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Heart of Carolina #2
How Sweet It Is
Deena Livingston leaves behind a broken romance and her chef job in Atlanta to spend time at her grandfather's cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. But her grandfather has an odd he wants Deena to teach cooking classes to the ragtag group of middle-schoolers who attend the local afterschool program, The Center. Reluctantly, Deena agrees, but how is she supposed to convince these kids that cooking at home is better than eating at McDonalds? And after all she went through in Atlanta, why is she attracted to Zack, the social worker at The Center? Can a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a curly-haired basketball player, and a group of middle-schoolers change Deena's outlook on life?
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
22 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Alice J. Wisler
13 books75 followers* Born in Osaka, Japan and lived in Japan for 18 years
* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy
* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University
* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia
* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines
* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan
* Speaks and teaches onWriting the Heartache
* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven
* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09
Alice J. Wisler is a public speaker, advocate, fundraiser, and the author of two contemporary novels, How Sweet It Is and Rain Song, a Christy Award finalist. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She has a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the world in jobs that minister to people. Alice and her family live in Durham, North Carolina.
* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy
* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University
* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia
* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines
* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan
* Speaks and teaches onWriting the Heartache
* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven
* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09
Alice J. Wisler is a public speaker, advocate, fundraiser, and the author of two contemporary novels, How Sweet It Is and Rain Song, a Christy Award finalist. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She has a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the world in jobs that minister to people. Alice and her family live in Durham, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 25, 2011
Oh this one touched close to home. Deena Livingston and her boyfriend are involved in an accident. He doesn’t bother to come see her, he just sends her flowers. When I read this I thought about my cousin. The night she became engaged she and her fiancé were involved in an accident. After emerging from a coma she had to learn to talk all over again, as well as learn to walk. She actually overheard her fiancé tell a friend outside of her door at the hospital that there was no way he would marry her. When the friend asked why, he replied that he would not marry a retard.” He had caused the accident. She was so hurt yet determined to move on with God’s help. Deena is just as determined. She moves to a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. Her grandfather left it to her with the stipulation she will teach cooking classes to a group of middle schoolers. You could see the hand of God in all of this as she begins to heal not only on the outside, but on the inside. It is through learning to know these children and the scars they hide within themselves that she begins to heal. I know as a teacher I often have kids dealing with some pretty terrible things. Sometimes those things resonate with me and I find myself thinking about how much I have felt some of the same things and have harbored hurt or hatred even. It is through helping others we often help ourselves.
I enjoyed this book more than her first one. I look forward to reading more by her.
I enjoyed this book more than her first one. I look forward to reading more by her.
June 20, 2009
This book is a little like taking a walk along a lovely mountain path. There are rocks to watch for, bends in the road that lead to unknown vistas, an incline or two that has to be climbed, but the sights and sounds along the path are delightful. With sparkling writing in a come-follow-me style, the author’s characters weave their way into your heart one page at a time.
How Sweet It Is takes place in the mountains of North Carolina. Junior chef, Deena Livingston inherits and moves into her grandfather’s cabin—a perfect opportunity to get away from her unpleasant memories in Atlanta and start her own cake-decorating business. Before her Kitchen-Aid blender is unpacked, her plans are interrupted and take a new direction. I loved Deena’s aunt, Regina Lorraine, a taciturn but good-hearted woman. Then there’s the plumber who keeps arriving at Deena’s cabin to check her pipes and a social worker who shows up to help with a group of middle-school children, whom Deena’s been drafted to teach how to cook. Mishaps are many, but the fun twists make this terrific summer read not only sweet, but also flavored with just the right amount of spice.
This is Alice Wisler’s second novel, the first being Rain Song, which has the distinction of being a Christy nominee in the Debut Book category this year. If you’ve not read one of Alice’s books, I encourage you to do so. They are delectable.
How Sweet It Is takes place in the mountains of North Carolina. Junior chef, Deena Livingston inherits and moves into her grandfather’s cabin—a perfect opportunity to get away from her unpleasant memories in Atlanta and start her own cake-decorating business. Before her Kitchen-Aid blender is unpacked, her plans are interrupted and take a new direction. I loved Deena’s aunt, Regina Lorraine, a taciturn but good-hearted woman. Then there’s the plumber who keeps arriving at Deena’s cabin to check her pipes and a social worker who shows up to help with a group of middle-school children, whom Deena’s been drafted to teach how to cook. Mishaps are many, but the fun twists make this terrific summer read not only sweet, but also flavored with just the right amount of spice.
