot, Leah later discovers an itinerary for the surprise trip to Florence that he never had the chance to give her. Accompanied by her sister-in-law, they fly to Italy and uncover a scavenger hunt filled with some of Leah’s fears: flying, ghosts, looking after a pet to name a few.
How could he have known what she would need to hear and do months after his death?
Why did he leave her so much to face all alone?
From clue to clue, Leah builds her strength to face her fears supported by her extended network. To finally confront her secret guilt is the only way she can carrying on being Leah or she will remain broken forever.
Full of tender, heartfelt moments, Annie Cathryn explores aspects of grief, loneliness and pure sadness that will resonate with anyone who has experienced grief. But remember the realisation, relief and enlightening moments of joy outweigh the emotional pain.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
By Annie Cathryn
Published by Moon Ray Books
Annie Cathryn has written a wonderful story I could only wish for if tragedy and grief were to be part of my journey. Beautiful written, with pockets of compassion, humour and thoughtfulness. Something a girl can only dream of when her luck is running out.
As the story unfolds and pieces of the puzzle are revealed, Leah begins to hear her own advice, understand what she needs which enables the healing process to begin.
Leah Wright has a successful podcast advising others about life’s trials and tribulations. But her heart is in pieces after the tragic death of her husband.
Running on auto-pilot, not accepting she needs time and maybe a break, her sharp response to one of her listeners turns sour.
Now is the time for some self care, as her career topples in the balance.
Will she see it from another’s perspective?
Will she follow her own advice?
Will she face her fears and come out stronger or will her followers cancel her?
After a bouquet of flowers arrives at her door with a note from Elliot, Leah later discovers an itinerary for the surprise trip to Florence that he never had the chance to give her. Accompanied by her sister-in-law, they fly to Italy and uncover a scavenger hunt filled with some of Leah’s fears: flying, ghosts, looking after a pet to name a few.
How could he have known what she would need to hear and do months after his death?
Why did he leave her so much to face all alone?
From clue to clue, Leah builds her strength to face her fears supported by her extended network. To finally confront her secret guilt is the only way she can carrying on being Leah or she will remain broken forever.
Full of tender, heartfelt moments, Annie Cathryn explores aspects of grief, loneliness and pure sadness that will resonate with anyone who has experienced grief. But remember the realisation, relief and enlightening moments of joy outweigh the emotional pain.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eat the Cake by Annie Cathryn is a beautiful, deeply moving and emotional story that brilliantly balances grief, personal growth and a touch of mystery. The plot follows Leah Wright, a podcast host who has been running on autopilot since her husband Elliot passed away. After a public meltdown forces her onto a mandatory leave of absence, she receives an unexpected itinerary and a final gift from Elliot: a scavenger hunt through the winding streets of Florence. Urged to find closure, Leah travels to Italy, forced to confront her deepest guilt and learn how to move forward.
I was initially drawn to this book by its stunning cover, and having visited Florence myself, I was highly curious about the story and eager to wander through the streets of the city once again. Reading the description beforehand, I was a bit sceptical as I wasn't entirely sure I was in the right place mentally to read about a widow. However, I am so incredibly glad I picked this book up. I absolutely loved it from start to finish.
The narrative explores the heavy reality of grieving a loved one through all its various stages, highlighting the importance of family and friend support, self-development and learning how to move forward. The book beautifully demonstrates that grieving isn't about forgetting, but rather learning to live with the loss and accepting it, a challenging subject to target in a book, but one the author handles with immense care.
While I managed to figure out the main plot twist quite early on, I still thoroughly enjoyed how the mystery was narrated and presented, and there were several other twists along the way that took me completely by surprise. As an added bonus for me personally, the vivid descriptions truly made me feel as though I was taking a stroll through Florence again.
This was my first book by Annie Cathryn, but it certainly won't be my last, I already want to read another one! For me, this was a resounding 5-star read that I would highly recommend.
I was initially drawn to this book by its stunning cover, and having visited Florence myself, I was highly curious about the story and eager to wander through the streets of the city once again. Reading the description beforehand, I was a bit sceptical as I wasn't entirely sure I was in the right place mentally to read about a widow. However, I am so incredibly glad I picked this book up. I absolutely loved it from start to finish.
The narrative explores the heavy reality of grieving a loved one through all its various stages, highlighting the importance of family and friend support, self-development and learning how to move forward. The book beautifully demonstrates that grieving isn't about forgetting, but rather learning to live with the loss and accepting it, a challenging subject to target in a book, but one the author handles with immense care.
While I managed to figure out the main plot twist quite early on, I still thoroughly enjoyed how the mystery was narrated and presented, and there were several other twists along the way that took me completely by surprise. As an added bonus for me personally, the vivid descriptions truly made me feel as though I was taking a stroll through Florence again.
This was my first book by Annie Cathryn, but it certainly won't be my last, I already want to read another one! For me, this was a resounding 5-star read that I would highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Eat the Cake is a tender, emotionally resonant story about grief, reinvention, and the unexpected ways love continues to shape us long after loss. Leah Wright, a polished podcast host who spends her days telling others how to live bravely, is suddenly confronted with the truth she’s been avoiding: she’s been surviving, not living, ever since her husband Elliot died. Her on‑air breakdown is heartbreaking but honest, and it sets the tone for a novel that treats grief with both gentleness and clarity.
The turning point—flowers arriving with a note from Elliot—lands with a quiet, stunning weight. From there, the story unfolds into something hopeful and deeply human. Leah’s journey to Florence feels like stepping into sunlight after a long winter: the city’s warmth, colour, and history become the perfect backdrop for a scavenger hunt that is equal parts love letter and last request. Each clue Elliot leaves behind is intimate without being sentimental, nudging Leah toward truths she’s been too afraid to face.
What makes the novel shine is its balance. It’s emotional without being heavy, romantic without being saccharine, and reflective without slowing the pace. Leah’s guilt, her loneliness, and her gradual rediscovery of joy are handled with a light, steady touch. The mystery of how Elliot seemed to know exactly what she’d need months after his death adds a lovely thread of intrigue, but the heart of the story is Leah learning to step out from behind her polished persona and allow herself to be vulnerable again.
Warm, hopeful, and quietly powerful, Eat the Cake is a story about love that endures, grief that transforms, and the courage it takes to choose life again. It’s the kind of book that leaves you a little softer, a little braver, and very glad you followed Leah to Florence.
With thanks to Annie Cathryn, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The turning point—flowers arriving with a note from Elliot—lands with a quiet, stunning weight. From there, the story unfolds into something hopeful and deeply human. Leah’s journey to Florence feels like stepping into sunlight after a long winter: the city’s warmth, colour, and history become the perfect backdrop for a scavenger hunt that is equal parts love letter and last request. Each clue Elliot leaves behind is intimate without being sentimental, nudging Leah toward truths she’s been too afraid to face.
What makes the novel shine is its balance. It’s emotional without being heavy, romantic without being saccharine, and reflective without slowing the pace. Leah’s guilt, her loneliness, and her gradual rediscovery of joy are handled with a light, steady touch. The mystery of how Elliot seemed to know exactly what she’d need months after his death adds a lovely thread of intrigue, but the heart of the story is Leah learning to step out from behind her polished persona and allow herself to be vulnerable again.
Warm, hopeful, and quietly powerful, Eat the Cake is a story about love that endures, grief that transforms, and the courage it takes to choose life again. It’s the kind of book that leaves you a little softer, a little braver, and very glad you followed Leah to Florence.
With thanks to Annie Cathryn, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
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