This is Alice Wisler’s second novel, the first being Rain Song, which has the distinction of being a Christy nominee in the Debut Book category this year. If you’ve not read one of Alice’s books, I encourage you to do so. They are delectable.
April 23, 2009
Deena felt realistic. Both her and Zack felt like real people to me, and not just forced together to make either a romance story or a Christian story work. It felt like the author put more thought into these characters then just slapping labels on and calling that good enough. Maybe Christian Fiction has changed quite a bit since I last read it. Or maybe I was reading different kinds. But this one (and the last) book I read, felt so much… softer? Like I wasn’t being beaten over the head every second page. (Who does that help anyway? At that point, you’ve either got me, or you’re going to scare the bejesus out of me and push me away). Christian aspect is not overpowering. Ok, enough said.
It had enough characters throughout to keep it interesting, to provide different interactions, and to learn something different from everyone.
I felt gripped from the beginning of this book by an emotional hook. The first chapter had a little humor, which I like, but you see a lot. I guess it is a good standby way to grab people. But it was the second chapter (about the 3rd page) that got me invested. I like the contrast of the abrupt change. Without revealing anything, Deena has a bit of a panic attack, and I instantly CARED. I felt for her. I wanted to hold her in my arms and soothe her.. I wanted to find out more about what was behind it. And I like her spunk talking herself through it, and making herself push on, despite the fact it is probably the last thing she wants to do at that point in time. I knew I would like her then.
I also like the ending. It was practical. It’s wasn’t a crazy- jump-
Into- each- others- arms- because- everything- is- instantly- better. It was a logical starting place for the characters. Not everything had to be wrapped up perfectly neatly. It was ok to say, hey, look, we have a really good start. (Hm, could there maybe be a sequel? I would LOVE that, and would be out there the day it was for sale.) And yet, when it finished, I felt satisfied. Will definitely read more by this author. =D
It had enough characters throughout to keep it interesting, to provide different interactions, and to learn something different from everyone.
I felt gripped from the beginning of this book by an emotional hook. The first chapter had a little humor, which I like, but you see a lot. I guess it is a good standby way to grab people. But it was the second chapter (about the 3rd page) that got me invested. I like the contrast of the abrupt change. Without revealing anything, Deena has a bit of a panic attack, and I instantly CARED. I felt for her. I wanted to hold her in my arms and soothe her.. I wanted to find out more about what was behind it. And I like her spunk talking herself through it, and making herself push on, despite the fact it is probably the last thing she wants to do at that point in time. I knew I would like her then.
I also like the ending. It was practical. It’s wasn’t a crazy- jump-
Into- each- others- arms- because- everything- is- instantly- better. It was a logical starting place for the characters. Not everything had to be wrapped up perfectly neatly. It was ok to say, hey, look, we have a really good start. (Hm, could there maybe be a sequel? I would LOVE that, and would be out there the day it was for sale.) And yet, when it finished, I felt satisfied. Will definitely read more by this author. =D
February 2, 2011
This is truly a good story, but it's by no means a love story even though there is a bit of romance. It's about a young woman who suffered some great emotional and physical scars and is now trying to find herself. I loved every minute of it, only wished there was more heart and rainbows perhaps. After reading about people who have suffered so much in their lives, i wanted the gushy stuff added at the end too. Though am sure some would think that is too sugary for them.LOL
Review to come soon!
Review to come soon!
November 28, 2016
Ahh this makes me so happy. It's down to earth, full of real life issues and emotions, and the characters are unique and lovable. What I love about this author is the fact she can write a beautiful story without a strong romance story-line. She has it there, but it comes into the story at the right time and doesn't choke it. I still like Rain Song a little better, but this one comes in close :)
March 26, 2010
This book touched my heart. It's a book about just learning to move on and heal. I think the biggest part of the time I was sobbing. I think it was just what I needed at this part of my life. Wonderful.
December 14, 2024
Delightful surprise! Uniquely flawed characters with lovely redeeming moments..
Thoroughly enjoyed!
Thoroughly enjoyed!
July 9, 2015
Deena Livingston leaves Atlanta, the only home she’s known to move into her grandfather’s cabin in the North Carolina Mountains. Deena wouldn’t even have considered moving if her life in Atlanta hadn’t taken such an unexpected turn. It hurt too much to stay—too much had happened.
Her grandfather left her the cabin in the woods and a few surprises. Upon her arrival to Brayson, her aunt informs Deena that part of grandfather’s will states she has to teach at The Center for six months, doing the very thing she was good at cooking!! Deena was a bakery Chef in Atlanta and hoped to start a catering business in this new town. Teaching wasn’t part of the gig. But no teaching, no cabin. Ok, she decides to do it—how bad could it be?
Deeana loved her grandpa finds another surprise—a note from him to her, “It’s funny how humans are never quite content with what they have. The key to happiness lies in putting your whole hand into Gods!” Glad she discovers the note but what does it mean?
I really enjoyed Deena and how she tries to discover where she fits in this new community. Her grandfather was a hoot but loved her so, and she discovers that as she lives in his house and gets to know him better.
I loved how the author puts Deena into a classroom full of middle school students and she teaches them how to cook white sauce for the first class. How funny was that? It’s funny, real and gut honest. Loved that and reading about what she liked about Atlanta.
As an extra bonus the author has included some recipes she talks about in the books. I can’t wait to try them and you’ll definitely want to try them and this book. Thanks to the publisher that provided a review copy for me to read this really fun book.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Her grandfather left her the cabin in the woods and a few surprises. Upon her arrival to Brayson, her aunt informs Deena that part of grandfather’s will states she has to teach at The Center for six months, doing the very thing she was good at cooking!! Deena was a bakery Chef in Atlanta and hoped to start a catering business in this new town. Teaching wasn’t part of the gig. But no teaching, no cabin. Ok, she decides to do it—how bad could it be?
Deeana loved her grandpa finds another surprise—a note from him to her, “It’s funny how humans are never quite content with what they have. The key to happiness lies in putting your whole hand into Gods!” Glad she discovers the note but what does it mean?
I really enjoyed Deena and how she tries to discover where she fits in this new community. Her grandfather was a hoot but loved her so, and she discovers that as she lives in his house and gets to know him better.
I loved how the author puts Deena into a classroom full of middle school students and she teaches them how to cook white sauce for the first class. How funny was that? It’s funny, real and gut honest. Loved that and reading about what she liked about Atlanta.
As an extra bonus the author has included some recipes she talks about in the books. I can’t wait to try them and you’ll definitely want to try them and this book. Thanks to the publisher that provided a review copy for me to read this really fun book.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
September 24, 2009
This book automatically had two things going for it; the main part of the story is set in North Carolina, where I live and the main character is a baker, like myself. I love a story set close to home, or one about a girl who bakes, both things give me something I can relate to about the character.
Deena the main character is a young woman with a broken heart on the mend. She has recovered physically from a horrible car accident that left her terribly scarred, but she is still recovering emotionally and mentally from the accident. Her grandfather has passed away and willed his mountain cabin to her, which will require her to leave her restaurant job and home in Atlanta to make her new home in North Carolina. Deena takes the opportunity as a fresh start, only to find out upon her arrival that this new home comes with some stipulations and a whole lot of history. Deena must teach an afterschool program for one year in order for the cabin to become hers.
Deena is reluctant to leave her self-pity behind to teach the kids at The Center how to prepare healthy foods and enjoy themselves while doing it. Deena struggles at first, not just with reaching the kids, but also with understanding why her grandfather has chosen this task for her. What does it all mean? She gets to know her aunt who shares stories and helps her learn about her grandfather's life and the residents who make up her new home.
How Sweet It Is is filled with southern charm, inspiration and lots of emotion. I definitely considered it a worthy read.
Deena the main character is a young woman with a broken heart on the mend. She has recovered physically from a horrible car accident that left her terribly scarred, but she is still recovering emotionally and mentally from the accident. Her grandfather has passed away and willed his mountain cabin to her, which will require her to leave her restaurant job and home in Atlanta to make her new home in North Carolina. Deena takes the opportunity as a fresh start, only to find out upon her arrival that this new home comes with some stipulations and a whole lot of history. Deena must teach an afterschool program for one year in order for the cabin to become hers.
Deena is reluctant to leave her self-pity behind to teach the kids at The Center how to prepare healthy foods and enjoy themselves while doing it. Deena struggles at first, not just with reaching the kids, but also with understanding why her grandfather has chosen this task for her. What does it all mean? She gets to know her aunt who shares stories and helps her learn about her grandfather's life and the residents who make up her new home.
How Sweet It Is is filled with southern charm, inspiration and lots of emotion. I definitely considered it a worthy read.
January 1, 2018
Deena is a professional pastry chef living in Atlanta. She is happy and in love with her fiancé until one night when that all changes. Then Deena’s grandfather dies and leaves his cabin in N.C. to her. Deena, needing a change in her life, promptly quits her job and moves to the cabin. Here she renews a relationship with a dear aunt she never really got to know and finds healing among a whole group of interest my characters, including a handsome social worker. This is the story of Deena’s journey away from pain and into her happily ever after.
This was my second book by Alice Wisler. I came across this book as I am reading through the Christy Awards archive list. This book was a finalist in 2010 in the Contemporary Romance category. For me, I didn’t love this book. It was a slow story that was easy to read but I found to be boring at times. I preferred Alice Wisler’s first book in this series, Rain Song. All in all, I am glad I read this book as it had some wonderful biblical and healing elements to the story that I enjoyed and it did make me appreciate the need for helping other hurting people.
This was my second book by Alice Wisler. I came across this book as I am reading through the Christy Awards archive list. This book was a finalist in 2010 in the Contemporary Romance category. For me, I didn’t love this book. It was a slow story that was easy to read but I found to be boring at times. I preferred Alice Wisler’s first book in this series, Rain Song. All in all, I am glad I read this book as it had some wonderful biblical and healing elements to the story that I enjoyed and it did make me appreciate the need for helping other hurting people.
October 29, 2017
Deena has come into an inheritance of a mountain cabin left by to her by her grandfather. The only catch is that she has to give cooking classes to some unruly kids t the local community center. While she doesn't relish the prospect of teaching, the lure of the cabin in the mountains of North Carolina are too much to resist.
Though recovered physically from a horrific accident, Deena carries some physical scars and deeper emotional scars on her heart and mind. Leaving her job,moving to unfamiliar territory, starting new relationships. Will it prove to be too much?
I loved this book. A sweet story with a satisfying ending.
Though recovered physically from a horrific accident, Deena carries some physical scars and deeper emotional scars on her heart and mind. Leaving her job,moving to unfamiliar territory, starting new relationships. Will it prove to be too much?
I loved this book. A sweet story with a satisfying ending.
November 27, 2020
I was worried when I read the reviews that said this was a Christian book. I’m not a very religious person, but still wanted to see for myself what the book was about. I’m glad I did, because this was a great story. I connected with Deena because she learns the struggles and the rewards of being a middle school teacher. The kids help her just as much as she helps them. This is a classic cheesy romance book, and it is worth the read. Plus, you get some new recipes from it to try!!
March 7, 2017
So for the first half of the book I could not decide if I hated the main character or the writing. Then I devoured the second half and was really sad when it was over. I actually went back and reread some of the last few chapters.
The writing is a little choppy maybe? But a sweet story line that I appreciated
The writing is a little choppy maybe? But a sweet story line that I appreciated
January 26, 2024
What a "sweet" book, ;)
I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the setting. That cake on the cover looks so delicious! Deena, the main character, went through some traumatic events in her life that had a long-term effect. She really grew in her character throughout the story.
Jonas was the star of the book, in my opinion!
Highly recommend this book!
I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the setting. That cake on the cover looks so delicious! Deena, the main character, went through some traumatic events in her life that had a long-term effect. She really grew in her character throughout the story.
Jonas was the star of the book, in my opinion!
Highly recommend this book!
September 15, 2018
Una historia muy tranquila y común. Yo, todo el tiempo esperaba los encuentros de romance pues eso fue lo que me atrajo a leer el libro. Todo se dio a su momento justo, ni tanta espera, ni tanta prisa. Muy bien !
May 4, 2018
Love Alice's books. I couldn't put this one down!
June 21, 2018
Sweet book. How an incoherence of property causes Deena to move and how this shapes her life. Enjoyable and light hearted book.
March 13, 2020
A grandfather gives the gift of healing
June 14, 2020
Really great Christian fiction book. Deals with scars both physically and mentally. Has a lot of good food and even some recipes in the back. Highly recommend.
March 30, 2013
What happens to us when someone we love betrays us? Is the "love of your life" also the center of your life? What does it mean to really forgive someone? If we are also ruled by our own self images, and accident or illness changes that image, can we still go on? Can anyone love us again? Or more importantly, can we forgive ourselves and find true love again? Have you ever considered the real source of all love?
These questions are explored in this serious, but extremely fun and enjoyable novel about a young woman who leaves her top chef job in Atlanta, Georgia, to live in her recently deceased uncle's cabin in the hills of North Carolina. After a car accident where Deena is left with disfiguring scars, and a cheating fiancé, who left her for someone else, Deena is ready to leave her old life to "get away from it all", including her many new fears.
The cabin, away from everything and everyone, sounds like the perfect answer, but her uncle's will stipulated that Deena must teach cooking to a group of middle-schoolers in the local church for six months, if she is to continue to own his cabin. She also meets a friendly mentally retarded 'wise' man, a group of abused and neglected children, a handsome social worker, and a slew of her father's relatives who envelop Deena into their close knit family and community.
Deena's cooking classes require her to get involved. This story beautifully shows that forgiveness is something we do for ourselves, and that real love and friendship comes from our own choices and trust in God. A lovely, truthful and uplifting story!! Fun, quick, thoughtful, read!!
These questions are explored in this serious, but extremely fun and enjoyable novel about a young woman who leaves her top chef job in Atlanta, Georgia, to live in her recently deceased uncle's cabin in the hills of North Carolina. After a car accident where Deena is left with disfiguring scars, and a cheating fiancé, who left her for someone else, Deena is ready to leave her old life to "get away from it all", including her many new fears.
The cabin, away from everything and everyone, sounds like the perfect answer, but her uncle's will stipulated that Deena must teach cooking to a group of middle-schoolers in the local church for six months, if she is to continue to own his cabin. She also meets a friendly mentally retarded 'wise' man, a group of abused and neglected children, a handsome social worker, and a slew of her father's relatives who envelop Deena into their close knit family and community.
Deena's cooking classes require her to get involved. This story beautifully shows that forgiveness is something we do for ourselves, and that real love and friendship comes from our own choices and trust in God. A lovely, truthful and uplifting story!! Fun, quick, thoughtful, read!!
July 6, 2009
great book that has alot of sound advice about life and living it and learning from the disappointments that will arise. Deena has been in a car accident with her fiance and received some pretty ugly physical scars, but the scars that have a hard time fading with time are those on the inside. The betrayal of her fiance while she's in the hospital really hurt and now she finds herself quiting her cooking job in Georgia to move to a cabin the the mountains of North Carolina that her grandfather gave to her in a will and where she plans on doing a cake decorating business. Little did she know that her grandfather had a stipulation on her getting the cabin and that was that she had to teach a cooking class 5 days a week after school to troubled middle school kids at the church for 6 months. She learns alot from these kids. One about hope and learning to trust people with your heart again. We can't always control what happens to us in this world the only thing we can control in our reaction or attitude in which we face day to day struggles. Deena learns to trust first Jonas, the innocent "pipe checker" and then his brother, the social worker from the center, and finally the kids she teaches at the center.Zach says what they do at the center is all about "love." Learning how to give, show and accept it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2010
After a car accident and devastating break up with her fiancee, Deena leaves behind her job as chef in an Atlanta restaurant and plans to start a cake decorating business in her new home Bryson City, North Carolina. Deena's grandfather left her a cabin there in Bryson City. However, Deena is completely unprepared for the stipulation in her grandfather's will, which she must agree to in order to inherit the cabin. She also has no idea the plans God has in store for her. Once Deena lets God lead her she finally believes her heart can heal and that she can love again.
Every small town has its unique residents and Bryson City is no different. There is the simple, but wise plumber Jonas, the town cheapskate Marble Gray and a whole host of characters in between. Wisler unfolds her plot through her characters. The reader truly does come to know them as friends and neighbors. Various culinary dishes are almost characters in and of themselves. Wisler indulges the reader by including recipes for these dishes.
Wisler brings her novel to a satisfying conclusion, but I can see lots of room for sequels or companion novels if she so chooses. And I hope she does. This is a great book for readers of gentle romance, fans of food-based fiction and small town fiction similar to Jan Karon's Mitford series.
Every small town has its unique residents and Bryson City is no different. There is the simple, but wise plumber Jonas, the town cheapskate Marble Gray and a whole host of characters in between. Wisler unfolds her plot through her characters. The reader truly does come to know them as friends and neighbors. Various culinary dishes are almost characters in and of themselves. Wisler indulges the reader by including recipes for these dishes.
Wisler brings her novel to a satisfying conclusion, but I can see lots of room for sequels or companion novels if she so chooses. And I hope she does. This is a great book for readers of gentle romance, fans of food-based fiction and small town fiction similar to Jan Karon's Mitford series.
March 14, 2011
Some books are fast paced adrenaline rides where you hold on for dear life, others are more like a slow walk through the park, where you take in more of what's around you and can examine your surroundings. I would say "How Sweet it is", by Alice Wisler is the later. The story is about a young woman named Deena who is recovering from heartbreak and a serious car accident and looking to start over. She moves to her late Grandfather's cabin in the mountains of North Carolina for that fresh start. There's a stipulation in her Grandfather's will which lands her teaching cooking at a youth center in the small town. There are other characters that come into play, like the mentally challenged and darling plumber named Jonas that the whole town loves, her quirky and fun clue-playing aunt ,the social worker Zack who works at the youth center as well. At first glance I think the reader is anticipating a sweet christian romance, but I would say this story goes a bit deeper than that- really how we can work through and over come pain in our lives to be used in bigger ways for God. I think the story touches on a great concept that often times helping others is what helps us as well- by giving, we receive as well. I enjoyed this book and Alice Whisler's writing style. I picked up this book as it had been a Christy award nominee, so wanted to check it out.
July 12, 2009
How Sweet It Is by Alice Wisler is a sweet novel of learning to let go. Deena Livingston bears both physical and emotional scars from her ex-fiance. After he crashed his car, she needed 179 stitches to repair the damage, and in the hospital, she learned that he had been cheating on her. The two devastating blows send her from her home in Atlanta to the mountains of North Carolina where her grandfather left her his cabin in his will. A clause to the will requires her to teach cooking to junior high students at a nearby youth center. Deena starts her own cake-decorating business, but it's harder for her to connect with her young students who each bear wounds of their own: abandonment, abuse, and neglect. A handsome social worker and a Eagles-singing plumber both help Deena get past her pain as she learns that you have to give in order to receive. I love Wisler's writing, because her stories are primarily character-driven. Deena is the focus of this novel, and the reader quickly falls in love with the slow, steady pace and unique storytelling. Every one of her books is a breath of fresh air.
August 3, 2009
Deena Livingston almost died in a car accident with her fiancé in Atlanta, Georgia. Now several months later she is still reeling from the accident, the news that her fiancé was cheating on her, and attempting to hide the scars from the accident. She decides to leave Atlanta for her Grandfather’s cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. Her Grandfather, has left her his cabin in his will with one condition; she must teach cooking to the middle school students at The Center. There she finds kids who are as scarred as she is and the patience to work with them. I love the cooking aspects of this book—I wish there were more fiction books like this about chefs.
I loved many of the characters in this book. They have all lost something yet fight to go on. Jonas, the plumber, has to be my favorite character. He accepts people as they are with faults and all. The book is published by Bethany House and is definitely Christian fiction. It is not preachy, but still manages to convey the message of faith and hope.
Well written and entertaining.
I loved many of the characters in this book. They have all lost something yet fight to go on. Jonas, the plumber, has to be my favorite character. He accepts people as they are with faults and all. The book is published by Bethany House and is definitely Christian fiction. It is not preachy, but still manages to convey the message of faith and hope.
Well written and entertaining.
October 16, 2012
This is a story that focuses deeply on the inner transformation of a young woman who has been traumatized by an unfaithful boyfriend and a car accident, both leaving her deeply scarred. She leave behind her life in Atlanta for a cabin in North Carolina left to her by her late grandfather. Through her experiences teaching a cooking class to troubled middle schoolers, she is able to heal and forgive.
For me, this was a story that had no major problems, but also never grabbed hold of me either. I was frustrated by waiting for something major to happen, but nothing really did. Most of the conflict in the story is internal, and I found no driving reason to keep me turning the pages, ore than just wanting to get finished. The writing style is slow, with constant interruptions of the present time to resell events that had happened in the past, and I found myself forgetting what was happening in the present.
It was a decent story, with decent writing, but I can't say it made much of an impact on me.
For me, this was a story that had no major problems, but also never grabbed hold of me either. I was frustrated by waiting for something major to happen, but nothing really did. Most of the conflict in the story is internal, and I found no driving reason to keep me turning the pages, ore than just wanting to get finished. The writing style is slow, with constant interruptions of the present time to resell events that had happened in the past, and I found myself forgetting what was happening in the present.
It was a decent story, with decent writing, but I can't say it made much of an impact on me.
June 7, 2009
I could not put this book down! I read it in two days.
This book is a Christian novel with a hint of romance.
Deena Livingston inherits a cabin located in North Carolina from her grandfather. She decides to move from Georgia to her new cabin, escaping her heartbreak and scars of her past. She does not intend to get to know her neighbors. Deena decides to start a cake decorating business and according to her grandfather's wishes she must also teach cooking to a group of teenagers.
She does not really know much about her grandfather, Ernest, however the more she gets to know the locals the more she learns about him and why he believed that she would come to love the cabin.
Deena comes to embrace her past and starts to trust and pray to God again. She is able to forgive and embrace her emotional and physical scars.
I highly reccommend this book to everyone looking for a refreshing light read.
This book is a Christian novel with a hint of romance.
Deena Livingston inherits a cabin located in North Carolina from her grandfather. She decides to move from Georgia to her new cabin, escaping her heartbreak and scars of her past. She does not intend to get to know her neighbors. Deena decides to start a cake decorating business and according to her grandfather's wishes she must also teach cooking to a group of teenagers.
She does not really know much about her grandfather, Ernest, however the more she gets to know the locals the more she learns about him and why he believed that she would come to love the cabin.
Deena comes to embrace her past and starts to trust and pray to God again. She is able to forgive and embrace her emotional and physical scars.
I highly reccommend this book to everyone looking for a refreshing light read.
December 31, 2012
This book is a well-written story of a woman chef in Atlanta who is given the opportunity to make some fundamental life changes. After a horrific accident and then a bad break-up, she is left both physically and emotionaly scarred. She inherits a cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains from her grandfather but there is one small catch: for the cabin to be hers, she must spend the next six months teaching some middle school kids how to cook. These kids are every bit as emotionally beaten as she is, maybe more.
This book is sometimes catagorized as Christian Literature, but you will find no dogma here...just the sweet grace of the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). As she works her with the children she comes to know each of them and discovers the joy, peace and love she thought she would never have again.
This is an uplifting book and don't we all really need some of that right now?
This book is sometimes catagorized as Christian Literature, but you will find no dogma here...just the sweet grace of the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). As she works her with the children she comes to know each of them and discovers the joy, peace and love she thought she would never have again.
This is an uplifting book and don't we all really need some of that right now?
July 23, 2013
The main character, Deena, is having a difficult time with scars both physical and emotional from a recent car accident and break-up with her fiance. The cabin in the Smoky Mountains that her grandfather left to her upon his death is exactly what she needs to get away from all the hurt.
Writing in her journal, teaching middle school children how to cook and a mentally challenged friend all help her start the healing process.
I enjoyed the references to the Smoky Mountains and Atlanta, having been there several times. Deena seemed a little whiny to me and I think her character could have been a little more developed. This book is better than the first by this author (Rain Song) because it had a stronger ending.
Writing in her journal, teaching middle school children how to cook and a mentally challenged friend all help her start the healing process.
I enjoyed the references to the Smoky Mountains and Atlanta, having been there several times. Deena seemed a little whiny to me and I think her character could have been a little more developed. This book is better than the first by this author (Rain Song) because it had a stronger ending.
October 1, 2014
I recently discovered Alice Wisler, and find her writing very sweet and meaningful. The main character in this novel, Deena, is a chef from Atlanta who moves to the Great Smokey Mountains after her fiance abandoned her. He abandoned her because he could not look at the scars on her body sustained when he was driving recklessly in a heavy storm. Deena's Uncle had died, and in his will, he left her his cabin if she would agree to teach a cooking class for the local children's center for six months. Deena's wounds begin to heal as she opens up to the children, many of whom have been abandoned themselves, and are carrying scars, both inside and out. A really good read...and has a bit of romance intertwined with the inspiration.
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